River Bus: RB2 - From Battersea Power Station to the West End: Discover London's landmarks on the RB2 route.

London is famous for its red double-deckers, but one of the capital’s best-kept secrets for scenic travel doesn’t have wheels at all. The River Bus RB2 service offers a commute with a difference, trading tarmac for the Thames and traffic jams for open water.

While formally known as the RB2 and operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers on behalf of Transport for London, this route is much more than a functional link. It is a journey through the architectural timeline of London, gliding from the gleaming regeneration of the west to the historic political heart of the city.

If you are looking to explore the city from a fresh perspective, here is why the RB2 should be your next ride.

What makes this route special

The RB2 offers a unique vantage point that you simply cannot get from the pavement or a tube train. The River Thames has always been the lifeblood of London, and traveling along it allows you to see the city as it was meant to be seen—from the water.

Unlike the crowded tourist cruisers that offer commentary and slow loops, the RB2 is a sleek, high-speed catamaran. It feels modern, efficient, and exciting. You get the thrill of speed in open stretches, combined with the luxury of indoor seating, a bar serving coffee and snacks, and an open-air back deck for those windswept selfies.

This specific stretch of the river, running between Battersea and Embankment, is particularly special because it bridges two distinct eras of London. You start amidst the ultra-modern, repurposed industrial cool of the Power Station and end up right under the nose of Victorian grandeur and political power. It is a history lesson at 25 knots.

A riverside journey: stop by stop

The route connects some of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Here is what you can expect as you travel east from Battersea toward the city centre.

Battersea Power Station
The journey begins at Battersea. Once a derelict industrial giant, the area is now a thriving destination for shopping, dining, and leisure. The pier sits right in the shadow of the iconic four chimneys. Before you board, you can marvel at the Art Deco masterpiece up close. As the boat pulls away, looking back at the sheer scale of the Power Station from the middle of the river is a breathtaking start to the trip.

Vauxhall (St George’s Wharf)
Heading east, the boat glides toward Vauxhall. As you approach St George’s Wharf Pier, look to your right (the south bank). You will see the distinctive, fortress-like architecture of the SIS Building—better known as the MI6 headquarters. Fans of James Bond will recognise this building instantly from films like Skyfall and The World Is Not Enough. It is a imposing sight that feels very different when viewed from the water level.

Millbank
Crossing toward the north bank, the next stop is Millbank. This stop is the gateway to British art, located right outside Tate Britain. Even if you aren’t hopping off to see the Turners or Hockneys, the view from the river here is lovely. The architecture shifts from glass and steel to classic Portland stone. You also get a great view of Lambeth Palace—the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury—on the opposite bank.

Westminster
As you round the bend, the skyline becomes dominated by the most famous clock tower in the world. Approaching Westminster pier is a genuine “wow” moment. You will sail past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) with the London Eye looming large on the opposite bank. This is the classic postcard image of London. Docking here puts you right in the thick of the action, steps away from Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey.

Embankment
The final leg of this specific section takes you to Embankment. This pier is perfectly situated for exploring the West End, Covent Garden, and Trafalgar Square. On the way here, keep an eye out for Cleopatra’s Needle on the north bank, an ancient Egyptian obelisk guarded by sphinxes. As you dock, you are greeted by the bustle of central London, with the Southbank Centre and Royal Festival Hall clearly visible across the water.

Service frequency and timing

The RB2 is a reliable service designed for commuters, which is great news for leisure travellers because it means the boats run like clockwork.

Generally, the service operates from early morning (around 6:00 am on weekdays) until late at night (often past 10:00 pm), making it perfect for both early risers and those wanting to see the city lights after dinner.

• Weekdays: Boats typically run every 20 to 30 minutes.
• Weekends: The frequency remains good, usually around every 20 minutes during peak daytime hours.

Because these boats run to a timetable rather than just “when full,” you can plan your day with confidence. However, always check the official Thames Clippers or TfL app for live departures, as river traffic can sometimes cause minor delays.

Understanding tickets and value

Travelling by river is slightly more expensive than a standard bus or tube ride, but it offers significantly better value than dedicated sightseeing cruises.

The river is divided into zones (West, Central, and East). The journey from Battersea to Embankment crosses from the West Zone into the Central Zone.

• Payment: You can touch in with an Oyster card, contactless bank card, or mobile device at the pier. You must remember to touch out when you disembark to ensure you are charged the correct fare.
• Discounts: If you have a Travelcard (paper or on Oyster), you can get a discount on the River Bus fare, usually around 1/3 off.
• Roaming: If you plan to make multiple river journeys in a day, consider a “River Roamer” ticket, which allows hop-on, hop-off travel all day.

While it costs a few pounds more than the tube, you are paying for a guaranteed seat (usually), a cafe-bar, and a view that beats a dark tunnel any day of the week.

Planning a day out on the RB2

The RB2 route is practically a ready-made itinerary for a perfect London day out. Here is a suggestion on how to structure your day:

1. Morning: Start at Battersea Power Station. Grab a breakfast pastry at one of the many cafes in the Circus West Village and explore the beautifully restored turbine halls.
2. Midday: Hop on the RB2 and cruise down to Millbank. Disembark for a wander around Tate Britain to soak up some culture.
3. Lunch: Re-board and head to Westminster. Cross the bridge for lunch on the South Bank, or picnic in Victoria Tower Gardens South next to Parliament.
4. Afternoon: Walk along the river or take a short hop on the boat to Embankment. From here, you are a short walk from the theatres of the West End or the street performers of Covent Garden.
5. Evening: Take the boat back west as the sun sets. Watching the lights of the bridges and buildings reflect on the water is magical.

Year-round appeal

One of the best features of the RB2 is that it is fully weather-proof. Unlike open-top buses where rain can dampen the spirit, the River Bus has a climate-controlled indoor cabin with panoramic windows.

In the summer, the back deck is the place to be, feeling the breeze and soaking up the sun. In the winter, you can stay warm inside with a hot chocolate from the onboard bar, watching the grey, moody Thames swirl by through the glass. The city looks spectacular in the winter evenings when the lights of the bridges are switched on, making the RB2 a fantastic option for a cosy winter commute or date night.

Top tips for the journey

• The Best Seat: If the weather is fine, head straight to the back of the boat. The open-air seats offer the best unobstructed views for photography. If you prefer indoors, try to snag a window seat on the right-hand side (starboard) when heading east for the best views of Parliament.
• Be Ready: The boats dock and depart quickly. Have your payment card ready before you reach the barrier, and be ready to jump off as soon as the crew opens the gangway.
• The App: Download the Thames Clippers app or use Citymapper. They provide accurate next-boat times, which is helpful if you are enjoying a coffee nearby and don’t want to stand on the pier waiting.
• Listen Out: The crew will announce the stops. It can be noisy on the back deck, so keep an ear out to ensure you don’t miss your stop at Embankment!

The RB2 proves that getting from A to B in London doesn’t have to be a chore. It transforms a simple journey across the city into a memorable part of your visit. Whether you are a local commuting to work or a visitor exploring the sights, taking to the river offers a sense of freedom and perspective that is hard to beat.