Escape the crowds and discover London at a leisurely pace with a river tour. Choose from hop-on/hop-off services, themed cruises, dining experiences and sightseeing tours with commentaries.

A number of providers offer river tours and experiences on the Thames. TfL manages the piers and licenses river passenger services.

  • Enjoy a sensational dinner cruise
    Enjoy a sensational dinner cruise
  • Tower Bridge at sunset
    Tower Bridge at sunset
  • Take in the sights of London at an easy pace
    Take in the sights of London at an easy pace
  • Take an evening tour and see London at sunset
    Take an evening tour and see London at sunset
  • Hold on tight and enjoy the action on a RIB experience
    Hold on tight and enjoy the action on a RIB experience

Fares and tickets

Generally, you need to buy your ticket in advance online or at a pier ticket office before boarding a boat.

Oyster

Most operators offer one-third off normal advertised adult and child fares on production of a valid Travelcard, or Oyster card loaded with a valid Travelcard, when purchasing a ticket. Some restrictions apply.

Freedom Pass

Many operators offer 50% off the adult fare on production of a valid Freedom Pass. This discount is available from 09:00 Mondays to Fridays and all day at weekends and on public holidays.

Sightseeing cruises

Tower pier

A 45-minute circular tour to Westminster and back. From our open deck you can enjoy fantastic views of London's top landmarks including Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, Houses of Parliament, London Eye and many more.

City Cruises
Phone: 020 7740 0400
Website: citycruises.com

London Eye pier

This 40-minute circular sightseeing cruise travels between the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge with live commentary in English and audio commentary in several other languages. A hearing loop system is available. Both decks are accessible for wheelchair users. Daily, suitable in all weather. Book online to get a discount.

London Eye River Cruise
Phone: 0870 500 0600
Website: londoneye.com

Greenwich pier

A Sunday evening circular cruise which passes the Tower of London, London Eye and Westminster.

Campion Launches
Phone: 020 8305 0300
Website: viscountcruises.com

Greenwich or Gravesend piers

Cruise on parts of the river most other cruises don't reach on a Gravesend to Greenwich Cruise.

Lower Thames and Medway Passenger Boat Company
Phone: 01732 353448
Website: princess-pocahontas.com

Enjoy London's places of interest along the river, with unlimited travel throughout the day and the flexibility to hop-on and hop-off when you want.

Westminster - St. Katharine's circular service

Circular Cruise Westminster
Phone: 020 7936 2033
Website: www.circularcruise.london

Westminster - Thames Barrier

Thames River Services
Phone: 020 7930 4097
Website: thamesriverservices.co.uk

Westminster - London Eye - Tower - Greenwich

City Cruises
Phone: 020 7740 0400
Website: citycruises.com

Westminster - Kew - Richmond - Hampton Court (summer only)

Westminster Passenger Service Association
Phone: 020 7930 2062
Website: wpsa.co.uk

Richmond - Kingston - Hampton Court (summer only)

Turks Launches
Phone: 020 8546 2434
Website: turks.co.uk

High speed RIB tours

London Eye pier and St Katharine's pier

Expect city adventure, back-street insight, London gossip and exhilarating speed from award-winning comedian guides and experienced Thames skippers.

Thames Rockets
Phone: 020 7928 8933
Website: Thames Rockets

Embankment pier, Tower pier, North Greenwich pier

Join us for the ride of your life on the fastest boats on the Thames - we'll thrill you with our high-speed twists and turns.

Thames RIB Experience
Phone: 020 3245 1177
Website: thamesribexperience.com

Westminster pier

Go, go, go. Enjoy an exciting jet-propelled speedboat ride along the Thames with a fully-qualified skipper. Zoom past London's landmarks in our RIB jetboats.

Thamesjet
Phone: 020 7740 0400
Website: thamesjet.com

 

Afternoon tea, dining and more

Tower pier

What better way to make your lunch or afternoon tea more enjoyable than combining it with a cruise down the Thames. (Lunch 1 hour 45 minutes and Afternoon Tea 1 hour 30 minutes).

City Cruises
Phone: 020 7740 0400
Website: citycruises.com

Embankment pier

Enjoy freshly-prepared food and stunning river views, with after-lunch commentary or live jazz on Sundays. Or, experience London at night with a four-course dinner cruise. (Lunch 1 hour 45 minutes, Afternoon Tea 1 hour 15 minutes, Jazz cruise 2 hours 30 minutes, Dinner cruise 2 hours 45 minutes).

Bateaux London
Phone: 020 7695 1800
Website: bateauxlondon.com

Westminster pier

The London Showboat dinner cruise brings you live entertainment with performances from hit shows as you enjoy a four-course dinner with wine. (3 hour 15 minute cruise).

City Cruises
Phone: 020 7740 0400
Website: citycruises.com

From a central London pier

Evening cruise with supper and a disco. From a central London pier - Fridays or Saturdays. (4 hour cruise).

Mainstream Leisure Group
Phone: 020 3044 2932
Website: mainstreamleisure.co.uk