The River Thames is often described as the liquid history of London, and there is simply no better way to read its pages than from the deck of a City Cruises boat. While the iconic red buses handle the streets, this service offers a refreshing, traffic-free alternative that cuts right through the heart of the capital.
As part of the London River Services network (licensed by Transport for London), the City Cruises River Tour offers a change of pace from the hustle of the Tube. It is a dedicated sightseeing service, distinct from the faster commuter catamarans, designed specifically for those who want to savour the view. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a Londoner looking to rediscover your city, this route offers a front-row seat to the skyline.
What makes this route special
Unlike the commuter river buses that speed from point A to point B, the City Cruises fleet is designed for leisure. The vessels feature open-air upper decks which are perfect for photography and panoramic views, as well as heated indoor saloons with panoramic windows for those typically British drizzly days.
The standout feature, however, is the commentary. Most journeys feature a live guide—often a ‘real Londoner’ with a sharp wit and a treasure trove of historical facts and humorous anecdotes. They point out hidden gems you would miss from the road, from the history of the daring traitor’s gate to the modern architecture shaping the new skyline. It transforms a simple journey into an engaging tour.
A route breakdown: from politics to pirates
The route connects four major piers, each acting as a gateway to a distinct “quarter” of London. Because these boats act as a hop-on, hop-off service (depending on your ticket), you can tackle the route in one go or break it up over a full day.
Westminster
The journey usually begins (or ends) in the shadow of Big Ben. Westminster Pier is situated right next to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge. As you board, you get an immediate, intimidating view of the seat of government. It is the perfect place to start your river adventure after exploring the Abbey or Parliament Square.
Waterloo (London Eye)
A short hop across the river brings you to the London Eye Pier. This is the gateway to the South Bank, a vibrant cultural hub. From the water, the sheer scale of the London Eye is impressive. This stop is ideal for accessing the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, and the bustling street performers that line the promenade. As the boat departs here, keep your eyes peeled for Cleopatra’s Needle and the sleek curve of the Victoria Embankment on the north bank.
Tower
Heading east, the boat passes under bridges that define the city—Waterloo, Blackfriars, and Millennium Bridge—giving you a unique view of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Globe Theatre. The arrival at Tower Pier is spectacular. You dock right alongside the medieval fortress of the Tower of London and the Victorian engineering marvel that is Tower Bridge. This is the boundary between the historic City of London and the Docklands. It is a fantastic spot to hop off for lunch at St Katharine Docks.
Greenwich
The final leg takes you through the contemporary architecture of Canary Wharf and down to the maritime heart of Britain. Greenwich Pier welcomes you with grandeur. You arrive right next to the Cutty Sark, the legendary tea clipper. The approach from the river gives you the same view that sailors and kings would have had centuries ago—the Old Royal Naval College looks truly majestic from the water.
When does the route run
The City Cruises service operates 365 days a year (though schedules may vary on Christmas Day). Because this is a sightseeing service, the timetable is designed around the leisure day.
Generally, boats start running from Westminster around 10:00, with the last departures usually between 16:00 and 18:00, depending on the season (summer hours extend later into the evening). It is important to check the specific timetable for your day of travel, but you rarely have to wait long.
Service frequency and connections
During peak times and weekends, the frequency is excellent, with boats departing roughly every 30 to 40 minutes from the main piers. This frequency makes the “hop-on, hop-off” tickets very viable; you can explore the Tower of London for two hours and know that another boat will be along shortly to take you down to Greenwich.
In terms of connections, the piers are incredibly well-integrated into the wider TfL network. Westminster Pier connects directly to the District, Circle, and Jubilee lines; Waterloo/London Eye connects to the major rail hub at Waterloo; and Tower Pier is a short walk from Tower Hill station.
Tickets and value for money
It is important to note that unlike the commuter river bus services, you generally cannot just tap in with a standard Oyster pay-as-you-go fare for a single journey in the same way you do on a bus. This is a tour product.
However, there is great value to be found. The most popular option is the 24-Hour River Pass, which allows unlimited travel between all four piers for a full day. If you plan to do the full length of the river and stop at two or more locations, this pays for itself.
For those with a keen eye for a bargain: if you have a valid Travelcard (Day, Weekly, or Monthly) loaded on your Oyster or paper ticket, you can often get a significant discount (usually 1/3 off) on standard City Cruises tickets when purchasing at the pier ticket office.
Top tips for the journey
- Wrap up warm: Even on a sunny day, the breeze on the Thames can be cool once the boat gets moving. If you want the best views from the top deck, bring a layer.
- Time it right: Try to catch a boat heading east from Westminster to Tower Bridge around sunset. Seeing the bridge illuminate as you pass under it is magical.
- Listen to the crew: The crew members are there for your safety, but they are also great sources of local knowledge. If the live commentary isn’t running (some off-peak boats may use recorded audio), ask a crew member for their favourite facts about the river.
- The bridge lift: Occasionally, Tower Bridge lifts to let tall vessels pass. If you are lucky enough to be on the river when this happens, you have the best seat in the house.
Planning a day out on this route
- Start at Westminster at 10:00. Take photos of Big Ben and board the boat.
- Enjoy the commentary as you cruise past the London Eye and Tate Modern.
- Disembark at Tower. Spend a few hours exploring the Tower of London or walking across Tower Bridge. Grab lunch at St Katharine Docks.
- Hop back on the boat and head downriver to Greenwich. This stretch of the river is wider and more industrial, showing a different side of London.
- Explore Greenwich Market and see the Cutty Sark.
- Take the boat back west as the sun sets, watching the city lights flicker on.
Year-round appeal
While summer offers the joy of the open deck with a cold drink in hand, this route is surprisingly cosy in winter. The lower saloons are fully enclosed and heated, often with a café bar serving hot drinks. Watching the rain lash against the panoramic windows while you drift past a misty Parliament building is a uniquely atmospheric London experience. Whether bathed in July sunshine or December fog, the Thames remains the most scenic highway in the city.
