When you think of a scenic bus route in London, you might picture a red double-decker winding through the West End. But one of the capital’s most spectacular “routes” doesn’t have wheels at all. Thames River Sightseeing (TRS) operates a service that functions much like a bus—with regular stops, hop-on hop-off tickets, and a fixed route—but it trades tarmac for the Thames and traffic jams for open water.
Running from the political heart of Westminster to the maritime history of Greenwich, this service offers a fresh perspective on the city. It is fully integrated into London’s transport landscape, departing from piers managed by London River Services (part of Transport for London). Whether you are a local avoiding the Tube or a visitor ticking off landmarks, this is arguably the most relaxing way to travel across the capital.
What makes this route special
Unlike the commuter-focused “Clipper” services that speed past the sights, Thames River Sightseeing vessels are designed for observation. They move at a leisurely pace, allowing you time to actually photograph Tower Bridge before you pass under it.
The fleet consists of all-weather vessels with spacious open upper decks—perfect for sunny days—and heated lower saloons with panoramic windows for when the British weather behaves typically. Crucially, this route features a live audio commentary (or recorded guides in multiple languages). You aren’t just looking at buildings; you’re learning about the “Traitors’ Gate” at the Tower of London or the history of the South Bank, often delivered with a touch of dry London wit by the crew.
A route breakdown: Westminster to Greenwich
The journey covers approximately 5.5 miles of the river, passing more iconic landmarks in 60 minutes than most walking tours manage in a day.
Westminster
The route begins at Westminster Pier, right in the shadow of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Boarding here offers one of the finest views of the Elizabeth Tower, especially impressive if you catch the bells chiming as you depart. Across the water, you’ll see the London Eye spinning slowly above County Hall.
Embankment and Festival (Waterloo)
A short hop across the river brings you to Embankment Pier. This is the gateway to the West End and Covent Garden. As the boat turns, you’ll head towards Festival Pier. This stop serves the Southbank Centre and is the best alighting point for Waterloo. It’s a hub of activity, home to the Royal Festival Hall and the National Theatre, with food markets and street performers lining the riverside walk.
Bankside
Continuing east, the boat glides past the OXO Tower and under Blackfriars Bridge to reach Bankside. This is the cultural heavy-hitter of the route. You dock right in front of the Tate Modern (housed in the imposing former power station) and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The Millennium Bridge—London’s “Wobbly Bridge”—stretches across to St Paul’s Cathedral from here, creating a perfect frame for photos.
Tower Bridge Quay
As you approach the City, the river widens and the views become majestic. The boat passes HMS Belfast and the glassy spire of The Shard. You will then cruise directly underneath the world-famous Tower Bridge—a bucket-list moment for many.
Note that Thames River Sightseeing usually docks at Tower Bridge Quay (historically known as St Katharine’s Pier), located on the north bank just east of the bridge. This puts you right next to St Katharine Docks, a hidden gem of a marina filled with yachts and cafes, and just a short stroll from the Tower of London itself.
Greenwich
The final leg takes you past the Docklands and Canary Wharf, where the old industrial wharves have been transformed into luxury apartments. Finally, you arrive at Greenwich. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the jewel of the route. You dock right next to the Cutty Sark, the famous tea clipper. From here, it’s a short walk to the National Maritime Museum and the steep but rewarding climb up to the Royal Observatory.
When does the route run?
Thames River Sightseeing operates 361 days a year (usually closed only around Christmas).
- Summer (Apr–Oct): Services generally start around 10:00 and run until approximately 17:00 or 18:00.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): The service continues but finishes a little earlier, usually winding down before darkness falls around 16:00.
Service frequency and connections
- Frequency: Boats typically depart every 30 to 40 minutes depending on the season. It’s frequent enough that you don’t need to stress about a strict timetable—just turn up and enjoy the river view while you wait.
- Connections: The route connects seamlessly with the Tube network. Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle), Embankment (Northern, Bakerloo, District, Circle), and Waterloo (Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo) are all minutes from their respective piers. At Greenwich, you can connect to the DLR (Cutty Sark station) for a quick train ride back to the city centre if you prefer a different return journey.
Value for money and tickets
While not as cheap as a standard London bus fare, this route offers excellent value compared to private charter tours.
- Hop-on Hop-off: The best value is usually a 24-hour or 2-day “River Pass.” This allows you to treat the boat exactly like a bus, jumping off at Bankside for lunch and back on to head to Greenwich.
- Travelcard Discounts: If you have a valid Travelcard (paper or on your Oyster), you can often get up to 33% off the standard ticket price when buying at the pier. It’s one of the best “hidden” perks of the London transport system.
- Contactless: You can pay for tickets at the ticket offices on the piers using contactless cards, though this is a separate transaction from the TfL “cap,” so it won’t count towards your daily Tube limit.
Top tips for the journey
- Dress for the breeze: Even on a warm summer day, the river can be breezy once the boat picks up speed. Bring a light layer if you plan to sit on the top deck.
- Sit Starboard (Right) heading East: If you are travelling from Westminster to Greenwich, sitting on the right-hand side (starboard) gives you the best views of the South Bank, the Tate Modern, and the O2 Arena further downriver.
- Timing the Bridge: If you are lucky, you might see Tower Bridge lift. Check the bridge lift times online in advance; if a lift is scheduled, try to be on the boat passing under or docking at Tower Bridge Quay around that time.
- The “Reverse” Commute: Most tourists go from Westminster to Greenwich in the morning. For a quieter experience, consider taking the DLR to Greenwich first, exploring the market, and then taking the boat back to Westminster at sunset. Seeing the Houses of Parliament illuminated from the water is unforgettable.
Planning a day out on this route
- 10:00: Start at Westminster. Take photos of Big Ben before boarding.
- 10:40: Hop off at Bankside. Visit the Tate Modern (it’s free entry for the main collection) or grab a coffee at the Globe Theatre.
- 12:30: Hop back on and head to Tower Bridge Quay. Have lunch in St Katharine Docks, which feels like a quiet village in the middle of the city.
- 14:30: Re-board for the final stretch to Greenwich. Visit the Cutty Sark and walk through the park to stand on the Prime Meridian Line.
- 17:00: Take the boat or the DLR back to central London.
Year-round appeal
Don’t rule this route out in winter. London takes on a moody, atmospheric character in the colder months. The boats have heated indoor saloons with large windows, meaning you can watch the grey, churning Thames and the sparkling city lights with a hot drink in hand, warm and dry.
