Thames River Cruises: The 15 Best in London

1.Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,127 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $18Our pick

Board at Westminster Pier for a 25 to 30 minute Thames cruise past Parliament, St. Paul’s, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, and Tower Bridge. You get live English commentary, open-deck views, a bar, and an optional return trip. The return requires changing boats at Butler’s Wharf Pier.

“The best part was the guide!! He is so funny. I wish it was longer so I can listen to him more. anyway, the tour was great ❤️”

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2.High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,971 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $90Top rated

Join a skipper and guide for a 50-minute Thames speedboat ride from London Eye Pier. A maximum of 12 people see Big Ben, St Paul’s, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, and Canary Wharf, with lively commentary, British music, and speeds up to 30 knots.

“So fast!!! This blew us away - so much better than expected - FUN and some bonus historical facts along the way.”

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3.Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,900 reviews · 45 minutes - 1.5 hours · from $20

Board beneath the London Eye for a 40-minute circular Thames cruise toward Tower Bridge and back. An English-speaking guide such as Mitch, George, Josh, or Emma brings the landmarks to life with facts, jokes, and photo cues. Choose covered or sun deck seating, then add a London Eye ticket if availability suits your plans.

“Really enjoyable (and informative!) trip. The guide was very interesting and funny, can really recommend this.”

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4.London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,834 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $53

See London by open-top double-decker bus on three routes linking Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Tower of London, St Paul’s, museums, and Notting Hill. Use the 1, 2, or 3-day pass with audio commentary, real-time bus tracking, and a Thames cruise valid for the same period. The cruise adds strong live commentary and fine river views.

“Great way to get around and see London. Drivers are courteous and helpful. The metro can get you faster but many things can be missed”

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5.Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,274 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $53

Board a City Cruises boat at Tower Pier for a 90-minute afternoon tea sailing past Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, The Shard, London Eye, and Parliament. You’ll have sandwiches, warm scones, cakes, and unlimited tea and coffee, with live or recorded commentary. Seats are assigned at shared tables for four.

“had a nice time: staff were attentive and personable. boat tour was smooth. food and tea were tasty.”

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6.Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,969 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $22

Board at Westminster Pier and cruise east along the Thames for about an hour. Live commentary points out Big Ben, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Add a return sailing if you want more river views, then explore Greenwich’s Cutty Sark, market, park, museums, and observatory.

“Great trip up/down the Thames. We did the return trip, despite it being freezing above deck the delicious mulled wine went down a treat. Great commentary during the trip and we both enjoyed it.”

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7.River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,493 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Spend two hours on the Thames from Tower Millennium Pier, watching London brighten at dusk with a glass of sparkling wine and canapés. Choose the open-air deck or air-conditioned saloon, enjoy live chill-out pop, and pass Tower Bridge, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and Canary Wharf. This is a scenic evening cruise, not a narrated history tour.

“it was wonderful having live music. everyone on the cruise was so friendly and helpful. the boat was clean and we had a fantastic time looking at London while enjoying a bottle of champagne and absolutely wonderful appetizers. it was easy, and a great way to relax during the evening.”

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8.River Thames Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,159 reviews · 3 hours · from $94

Spend three hours cruising from Westminster Pier to the Thames Barrier and back. You’ll receive sparkling wine, a seated British dinner, tea and coffee, and live music from singers such as Emma, Paddy, Andrew, or Patrick Phelps, depending on the sailing. Expect floodlit landmarks, optional dancing, and a smart-casual evening for adults and older teens.

“It was my birthday celebration. From start to finish I really enjoyed it. My group said it wasThe host was good. The singer is a "Wow:. Will be back soon. Loved it. the best choice for my day.”

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9.London River Thames Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,014 reviews · 1h 45m · from $48

You’ll cruise from Tower Pier for 105 minutes, dining on a two-course lunch while passing Tower Bridge, the Shard, the London Eye, and Westminster. The refurbished boat has panoramic windows, assigned tables, bar service, and live or recorded commentary. Smart casual dress is requested, and drinks beyond tea and coffee cost extra.

“Friendly greeting from the team Good communication Pleasant cruise on the River Thames through London Great two course lunch meal and friendly service”

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10.London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,772 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Board at Westminster Pier for a three-hour evening cruise toward Greenwich and back. You’ll see the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Thames Flood Barrier while enjoying a set three-course dinner, welcome sparkling wine or a soft drink, live music, and dancing.

“Friendly efficient staff. Good standard of food. Our party all had a great time. My only minor gripe would be that the music was quite loud, which made conversation more difficult. Apart from that, a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”

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11.Uber Boat – Single Journey River Thames Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,597 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $13Best value

Use one Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket to travel along the Thames between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside. Board or leave at any Central or East Zone pier, passing Big Ben, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and more. Expect transport first, sightseeing second, with indoor seating and covered outdoor space.

“Was a good ride, enjoyed the views, though a bit daft of a day. Remember it has a start on both ends. So you *can't ride till you return back to the port you got on. You will have to buy another ticket.”

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12.Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,256 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

See London from the Thames on a flexible 24-hour City Cruises pass, boarding at Westminster, Waterloo, Tower, or Greenwich. Choose indoor or open-air seating, listen to onboard commentary, and hop off near sights such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and Greenwich. Check boat times closely, since service can be limited later in the day.

“Great weather London was meant to be seen from the Themes. Great photos short lines. The food on board is s but expensive”

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13.Ghost Walk and River Thames Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,251 reviews · 2 hours · from $26

Spend two hours hearing grisly London stories from Green Park to the Tower of London, with a 30-minute Uber Boat ride if selected. Guides such as Marvin, Julia, Luke, and Zachary mix solid history with dark humor. Choose the boat for evening views or the Tube option for the same walking route.

“Our guide, Zachary was really good at telling stories. He spoke loud and clear which is needed in London’s buzzing noise. We loved that we got a boat ride in between stories, which also is very convenient so that you can rest your legs or use the toilet. We also had our 2 year old son in a stroller with us. Zachary kindly offered to take small detours to avoid stairs, but we have a light stroller and the few stairs on the tour was no problem at all for us. Recommended!:)”

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14.Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 994 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Board City Cruises at Tower Pier for a 90-minute Thames outing with a two-course lunch, tea, and coffee. You’ll pass the Tower of London, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye, and Westminster. Seating is assigned indoors, with an upper deck for photos and drinks available to buy.

“This was the highlight of our trip! The boat cruise was so smooth, we saw great sights, and the food & drinks were out of this world!!! Highly recommend.”

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15.River Thames Dinner Cruise with Live Jazz

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 233 reviews · 3 hours · from $134

Board at Westminster Pier for a three-hour evening cruise with a welcome glass of sparkling wine, a set three-course dinner, and live jazz. As the boat moves along the Thames, you’ll see Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and other lit landmarks. Tables are fixed and may be close together, but every seat has panoramic windows.

“When my wife and I organised to come for this event honestly I wasn't expecting much. However when I experienced the night, the only world I can say is; Fantastic. The music,the food, the ambiance,the crew, especially the crew is very friendly and make you feel you are part of the cruise among with them. I really advise , City Cruises and this activity”

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