In England, the Thames is the longest and most popular river, which flows through London. A cruise down the Thames will offer an ideal vantage point to look at some iconic and historic landmarks. London cruise is a good option for those tourists, who don’t visit to travel in the crowd and traffic.
There are different Thames River cruises and boat tours available. You can purchase them from websites like tripindicator.com in advance because it can be costly on the same day. In this post, let’s look at the different cruises available. There are several aspects free if you have a tourist discount pass.
Hop on/off cruises
You can explore London City at your convenience with the hop-hop tour option. Buy a Red Rover Pass, which is valid for 24 hours. It even means that for 24 hours you get unrestricted access to the river. You can get down at any pier and stroll around. Get back from any pier without any extra charges. You can listen to live commentary from tour leaders and see the London Eye Pier, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, House of Parliament, and more from an open top from the boat. During intense weather, guests can sit in a bunker downstairs.
Red Rover Ticket rates
- £16.88 [16+ or adults]
- £10.80 [5-15 years]
- £33.75 [Family – 2 adults & 3 kids]
For more details about Red Rover Ticket purchases visit online travel blogs.
London River Commuter Services
This is not a sightseeing cruise tour company but just a local commuter service. It is an affordable option to watch the London skyline without any commentary. Thames Clippers offer single as well as return tickets from point A to B. I
River Roamer Pass
- £16.30 [16+ or adults]
- £8.15 [5-15 years]
- £32.60 [Family – 2 adults & 3 kids]
Click on the London tourism website for a full price list but buy it online to get a little discount.
Thames River Service or TRS
You get plenty of sightseeing cruise options from Thames River Service. Around ten different cruise options are offered from St. Katharine’s, Greenwich, and Westminster. TRS covers many different landmarks along the river. Length and prices differ depending on the itinerary selected.
Tate-to-Tate Ferry Services
Visitors are taken between Tate Modern and Tate Britain. There is no commentary available on this boat but the craft interiors are designed by Damien Hurst. There is indoor and outdoor seating on the boats. It is a great journey option between two Tate’s saving significant time spent on buses and tubes.
RB2 service rates one-way
- £8.40 – [Adult]
- £6.30 – [Tate member]
- £4.20 – [5-15]
- £38 – [Family – 2 Adults+3Children]
- Children under 5 can travel for free
Travel card holders can get discounts.
Circular Loop Cruises
A circular ticket enables guests to see basically everything the River Thames offers at a low price. You can travel down and back the river with this kind of cruise. The downside is that it stops constantly for loading as well as unloading, so can be time-consuming. However, the circular cruise is offered only in summer. Keep checking on tripindicator.com because details and schedules are published on their website whenever available. Circular cruises operate from Bankside Pier and Tower Pier.
London Eye cruise
If you desire to visit London Eye or focus on the giant Ferris wheel then this is a great option. It is not a long trip like other boat tours.
Ticket rates
- £13.15 [16+ or adults]
- £6.50 [3-15 years]
- Guests with London Explorer Pass can save a maximum of 50%
- Online booking in advance also allows for saving
Thames River Tours
Thames River tours offer a circular loop with sightseeing and commentary. It operates from Westminster Pier and returns to the same point. Unlike hop-on/off cruises, you cannot leave the Thames River tours.
Ticket rates
- £13.50 per person