How to get to River Thames piers and towns
How to get to River Thames depends on the section you want to visit. For a London boat, start with the pier named on your ticket and plan the journey to that exact boarding point. For Kew, Hampton Court or Oxford, choose the destination first and check its local transport and parking arrangements. The river spans several different areas, so a single route does not cover every visit.
Westminster and Tower have useful rail connections for central London departures. If you are deciding where to base yourself, compare the areas in where to stay. For the boat journey itself, the river bus guide explains fares, boarding and ticket choices.
London pier connections
Westminster Underground station has District, Circle and Jubilee line connections, and the pier operator describes a direct link to Westminster Pier. At Tower Pier, Tower Hill station serves the District and Circle lines; Tower Gateway offers DLR connections, and Fenchurch Street is also within walking distance. Check the station and pier access for your own route, particularly if you need step-free travel.
Find the pier on your booking before setting out. A return boat may require you to consider both the landing point and your onward connection. For river buses, check the direction and stopping pattern: not every departure calls at every pier. The operator recommends arriving before departure, with extra time if you need to buy a ticket there.
Local river transport
For local travel after arrival, this ticket covers a river bus return journey between eligible piers.
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A return journey on the river bus
A return river bus journey is an option for travelling locally between London piers. It is not an airport or hotel transfer.
Taxi and transfer from London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow is a useful airport planning reference for a visit focused on London. If you prefer a taxi or a prearranged transfer, specify the destination address or pier, the number of passengers and your luggage when requesting the journey. Check the meeting point and the terms for delays before you travel. The journey from the airport is separate from any boat ticket you choose for the river.
For a departure from Westminster or Tower, leave time between your arrival and the boat. Your choice may depend on where you are staying, how much luggage you carry and whether you want to go directly to the pier or stop at your accommodation first. Check current transport information for your actual arrival date.
Transfer from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Central London
Reserve your transfer from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Central London in advance on Kiwitaxi.
River bus as an onward journey
A river bus can be part of the local journey once you have reached a London pier. The featured return ticket is for the river journey, not a pickup at Heathrow or at a hotel. Check its permitted route, boarding details and return arrangements before buying. A sightseeing cruise is another choice, but its ticket rules and stopping pattern can differ.
For the scheduled river bus, you need a valid ticket or an accepted payment method before boarding. With Oyster or contactless, check in and out; river bus spending does not count towards the usual TfL daily cap. Boarding is subject to availability and an ordinary ticket does not reserve a particular seat. Read more about cruise routes and tickets before choosing.
Car hire and parking
A car can be useful for combining destinations on the upper river, but check the final approach and parking for each stop. At Hampton Court, parking spaces are limited and cannot be reserved in advance. Kew also has limited parking, allocated as cars arrive. Check current charges and have an alternative in mind if the car park is full.
London's Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone are separate schemes. Westminster Pier is within the Congestion Charge zone; Kew is outside that zone but inside the ULEZ. Check the vehicle and route against the relevant rules before driving, including when using a hire car. Charges depend on the applicable conditions, so review those before setting off.
Oxford has a traffic filter trial in place since 28 September 2026. The council says all areas remain reachable without driving through a filter, though the route may differ. Check your destination and the current restrictions before relying on a navigation instruction. Our Oxford river guide gives ideas for time beside the water.
Train and local connections upstream
For Hampton Court, the palace lists a rail connection from Waterloo and a station within walking distance. Check the timetable and any engineering work for the date of travel, including the return leg. A journey by rail can leave you free to plan a riverside walk without collecting a car afterwards.
Allow for local connections when planning Kew, Hampton Court or a longer upper river itinerary. Schedules and fares depend on the route and date. For the character of each section and seasonal boat considerations, see the upper Thames guide and seasonal guide.
Getting to the Thames: questions
Which station is useful for Westminster Pier?
Westminster Underground station connects with the pier and is served by the District, Circle and Jubilee lines.
Does the river bus return ticket include Heathrow transfer?
No. It covers a local river journey. Arrange your airport journey separately and check the ticket's permitted route.
Can I reserve parking at Hampton Court?
The palace says its limited parking cannot be reserved in advance. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Are the Congestion Charge and ULEZ the same?
They are separate schemes. Check both the route and your vehicle before driving in London.