Boat Trip in London: Which River Cruise Is the Best?
Published on 26 February 2025 Last updated on 22 September 2026
A boat trip in London along the Thames is a popular activity during a city trip to London. From the water, you see the city from a completely different perspective. But is a Thames cruise really worth it? And which cruise should you choose?
In this blog, I share my experiences with three different boat trips in London. I tell you what I thought of the different cruises, which ones I think are worth it, and what to look out for when booking. This way, you can decide for yourself whether a boat trip fits into your city trip and which cruise best suits your plans.
What is a Thames cruise in London?
A Thames River Cruise is a popular activity in London where you travel by boat along the River Thames. Several well known sights are located along the river, such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. From the water, you get a different view of London than when exploring the city on foot or by public transport.
During a cruise, you usually stay on board and travel through London at a relaxed pace. There are different types of boat trips to choose from. You can opt for a simple daytime cruise, but there are also boat trips with lunch, dinner, or an evening cruise.
Is a Thames Cruise in London Worth It? My Experiences
Yes, I definitely think a boat trip in London along the Thames is worth it. Over the past fifteen years, I have visited London several times. During different visits, I have also taken several Thames cruises. Especially during my first visits to London, I found it a fun way to see the city.
During a cruise, you pass famous places such as the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. You do not have to walk for miles through the city to see them. From the water, you also get a different view of London. Many buildings and monuments are clearly visible from the Thames, and some details stand out more from the water than when you walk past them on the street.
A boat trip in London also has some disadvantages, of course. In cold weather or heavy rain, you often sit inside behind glass. This can make the view and atmosphere a little less enjoyable. During busy periods, such as the high season, it can also be quite crowded and noisy on board.
Personally, I find the biggest disadvantage to be the audio commentary during the cruise. It is often quite short and general, so it does not go very deeply into the history of London. You should therefore mainly see a Thames cruise as a way to see London from the water, rather than as an extensive historical tour.
What is the best boat trip in London?
Which boat trip in London is the most enjoyable depends mainly on the experience you are looking for. The route can vary between boat trips, but the atmosphere on board, the size of the boat and the departure point can also play a role.
Below, I discuss three boat trips that I have taken several times myself. I explain what I liked about these cruises and who I think they are most suitable for. This way, you can compare the different options and decide which boat trip best suits your city trip to London.
1. Standard Thames Cruise
The London Eye River Cruise is a cruise of around 40 minutes along the River Thames, departing from the London Eye Pier. The boat passes famous sights such as the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge. On board, you can sit outside on the upper deck or inside in the heated lounge.
Personally, I think this is one of the most enjoyable boat trips in London. The guides are funny, energetic and informative. As a result, it is not a boring history lesson, but an interactive cruise with plenty of humour. I also like the duration. At around 40 minutes, this boat trip does not take up much time. In my experience, that makes it suitable if you have a busy itinerary or are travelling to London with children.
Another advantage is the location. The boat departs directly from the London Eye. This makes it easy to combine the cruise with a visit to the Ferris wheel. Especially during a first visit to London, this can be a convenient combination.
Would you like to know which dates are available and how much a standard daytime cruise costs? Below, you can choose a date, check availability and, if you wish, book your cruise directly.
The Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise travels from Westminster to historic Greenwich. The journey is more than 11 kilometres long and takes around 60 to 90 minutes. Along the way, you pass several famous sights, including the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
What I particularly like about this boat trip in London is that you do not return to the same place. You travel from central London to Greenwich, making it easy to combine the boat trip with a visit to this historic part of the city. Greenwich is home to attractions including the Royal Observatory.
One of the biggest advantages of this route, in my opinion, is that you sail underneath Tower Bridge. Shorter cruises often turn around earlier, while this boat continues downstream towards Greenwich. This gives you a different view of London from the water and allows you to see Tower Bridge from a unique perspective.
The longer route also makes this boat trip interesting. The view gradually changes during the journey. You start at historic Westminster, travel past the modern parts of London and finish in maritime Greenwich. As a result, this boat trip feels more like a short journey through different parts of London than simply a cruise past the city’s most famous sights.
Keep in mind that popular departure points can get busy. Especially during the high season and on sunny weekends, queues can form. Having a ticket in advance therefore does not automatically mean you can board immediately. It can happen that a boat is full and you have to wait for the next one.
Even if you have a return ticket, it is important to take the departure times of the last boat back to central London into account. This gives you less flexibility when planning your visit to Greenwich.
My tip: buy a one way ticket to Greenwich and decide for yourself when you want to return. For example, you can take the DLR or another public transport connection back to central London. I always do this myself as well. This way, you do not have to plan your visit to Greenwich around the departure time of a boat back.
Would you like to know which dates are available and how much this daytime boat trip costs? Below, you can choose a date, check availability and, if you wish, book your cruise directly.
The boat trip from Westminster to Tower Bridge is a relatively short cruise along the River Thames. The journey takes around 30 to 45 minutes and is particularly interesting if you want to see London’s most famous sights from the water without spending too much time on a cruise.
You board at Westminster Millennium Pier, close to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. From there, you travel through central London towards Tower Bridge. Along the way, you pass sights including the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and The Shard. The boat trip ends close to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
What I like about this boat trip in London are the local boat captains and guides. They create a pleasant atmosphere on board with their British humour, anecdotes and short stories about London. I also think this cruise is suitable for a city trip with children. The journey is long enough to look around and take photos, but not so long that children are likely to get bored.
Another advantage is the route between Westminster and Tower Bridge. This means you can use the boat trip to connect two different parts of central London. Instead of taking the Tube, you can enjoy a short cruise along the Thames along the way.
Would you like to know which dates are available and how much this daytime boat trip costs? Below, you can choose a date, check availability and, if you wish, book your cruise directly.
When is the best time to book a boat trip in London?
When you should book a boat trip in London depends mainly on the season, the time you want to sail and how much certainty you want to have about your itinerary.
For popular Thames cruises, it is advisable to book your ticket online in advance. Especially during busy periods, the piers can get quite crowded and a boat may be full. How far in advance you need to book varies by cruise and operator. When booking, therefore, also check the terms and conditions for changing or cancelling your ticket.
The time of your cruise can also make a difference. Personally, I prefer to book a Thames cruise in the morning, usually between 10:00 and 11:00 am. In my experience, the piers and boats are often quieter at this time than later in the day. This gives you a better chance of finding a good spot and taking photos from the open upper deck at your leisure.
It can get busier around lunchtime. Especially at popular departure points, such as Westminster, queues can be longer at this time. If you want to avoid the crowds as much as possible, I would therefore not automatically choose the busiest time of day.
How long does a boat trip in London take?
The duration of a boat trip in London depends on the route you choose. The three boat trips I discuss in this article take around 30 to 90 minutes. This makes it easy to include a cruise in your daily itinerary without spending a large part of your day on the water.
The London Eye River Cruise takes around 40 minutes. This is a short circular cruise that starts and ends at the London Eye.
The boat trip from Westminster to Tower Bridge takes around 30 to 45 minutes. This is a relatively short route through central London, making it a convenient option if you do not have much time.
The boat trip from Westminster to Greenwich takes around 60 to 90 minutes. This route is longer because Greenwich is further downstream. The exact journey time can also depend on factors such as conditions on the River Thames.
What can you see during a boat trip in London?
During a boat trip along the River Thames, you pass many of London’s famous sights. Exactly what you see depends on the route you choose. Especially on a boat trip through central London, you get a great view of well known buildings and bridges that you experience differently from street level.
On a boat trip from Westminster, you pass sights including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The London Eye is also clearly visible from the water. Further towards the centre, you pass several other famous buildings, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and The Shard.
One of the highlights for me is Tower Bridge. From the Thames, you see the bridge from a completely different perspective. On some shorter boat trips, Tower Bridge is the final stop or the boat turns around just before reaching it. If you choose a longer boat trip towards Greenwich, you actually sail underneath the bridge.
On the longer route to Greenwich, the view gradually changes. After the historic centre, you travel past London’s modern skyline and the Docklands. On the route to Greenwich, you eventually arrive in a completely different part of the city. Here you will find sights including the Cutty Sark, the Old Royal Naval College and the Royal Observatory.
That variety is one of the things I particularly enjoy about a boat trip along the Thames. You not only see famous sights, but also get a sense of how the different parts of London connect. From historic Westminster and the famous bridges in the city centre to the modern skyline and maritime Greenwich.
Practical Tips for a Boat Trip in London
A boat trip along the River Thames is easy to plan, but with a few practical tips, you can avoid unnecessary waiting and unexpected surprises.
Book your ticket in advance: For popular boat trips, it is a good idea to check available times and prices online in advance. Depending on the operator and type of ticket, booking ahead can also be useful if you want to plan your day in advance. When booking, check carefully whether your ticket is for a specific time and what the terms and conditions are for changing or cancelling it.
Arrive at the pier on time: Popular departure points such as Westminster Pier and Tower Pier can get busy. If you want a good spot on board, it is better to arrive a little earlier than the scheduled departure time. How much time you need depends on how busy it is and which boat trip you have booked.
Think about where you want to sit: The open upper deck often offers the best views and makes it easier to take photos. In good weather, this is also my favourite place to sit. In cold or rainy weather, a seat inside is naturally more comfortable. Which side of the boat offers the best views varies depending on the route and direction of travel. There is therefore no need to consider one particular side as the best choice in advance.
Look at combinations with other activities: Some operators offer tickets that combine a boat trip with another activity or attraction. If you also want to visit the London Eye or the Tower of London, for example, it may be worth comparing the different ticket options.
An alternative to a sightseeing cruise: If you mainly want to travel through London by water and are less interested in having a guide or taking a sightseeing tour, you can also use the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. This is London’s river bus and offers another way to use the Thames. It is not a sightseeing cruise, but it can be useful if you want to combine water transport with exploring London.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Boat Trip in London
Do I need to book my tickets online in advance?
For popular boat trips, it is advisable to book your ticket online in advance. You can check the available times beforehand and include your cruise in your daily itinerary. Whether booking online is cheaper than buying a ticket at the pier varies by operator and ticket. Also check whether your ticket is for a specific time and what the terms and conditions are for changing or cancelling it.
Keep in mind that an online ticket does not automatically mean you can board immediately. For some boat trips, you may still need to queue at the pier.
Do the boat trips still operate when it rains?
Yes, a little rain is usually not a reason to cancel a boat trip. Many boats have a covered area where you can sit during the journey. This means you can still enjoy the cruise in bad weather, although the view from the water is naturally less enjoyable than on a dry and sunny day.
In exceptional weather conditions, a boat trip may be changed or cancelled. The conditions for this vary by operator.
Are the boats accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs?
This varies by boat, pier and operator. Many modern boats are accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs, but not every departure point has the same facilities. It is therefore advisable to check the accessibility of the specific boat trip you want to book in advance.
With a pushchair, it can also be more practical to fold it up when requested to do so on board, especially when it is busy.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
On a regular sightseeing cruise, you can usually bring a bottle of water or a small snack, but the rules vary by operator. Many boats also have a bar or place where you can buy refreshments on board.
Lunch and dinner cruises may have different conditions. Check when booking what is allowed on your specific boat trip.
More Travel Tips for a City Trip to London
Planning your trip to London? Below, you will find more articles with useful tips and practical information for your trip.
Hi, I’m Edward, a passionate city break enthusiast with over 15 years of travel experience. During that time, I’ve explored dozens of cities across Europe and the United States. On Cities To Travel, I share my firsthand experiences and practical travel tips to help you plan the perfect city break—from must-see attractions and day-by-day itineraries to hotel recommendations and transportation advice for every destination.
Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
Boat Trip in London: Which River Cruise Is the Best?
A boat trip in London along the Thames is a popular activity during a city trip to London. From the water, you see the city from a completely different perspective. But is a Thames cruise really worth it? And which cruise should you choose?
In this blog, I share my experiences with three different boat trips in London. I tell you what I thought of the different cruises, which ones I think are worth it, and what to look out for when booking. This way, you can decide for yourself whether a boat trip fits into your city trip and which cruise best suits your plans.
What is a Thames cruise in London?
A Thames River Cruise is a popular activity in London where you travel by boat along the River Thames. Several well known sights are located along the river, such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. From the water, you get a different view of London than when exploring the city on foot or by public transport.
During a cruise, you usually stay on board and travel through London at a relaxed pace. There are different types of boat trips to choose from. You can opt for a simple daytime cruise, but there are also boat trips with lunch, dinner, or an evening cruise.
Is a Thames Cruise in London Worth It? My Experiences
Yes, I definitely think a boat trip in London along the Thames is worth it. Over the past fifteen years, I have visited London several times. During different visits, I have also taken several Thames cruises. Especially during my first visits to London, I found it a fun way to see the city.
During a cruise, you pass famous places such as the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. You do not have to walk for miles through the city to see them. From the water, you also get a different view of London. Many buildings and monuments are clearly visible from the Thames, and some details stand out more from the water than when you walk past them on the street.
A boat trip in London also has some disadvantages, of course. In cold weather or heavy rain, you often sit inside behind glass. This can make the view and atmosphere a little less enjoyable. During busy periods, such as the high season, it can also be quite crowded and noisy on board.
Personally, I find the biggest disadvantage to be the audio commentary during the cruise. It is often quite short and general, so it does not go very deeply into the history of London. You should therefore mainly see a Thames cruise as a way to see London from the water, rather than as an extensive historical tour.
What is the best boat trip in London?
Which boat trip in London is the most enjoyable depends mainly on the experience you are looking for. The route can vary between boat trips, but the atmosphere on board, the size of the boat and the departure point can also play a role.
Below, I discuss three boat trips that I have taken several times myself. I explain what I liked about these cruises and who I think they are most suitable for. This way, you can compare the different options and decide which boat trip best suits your city trip to London.
1. Standard Thames Cruise
The London Eye River Cruise is a cruise of around 40 minutes along the River Thames, departing from the London Eye Pier. The boat passes famous sights such as the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge. On board, you can sit outside on the upper deck or inside in the heated lounge.
Personally, I think this is one of the most enjoyable boat trips in London. The guides are funny, energetic and informative. As a result, it is not a boring history lesson, but an interactive cruise with plenty of humour. I also like the duration. At around 40 minutes, this boat trip does not take up much time. In my experience, that makes it suitable if you have a busy itinerary or are travelling to London with children.
Another advantage is the location. The boat departs directly from the London Eye. This makes it easy to combine the cruise with a visit to the Ferris wheel. Especially during a first visit to London, this can be a convenient combination.
Would you like to know which dates are available and how much a standard daytime cruise costs? Below, you can choose a date, check availability and, if you wish, book your cruise directly.
2. Thames Cruise from Westminster to Greenwich
The Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise travels from Westminster to historic Greenwich. The journey is more than 11 kilometres long and takes around 60 to 90 minutes. Along the way, you pass several famous sights, including the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
What I particularly like about this boat trip in London is that you do not return to the same place. You travel from central London to Greenwich, making it easy to combine the boat trip with a visit to this historic part of the city. Greenwich is home to attractions including the Royal Observatory.
One of the biggest advantages of this route, in my opinion, is that you sail underneath Tower Bridge. Shorter cruises often turn around earlier, while this boat continues downstream towards Greenwich. This gives you a different view of London from the water and allows you to see Tower Bridge from a unique perspective.
The longer route also makes this boat trip interesting. The view gradually changes during the journey. You start at historic Westminster, travel past the modern parts of London and finish in maritime Greenwich. As a result, this boat trip feels more like a short journey through different parts of London than simply a cruise past the city’s most famous sights.
Keep in mind that popular departure points can get busy. Especially during the high season and on sunny weekends, queues can form. Having a ticket in advance therefore does not automatically mean you can board immediately. It can happen that a boat is full and you have to wait for the next one.
Even if you have a return ticket, it is important to take the departure times of the last boat back to central London into account. This gives you less flexibility when planning your visit to Greenwich.
My tip: buy a one way ticket to Greenwich and decide for yourself when you want to return. For example, you can take the DLR or another public transport connection back to central London. I always do this myself as well. This way, you do not have to plan your visit to Greenwich around the departure time of a boat back.
Would you like to know which dates are available and how much this daytime boat trip costs? Below, you can choose a date, check availability and, if you wish, book your cruise directly.
3. Thames Cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge
The boat trip from Westminster to Tower Bridge is a relatively short cruise along the River Thames. The journey takes around 30 to 45 minutes and is particularly interesting if you want to see London’s most famous sights from the water without spending too much time on a cruise.
You board at Westminster Millennium Pier, close to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. From there, you travel through central London towards Tower Bridge. Along the way, you pass sights including the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and The Shard. The boat trip ends close to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
What I like about this boat trip in London are the local boat captains and guides. They create a pleasant atmosphere on board with their British humour, anecdotes and short stories about London. I also think this cruise is suitable for a city trip with children. The journey is long enough to look around and take photos, but not so long that children are likely to get bored.
Another advantage is the route between Westminster and Tower Bridge. This means you can use the boat trip to connect two different parts of central London. Instead of taking the Tube, you can enjoy a short cruise along the Thames along the way.
Would you like to know which dates are available and how much this daytime boat trip costs? Below, you can choose a date, check availability and, if you wish, book your cruise directly.
When is the best time to book a boat trip in London?
When you should book a boat trip in London depends mainly on the season, the time you want to sail and how much certainty you want to have about your itinerary.
For popular Thames cruises, it is advisable to book your ticket online in advance. Especially during busy periods, the piers can get quite crowded and a boat may be full. How far in advance you need to book varies by cruise and operator. When booking, therefore, also check the terms and conditions for changing or cancelling your ticket.
The time of your cruise can also make a difference. Personally, I prefer to book a Thames cruise in the morning, usually between 10:00 and 11:00 am. In my experience, the piers and boats are often quieter at this time than later in the day. This gives you a better chance of finding a good spot and taking photos from the open upper deck at your leisure.
It can get busier around lunchtime. Especially at popular departure points, such as Westminster, queues can be longer at this time. If you want to avoid the crowds as much as possible, I would therefore not automatically choose the busiest time of day.
How long does a boat trip in London take?
The duration of a boat trip in London depends on the route you choose. The three boat trips I discuss in this article take around 30 to 90 minutes. This makes it easy to include a cruise in your daily itinerary without spending a large part of your day on the water.
The London Eye River Cruise takes around 40 minutes. This is a short circular cruise that starts and ends at the London Eye.
The boat trip from Westminster to Tower Bridge takes around 30 to 45 minutes. This is a relatively short route through central London, making it a convenient option if you do not have much time.
The boat trip from Westminster to Greenwich takes around 60 to 90 minutes. This route is longer because Greenwich is further downstream. The exact journey time can also depend on factors such as conditions on the River Thames.
What can you see during a boat trip in London?
During a boat trip along the River Thames, you pass many of London’s famous sights. Exactly what you see depends on the route you choose. Especially on a boat trip through central London, you get a great view of well known buildings and bridges that you experience differently from street level.
On a boat trip from Westminster, you pass sights including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The London Eye is also clearly visible from the water. Further towards the centre, you pass several other famous buildings, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and The Shard.
One of the highlights for me is Tower Bridge. From the Thames, you see the bridge from a completely different perspective. On some shorter boat trips, Tower Bridge is the final stop or the boat turns around just before reaching it. If you choose a longer boat trip towards Greenwich, you actually sail underneath the bridge.
On the longer route to Greenwich, the view gradually changes. After the historic centre, you travel past London’s modern skyline and the Docklands. On the route to Greenwich, you eventually arrive in a completely different part of the city. Here you will find sights including the Cutty Sark, the Old Royal Naval College and the Royal Observatory.
That variety is one of the things I particularly enjoy about a boat trip along the Thames. You not only see famous sights, but also get a sense of how the different parts of London connect. From historic Westminster and the famous bridges in the city centre to the modern skyline and maritime Greenwich.
Practical Tips for a Boat Trip in London
A boat trip along the River Thames is easy to plan, but with a few practical tips, you can avoid unnecessary waiting and unexpected surprises.
Book your ticket in advance: For popular boat trips, it is a good idea to check available times and prices online in advance. Depending on the operator and type of ticket, booking ahead can also be useful if you want to plan your day in advance. When booking, check carefully whether your ticket is for a specific time and what the terms and conditions are for changing or cancelling it.
Arrive at the pier on time: Popular departure points such as Westminster Pier and Tower Pier can get busy. If you want a good spot on board, it is better to arrive a little earlier than the scheduled departure time. How much time you need depends on how busy it is and which boat trip you have booked.
Think about where you want to sit: The open upper deck often offers the best views and makes it easier to take photos. In good weather, this is also my favourite place to sit. In cold or rainy weather, a seat inside is naturally more comfortable. Which side of the boat offers the best views varies depending on the route and direction of travel. There is therefore no need to consider one particular side as the best choice in advance.
Look at combinations with other activities: Some operators offer tickets that combine a boat trip with another activity or attraction. If you also want to visit the London Eye or the Tower of London, for example, it may be worth comparing the different ticket options.
An alternative to a sightseeing cruise: If you mainly want to travel through London by water and are less interested in having a guide or taking a sightseeing tour, you can also use the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. This is London’s river bus and offers another way to use the Thames. It is not a sightseeing cruise, but it can be useful if you want to combine water transport with exploring London.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Boat Trip in London
Do I need to book my tickets online in advance?
For popular boat trips, it is advisable to book your ticket online in advance. You can check the available times beforehand and include your cruise in your daily itinerary. Whether booking online is cheaper than buying a ticket at the pier varies by operator and ticket. Also check whether your ticket is for a specific time and what the terms and conditions are for changing or cancelling it.
Keep in mind that an online ticket does not automatically mean you can board immediately. For some boat trips, you may still need to queue at the pier.
Do the boat trips still operate when it rains?
Yes, a little rain is usually not a reason to cancel a boat trip. Many boats have a covered area where you can sit during the journey. This means you can still enjoy the cruise in bad weather, although the view from the water is naturally less enjoyable than on a dry and sunny day.
In exceptional weather conditions, a boat trip may be changed or cancelled. The conditions for this vary by operator.
Are the boats accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs?
This varies by boat, pier and operator. Many modern boats are accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs, but not every departure point has the same facilities. It is therefore advisable to check the accessibility of the specific boat trip you want to book in advance.
With a pushchair, it can also be more practical to fold it up when requested to do so on board, especially when it is busy.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
On a regular sightseeing cruise, you can usually bring a bottle of water or a small snack, but the rules vary by operator. Many boats also have a bar or place where you can buy refreshments on board.
Lunch and dinner cruises may have different conditions. Check when booking what is allowed on your specific boat trip.
More Travel Tips for a City Trip to London
Planning your trip to London? Below, you will find more articles with useful tips and practical information for your trip.
City trip to London: Is London a nice city?
Read more »Christmas Lights Tour in London: Is It Worth It?
Read more »Attractions in London: Tips and Practical Information
Read more »These are the most popular tours for a boat trip in London
Over Cities To travel
Hi, I’m Edward, a passionate city break enthusiast with over 15 years of travel experience. During that time, I’ve explored dozens of cities across Europe and the United States. On Cities To Travel, I share my firsthand experiences and practical travel tips to help you plan the perfect city break—from must-see attractions and day-by-day itineraries to hotel recommendations and transportation advice for every destination.
Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
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