ON THE RIVER · THAMES RIVER CRUISES

Thames River Cruises: The 15 Best Sailings in London

30 river trips  ·  from $14 a head

The tide runs hard through central London, so downstream is quick and upstream is slow. These 15 cover the sightseeing boats, the fast clippers and the evening sailings, priced and timed.

London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise - The South Bank: Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe
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London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

1.Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 22,836 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $22Our pick

Cruise the Thames from Westminster Pier to Greenwich in about an hour, passing Parliament, the London Eye, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Choose a one-way ride or return trip, listen to live English commentary, and use a smartphone audio guide in six languages. Greenwich Pier puts the Cutty Sark, market, park, and Royal Observatory within walking distance.

“It was a green way to see the city from the water.”

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London: Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise - Boarding at Westminster Pier
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London: Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

2.Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,127 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $18

Board at Westminster Pier for a 25 to 30 minute Thames cruise past Parliament, St. Paul’s, Tate Modern, The Shard, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Crew members provide live English commentary, often with plenty of humor. Choose a one-way journey to Butler’s Wharf or return by changing boats there. An onboard bar serves drinks and light refreshments.

“Absolutely loved the boat ride so informative, the staff absolutely made the experience worth their weight in gold good staff xxx”

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High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London - Boarding at London Eye Pier
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High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

3.High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,971 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $90Top rated

Board at London Eye Pier for a 50-minute Thames Rockets ride with up to 12 passengers. Guides such as Sofia, Jack, and Leoni mix London history with humor and music, then the skipper opens the throttle near Canary Wharf for speeds up to 30 knots, wake jumps, and tight turns.

“This was great and totally worth the time and money. London from a different point of view, the wind in your hair and an entertaining and informative guide. Five stars all around. Brilliant!”

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London: Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket - Westminster Bridge and Big Ben set the tone
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London: Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket

4.Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,900 reviews · 45 minutes - 1.5 hours · from $20

Cruise from the London Eye Pier to Tower Bridge and back, passing Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Tower of London. Live guides such as Mitch, George, Ben, and Josh mix London facts with jokes. Add a London Eye ticket if you want both attractions, but book each time slot carefully.

“Really enjoyable (and informative!) trip. The guide was very interesting and funny, can really recommend this.”

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London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise - The blue route covers royal London, parks, and museums
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London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

5.London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,834 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $53

Use a Tootbus pass to tour London by double-decker bus on three routes, then add a Thames sightseeing cruise. Expect recorded adult and children’s commentary, an app for live bus locations, and stops near Buckingham Palace, the Tower, St Paul’s, museums, and Covent Garden.

“Lots of buses, alway seats available. Audio was good, stops are in great locations. The two day option worked well for us.”

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London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames - Starting at Tower Pier by the Tower of London
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London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

6.Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,274 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $53

Board at Tower Pier for a 90-minute afternoon tea cruise with sandwiches, warm scones, clotted cream, jam, cakes, unlimited tea and coffee, and live or recorded commentary. You will pass Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, The Shard, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament from a comfortable riverboat.

“We loved it. Everything was so delicious. Thank you so much!”

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Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London - Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, and the Tower of London
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Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

7.Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,969 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $22

Cruise east from Westminster Pier to Greenwich with live commentary, passing Big Ben, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Choose a one-way or return ticket, then explore the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park, market, museums, and observatory at your own pace. Boats have indoor and open-air seating, toilets, and a small bar.

“Definitely will see a part of London that most people don’t see. It was very informative and enjoyable.”

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London: River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés - Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
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London: River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés

8.River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,493 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Spend two hours on the Thames from Tower Millennium Pier, watching London landmarks from an indoor saloon or open-air deck. You’ll receive sparkling wine or a soft drink, enjoy canapés, and hear live chill-out pop. The boat returns to its starting point, with a cash bar for extra drinks.

“We got more canapés than I expected which was good. I liked most of them. The cruise was as expected but I thought there would be more narration about what we were seeing. There was basically none , so we really didn’t know what sights we were looking at. That was too bad. Everything else was great!”

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London: River Thames Dinner Cruise - The first views: Big Ben, Parliament, and central London
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London: River Thames Dinner Cruise

9.River Thames Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,159 reviews · 3 hours · from $94

Spend three hours aboard a dinner boat from Westminster Pier, passing Big Ben, Canary Wharf, the O2 Arena, City Hall, and the Thames Barrier. You get sparkling wine on arrival, a three-course British meal, tea and coffee, and live singing. Performers vary, with past singers including Emma, Patrick Phelps, Paddy, and Andrew.

“It was my birthday celebration. From start to finish I really enjoyed it. My group said it wasThe host was good. The singer is a "Wow:. Will be back soon. Loved it. the best choice for my day.”

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London River Thames Lunch Cruise - A refurbished boat with views from both sides
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London River Thames Lunch Cruise

10.London River Thames Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,014 reviews · 1h 45m · from $48

Board at Tower Pier beside the Tower of London for a 105-minute Thames cruise with a two-course chicken lunch, dessert, tea, and coffee. You will pass Tower Bridge, the Shard, the London Eye, and Parliament from a refurbished boat with panoramic windows. Commentary adds local stories, though sound quality can vary.

“The staff were amazing. very friendly and efficient. The running commentary from the crew with interesting and funny facts was excellent. Food fab.Bring some cash to tip as they don't use the card machine for tips and they really deserve the appreciation..5 stars”

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London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River - Tower Pier, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge
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London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

11.London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,772 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Board at Westminster Pier for a 3-hour evening cruise past the London Eye, St. Paul’s, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Thames Flood Barrier. You’ll receive sparkling wine or a soft drink, a set 3-course dinner, live music, and dancing. VIP upgrades add champagne, canapés, and better seating.

“Great food! Great service! Incredible views plus in was 2hours plus.All the way to Grenich and back.”

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London: Uber Boat - Single Journey River Thames Cruise - Westminster and the South Bank: the strongest central stretch
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London: Uber Boat – Single Journey River Thames Cruise

12.Uber Boat – Single Journey River Thames Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,597 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $13Best value

Use one Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket for a single Thames journey between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside. Board or leave at any pier in the Central and East zones, with views of Parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and more. The boat has indoor seats, covered outdoor areas, air-conditioning, and a small café-bar.

“A very nice way to discover London, the hours are very flexible and possibility to be indoors or outdoors. No expectations late in the evening.Auto-translated”

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Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames - Waterloo and the London Eye make an easy pairing
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Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames

13.Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,256 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Use a 24-hour City Cruises pass to ride the Thames between Westminster, Waterloo near the London Eye, Tower Pier, and Greenwich. Sit in the heated glass saloon or open deck, listen to onboard commentary, and hop off for sights along the way. A bar, café, toilets, and multilingual GPS commentary via the app are available.

“Great weather London was meant to be seen from the Themes. Great photos short lines. The food on board is s but expensive”

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London: Ghost Walk and River Thames Boat Ride - Green Park and the site of a haunted house
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London: Ghost Walk and River Thames Boat Ride

14.Ghost Walk and River Thames Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,251 reviews · 2 hours · from $26

Follow a live guide through Green Park, St James’s, Westminster, and the Tower of London as dark tales meet famous sights. Choose a 30-minute Uber Boat ride with an onboard bar, or take the Underground. Guides including Marvin, Julia, Luke, and Zachary lead tours in English, French, or German.

“Great tour Julia was really knowledgeable and good fun!”

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Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal - The Tower of London and the first Thames views
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Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal

15.Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 994 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Cruise from Tower Pier toward Westminster while enjoying a two-course lunch in an indoor saloon. You’ll pass the Tower of London, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye, and Parliament before returning to Tower Pier. Commentary may be live or recorded, drinks cost extra, and vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.

“Overall a great experience, we enjoyed the tour from the river. The only thing I would change is the limited lunch menu. Otherwise staff were friendly and quick with service!”

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Just added to Thames River Cruises

★ 4.5Festive London Christmas Day River Thames Lunch CruiseFrom $23547 reviews
★ 4.8Westminster to Kew River Thames CruiseFrom $2551 reviews
★ 4.8Richmond to Hampton Court River Thames CruiseFrom $1824 reviews
★ 4.6Hampton Court to Richmond River Thames CruiseFrom $1820 reviews
★ 4.2Kew to Westminster River Thames CruiseFrom $2455 reviews
★ 4.1River Thames Dinner Cruise with Live JazzFrom $134233 reviews
★ 3.5London Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off (Optional Thames Cruise)From $48483 reviews
★ 5.0Thames High-Speed Zone Speedboat in LondonFrom $90567 reviews
★ 4.0River Thames Evening Cruise with Sparkling wine and CanapésFrom $45569 reviews

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