Last updated: August 2026. An honest, checked-this-year guide to Thames river cruises, with approximate prices. Fares change with season, operator and time of day, so confirm live before booking.
The short answer: the best Thames cruise depends on what you want. For sightseeing on a budget, take a hop-on hop-off cruise from Westminster, or the Uber Boat river bus for the same views even cheaper. For an occasion, book a dinner or afternoon tea cruise. For a thrill, a speedboat. Prices run from around $8 (GBP6) for a river-bus hop to $130 (GBP100) and up for a dinner cruise. Below is every type, with prices and where to book.
Seeing London from the water is one of the city's genuine pleasures, and there is a cruise for every budget and mood. The trouble is that the options blur together, and the prices swing wildly. This guide sorts them by what you actually want out of the trip, so you can pick the right one and book it in a couple of minutes.
London 4 dummies: Thames cruises made simple
- Cheapest views on the river: the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus. Same skyline, a fraction of a tour price, tap in with a contactless card.
- Most cruises start at Westminster or the London Eye. Other piers include Embankment, Tower and Bankside, with Greenwich at the eastern end.
- Book dinner and afternoon tea cruises ahead. They are popular and sell out, especially at weekends and sunset.
- Sunset is the magic hour. An evening or sundowner cruise is only a little dearer than the daytime one and far more memorable.
- Check what is included. Some fares are one-way, some are round trips, and hop-on tickets vary by operator. Read the ticket before you buy.
Every type of Thames river cruise
Grouped by what you want from the trip, with an approximate starting price for each. You can book any of them on GetYourGuide, or see the full booking options below.
See the sights
Sightseeing hop-on hop-off
The classic. City Cruises and similar operators run open-top sightseeing boats between Westminster, the London Eye, Tower and Greenwich, with live or recorded commentary. A hop-on hop-off ticket lets you break the journey at the sights. The best all-round choice for first-timers.
Book tickets →River bus (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers)
Not a tour but the locals' way to travel the river, fast and cheap, with the same views for a fraction of the price. Tap in with a contactless card at any pier. Perfect if you want the Thames experience on a budget, or to get from A to B in style.
Speedboat blast (Thames Rockets)
A high-speed RIB ride down the river with a witty guide, half sightseeing, half adrenaline. Fast, funny and soaking-optional. The pick for teens, groups and anyone who finds a gentle cruise too gentle.
Book tickets →Cruise and dine
Afternoon tea cruise
Scones, sandwiches and a pot of tea while the landmarks drift past. A genteel, very British way to see the river, and a lovely treat for a special afternoon. Book ahead, as these sell out.
Book tickets →Lunch cruise
A relaxed two or three-course lunch afloat, with the sights as your backdrop. A good middle option, more of an occasion than a sightseeing hop but easier on the budget than dinner.
Book tickets →Dinner cruise
The showpiece. Bateaux London and City Cruises run elegant evening cruises with a three-course meal, live music and the city lit up around you. The most romantic way to spend an evening on the Thames, and dressed-up territory.
Book tickets →Special occasions
Sunset sightseeing cruise
The same sights at the best hour, as the light turns golden and the buildings begin to glow. A short, affordable evening cruise that feels far more special than the daytime version.
Book tickets →Private charter with Champagne
Your own skippered boat for a proposal, a celebration or a group. The ultimate version, covered alongside the other high-end options in our luxury experiences guide.
Prefer to travel stress free? Book a cruise port transfer with Chauffeurz.
Quick comparison and prices
| Cruise | Route | From (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing hop-on hop-off | Westminster to Greenwich | From about $25 (GBP19) |
| River bus (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers) | Multiple piers | From about $8 (GBP6) |
| Speedboat blast (Thames Rockets) | London Eye Pier | From about $60 (GBP45) |
| Afternoon tea cruise | Departs Westminster or Tower | From about $65 (GBP50) |
| Lunch cruise | Departs central piers | From about $70 (GBP55) |
| Dinner cruise | Departs Tower or Embankment | From about $130 (GBP100) |
| Sunset sightseeing cruise | Departs Westminster | From about $30 (GBP24) |
| Private charter with Champagne | Your choice of pier | Bespoke |
Prices are approximate starting fares and vary by operator, date and time. Sunset and weekend departures cost more, and children's and family tickets are usually cheaper.
Where to book your Thames cruise
Each cruise above has a Book tickets button that takes you straight to live availability and reviews. You can also browse everything in one place through our partners GetYourGuide and Viator, with instant confirmation and free cancellation on many tickets. If you are packing in lots of sights, a London Pass can bundle a cruise with the big attractions and save you money overall.
Browse all Thames cruises on GetYourGuide → Or compare on Viator →Rounding out a day on the river: many piers sit beside a good riverside pub, so see our best London pubs guide for a pint with a view before or after. For a private, Champagne charter and other high-end options, our luxury experiences guide has the details. And after an evening dinner cruise, a pre-booked car with Chauffeurz saves hunting for a taxi at the pier.
A few things to know about the river
The Thames runs about 215 miles from its source in Gloucestershire to the sea, though your cruise covers only the scenic central stretch. It has been London's highway for two thousand years, since Roman Londinium, and in Shakespeare's day theatre-goers were rowed across it by watermen to reach the Globe on Bankside. On a central cruise you will pass under a string of famous bridges, from Westminster and Waterloo to Tower Bridge, each with its own history, and glide past the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's, the Shard and the Tower of London. It really is the best seat in the city.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Thames river cruise?
It depends on the type. A river-bus hop with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers starts from around $8 (GBP6), a sightseeing hop-on cruise from about $25 (GBP19), an afternoon tea cruise from about $65 (GBP50), and a three-course dinner cruise from around $130 (GBP100). Sunset and weekend departures cost a little more.
Which is the best Thames river cruise?
For first-time sightseeing, a hop-on hop-off cruise from Westminster is the best all-rounder. For the cheapest views, take the Uber Boat river bus. For an occasion, book a dinner or afternoon tea cruise, and for a thrill, a Thames Rockets speedboat. Match the cruise to the trip you want.
Where do Thames cruises depart from?
Most central cruises leave from Westminster Pier or the London Eye Pier, with others from Embankment, Tower and Bankside. Greenwich is the usual eastern end of the sightseeing route. Check your ticket for the exact pier, as they are a short walk apart.
How long is a Thames river cruise?
Anything from 30 to 45 minutes for a short sightseeing hop, around an hour for a full Westminster to Greenwich run, and two to three hours for a lunch or dinner cruise. Pick the length that suits your day and your budget.
Is a Thames river cruise worth it?
Yes. Seeing London's landmarks from the water, with no traffic and a fresh perspective, is one of the city's real highlights and suits couples, families and solo travellers alike. Even the cheap river bus delivers the views; the paid cruises simply add commentary, comfort or a meal.
Clara, Welcome2London's AI travel curator, presents our guides to London for visitors, with a focus on honest, practical detail and genuine value for money. Her guides are reviewed regularly to stay current.
Sources and verification (August 2026): cruise types, operators and routes cross-checked against operator websites and major booking platforms. Prices are approximate starting fares that change with season, operator and time of day. River facts checked against standard geographical and historical sources; the Thames is roughly 215 miles long.
Disclosure: Welcome2London earns a commission from some partner cruise, tour and transfer bookings, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our guides free, and our recommendations are made on value and honesty alone.
Clara Whitby is Welcome2London’s AI travel curator, known to readers as The Londonologist. She was created by our editorial team to help first time visitors plan London and the rest of the UK with confidence: where to stay, how to get around, what is worth your money and what you can happily skip. Every guide she presents is researched from official sources and checked by the Welcome2London team before it goes live.
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