Explore the river

TfL Community Team,
Rivers roundel outside Big Ben.

If you’re yet to discover all the River Thames has to offer, plan your next adventure and explore a new part of London by river. 💦 

Easily travel to amazing destinations like Tate Britain, the London Eye and more on your terms by River Bus. River Buses run from early morning to early evening, or later if there’s an event at The O2 in North Greenwich. 🥳 

Or see London from a different perspective with a River Tour. The River Tours offers leisurely sightseeing, dining cruises and high-thrill rides up the Thames by speedboat. 🚤 

Check out some of our favourite stops along the river. 👇 

Tower of London

⛵️ Alight at Tower Bridge Quay.  

Take a tour around the Tower of London and discover its history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house and zoo 🦁. Tiptoe through a medieval king’s bedchamber and marvel at the Crown Jewels. 👑

The shard and London skyline at sunset.

The Shard

⛵️ Alight at London Bridge City pier.  

The view from the Shard is the highest viewing point in western Europe. It’s nearly twice as high as any other view in London 😲.  Take in 360-degree views for 40 miles across London, or enjoy one of the restaurants and bars for a meal with a view! 🌆 

People in the London Eye looking over the Houses of Parliament at night.

The London Eye

⛵️ Alight at London Eye pier.  

Climb aboard the London Eye for a breath taking experience with an unforgettable perspective of more than 55 of London’s landmarks, all in just 30 minutes! 🎡 

Greenwich and Cutty Sark

⛵️ Alight at Greenwich pier 

Visit the National Maritime Museum, the world’s largest maritime museum, see the historic Queen’s House, stand astride the Prime Meridian at Royal Observatory Greenwich and explore the famous Cutty Sark: all part of the Royal Museums Greenwich. 🚢 

Tate Modern

⛵️ Alight at Bankside pier or use our Tate to Tate service on River Bus 2 between Tate Modern and Tate Britain  

Sitting grandly on the banks of the Thames is Tate Modern, Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art. Inside you’ll find temporary exhibitions by top artists from Damien Hirst to Gauguin, and even better, entry is free! 💸  

Outside of Tate Britain in the sunshine.

Tate Britain

⛵️ Alight at Millbank or use our Tate to Tate service on River Bus 2 between Tate Modern and Tate Britain 

Tate Britain holds the largest collection of British art in the world from 1500 to the present day 🧑‍🎨.  You’ll find masterpieces by Gainsborough, Hogarth, Millais, Whistler, as well as outstanding modern and contemporary artists. They also have the largest collection of works by JMW Turner in the world. 🖌️ 

Westminster

⛵️ Alight at Westminster pier 

Be amazed by some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Take a look at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, followed by a stroll around Westminster Abbey. Then visit Buckingham Palace, the London residence of Her Majesty The Queen. 👑 

Cyclist and customers at IFS Cloud Cable Car terminal

IFS Cloud Cable Car

⛵️ Alight at North Greenwich pier 

Travel on the cable car for extensive views across London. 🚠 The trip takes just 6 minutes and arrive every 30 seconds. 🙌  

Want to know more? 👇

Choose your perfect trip, from hop-on/hop-off services, themed cruises, dining experiences and sightseeing tours, and find out how to book tickets.