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  • River Thames Cruises

Experience London's stunning riverside landmarks with a Hop-On Hop-Off river pass, offering unlimited access for 24 hours. Explore at your leisure with friends and family, enjoying the city's beauty at your own pace.

The hop-on hop-off Thames River Cruise allows you to join the tour from any of four piers: Greenwich, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Westminster. Enjoy unlimited travel on all City Cruises sightseeing boats for a full day, taking in London's spectacular riverside views. This option provides excellent value and a relaxed way to see the sights without the stress of busy streets or time constraints.

Choose between the open upper deck or the comfortable indoor saloon, both offering entertaining and informative commentary along with unbeatable views of London's iconic landmarks. With so much to see and do along the Thames, a hop-on hop-off ticket turns London into your playground.

Cruise Highlights

Schedule timings, days of operation, additional information.

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Hop on and off at your leisure Family passes available - kids go for free! * Open deck and heated indoor saloon Panoramic views of Central London Fully stocked bar Live commentary Wheelchair access and disabled toilets facilities

Price: £26.00 per person, £18.00 per child (5-15), £52.00 per family pass*, free for children ages 0 - 4

Schedule

Westminster Pier London Eye Pier Tower Pier Greenwich Pier

Directions to Westminster Pier Nearest underground station: Westminster

Directions to  Tower Pier Nearest underground station: Tower Hill Nearest overground station: London Bridge

Directions to London Eye Pier Nearest underground station: Waterloo

 - Directions to Greenwich Pier Nearest DLR: Cutty Sark

  UPON ARRIVAL :  When you arrive for your Hop-on hop-off cruise, please walk straight down onto the pier where you will be greeted by pier staff. Please have your ticket ready to then be directed to your boarding point.

  • The average cruising time from one pier to another is approximately 40 minutes except from Westminster Pier to London Eye Pier, which takes around 10 minutes.
  • Please bring your e-ticket for entry.
  • Refunds are not available once the booking is confirmed.
  • * With the 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket , you can take your first trip at any time during the day and take as many trips as you like until the boats stop operating in the evening. When the boats resume operations on the next day you will then have until the same time to continue using the ticket.
  • * Family Pass offer: Maximise your value with our Family Pass and receive up to three children's tickets free when you purchase two adult tickets. Simply choose the Family Pass from the ticket selection options.
  • Please note: While it's free for infants, they must still hold a valid boarding pass.
  • Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

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River Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise

Tower Pier, Lower Thames Street, Tower of London, EC3N 4DT View map

From £ 55 .00 Per Person

  • Vouchers Available

Seeing London from the River Thames is an unforgettable way to view some of London's best landmarks. You can enjoy a delicious Afternoon Tea as you gaze at an endless stream of riverfront sights.

As the perfect antidote to a mornings serious retail therapy, or perhaps as a curtain raiser to an evening at the theatre, why not join us on the river for a relaxing cruise past London's riverside landmarks. And when you've finished off your tea, you can always stroll upstairs to take in the the 360 degree views of London's riverside landmarks.

A more elegant way to explore London's sights from the warmth and comfort of the City Cruises fleet.

Schedule Board: 15:15 Cruise: 15:30 – 17:00

For availability please check the City Cruise website when making a booking.

Unfortunately this venue is not wheelchair accessible. Any disabilities must be disclosed at the time of booking. Afternoon Tea VIP Upgrade includes:  •    Dedicated seating area at the front of the boat •    Still or sparkling mineral water •    Priority boarding and service £20pp

Gift Vouchers

Afternoon Tea gift vouchers are available for Thames River Cruises

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Afternoon Tea Menu

Vegan afternoon tea menu, river thames vip afternoon tea cruise.

Seeing London from the River Thames is an unforgettable way to view some of London's best landmarks. Make this experience extra special with a delicious VIP Afternoon Tea as you gaze at an endless stream of riverfront sights.

River Thames Vegan Afternoon Tea Cruise

Seeing London from the River Thames is an unforgettable way to view some of London's best landmarks. Enjoy a delicious Vegan Afternoon Tea as you gaze at an endless stream of riverfront sights.

River Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise Tower Pier, Lower Thames Street, Tower of London, EC3N 4DT

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Sightseeing At Its Best

Explore london with thames river sightseeing.

Make the most of your adventure! Join our local skippers and friendly team for an unforgettable Thames River cruise.

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THAMES RIVER CRUISE TICKETS

Tickets & packages.

Thames River view with Tower of London at Thames River Sightseeing

  • Thames River Sightseeing Cruise Ticket

Westminster to Greenwich

Travel from Westminster to Greenwich and enjoy beautiful views over London’s famous landmarks with our River Thames Sightseeing cruise.

panorama at Thames River Sightseeing

Westminster to Tower Bridge (Butler's Wharf Pier)

See the best of beautiful London from the waters on this  Thames River Sightseeing cruise, from Westminster to  Tower Bridge.

Sightseeing Area at Thames River Sightseeing

2 Day River Pass | Hop On Hop Off

Our 2-day hop-on and hop-off Thames River Sightseeing ticket is the best way to explore London from the water – with unlimited river travel over two consecutive days to enjoy at your own pace.

city cruise boat ride london

Tower Bridge (Butler's Wharf) to Westminster

Climb aboard our sightseeing cruise at Tower Bridge (Butler’s Wharf Pier) and head to Westminster.

THAMES RIVER SIGHTSEEING

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Featured Attractions

There’s so much to see when you’re on your Thames River Sightseeing cruise that you’re bound to find at least one place you’ll want to visit. Explore iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard, & more!

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Shakespeare's globe, st. paul's cathedral.

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Are you a group of 15 or more? Book now and get 15% off your tickets. Please select a cruise below and the discount will automatically be applied for group bookings of at least 15 people.

Select a cruise for your group and get 15% off your tickets when check out.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our common answer to your common questions. Didn’t see what you are looking for? Click the button below to read all our FAQs.

The Thames is a chock-a-block full of London landmarks, including the iconic Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Cutty Sark, as well as modern attractions like the London Eye and the Shard. Rest assured your skipper will point out all the points of interest in an entertaining and informative commentary.

  • Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JH
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  • Festival Pier, Riverside Walk, London, SE1 9PX
  • Bankside Pier, Bankside, London, SE1 9PD
  • Tower Bridge Quay, St Katharine Docks, 50 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LA
  • Greenwich Pier, King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT

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London RIB Voyages

London’s best Thames river cruises

Get a whole new perspective of the city with these top Thames river cruises

Think you’ve ticked off everything London has to offer? Think again. Try a Thames river cruise – and no, we’re not talking about the Clippers (well we are, but only a little bit). There are few better ways to take in the capital than by its famously choppy, murky central waterway. Plus the views, from Hampton Court down to the City and Greenwich, are some of the absolute finest our city has to offer.

It's time to ditch dry land and hop aboard a Thames river boat tour. And plenty of London’s top attractions are best seen from the water – so get your camera ready.

RECOMMENDED: 101 things to do in London

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Thames river cruises in London

Thames rockets.

  • Ships and boats

Thames Rockets

Bring your waterproofs, because the slick RIB (rigid inflatable boat) operation offers a high-speed ride on the Thames. It's a great way to discover how exhilarating it can be to swoop along the Thames at almost 30 knots – that’s nearly 35 mph, nautical novices! We're not sure how much you'll actually be able to see, but there are plenty more leisurely-paced tours for that sorta thing.

Bateaux London Cruises

  • Victoria Embankment

Bateaux London Cruises

A good river cruise for those who want a spot of grub while taking in the sights along the Thames – Bateaux offer a full range of different dining cruises. There’s the lunch, afternoon tea and dinner cruise – or you could really pull the stops out and enjoy their three-course lunch with a live jazz band playing assorted swingin’ classics. All river cruises depart from Victoria Embankment.

City Cruises

  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours

City Cruises

Want to see the city in style? City cruises operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis and run from Westminster, Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich Piers with commentary along the way. All the departure points are convenient for the city’s various sights, with Greenwich Pier ideal for the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory.

London Duck Tours

London Duck Tours

Praise whichever brilliant mind decided to paint the scant remaining WW2 landing vehicles in bright, rubber-duck yellow! These duck city tours take in all the typical land-based sights – then has two ‘splashdowns’ into the Thames as it goes into nautical mode and takes passengers around Docklands, Canary Wharf and Greenwich.

Thames RIB Experience

  • Sightseeing

Thames RIB Experience

Instead of a usual tour’s drab history lessons and endless stream of tedious facts, why not try something a little more thrilling? The Thames RIB Experience is more like a rollercoaster than a classic sightseeing tour, and sees passengers jetted across the water at an impressive 45mph. Lifejackets and waterproofs are provided (fortunately), leaving you free to enjoy whizzing around in figure-eights in open water between Tower Bridge and the Isle of Dogs. Try and take in some sights as the high winds reshape your face.

Thames River Boats

Thames River Boats

Thames River Boats take you all the way from the Palace of Westminster upriver to Hampton Court Palace. It’s a pretty leisurely 22-mile journey: in 90 minutes you’ll be at Kew; in another 90, you’ll be at Hampton Court. But this westward route is a lovely way to appreciate the Thames, as the banks get greener, less cluttered with high-rise buildings and the river buses are replaced by rowers.

Thames Clippers

Thames Clippers

These days the Thames Clippers are better known as ‘Uber Boats’, not because they’re the most incredible boats but because, you guessed it, they’re sponsored by a taxi company. Sure, they don’t go very fast (trundling along at a very leisurely 30mph), but they’re a pretty underrated, cost-effective way to traverse the Thames.

Vintage Red Bus Tour and Thames Cruise

Vintage Red Bus Tour and Thames Cruise

Why choose between the road and the river when you can have both? First up on this guided tour you'll be driven round the capital in a routemaster (that's the old red double decker bus), before boarding a Thames Cruiser to view the sites from the water. Sail past landmarks like Shakespeare's Globe and Tower Bridge, before getting back on the bus and heading to her Maj's residence: Buckingham Palace. There's also the option to add a ticket for the London Eye on this package.

Tate to Tate Boat

Tate to Tate Boat

A connecting service between either art institution, the Tate to Tate Boat runs every 40 minutes. Aside from getting you from one gallery to another, it’s also great for taking in lots of central London scenery. As you might expect, the boat itself is an arty affair: YBA Damien Hirst covered both the exterior and interior with his trademark spots. It’s also genuinely the quickest way to travel from Tate to Tate – this way, you avoid an irritatingly convoluted tube or bus journey.

Discover more fun things in the city

101 things to do in london.

101 things to do in London

London is a treasure trove of brilliant days out 

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Cruises & Boat Tours in London

Experience London from a new perspective with cruises and boat tours. Take in iconic landmarks and breathtaking views of the city as you travel across serene waters. London cruises and boat tours will take you on an adventure like no other.

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You are here: Things to Do > City Cruises

City Cruises

Type: boat trip.

Tel: +44 (0)20 77 400 400

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City Cruises, Tower of London, River Thames, Boat Trips, Sightseeing

City Cruises is the No.1 sightseeing tour on the Thames! Our cruises depart every 40 minutes, every day of the week, all year round from pier locations at Westminster, London Eye, Tower of London and Greenwich.

20% off on all sightseeing cruises.

Book and travel from now until 30/06/24 (*Offer period*). Valid for City Cruises London sightseeing cruises only. This offer applies to the base fare of sightseeing cruises. Use code JUNE20 to apply offer at checkout. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offers. Gift card purchases are excluded from this offer. Prices & offers are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

City Cruises gives you the freedom to explore the many sights of the River Thames from four fantastic piers near popular attractions: Westminster, London Eye, Tower of London and Greenwich. It is the most convenient, picturesque way to travel between London landmarks.ake a quick hop between piers with a single ticket or take in a round tour with our 24h River Pass and make the most of our informative and entertaining live commentary. We also operate an hourly circular cruise from Tower – perfect for groups!  In addition, you can enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, evening and dinner cruises.

For families, a Thames River cruise is the most relaxing way to see the sights, avoiding traffic and busy trains. Kids can get colouring sheet and pencils to keep them entertained, while parents can relax by sipping on a hot drink and snacks from our fully stocked bar.

Our fleet of boats are designed to give you the best vantage point of river life. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views either from open air upper deck or comfortable saloon. Our fleet of boats can also be privately chartered. And don’t forget our 3 Thamesjet boats, which stop harder and turn faster!

We have a different view of rush hour. Enjoy 50 minutes of sightseeing, speed and awesome aquabatics with  Thamesjet which starts at Westminster Pier, heads down to Tower Bridge and as we pass it to go towards Canary Wharf, it's full on pedal to the metal.

Tickets can be purchased at any of our piers, online at  https://www.cityexperiences.com/london/city-cruises/   or call +44 (0)20 77 400 400.

24h River Pass

See more for less with our 24 River Pass, hop-on, hop-off sightseeing ticket!  24-hour tickets give you unlimited travel between the four piers. You'll enjoy the freedom of the river on our open deck riverliners with these great value tickets. Take in the views every inch of your journey with comfortable passage between our four piers. From £22.00 per adult, £14.75 per child (5-15) single ticket is £12.25 per adult.

The Family 24 River Pass is £42.00 and it’s ideal for families on a day out in London. Pay for two adults and up to three kids go free! Possibly the best value sightseeing ticket in town.

London’s No 1 Tour on the River  - The most convenient, picturesque way to travel between London landmarks. Make a quick hop between piers with a single ticket, or take in a round tour with a return and make the most of the informative and entertaining live commentary. From £12.25 per adult.

Sightseeing cruise plus tickets to top London attractions - Combine a City Cruises sightseeing tour with one of six top London attractions. All packages include an all-day, hop-on, hop-off 24h River Pass sightseeing tickets. You can bundle the 24-hour river sightseeing pass with tickets to any of the attractions on City Cruises website: London Eye, Tower of London, The View from the Shard, Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, the London Dungeon, the Tower Bridge and Greenwich attractions.

GROUPS Group bookings are available for sightseeing cruises, dining cruises and private hire; groups can benefit from discounts. We offer a sightseeing group discount. The 21st passenger goes free for sightseeing (same ticket type) with a maximum of up to 5 free tickets per group booking.

Many-times winner of Best Canal & River Boat Operator (Group Travel Awards).

PRIVATE HIRE

Choose London’s no 1 private boat hire on the Thames - City Cruises for your private event. We offer tailored experiences and full event catering all tied together with proven event management skills.  Read more

City Cruises -  Thamesjet  for the Kids – Go, Go, Go

Thamesrush - 50 unforgettable minutes as you experience high speed aquabatics. Stops harder, turns tighter, and nothing's faster - that's the Thamesjet speedboat for you. On the river you’ll see big landmarks on the sightseeing stage, then go speeding to the limits. Brilliant family day out. Slow it won't be…

Adults (+17):  £42.00, Child (Under 16 - Must be 1.35 metres (4 ft. 5in.) minimum in height): £32.00, Family (2a+2c age 16 & Under): £129, Private Group 12: £462

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River Thames Cruise Prices and Reviews

What is the best london river cruise.

city cruise boat ride london

While our free London walking tours are a great way to see and learn a lot about the city, Thames River cruises offer a completely different perspective that you might also enjoy - I certainly do!

In this post I am going to detail all the different options you have for cruising through London, as well as sharing some of my experiences and top tips.

The most popular type of river cruise is a hop-on hop-off tour , allowing you to stop and get off the boat at various docks on the Thames.

Here are the top cruise services in London:

City Cruises

  • Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
  • Thames River Service

There are also special cruise services such as Tate to Tate by Thames Clippers, connecting both historic museums by boat.

Alternatively, you might also want to consider a circular loop without any stops, or perhaps a speedboat ride during the summer.

Like many cities, there are also lunch and dinner cruises available on the Thames River.

If you're in North London (where I live), you might want to consider a canal cruise around Little Venice and Camden Lock instead.

Concerned about the price? Check my list of combo packages that include a Thames River cruise for free!

Although I do my best to provide a balanced look at these services, it's important to get other perspectives.

Therefore, I've also included a selection of recommendations from members of our London Travel Tips Facebook group.

HOP-ON-HOP-OFF THAMES RIVER CRUISES

If you’re looking for a boat tour or cruise that will allow you the freedom to explore at your own pace, consider one of the following companies.

Although there aren’t many London boat services that specialize specifically in hop-on-hop-off Thames cruises, there are a few that provide the opportunity to explore London however you wish.

You can choose to purchase one single ride, a cheaper return ticket, or a 24-hour travel pass with unlimited rides.

TIP: Many of these cruises are included for free or at a lower cost with any of the many London tourist attraction passes available to you.

CITY CRUISES

City Cruises is probably the most well-known company offering a basic Thames River cruise. They are also the best value for the money, in my opinion.

City Cruises also offers speedboat tours and lunch and dinner cruises .

City Cruises offers both single tickets (which are fine) and a hop-on-hop-off service with 4 stops between Westminster and Greenwich (which is better). 

The hop-on-hop-off ticket is called the River Pass and I bought this one just recently, when the spring weather finally hit London!

I used it to get me from Greenwich and back primarily, but I did make an impromptu stop at London Bridge to grab lunch at Borough Market.

I bought the River Pass, which gave me 24-hour unlimited access to the River on City Cruises Boats.

Even though I'm a tour guide, I enjoy going on other people's tours so I really enjoyed the live commentary on the journeys I took.

I was happy for the 24 hour pass, but if you want more time on the boat, you can get a 72-hour River Pass giving you three days to use the service, rather than the 24-hour pass I bought.

Since the weather was good, I sat on the open-aired top of the boat - but there is inside seating downstairs if the London weather gets a bit wet or chilly.

TIP:  City Cruises' hop-on-hop-off service is  included for free for holders of a London Pass , a tourist attraction concession card.

Thames River Cruise Map

Click on the map for a larger view .

Ticket and Reviews

Single-ride tickets vary depending on your starting and ending point. 

If you are planning on taking at least two rides, I recommend that you buy a River Pass .

This pass gives you unlimited travel between their piers.

To know more about the tickets, pricing or to buy the tickets, check out our full page on Thames river cruise by City Cruises .

City Cruises sports a 4 out of 5 stars  rating on TripAdvisor along with mostly positive reviews.

To read more about the City Cruises reviews, check out the post here .

UBER BOAT BY THAMES CLIPPERS

Thames Clippers is a commuter boat service which, in my opinion, are a vastly underrated way to travel through town.

They offer single-journey tickets, as well as an all-day ticket, that gives you unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel for one day (between 10 am and 11 pm).

This is what I always recommend to my friends and family when they come to visit me in London.

I think it's great value for money and makes travelling through town a little more fun and I take the Uber Boat at least once a month.

One of my favourite things about it is that I can pay using my contactless debit card so there's no need to faff around with tickets!

The Uber Boat is valid in their Central and East Zone lines which include 18 piers including Greenwich, Tower, Westminster, and more. Boats depart every 20 minutes.

Some of the central London landmarks you can get to easily from the Uber Boat piers:

  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Tower of London
  • Tower Bridge
  • Tate Modern
  • Covent Garden
  • Trafalgar Square
  • Borough Market 
  • National Gallery of Art
  • British Museum
  • Houses of Parliament
  • Churchill War Rooms
  • HMS Belfast
  • Shakespeare's Globe
  • Palace of Westminster

You can download their free audio tour (available in English, Spanish, French, and German) if you are taking the boat for sightseeing purposes, but I feel that the journey is enjoyable even without it.

Also, to the delight of myself and my friends, you can buy alcoholic (and non) refreshments on board.

I can personally recommend the rose' wine they sell, although the pre-mixed cans of Jack Daniels and Coke seemed to be the most popular option the last time I was at the bar.

And prepare yourselves...

The boat travels at a moderate speed through the city but once we passed Tower Bridge, it sped up and I was flying past the docklands toward Canary Wharf!

It's a thrill not everybody on board was expecting.

Uber Boat Ticket Prices and Reviews

To know more about the ticket prices or to purchase the ticket , visit our separate post on Uber Boats Tickets and Reviews .

Thames Clippers has received a 4 out of 5 stars  rating on both TripAdvisor and Viator.

To read more about the reviews of Uber Boats , read our post here .

THAMES RIVER SERVICE

Thames River Services (TRS) offers a variety of guided sightseeing tours that cover several different highlights along the river.

Prices and the length of the trip vary depending on what route you select.

There are a total of six different tours offered out of Westminster, Greenwich, and St. Katharine's Docks (my favourite hidden gem and place to get a drink or bite to eat after finishing my All in One Tour ).

I would recommend the Westminster to Greenwich journey to soak up all the sights on the riverfront.

Guests have the option to pay for a one-way ticket or round-trip fare, a 2 days hopper pass, or a hop-on, hop-off ticket (through Circular Cruises).

With a 4 ½ out of 5 stars  rating on both Yelp and TripAdvisor, TRS is one of the highest-rated cruise companies in London. 

To read more about reviews and tickets of TRS cruise , visit our post on Thames River Service (TRS) .

Tate to Tate by Thames Clippers

This route on the Thames Clippers service is the "RB2 Tate to Tate".

It takes visitors between the two Tate Museums: the free  Tate Modern  at Bankside Pier and Tate Britain at Millbank Pier.

I recently took this ride to see the latest exhibition at the Tate Britain.

Boats run every 30 minutes and when I arrived at the pier I just tapped with my contactless card to pay for my journey - like with the Uber boats.

I only needed to wait 10 minutes for the boat and the ride took me 20 minutes so I got across town in a half an hour which is great!

The boats have both outdoor seating but the weather was not great on the day I travelled so I sat indoors.

As this is not a sightseeing boat there is no live commentary, but that wasn't the purpose of my journey so I didn't mind.

You can purchase tickets in advance online from the Tate Shop website , or before you board a boat from a self-serve kiosk on the pier.

You can also use your  Oyster card , if you have one, upon boarding the boat.

When you purchase, look for the RB2 service, a central zone ticket price.

Find out more or book tickets here.

Prices (single one-way ticket)

  • Adult:  One Way - £10.90
  • Child 5 to 15:  One Way - £5.45
  • Children under 5 travel for free
  • Adult TfL Travelcard: One Way - £7.30
  • Child 5-15 TfL Travelcard: One Way - £3.65

For a complete timetable of the RB2 route that stops at both Tates, click  here for schedules.

Look for times for Bankside (the Tate Modern) and Millbank (the Tate Britain).

The Tate Boat service has been given a 4 ½ star rating on TripAdvisor.

Although it is not a full five stars, the reality is that they haven’t received any negative ratings.

There is only one complaint thus far, and it focuses on the length of time it may take to get tickets onto the boat.

I found that this is no longer a problem as I just used my contactless card so there is no need to wait for tickets these days.

But, even that reviewer suggests that you persevere and use this ferry service to get from Tate to Tate as it was worth the hassle.

Most passengers love this form of transportation, and I find it pretty reliable!

CIRCULAR LOOP THAMES RIVER SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

A circular loop cruise is specifically a river tour of the Thames.

From the boat, you will see many amazing sights such as  St. Paul’s Cathedral , the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament , and  Big Ben .

Most circular loop cruises are about an hour long. 

Note that some circular loop cruises are hop-on-hop-off while others allow you to leave the cruise at any pier, but you may not board again.

Thames River Service Circular Cruise

city cruise boat ride london

This circular loop cruise allows you to hop on and off whenever you wish so that you can get a better look at the sites located all along the Thames.

The full cruise takes about an hour, but you can embark and disembark at your discretion throughout the day.

This circular cruise will take you past more than a dozen historic locations that are visible from the water.

There is commentary provided along the way to point out significant sights such as Old Scotland Yard or the Houses of Parliament.

Find more information or purchase tickets here.

Ticket Prices 

Click here to purchase tickets .

Single Ticket

  • £12.90 for Adults
  • £8.90 for Children/Freedom Pass Holders

Return Ticket

  • £18.90 for Adults
  • £12.90 for Children/Freedom Pass Holders

This cruise service has been in operation for several years, but they don’t have a lot of reviews.

The few negative reviews say that the tour feels short and that you do not see so many sights.

Mostly though the reviews are positive, saying that the live commentary is very informative and humorous.

Reviews say that the boat ride was relaxing and enjoyable, and well-organized. I haven't taken this one yet myself so we will take their word for it for now!

The London Eye River Cruise

Whether you’re planning to visit the London Eye or you just want a tour around the Thames which focuses on the giant Ferris wheel, this river cruise is a great alternative to other services.

Although the London Eye River Cruise is not as long as other boat tours in the area, it can be a lot more affordable.

This circular loop will take you past locations such as Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London, and the Houses of Parliament.

You can also purchase this as a bundle with your London Eye Tickets which is great for visitors wanting to take a journey on the Ferris wheel.

I've done this in the past and booked online which saved me over £11.00!

TIP: This cruise is also part of the London Explorer Pass , which could save you between 20-50% off of the retail price.

Find out more or purchase tickets here.

Ticket Prices and Reviews:

Prices of the cruise are £19.50 for Adults and £16.50 for Children.

To buy tickets or to know about the Children's offer, operating hours and other details, check out our detailed post on The London Eye River Cruise .

This river cruise company has also earned a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

To read more about the reviews of the London Eye River Cruise, visit our post here .

Sail on a 1920s Barge

Hop aboard a historic wooden Thames Sailing Barge, and enjoy a voyage through history along the Thames.

Lady Daphne was the last wooden sailing barge still working on the Thames - and has recently be replaced by the Sailing Barge "Will."

city cruise boat ride london

There are regularly run tours and the ship is also available for private hire.

A fellow tour guide, Jess, and I were lucky enough to take a journey on the Lady Daphne and hope to repeat it with Will in the future!

On our journey, we boarded at Tower Millennium Pier and rode all the way to Greenwich (where we got an awesome view of the Thames Barrier) and back.

But the best part was that we also got to sail under Tower Bridge - and they raised the Bridge just for our boat! We felt like real VIPs.

Check our post for prices and more information.

SPEEDBOAT RIDES

Speedboat rides on the Thames are not a budget option, but they are thrilling - and I find them to be very popular with families who take my walking tour.

Throughout the experience, passengers will alternate between enjoying a leisurely ride along the Thames for sightseeing and a fast-paced thrill ride.

Guests are well protected with waterproof jackets, a life jacket, and goggle-style visors to withstand the thrilling wind speeds they will experience.

Thames RIB Experience

This RIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat)  is one of the fastest boats on the Thames, jetting visitors along the river at approximately 30 knots.

Each boat (which only holds up to 12 people) is manned by a guide who provides commentary throughout the journey.

In addition to their longer tour of the Thames, this company also manages three shorter tours of Canary Wharf, and the Tower Millennium Pier.

Ticket prices typically depend upon the length of the boat ride.

Find more information or purchase tickets here .

Ticket Prices & Reviews

This company operates Speedboat rides on three different routes.

These routes are Thames Barrier Experience (75 minutes), Canary Wharf Experience (50 minutes) and Tower RIB Blast (20 minutes).

To know more about the prices or to purchase the tickets, read our post on Thames Speedboat Tours .

The Thames RIB Experience has earned a full 5-star rating on TripAdvisor – and that includes over 2,500 positive reviews.

To know other details about the reviews on Thames RIB experience, read our post here .

Thames Jet by City Cruises

This speedboat service is managed by City Cruises and offers a similar excursion to the RIB Experience I listed above.

They don’t offer as many tours as their competitors, but the Thames Jet is an excellent alternative.

city cruise boat ride london

Their Thames Rush speedboat tour is over 50 minutes.

Ticket prices are comparable to similar services, but they also offer family tickets at a concession.

More information or to purchase tickets .

Prices are £49 for adults and £39 for Children (15 and under).

To know more about operating hours or to buy tickets, check out our post on Thames River Speedboat Tours .

TripAdvisor has given the Thames Jet service 4 ½ out of 5 stars .

To read more details about the review, check out our post on Thames Jet by City Cruises .

CANAL BOAT RIDES

Operating entirely along the canals that flow through the north of London, a canal ride is a charming way to see parts of London that most tourists miss.

As I live in north London, a canal ride is a yearly tradition of mine!

city cruise boat ride london

For a true experience off the beaten path, these relaxing and beautiful rides are a definite must.

Jason's Original Canal Boat Trip

From March to November, you can take a canal boat ride with Jason's Original with live commentary from trained guides. 

  • One Way: Adult - £18 / Concession £14
  • Return: Adult - £23 / Concession £19

Jason’s London Canal Boat Trip is offered as part of the London Pass , which means more savings for you! 

London Waterbus Company

This is the company I usually book with as the price is great, the boats are comfortable, and the staff are fantastic.

The last time I went was a beautiful summer day and I boarded in Little Venice and travelled to Camden Lock (where Camden Market is).

On the ride, we passed through Regent's Park and the grounds of London Zoo for some charming views!

It took us just 45 minutes for the one way journey, and I enjoyed live commentary the entire way.

  • Adult (17-59 years) £16.00
  • Child (5-16 years) £12
  • Student 17+ with photo student ID £12
  • Senior 60+ years £12
  • Toddler (under 3 years) Free

Check their  website  for more details and to purchase tickets.

LUNCH AND DINNER CRUISES

Sightseeing cruises are nice, but they might not be the best option for business events or dating.

If you’re looking for a more sociable trip along the Thames, consider one of the following Dining Cruises.

In addition to the typical dinner cruise, many companies offer a variety of dining and party cruises, such as tea and showboat cruises, that allow you to enjoy more than just the sights and sounds of London.

To browse a full list of lunch and dinner cruise options by type rather than by company, click here .

Whether you want to go on a cruise with wonderful music and fabulous food, or you just want to have your afternoon tea out on the Thames, City Cruises offers a wide variety of options.

The Jazz Cruise is my favorite! I did this one just a few weeks ago, in fact. I arrived with a friend about 15 minutes before departure.

When I boarded I was given a glass of sparkling wine to kick things off! I was shown to our pre-allocated table and then we were free to wander the boat and enjoy the live music.

After being on the water for a bit, we returned to our table for a fantastic 3-course dinner, followed by dancing as the band continued to play.

The whole experience lasted about 3 hours and was worth every penny!

If you order online during the summer, you can save 20% on each dining cruise offered through this company.

Tickets are already quite affordable, so this is an excellent opportunity to save money while having fun out on the water.

Ticket Prices and Reviews

I am lucky because I live in London which means I can take advantage of these tours all year long.

The reason I'm saying this is because their prices fluctuate throughout the year and on different days of the week.

Read our complete post to check out the cheapest price you can expect on your trip.

Most reviewers have given them a 5-star rating, reporting that the food is quite excellent and the cruise itself is very relaxing.

To read more about the reviews, check out our post on Thames River Lunch & Dinner cruise .

BUS & BOAT COMBOS

There are a lot of boat tours and cruises offered on the Thames, but none of them can show you EVERYTHING worth seeing in London.

To experience more than just the river that runs through this beautiful city, you’ll want to consider combining a cruise with either walking tours or bus tours.

Thankfully, there are a lot of companies in the area that provide combo packages that include many different types of excursions.

These combination packages can be a great way to save money on all kinds of activities!

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus is one of the most popular tour companies in the world.

They offer services internationally and are well known for providing quality service.

city cruise boat ride london

Their combo package for London includes a cruise with City Cruises, their hop-on, hop-off bus tour, a selection of guided walking tours, and a promo codes booklet.

Tickets for this combo package can be purchased either for 24 or 48 hours, allowing you to take as much time as you wish to enjoy everything included.

If you’re looking for a combination package that will allow you to discover as much of the city as possible without paying a lot of money, this is a great choice.

Click here for m o re information or to book .

Ticket Prices & Reviews:

"Discover" 24-Hour Ticket and "Explore" 48 hours tickets are offered by Big Bus Tours .

Read our post to check out the prices and to know about operating hours.

Big Bus Tours of London has a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor. Most reviews are very positive, and comments about this specific combo package tend to be favorable.

To read more about the reviews of Big Bus Tours, read our post here .

Tootbus Tour

This tour service is almost the same as Big Bus Tours.

Much like their competitor, they also offer a Thames River cruise pass through City Cruises.

In recent times, I have found that the Tootbus has become more popular with my visitors than Big Bus Tours and they seem to be getting ever more popular.

You’ll also have access to 80+ stops at attractions all over London on their hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Ticket prices are very similar, so this might be a great alternative if other combo packages are all sold out.

Tickets are available for 24 hours and 48 hours.

To know about the ticket price, hours or to book, read our post here .

Tootbus , once known as the Original London Sightseeing Tour, has received a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor.

A majority of the reviews are positive, but experiences with this tour company are a bit more mixed than other services in the same range.

Read our post to check out complete details about the review of Tootbus tours .

Things to Know When Going on a River Thames Cruise

Do you need to book Thames River Cruises in advance?

You don't necessarily need to, but if you do not book your tickets in advance, then you can get ticket from ticket counters on piers.

Due to limited availability, you may not always get tickets for a particular date or time slot. As such, it is always advisable to book your cruise tickets in advance.

Note that it depends which boat journey you are going to take as to whether this is needed or not.

I found it worth it to book in advance for the London Eye and Boat bundle as that saved a bunch of money but for my trips on the Uber Boat, I wouldn't - and don't need to.

city cruise boat ride london

Where can I catch a Thames River Cruise?

Piers of some popular cruises are listed below:

  • City Cruises - Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, and Greenwich Pier
  • Uber Boat by Thames Clippers - Embankment Pier, Westminster Pier, Tower Millennium Pier, London Bridge City Pier, Canary Wharf, Greenwich Pier, North Greenwich Pier
  • Thames River Service - Westminster Pier
  • Tate to Tate by Thames Clippers - Bankside Pier, Millbank Pier
  • Thames River Services' Circular Cruise - Westminster Pier
  • London Eye River Cruise - The London Eye pier
  • Lady Daphne - Tower Millennium Pier
  • Thames RIB Experience - Embankment Pier
  • Thames Jet by City Cruises - Westminster Pier

Our Westminster Walking Tour ends within walking distance of the Westminster Pier and our City of London and All in One Tours finish right next to Tower Millennium Pier!

How far do cruise boats go up the Thames?

It all depends upon which river cruise you are taking.

Most of the cruises start from Westminster Pier and goes up to Tower Millennium Pier.

Some long run cruises also start from Millbank Pier and reach Greenwich Pier.

To see it all, I would strongly recommend riding from Battersea to Greenwich, where possible!

There are also some special river cruises during the warmer months which run from Westminster to Hampton Court Palace .

Are River Cruises safe?

The cruise river boats are inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and they carry modern safety equipment onboard.

Also, trained skippers and crews run the safety briefing as they leave their respective boarding points.

In other words, there is no reason to worry about safety while enjoying a cruise ride.

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Assuming you've read all or even just some of this post, you've had the chance to see my personal recommendations when it comes to Thames River cruises.

However, it's important to get a variety of opinions when it comes to these types of services.

Thankfully, many members of our London Travel Tips group on Facebook will offer their own thoughts on these cruise companies, and I've included some of their most helpful suggestions here.

city cruise boat ride london

It can get pretty cold in London during the winter, so travelers might be surprised to learn that they actually do keep most of the Thames River cruises open all year.

While it can get cold, pretty much every company uses boats with an indoor area where you can stay warm as you enjoy the ride.

city cruise boat ride london

Even so, it is recommended to bundle up during the winter anyways, so you shouldn't be too cold on a river cruise boat as long as you wear warm clothing.

city cruise boat ride london

A lot of locals recommend using the Uber Boat, because it's a very easy and consistent service and it offers stops all along the Thames, even in Greenwich. As you already know, this is my favourite!

city cruise boat ride london

The reason this river cruise boat is so popular is because it's often used as transportation by people who live in London, and in fact they rely upon these boats to get to and from work.

city cruise boat ride london

Locals also note that you can pay for the Uber Boat by using an Oyster Card, and they offer price cuts for card holders.

Even better, once you get past the Tower Bridge, the boat will speed up and allow you to get around the city much quicker!

city cruise boat ride london

If you're wondering whether to take a hop-on hop-off tour on the river or a dinner cruise, it's worth noting that the dinner cruise does not include any commentary.

Travelers who want to learn more about the city while cruising down the Thames might not enjoy the dinner cruise as much, but it's still a great service for anyone who wants to enjoy the view of London as the sun is setting!

city cruise boat ride london

Other travelers suggest skipping the dinner cruise and hopping on the speed boat. As Trish notes, these boats will wait until they are in clear waters and take off at thrilling speeds!

For even more helpful advice, you can always visit our London Travel Tips group on Facebook and ask whatever questions you might have.

RELATED POSTS

  • London to Hampton Court Palace by Boat
  • Windsor Castle Tours from London
  • Hop on Hop Off London Buses

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Cruise & groove: newcastle to london.

Cruise Code: A22435NT

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Enjoy yourself on an overnight sailing to London where you can gather with friends and family to enjoy outstanding cuisine and amazing entertainment and groove the night away — and yes, we really do push the boat out to sea!

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

London Tilbury A key entry point to the UK capital, is nestled along the River Thames in Essex. Discover waterfront attractions like Tilbury Fort, which offers a window into the rich maritime history of this quintessential port town on the Thames Estuary.

  • Sails from Newcastle Tyne
  • 0 Ports of call
  • 0 Countries
  • Returns to London Tilbury

Newcastle Tilbury Cruise & Groove Itinerary

Full itinerary:

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Day 1 - 22 November 2024

Newcastle Tyne

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Day 2 - 23 November 2024

London Tilbury

Cabins & fares, included in all bookings.

  • All port taxes, fees and charges - read more
  • Porterage of luggage between the port and cabin. - read more
  • Spa access - read more
  • Use of gym, swimming pool and hot tubs - read more
  • Range of fitness, dance and wellness classes - read more
  • Amazing entertainment - read more
  • Informative guest speakers* - read more
  • Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade* - read more
  • Comfortable accommodation in chosen cabin category - read more
  • Flexible cancellation policies† - read more
  • Captain’s cocktail party* - read more
  • Exceptional full board cuisine - read more

The Ship - Ambition

Here she is, Ambition. Our second lady of the sea. Aptly named to further emphasise our commitment t ... Read More

Here she is, Ambition. Our second lady of the sea. Aptly named to further emphasise our commitment to inspire and delight every guest to enjoy an authentic cruise experience effortlessly, and sustainably

Ambition will carry up to 1,200 passengers to give her a true sense of comfort and space in her 680 cabins, 125 of which have balconies and 113 are suites with up to 62m2 of living space.

Her dining options will inspire you with two main restaurants, speciality dining options*, and a more casual bistro-style café. Sit back, relax and enjoy a drink in one of her four bars, lounges and pub. Or take in a show in the tiered main theatre, or discover your hidden talents in the card room, library, and craft studio.

Other facilities include the wellness centre, gym, two swimming pools and a range of retail shops, perfect for days at sea.

What’s on board

Journeying to new lands to explore their landscape, culture and cuisine, on board a stylish, environmentally friendly ship.

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Green Sea Spa

Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and strives continually to exceed guest expectations. With our guests in mind, we have created an all-encompassing spa experience that relaxes, refreshes and renews in a serene, comfortable and welcoming environment. From facial treatments to massages and hair care to healing treatments; there is something for everyone. Our Sauna and Steam Room are also available for all guests to use.

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Brontë’s library

Brontë’s Library is the home of peace and tranquillity on board, and the perfect place for those looking to take some time to relax after a busy day at sea. Select a good book within Brontë's calm atmosphere before heading off to your favourite queit reading area. Why not join other like-minded literature lovers through our cruise book club, where you can discuss your views on some of the current bestsellers. All books are chosen in advance, giving you the opportunity to purchase your copy before boarding.

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The Palladium

entertainment

It's showtime! Our multi-tiered onboard theatre The Palladium hosts a variety of hand-picked shows, plays, talks and so much more just as diverse as the destinations we visit. Waiting in the wings are our onboard entertainment team, the Ambassador Theatre Company. They can't wait to entertain you as you enjoy an afternoon or evening of world-class storytelling.

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lounges-bars

The Pool Bar is one of the loveliest bars on board Ambition. Enjoy a specially made cocktail as you sit back and relax around the pool.

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Named after the infamous Cavern Club, home to Liverpool’s booming rock ‘n’ roll scene in the early sixties and regular visitors the Beatles, The Cavern will be your onboard home of live music and acts throughout the day and night. With a wide range of drinks available, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the atmosphere as our expert bar team are always on hand to help mix a drink just to your taste.

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Buckingham Restaurant

Inspired by authentic cruising and quality dining, the Buckingham Restaurant is designed to provide guests with a wonderful a la carte dining experience. Serving an exceptionally handcrafted breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, our restaurant team will be delighted for you to join them throughout your day on board.

Your on board Experience

Discover the amazing entertainment we have on offer on board Ambition.

More about the ship

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Average Customer Rating:

Independent Service Rating based on 2157 verified reviews. View All

“Efficient”

Efficient, helpful and informative and a smooth booking process.

Trusted Customer

Becky was very helpfull and courteous

“Easy and thorough”

Friendly, thorough. Kerry even rang me back to update me on an item I had forgotten about.

“Problem with booking”

Although I had to wait a while on the phone to customer service. When the lady answered she was very polite and sorted my problem immediately.

“NEVER TOO LATE TO GO CRUISING”

I have never Cruised before, but at 74 I went with CMV for 6.5 weeks and it was great, the ship and the staff. Since then I have been with Ambassador and found the same quality I have now booked three more cruises with Ambassador, two with Ambassador and one in 2026 with Newmarket Holidays, Hopefully I will get the same delight.

Martin Lamb

“Website booking process uncomfortable”

Unclear web info about content of package - feel railroaded towards the drinks package

“Easy to book”

Excellent website, very easy to book our cruise.

“A pleasant experience”

Friendly, helpful and efficient service. Never had a poor experience with Ambassador.

“Early days!”

I have only booked the cruise at this stage so have had no personal contact with the company yet. The website wasn't bad but I found it difficult to get confirmation of exactly what was included with my booking. For example, I opted for the all inclusive fare for my family which I believe has the drinks package included but on one of the breakdown pages the drinks are listed as 0 for my husband and I, but have a monetary value against my daughter's name. I couldn't find out if I am going to be charged that on top or if it's included. I also went through an advert that offered free port parking or online spend, I don't appear to have received either. I read somewhere that a different dining room was allocated to guests in suites but I can't now find confirmation or a second dining room on the ship's plan. This is very early days of my booking with nearly a year to go so I'm hopeful things will be sorted, a contact number to speak to someone would be great.

“Fijne maatschappij.”

Het duurt soms wat lang om een mail of telefoontje beantwoorden te krijgen, maar er is altijd een oplossing.

“Simply the best”

Catharina Basters

“Very good”

I was very pleased with the service and I would go with Ambassador again staff were very good too

“Very satisfied”

My friend and I had booked different cruise but decided it was unsuitable,so wanted to change it.No problem! For a small fee Ambassador changed it for a more suitable date and we were very pleased.The last cruise we went on was superb in every way so looking forward to this one

Marie Duncan

“CABIN SELECTION”

WHEN BOOKING A CABIN ONLY A FEW WERE SHOWN ON THE SELETED DECK. DISABLED CABINS NOT AVAILABLE TO BOOK OR SHOWN SEPERATELY IF ALREADY FULLY BOOKED............SAY SO. TO FIND OTHER CABINS I HAD TO CHANGE TO ANOTHER DECK

Easy to book, no problems

“The opportunity for a great holiday”

The booking was very simple and straightforward.

Have not yet cruises with them

Graham Prince

“Looking forward”

Very easy to book online, haven’t sailed with Ambassador before but we have done two cruises with them when they were CMV. Great crew, great food, great entertainment. Hoping that this cruise will be the same excellent service.

“Quick service”

All quite smooth easy booking. Very quick

“Booking holiday Ambassador”

Easy to book excellent Web site looking forward to our trip.

Copyright 2024 Ambassador Cruise Line is a trading name of Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited.

Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365

ABTA No. Y6765

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London Sightseeing Cruises

Sightseeing cruises.

Explore London's Iconic Views

Select Your Tickets

Explore London’s top sightseeing cruises, offering an unforgettable journey through the heart of the city. Each tour includes panoramic views from  open-air decks  and  cozy indoor saloons . Plus, you can enjoy onboard concessions, including  a fully stocked bar  (additional charges apply) and live commentary from our crew. Start your adventure with us today!

View Our Routes

city cruise boat ride london

Pick a Route Below

Westminster pier.

With the iconic House of Parliament and Big Ben as your backdrop and some royally magnificent landmarks a short stroll away. Westminster Pier is the perfect place to start sightseeing:

  • House of Parliament
  • Big Ben Clock Tower
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Horse Guards Parade
  • Whitehall and Downing St
  • Trafalgar Square
  • The National Gallery

London Eye Pier

We sail in and dock beneath The London Eye-looking up from the water, it couldn’t be more impressive. This is where you explore the South Bank river walkway that’s buzzing with fun things to see and do:

  • The London Eye
  • Sea Life London
  • London Dungeon
  • National Theatre
  • Royal Festival Hall
  • IMAX Cinema
  • Southbank Centre
  • Shrek’s Adventure London

In the heart of the City, next to London’s most legendary and notorious tourist attraction, the Tower of London, is Tower Pier.It’s surrounded by historic and supremely modern attractions on and off the water:

  • Tower of London
  • Tower Bridge
  • St Katherine’s Dock
  • HMS Belfast
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral

Greenwich Pier

All aboard at Royal Greenwich an incredible World Heritage Site. Arriving and departing by boat really is the only way to do it. This is where one of Britain’s most famous ships lives alongside fascinating museums, an eclectic market and more:

  • National Maritime Museum
  • Queen’s House
  • Old Royal Naval College
  • Painted Hall
  • Royal Observatory
  • Greenwich Market

Book your attractions with us and save more

city cruise boat ride london

Download Timetable

View all Sightseeing and Attraction packages

Book your 24 hour pass now

About our river thames sightseeing cruises.

Our captains provide informative and entertaining commentary, shedding new light on both the history and modern life of this fascinating city. With the option to sit on our spacious open upper deck or in comfortable indoor saloons, you’re guaranteed a panoramic view of London’s best sights including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, South Bank and more.

For families, a Thames river cruise is the most relaxing way to see the sights, avoid traffic and busy trains.

Our Thames sightseeing cruise single tickets will take you from point A to B with comfort and in style. You can also purchase a return ticket to your original Thames river cruise starting point too.

We have 4 strategically located piers at Westminster, Tower, London-Eye, and Greenwich, that allow easy access to all the main riverside attractions while ensuring less of your sightseeing time is spent waiting at a pier.

Want to see more of London from the water? You can make the most of your London river cruise with a 24h river pass. It’s an all-day hop on, hop off Thames ticket offering unlimited access to the river for 24 hours.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please ensure you check the latest timetable schedule on the website as times may vary throughout the year.

When you arrive for your cruise please walk straight down onto the pier. Where you will be greeted by our pier staff, have your ticket ready to be then directed to your boarding point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a thames river cruise cost.

Our tickets vary in price depending on your ticket type as well as where and when you’re travelling. Click here to see London River cruise prices.

How long do Thames River sightseeing cruises take?

The duration for a Thames river cruise depends on what route you take. Thames cruises vary from 10-30 minutes for a single trip or up to 24 hours of river travel with a 24-hr river pass. See full details on the timetable here.

Where do Thames River sightseeing cruises stop?

Our Thames Cruises stop and allow for embarking and disembarking at four piers – Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier. Find out more about where to find our piers here.

Where can I find a Thames River sightseeing cruise timetable?

Click here to find London River cruise timetables.

How long is a Thames River cruise from Westminster to Greenwich?

The duration of Thames River cruise from Westminster to Greenwich is 1hr 20 minutes.

Where can you start a Thames sightseeing cruise?

You can start your Thames sightseeing cruise from Tower, Westminster, London Eye and Greenwich pier.

What do you wear for a Thames sightseeing cruise?

There is no dress code for a Thames sightseeing cruise, casual clothes and depending on the weather maybe something warm. However, we would advise against flip-flops.

Are there toilets on a Thames River cruise?

Yes, all our boats have toilet facilities and have baby changing and disabled facilities.

Can you purchase snacks on board a Thames sightseeing cruise?

On board a Thames sightseeing cruise we have a fully stocked bar with seasonal snacks and serve hot and cold drinks.

Can you purchase attractions with a Thames sightseeing cruise?

Yes, we sell packages where you can combine an attraction with a Thames sightseeing cruise. We also sell attraction tickets separately. You can book them online or at our ticket office near the piers.

Do you have to book a Thames sightseeing cruise?

Generally, for a Thames sightseeing cruise you don’t have to book that far in advance but to beat the queues at the piers you can book your tickets online.

Is a Thames River cruise suitable for children?

Absolutely – families love our sightseeing cruises. Ask at the bar for our colouring sheet and pencils or download our activity pack from here

Do you have an audio guide on your Thames River cruise?

Yes, we have a live english commentary provided by our expert captains or a recorded commentary in 14 different languages. You can find it on our free City Experiences App .

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COMMENTS

  1. River Thames Sightseeing Cruises

    Child 5-15) £9.90*. £13.10*. Hop-on Hop-off Pass. These tickets allow for unlimited trips between our piers, so you can hop on and off the boats to go up and down the river as much as you like. Find out more here. Westminster/London Eye ↔ Tower or Tower ↔ Greenwich.

  2. City Cruises London, Take in the Most Iconic Sights

    Recommended for London. Official Central London Experience - City Cruises Thames River Cruise, Tower of London, The View from The Shard London: Madame Tussauds | SEA LIFE London Aquarium | The London Eye | Tower of London | 24h Hop-On Hop-Off River Pass | London in a Day: Tower of London Tour, Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guard ...

  3. 24h Hop-On Hop-Off River Pass| City Cruises

    About our River Thames Sightseeing Cruises. Enjoy a memorable and entertaining day out on our 24 Hour Hop On Hop Off sightseeing cruise. It's the perfect way to take in the capital's iconic riverside landmarks. Our captains provide entertaining commentary, shedding new light on both the history and modern life of this fascinating city.

  4. Best Thames River Cruises & Boat Trips in London

    Enjoy incredible 360-degree views over the capital from the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, before taking to the water for a relaxing, circular sightseeing Thames river cruise. Book a London Eye and river cruise ticket with City Cruises now. 8. Clipper and cable car. Ride the cable car in London.

  5. City Cruises London river tour

    Prices and opening times. 24-hour River Red Rover Ticket: Adult (16+): £24, Child (five to 15 years old): £16, Family (two adults, three children): £48. Freedom Pass holders receive 50% discount on the sightseeing cruise. Lunch Cruise: Adult (16+) from £49 and Child (five to 15 years old) from £39. This content has been supplied by City ...

  6. River Cruise London

    Ticket includes: London Eye River Cruise in a new British Sign Language (BSL) friendly format. Takes place on the second Saturday of every month at 12:45. 40-minute cruise through the heart of the city along River Thames. Bar on board with a wide range of refreshments. Book Now.

  7. 24 Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Cruise

    Experience London's stunning riverside landmarks with a Hop-On Hop-Off river pass, offering unlimited access for 24 hours. Explore at your leisure with friends and family, enjoying the city's beauty at your own pace. The hop-on hop-off Thames River Cruise allows you to join the tour from any of four piers: Greenwich, the Tower of London, the ...

  8. Thames River Cruises + London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

    City Sightseeing London. Crown Sightseeing Limited, 120 Southampton Row, London. WC1B 5AB, London, United Kingdom. Enjoy London with our London river cruise which takes you around the Thames by boat and includes a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour of the city. Book now with free cancellation!

  9. City Cruises River Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise

    And when you've finished off your tea, you can always stroll upstairs to take in the the 360 degree views of London's riverside landmarks. A more elegant way to explore London's sights from the warmth and comfort of the City Cruises fleet. Schedule Board: 15:15 Cruise: 15:30 - 17:00. For availability please check the City Cruise website when ...

  10. Thames River Sightseeing

    Tower Bridge Quay, St Katharine Docks, 50 St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1LA. Greenwich Pier, King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT. Enjoy an unforgettable Thames River cruise in London and experience panoramic views of famous London landmarks from our boats. Book with Thames River Sightseeing for a unique adventure!

  11. THE 10 BEST London Boat Rides & Cruises (from £13)

    Jet Boat Hire. 50 minutes. If you're looking for an exhilarating way to see London's riverside sights, then opt for a modern speedboat adventure on…. Recommended by 99% of travellers. from. £60. per adult. 5. River Cruise with Three Course Riverside Restaurant Dining.

  12. Thames Boat Trips From Westminster Pier with City Cruises

    Boat trips from Westminster pier allow you to experience the full City Cruises sightseeing tour along the River Thames as well as our London Dinner Cruise and Thamesjet speedboat boat ride. Westminster Tube Station - Direct connection to the pier and is on the District, Circle and Jubilee lines. N155, N381.

  13. 9 Essential London Thames River Cruises You Have to See

    Bateaux London Cruises. Attractions. Ships and boats. Victoria Embankment. Matt Freestone. A good river cruise for those who want a spot of grub while taking in the sights along the Thames ...

  14. Best City Cruises & Boat Tours in London

    London cruises and boat tours will take you on an adventure like no other. All City Tours Top Attractions Day Trips & Excursions Cruises & Boat Tours Order by ; Today ; This weekend ; Tower Millennium Pier . London: Afternoon Tea Cruise. 4.3 ... City Cruises London Tower Pier . Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal. 4.8 (5) 18 Aug ...

  15. City Cruises

    City Cruises is the No.1 sightseeing tour on the Thames! Our cruises depart every 40 minutes, every day of the week, all year round from pier locations at Westminster, London Eye, Tower of London and Greenwich. 20% off on all sightseeing cruises. Book and travel from now until 30/06/24 (*Offer period*). Valid for City Cruises London sightseeing ...

  16. Thames River Cruise With City Cruises

    Cruises depart from 4 piers: Westminster Pier, SW1A 2JH. London Eye Pier, SE1 7PB. Tower Pier, EC3N 4DT. Greenwich Pier, SE10 9HT. Please click here for City Cruises timetable. See the city as you've never imagined, travelling by boat on the River Thames. Find out how with the London river cruise from Westminster to Greenwich.

  17. The 19 Best Thames River Cruises for Sightseeing & Getting About

    Hop-On/Hop-Off. The Hop-On/Hop-Off cruise is one of City Experiences' regular sightseeing boats. This 24-hour river pass is your gateway to tourist hotspots, including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. The tour has four stops: Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, and Greenwich Pier.

  18. Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

    What time is the afternoon tea river cruise on the Thames? Boarding for the afternoon tea river cruise on the Thames starts at 15:15 and cruising at 15:30. But we recommend you should arrive 10 minutes before boarding.

  19. London: River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

    See London's famous sights on a leisurely cruise of the River Thames. The 24-hour river pass enables you to hop on and hop off for 24 hours at any of London's main destination piers, such as Westminster, Greenwich, London Eye, and the Tower. ... City Cruises Westminster Pier. Main sites passed. For reference only. Itineraries are subject to ...

  20. Which Thames River Cruises Are Best?

    Thames Jet by City Cruises. This speedboat service is managed by City Cruises and offers a similar excursion to the RIB Experience I listed above. They don't offer as many tours as their competitors, but the Thames Jet is an excellent alternative. Their Thames Rush speedboat tour is over 50 minutes.

  21. London Thames River Sightseeing Cruise with Afternoon Tea 2024

    Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London. 2,136. from $20.46. London, England. High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London. 3,437. from $77.61. London, England. Tower Bridge River Sightseeing Cruise from Westminster.

  22. Cruise & Groove: Newcastle to London

    Enjoy yourself on an overnight sailing to London where you can gather with friends and family to enjoy outstanding cuisine and amazing entertainment and groove the night away — and yes, we really do push the boat out to sea! CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS. London Tilbury A key entry point to the UK capital, is nestled along the River Thames in Essex.

  23. Thames Evening River Cruise

    Book an evening on the Thames with a range of cruises from City Experiences - London's No 1 Evening Cruise on the Thames. ... Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour; Fall Fireworks Cruise; Dining Cruises in Toronto Harbour; Toronto Harbour Tour; 1000 Islands Cruises from Gananoque; Niagara Water Power Tour;

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    Detroit, the state's largest city, ended 2023 with the fewest reported homicides in 57 years. Across Michigan, violent crime dropped 7.3% in 2022, the most recent year for which statewide data is available. ... She is set to embark Tuesday on a seven-state battleground tour with her running mate, whose identity is expected to be announced soon ...

  25. London Sightseeing Cruises

    Select Your Tickets. Explore London's top sightseeing cruises, offering an unforgettable journey through the heart of the city. Each tour includes panoramic views from open-air decks and cozy indoor saloons. Plus, you can enjoy onboard concessions, including a fully stocked bar (additional charges apply) and live commentary from our crew.