15 Best Thames River Cruises and Boat Trips in London

By Rebeca Jhonson

Discover London’s Landmarks from the Water

Experience London’s iconic landmarks from a unique perspective with a Thames river cruises. Whether you’re after a relaxing sightseeing trip, a lavish dining experience, or a high-speed adventure, there’s a perfect option for everyone.

Here’s your guide to the 15 best Thames river cruises and boat trips in London, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the heart of the city.

1. City Cruises Hop-On Hop-Off River Tour

Explore London at your own pace with City Cruises’ hop-on hop-off sightseeing boats. With a 24-hour pass, you can board and disembark at popular attractions like the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Duration: 24 hours
Highlights: Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral
Location: Victoria Embankment, Westminster, SW1A 2JH
Price: From £24.00

2. Afternoon Tea Cruise

Indulge in a quintessentially British afternoon tea while gliding past landmarks like the Shard and Big Ben. Enjoy finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones with stunning riverside views.

Duration: 90 minutes
Highlights: Tower of London, London Eye, The Shard
Price: From £52 for adults, £42 for children

3. Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment

Elevate your evening with a four-course dinner and live music aboard a City Cruises dinner cruise. Dance to live tunes or relax as you take in illuminated views of London.

Duration: 3 hours
Highlights: Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Big Ben
Price: From £87.00

4. Evening Cruise

Enjoy a romantic evening cruise as London’s skyline lights up. Savor canapés and bubbly while a live musician sets the mood.

Duration: 2 hours
Highlights: London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge
Price: From £37.00

5. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers One-Day River Roamer

Hop aboard Uber Boat for unlimited travel along the Thames. Connect with major attractions and explore modern landmarks like Battersea Power Station and Canary Wharf.

Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Battersea Power Station, Tower of London, Greenwich
Price: From £10.25

6. Lunch Cruise

Pair London sightseeing with a delicious two-course lunch on this relaxed cruise. Pass by Big Ben, London Bridge, and more while enjoying onboard commentary.

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Highlights: Big Ben, London Bridge, Tower of London
Price: From £49 for adults, £39 for children

7. London Eye River Cruise Package

Combine a ride on the iconic London Eye with a 40-minute river cruise. Admire breathtaking city views from above and from the water.

Duration: 40-minute cruise
Highlights: London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London
Price: From £46.00

8. Uber Boat & IFS Cloud Cable Car Combo

Start your journey on Uber Boat and end with stunning aerial views from the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Admire the O2, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and the city skyline.

Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Greenwich, The O2, Canary Wharf
Price: From £33.20

9. Thames Speedboat Tours

Craving adventure? Hop on a Thames Rockets speedboat for a thrilling ride. Zoom past London’s landmarks and feel the wind in your hair.

Duration: 50-80 minutes
Highlights: HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, Thames Barrier
Price: From £59.95

10. Tate Boat

Connect London’s top art galleries—Tate Britain and Tate Modern—with a serene river cruise. This is a perfect cultural day out.

Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Victoria Embankment, London Eye, Houses of Parliament
Price: From £22.10 for adults, £11.05 for children

11. Uber Boat to Greenwich

Sail to Greenwich aboard Uber Boat and explore its rich maritime history. Visit attractions like the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum.

Duration: 30 minutes
Highlights: Canary Wharf, Greenwich, Tower Bridge
Price: From £10.25

12. Turks Launches Tour

Discover the picturesque stretch between Kingston and Richmond on a Turks Launches tour. Pass Hampton Court Palace as you enjoy a peaceful river journey.

13. Thames River Sightseeing

Learn about London’s history on a spacious boat with multilingual audio commentary. This leisurely cruise runs between Westminster and Woolwich

14. Regent’s Canal Boat Tour

Explore a different side of London with a canal boat ride from Little Venice to Camden Market. This peaceful 45-minute cruise offers a refreshing change from the Thames.

15. Kayak Tours

Take control of your adventure with a kayak tour along the Thames or through London’s canals. Navigate between landmarks with expert guidance for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Booking Your Thames Cruise

To guarantee your spot, it’s best to book your river cruise tickets in advance. Some operators offer walk-up options, but many require online reservations. Discounts are available for Travelcard and Oyster card users.