Buy Thames River Cruise Tickets
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City Sightseeing 24/48-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour of London
- Explore London at your own pace as you hop on and hop off unlimited times with your hop-on hop-off pass.
- Get access to 3 routes and over 31 stops covering the entire city with an Iconic 1-day pass, or an Essential 24 or 48-hour HOHO pass.
- The cherry on top with the Essential tickets? Enjoy a one-way cruise on the River Thames, from Westminster to the Tower Pier.
- Learn more about the locations you pass through a multilingual audio guide, available in 11 languages on board. Additionally, get access to a self-guided Royal London Tour available in English with both passes.
- Some popular stops on your hop-on hop-off route include the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Queen Elizabeth Gate, Piccadilly Circus, and more.
Inclusions
Iconic Pass
- 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Audio guide in 11 languages
- Vidi Guides self-guided Royal London tour
Essential Pass
- 24/48-hr hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Audio guide in 11 languages
- One-way river cruise between Westminster Pier & Tower Pier
- 5 award-winning self-guided walking tours of London with 48-hr ticket
Red Route
- First bus: 8:25am from stop #8 (Westminster Bridge), 8:44am from stop #7 (Tower Hill), 8:44am from stop #11 (Buckingham Palace Gate) & 9:03am from stop #18 (Haymarket)
- Last bus: 4:10pm, 5:40pm & 6:40pm from stop #1 (Belvedere Road)
- Popular stops: Grosvenor Gardens, London Bridge, Westminster Bridge, Haymarket & Tower Hill
Blue Route
- Get off at stop #15 (Queen Elizabeth Gate, Hyde Park), stop #16 (Marble Arch, Speakers Corner) & stop #17 (Marble Arch, Park Lane) to hop onto the blue route.
- Popular stops: Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, Kensington Road, Queen Elizabeth Gate (Hyde Park) & Knightsbridge
Green Shuttle Service
- First bus: 8:55am from stop #22 (Woburn Place) & 9:17am from stop # 1(Belvedere Road)
- Last bus: 3:55pm from stop #22 (Woburn Place) & 4:17pm from stop #1 (Belvedere Road)
- Popular stops: Lancaster Place, Southamptom Row, Bedford Way & Aldwych (One Aldwych Hotel)
Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.
Thames River Cruise
- First cruise at 10:05am from Westminster Pier & Tower Pier
- Last cruise at 6:20pm from Westminster Pier & Tower Pier
- Frequency: every 45 mins
- Tip: Hop off at Buckingham Palace and visit the state rooms and gardens. Also, stay behind to watch the Changing of the Guards Ceremony.
- Facilities: Audio guide, Open top bus.
- Audio commentary for the bus tour is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
- On May 6, Sat, there will be no service due to the coronation.
- Stop 4 (Bank) & stop 10 (Horseferry Road) are closed until further notice.
- Due to ongoing roadworks in the Woburn Place area, stop 22 is temporarily closed. The nearest pick-up point is at Stop B, Southampton Row.
- Stop 11 (Buckingham Palace) is closed every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11am to 12pm due to the Changing of the Guards.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Westminster To Greenwich River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
- Take the scenic route from Westminster to Greenwich by hopping onboard this River Thames cruise.
- Tune in to an engaging WiFi audio guide (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin) as you enjoy the cruise.
- See the iconic monuments of London such as the London Eye, Tower of London, The Shard, and many more.
- Choose between a one-way trip or a round trip to enjoy more time onboard.
Inclusions
- River Thames sightseeing cruise tickets (one way or round trip from Westminster to Greenwich)
- WiFi audio guide (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin)
This ticket has the following options that you can choose from:
- One Way - Westminster to Greenwich
- Round Trip - Westminster to Greenwich and Back
- You will need a smartphone to access the live audio commentary.
- Please note that the exact cruise times might vary.
- At Westminster Pier go directly to the boarding point B.
- At Greenwich Pier board from the right-hand side of the pier.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Big Bus London: 24/48-Hr Hop-On-Hop-Off + Cruise
- Enjoy a hassle-free experience in London with this unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass with the option of choosing between a Discover, Essential, and Explore HOHO pass.
- With 3 different routes available on all passes and over 35 stops located near distinct stops, hop on or off at your leisure.
- What's more? Get access to walking tours like a 90-minute Royal Walk or Little Legs Kid’s walking tour, and a one-way river cruise with your ticket.
- Pick up interesting facts about some of the attractions through the onboard commentary, available in 12 languages.
- Some of the popular stops on your route include the London Eye, Kensington Palace, Tower Bridge, and Madame Tussauds.
Inclusions
Discover Pass: 24-Hours
- 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
- Audio guide in 12 languages
- Hop-on hop-off map of London
Essential Pass: 48-Hours
- 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
- Audio guide in 12 languages
- 3 guided walking tours of Changing of the Guard, City of London & Jack the Ripper
- 1-way river cruise
- Hop-on hop-off map of London
Explore Pass: 48-Hours
- 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
- Audio guide in 12 languages
- 3 guided walking tours of Changing of the Guard, City of London & Jack the Ripper
- 1-way river cruise
- London evening tour
- Hop-on hop-off map of London
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Meals
- Hotel pick-up/drop-off
- Attraction entrances
Red Route
- First bus: 8am from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
- Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
- Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge & Big Ben
Blue Route
- First bus: 8am from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
- Last bus: 6pm from stop #4 (Marble Arch)
- Popular stops: Kensington Palace, Harrods, Notting Hill & Paddington Station Complete
Green Route
- First bus: 8:45am from stop #13 (Covent Garden)
- Last bus: 7pm from stop #37 (Woburn)
- Popular stops: Kings Cross Station, St. Pancras Station, British Museum & Temple Underground Station.
Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.
Royal Walk
- Departure points: Green Park Underground (stop #1) & Trafalgar Square (stop #8)
- Timings: Daily, at 10am
Little Legs Kids Tour
- Departure point: Westminster Pier (stop #18)
- Timings: Every weekend, 27-31 May (daily), and July & August at 2pm
Cruise Details
- Boarding points: Tower Pier (near stop #17), Greenwich Pier, Westminster Pier (near stop #19), or London Eye Pier (near stops #12 & 13)
- Frequency: approx. every 50 mins.
- Tip: Visit the Covent Square Market, the most popular market in London for jewelry, antiques, or a souvenir of your trip as the merchandise changes every day.
- Facilities: Wheelchair accessibility, pre-recorded commentary.
- The pre-recorded commentary is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
- The live commentary is available in English, only on the red route.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Golden Tours: London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Explore the best of London with maximum flexibility as you hop on and off unlimited times with this hop-on hop-off bus pass.
- Choose between a 1-day, 24, 48, or 72-hour pass with 4 dedicated routes and over 70 stops, available every 5 to 10 minutes.
- The 24, 48, or 72-hour passes include a free royal walking tour, Beatles London walking tour, and a boat ride on the River Thames.
- Enjoy panoramic views of London from the open-topped deck of these double-decker buses with free-wifi, a 3D treasure-hunting game, a live English-speaking guide available on the blue route, and an audio guide available in 11 different languages across all routes.
- Some of the iconic stops include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben.
Inclusions
- 1 Day/24hr/48hr/72hr Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Pass
- Live English-speaking Guide
- Audioguide in 11 languages
- Free Wifi
- 3D Treasure Hunt Game
- One mobility impairment access seating per bus
- Complimentary walking tour (as per option selected)
- Free Cruise on River Thames (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Entrance tickets to attractions
- Additional Gratuities
Yellow Route
- The first bus is at 8:10am from opposite Hilton London Kensington, Holland Park Avenue, Bus Stop HJ, and the last bus is at 10:10pm.
- Frequency: every 20 mins.
- Popular stops: Bayswater Road, Notting Hill, and Holland Park.
Blue Route
- The first bus is at 9am from Victoria and the last bus is at 5pm (Apr to Oct) and 4:30pm (Nov to Mar)
- Frequency: Approx every 20 to 30 mins.
- Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge & St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Red Route
- The first bus is at 10am from Hyde Park and the last bus is at 5pm.
- Frequency: Approx every 20 to 30 mins.
- Popular stops: Tower of London, London Eye, Tower Bridge & London’s Museum District.
Orange Route
- The first bus is at 10am from Lambeth Palace and the last bus is at 5pm.
- Frequency: Approx every 20 to 30 mins.
- Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, Paddington, Marble Arch, Madame Tussauds, Kings Cross & St. Pauls Cathedral.
Complimentary Walking Tours
Available with the 24/48/72 hour Tickets
Free Hop-on-Hop-off Thames Boat Tour – Lilac Route
- The first boat departs at 11am from Westminster Pier.
- Frequency: every 30 mins.
- Popular stops: Parliament Square & St. James’ Palace
Royal Walking Tour
- The tour departs from GTVC – Leicester Square every day at 10am.
- The tour is for 2 hours and the return point is Westminster Abbey.
Beatles London Walking Tour
- The tour departs from GTVC – Leicester Square every day at 1pm.
- The tour is for 2 hours.
Please click here and here for the detailed route map and boarding points.
- Tip: At Big Ben, visit the Prison Room which is accessible from the House of Commons and is currently occupied by the Petitions Committee.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi.
- The walking tours are available in English only.
- The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Hindi, Korean, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese & Mandarin Chinese.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combo: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers + London Cable Car Tickets
- With this fantastic combo, view London's most notable attractions by cruising along the River Thames and also enjoy a ride on the London Cable Car with breathtaking views of the city.
- This is a smooth and hassle-free experience that allows you experience London by both water and air.
- Choose a cruise ticket that allows you to move from pier to pier of your choice or one that allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off across 23 piers.
- Some significant sites you'll see along the river include the Houses Of Parliament, Globe Theatre, Tower of London, the O2 Arena, and London's Bridges.
- On the London Cable Car, glide over the cityscape and take in the city from an aerial viewpoint.
- Just under 300 feet, it's the highest observation point over the River Thames and gives you sensational views of the city's iconic skyline and attractions like Canary Wharf, St Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, and more.
- This experience also includes an admission ticket to the Emirates Aviation Experience.
- Please keep in mind that a printed copy of your mobile ticket must be displayed at the boarding point along with a valid photo ID.
Inclusions
- River Thames cruise ticket: One Way, Round Trip, or River Roamer (optional)
- London Cable Car Ticket
Exclusions
- Attraction tickets and visits
Choose between the following variants:
- One Way Cruise + Cable Car Ticket
- Roundtrip Cruise + Cable Car Ticket
- River Roamer + Cable Car Ticket
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Enjoy a 2-hour cruise on the Thames during the sunset which offers the best views of the city at the best times of the day.
- Check out the prominent landmarks of the city from the water including the London Eye, Big Ben, London Bridge and more.
- Relish a selection of delicious canapes and sparkling wine as you relax on the Thames evening cruise.
- Head indoors and witness the breathtaking cityscape while enjoying a live pop, rock, swing, or funk performance.
- Please note: Children aged 13 and under are not allowed on the cruise.
Inclusions
- 2-hour evening cruise on the Thames
- Sparkling wine or soft drink on arrival
- A selection of cold canapés served throughout the evening
- Live music performances on board
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Harry Potter Film Locations Guided Tour + Thames Boat Cruise
- This 2.5 hour guided tour guarantees to amuse and inspire Potterheads of all ages as you explore several iconic film locations, immortalized by the 8 series Harry Potter franchise.
- Take a stroll on the real Diagon Alley, purchase your first wand, take great photos at Platform 9 ¾, visit Daniel Radcliffe's School, the 900-year-old Clink Prison and so much more!
- Live your wizarding dreams with immersive and interactive commentary provided by your fellow Harry Potter enthusiast guide, as well as quizzes and your own sorting ceremony.
- End your tour with a Thames Boat Cruise and cross under the bridge that was destroyed by the Death Eaters in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
- This guided tour is available in a variety of languages, i.e. English, French, German and Italian.
Inclusions
- 2.5 hour guided tour of all HP film locations.
- Services of a professional guide (Available in English, French, German, Italian).
- Thames River Cruise.
- Infants aged 3 years and below do not require a ticket for this tour.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Crown Jewels of London Tour with River Cruise
- Uncover London's rich history with exclusive access to St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London, and thereafter take a cruise down River Thames.
- Delve into St. Paul's Cathedral's magnificent architecture, and explore its seven chapels, crypt, and interiors guided by an expert to enrich your experience.
- At the Tower of London, learn about its 900-year history, marvel at the world-famous Crown Jewels, and get a glimpse of royal life, prisons, and even executions that took place within its walls.
- Don't miss this unique opportunity to uncover the stories and treasures hidden within these landmarks, gaining insights only available through this experience.
- After all your exploring, treat yourself to a relaxing river cruise on the Thames.
Inclusions
- Expert guide
- WiFi on-board
- Personal audio headset
- Superior coach USB charging on-board
- Entry and guided tour of St. Paul's Cathedral
- Entry and guided tour of the Tower of London
- River cruise between Tower and Westminster Pier
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Lunch
- Tip: St Paul’s Cathedral is a working church, it is possible to attend a private prayer or take part in the more popular Evensong.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Enjoy an afternoon cruise along the River Thames and take in breathtaking views of London from the waters.
- The friendly staff on board the cruise will serve up a delicious two-course lunch for your culinary pleasure.
- Gasp in awe as you enjoy the 360-degree view of the river from the deck.
- Cruise past various well-known sights including the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and gain a different perspective on them from the waters.
Inclusions
- Admission to the cruise
- 2-course meal
- Live or recorded commentary
Exclusions
- Transportation to the pier
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Ultimate London Experience Speedboat Tour
- Gear up to see the sights of London like never before in this speedboat tour along the River Thames.
- The original sightseeing Thames cruise in London where it all began, this popular experience includes the most iconic attractions of the city.
- From a waterfront view, you’ll see sights like the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, and more.
- Enjoy the speed and rush of the tour as you zoom through the river at almost 35mph!
- Both your skipper and hand-picked tour guide will not only guide you about London’s history and culture (in a humorous way!) but will also ensure that you have a safe time.
Inclusions
- 50-minute speedboat tour
- Professional skipper
- Expert English speaking comedy guide
- Lifejackets
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Meal inclusions
- Gratuities
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Types of Thames River Cruises
Sightseeing Cruises
Most-Popular
Go on a Thames river sightseeing cruise and marvel at London's iconic landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the Shard. Some sightseeing cruises also provide audio guides or live commentary for an informative experience.
Recommended Tours:
Lunch Cruises
Sightseeing + Lunch
Combine sightseeing with a delicious meal as you enjoy a Thames River Lunch Cruise. Savor a delightful selection of dishes while taking in the stunning views of London's skyline.
Recommended Tours:
Dinner Cruises
Romantic | Ideal for Couples
For a truly romantic evening, opt for a Thames River Dinner Cruise. Indulge in a gourmet meal accompanied by live music and entertainment, while the city lights sparkle around you.
Recommended Tours:
Combo Cruises
Budget Friendly
Thames River Combo Cruises provide a cost-effective, immersive experience, combining popular London attractions with a scenic river journey, perfect for tourists seeking an all-inclusive, memorable adventure.
Recommended Tours:
Combo: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers + London Cable Car Tickets
Know Before you go on a Seine River Cruise
Looking for a Quick Tour?
Enjoy a Thames River Cruise that offers flexible boarding times and ticket validity, allowing you to plan your London vacation with ease.
Duration: 1 to 2 Hours
Operating Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM
When Would you Like to Visit?
Thames River Cruises operate throughout the day, from morning to evening. Check the specific cruise timings when booking to ensure it fits your schedule.
Thames River Cruise Operating Hours:
Want to Enjoy Food and Drinks on your Cruise?
Opt for a lunch or dinner cruise to pair your sightseeing experience with a delightful culinary adventure. Enjoy a range of dishes, from casual fare to gourmet cuisine, as you cruise along the Thames River.
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Ticket Prices Starting from £11.50
Thames River Cruise tickets start at £11.50 for a basic sightseeing cruise, with more elaborate dining and themed cruise options available at higher price points.
Discover the Thames River
The Thames River, flowing through southern England and the heart of London, is a defining feature of the city. As you embark on a Thames River Cruise, you'll witness the seamless blend of historic and modern architecture lining the riverbanks. The river has been an essential part of London's history, culture, and development, making a Thames River Cruise an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of the city.
Things to See on a Thames River Cruise
Left Bank: Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Palace of Westminster, The Shard, Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe.
Right Bank: Tower Bridge, London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, HMS Belfast, Canary Wharf.
Things to See on a Thames River Cruise
Plan Your Thames River Cruise Experience
Thames River Cruise timings vary based on the specific cruise experience you choose. Generally, sightseeing cruises operate throughout the day, with the first cruise departing in the morning and the last cruise in the evening. Check your tickets for exact details.
Audio guides or live commentary are typically included in sightseeing cruise experiences. However, they may not be available on cruises, so make sure you opt for a guided cruise.
Yes, night cruises are available on the Thames River. You can also opt for dinner cruises, which offer a magical evening experience.
Thames River lunch cruise timings vary depending on the specific cruise you choose. Most cruises operate daily, with boarding times around noon or early afternoon.
A Thames River lunch cruise typically includes a delicious meal, with a variety of menu options to choose from, as well as stunning views of London's iconic landmarks along the riverbanks.
Entertainment options on Thames River lunch cruises may include live music, themed events, or interactive experiences, depending on the specific cruise you select.
Thames River dinner cruises usually operate daily, with boarding times in the early evening. Check your tickets for specific timings.
A Thames River dinner cruise typically includes a gourmet meal, with a range of menu options to cater to different tastes, as well as live entertainment and breathtaking views of London's skyline illuminated at night.
Thames River dinner cruises often feature live music, performances, or themed events to enhance your dining experience. It can vary depending on the cruise you choose.
The best time to take a Thames River Cruise is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
The average temperature in London ranges from lows of 36°F (2°C) during winter months to highs of 74°F (23°C) during the summer.
London can be windy at times, with average wind speeds ranging from 7 to 15 mph (11 to 24 kph) depending on the season.
Most Thames River Cruises have multiple boarding points, such as Westminster Pier, Tower Pier, or Greenwich Pier. Please refer to your tickets for specific boarding point information.
Start Point: Westminster Pier
Cruise along the Thames River past iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Houses of Parliament before reaching Tower Pier.
Intermediate Point: Tower Pier
From Tower Pier, enjoy views of the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, and The Shard as you continue your journey down the river.
End Point: Greenwich Pier
As you approach Greenwich Pier, take in the sights of the Old Royal Naval College, the Cutty Sark, and the Royal Observatory, which are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some cruises may have additional stops or follow different routes, so it's essential to check your specific cruise itinerary for details.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thames River Cruises
There are several Thames river cruises in London such as sightseeing, lunch, dinner, combo cruises, afternoon tea cruises, and more.
Sightseeing cruises are popular in London because they offer a unique perspective of the city’s best attractions from the River Thames.
Thames River Cruises duration varies with each cruise, with sightseeing cruises typically lasting 1 to 2 hours, while lunch and dinner cruises may last up to 3 hours.
Some sightseeing cruises include multilingual audio guides. There are also cruise options that include a professional tour guide to provide valuable insights.
Thames River cruises depart from Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Tower Bridge Quay and Greenwich Pier.
The best family-friendly Thames river cruise is the evening cruise, offering entertaining commentary, spacious boats, and flexible hop-on hop-off options. Kids love their themed events and onboard activities.
The Thames Dinner Cruise is perfect for couples who want to spend a romantic evening in London.
Cancellation policies for Thames river cruises vary depending on the type of cruise you opt for. While certain cruise tickets provide a refund if cancellations are made within the specified time frame, others might not permit cancellations, amendments, or refunds.
The most value-for-money Thames river cruise is the Big Bus London: Hop-On-Hop-Off + Cruise, offering unlimited hop-on hop-off access to multiple destinations and a one-way river cruise, at an affordable price for a full day of exploration.
Thames River Cruises is a family-friendly activity, suitable for children of all ages. However, it's essential to supervise young children at all times during the cruise.
Yes, Thames River Cruises offers vegetarian and vegan diets. They have an evolving, seasonal menu that offers a range of options to suit all tastes and preferences.
Pets are generally not allowed on Thames River Cruises, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.
The best time of the year to go on a Thames River cruise is between late spring and early autumn (May to September), when the weather is generally warmer, sunnier, and more pleasant for outdoor sightseeing.
Yes, there are wheelchair-friendly Thames river cruises available. Wheelchair accessible piers include Battersea Power Station Pier across the river from Cadogan, Bankside Pier for London Bridge City and Putney or Plantation Wharf Pier for Wandsworth Riverside Quarter.