The Best Thames River Cruises in London
London looks completely different from the water. The Thames gives you views of St Paul's, the Shard, and Tower Bridge that you simply can't replicate on foot. We've ranked these cruises by what they're actually best at — because the right cruise depends on whether you want flexibility, romance, or 40 minutes of screaming past landmarks at speed.
Our top pick
Top pick London Eye River Cruise
The most iconic cruise on the Thames — 40 minutes from Westminster Pier with views of the Eye, the Shard, St Paul's, and Tower Bridge. Live or audio commentary, runs throughout the day.
Book London Eye River Cruise →The full list
Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise
A day pass letting you board and disembark at Westminster, Bankside, and Tower piers as many times as you like. Practical if you're visiting both the South Bank and Tower Bridge in one day.
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Westminster to Greenwich Cruise
A one-way cruise from central London to Greenwich — the most scenic way to reach the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and Greenwich Market. About 50 minutes each way.
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Afternoon Tea River Cruise
Finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and Thames views — all aboard a glass-topped boat. Popular for birthdays, anniversaries, and hen parties. Book 2+ weeks ahead.
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45-Minute Thames Speedboat Tour
Not your grandparents' river cruise. A rigid inflatable boat screaming past the Shard, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf at speed. Genuinely fun for anyone who's done the slower tours already.
Book Thames Speedboat Tour →Afternoon tea cruises sell out weeks ahead
Celebration cruises book up fast — especially in summer and around bank holidays. If you're planning for a specific date, lock it in now.
Thames River Cruises: Frequently Asked Questions
For most visitors, the London Eye River Cruise offers the best combination of views, convenience, and value. It departs frequently from Westminster Pier and covers the most iconic stretch of the river. For a full day of flexibility, the Hop-On Hop-Off pass is the better choice.
Standard sightseeing cruises run 40–60 minutes. The Westminster to Greenwich cruise takes around 50 minutes each way. Afternoon tea cruises are typically 90 minutes to 2 hours. Speedboat tours run 45 minutes.
Most cruise operators depart from Westminster Pier (next to Westminster Bridge, a short walk from the Houses of Parliament) or from Embankment Pier. Some also depart from Bankside Pier near Tate Modern. Check your specific tour for the exact departure point.
Yes — the river view of London is genuinely different from the street-level one, and the hour or so you spend on the water gives excellent views of landmarks that are harder to appreciate on foot. The London Eye River Cruise in particular offers some of the best photography opportunities in the city.