Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?

While food is not included in the ticket price, a wide range of delectable English cuisine is available for purchase onboard.

Which is the best sightseeing cruise for me?

Opt for the hop-on, hop-off cruise for flexibility and broader exploration of the city. Choose the Westminster cruise for a budget-friendly, focused tour of central London and Tower Bridge.

What's the best time of day for a Thames River sightseeing cruise?

Early morning or late afternoon cruises are less crowded and offer stunning sunrise or sunset views.

What's the best time of year for a Thames River sightseeing cruise?

Spring and summer offer the best weather, but winter cruises are quieter and provide unique festive views.

How far in advance should I book the cruise?

During peak season (June-August), book 1-2 days in advance, especially for weekend cruises. In shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October), booking a day before or on the day is usually fine. In the off-season (November-March), cruises may have fewer departures, but you should still book online a day ahead to confirm availability.

Is live commentary or an audio guide included on all sightseeing cruises?

Yes, most Thames River sightseeing cruise operators include either an entertaining live commentary from a guide or a multilingual audio guide to point out and explain the landmarks.

Is a Thames River sightseeing cruise worth it?

Absolutely. A Thames River sightseeing cruise offers the most unique and unobstructed view of London's major landmarks, providing perspectives you simply can’t get while walking or on a bus.

Is seating assigned or first-come, first-served on the Thames sightseeing cruises?

For standard Thames River sightseeing tours, seating is usually first-come, first-served. Arrive early to secure the best seats on the open top deck for optimal views.

Can I use my ticket to hop on and off the boat?

Only if you purchase a Hop-on Hop-off (HOHO) Pass. Standard one-way or return tickets are only valid for a single, continuous journey between the start and end piers.

Can I buy food and drinks on board the sightseeing boats?

Yes, all major Thames River sightseeing cruise vessels have a fully licensed bar onboard where you can purchase a range of snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

What payment methods are accepted for buying tickets?

You can buy tickets online using a credit/debit card. At the piers, most operators accept card, contactless payments, and sometimes Oyster cards (especially the Uber Boat service).

London Thames River Sightseeing Cruise Tickets

From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Lavinia

Italy

Feb 2026

‌

The London Eye is a famous attraction in London that offers amazing views of the city. From the top, you can see landmarks like Big Ben and the River Thames. The ride is smooth and relaxing, and the cabins are modern and comfortable. It’s a great experience and a perfect way to admire London

Fortunate

United Kingdom

Jan 2026

‌

I really loved how I was up there high in tge sky I faced my fear their also loved the fact that you can see everything.

Ioan-ciprian

Feb 2026

‌

Hi , This was 2nd time that i visited ,each time has wonderful , and different , amazonibg place , lots of stuff always implementing new Entertement . Looking forward for 3rd visit hehe

Evangelia

Greece

Jan 2026

‌

+2 more

Visiting Madame Tussauds London was an unforgettable experience. The wax figures looked incredibly real, the taxi ride was fun and beautiful, and the 3D cinema was the perfect ending to an amazing visit.

Anne

Feb 2026

‌

Visiting Tower Bridge was great and interesting. Great view 👌✌️ The Tower was also beautiful. But it wasn't my first visit.

Luca

Jan 2026

‌

Seeing London from the Thames is a magical experience. We were lucky that it was a beautiful day when we took the boat tour.

Isobel

United Kingdom

Jan 2026

‌

It was a really smooth entry, just scanned the tickets and we went straight through to join the queue. The london dungeons itself was absolutely amazing, and we had a brilliant time. It was my partners first visit to London. Will definitely use Headout more often. So simple and easy to use!

Marine

Jan 2026

‌

+1 more

Easy to book, and a good price! The experience itself was really enjoyable. Our hotel was next to Tower Bridge, so a visit was a must! Great views and especially fun to walk across the glass walkway (maybe scary if you're afraid of heights). A visit to the engine room was also very interesting, so definitely recommended for your visit to London!

TL;DR

Cruise options: Choose between the 1-hour cruises for quick highlights or the 2-hour detailed journey, available throughout the day, at sunset, or in the evening.
Routes: All cruises cover the central loop, sailing past key landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge. Longer tours may include docklands extensions.
Boats & seating: Enjoy views from modern vessels with large viewing windows or open decks. Seating is typically first-come, first-served.
Boarding hubs: Cruises operate from four main piers: Westminster, London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich, allowing you flexibility in where you start and end.
When to book: Sunset and weekend tickets are the most popular; always secure your ticket in advance and arrive at your pier 15–20 mins early.
Good to know: Multilingual audio commentary is common. Cruises run in light rain, and cancellation policies (24 hours) vary by ticket type.

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

Find your best Thames River sightseeing cruise here

Cruise type	Route/Sights covered	Duration	Inclusions	Seating/Boat type	Boarding point	Price
Flexible sightseeing cruise	Central London highlights (Big Ben, Tower Bridge, etc.)	Flexible Hop-on/off (24/48 hr)	Multilingual audio guide, unlimited hop-on/off access	Spacious vessel with open deck and indoor seating	Westminster/Tower/Greenwich/London Eye Waterloo Pier	From €15.84
Westminster to Greenwich cruise	Historical route covering Docklands and The O2	~1 hour (one-way)	Live or recorded commentary	Traditional riverboat with large windows	Westminster Pier	From €15.84
Westminster to Tower Bridge cruise	Quick loop of the core Westminster to Tower Bridge area	~45 mins	Live or recorded commentary	Modern vessel with viewing deck	Westminster Pier	From €15.33
Uber Boat	Fast, direct commuter service between 20+ piers	Varies (point-to-point)	Live commentary, high-speed music soundtrack, safety gear	High-speed, modern catamaran	Varies (20+ piers available)	From €10.80
Thames River speedboat tour	High-speed, high-thrill tour of central sights	~50–80 mins	Live commentary, high-speed music soundtrack, safety gear	High-speed rigid inflatable boat (RIB); all outside seating	Tower Pier	From €73.73

What to expect on a Thames River sightseeing cruise

1/6

Effortless boarding and comfort

Step aboard your Thames River sightseeing cruise at central spots like Westminster or Tower Pier. Settle into the spacious indoor lounge with panoramic windows or head up to the open-air deck for the best views.

Unmatched river views

Glide past London’s famous landmarks, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London. The unique river angle offers unbeatable Thames river sightseeing photo opportunities you can’t get on land.

Informative live commentary

Listen to live or audio commentary bringing the city's history to life. Learn the stories behind landmarks, bridges, and riverbanks, turning your journey into an engaging and informative tour.

Onboard amenities

Relax with the convenience of onboard facilities, including accessible restrooms and a licensed bar. Purchase hot drinks, cold beverages, and light snacks to enjoy while cruising, keeping the whole family comfortable.

Hop-on Hop-off freedom

Choose a Hop-on Hop-off ticket to create your perfect day. Disembark at various piers to explore attractions like the London Eye and Greenwich on foot, then reboard when you're ready.

Evening ambience

Opt for a later departure to catch the magic of the city at dusk. Witness the skyline transform as the city lights illuminate the river, offering a romantic end to your Thames river sightseeing adventure.

Things to know before booking a Thames River sightseeing cruise

Fixed vs. flexible tickets: Decide on your pace. A fixed-time ticket is for a single, non-stop one-way or round trip, perfect for a quick overview. A flexible or Hop-on Hop-off cruise offers unlimited travel between major piers, giving you maximum flexibility to combine the cruise with exploring landmarks like the Tower of London.
Routes and duration: Most Thames river sightseeing options cover the central route between Westminster and Tower Bridge (approx. 40–60 mins one-way). For a deeper experience, choose a longer cruise that extends downriver to historic Greenwich.
Daytime vs. evening sightseeing experience: A day cruise provides the best natural light for photography and clear views of all the city's landmarks. An evening sightseeing cruise offers a magical, romantic experience as the famous bridges and buildings are beautifully illuminated.
Multiple boarding points for convenience: Cruises depart from several key, centrally located piers, including Westminster, London Eye, Tower Pier, and Greenwich. Choose the pier that is closest to your other sightseeing plans to save time and minimise travel.
Audio guides for context: Nearly all dedicated Thames River sightseeing cruise experiences include live or multilingual audio commentary, allowing you to understand the history and significance of the landmarks you pass and making the journey much more engaging.
Seating is first-come, first-served: For most sightseeing cruises, seating is not assigned. Arrive early for your chosen departure time if you want the best viewing spots on the open-air upper deck or a window seat in the enclosed lower cabin.
Weather-based considerations: All large sightseeing vessels are equipped with a fully enclosed, heated main deck with large panoramic windows, ensuring you can comfortably enjoy the view and shelter from rain or cold weather. The open deck is available when the weather permits.
Combining your cruise with other attractions: Look for combo ticket options that pair your Thames River sightseeing experience with popular nearby attractions, such as the London Eye or Tower of London. This can offer a better value than purchasing tickets separately.

Your Thames River sightseeing cruise boarding points explained

How to choose your boarding point:

With multiple piers available on the Thames, it’s best to choose the one closest to your day’s plan. Westminster Pier is perfect if you’re coming from Big Ben, Tower Pier is ideal if you’ve just seen the Tower of London, and Greenwich Pier is the start for those exploring the Royal Borough.

Address: Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH

Famous for: Being the most central and busiest pier, located directly opposite the London Eye and next to Big Ben. It's the classic starting point for a Thames River Sightseeing journey

By Tube: Westminster station (Jubilee, District & Circle lines) is a 1-min walk
By bus: Stops on Parliament Square are a short walk away.
By car/taxi: Located right next to the Houses of Parliament.

Address: Lower Thames St, London EC3N 4DT

Famous for: Offering the most dramatic views of Tower Bridge as you board. This is the best pier to join or exit your cruise if you've been visiting the Tower of London or The Shard.

By Tube: Tower Hill station (District & Circle lines) is a 5-min walk.
By DLR: Tower Gateway station is a 5-min walk.
By car/taxi: Situated directly next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Address: Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB

Famous for: Proximity to major attractions, including the London Eye and the South Bank cultural venues. It is a key interchange point for City Cruises and the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

By Tube: Waterloo Station (multiple lines) is an 8-min walk across the bridge.
By bus: Numerous routes stop nearby on the South Bank.
By car/taxi: Located directly underneath the London Eye on the South Bank.

Address: King William Walk, London SE10 9HT

Famous for: Being the gateway to the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich, with easy access to the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, and the Greenwich Market. The pier marks the end of the longer Thames River Sightseeing routes.

By DLR: Cutty Sark station is a 5-min walk.
By train: Greenwich Station is a 10-min walk.
By car/taxi: Located right beside the historic Cutty Sark ship.

Plan your sightseeing cruise in London

Westminster Bridge and Big Ben illuminated at night on the Thames River, London, UK.

Thames River sightseeing: Daily, from 10am to 6pm.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: Early morning to late evening, varying by route and day (Mon–Fri has extended hours).

Departures occur approximately every 30 to 40 mins from major piers. During peak season, services are more frequent. Always check the live timetable on the operator's website before arriving at the pier.

Best time to sail:

The late afternoon (4pm–5pm) offers beautiful golden hour light for photos and is generally less crowded than midday.
The shoulder seasons (May/June and September/October) provide pleasant weather and manageable crowds.

Detailed timings

Passengers enjoying a Thames cruise with views of London buildings.

All vessels on a Thames River sightseeing cruise are designed for comfort and safety:

Comfort: All boats feature heated interior cabins with panoramic windows for comfortable cruising in any weather.
Seating: Ample seating is available on both the lower indoor deck and the open-air upper deck for the best views and fresh air.
Essentials: Onboard restrooms are available on all major sightseeing vessels.
Food & drink: Most cruises feature a fully licensed bar selling tea, coffee, soft drinks, and a selection of snacks and alcoholic beverages.

Wheelchair access sign indicating barrier-free entry.

Accessibility varies, so it is crucial to check before booking, especially for the Thames River sightseeing cruise:

Piers: Most major piers (Westminster, Tower, Greenwich) are step-free and wheelchair accessible via ramps. Note that the gradient of these ramps can be steep at low tide.
Boats: Most modern sightseeing vessels offer wheelchair access to the lower deck and designated spaces. Some older boats or upper decks may not be accessible.
Assistance: Crew members are available to provide assistance during boarding and disembarking for travellers with reduced mobility.

Most cruise boats have both indoor and outdoor seating with two-by-two seats.

Snap away: Interested in photography? The top deck is your golden spot. With nothing in your way, it's perfect for capturing stunning shots of Big Ben and other historic sites.
Rain, no problem: Don't worry about the weather! Many cruises have covered seats on the top deck, so you can enjoy the sights, rain or shine, while staying dry.
Indoor comfort: Would you prefer a cosy indoor seat? Settle near the large windows in the saloon. It's warm and comfy, and it still gives you great views of London's landmarks, minus the wind!

Tips & guidelines for your Thames River sightseeing cruise

Best views are from the middle: To capture all major landmarks (like the London Eye and Tower Bridge), aim for a spot on the open top deck in the middle of the boat. This central position allows you to quickly pivot for views on either bank during your Thames River sightseeing journey.
Optimal time for photos: For the best lighting, book a cruise in the late afternoon (2pm–4pm). The low sun provides a warm glow and avoids the harsh, direct light of midday, which can wash out your pictures of the city skyline.
Capture the sunset silhouette: Thames River sightseeing offers unbeatable photo opportunities. Try to time your cruise for sunset to capture the London Eye silhouetted against a glowing sky, or use a longer exposure setting to create light trails from passing river traffic.
Embrace the moody weather: Don't let a grey sky deter you! A gentle drizzle and dramatic clouds create a unique, moody backdrop for your London photos. Slip into your raincoat and grab the top deck; you'll find fewer crowds and might get the whole deck to yourself for some peaceful Thames River sightseeing.
Prepare for chilly winds: Even on a sunny day, the breeze on the river can be cold, especially on the top deck or during your Thames River sightseeing cruise. Always bring an extra layer or a light jacket to stay comfortable while enjoying the open air.
Download the audio guide: The commentary, whether live or recorded, is essential for understanding what you are seeing. Download any provided audio guide app before you board, as the mobile data signal can occasionally be patchy on the water.
Use your travel card for discounts: Be smart with your existing tickets! If you have a Travelcard or a Freedom Pass, be sure to ask about a discount when purchasing your cruise ticket; many operators offer a reduced rate when you present it.
Weekday advantage: It's simple math: weekdays equal fewer crowds! Hop on a weekday cruise and enjoy a peaceful vibe with less hustle. This gives you more space on the open deck to soak in those iconic Thames River sightseeing views without the weekend rush.
Choose a strategic starting point: For the best flow to your day, start your cruise at either end: Westminster or, even better, Greenwich. Greenwich offers a lively, less hectic start, allowing you to explore sites like the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory before boarding.

Other types of Thames River cruises

Thames River lunch cruise

Great for those who want a scenic lunch experience while sightseeing. It is also ideal for families or groups who want a fulfilling meal.

Book Thames lunch cruises

Thames River Afternoon Tea cruise

Ideal for those who want a quintessentially British experience with charming views. It is the best option for celebrations or a relaxing afternoon outing.

Book Afternoon Tea cruises

Thames River evening cruise

Good for couples seeking a romantic dinner with a view or friends looking for an evening out with scenic city lights and entertainment (live music, DJs).

Book Thames evening cruises

Thames River dinner cruise

Perfect for couples celebrating something special, friends after a memorable night, or anyone who just loves amazing views with a side of delicious food!

Book Thames dinner cruise

Frequently Asked Questions about Thames River sightseeing cruises

Daytime cruises are best for clear photos and seeing landmarks in detail. Evening cruises offer a romantic atmosphere with the city's illuminated skyline, perfect for a different kind of Thames River sightseeing.