England · THAMES RIVER CRUISES

The 15 Best Thames River Cruises in London

32 tours  ·  from $14 a head

The river is the cheapest sightseeing in London and the only angle the city was designed for. These 15 sort the hop-on boats from the speedboats and the dinner cruises, priced, timed and clear about which piers they use.

London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise - The Thames cruise and the 48-hour extras
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in London

London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

1.London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 10,803 reviews · 3 hours 35 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Use a 24 or 48-hour Big Bus pass to see London by double-decker bus across three routes. Ride past Buckingham Palace, Westminster, St. Paul’s, the Tower, Notting Hill, and the British Museum. The 48-hour option adds three walking tours and an evening panorama. A one-way Thames cruise is included with 24 and 48-hour tickets.

“Worth every penny saw so much of London drivers so friendly and helpful. The busses were frequent with no waiting”

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High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London - Tower Bridge and the slower river miles
Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in London

High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

2.High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

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

Board a 12-seat Thames Rockets speedboat at London Eye Pier for a 50-minute ride past Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Docklands. Your guide mixes London stories with music before the skipper reaches up to 30 knots. Guides such as Sofia, Jack, and Leoni are known for lively commentary.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience. Also it is essential to read the information provided in your email.”

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London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise - The north-central route: museums, stations, and Covent Garden
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in London

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

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

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

See London from an open-top double-decker bus on three routes linking Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Tower, museums, Notting Hill, and King’s Cross. Use the app to track buses, plug in the audio guide, and add a Thames sightseeing cruise valid for the same period as your pass. A guide named Leon has also led especially engaging departures.

“This is a really good way to get to see landmarks and areas of the city. It's convenient to get off to walk around and get back on later to continue the tour. An audio track is available to plug into, and headphones are provided. We opted for the river tour as well, and the commentary provided by the boat operator was entertaining. He also made an effort to speak slowly and clearly for people who were unfamiliar with the language/accent or who had trouble hearing. Much appreciated!”

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Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London - From Big Ben to the London Eye
City Tours, City Tours in London, Cruises & Boat Tours, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in London, Westminster Abbey & Parliament Tours

Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

4.Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

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

Sail east from Westminster Pier to Greenwich in about an hour, passing Big Ben, the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. Live commentary adds history and humor, while a return ticket lets you explore the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory, and Greenwich Market before sailing back.

“Excellent guide He gave over the sights in an enjoyable way with good knowledge of sights we passed by”

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London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River - Westminster Pier and the first look at London
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in London

London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

5.London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

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

Spend about three hours cruising from Westminster Pier toward the Thames Flood Barrier and back. You’ll receive a welcome drink, a set three-course dinner, live music, and time to dance. The route passes the London Eye, St. Paul’s, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Tower of London.

“We had the most amazing time! The staff, the food, the views, the music! All terrific! We range in age from teen to oldish lady and all enjoyed it!”

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London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye Option - St. Paul’s Cathedral rewards the interior visit
1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, London Eye & Viewpoints, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in London

London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye Option

6.London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,678 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $177

Spend about nine hours seeing London’s major sights by coach and on foot with a Blue Badge guide. Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, watch the Changing of the Guard when scheduled, then cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster. An optional London Eye ticket is set for around 6:30pm.

“Tour was good. But much was not explained and you were left on your own. Should have asked more questions before I booked.”

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London: Uber Boat - Single Journey River Thames Cruise - Choosing your pier and direction
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London: Uber Boat – Single Journey River Thames Cruise

7.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 journey between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside. You can board or leave at any pier in the Central and East zones, passing the London Eye, Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and more. This is transport with fine views, not a guided sightseeing cruise.

“It was an amazing time spent there with my family and friends and hoping to go back again anytime soon”

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London Eye River Cruise - Big Ben and Parliament set the tone
Cruises & Boat Tours, London Eye & Viewpoints, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in London

London Eye River Cruise

8.London Eye River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,503 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $21

Board at London Eye Pier for a 40-minute circular cruise with live commentary. Guides such as Paul, Hannah, Ian, and Mitch point out Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Arrive early for a better upper-deck seat.

“Very enjoyable tour, our guide Josh was very entertaining and gave us so many interesting facts during the tour. Only downside is you can’t stand on the upper deck so you have to sit inside if you don’t get there early enough but it’s still a great view as you can open the windows. Would definitely recommend.”

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London Eye River Cruise and London Eye Ticket Option - Continue east to St. Paul’s and the City
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London Eye River Cruise and London Eye Ticket Option

9.London Eye River Cruise and London Eye Ticket Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,431 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $63

Start at London Eye Pier for a 40-minute Thames cruise with live commentary from guides such as George, Mitch, or Amelia. See Big Ben, St. Paul’s, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, and more, then ride the London Eye within 90 days of your cruise for wide city views. The Eye ticket is flexible, but the cruise time is fixed.

“It’s a must do in London. But disappointing we were with a very rowdy inconsiderate family. The views we could see were amazing.”

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Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames - Westminster Pier: the classic starting point
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Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames

10.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 explore London from the Thames, boarding at Westminster, Waterloo near the London Eye, Tower Pier, or Greenwich. Sit in the glass saloon or open air, hear onboard commentary, and hop off for sights such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and Greenwich. Boats run from 10am until the last sailing.

“Was only brief trip at 4pm from Tower Hill to Westminster. Nice weather and great commentary. But ticket said was for 24hrs but disappeared on Viator site next day so could not use. Not good if sold as 24hr ticket.”

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Liverpool: 50-Minute Mersey River Cruise - The outward run: Liverpool’s waterfront from the river
Cruises & Boat Tours, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Liverpool

Liverpool: 50-Minute Mersey River Cruise

11.50-Minute Mersey River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,232 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $17

Board at Pier Head for a 50-minute sightseeing loop along the Mersey. You’ll see Liverpool’s waterfront, Wirral, Tate Liverpool, the Museum of Liverpool, and both cathedrals from the water. Digital commentary is available by QR code, so bring headphones and a charged phone. Ferries leave hourly.

“Lots of information given , we were lucky enough to have beautiful September weather that day which made it even more enjoyable”

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Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal - The westbound route: London’s biggest sights in one sweep
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Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal

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

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

Cruise west from Tower Pier toward Westminster while enjoying a two-course lunch in a cozy indoor saloon. You’ll pass the Tower of London, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye, HMS Belfast, and Big Ben, with commentary and time on the upper deck. The boat returns to Tower Pier after about 90 minutes.

“Fantastic service fantastic views from the river For the short period of time spent on the boat so much information was passed on to us”

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Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames - Tea service with sandwiches, scones, and cakes
Afternoon Tea Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in London

Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames

13.Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 884 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Board at Tower Millennium Pier for a 90-minute afternoon tea cruise west along the Thames. You’ll have a guaranteed table, unlimited tea or coffee, sandwiches, scones, cakes, and live or recorded commentary. Panoramic windows provide city views from every seat, with time on the open-air deck after tea.

“The afternoon tea exceeded expectations. Every table had a window seat. Table were set with linen tableclothes - elevating the entire experience. The finger sandwiches and mini patries were devine. Highly recommend!”

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Skip the Line Tower of London & Westminster Tour and River Cruise - Buckingham Palace, St James’s, and the guards
Cruises & Boat Tours, Skip the Line, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in London, Tower of London & Tower Bridge Tours, Westminster Abbey & Parliament Tours

Skip the Line Tower of London & Westminster Tour and River Cruise

14.Skip the Line Tower of London & Westminster Tour and River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 730 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $165

Walk through London’s royal and political heart, enter Westminster Abbey on the 9 AM tour, cruise to Tower Bridge, and explore the Tower of London. English-speaking guides such as Geoff, Matthew, Alison, Patrick, and Dominic bring the stories to life. Expect a brisk pace, lots of walking, and a well-planned first look at London.

“This tour is absolutely worth every penny! Our guide Toby F. was so knowledgeable and we were so impressed with the details he provided during the tour!”

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London: Hop-On Hop-Off 1 Day River Thames Adventure - Uber Boat - Westminster Pier gives you the grand opening
1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in London

London: Hop-On Hop-Off 1 Day River Thames Adventure – Uber Boat

15.Hop-On Hop-Off 1 Day River Thames Adventure – Uber Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 707 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $34

Use a one-day Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pass to ride the Thames between Putney and Barking Riverside. Board at piers such as Westminster, Tower, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich, then hop off for London landmarks. Boats have indoor seating, covered outdoor areas, and a café-bar. Plan around busy periods, tides, and possible waits.

“Norman at Grenwich was a star. He helped us 💯, fabulous Customer Service. He went beyond his duty and should be recognised 👍”

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New in Thames River Cruises

★ 5.0River Cruise with Three Course Riverside Restaurant DiningFrom $131201 reviews
★ 4.0London Roundtrip Thames Cruise Uber Boat by Thames ClippersFrom $29182 reviews
★ 4.0Crown Jewels of London Tour with River CruiseFrom $157176 reviews
★ 5.0Thames Rockets Sunset London Speedboat ExperienceFrom $76225 reviews
★ 4.0Fully Flexible Thames River CruiseFrom $19239 reviews
★ 5.0Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River CruiseFrom $94278 reviews
★ 4.0London Vintage Bus Tour Including River Thames Cruise with Optional LunchFrom $85286 reviews
★ 4.5VIP Early Access Opening Ceremony Tower of London & River CruiseFrom $164282 reviews
★ 3.5London Eye Ticket, Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Tour & River CruiseFrom $82275 reviews
★ 4.5Tower of London: Guided Tour with Thames River CruiseFrom $69360 reviews
★ 3.5London Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off (Optional Thames Cruise)From $48483 reviews

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