Which London River Cruise Should You Take? (2026 Comparison)

There are a lot of Thames River cruises in London, and at first glance, they all look pretty similar.

They’re not.

Some are basically just transport, others are proper sightseeing tours, and a few are more about the experience than the views.

I’ve looked into all of them, and the biggest mistake people make is choosing based on price alone.

Here’s what’s actually worth it.

DoubleDeckerLondon is reader supported. If you make a purchase through some of the links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Answer

The best Thames River cruise depends on what you’re looking for. The Uber Boat is the cheapest and most practical, City Cruises offers the best overall sightseeing experience, the London Eye cruise works well as a combo, dining cruises are great for the experience, and Thames Rockets is the best for adrenaline.

1. The "Budget Hack": Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

This is the cheapest and most flexible option on the river.

It’s essentially a river bus used by commuters, but you can absolutely use it as a sightseeing cruise. You’ll pass most of the major landmarks, and it runs frequently, so you’re not tied to a schedule.

If you just want to get from one point to another — for example, from the London Eye to the Tower — it works well.

But here’s the downside.

There’s no open top deck, which makes a big difference. You’re mostly indoors, and while there are windows, the views just aren’t as good as a proper sightseeing cruise like City Cruises.

Also, if you’re only doing a short ride between central stops, the price difference compared to a real sightseeing cruise is actually quite small.

So yes, it’s cheaper — but not always by enough to justify the worse experience.

Best for: getting around the city with a bit of sightseeing on the side.

Pro Tip: This is the only boat that lets you use your Oyster card (around £8–£12 per journey) . Sit at the very back for the outdoor "breezy" deck - it’s the best spot for photos of Tower Bridge as you zoom under it.

City Cruises (Best Overall Sightseeing Experience)

If you want a proper Thames sightseeing cruise, this is the one.

You get an open top deck, clear views of all the major landmarks, and usually live or audio commentary that actually explains what you’re seeing. The captains are usually locals with a lot of "cheeky" British humor. They’ll point out things you’d never notice on your own.

The route typically runs between Westminster, the London Eye, the Tower of London and Greenwich, which covers the most interesting part of the river.

This is what most people expect when they book a “Thames cruise,” and it delivers.

It’s not the cheapest option, but the upgrade from something like the Uber Boat is noticeable straight away.

Best for: first-time visitors who want the full sightseeing experience.

Pro Tip: If you are doing a return trip to Greenwich, this is much better than the Uber Boat. You can sit upstairs, enjoy the breeze, and actually learn about the history of the Docklands as you pass by.

London Eye River Cruise (Best Combined Experience)

This one is very similar to City Cruises in terms of the route and views.

The difference is how you use it.

On its own, it’s a solid 40-minute sightseeing cruise with good commentary and all the main landmarks. But where it really makes sense is as part of a combo ticket with the London Eye.

If you’re already planning to go on the Eye, adding the cruise usually works out better value than booking everything separately.

If not, City Cruises is often the more flexible option, especially if you want to see Greenwich too.

Afternoon Tea & Dinner Cruises (Best for the Experience)

These are less about sightseeing and more about the atmosphere.

You’re getting food, drinks, and a slower-paced cruise along the Thames. The views are still there, but they’re not the main focus.

The afternoon tea cruises are lighter and more relaxed, while the dinner cruises feel more like an evening event. They’re obviously more expensive, but if you’re celebrating something or just want a different kind of experience, they’re worth considering.

Most afternoon tea cruises are very similar:

• Around 1.5 hours on the river 

• A classic tea setup (sandwiches, scones, cakes)

• Unlimited tea and coffee

• Indoor seating with large windows

Dinner cruises follow the same idea, just upgraded:

• 2–3 course meals

• Longer duration (often 2–3 hours)

• Sometimes live music or entertainment

Prices:

Afternoon Tea Cruises:

• From about £45–£60 per person

Dinner Cruises:

• Usually start around £80–£90+ per person 

• Premium experiences can go much higher depending on extras

My Take

If I had to choose:

• I’d do a City Cruises sightseeing cruise for views

• And then have a proper meal somewhere in the city

But if you want everything in one experience and don’t mind paying extra, then the afternoon tea cruise is the safer option over dinner.Dinner cruises can be hit or miss, while tea cruises are more consistent and easier to enjoy.

Thames Rockets (Best for Adrenaline)

This is the complete opposite of a relaxing cruise.

Thames Rockets are high-speed RIB boats that take you down the river at serious speed, with music and commentary along the way. They are one of the highest rated experiences in London.

You still see landmarks, but it’s fast, loud, and more about the thrill than the views.

It’s one of the most fun things you can do on the Thames if you want something active instead of passive sightseeing.

Once you pass Tower Bridge, the speed limits disappear. They blast James Bond music and "hit the gas," doing sharp turns and high speeds.

Best for: adrenaline, groups, and something memorable.

Pro Tip: You will get a bit of spray on you. They provide waterproof gear, but don't plan on a fancy dinner immediately after this - your hair will have "speed-boat vibes."

So, Which One Should You Choose?

If you just want the cheapest option and don’t mind limited views, go for the Uber Boat.

If you want the classic London river experience, City Cruises is the safest and most balanced choice.

If you’re already doing the London Eye, the combo cruise makes sense.

If you want something more memorable, go for a dining cruise or Thames Rockets depending on your style.

Final Thoughts

Not all Thames cruises are equal, even if they look similar online.

The biggest difference usually comes down to one thing: the experience on board.

That’s why I’d only go for the Uber Boat if you actually need transport. Otherwise, spending a bit more on something like City Cruises or a themed experience makes a noticeable difference.