The 8 Best Thames Cruises & Boat Tours in London (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 8 picks

The best boat tours in London in 2026 are Uber Boat by Thames Clippers for a cheap, fast ride past the sights, City Cruises or Thames River Sightseeing for a commentary cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge and Greenwich, Thames Rockets for a speedboat thrill, and Jason's Trip or the London Waterbus on the Regent's Canal.

London's river trips fall into three groups: the Uber Boat river bus, which runs like public transport and takes contactless; sightseeing cruises with commentary between Westminster, the Tower and Greenwich; and fast RIB speedboat rides. Away from the Thames, narrowboats run along the Regent's Canal between Little Venice and Camden Lock. Most Thames boats leave from Westminster Pier, the London Eye Pier or Tower Millennium Pier.

1. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers — South Bank

London's river bus: the cheapest and fastest way to see the Thames sights.

$ BudgetBest for Budget · First-timers

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers runs fast catamarans along the Thames, stopping at piers including the London Eye, Embankment, Bankside, Tower and Greenwich. It is public transport, so you just tap in with contactless or Oyster.

Sit outside at the back for photos of Tower Bridge and the City skyline.

Good to know: Ride east from the London Eye Pier to Greenwich for the best sightseeing route.

London Eye Pier, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB

Google Maps Website

2. City Cruises — Westminster

Sightseeing cruises with commentary, plus lunch, dinner and afternoon tea cruises.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for First-timers · Families

City Cruises runs sightseeing boats between Westminster, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Greenwich, with commentary and open decks, plus hop-on, hop-off tickets.

Its dining cruises, from afternoon tea to evening dinners, suit celebrations.

Good to know: A hop-on, hop-off ticket lets you combine the Tower and Greenwich in one day.

Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH

Google Maps Website

3. Thames River Sightseeing — Westminster

Classic commentary cruises from Westminster to Tower Bridge and Greenwich.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for First-timers · Families

Thames River Sightseeing runs cruises from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge (Butler's Wharf Pier) and Greenwich, with live commentary on the sights along the way.

It is a simple, good-value way to see central London from the water.

Good to know: Sit on the open top deck if the weather is kind.

Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH

Google Maps Website

4. Thames Rockets — South Bank

High-speed RIB rides from the London Eye, with a lively commentary.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples · Families

Thames Rockets runs speedboat rides from the London Eye Pier, cruising past the sights with commentary before opening up the throttle further east.

It is the most exciting way to see the river, popular with teenagers and groups.

Good to know: Waterproofs and life jackets are provided, but bring a warm layer.

London Eye Pier, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB

Google Maps Website

5. Thames RIB Experience — Embankment, Soho & the West End

Speedboat trips from Embankment and Tower piers with up to 35 minutes at high speed.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples · Families

Thames RIB Experience runs fast RIB rides from Embankment, Westminster and Tower Millennium piers, with short blasts and longer trips further east.

It is a good alternative to Thames Rockets, with more departure piers.

Good to know: The shortest rides from Tower Millennium Pier are the cheapest way to try it.

Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 6NU

Google Maps Website

6. Thames River Boats — Westminster

Upriver cruises from Westminster to Kew, Richmond and Hampton Court.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Families

Thames River Boats sails west from Westminster Pier to Kew Gardens, Richmond and Hampton Court Palace, a much longer and more peaceful trip than the central London cruises.

Sailings run mainly in the warmer months; check the timetable before you plan.

Good to know: Go one way by boat and return by train or Tube to save time.

Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH

Google Maps Website

7. Jason's Trip — Little Venice

A traditional narrowboat trip along the Regent's Canal from Little Venice to Camden.

$ BudgetBest for Families · Couples

Jason's Trip runs narrowboat cruises along the Regent's Canal between Little Venice and Camden Lock, passing the grand houses of Maida Vale, through a tunnel and past London Zoo.

It is a calm, charming hour on the water and a great way to arrive in Camden.

Good to know: Look out for the zoo's aviary as you pass through Regent's Park.

Opposite 42 Blomfield Road, London W9 2PF

Google Maps Website

8. London Waterbus Company — Camden

Canal boat trips between Camden Lock and Little Venice, about 45 minutes each way.

$ BudgetBest for Families

The London Waterbus Company runs boat trips along the Regent's Canal between Camden Lock and Little Venice, a journey of about 45 minutes, with occasional special trips.

It is ideal for families and a relaxing way to travel between two of London's prettiest canal spots.

Good to know: Start at Camden and finish with a walk around Little Venice.

Camden Lock, London NW1 8AH

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest boat trip in London?

The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus, paid with contactless or Oyster at the pier, is the cheapest way to see the Thames sights. A ride from Westminster or the London Eye to Greenwich takes in Tower Bridge, the City and Canary Wharf.

How long is a Thames cruise from Westminster to Greenwich?

Roughly an hour, depending on tides and stops. Many cruises stop at Tower Bridge on the way.

Is a Thames speedboat ride worth it?

If you want a thrill, yes. Thames Rockets and Thames RIB Experience run fast RIB rides with commentary; expect to get some spray and dress warmly outside summer.

Can you take a boat to Camden?

Yes. Jason's Trip and the London Waterbus Company run narrowboat trips along the Regent's Canal between Little Venice and Camden Lock, taking about 45 minutes to an hour.

Can you take a boat to Kew or Hampton Court?

Yes. Thames River Boats sails upriver from Westminster Pier to Kew, Richmond and Hampton Court in the warmer months. It is a long trip, so many people go one way by boat and return by train.

1. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers — South Bank

2. City Cruises — Westminster

3. Thames River Sightseeing — Westminster

4. Thames Rockets — South Bank

5. Thames RIB Experience — Embankment, Soho & the West End

6. Thames River Boats — Westminster

7. Jason's Trip — Little Venice

8. London Waterbus Company — Camden

Frequently asked questions

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