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Thames River cruise timings: River Bus & sightseeing schedules

Thames River cruise timings and schedules

Uber Boat on Thames River passing Westminster Palace, London.

River Bus

Departures: 5:30am–11:30pm (weekdays); 8:10am–11:45pm (weekends)

Frequency: Every 10–20 mins (Peak hours); Every 20–30 mins (Off-peak)

The Central Zone (between Westminster and Canary Wharf) has the highest frequency. Services run year-round, except for major holidays like Christmas. Timings are route-dependent; check the specific pier schedule for precise timings.

Tower Bridge over the River Thames in London during a city tour.

Sightseeing cruise

Departures: 10am–7pm (Apr–Oct); 10am–5pm (Nov–Mar)

Frequency: Every 30–40 mins (Peak season); Every 40–60 mins (off-peak)

Peak season means longer daylight hours and better photo opportunities. Evening Dinner Cruises typically run later (until 10:30pm). During the low season, expect reduced daylight hours. Check schedules carefully around Christmas/New Year.

Breakfast tray with coffee, juice, and pastries on a Thames lunch cruise.

Dining cruise

Departures: 11:45am–12:30pm (lunch cruise); 3:30pm–5pm (Afternoon Tea cruise); 6:45pm–7:45pm (dinner cruise)

Duration: 1.5–2 hours

Enjoy views of the Thames River landmarks while avoiding crowds on land. Dinner cruises also allow you to see London's skyline and bridges beautifully illuminated, which is best experienced after sunset.

Timing notes for Thames River cruises 

  • Tide alerts: Sailings (especially west of Westminster towards Hampton Court) are heavily affected by the tide. Extremely low tides may prevent boats from docking.
  • Weather and fog: In periods of heavy fog or severe weather, services may experience minor or severe delays or be cancelled entirely for passenger safety.
  • Thames Barrier closures: The Thames Barrier performs test closures that prevent access to far eastern piers (like Woolwich and Barking Riverside). Check for these scheduled disruptions.
  • Special events: Rowing races or major city events on the river can cause sudden, temporary changes to all Thames River cruise timings and pier access.
  • Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: The River Bus is the most frequent service on the River Thames, operating 7 days a week for swift, commuter-style travel. Pay-as-you-go Oyster and contactless payments are accepted. Please check the operator's official timetable for the precise first and last boat at your chosen pier.

Best time to book your Thames River Cruise

Cruise boat on the Thames River with Westminster Bridge and London skyline in the background.

Peak (Summer: June-Aug)

Timings and fares: Most frequent departures; premium pricing, especially for dining cruises.

Weather and crowds: Warmest weather, longest daylight hours. Highest crowds & bookings are essential.

Recommended activities: Ideal for open-deck cruising and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Greenwich Pier on the Thames River with historic buildings and Cutty Sark ship.

Shoulder (Spring/Autumn: Apr–May & Sep–Oct)

Timings and fares: High frequency; moderate pricing; excellent special event availability.

Weather and crowds: Pleasant, mild weather; fewer crowds than in summer. Best balance of sun and space.

Recommended activities: Perfect for photography, securing better seats, and enjoying cultural events like the Totally Thames festival in September.

Thames River with view of the Shard and cityscape in London.

Off-peak (Winter: Nov–Mar)

Timings and fares: Reduced frequency; lower fares. Dining cruises often run festive schedules (Christmas/NYE).

Weather and crowds: Coldest weather, shorter days. Lowest crowds and potentially foggy conditions.

Recommended activities: Book an evening cruise to see London's winter lights reflected on the River Thames.

Gabriel's Wharf view of Thames River and London skyline from Queen's Walk, Great Britain.

Weekdays

Crowds and river activity: Lower tourist crowds; high volume of commuter River Bus traffic (especially during rush hours).

Ideal timings: Mid-morning (10am–11am) or mid-afternoon (2pm–3pm) for uncrowded sightseeing.

Insider tip: Utilise the fast, frequent commuter services (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers) for quick, reliable, and scenic transport.

Tower Bridge view from Thames River during vintage bus tour and cruise.

Weekends

Crowds and river activity: Highest leisure crowds, especially near key piers like Westminster and Tower Bridge.

Ideal timings: Early morning (first departures around 9:30am/10am) or dinner cruises.

Insider tip: Book a specific sightseeing tour in advance, as popular Thames River cruises sell out quickly on weekends.

Uber Boat on Thames River at night with London Eye and illuminated buildings in background.

Morning (9:30am–11am)

  • Clear air, low sun angle. Excellent visibility for landmarks on both banks.
  • Enjoy an uncrowded journey. The gentle morning light is great for capturing clear photos of Westminster and the Shard from the River Thames.

Midday (11am–3pm)

  • Brightest and highest sun, ensuring clear views, but it can create harsh shadows in photos.
  • Highest frequency of sailings; a convenient time to combine your Thames River cruise timings with a meal break.

Evening (4pm onwards)

  • Soft, warm 'Golden Hour' light, followed by the magical city lights at night.
  • The most romantic and spectacular Thames River cruise to witness London's skyline, including Tower Bridge, illuminated against the darkening sky.

Weather on the Thames River

January

Avg. temp.: 4℃/40℉
Crowd levels: Very low

Coldest month. Best for tranquil, uncrowded indoor viewing.

February

Avg. temp.: 5℃/41℉
Crowd levels: Very low

Chilly. Low prices and minimal queues for attractions.

March

Avg. temp.: 8℃/46℉
Crowd levels: Low/moderate

Early spring, temperatures rising. A quieter time for a Thames River cruise.

April

Avg. temp.: 11℃/52℉
Crowd levels: Moderate

Pleasant weather begins. Ideal blend of comfortable temps and fewer crowds.

May

Avg. temp.: 14℃/57℉
Crowd levels: Moderate

Mild and sunny. Excellent weather for open-deck cruising.

June

Avg. temp.: 18℃/64℉
Crowd levels: High

Start of summer, long daylight hours. Crowds increase dramatically.

July

Avg. temp.: 21℃/70℉
Crowd levels: Very high

Hottest month, peak tourist season. Book Thames River cruise timings well in advance.

August

Avg. temp.: 20℃/68℉
Crowd levels: Very high

Warm, sunny, and extremely busy. Best enjoyed early in the morning or late evening.

September

Avg. temp.: 17℃/63℉
Crowd levels: Moderate

Great shoulder season weather. Crowds start to subside, excellent for sightseeing.

October

Avg. temp.: 13℃/55℉
Crowd levels: Moderate/low

Crisp autumn weather. Fewer crowds and a charming atmosphere.

November

Avg. temp.: 9℃/48℉
Crowd levels: Low

Chilly and often rainy. Ideal for quiet travel and potentially lower cruise fares.

December

Avg. temp.: 6℃/43℉
Crowd levels: Low/moderate

Cold, but festive lights along the river make for a magical evening cruise.

How long does a Thames River Cruise typically last?

The duration of a Thames River cruise is highly flexible, ranging from a quick 40-minute sightseeing trip to a multi-hour dining experience or a full day of hop-on, hop-off exploration.

Red and white City Cruises boat on the Thames with Tower of London in the background.

River Boat or sightseeing cruise (40–60 mins)

Perfect for a quick overview! Choose between a one-way or a circular Thames River cruise for non-stop viewing of major central London landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London. Ideal for fitting into a busy itinerary.

Aerial view of the Shard and Tower Bridge at night, London, for Thames Cruise and Shard tour.

Dining cruise (90–120 mins)

Opt for a dining experience like an Afternoon Tea cruise (90 mins) or a lunch or dinner cruise (2 hours). These Thames River cruise timings offer beautiful views with a meal, covering the distance between Westminster and Tower Bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thames River cruise timings

Are the cruise timings fixed or flexible?

The cruise timings are generally fixed for each type of cruise. However, some cruises offer flexibility in departure times within a certain range.

Can I choose my preferred time for the cruise?

Yes, you can usually choose your preferred time for the cruise when booking online. However, availability may vary depending on the cruise type and date.

Is the Thames River cruise service available all year round?

Yes, central London Thames River cruise timings and river bus services generally run year-round. However, the frequency and routes may be significantly reduced in winter (November to March). Special festive and dining cruises also operate during the holidays.

Do I need to book my Thames River cruise tickets in advance?

It is highly recommended to book your Thames River cruise tickets in advance, especially for popular evening, dining, or themed cruises. Pre-booking ensures you secure your desired departure time and can often save you money compared to purchasing on the day.

Is there a best time of day to take a Thames river cruise?

The best time of day for a Thames river cruise depends on personal preferences. Some people enjoy the morning freshness, while others prefer the afternoon sunshine or evening ambiance with city lights.

Where can I find the official Thames River cruise timetable?

The official and most accurate Thames River cruise timings can be found directly on the operator's websites, such as Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (for river buses) or City Cruises (for sightseeing tours). Always check for daily service updates and potential tide-related changes.

Can I visit the Thames River after dark?

Absolutely! Evening Thames River cruise timings are a spectacular way to see London illuminated. Most cruise lines offer dinner cruises or shorter evening tours that typically depart around sunset and return by 10:30pm, showcasing the city's landmarks glowing on the water.

When is the Thames River cruise least crowded?

To find the least crowded Thames River cruise timings, aim for early weekday mornings (around 10am) or mid-afternoons during the non-peak seasons (Spring/Autumn). Weekends, midday, and summer are the busiest times for sightseeing services.

Are the Thames River cruise timings the same for all operators?

No, different operators have varied Thames River cruise timings and routes. Hop-on, hop-off services run frequently throughout the day, while dedicated dinner and themed cruises have fixed departure and return times. Always confirm the exact schedule for your ticket type.

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