⏱️ TL;DR: I tried the 5 most popular Thames river cruises in London myself. Thames River Sightseeing is the one I would book for a first trip on the river: the full route from Westminster to Greenwich, a modern double-decker with great views from both decks, and live commentary full of dry British humour.
4.5
Tiqets4.4(470+)
GetYourGuide4.5(25.8k+)
Viator4.6(3.6k+)
Tripadvisor4.6(1.3k+)Every Thames cruise promises Big Ben, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, and they all have thousands of glowing reviews. Prices run from £16 to £75 per adult and the routes, boats and commentary are very different, so it is easy to pick the wrong one. So during my 4 days in London I tried the 5 most popular Thames river cruises in person.
I judged the route, the boat and its decks, the views, the commentary and the value for money. Below is the short version: which one won, why, and when one of the other four is the better pick for you. The full reviews and photos are in my complete Thames cruise ranking.
How the 5 Thames Cruises I Tested Compare
| Cruise | Price | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Thames River Sightseeing 1 h one-way, Westminster Pier 4.5Average of 4 booking sites, weighted by number of reviews Tiqets4.4(470+)GetYourGuide4.5(25.8k+)Viator4.6(3.6k+)Tripadvisor4.6(1.3k+) | from £17 | The full route to Greenwich, a great double-decker, witty live commentary | Bring your own earbuds for the app guide |
| London Eye River Cruise 45 min, London Eye Pier 4.7Average of 3 booking sites, weighted by number of reviews GetYourGuide4.5(4.5k+)Viator4.8(2k+)Tripadvisor4.8(1.6k+) | from £16 | A short river loop if you are already at the London Eye | Circular route, doesn't go to Greenwich |
| City Cruises Hop-On Hop-Off 24 h pass, Westminster Pier 4.3Average of 3 booking sites, weighted by number of reviews GetYourGuide4.4(3.3k+)Viator4.1(1.3k+)Tripadvisor4.1(700+) | from £25 | Using the river as transport for a whole day | Uncomfortable metal seats on the top deck |
| Thames Rockets 50 min, London Eye Pier 5.0Average of 3 booking sites, weighted by number of reviews GetYourGuide4.9(1k+)Viator5.0(4.3k+)Tripadvisor5.0(3.7k+) | from £65 | A fast, fun speedboat ride with comedic guides | Not for pregnant travellers or back and neck issues |
| Thames Ribs 70 min, Embankment Pier 4.9Average of 3 booking sites, weighted by number of reviews GetYourGuide4.7(370+)Viator4.9(810+)Tripadvisor4.9(570+) | from £75 | A longer speedboat run to the Thames Barrier | Spray on breezy days, strict age and height limits |
Why Thames River Sightseeing Took the #1 Spot
The London Eye cruise was a close second, but it only does a 45-minute loop and never reaches Greenwich. Thames River Sightseeing gave me the complete Thames circuit, a better boat and commentary that was genuinely funny. It is the one cruise of the five with no notable downsides, which is why it is my top recommendation. Here is what I found on board.
1. The Full Route, From Westminster to Greenwich
You board at Westminster Pier and cruise past the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Unlike the shorter loops, it carries on all the way to Greenwich. The current route stops at Westminster, Embankment, St Katharine’s and Greenwich: 1 hour one-way, 2 hours if you stay on for the return.
2. A Modern Double-Decker With Views From Both Decks
The boat is modern, spacious and well kept, with room for about 200 people. The top deck has 360° panoramic views and both covered and open-air seats, so it works in any weather. The cabin is heated and air-conditioned, and there is free Wi-Fi and a restroom on board.
The lower deck has chairs with tables next to the windows and a small bar where you can buy drinks and snacks.
3. Live Commentary With Dry British Humour
A crew member gives live English commentary over the loudspeakers, and the guide was an expert at dry, sarcastic British humour. It made the trip entertaining and informative at the same time. This is the option I recommend. If you prefer another language, there is an app with narration in 6 languages: Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German and Italian.
4. Easy for Families
Kids aged 0 to 4 ride free and tickets for ages 5 to 15 are £11.30. The boat is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and the pier has an air-conditioned, weather-proof waiting area with vending machines.
What I Didn't Love
- The app guide needs your own earbuds. If you want commentary in another language, bring them. The live English commentary needs nothing.
- The front of the lower deck has small windows. The standalone chairs there don't offer the best views, so head for the top deck.
- Seats are first come, first served. Arrive a little early if you want a good spot on the top deck.
- Food and drinks are not included. You can buy drinks and snacks at the bar on board.
- Daytime sailings only. On the day checked, sailings ran between 10:20 and 15:40, and hours change by season.
Quick Questions
One-way or return?
The cruise takes 1 hour one-way from Westminster to Greenwich and 2 hours return. You can also get off near Tower Bridge at St Katharine’s Pier.
Which deck should I sit on?
The top deck. It has 360° views with both covered and open-air seats, so it works even when the weather is not perfect.
Is the commentary in other languages?
The live commentary is in English. An app offers narration in Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German and Italian, but you need your own earbuds.
Can I bring kids?
Yes. Kids 0 to 4 ride free, tickets for ages 5 to 15 are £11.30, and the boat is stroller accessible.
Where exactly do I board?
Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH, next to the London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster Bridge. The pier has a covered, air-conditioned waiting area.
My pick for your Thames cruise
Thames River Sightseeing from Westminster Pier to Greenwich. Take a seat on the top deck and listen to the live commentary.
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