The best boat trips in London

City Cruises operate on a hop-on, hop-off river cruise, that offers ticket buyers a 24hr ticket. Running from Westminster, the London Eye, and both Tower and Greenwich Piers, there are lots of starting points to choose from, and a family ticket allows kids to go free. If a shorter journey is more your thing, then there are sightseeing-timed tickets, too. Afternoon tea and lunch cruises are other popular options, and if you fancy a murder mystery night or jazz-accompanied dinner, then of course, City Crusies has got you covered. 

Time Out tip: If you so happen to be in London for Christmas Day and you have £30 to spare, then City Cruises run a sightseeing trip which is sure to be full of festive cheer.

Price: Hop on river passes start at £22

Hailed as the Thames’ number-one speedboat experience, Thames Rockets sends passengers soaring down London’s central river on a thrilling high-speed ride. Arrive 20 minutes early to be kitted out with a waterproof jacket, life jacket, and goggle-style visors (a joy in itself), then strap into the red water missile. The trip begins calmly, with the guide entertaining both kids and adults with fun facts and celebrity stories. But once the boat passes Wapping, it’s pedal to the floor all the way to Canary Wharf.

Time Out tip: You can book online or just turn up on the day

Price: Tickets start from £59.95 for adults.

Running every 40 minutes, this boat service connects London’s two Tate galleries—Tate Modern and Tate Britain—taking you through the heart of the city with plenty to see along both banks. For the best views, head to the outdoor deck at the back of the catamaran, which features specially commissioned interior and exterior designs by artist Damien Hirst. There’s no commentary on board, so be sure to bring a map. The ticket also includes a guided tour of Tate Britain in the morning and Tate Modern in the afternoon.

Time Out tip: As well as offering tired artgazers a sit-down, the boat is the quickest way to flit from Tate to Tate. And trust us, it is a painful journey any other way.

Price: Standard single fare prices: Adult – £13.10 · Adult TfL Travelcard holder – £8.75 · Tate Member – £9.80

You’ve probably seen this one. Since rebranding as the Uber Boat in 2020, Thames Clippers has become something of a London phenomenon. Essentially a river bus, it stops at 24 piers along the Thames between Barking Riverside and Putney. Services run daily from early morning until late at night, and on event nights at The O2, the River Bus Express offers a fast shuttle from London Eye (Waterloo) to London Bridge—with optional champagne upgrades. There’s no onboard guide, but you can download a free app for audio commentary.

Time Out tip: If you want sunset pictures from the Thames this is a great, affordable way to get there.

Price: Tickets start at £18.25 for a single ride along the whole route.

The Thames RIB Experience website looks pretty extreme—and with good reason. Boat trips have names like “Tower Beast Ride,” fitting for these vessels that hurtle down the Thames at 30 knots (around 35 mph), making it London’s closest thing to a white-knuckle ride. The trip from Westminster to Tower Bridge takes just under 40 minutes, before the turbo engines kick in and you’re bouncing across the open water between Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, spinning terrifyingly tight figures of eight. It’s the fastest and most thrilling way to travel the Thames.

Time Out tip: Sit near the back if you want to wildest ride.

Price: Adult tickets from Canary Wharf are £57

This one’s a guaranteed winner; two tours in one! Adult tickets start at £49 and include a ride on the iconic 1950s open-top Routemaster bus, plus a leisurely trip on the Thames. From the bus, you’ll spot London’s top sights like London Bridge, the Tower of London, and the Houses of Parliament. The boat passes Shakespeare’s Globe and Cleopatra’s Needle. There’s even a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace for good measure. You can upgrade with a London Eye ride and some hearty fish and chips, and a guide is on hand to share all the fascinating history you could want.

Time Out tip: As this is an open-top tour, come prepared for all weather. Yep, bring your raincoats.

Price: Adult tickets are from £49, Child tickets are from £39

You’re in safe hands with Turks Launches. This family-run company has been operating boat tours along south-west London’s pretty stretch of Thames for over 300 years. Running up to 45 trips daily from Richmond Pier to Hampton Court, the routes pack in plenty of obvious and slightly less obvious historic sites ranging from the seventeenth-century pile Ham House, Eel Pie Island (where Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones used to party) and Teddington Lock’s Dunkirk Memorial. Turks tours run daily from March until September, and be sure to look out for special disco and jazz cruises during peak months. 

Time Out tip: You can also book private party boats through Turks Launches if that’s your thing.

Price: Tickets from Kingston to Hampton Court are £7 single, £8.80 return, £44 family/group ticket (6 max)