About River Bus

Check the current timetable for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. You can also keep an eye on service changes.

Check out our guidance on Safer travel and coronavirus.

All vessels have been deep cleaned and have hand sanitisers on board. Enhanced cleaning is also being done during operating hours.

Safe procedures allow fresh air to pass through the cabin while the boat is underway, although passengers still have the option to sit on the outside back deck. Find out more about safety on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

River Bus services

River Bus services are operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. TfL manages the piers and licenses river passenger services. To contact TfL, phone: 0343 222 1234 (TfL call charges) or email river@tfl.gov.uk.

All River Bus boats are covered and most boats also have a small outside deck area. There are on-board bars serving drinks, snacks and refreshments (cashless payments only). Most boats have accessible toilets.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers boats are all wheelchair accessible and ramps are used to board the boat. All piers offer step-free access, except Cadogan Pier, Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier and London Bridge City Pier. A maximum of four wheelchairs and a further three folding wheelchairs can be accommodated on larger boats. Passengers with mobility scooters need to enter the Mobility Scooter Recognition Scheme to bring their mobility scooters on board.

Bikes are allowed on board and there are ten spaces available on larger boats - these are offered on a first come, first served basis. Dogs can also travel on River Bus services but must be kept on a lead.

Fares and tickets

You can use contactless or Oyster to pay as you go on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers services.

A zonal fares system is in place for River Bus services, and the fare you pay depends upon the Zones you travel through: East, Central or West Zones. Full fares and the River Bus route map can be found on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers website.

Use contactless or Oyster

You can use contactless or Oyster to pay as you go on all Thames Clippers services. Once instructed to board the boat, touch in on the yellow card reader and remember to touch out again at the end of your journey, this includes interchanges. A member of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers staff must see you touch in.

If you are using contactless or Oyster to pay as you go, you will pay a lower rate fare. (This also applies to those who purchase tickets via the smartphone app.)

You can't top up your Oyster card at River Bus piers, so make sure you have enough pay as you go credit on your Oyster card before you travel.

Journeys made using contactless or Oyster on River Bus services do not count towards capping.

Travelcard discount

If you have a Travelcard loaded on your Oyster card as well as pay as you go credit, the 1/3 discount will automatically be applied as you touch in on the yellow reader.

Freedom Pass discount

Freedom Passes are not compatible with pay as you go on River Bus services, if you are a Freedom Pass holder you must buy a ticket before travelling which is offered at a discounted rate.

Freedom Pass, 60+ Oyster and War Veteran Oyster card holders receive 50% discount, and this will always be off the lower rate fare, whether you purchase via the phone app or at a pier ticket office.

Season tickets

Regular River Bus customers may save money by buying a season ticket. Weekly, monthly and annual season tickets are available. 18+ Student Oyster photocard holders and Apprentice Oyster photocard holders get 1/3 off season tickets.