In a nutshell
- A Thames river cruise is like a sightseeing tour of London’s highlights—only from the water.
- For first-time visitors, the classic trip from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge is the perfect introduction to London’s landmarks.
- If you’d like to spend more time on the water, choose the scenic boat tour to Greenwich or book a London Thames river dinner cruise for a more indulgent experience.
- Looking for something different? Try one of the speedboat tours in London for a real adrenaline rush on the Thames.
Boat Tours in London: The Different Routes and Tickets
Before we dive into our favorite Thames boat trips, here’s a quick overview of the most important details.
This way, you can easily spot which London river cruise works best for you.
If you’re also planning to use the hop-on hop-off bus in London, check out the combined tickets. Many providers let you pair the bus with a boat trip on the Thames. A perfect combo for sightseeing—two highlights in one go!
| Price | Duration | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Sightseeing Tour: Westminster to Tower Bridge | £14 | 30 minutes | Book a tour |
| Scenic Tour: Westminster to Greenwich | £17 | 1 hour | Book a tour |
| Adrenaline Junkies: Speedboat Tour | £60 | 50 minutes | Book a tour |
| Gourmets: Culinary Boat Cruise | £92 | 3 hours | Book a tour |
Thames River Cruises on a Map
To give you a clearer picture of where the different boat tours in London begin and where they go, we’ve marked the routes on a map.
The Classic Boat Trip in London: Westminster to Tower Bridge
If it’s your first visit to London, start with the classic Thames river cruise.
The trip from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge only takes about half an hour, but along the way you’ll pass some of the city’s most famous landmarks: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, The Shard, the Tower of London and, of course, Tower Bridge. That’s a lot to see for just £14!
You can sit out on deck or relax inside. Below deck you’ll also find toilets and a small bar if you’d like a drink or a snack.
The captain shares stories and fun facts about the sights with live commentary—delivered with plenty of British humor.
Our opinion: The classic Thames boat trip is a must for any London itinerary. Since the cruise ends at Tower Bridge, you can easily continue your walk along the river to The Shard. From there, Borough Market is just around the corner, the perfect spot for dinner after your sightseeing. If you’re looking for something a little more special in the evening, you could also try a London Thames River dinner cruise.
Book tickets for the classic Thames cruise in London
Scenic Boat Trip: From Westminster to Greenwich
This Thames River cruise follows the same route as the classic one, but continues beyond Tower Bridge for another 30 minutes until you reach Greenwich.
For just £17—only £3 more than the short tour—you’ll get twice the time on the water and see even more of London. As the boat glides towards Greenwich, the city slowly gets quieter and you’ll pass through the old docks and the modern docklands.
The highlight is arriving in Greenwich, one of London’s most charming neighborhoods. Here you can visit the Prime Meridian, which you’ll also find in our London insider tips.
You can book either a one way ticket or a return trip, choosing your preferred departure time for the journey back.
Our verdict: If Greenwich is on your list, this is the best way to get there. It’s both a sightseeing cruise and a transfer in one. If you’re short on time though, we’d stick with the classic London river cruise. And if you’re after an iconic combo, a London Eye and river cruise ticket is also a great choice.
Book the boat tour from Westminster to Greenwich
For Adrenaline Junkies: Speedboat Tour on the Thames
If the classic Thames boat trips feel a bit too calm for you, the speedboat tour is the one to go for.
The boat departs from London Eye Pier and first glides past landmarks like the London Eye, The Shard and the Tower of London at a relaxed pace. During this part, your guide shares fun stories and anecdotes about the sights. But that’s just the warm-up.
Then it’s time for the thrill: the captain pushes the throttle and suddenly you’re racing down the Thames at full speed. The famous landmarks become almost secondary as the adrenaline takes over.
At £60 for a 50-minute ride, it’s not the cheapest option among boat trips in London, but it’s definitely a unique experience you won’t forget.
Our opinion: This London river cruise is perfect if you want more than just sightseeing. We recommend doing it in summer, when you can really enjoy the ride in the open air without freezing. In winter, the breeze on the river can be pretty icy.
Book tickets for the Speed Boat Thames River Cruise
Culinary Boat Tours: Thames Dinner Cruise & Afternoon Tea
For those who like to mix sightseeing with good food, the culinary boat tours in London are a real treat. Here you get the views of a Thames river cruise combined with great dining.
We can recommend these 3 London Thames river dinner cruises and afternoon tea options:
Dinner Cruise on the Thames with Cabaret Performance
On this London Thames river dinner cruise, you’ll enjoy a 4-course meal and a live cabaret show during a 3-hour trip that even takes you all the way to the Thames Barrier and back. The price is £92.
Book the dinner cruise on the Thames
Evening Cruise with Champagne and Canapés
This 2-hour evening cruise costs £39 and is a relaxed alternative. With a glass of sparkling wine, tasty canapés and live music, you’ll watch the city light up as the sun sets.
Book the evening cruise with sparkling wine and canapés
Afternoon Tea Cruise
The afternoon tea cruise is a very British way to enjoy the Thames. For £50, you’ll be served tea, sandwiches, cakes and pastries during a 1.5-hour London river cruise.
Our opinion: These culinary Thames boat trips are perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with a special dining experience. Especially the evening cruises are unforgettable, as you get to see London’s landmarks in a whole new light.
Extra Tip: Book your London Boat Trip with a London Pass
If you’re planning to get a London Pass anyway, it’s worth checking out the different options. The London Explorer Pass from Go City and the London City Pass both include the classic Thames river cruise, and with the London Pass you can also take a boat trip through Little Venice.
The London Explorer Pass from Go City and the London City Pass both cover Thames boat trips, while the London Pass also gives you access to a cruise on the canals of Little Venice.
For a full breakdown of what each pass includes, check out our detailed guide to London Passes.