Thames River Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Thames River. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

• Wicked Westminster: The Original London Ghost Walk

• Speedboat Cruise Tour: Embankment OR Westminster Pier—70 minutes

• London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise

• London Sightseeing Walking Tour With 30+ Sights

There’s no cost to visit the Thames River if you want to walk along the riverside pathways or cross one of its scenic bridges. Boat rides along the waterway offer a great way to see the London sights. Expect to pay around US$90 for a speedboat ride on the Thames, around US$60 for a 2-course lunch cruise, or US$120 for a 3-course dinner cruise. Some guided walking or vehicle tours also include a cruise.

Yes, the Thames River is definitely worth visiting, and most visitors to central London see the river as it snakes through the city. You can visit in a way that suits your budget, energy level, and the weather. Take a walking tour to learn more about the landmarks on either side of the river, a cruise for a more leisurely perspective, or visit one of the attractions dotted along its length, such as the Tower of London or the London Eye, for river views.

Per one customer who booked the London in a Day: Tower of London, Westminster & River Cruise, "Great walking tour with Patrick. Started with Westminster Abbey then to changing of the guard. Walked to Trafalgar Square for lunch. After lunch, back to Westminster area to go on Thames boat cruise to the Tower of London. Saw the Crown Jewels and several other buildings and exhibits. Overall a great day."

A circular tour of the River Thames takes around 40 minutes and covers more central sights such as the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. A one-way cruise from Westminster down to Greenwich takes an hour and takes you beneath iconic London bridges such as Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge.

London is a busy city no matter what time of year you're visiting, so it's best to book your River Thames cruise in advance. This could also mean you get a cheaper deal—especially if you combine your cruise with other activities and admission tickets—and you won't have to worry about getting turned away on the day.

The summer months of June, July, and August are the best time to go on a River Thames cruise. Not only is the weather warmer, but the nights are longer, and the sunsets are more spectacular. The holiday season in December is also a good time to take an evening cruise, when Christmas lights and lit-up landmarks shroud the city in festive cheer.

Though there's no dress code for standard River Thames cruises, such as the London Eye cruise or the Thames Clipper, you might be expected to don smarter attire if you are taking a dinner cruise or one that features afternoon tea. It's best to check with your tour operator beforehand.

All of the River Thames cruise boats are equipped with toilets, including the Thames Clipper boats. Most have disabled toilets and ramp access, while some feature a kiosk that sells refreshments and have on-board Wi-Fi to help you stay connected.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Thames River. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in London:

• Buckingham Palace

• Tower of London

• Westminster Abbey

• Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

• London Eye

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in London.