If you think public transport in London is all about squeezed tube carriages and traffic jams, the River Bus RB1 is here to change your mind. Operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers on behalf of Transport for London, this high-speed catamaran service offers perhaps the most civilised way to cross the capital.
Stretching from the redeveloped powerhouse of Battersea in the west all the way to the growing community of Barking Riverside in the east, the RB1 route cuts right through the heart of the city. It serves as a daily commute for thousands, but for the savvy traveller, it is effectively a luxury sightseeing cruise for a fraction of the price of a tourist boat.
What makes this route special
The RB1 is a route of contrasts. You start in the historic, slightly calmer waters of the west, speed through the frenetic energy of central London, and then open up the throttles as the river widens towards the historic docklands.
Unlike the slow-moving tourist cruisers, these vessels are built for speed and comfort. They are fully enclosed with climate control, though almost every boat features an open back deck—the perfect spot for photographers wanting wind-in-the-hair shots of Tower Bridge. Inside, you’ll find plush leather seats, tables, and an onboard café bar serving barista coffee in the morning and something stronger in the evening. It turns the “dead time” of travel into a genuine pleasure.
A route breakdown of key locations
The journey is best understood in three distinct sections: the West, the Central Zone, and the East.
The Western Start
The route usually kicks off at Battersea Power Station. Since the station’s redevelopment, this pier has become a destination in itself. As the boat departs, you’ll glide past the spy-movie-esque MI6 building near Vauxhall and the Tate Britain art gallery at Millbank.
The Central Sightseeing Sprint
As you approach Westminster, the views become iconic. You will dock right under the nose of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Across the water, you’ll see the London Eye as you call at Waterloo.
Passing Embankment and Blackfriars, look out for the mix of old and new London architecture. The boat then crosses to Bankside, dropping you at the door of the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe.
One of the highlights is passing beneath London Bridge to dock at London Bridge City, right alongside HMS Belfast. The crescendo of the central section is the passage under Tower Bridge. Departing Tower pier and cruising beneath the bascules of the most famous bridge in the world is an experience that never gets old.
The Eastern Docklands
Once through the bridge, the boat speeds up. You’ll head towards the glittering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, a stunning sight particularly at sunset. The route weaves through historic maritime territory, calling at Surrey Quays and Masthouse Terrace.
The maritime history continues at Greenwich, where you can see the Cutty Sark from the water. Further along, the landscape becomes more modern and industrial, passing the O2 Arena at North Greenwich and the cable cars overhead.
The final leg takes you past the Thames Barrier—a silver line of defence across the river—calling at Royal Wharf and Woolwich (home to the Royal Arsenal), before terminating at the modern pier of Barking Riverside.
When does the route run
The RB1 is a workhorse of the river, running seven days a week, all year round. It is primarily a commuter service, meaning it starts early (often before 6:00 am on weekdays) and runs until late (around 11:00 pm).
Weekends follow a slightly more relaxed timetable but still offer frequent service from morning until night, making it ideal for leisure trips. It’s worth noting that the river is tidal and occasionally fog can disrupt services, but generally, it is one of the most reliable ways to cross London.
Service frequency and connections
During peak times, the RB1 runs at a high frequency, often every 10 to 20 minutes in the central zones. In the evenings and on the far eastern stretches towards Barking, the frequency may drop to every 20 or 30 minutes, so it is always worth checking the specific timetable for your return journey.
The connectivity is superb. Almost every major pier connects with a London Underground or National Rail station:
- Embankment: District & Circle lines.
- Waterloo: Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo lines & National Rail.
- London Bridge: Northern, Jubilee lines & National Rail.
- Canary Wharf: Jubilee line & Elizabeth line.
- Woolwich: Elizabeth line & DLR.
Value for money
Travel on the River Bus is more expensive than a standard bus or tube journey, but you are paying for speed, comfort, and a guaranteed seat. The river is split into three zones: West, Central, and East.
- Central Zone: This covers the main tourist sights between Battersea and Canary Wharf. This is the most expensive zone.
- East Zone: From Canary Wharf outwards to Barking. This is cheaper and offers great value for longer trips.
Important Fare Info: You can use Contactless or Oyster to pay as you go (just tap in at the pier and tap out when you dock). However, unlike the tube, River Bus journeys do not count towards the daily TfL price cap.
If you have a Travelcard (weekly or monthly) loaded on your Oyster, you get a 1/3 discount on the fare. Freedom Pass holders also get a discount (usually 50%), though travel is not free.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit at the back: If the weather is dry, head to the open deck at the rear. The engine noise is louder, but the unobstructed views of the city are unbeatable.
- Use the app: The Thames Clippers app allows you to buy tickets in advance and check live departures, which is useful if you are running for the last boat.
- Sunset timing: Try to time your journey with sunset. Watching the lights of the City of London and Canary Wharf switch on from the middle of the Thames is magical.
- Don’t forget to tap out: Since the fare depends on the zones you travel through, forgetting to tap out at your destination pier will result in being charged the maximum fare.
Planning a day out on this route
The RB1 is the perfect spine for a “London Highlights” day out without the walking.
Start your morning at Battersea Power Station for a breakfast and a browse of the shops. Hop on the boat and head east to London Bridge City. Here, you can disembark for a wander around Borough Market to pick up lunch.
Back on the boat, cruise under Tower Bridge and head all the way to Greenwich. Spend the afternoon exploring the Maritime Museum, the market, and the park.
For the adventurous, stay on board until North Greenwich to climb the O2 Arena or take the cable car. If you want to see the “new” London, take the boat to its terminus at Barking Riverside to see how the industrial Thames is being transformed into modern wetlands and living spaces.
Year-round appeal
While a river boat sounds like a summer activity, the RB1 is fantastic in winter. The boats are fully heated and have large windows. In fact, seeing London’s Christmas lights reflected in the black water of the Thames, while sipping a hot chocolate from the onboard bar, is one of the city’s hidden winter gems. Whether you are commuting to work or exploring the city, the RB1 offers a perspective on London that you simply cannot get from the road or the rails.
