Thames River Sightseeing Cruises

Quick overview

• Cruise options: Choose a quick 30-min hop between two piers , a flexible one-way sightseeing cruise, a 1–2 hour round trip to Greenwich , or a 50–80 min speedboat tour for something faster-paced.
  
• Routes: Sightseeing cruises cover the central loop — Westminster, London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich — passing landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London. For a longer stretch beyond central London, the Uber Boat runs across 20+ piers from Putney to Barking Riverside.
  
• Boats & seating: Most boats offer open-air deck plus heated indoor seating, with live or recorded commentary in up to 14 languages; seating is first-come, first-served, and one option adds a fully stocked onboard bar.
  
• Boarding hubs: Westminster Pier is the main starting point for sightseeing cruises, with flexible tickets allowing you to also board at London Eye, Tower, or Greenwich Pier. The speedboat departs only from London Eye Pier.
  
• When to book: Weekends and popular time slots sell out fastest — book ahead and arrive at your pier 15–20 minutes early.
  
• Good to know: Bring entry tickets and photo ID; most cruises are wheelchair and pram accessible, and leashed dogs are welcome on several. Cancellation policies vary — 24 hours' notice on most cruises, 48 hours on the Uber Boat, and the speedboat tour is non-refundable.
  
• Best pick if unsure: Want flexibility without locking into a time? Go for the one-way sightseeing cruise with multiple boarding piers.

​Find your best Thames cruise match in the comparison table below →

Things to know before booking a Thames River sightseeing cruise

• When to book: Cruises run year-round with departures every 15–40 minutes on most routes. Weekends and evening slots sell out fastest — book 3–5 days ahead if you want a specific time. The Uber Boat runs on a fixed timetable from 6:25am to as late as 11:10pm, so flexibility isn't an issue there.
  
• Cruise formats: Choose a fixed one-way or round-trip sightseeing cruise (30 mins–1 hour), a flexible ticket that lets you board any time with no fixed departure, or a 24-hour hop-on-hop-off pass for unlimited travel between piers. For something faster-paced, a 50–80 minute speedboat tour swaps commentary for a comedian or actor guide and higher speeds.
  
• Routes and duration: Most sightseeing cruises cover the central loop between Westminster, London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich, with pier-to-pier legs averaging 40 minutes (just 10 minutes between Westminster and London Eye). For a longer, commentary-free option, the Uber Boat runs across 20+ piers from Putney to Barking Riverside.
  
• Day vs evening: Day cruises offer the clearest light for photos and landmark views. Evening options include a speedboat tour and an 18+ "Thames Lates" ticket, both leaning into a livelier, after-dark atmosphere rather than sightseeing detail.
  
• Boat types and seating: Most vessels offer an open-air deck plus heated indoor seating with panoramic windows; seating is first-come, first-served. The Uber Boat uses covered outdoor seating designed for commuting rather than sightseeing.
  
• Boarding points: Westminster Pier is the main departure point for sightseeing cruises, with flexible tickets also allowing boarding at London Eye, Tower, or Greenwich Pier. The speedboat departs only from London Eye Pier; the Uber Boat uses 20+ piers across London. Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure.
  
• Policies and accessibility: Cancellation windows vary by ticket — most sightseeing cruises offer a full refund up to 24 hours ahead, the Uber Boat requires 48 hours' notice, and the speedboat tour is non-refundable. Most cruises and piers are wheelchair and pram accessible, though a few Uber Boat piers are not. The speedboat tour isn't available to pregnant travellers or unaccompanied under-14s.

Thames sightseeing cruise route map

Tips & guidelines for your Thames River sightseeing cruise

• Best views are from the middle: To catch landmarks on both banks — like the London Eye and Tower Bridge — aim for a spot on the open top deck in the middle of the boat, so you can easily pivot from side to side.
  
• Time your photos around sunset: London's sunset shifts dramatically by season — as late as 9 pm in June, as early as 4 pm in December — so check sunset times for your travel dates rather than assuming a fixed golden hour.
  
• Capture the sunset silhouette: For striking shots, time your cruise to catch the London Eye silhouetted against a glowing sky, or use a longer exposure to capture light trails from passing river traffic.
  
• Embrace the moody weather: A grey sky and light drizzle can make for atmospheric photos rather than a wasted trip — and you'll likely have more of the open deck to yourself.
  
• Prepare for chilly winds: Even on a sunny day, the breeze on the water can be cold, especially on the top deck. Pack a light jacket or extra layer.
  
• Download the audio guide in advance: Mobile signal can be patchy on the water, so download any commentary app before boarding to avoid losing access mid-cruise.
  
• Travelcard and Freedom Pass discounts apply — but check which cruise: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers ⅓ off for Travelcard holders and 50% off for Freedom Pass/60+ Oyster holders. This applies specifically to Uber Boat fares, not necessarily other sightseeing cruise operators.
  
• Weekday advantage: Weekday cruises tend to be quieter than weekends, giving you more space on deck and an easier time finding a good spot.
  
• Choose a strategic starting point: Starting at Westminster or Greenwich gives you a clear point of reference for the rest of your day — Greenwich in particular pairs well with a visit to the Cutty Sark or Royal Observatory before or after boarding.