London Water Tours-London’s Thames river commuter buses and cruises

The River Thames is London’s iconic river, and it is navigable to ocean-going vessels up to London Bridge, and to substantial craft, which is quite upstream of Greater London. Historically, the River Thames was a cardinal transport artery, though it’s prominence in that respect has diminished recently. Nevertheless, passenger services have been revived by the London River Services, which is an arm of the Transport for London (TfL). There are now a small number of river bus commuter services and a large number of leisure cruises operating on the river. Boats are mainly owned by a number of private operators and the London River Services is responsible for the management of five of London’s 22 piers. River travel is an inspiring way to travel across London. These river journeys offer unique opportunities for breathtaking views, and enable one to avoid traffic congestions.

Thames river bus and river tours services are popular with visitors to London, and they're used by local commuters as well. The river bus services mentioned below are the more basic commuter services on the Thames, generally without commentary. 

Serving both as scheduled commuter and tourist boats, Thames Clippers services offer excellent value and speed. They run from Embankment and the London eye to Woolwich, via Canary Wharf, stopping at: Tate Modern, London Bridge, Tower of London, Hilton London Docklands Riverside, the O₂ and Greenwich.

Thames Clippers operate the Hilton London Docklands Riverside to Canary Wharf ferry route. 

Thames Clippers also provide the popular Tate to Tate boat between Tate Britain and Tate Modern.

Thames River Services provide cruises linking Westminster Pier and Greenwich, passing Shakespeare’s Globe, stopping at the Tower of London and continuing under the Tower Bridge. There is often live commentary, especially in the busier summer months.

The Woolwich Freen Ferry is a free service between Woolwich and North Woolwich.  Thames Executive Charters run river taxis that link Putney to Blackfriars via Chelsea Harbour, Cadogan and Embankment. 

There are also services like the Thames river cruises, speedboat tours and dinner cruises, all with commentaries on board by tour guides.

Thames River Bus Tickets and Timetables

Travelcard holders can get discounts on many standard riverboat routes and pre-paid Oyster cards are accepted on Thames Clippers. A Thames Clippers River Roamer (hop-on hop-off day ticket) is also available.

Accessibility Information

All London's piers are wheelchair accessible. Most river buses are accessible, and newer river craft have dedicated wheelchair spaces. You should check with individual service operators about the level of accessibility on their boats.

Staff are always on hand to offer help with boarding and disembarking from river craft. However, it is advisable for people with mobility impairments who are travelling as a group, to provide advance notice to the operator concerned, to ensure a smooth journey. 

Are you considering visiting London and the U.K.? Then contact the London official visitor agency-Visit London and Partners at: 08701 566 366  visitorinfo@londonandpartners.com     

You can also contact the City of London Information Centre: Opposite St Paul's Cathedral:

City of London, Guildhall, PO Box 270, London, EC2P 2EJ     pro@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Telephone: 020 7606 3030

They can offer you credible, pursuable and realistic information and advice on the following fronts: Cheap flights to London, hotels in London, cheap hotels in London, boutique hotels in London, bed and breakfast in London, guest houses in London, holiday apartments in London, timeshare accommodation in London, youth hostels in London, transportation in London, bus tours in London, river tours in London, coach tours of the U.K., entertainment in London, tourist attractions in London etc.