london river cruise family ticket

GUIDE TO BOOKING A THAMES RIVER CRUISE FAMILY TICKET & MORE!

INSIDE: Everything you need to know about booking a Thames River Cruise family ticket. 

One heavenly blue-sky day in London with kids in tow, we made our way through Hyde Park to the Thames river via Big Ben.

The kids were awed by the great brown river in front of them, much more so than the historical significance of any of the buildings around them.

So we made a snap decision to take advantage of their fascination with the poo-coloured  water , and booked a Thames River Cruise family ticket in London. 

With the London Eye shining brightly to the left, we made our way to the City Cruises ticket office on the Westminster Pier (via a steep staircase below the Westminster Bridge in London that was NOT pram-friendly).

Take a look below for details of the best things to do on the River Thames with kids & fun facts too. 

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links . If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

Guide to Booking a Thames River Cruise Family Ticket

City Cruises sightseeing cruises depart every 40 minutes from piers at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich.

They also run circular cruises from Tower and Bankside pier.

We rode from Big Ben to Tower Bridge London.

RELATED: All You Need to Know about TOWER BRIDGE GLASS FLOOR Experience with Kids!

Best London River Cruise? City Cruises London! 

With snacks and a few sweet treats in hand, the kids were happy to take a break from all the walking and strollering, and kick back on the boat for this London River Cruise .

We took a seat on the far left side of the boat, heading in the direction of Tower Bridge but as long as you claim ‘window’ seats, the kids will be happy.

There’s cultural sights on both sides of the river, and they are big enough to spot without having to jump up and down.

On our Thames river boat cruise, we had a very funny tour guide sharing stories of England , new and old.

Even Ned could keep up, and laugh along he did!

Making it the best river cruise London style!

RELATED: The ULTIMATE List of Things to Do in London with Kids

Fun London Sightseeing on The River Thames for Kids 

Between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, Thames River Boats pass lots of London tourist attractions and famous London landmarks.

See if the kids can spot:

• Houses of Parliament (as if they’d want to!)
• Palace of Whitehall
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• The strangely shaped ‘Gherkin’ building
• HMS Belfast
• Waterloo Bridge
• Millenium Footbridge
• London Bridge
• Tower of London
• The Tower Bridge

While the kids may not be in awe of these historical buildings on any London boat tour, YOU will be!

London sightseeing is exceptional.

The Thames Boat Trips cafe

Thames Cruise Boats have café-bars with sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, wine, beer and more.

You can also book a London river cruise with afternoon tea, or a lunch cruise.

The River Thames Facts for Kids

Here’s a bunch of facts about the River Thames for kids.

No.1: Where is the River Thames?

The central Thames River location is at Westminster, near Big Ben.

But it runs through lots of British cities including:

• Wallingford
• Henley-on-Thames (home of the Royal Regatta)
• Staines-upon-Thames
• Walton-on-Thames
• Kingston upon Thames
• Westminster

No.2: How long is the River Thames?

215 miles long, the longest river in England.

It’s also the second longest river in the UK. 

No.3: How deep is the Thames River?

Want to know the answer to how deep is the River Thames? 

It’s reportedly about 20 metres at its’ deepest point, but depends on the tides. 

No.4: How wide is the River Thames at its widest point? 

Can you believe a mammoth 18 miles wide at the mouth of the river.

True! 

No.5: Where is the source of River Thames? 

Where does the Thames start?

The start of the River Thames is at Seven Springs near Cheltenham.

(Although there’s some schools of thought that say that the River Thames mouth at Thames Head near Cirencester in the Cotswolds is the true source.)

No.6: Where does the River Thames end?

At the North Sea via the Thames Estuary at Southend. 

No.7 : River Thames History

Click here for a full run down of the history of the Thames River from Roman times, through the middle ages, past the Victorian era and into the 20th Century. 

It’s been a maritime route, played the role of a boundary in marking land ownership, has been a fresh water and food source for daily life, and now encourages locals and visitors onto the water for boat rides, water sports, & racing. 

No.8: River Thames Pronunciation

No.9: Thames River Festival

Check out the Totally Thames festival that runs during September.

It endeavours to celebrate the River Thames with:

• arts events, music, choirs and singing
• film showings
• active adventures
• environmental initiatives, and 
• heritage and education programmes.

Check it out here.

No.1o: River Thames Fireworks

Fireworks light up the sky over the Thames River on New Years Eve every year. 

There’s also more Thames River fireworks on Guy Fawkes night on 5th November. 

This is the perfect time to book a river cruise too! 

Image credit: Garry Knight via Flickr CC By 2.0

THE INSIDE SCOOP: River Thames Boat Trips

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome . Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in British pounds, unless otherwise stated

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 77 400 400. Website: Click here Email (guest relations): [email protected]

City Cruises Opening Hours

• Departures begin from around 10am.
• Cruises depart every 40 minutes
• They run extra services during peak periods
• In summer/spring, river cruise London boats operate until around 7pm.
• In Winter/Autumn, the last cruise of the day finishes earlier.

For last boats of the day, please check with staff or visit here to view timetables.

River Cruises London with City Cruises continue in all-weather on every day of the week, all year round, from four piers in the heart of London:

• Tower of London, and

Facilities on board: Full toilet facilities on board each boat

Image credit: Gail Frederick via Flickr CC BY 2.0

The Best London River Cruise Deals

City cruises london prices .

Let’s take a look at the best London river cruise deals for families here.

Hot tip: Book online and save.

City Cruises London 24 hour Hop-on Hop-off Family Pass –

A 24 hour Hop-On Hop-Off Family Pass (2A + 3C) is the cheapest way to go. This Thames River cruise family ticket is a bargain at £39 if there’s two adults in your family.

If there’s less people in your family, individual 24 hour pass Rover Tickets cost:

• Adults £19.50
• Children £12.50

Combo Ticket – Save up to 20% on a Top London Attraction + River Cruise

We bought a Tower Bridge Combo ticket including a Hop-on Hop-off all day sightseeing 24-hr pass River Cruise from Westminster to Tower Pier, with entry into the Tower Bridge exhibition.

The cost of the package is £23.10 for adults, and £13.20 for kids 5 -15.

Jack was free, as children aged 0 – 4 years go FREE!

Image credit: Robert Pittman via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

MORE OPTIONS for a City Cruises 24-hour Sightseeing Pass & One London Attraction

You can also combine a City Cruises 24-hour sightseeing pass, with one of fifteen other top London attractions with their tour packages.

Pick the London attraction of your choice from this list.

NB: Combo Ticket prices vary depending on the attraction.

• The London Dungeon
• Greenwich Explorer Pass
• Royal Observatory
• Madame Tussauds
• London Sea Life Aquarium
• Shrek’s Adventure!
• The View from the Shard
• The Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Exhibition & Tour
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kews Garden

See package prices, and buy tickets here.

Image credit: It’s No Game via Flickr CC BY-2.0

River Thames Boat Ride Prices

You can also buy individual tickets (not combos) 

Children tickets are valid for kids 5-15  years.

Under 4’s free.

Single Tickets – One Way (taking you from one pier to the next)

• Westminster/London Eye to Greenwich  – online price from £13.25 adults, and £11.25 children
• Westminster to Tower, or Tower to Greenwich, or vice versa – online price from £16.00 adults and £10.75 children

Return Tickets

• Westminster/London Eye to Greenwich, or vice versa  – online price from £17.50 adults, and £8.50 children
• Westminster to Tower, or Tower to Greenwich – online price from £10.75 adults and £7.00 children

Image credit: Neil Willsey via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

How to get to the City Cruises London Boat Terminal

Westminster pier.

The pier is situated next to Westminster Bridge, by the entrance to Westminster underground station, which connects you to the Circle, District and Jubilee lines.

London Eye Pier

Occasionally known as Waterloo Millennium Pier, this is close to Waterloo underground and railway stations and across the river from Embankment and Charing Cross underground and railway station.

The pier is located directly beneath the capital’s London Eye.

Tower Pier is close to Tower Hill underground station, Tower Gateway DLR station, and London Bridge train station is not far off.

Greenwich Pier

Greenwich Pier is near to Cutty Sark DLR station (Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich).

It is also close to Greenwich railway station.

River Thames Map

Toadstool Rating: 

A river cruise with kids is always a good idea on a beautiful blue sky day!

Guide to Best London Museums for Kids near the Thames 

Click the links in blue below for more London tips

All you need to know about Science Museum London Wonderlab exhibition hands-on science activities for kids! 

The epic guide to the natural history museum london with kids, visit household cavalry museum london with kids for a sneak peek into royal life.

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Travel in London by boat with your family

Kids love an exhilarating ride on the River Bus! Whether you’re exploring the city or trying to get across town, our boats make getting your family from A to B a breeze.

Family facilities on board

Our vessels offer a safe, friendly, relaxing and exciting way to travel across London.

The best views of London are from the river so children and grown-ups can play spot the landmark as they make their way across town! Many major railway stations, such as Waterloo, Blackfriars and London Bridge, are within easy walking distance of our piers.

You’re guaranteed a seat on board too so keeping track of the kids couldn’t be easier!

See what's on board

Step-free access

Our café bar sells drinks and snacks

Toilet and baby changing facilities

Comfortable spacious journeys

Family tickets.

We offer a range of tickets that can be tailored to your family and help you to save on your travel.

Children aged 4 and under travel for free on all our services and children between the ages of 5 and 15 receive a 50% discount on all fares.

Family River Roamer

With a Family River Roamer ticket kids up to 15 go free!

Go unlimited and explore all that London has to offer with this all day hop-on, hop-off ticket. Valid for 2 adults and up to 3 children, you and your family can get the best view of London as you travel pier-to-pier across it.

An All Zones River Roamer costs just £44.20 when you book online. Staying in east London? We also have East Zone River Roamer tickets if you wish to explore the eastern end of our route, including the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Canary Wharf.

Park & Glide

Enjoy your travel time instead of waiting in traffic!

Perfect for families who live in or near to South East London, a Park & Glide for Leisure ticket allows you to park your car securely at The O2, then sail into central London from North Greenwich Pier, an easy 5 minute walk away.

Park & Glide for Leisure tickets include a River Roamer or Family River Roamer ticket to make unlimited use of our services and hop-on, hop-off the River Bus all day! Park & Glide for Leisure tickets offer considerable savings compared to purchasing a Family River Roamer and paying for central London parking and Congestion Zone fares.

Want to see all of your tickets?

Check our booking page

"Love making this part of our fun days out in London. Where else can you travel, relax, take in some of the best views in town and have a bite to eat all at the same time?"

Buy your ticket

Where we go

London’s riverside is full of family-friendly things to do and our services sails through them all!

We call at 24 piers across the capital so whether you're a family of art-lovers on a Tate to Tate adventures, or thrill-seekers conquering Up At The O2, you can easily make travelling part of your family’s adventure with a trip on the River Bus! Take a look at our Get On Board Blog for inspiration.

Plan your journey

Find out more about River Travel Zones

Learn the ropes and become a captain!

Help the little ones learn more about the river with Learning the Ropes! This complimentary activity book includes river-based drawing and maths activities, puzzles and information about our vessels and those who work on them.

Ask a member of staff for a copy or download and print yours at home by clicking the link below.

Learn the ropes

View answers

Mind Map with London Transport Museum

Alternatively, download the one-page Travel Log from the London Transport Museum. This worksheet will encourage the little ones to observe, listen, and use their creativity to understand how the pieces all connect. A mind map will enhance their experience on the river.

Looking for things to do along the river?

Check out our monthly what's on listings and latest offers for inspiration.

Find your next day out

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Our 2-day hop-on hop-off Thames River Sightseeing ticket is the best way to explore London from the water – with unlimited river travel over two consecutive days to enjoy at your own pace. With an open top deck, comfortable bottom deck, fully licensed bar, and toilets on board, Thames River Sightseeing offers the most enjoyable and comfortable boats on the river. During your time on the waves, take in uninterrupted views over riverside landmarks including Westminster Palace, the London Eye, the National Theatre, the Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, HMS Belfast, The Shard, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf. You’ll also find a dazzling range of further attractions within easy reach on foot. We’ve been cruising along the Thames for over half a century now, and our expert skippers and crew look forward to welcoming you on board. Our city knowledge, entertaining tales, and local’s perspective will help turn your cruises into special memories of your time in London.

Parents with youngsters in tow can enjoy helpful savings with our discounted 2-day Family River Pass for 2 adults and up to 3 children.

The cruise timings vary according to the season, and you’ll find our schedule on our website. Always confirm with ticket office or crew as to the time of the last boat.

The journey time from Westminster Pier out to Greenwich Pier is 1 hour.

Yes, toilet facilities are available on all our vessels.

Yes, we have fully-licensed bars selling a wide range of tasty snacks and drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic.

The pass is valid only within 2 consecutive days.

+44 20 3778 0700 [email protected]

Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment. London, SW1A 2JH

Copyright © Thames River Sightseeing 2024

Family Tickets

• 0330 058 1585
• [email protected]
• Mon - Sun 10am - 4pm

Hop-On Hop-Off London + Thames River Cruise 48-hour Bus + River Cruise

• Get Tickets

Explore London with our City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off bus tour with over 25 carefully selected tour stops across 2 routes, you will be able to see all the key attractions London has to offer from Tower Bridge to Tower of London, Victoria Embankment, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, Haymarket & Pall Mall East for Trafalgar Square. Audio commentary in 11 languages. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to travel. The tour runs all year round (excluding the 25th December). Tour runs from 8.30am to 5.20pm (red route), frequency is every 10-20 minutes. Full loop takes 150 minutes. Green shuttle service runs from 8.55am to 15.55pm, frequency is every 35 minutes, full loop takes 35 minutes. Ticket options - 24HR City Sampler Ticket with Royal London Walk, 24HR Hop-on Hop-off with River Cruise + Royal London Walking Tour. 48HR Hop-on Hop-off with River Cruise + City Pack of 5 Walks.

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Everything about tourist attractions

London Eye River Cruise – tickets, cruise timings, how to reach, route and FAQs

What’s the next best thing to do after stepping out of the London Eye? Well, that would be hopping on a London Eye river cruise!

Sailing on the Thames brings you into contact with past and present structures, such as the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Shard.

The Cruise and what it entails

The London Eye river cruise is a 40-minute circular sightseeing tour that passes by some of the city’s most iconic riverside markers along the Thames.

Thanks to a canopy and sun-deck seating, the river cruise is an all-weather ride, and it departs every hour, with the first cruise starting at 10.45 am. 

The last cruise is scheduled for 5.45 pm; that’s when you see another side of London, all glittery and beautiful between twilight and night.

During the cruise, you can view the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral , the Tower of London , Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast, Westminster Abbey , and the Millennium and Tower Bridges .

Upon entering the cruise, you are provided with a souvenir guide map.

An expert live tour guide gives a detailed overview of all the sights along the river in English.

You can also access an audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese.

There is a T-loop system in English for those who are hard of hearing.

There are several other attractions near the London Eye pier like the Sealife London Aquarium , London Dungeon , Shrek Adventure, and Globe Theatre.

Recommended Reading # Facts about London Eye # Restaurants near London Eye # London Eye at Night # London Eye and Madame Tussauds # Big Ben and London Eye

London Eye river cruise tickets

There are a variety of River Cruise London tickets to opt from.

The most popular ticket is the London Eye cruise ticket, which sells at £14 per person during off-season months and £18 during peak season. 

A combined ticket for a river cruise and London Eye is available for £60 during peak season and £46 during the off-peak season. 

The London Eye cruise ticket for children between two and 15 years comes at a discounted price of £15 and £11 during peak and off-peak seasons, respectively.

The river cruise and London Eye combined ticket for children between two and 15 years is priced at £54 and £42 during peak and off-peak seasons, respectively.

Infants aged one year and below can enter for free.

Planning to visit London Eye at final moment? Then the Last-Minute London Eye Tickets is for you.

London Eye cruise timings

The first London Eye river cruise starts at 10.45 am daily. 

However, the cruise’s last ride depends on the peak (April to September) and lean (October to March) seasons. 

Here’s a table to help you understand the River Cruise London’s schedule better.

Note: It is advisable to be at the pier 15 minutes in advance. 

Know more about : How Long does the London Eye Take?

Where do these cruises depart from

The London Eye river cruises depart from the London Eye Pier, which is also known as the Waterloo Millennium Pier.

It is both the start- and end-point of the 40-minute cruise.

The pier is conveniently situated in front of the giant observation wheel, with Big Ben and the Parliament Building on one side.

It was initially built with one sole purpose: To serve as a collision protection system for the London Eye in the event of an attack.

The pier is popular for its commuter boat services, Summer leisure cruises, speedboat tour cruises, and London Eye river cruises. Get Directions .

How to get there

The River Cruise London is well connected by subway trains and bus services.

If you are looking for the nearest tube station , there are four of them— Westminster , Charing Cross , Embankment , and Waterloo tube station .

You can also catch buses 148, 168, 453, and 76 to reach the cruise from Waterloo Station.

There are several bars and restaurants near the pier. Peacock London , Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar , All Bar One Waterloo , Troia Southbank Mediterranean Restaurant , The Library at County Hall , and Locale are popular places to have a meal before embarking on a cruise.

The London River Cruise starts from the London Eye Pier and passes through several attractions before returning to the pier.

Here is a route map to help you understand the river cruise’s journey better:

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the London Eye river cruise.

When you book your ticket online , a softcopy is sent to your email. You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone and board the cruise.

Unfortunately, there are no discounted river cruise London tickets for senior citizens and students.

No, but you can view the attraction if you buy a combined river cruise and London Eye ticket .

Yes, there is a live guide providing commentary in English. There is also an audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese.

Yes, the London Eye River Cruise is wheelchair accessible. However, a maximum of three wheelchairs are allowed per cruise. So book your tickets in advance.

Carers accompanying disabled guests are entitled to a free entry ticket. This can be reserved when purchasing a standard or combination London River Cruise entry ticket .

There is no specific dress code, but it’s recommended to dress comfortably, considering the weather conditions on the day of the cruise.

Yes, cameras are allowed on board, enabling you to capture stunning views of the Thames and London during the cruise.

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This article was researched & written by

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Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Viajeras: London Bridge to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

Viaje en barco desde London Bridge to Greenwich River Thames Cruise. Traer oyster card para recibir descuento en su ticket de bote.

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London Bridge City Pier

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Punto de encuentro: London Bridge City Pier

Address : SE1 2HD

(foto muestra punto de encuentro)

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Sightseeing Flexible Ticket | City Cruises™

Book your attractions with us and save more, our piers along the thames.

Westminster Pier

With the iconic House of Parliament and Big Ben as your backdrop and some royally magnificent landmarks a short stroll away. Westminster Pier is the perfect place to start sightseeing:

• House of Parliament
• Big Ben Clock Tower
• Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace
• Horse Guards Parade
• Whitehall and Downing St
• Trafalgar Square
• The National Gallery

London Eye Pier

We sail in and dock beneath The London Eye-looking up from the water, it couldn’t be more impressive. This is where you explore the South Bank river walkway that’s buzzing with fun things to see and do:

• The London Eye
• Sea Life London
• London Dungeon
• National Theatre
• Royal Festival Hall
• IMAX Cinema
• Southbank Centre
• Shrek’s Adventure London

In the heart of the City, next to London’s most legendary and notorious tourist attraction, the Tower of London, is Tower Pier.It’s surrounded by historic and supremely modern attractions on and off the water:

• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• St Katherine’s Dock
• HMS Belfast
• St. Paul’s Cathedral

Greenwich Pier

All aboard at Royal Greenwich an incredible World Heritage Site. Arriving and departing by boat really is the only way to do it. This is where one of Britain’s most famous ships lives alongside fascinating museums, an eclectic market and more:

• National Maritime Museum
• Queen’s House
• Old Royal Naval College
• Painted Hall
• Royal Observatory
• Greenwich Market

Download Timetable

Other Sightseeing Cruises and Tickets

About our river thames sightseeing cruises.

Our captains provide informative and entertaining commentary, shedding new light on both the history and modern life of the capital. With the option to sit on our spacious open upper deck or in comfortable indoor saloons, you’re guaranteed a amazing view of London’s best sights including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, South Bank and more.

For families, a Thames river cruise is the most relaxing way to see the sights, avoid traffic and busy trains.

Our Thames sightseeing cruise will take you from point A to B with comfort and in style.

We have 4 strategically located piers at Westminster, Tower, London-Eye, and Greenwich, that allow easy access to all the main riverside attractions while ensuring less of your sightseeing time is spent waiting at a pier.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please ensure you check our up-to-date timetable schedule as times may vary throughout the year.

When you arrive for your cruise please walk straight down onto the pier. Where you will be greeted by our pier staff, have your ticket ready to be then directed to your boarding point.

What are the postcodes for the piers?

How long is the journey time.

Westminster/London Eye – Greenwich | Greenwich – Westminster/London Eye Duration (single/return): 70 minutes / 180 minutes

Tower – Greenwich | Greenwich – Tower Duration (single/return): 30 minutes/80 minutes

Where can I find the timetable online?

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