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Top experiences in London

Free cancellation
Tower Bridge and sightseeing cruise on River Thames, London.
Combo (Save 13%): Tower Bridge Tickets + Flexible Thames River Cruise
Combo
£34.50
£29.92
13% off
Combo (Save 13%): Tower Bridge Tickets + Flexible Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 3485 ratings.From £29.92
Visitors enjoying the view at Sky Garden, London with cityscape in the background.
Combo (Save 18%): Sky Garden Tickets + Thames River Cruise
Combo
from £35
£28.80
18% off
Combo (Save 18%): Sky Garden Tickets + Thames River Cruise . Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1211 ratings.From £28.80
Free cancellation
Red double-decker bus near the London Eye on the Thames River cruise tour.
City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
from
£30
City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 360 ratings.From £30
Free cancellation
Sightseeing cruise on River Thames passing under Millennium Bridge, London.
Combo (Save 14%): SEA LIFE London Aquarium Tickets with Flexible Thames River Cruise
Combo
from £44.50
£38.18
14% off
Combo (Save 14%): SEA LIFE London Aquarium Tickets with Flexible Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2265 ratings.From £38.18
Free cancellation
London skyline with Big Ben and Go City Explorer Pass logo.
London Explorer Pass by Go City: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
City Cards
from
£89
London Explorer Pass by Go City: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 333 ratings.From £89
Free cancellation
Emirates Stadium exterior with Arsenal banners and logo in London.
Combo (Save 10%): Arsenal FC Stadium Tour + Flexible Thames River Sightseeing Cruise
Combo
£52.50
£47.02
10% off
Combo (Save 10%): Arsenal FC Stadium Tour + Flexible Thames River Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 3544 ratings.From £47.02
Cruise boat on the Thames by Westminster and Houses of Parliament, London.
Combo (Save 11%): Westminster Abbey Tickets with Audio Guide + River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
Combo
£47.50
£42.27
11% off
Combo (Save 11%): Westminster Abbey Tickets with Audio Guide + River Thames Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4325 ratings.From £42.27
Free cancellation
IFS Cloud Cable Car over London skyline and boat on Thames River at night.
Combo (Save 5%): Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car
Combo
£24.90
£23.65
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1499 ratings.From £23.65
Westminster Abbey facade with towers and clock, London.
Combo (Save 5%): Westminster Abbey + River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
Combo
from £47.70
£45.31
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Westminster Abbey + River Thames Sightseeing Cruise . Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 17377 ratings.From £45.31
Penguins on rocks at a zoo and a city cruise boat on the Thames in London.
Combo (Save 16%): London Zoo Tickets + Thames River Cruise
Combo
from £47
£39.60
16% off
Combo (Save 16%): London Zoo Tickets + Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1243 ratings.From £39.60
Free cancellation
Couple enjoying the view inside a London Eye capsule.
Combo (Save 13%): London Eye + Thames River Cruise + Tower of London Tickets
Combo
£89.03
£77.43
13% off
Combo (Save 13%): London Eye + Thames River Cruise + Tower of London Tickets. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 2273 ratings.From £77.43
Free cancellation
Family enjoying a magical mirror experience and a City Cruises boat near Tower Bridge, London.
Combo (Save 17%): Shrek’s Adventure! London + City Cruise Tickets
Combo
from £37.50
£31.05
17% off
Combo (Save 17%): Shrek’s Adventure! London + City Cruise Tickets. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1530 ratings.From £31.05
Free cancellation
IFS Cloud Cable Car over River Thames in London with cityscape in background.
Combo (Save 5%): London IFS Cloud Cable Car Tickets + Thames Flexible Sightseeing Cruise
Combo
£28.50
£27.07
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): London IFS Cloud Cable Car Tickets + Thames Flexible Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1426 ratings.From £27.07
Free cancellation
London double-decker bus near St. Paul's Cathedral and Madame Tussauds wax figures.
Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets
Combo
from £73.99
£66.59
10% off
Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 5266 ratings.From £66.59
Free cancellation
City cruise boat on Thames near Tower Bridge, actor in costume inside London Dungeons.
Combo (Save 12%): Flexible Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames + London Dungeon Tickets
Combo
from £43.50
£38.47
12% off
Combo (Save 12%): Flexible Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames + London Dungeon Tickets. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1777 ratings.From £38.47
Free cancellation
Open-top London tour bus and Thames River cruise boat with cityscape.
Combo (Save 15%): 24/48-Hr London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Thames River Cruise
Hop-on Hop-off London Tours
from
£40
Combo (Save 15%): 24/48-Hr London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 164 ratings.From £40
Free cancellation
Guest with Captain Marvel figure at Marvel Hall of Heroes, Madame Tussauds London.
Combo (Save 5%): Madame Tussauds Tickets + Thames River Cruise
Combo
from £42
£39.90
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Madame Tussauds Tickets + Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 6291 ratings.From £39.90
Frameless London exhibit with visitors and Thames River cruise near The Shard.
Combo (Save 5%): Frameless London Tickets + Thames Sightseeing Cruise
Combo
from £51.37
£48.80
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Frameless London Tickets + Thames Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 3312 ratings.From £48.80
Free cancellation
Friends toasting with wine on a Thames River Christmas lunch cruise in London.
Thames River Christmas Party Lunch Cruise
Lunch Cruises
from
£75
Thames River Christmas Party Lunch Cruise. Rated 0 out of 5 from 0 ratings.From £75
Free cancellation
Cruise boat on the Thames passing Tower Bridge in London.
Official Tower of London River Tour
Tower of London
from
£18.50
Official Tower of London River Tour. Rated 5 out of 5 from 1 ratings.From £18.50
Free cancellation
Big Bus London tour and couple taking selfie at Sea Life Aquarium.
Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets
Combo
from £60
£54
10% off
Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1649 ratings.From £54
Steam locomotive at London Transport Museum and boat on River Thames under Millennium Bridge.
Combo (Save 12%): London Transport Museum Tickets + Flexible Thames River Cruise
Combo
£43.50
£38.47
12% off
Combo (Save 12%): London Transport Museum Tickets + Flexible Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2853 ratings.From £38.47
Free cancellation
Crown Jewels display in London with crowns and scepters on red cushions.
St. Paul's Cathedral & Tower of London Guided Tour with Thames River Cruise
Tower of London
£119
St. Paul's Cathedral & Tower of London Guided Tour with Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 464 ratings.From £119
Free cancellation
Moco Museum London light installation and River Thames sightseeing cruise boat.
Combo (Save 20%): Moco Museum London Tickets + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames
Combo
from £50.95
£40.99
20% off
Combo (Save 20%): Moco Museum London Tickets + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 504 ratings.From £40.99

The Thames River Cruise experience

Thames River Cruises offer an effortless way to immerse yourself in the heart of London. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, glide along the river to explore iconic landmarks, enjoy delicious meals, and unwind in a uniquely refreshing urban setting.

Glide past landmarks

Board a Thames sightseeing cruise and glide past iconic London landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. The onboard commentary and open deck view fill your journey with engaging discovery.

Savor a river lunch

Savor a river lunch by indulging in a freshly prepared two-course meal with tea and coffee. As you dine onboard, panoramic views and informative commentary transform lunch into a relaxing journey.

Enjoy flexible boarding

Choose a flexible cruise for ultimate convenience. Board at any of the four central piers and hop on or off as you wish, enjoying live English commentary and multi-language audio for tailored, stress-free sightseeing.

Experience evening sparkle

Set sail into the evening and marvel at London’s illuminated skyline. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and canapés while live music provides a mellow backdrop, turning sunset into pure magic.

Discover river history

Discover London’s history on a sightseeing cruise that echoes centuries of stories. Navigate past landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral while live local commentary enriches your understanding of the city’s vibrant heritage.

Things to know before booking a London cruise

Understand London’s river route: The Thames flows through the heart of London, slicing the city into historic north and modern south banks. Cruises pass iconic landmarks like Westminster, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, making it an intuitive way to map out your day.

Choose your cruise type: London river cruises offer a variety of experiences, including short sightseeing loops with live commentary, flexible hop-on-hop-off tickets, upscale dinner and tea cruises, and even adrenaline-fueled speedboat tours. Your choice influences ambiance, duration, and onboard comfort.

Plan your timing and duration: Cruise durations in London vary from quick 30–60 minute loops to extended evening dining cruises lasting up to three hours. Daytime sailings highlight architectural details, while sunset cruises capture the city’s illuminated skyline for a unique perspective.

Consider boarding logistics: Cruise departures are concentrated at key central piers such as Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich. Check your boarding point to ensure a smooth transition between land-based attractions and your cruise, helping you avoid unnecessary backtracking.

Monitor seasonal effects and booking urgency: London cruises see peak demand in summer and during holidays—especially for evening and dining experiences. Book in advance to secure preferred timings, as off-peak periods often offer more flexibility and shorter waiting times at the piers.

Which London cruise is right for you?

Experience London’s dynamic spirit on a classic sightseeing cruise that offers flexible hop-on, hop-off boarding at multiple piers. Enjoy panoramic views, live commentary, and a seamless city tour from Westminster to Greenwich.

  • Key sights: Westminster, London Eye, Tower Bridge
  • Inclusions: Live commentary, open deck access
  • Ideal for: Families and first-time visitors
  • Feature: Frequent departures every 20–40 minutes

Top rated cruise operators in London

City Cruises Cruises

The vibe: Classic, flexible, informative
Why choose them: City Cruises offers a flexible hop-on hop-off sightseeing experience with live and multilingual commentary, allowing you to explore iconic London landmarks at your pace. Their spacious boats provide both indoor and open deck comfort for families and first-time visitors alike.
Departure: Westminster Pier

Thames Rockets Cruises

The vibe: Thrilling, fast, exhilarating
Why choose them: Thames Rockets delivers an adrenaline-packed, high-speed ride along the Thames with live comedic commentary, ideal for thrill-seekers and adventurous families. Their compact RIBs offer a unique blend of sightseeing and excitement, providing panoramic views of London’s skyline at remarkable speeds.
Departure: London Eye Pier

Bateaux London Cruises

The vibe: Upscale, romantic, refined
Why choose them: Bateaux London offers a premium dining cruise experience with a glass-roof boat that frames London’s illuminated skyline. Enjoy a curated multi-course meal while live music sets a sophisticated ambiance, making it perfect for romantic evenings or special celebrations.
Departure: Embankment Pier

Central Thames Sightseeing Loop

Route: Circular loop from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge and back.
Duration: 90–120 mins
Key sights: Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral

Westminster to Greenwich Extended Cruise

Route: One-way route from Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier along the Thames.
Duration: 60–75 mins
Key sights: Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory

What you will see

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

From the water, admire the historic neo-Gothic spires of the Houses of Parliament alongside Big Ben, whose chimes resonate along the Thames.

London Eye

Gaze at the giant Ferris wheel with its rotating capsules, a modern icon framing London’s skyline from the river.

Tower Bridge

Experience the sight of Tower Bridge with its twin Gothic towers and glass walkways as the boat glides beneath its iconic span.

Tower of London

Observe the storied Tower of London, a centuries-old fortress whose ancient stone walls tell tales of Britain’s royal history.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

See the majestic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece rising proudly above the bustling river scene.

The Shard

Marvel at The Shard’s sleek glass façade and soaring height, a symbol of modern London amid its historic riverside landmarks.

Cutty Sark

Spot the preserved tea clipper, Cutty Sark, moored along the riverbank in Greenwich—a vivid reminder of London’s rich maritime past.

Planning your London cruise

  • Best season: Spring through early autumn offers the most comfortable temperatures for open decks; winter sailings rely more on heated indoor cabins.
  • Day vs night: Daytime cruises highlight architectural details and clearer photos; sunset and evening sailings emphasize skyline lights and a more atmospheric river.
  • Pro tip: Morning departures are typically quieter, with better top-deck space and softer, more flattering light.

Tips for your London cruise

Arrive early: Head to your pier 15–20 minutes before departure to relax and secure your preferred seating.
Dress in layers: The river breeze can feel brisk, so a light jacket or layered outfit keeps you comfortable.
Choose your spot: Opt for open-deck or window seating based on whether you prioritize panoramic views or sheltered comfort.
Time your photos: Midday or just before sunset gives you the best light to capture London’s iconic landmarks.
Book ahead: Popular cruises, especially dinner or sunset sailings, can fill up fast, so reserve your spot in advance.
Enjoy the commentary: Listen to live insights and historical tidbits that add an extra layer to your cruising experience.

Frequently asked questions about London cruises

  • Sightseeing cruises last about 40 minutes to 1 hour one-way, while dinner cruises run between 2 and 3 hours. Return trips usually take 1.5–2 hours.

  • Most cruises board at Westminster, London Eye, Tower, or Greenwich Pier, all located in central London and easily accessible by public transport.

  • Most cruises offer live English commentary along with multi-language audio options via mobile apps, providing historical context and local insights during your journey.

  • Sightseeing cruises typically include a small bar or snack service, while dining cruises offer multi-course meals with beverages. Always check ticket details for specific inclusions.

  • Cruises operate in light rain with covered seating available. In severe weather, departures may be delayed or canceled, with rebooking or refund options per ticket policies.

  • Many operators allow same-day mobile ticket purchases, but advance online booking is recommended during peak seasons or popular departure times to guarantee your spot.

  • Most large cruise boats offer wheelchair access, onboard toilets, and family-friendly seating. Confirm accessibility details with the operator when booking for personalized requirements.

  • Most cruise tickets allow cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before departure. Review the specific ticket terms, as policies may vary slightly between operators.

  • Early morning and sunset cruises are ideal, offering pleasant lighting for photography and a quieter atmosphere. Consider seasonal variations for optimal river conditions.

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What our guests say

Amanda R

United States
Group
2 weeks ago
Made entry super easy and it was pretty affordable! I definitely recommend this experience to anyone visiting London and wanting to see the sights.

Christmas at the London Eye

Regina G

Austria
Family
2 weeks ago
Booking was very easy. Payment went through without a hitch. The app is user-friendly, and the tickets are managed perfectly. Everything is at your fingertips with just one tap. It’s simply great and hassle-free.

Christmas at the London Eye

Charlotte U

Couple
2 weeks ago
A wonderful experience—I got to explore London from the Thames. It was a really pleasant time, especially on a hot day. The staff were very friendly. I highly recommend it.

London Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise

Ms Wendy H

Couple
2 weeks ago

+2 more

We had a fantastic trip to the Emirates Stadium. From the moment we arrived, everything was well-organised and welcoming. The staff were were incredibly friendly, approachable, and always happy to take photos. Their warm and accommodating attitude really made the experience special. It was a memorable visit, and we would highly recommend it to any football fan!

Combo: Arsenal FC Stadium Tour + Flexible Thames River Sightseeing Cruise

Esther K

United Kingdom
Couple
2 weeks ago
Beautiful veiws of Famous london landmarks. Especally tower bridge and the tower of london. The boat was high speed and smooth with quick embarking and disembarking.

Thames River Uber Boat Trip

Andrea B

Switzerland
Solo
2 weeks ago
There was a wide selection of pastries and coffee; that surprised me. The staff was very friendly. The stay was great—excellent food and a well-kept garden.

Combo: Sky Garden Tickets + Thames River Cruise

Mariame M

France
Couple
3 weeks ago
Everything was well explained on the app, we found the entry really quickly, the staff was super nice and the views from the cabins were fantastic. I deffo recommend booking this activity to see the other side of London

Combo: Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car

Amanda R

United Kingdom
Solo
3 weeks ago

+3 more

Went with my daughter had a lovely time. The staff are very friendly and informative and the whole experience was well worth it.

Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets

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