London’s iconic Thames River Cruise offers a captivating way to experience the city’s renowned landmarks from the water. This circular journey showcases Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Tower Bridge, all brought to life through expert commentary. But the real highlight may be the option to pair the cruise with a ticket to the London Eye, providing a bird’s-eye view of the city skyline. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this experience promises to reveal London in a new and unforgettable light.

Contents show

Key Points

The Thames River Cruise offers a 45-minute to 1.5-hour circular route, with live English commentary and optional audio guides in multiple languages.
Highlights include views of iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge, enhancing understanding of their historic significance.
Tickets start at $20.07 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without immediate payment.
The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and children under 3 ride free with a reserved ticket.
The London Eye is closed for maintenance from January 6 to January 19, 2025, so the option to add a London Eye ticket is not available during this period.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

The Thames River Cruise with optional London Eye ticket offers a 45-minute to 1.5-hour sightseeing experience along the iconic River Thames.

Priced from $20.07 per person, the cruise allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot without immediate payment, giving them the flexibility to plan their visit.

Audio guides in multiple languages and a souvenir guide map provide informative commentary and assistance throughout the journey. The circular route departs from the London Eye pier, ensuring a seamless experience for guests.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in London

Cruise Experience

During the Thames River Cruise, expert guides provide live commentary in English, regaling passengers with insights about the historic landmarks that line the riverbanks. For those seeking a more immersive experience, an optional audio guide is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.

| Language | Audio Guide |

| — | — |

| English | Live commentary |

| Spanish | Available |

| Dutch | Available |

| French | Available |

| German | Available |

| Italian | Available |

| Japanese | Available |

| Russian | Available |

| Chinese | Available |

| Traditional Chinese | Available |

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and a souvenir guide map is available in seven languages, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for all passengers.

Landmarks and Highlights

The Thames River Cruise offers passengers the chance to witness an array of iconic London landmarks.

As the boat glides along the river, travelers will catch sight of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the renowned Tower Bridge.

With the help of the live commentary from expert guides, guests can learn the history and significance of these famous structures.

The circular cruise departs from the London Eye pier and returns after approximately 40 minutes, providing a well-rounded overview of London’s renowned riverside attractions.

Important Information and Accessibility

Access to the attractions featured on the Thames River Cruise is subject to availability, so booking in advance is recommended.

Passengers should be aware that the London Eye will be closed for maintenance from January 6 to January 19, 2025.

Infants 3 and under ride free, but a ticket must still be reserved. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.

Disabled guests pay the standard price, and carers enter free with proof of disability.

The attraction is cashless, so guests should plan accordingly.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to customer reviews, the Thames River Cruise with London Eye Ticket has received an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 3,001 reviews.

Reviewers highly praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who provide informative live commentary.

The knowledgeable and friendly guides provide informative live commentary, earning high praise from reviewers.

The transportation aspect also receives strong ratings of 4.6/5, with customers noting the ease of finding the pier and the organized check-in process.

While the value for money earns a solid 4.3/5, guests seem satisfied with the overall experience and would recommend the tour to others.

The consistently positive feedback reflects the high-quality nature of this popular London attraction.

Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in London

Exploring the Thames River

Setting out on a Thames River cruise allows visitors to witness London’s iconic landmarks from a unique vantage point. As the boat glides along the river, passengers can marvel at the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament, the towering magnificence of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the historical allure of the Tower of London. The live commentary from expert guides provides a wealth of insights, while the optional audio guide offers multilingual options to suit diverse preferences. The cruise’s circular route ensures a comprehensive experience, allowing travelers to appreciate London’s riverfront splendor.

| Landmark | Significance |

|————————–|————————————————————–|

| Houses of Parliament | Seat of the UK government and site of Big Ben |

| St. Paul’s Cathedral | Iconic 17th-century cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren |

| Tower of London | Historic castle and former royal residence |

| Tower Bridge | Renowned suspension bridge opened in 1894 |

| London Eye | Giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic city views |

The London Eye: An Iconic Attraction

The London Eye stands as an iconic landmark along the River Thames, offering visitors a unique perspective of London’s skyline.

This giant Ferris wheel stands at an impressive 135 meters tall, providing panoramic views of the city’s most famous attractions, including:

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
The River Thames and its historic bridges
St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London

Riding the London Eye is a must-do experience for any visitor to London, allowing them to soak in the splendor of this vibrant city from a truly captivating vantage point.

Planning Your Cruise and Eye Experience

When planning your Thames River cruise and London Eye experience, it’s important to consider a few key factors.

The cruise offers flexible scheduling, with departures every 30-45 minutes and the option to add a London Eye ticket. Advance booking is recommended, as this allows you to secure your spot and avoid potential sellouts.

The cruise itself is 40-90 minutes long, providing ample time to admire the city’s landmarks. Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair access and language support via audio guides.

Lastly, take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to your booking.

The Sum Up

The Thames River Cruise offers an immersive experience, showcasing London’s iconic landmarks from the water. Opt for the combined ticket with the London Eye to enjoy breathtaking city views. This leisurely cruise is a must-do activity for visitors, providing a unique perspective of the city’s rich history and architecture. With flexible durations and affordable pricing, it’s an excellent way to explore the Thames and discover the beauty of London.

You can check availability for your dates here: