Thames River Getting There | Directions, Transport & Tips

Getting to the Thames River: Time and distance

The Thames River is the central artery of London and its main transport network. Since the river flows through the entire city, your starting point will depend on the landmark you wish to visit. The most popular way to access and travel the River Thames is via its extensive network of River Bus services and sightseeing piers.

Underground (Tube): Many piers are a short walk from Tube stations (e.g., Westminster Pier → Westminster Station, Tower Pier → Tower Hill Station).
River Bus: Use the frequent Uber Boat by Thames Clippers service to travel along the River Thames, connecting 24 different piers between Putney and Barking Riverside.
Walking: The Thames Path National Trail runs along the riverbanks, offering continuous pedestrian access for a Thames River experience.

Recommended tour: Hop-on, Hop-off Thames River cruise (A ticket grants all-day access to sightseeing boats, allowing you to easily visit multiple riverside landmarks on the Thames River at your own pace).

Accessibility: Most River Bus boats and major piers are fully wheelchair accessible. However, Cadogan Pier, London Bridge City Pier, and Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier may have restricted access due to steepness at low tide.

Thames River cruises

Getting around London to see every riverside landmark can be a logistical headache involving crowded Tube lines, multiple bus transfers, and lots of walking. Opting for a cruise is the ideal way of getting around the River Thames while enjoying the journey!

Skip the street crowds: Avoid the congested Underground and street traffic. The river offers a quick, clean, and scenic route right through the heart of the city.
See every major landmark at once: A cruise offers unparalleled views of Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower of London without having to walk between them.
Effortless sightseeing: Many tours offer live or audio commentary, providing historical context about the Thames River and its surroundings that you would miss sightseeing on your own.
Perfect photo opportunities: Get unique, unobstructed pictures of iconic bridges like Tower Bridge as you sail directly beneath them, a view simply impossible from the streets.
Flexible access: Hop-On, Hop-Off passes allow you to use the boat as transport, letting you disembark at key piers (like Westminster, Tower, or Greenwich) to explore attractions at your own pace.

Top Thames River cruise options

Thames Sightseeing Cruise with Flexible Time and Departure Pier

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Thames Sightseeing Cruise from Westminster to Greenwich

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Thames Sightseeing Cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge

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Thames River Uber Boat Trip

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By rail/Tube

Travelling by National Rail and London Underground is the most efficient and budget-friendly way, as major piers are located a short walk away.

Westminster Pier: Tube: Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle Lines); rail: London Charing Cross (National Rail)
Tower Pier: Tube/DLR: Tower Hill (District, Circle Line)/Tower Gateway (DLR); rail: London Fenchurch Street
London Eye/Waterloo Pier: Tube/rail: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City Lines + National Rail)
Greenwich Pier: Rail/DLR: Greenwich (National Rail)/Cutty Sark (DLR)

Duration: Central London train/tube journeys are typically 5–20 mins.
Frequency: London Underground (Tube) and Overground services run every few minutes. National Rail frequency depends on the line.

Ticketing tip:

The simplest method is to use a contactless debit/credit card or an Oyster Card (Pay As You Go) for all Tube, DLR, and most London rail journeys.

By bus

Bus travel is an affordable way to get close to the attractions along the Thames River, but patience is essential as London traffic can be heavy. Most major central London piers (like Westminster, Tower, and the London Eye) are served by dozens of bus routes originating from all parts of the city.

Key stops: Look for routes ending near the river (e.g., bus numbers 11, 24, 88).
Travel time: 30-mins (45-60+ mins during peak hours or weekends)
Fare: Single adult bus fare is £1.75. Payment is contactless (bank card, mobile device, or Oyster card); cash is not accepted.
Frequency: Every 5–15 mins throughout the day
Best for: Budget travellers, and connecting to locations not on a Tube line
Cons: Significantly slower than the Tube or River Bus, with unpredictable travel times due to congestion

By car

Routes: Via A4, A40, M4, M25 (Central London)
Drive time: 2+ hours from outside London to the centre
Parking: Extremely scarce & costly. Parking near central Thames River attractions (like Westminster) is limited to expensive multi-story car parks (£5-£10+ per hour, £35+ for the day).
Traffic: Congestion is severe year-round. Factor in the Congestion Charge and ULEZ fees for driving in central London.

Driving to the central Thames River area is discouraged due to heavy traffic, mandatory charges, and high parking costs. However, a car is great for exploring the Upper Thames River. The freedom of self-driving lets you discover smaller villages and scenic stretches of the Thames River Path that are poorly served by public transport. Always budget for fuel, tolls on major roads, and local parking fees when planning your route.

Compare your options

Mode	Duration	Cost	Best for	Key notes
River Bus (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers)	20–50 mins (e.g., London Eye Pier to Greenwich)	From £5.90 (Oyster/Contactless)	Commuters, fast transport, clear view photography.	Fastest river travel. Accepts Oyster/Contactless (cheaper than the ticket office). No guided commentary.
Tube/Train (London Underground/TfL Rail)	5–20 mins (Station to riverside attraction)	£2.70–£6.70 (Single journey with Oyster/Contactless)	Speed, all-weather travel, and getting to specific piers quickly.	London Bridge, Westminster, Tower Hill, and Canary Wharf stations are all great starting points for Thames River cruises.
Bus	Varies greatly with traffic (30–60+ mins)	£1.75 (Single journey with Oyster/Contactless)	Budget travel, local experience, and getting to less-central sections of the Thames River.	Great for linking different parts of the city. Use the £5.25 Daily Cap for unlimited bus travel.
Walking/Thames Path	Flexible	Free	Photographers, budget travellers, and for seeing hidden spots along the Thames River.	The Thames Path runs along both banks, allowing you to walk right past famous attractions and piers.

Things to do on the Thames River

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Central London landmarks

The ultimate way to experience the Thames River. It offers unparalleled views of the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Tower of London from the water.

Thames Path National Trail

This long-distance footpath follows the Thames River for 184 miles from its source in the Cotswolds all the way to the Thames Barrier. It's the longest riverside walk in Europe.

Hampton Court Palace

This Tudor palace, once home to Henry VIII, sits right on the upper Thames River. It offers historical exhibits, the famous maze, and beautifully manicured riverside gardens.

Thames Barrier

A masterpiece of modern civil engineering, this is the world's second-largest movable flood barrier. It protects London from tidal surges from the North Sea.

Greenwich maritime heritage

Right by the Thames River estuary, you can explore the historic Cutty Sark ship, the Royal Observatory, and the National Maritime Museum, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Mudlarking on the foreshore

On the tidal stretches of the Thames River in London, you can search the exposed riverbed at low tide for historical artefacts for a truly unique archaeological experience (requires a permit).

Suggested itinerary for Thames River exploration

St Paul's Cathedral viewed from Millennium Bridge, London, part of Golden Tours 24Hrs Hop On Hop Off.

Begin your exploration by tackling the Thames River via a River Bus or sightseeing cruise from Westminster Pier. This scenic journey glides past landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and St Paul's Cathedral. Hop off at the Tower of London to explore this historic castle, which has guarded the river for nearly 1,000 years.
Instead of a cruise, you can also walk the South Bank for great views and street entertainment, then cross the Millennium Bridge to reach St Paul's Cathedral.

Afternoon tea with scones and pastries at Westminster Abbey tour.

Have a relaxed meal near the river. The Borough Market (near London Bridge) offers incredible food choices, or you can find a classic riverside pub on the South Bank for traditional fish and chips while watching the river traffic go by on the River Thames.
For an upper-class experience, book an Afternoon Tea cruise for a unique view and meal combined on the Thames River.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers on the River Thames with London skyline.

After lunch, walk across Tower Bridge and explore the Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn about its history and engineering.
For a modern counterpoint, take a quick trip on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers further east to see the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, showcasing the Thames River's modern commercial role.
If you prefer history over skyscrapers, head upstream on the train to visit the National Trust's Old Deer Park or Kew Gardens, which border the non-tidal Thames River.

The evening is the best time for getting back to central London on the Thames, as the city’s nine central bridges are illuminated as part of the "Illuminated River" art project. Consider a dinner cruise or simply walk along the Embankment to see the sights glowing against the night sky.
Catch a performance at the National Theatre or Shakespeare’s Globe on the South Bank before heading home.

Handy tips

Best time to visit the Central Thames: For the best photos and to avoid the biggest crowds at piers like Westminster and Tower Bridge, aim for the shoulder seasons (late April, May, and September). A river cruise at dusk offers spectacular views of the illuminated skyline, but book this popular time slot well in advance.
Use a day pass: If you plan on taking multiple trips on the river, purchasing an unlimited one-day hop-on, hop-off ticket for the River Bus services (like the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers) is an excellent way to get around the Thames River and navigate between London landmarks, at a substantial saving compared to single fares.
Seasonal insight for the Upper Thames: If you're exploring the non-tidal areas (like Henley, Reading, or Oxford), some boat and ferry services have limited operations or cease completely outside the main boating season of April to October. Always check the local lock and boat schedules before planning a trip.
Check tide times: The tidal stretch of the Thames River in London rises and falls by up to seven meters! For experiences like mudlarking or simply walking along the foreshore (which can be restricted), ensure you check the Port of London Authority's tide tables for safety and access.
Tip for the Thames Path: While the entire trail is a National Path, sections, especially in rural areas, can become muddy and slippery, particularly in winter. Pack appropriate, sturdy footwear to ensure a pleasant walk.

Frequently Asked Questions about getting to the Thames River

What are the operating hours for the piers?

Operating hours may vary depending on the pier and the season. Most Thames River piers operate throughout the day, starting from 10am to 6pm.

Is parking available near the piers?

Parking near central London piers can be limited and expensive. Using public transport is generally the most convenient option.

Are the piers accessible by public transport?

Yes, all three piers mentioned (Westminster, Tower, Greenwich) are well-served by public transport options like the Underground, DLR, and buses.

Do I need to book Thames River boat tickets in advance?

You do not strictly need to book your Thames River boat tickets in advance for the regular River Bus service, as you can pay on the day using a contactless card, Oyster card, or at a pier ticket office/machine. However, for a more structured sightseeing experience on the Thames River, it is recommended to book in advance.

Can I buy tickets for the cruise at the pier?

Yes, but it's recommended to pre-book your tickets online, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.

Are there restrooms at the piers?

Yes, most major piers have public restroom facilities available.

What’s the cheapest way to get to the Thames River attractions?

The cheapest way to travel on the Thames River itself is by using the River Bus service operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and paying with a contactless card or an Oyster card on a single journey, which offers a lower rate compared to buying a paper ticket. If you have a Travelcard loaded on your Oyster card, you get an additional one-third discount on the Thames River Bus fare. For those looking to save money on the Thames River experience, remember that Oyster card journeys do not count towards the daily cap, and you cannot top up your Oyster card at River Bus piers, so plan your credit in advance.

What’s the fastest way to get around the Thames River?

The fastest way to travel along the River Thames is via the River Bus service, operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. These boats are designed for efficient commuting and offer fast, frequent, and reliable transport across the capital. For example, a trip from Tower to Greenwich is approximately 20-23 mins.

Is a guided cruise of the Thames River worth it?

Yes, a dedicated guided cruise of the Thames River is worth it, especially for first-time visitors or those who want historical context and entertainment. Guided Thames River sightseeing cruises often feature live, informative commentary from a guide or multi-language audio guides, giving you details about the landmarks you pass.

Can I drive myself to see the Thames River attractions?

You can drive to certain towns and areas along the Thames River, particularly outside of central London (like Windsor, Reading, or Henley), where the river's attractions are accessible by road. However, driving to see attractions along the central London stretch of the Thames River is generally not recommended due to heavy traffic, expensive parking, and London's congestion charges.