Forget the crowded Tube carriages and the nose-to-tail traffic of the West End. There is a secret artery flowing through London that offers the most scenic, relaxing, and civilised way to cross the capital: the River Thames. Specifically, the River Bus RB6, operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
While often dubbed a “commuter service,” the RB6 is, in reality, a hidden gem for sightseers and locals alike. It traces a unique path from the leafy, rowing-club lined banks of Putney in the west, right through the glittering heart of the City, and out to the modern docklands of the east.
Here is everything you need to know about London’s most scenic daily commute.
What makes this route special
The RB6 is distinct because it serves the Western Zone. Most tourists only ever see the river between Westminster and Tower Bridge, but the RB6 starts its journey far upstream where the Thames is quieter, greener, and flanked by willow trees and historic pubs rather than skyscrapers.
As the boat travels east, passengers get a front-row seat to London’s architectural evolution. You watch the city transform from the Georgian charm of Putney and Chelsea into the industrial-chic of Battersea, the imperial grandeur of Westminster, and finally, the futuristic skyline of Canary Wharf.
It is also one of the most comfortable ways to travel. With padded seats, an on-board café bar serving morning coffees and evening G&Ts, and an outdoor back deck for wind-in-your-hair moments, it feels less like public transport and more like a private charter.
Journey breakdown: from leafy west to steel east
The RB6 route is a story of three cities: the residential West, the historic Centre, and the industrial East. Here is what you can expect along the way.
The tranquil west
The journey begins at Putney. Famous for the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race, Putney offers a gentle start to the trip. As you board, look out for the rowers who share this stretch of water.
Moving downstream, the boat stops at Wandsworth. This area has seen massive regeneration, transforming from an industrial hub into a vibrant riverside community. The blend of modern apartments and old brewery history is striking from the water.
Next, you glide past the exclusive moorings of Chelsea and Cadogan. This is one of London’s most affluent areas; keep an eye out for the houseboats at Chelsea Harbour, which are often as large as regular houses. The atmosphere here is serene, a stark contrast to the bustle approaching downstream.
The power station and the palace
As the river bends, the skyline is dominated by the four white chimneys of Battersea. The stopping point at Battersea Power Station drops you right at the foot of this Art Deco masterpiece, now a bustling shopping and leisure destination.
Crossing the river, the boat heads toward Vauxhall (St George Wharf). You will recognise this stop by the cylindrical tower and the headquarters of MI6 (the Secret Intelligence Service) looming like a fortress on the bank—a real-life James Bond location.
From here, the RB6 enters the “Central Zone.” You will cruise past Millbank, home to Tate Britain, before arriving at Westminster. The view here is unparalleled: you dock right beneath the face of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
The cultural heart
Passing under the bridges, the route services the vibrant South Bank. You will pass Waterloo (for the London Eye) and pull into Embankment, the gateway to Covent Garden and the Strand.
As you curve around the river, the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral comes into view near Blackfriars. Just opposite is Bankside, where you can hop off for the Tate Modern or Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
The boat then passes the dramatic HMS Belfast and pulls into London Bridge City, right next to The Shard. Just across the water lies the Tower pier, serving the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Passing beneath the open arms of Tower Bridge is a highlight of the journey that never gets old.
The docklands and beyond
Once through Tower Bridge, the boat speeds up. You are now in the “East Zone.” The skyline rises dramatically as you approach Canary Wharf, the financial powerhouse of London. The skyscrapers here look magnificent from the water, reflecting the changing sky.
The route continues to serve the residential and leisure hubs of the east, including Surrey Quays and Masthouse Terrace on the Isle of Dogs.
Finally, for those staying on for the full length of the extended services, the boat heads toward the maritime history of Greenwich (home to the Cutty Sark) and the entertainment hub at North Greenwich, right by the O2 Arena.
When does the route run?
Historically, the RB6 was purely a Monday to Friday peak-hour service for commuters. However, as the popularity of river travel has grown, services have expanded.
- Weekdays: Frequent services run in the mornings (Eastbound) and evenings (Westbound) to suit commuters.
- Weekends: In recent years, a weekend service has been introduced on the Western section (Putney to Canary Wharf/Tower), allowing leisure travellers to enjoy the route. Always check the latest timetable on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers website or app, as weekend frequencies differ significantly from the weekday rush.
Service frequency and connections
During peak commuter hours (approx. 06:30 – 10:00 and 16:00 – 20:00), boats are frequent, often running every 20 to 30 minutes.
The connectivity is excellent.
- Putney: Short walk to Putney Bridge Tube (District Line) or Putney Mainline station.
- Vauxhall: Connects to the Victoria Line and National Rail.
- Westminster/Embankment: Connects to District, Circle, Jubilee, and Northern lines.
- Canary Wharf: Connects to the Jubilee Line and Elizabeth Line.
- North Greenwich: Connects to the Jubilee Line and the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
Value for money and tickets
River travel is more expensive than the bus or tube, but it offers better value when you consider the experience. It is a sightseeing tour and a transport link in one.
- Payment: You can use Contactless, Oyster, or buy tickets via the Uber/Thames Clippers app.
- Zoning: The river is split into Zones: West, Central, and East.
- RB6 travels through all three. If you go from Putney (West) to Canary Wharf (East), you need an “All Zones” ticket.
- If you only travel between Battersea and Tower Bridge, you only pay for “Central”.
- Roaming: If you have a Travelcard (weekly or monthly) loaded on your Oyster, you get a significant discount (usually 1/3 off) on the River Bus fare. Freedom Pass holders also get a discount (usually 50% off).
Top tips for the journey
- Sit at the back: If the weather is nice, head to the uncovered rear deck. It is the best place for photos, especially when passing under Tower Bridge.
- Grab a coffee: The on-board bar serves fair-trade coffee and pastries. Watching the sunrise over the Thames with a cappuccino in hand is the best way to start a London morning.
- Check the app: The “Thames Clippers Tickets” app or the Uber app are great for checking live departure times, which is crucial as boats can occasionally be affected by strong tides or river traffic.
- The “Roamer” ticket: If you plan to hop on and off (e.g., stop at Battersea for lunch, then head to Greenwich for the afternoon), buy a “River Roamer” ticket. It allows unlimited travel all day and is much cheaper than buying single singles.
Planning a day out on this route
The RB6 is perfect for a “West to East” exploration day:
- Morning: Start with brunch in Putney or Wandsworth.
- Midday: Take the boat to Battersea Power Station for some shopping and a ride in the Lift 109 glass elevator.
- Afternoon: Re-board and cruise through the city centre. Hop off at Bankside to visit the Tate Modern.
- Evening: Continue to North Greenwich for dinner at the O2 or to take the cable car across the river at sunset.
Summary
The RB6 River Bus is more than just a way to get to work; it is a showcase of London’s diversity. From the quiet, willow-lined banks of the west to the glass cathedrals of the east, it offers a perspective on the city that you simply cannot get from the road or the rails. Whether you are a daily commuter or a visitor looking for a unique view, the RB6 is a voyage worth taking.
