Thames River Cruises are a popular way to explore London’s famous river and see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
There are several routes that Thames River Cruises take, depending on the operator and the length of the tour.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there’s something for everyone, from relaxed lunch cruises to adrenaline-fueled speedboat tours.
This article covers everything you should know before booking tickets for the Thames River Cruise London.
Top Thames River Cruise Tickets
# Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket
# Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise
Table of contents
- What to expect on the Thames River Cruise London
- Where to buy Thames River Cruise tickets
- How online ticket works
- Cost of Thames River Cruise tickets
- Thames River Cruise London tickets
- Thames River Cruise departure point
- London River Thames Cruise timings
- How long does the cruise take
- Best time to go on a Thames River Cruise
- FAQs about the River Thames Cruise London
What to expect on the Thames River Cruise London
When you go on a Thames River Cruise, there are a few things you can expect to experience:
Scenic views
One of the main highlights of a Thames River Cruise is the stunning views of London’s landmarks and the river itself.
You’ll see many of the city’s most famous landmarks from a unique perspective.
This includes the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London.
Informative commentary
Thames River Cruises offers informative commentary about the landmarks you’re passing.
Live Guides provides you with interesting facts and historical information about the area.
A relaxing experience
Thames river boat trips are a relaxing way to spend a few hours, with comfortable seating and scenic views.
It’s a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some downtime.
Different types of tours
Many types of Thames River Cruises are available, from sightseeing tours to lunch and dinner cruises, speedboat tours, and private tours.
This means there’s something to suit everyone’s preferences and budget.
Overall, a Thames River Cruise is a unique and enjoyable way to experience London’s landmarks from a different perspective.
Whether a tourist or a local, it’s a great activity to add to your itinerary.
| Type of Cruise | Price |
|---|---|
| Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket | From £14 |
| Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise | From £15 |
| Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise | From £12 |
| River Thames Sightseeing Cruise | From £13 |
| London River Thames Lunch Cruise | From £38 |
Where to buy Thames River Cruise tickets
You can purchase your River Thames Cruise ticket online in advance.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because Thames River Cruise sells a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How online ticket works
Go to the River Thames Cruise ticket booking page.
Select the number of tickets, your preferred date, language, time slot, and ticket type, and buy the tickets.
Once you purchase tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone and join the group.
Cost of Thames River Cruise tickets
The Thames River Cruise London tickets cost £14 on weekdays and £18 on weekends for visitors above 16 years.
Children between two and 15 pay only £11 for entry on weekdays and £15 on weekends.
Kids under two years can ride most of the River Cruise on the Thames for free.
The River Cruise and London Eye Combined Tickets cost £46 for those above 16 years, £42 for those between two and 15 years, and free for kids under two years on weekdays.
The River Cruise and London Eye combined tickets cost £60 for those above 16 years, £54 for those between two and 15 years, and free for kids under two years on weekends.
Thames River Cruise London tickets
There are actually plenty of cruises on the River Thames, and we listed the best here.
You can choose between the following Thames River Boat Trips according to your budget and convenience.
Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye
The Thames River Cruise involves a leisurely boat ride along the River Thames.
The optional London Eye ticket adds an extra element to the experience by allowing you to ride the London Eye, one of the world’s tallest observation wheels.
From the top of the London Eye, you can see panoramic views of London’s skyline, including the River Thames and many of the city’s most famous landmarks.
The Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket is a great way to experience London’s history, culture, and beauty from a unique and exciting perspective.
Ticket Prices
Weekday tickets
River Cruise
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £14
Child Ticket (3 to 15 years): £11
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free
River Cruise and London Eye combined
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £46
Child Ticket (3 to 15 years): £42
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free
Weekend tickets
River Cruise
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £18
Child Ticket (3 to 15 years): £15
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free
River Cruise and London Eye combined
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £60
Child Ticket (3 to 15 years): £54
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free
Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise
The Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise takes you on a scenic journey along the River Thames from Westminster to Greenwich.
Passengers can enjoy panoramic views of some of London’s most famous landmarks along the way.
This includes the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, and the Tower Bridge.
You can choose between a 1-way and Round-Trip Cruise.
Ticket Prices
One-way cruise
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £15
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £10
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Round-trip cruise
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £20
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £13
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise
The Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise takes you on a beautiful tour along the River Thames from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
You can enjoy stunning views of London’s iconic landmarks along the way.
This includes the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London.
As the boat approaches Tower Bridge, passengers can witness the bridge opening and closing to let larger boats pass, adding an exciting element to the experience.
One-way cruise
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £12
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £8
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Round-trip cruise
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £18
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £12
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
River Thames Sightseeing Cruise is a popular activity for tourists visiting London, England.
Some landmarks that can be seen on this cruise include the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Tower, and Tower Bridge.
Many of these landmarks have played important roles in London’s history and offer insights into the city’s cultural and architectural heritage.
The meeting point varies depending on the option booked.
Ticket Prices
Tower Pier to Greenwich Pier
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £13
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £9
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Westminster Pier to Tower Pier
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £13
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £9
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £13
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £9
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Tower Pier to Westminster Pier
Adult Ticket (16+ years): £13
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £9
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
London River Thames Lunch Cruise
A London River Thames Lunch Cruise is popular with tourists and locals.
The cruise takes you on a boat ride along the River Thames while enjoying a delicious lunch and stunning views of London’s famous landmarks.
You will get thyme, rosemary, and lemon roasted Chicken Supreme with creamy leek, tarragon, and mushroom sauce.
This will be served with Potato au Gratin and seasonal vegetables with cherry tomato and red onion confit.
A dessert of warm, dark chocolate fondant with berry compote and vanilla sauce will be served at last.
The lunch served on the cruise is of high quality, featuring a range of delicious dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
You can also purchase alcoholic drinks from the onboard bar to accompany your meal.
Ticket Prices
Cheapest Prices
Adult Ticket (13+ years): £38
Child Ticket (2 to 12 years): £30
Infant Ticket (up to 1 year): Free
*Ticket costs keep changing depending on the rush. You will have to spend more if you choose weekends.
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Thames River Cruise departure point
The departing port of your Thames River cruise depends on the type of cruise you select.
If you select Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye, your boats will depart from London Eye Waterloo Pier Ferry Terminal.
Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise and Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise starts from Westminster Pier Terminal.
For River Thames Sightseeing Cruise, the departure or meeting point may vary depending on the option you choose on the booking page.
It could be any of the three from the London Eye Waterloo Pier Ferry Terminal, Westminster Pier Ferry Terminal, or Tower Pier.
The River Thames Lunch Cruise departs from the Tower Millennium Pier.
Please check the meeting point on your ticket after it’s received in your mail.
London River Thames Cruise timings
River Cruise on the Thames starts around 10 am, and the last boat leaves at 6 pm.
Arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled time is advised to get the right seats for perfect views.
How long does the cruise take
| Type of Cruise | Duration |
|---|---|
| Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise | 60 to 120 minutes |
| Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise | 30 to 70 minutes |
| River Thames Sightseeing Cruise | 40 to 60 minutes |
| London River Thames Lunch Cruise | 105 minutes |
Best time to go on a Thames River Cruise
The Thames River Cruise in London can be enjoyed year-round, as the tours operate regardless of the season or weather conditions.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, you may want to consider visiting during the weekdays rather than on weekends or public holidays, when the cruise can be more crowded.
Additionally, the early morning and late afternoon cruises tend to be less busy than the midday cruises, so you may want to consider those times as well.
However, if you want to enjoy the sunset at bay, you can consider booking an evening time slot.
If you’re looking for pleasant weather, the best time to visit may be during the warmer months of May to September, when temperatures are typically higher.
FAQs about the River Thames Cruise London
Here are some frequently asked question about the Thames River Cruise.
Yes, there are various types of Thames River Cruises. Some focus on sightseeing, while others offer dining experiences such as lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner cruises. Additionally, specialty cruises may include live entertainment or themed events.
Yes, it is committed to providing accessibility for all visitors. There are wheelchair-friendly paths and accessible facilities.
Disabled guests are charged the standard ticket price, and their carer can enter the attraction free of charge. The carer ticket will be issued on-site upon presentation of proof of disability.
Peak times are busier at the attraction, and ticket prices may be higher due to increased demand and limited availability. So we recommend booking in advance to ensure the best price and guarantee your spot.
While infants can enter for free, reserving a ticket for them is necessary. It helps ensure appropriate accommodation and adherence to safety regulations. Please remember to include them in your booking.
Cruises may be canceled or rescheduled in such cases. Operators will communicate changes, and options may include refunds or alternative routes.
Sources
# Thamesriversightseeing.com
# Visitlondon.com
# Wikipedia.org
# Tripadvisor.com
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