The river-bus service threading past Westminster, the Eye, the City and Tower Bridge to Greenwich — the locals' way to do the Thames, ridden with a contactless tap.
🛡️ Independent — no pay-to-rank🔎 Graded for who you are✓ Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict
Who it's worth it for
Great for
Families with kids
Couples
Solo travellers
Photographers
Anyone here to unwind
Depends
Travellers on a budget
If you've only got a day
Not for
—
Worth it for families with kids, couples and solo travellers.
Why we say this
Insider secrets & local vibes
From the open rear deck the riverfront icons line up one after another — Parliament, the Eye, the City, Tower Bridge — at water level, which beats any postcard.
Not independently verified — estimated
Riding the Uber Boat commuter service gives you those same views for a standard contactless fare, while the dedicated narrated sightseeing cruises charge a tourist premium for little extra.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like
Reading the room, traveller by traveller
As a couple
Ride down to Greenwich in the late afternoon and walk back up the hill for the skyline — a cheap, scenic half-day that feels like more than it costs.
With kids
Children love the speed and spray on the open deck; giving the ride a destination like Greenwich keeps them engaged.
Good to know
Before you go
Cost
£15–£30
Time
40 min–2 hrs
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Daytime for the views; combine with a trip down to Greenwich for a half-day.
Getting there
Board at Westminster, Embankment or Bankside piers among others.
Booking
Sightseeing cruises can be booked online; for value, just tap on with contactless for the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
Accessibility
Most piers and boats are step-free and wheelchair-accessible.