
What’s the next best thing to do after stepping out of the London Eye? Well, that would be hopping on a London Eye river cruise!
Sailing on the Thames brings you into contact with past and present structures, such as the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Shard.
The Cruise and what it entails
The London Eye river cruise is a 40-minute circular sightseeing tour that passes by some of the city’s most iconic riverside markers along the Thames.
Thanks to a canopy and sun-deck seating, the river cruise is an all-weather ride, and it departs every hour, with the first cruise starting at 10.45 am.
The last cruise is scheduled for 5.45 pm; that’s when you see another side of London, all glittery and beautiful between twilight and night.
During the cruise, you can view the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast, Westminster Abbey, and the Millennium and Tower Bridges.
Upon entering the cruise, you are provided with a souvenir guide map.
An expert live tour guide gives a detailed overview of all the sights along the river in English.
You can also access an audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese.
There is a T-loop system in English for those who are hard of hearing.
There are several other attractions near the London Eye pier like the Sealife London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek Adventure, and Globe Theatre.
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London Eye river cruise tickets
There are a variety of River Cruise London tickets to opt from.
The most popular ticket is the London Eye cruise ticket, which sells at £14 per person during off-season months and £18 during peak season.
A combined ticket for a river cruise and London Eye is available for £60 during peak season and £46 during the off-peak season.
The London Eye cruise ticket for children between two and 15 years comes at a discounted price of £15 and £11 during peak and off-peak seasons, respectively.
The river cruise and London Eye combined ticket for children between two and 15 years is priced at £54 and £42 during peak and off-peak seasons, respectively.
Infants aged one year and below can enter for free.
Buy This TicketPlanning to visit London Eye at final moment? Then the Last-Minute London Eye Tickets is for you.
London Eye cruise timings
The first London Eye river cruise starts at 10.45 am daily.
However, the cruise’s last ride depends on the peak (April to September) and lean (October to March) seasons.
Here’s a table to help you understand the River Cruise London’s schedule better.
Cruise Timings | Apr to Sep | Oct to Mar |
10.45 am | ✔ | ✔ |
11.45 am | ✔ | ✔ |
12.45 pm | ✔ | ✔ |
1.45 pm | ✔ | ✔ |
2.45 pm | ✔ | ✔ |
3.45 pm | ✔ | ✔ |
4.45 pm | ✔ | ✔ |
5.45 pm | ✔ | ✔ |
6.45 pm | ✔ | 🗙 |
7.45 pm | ✔ | 🗙 |
Note: It is advisable to be at the pier 15 minutes in advance.
Know more about : How Long does the London Eye Take?
Where do these cruises depart from
The London Eye river cruises depart from the London Eye Pier, which is also known as the Waterloo Millennium Pier.
It is both the start- and end-point of the 40-minute cruise.
The pier is conveniently situated in front of the giant observation wheel, with Big Ben and the Parliament Building on one side.
It was initially built with one sole purpose: To serve as a collision protection system for the London Eye in the event of an attack.
The pier is popular for its commuter boat services, Summer leisure cruises, speedboat tour cruises, and London Eye river cruises. Get Directions.
How to get there
The River Cruise London is well connected by subway trains and bus services.
If you are looking for the nearest tube station, there are four of them—Westminster, Charing Cross, Embankment, and Waterloo tube station.
You can also catch buses 148, 168, 453, and 76 to reach the cruise from Waterloo Station.
There are several bars and restaurants near the pier. Peacock London, Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar, All Bar One Waterloo, Troia Southbank Mediterranean Restaurant, The Library at County Hall, and Locale are popular places to have a meal before embarking on a cruise.
The London River Cruise starts from the London Eye Pier and passes through several attractions before returning to the pier.
Here is a route map to help you understand the river cruise’s journey better:
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FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the London Eye river cruise.
Do I need to carry a printout of my London River Cruise ticket when boarding the cruise?
When you book your ticket online, a softcopy is sent to your email. You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone and board the cruise.
Are there discounted tickets for senior citizens or students with valid IDs?
Unfortunately, there are no discounted river cruise London tickets for senior citizens and students.
Can you access the London Eye attraction with a London Eye River Cruise ticket?
No, but you can view the attraction if you buy a combined river cruise and London Eye ticket.
Is there a guide or commentary during the London Eye cruise?
Yes, there is a live guide providing commentary in English. There is also an audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the London Eye River Cruise is wheelchair accessible. However, a maximum of three wheelchairs are allowed per cruise. So book your tickets in advance.
Do those accompanying a disabled person need to buy separate tickets?
Carers accompanying disabled guests are entitled to a free entry ticket. This can be reserved when purchasing a standard or combination London River Cruise entry ticket.
Is there a dress code for the river cruise?
There is no specific dress code, but it’s recommended to dress comfortably, considering the weather conditions on the day of the cruise.
Are cameras allowed on board?
Yes, cameras are allowed on board, enabling you to capture stunning views of the Thames and London during the cruise.