Choosing a Thames river cruise
A Thames river cruise can be a simple journey between piers or a flexible way to explore the waterfront. Start with the places you want to visit, then choose a ticket that fits the direction and number of journeys. Westminster and Greenwich offer a useful route for seeing different stretches of London from the water, while a combined boat and cable car ticket makes a different kind of day out.
Check the departure pier, sailing schedule and terms for the particular ticket before you book. A ticket's period of validity tells you when it can be used, not how long you will spend on a boat. If you want a meal or a faster ride, compare the experiences in our Thames tours guide.
River cruise tickets
A 24-hour sightseeing ticket suits repeated stops. A single journey offers a shorter commitment, with a cable car option.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
24-hour sightseeing cruise ticket
- Hop-on and hop-off ticket
- On board commentary
The ticket is valid for 24 hours of hop-on hop-off sightseeing.
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River bus and cable car ticket
- Roundtrip ride on the London Cable Car
- Access to indoor seating
A single river bus journey is combined with a cable car round trip.
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Flexible one-way sightseeing cruise
- A flexible ticket for a single journey
- Onboard activities for children
A flexible single-journey ticket with English commentary or app commentary.
Check availability →Thames river cruise tickets
Compare a flexible pass, a one way sightseeing journey and a boat and cable car combination.
Hop on and hop off: understand ticket validity
A flexible ticket is useful when you want to leave the boat, spend time at a stop and continue later. The featured hop on and hop off pass is valid for 24 hours. Look at the participating piers and departure times as well as the validity period: a valid pass does not mean a boat leaves whenever you reach the pier. Plan enough time for the attractions you want to visit and for the final sailing you intend to use.
A single journey serves a different purpose. It can suit an itinerary that takes you from one part of London to another, followed by a walk or another form of transport. Read the direction and pier choices on the booking page. A one way ticket should not be assumed to include a return or the same flexibility as a pass.
Westminster to Greenwich by boat
The sightseeing route connects Westminster, the Tower Bridge area and Greenwich, with Bankside on some services. The river provides a changing view between the central waterfront and Greenwich. Choose your direction according to where you want to begin and end, and check the published timetable for the day. The Greenwich guide helps you plan time ashore around the museums and other attractions.
From 2 November to 31 December 2026, the published winter schedule has departures from Westminster at intervals of 40 minutes, with no service from 24 to 26 December. Later return services have particular ticket arrangements, so check the sailing you need before making plans. Operators use different pier names around Tower Bridge: use the meeting point on your own booking.
Do not count a museum or attraction ticket as part of a boat journey unless it is specifically listed in your selection. If you want to visit an attraction after disembarking, check its opening arrangements separately and leave space for the return trip. Our arrival guide covers planning a journey to the waterfront.
Boat and cable car combination
The featured combination pairs a one way river bus journey with a return cable car trip. It is not the same ticket as the sightseeing pass or the separate one way sightseeing cruise. Read the route and redemption details for both parts before selecting a date, and consider how you will reach your next stop after the included journeys.
The river bus guide explains the difference between single and return journeys and the practicalities of boarding. For a day built around food instead of transport, explore the afternoon tea choices. These are separate experiences, with their own schedules and booking conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the flexible pass valid for a full day?
The featured sightseeing pass is valid for 24 hours. Check its participating stops and sailing times when planning your route.
Does a one way ticket include the return?
Choose the direction and ticket type that match your plans. The featured one way sightseeing journey is a single journey.
Can I combine a boat with the cable car?
The featured combination includes a one way river bus journey and a return cable car trip. Check the details for each part before booking.
Should I book attractions separately?
Check the inclusions of your chosen ticket and arrange any attraction entry that is not listed separately.