- Hop-On Hop-Off : Most popular Thames River cruise map routes, like the Westminster to Greenwich path, operate as hop-on, hop-off services. This allows you to choose your order of attractions. You can start near the Houses of Parliament (Westminster Pier) and hop off at key points like the Tower of London (Tower Pier) or historic Greenwich.
- Minimal walking on board: There is virtually no walking required while cruising; simply relax on the open-air upper decks or in the heated indoor saloons. The only required walking is to and from the piers, which are generally located near major public transport links.
- Onboard facilities: Modern cruise boats featured on the Thames River cruise map usually include licensed bars serving hot drinks, cold beverages, and snacks. This means you don't need to worry about packing refreshments or finding an eatery mid-cruise.
- The best stops: Key piers on the Thames River cruise map for sightseeing include Westminster (Big Ben/Parliament), London Eye (South Bank), Tower (Tower of London/Tower Bridge), and Greenwich (Cutty Sark/Royal Observatory). Your ticket is your transport shuttle between these prime locations.
Explore London by water with this handy Thames River route map
A Thames River cruise is one of the easiest ways to explore London's riverside landmarks, but routes and boarding piers vary by operator and ticket type. Most sightseeing cruises connect Westminster, the London Eye, the Tower, and Greenwich Piers, passing sights such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and St. Paul's Cathedral along the way. Use the map to understand the main cruise routes and plan your journey before you travel.
Thames River cruise map
Landmarks covered on your cruise
Navigating your way around the Thames River
Visitor facilities for your Thames River cruise
- Restrooms: Restroom facilities are available on most sightseeing, dining, hop-on hop-off, and Uber Boat services.
- Baby changing facilities: Available on selected sightseeing cruises, hop-on hop-off cruises, and many Uber Boat services.
- Food & drinks: Many sightseeing cruises feature an onboard bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Lunch, afternoon tea, evening, and dinner cruises include meals or refreshments as part of the experience.
- Seating: Most sightseeing boats offer a choice of indoor and open-air seating, while dining cruises provide table seating. Speedboat tours have fixed passenger seating.
- Commentary: Depending on your cruise, enjoy live English commentary, multilingual recorded commentary, or professional live guides.
- Wheelchair access: Accessibility varies by operator. Many sightseeing cruises, hop-on hop-off services, Uber Boat, and the Official Tower of London River Tour are wheelchair accessible, while some evening and dining cruises are not.
- Guide dogs: Guide dogs and other assistance dogs are welcome on accessible services.
- Prams & strollers: Many sightseeing cruises, hop-on hop-off services, and Uber Boat vessels are pram and stroller accessible.
- Pets: Dog policies vary by operator. Selected sightseeing cruises allow dogs on leads, while some dining cruises and the Official Tower of London River Tour do not permit pets.
Must-see highlights on your Thames River cruise
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
The heart of the UK's democracy, featuring the Gothic Revival architecture and the famous Elizabeth Tower (popularly known as Big Ben).
Tips for your Thames River cruise visit
- Check Tower Bridge lift times: Tower Bridge does not lift on a set schedule. If seeing the bascules raised is a priority for your Thames River cruise, check the bridge's official website schedule beforehand. You can time your cruise segment to be near Tower Pier just as the bridge lifts for river traffic.
- Choose the upstream/downstream side: The Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London are on the North Bank of the Thames. To get the best close-up views and photos of these iconic structures, aim to sit on the left side of the boat (port side) when travelling east (downstream) and the right side (starboard side) when travelling west (upstream).
- Validate all-day passes: If you purchase a Hop-on, Hop-off river pass, be aware that you often need to exchange your voucher for a physical ticket or stamp at the first pier you board. This validated pass then acts as your ticket for all subsequent stops marked on the Thames River cruise map.
- Confirm easternmost stops: Not all sightseeing cruises travel as far east as the Thames Barrier. If seeing this immense flood defence is important, ensure you book a dedicated Thames River cruise service that confirms the Thames Barrier is on its route, typically departing from Greenwich Pier.
Frequently asked questions about Thames River route map
Yes, most Thames river cruises welcome children of all ages. However, certain cruises may have age restrictions, so it's best to check with the cruise operator beforehand.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted on Thames river cruises. However, some cruises offer onboard dining options where you can purchase food and beverages.
While there's no strict dress code, it's recommended to dress comfortably and according to the weather. For evening cruises, you may opt for smart casual attire, especially if dining is included.
Many Thames river cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it's essential to check in advance to ensure accessibility and make any necessary arrangements.
While some cruises allow for on-the-day bookings, it's highly recommended to book Thames river cruises in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.
Depending on the route, Thames river cruises offer views of iconic landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, and more, providing a unique perspective of London's skyline and historic sites.
