River cruises in London aren’t just for tourists who don’t want to walk — they’re one of the best ways to actually see the city. You get a different perspective: gliding past the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Shard, St Paul’s — all while skipping the street crowds.
But with so many routes, piers, and companies, booking a cruise on the Thames River can get surprisingly confusing. Not all tickets work at every pier, and last-minute choices often mean longer waits or no seats left on the boat you actually wanted. So it’s smart to book ahead, and to book with someone who understands how the river works.
Here are the top websites for booking a Thames River Cruise, ranked from the one most recommended by people who’ve already been there, done that — and figured out what works best.
1. Thames River Cruises – The easy, flexible way to book
This platform is focused only on Thames River Cruises — and that makes a difference. No distractions, no upselling London tours you didn’t ask for. Just river cruises, clearly explained, with real-time availability and flexible booking. Whether you want a short one-way trip between Westminster and Tower, a round trip from Greenwich, or a longer cruise past the Thames Barrier, the choices are laid out clearly. You can see which cruises include live commentary, how long they last, and where they stop. You can also book now and pay later, or cancel for free if plans change. There’s even a handy map of piers — because let’s be honest, navigating London’s river transport isn’t always obvious. If you’re looking for a Thames cruise and don’t want to overthink it, start here. It’s straightforward, easy to use, and made for people who want the river without the hassle.
2. Tiqets
Tiqets is a good platform if you like simplicity. They offer some of the more popular Thames cruises — mostly round trips — and they also bundle them with major London attractions. Booking is quick, the tickets are mobile-ready, and you can usually cancel without penalty.
Just keep in mind that availability is a bit more limited, especially if you’re looking for specific departure points or more flexible routes.
3. GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide covers a lot of ground in London, and their river cruise options are solid. You’ll find everything from quick commuter-style trips to dinner cruises and combo tickets with the London Eye or Tower of London. Their app is easy to use, and tickets are stored digitally, which is handy on the go.
But because it’s a general platform, not all options are easy to compare — and it’s not always clear which operator or route you’re actually booking. Still, it’s a safe choice if you’re already using GYG for other London activities.
4. City cruises
City Cruises operates many of the boats on the Thames, and you can book directly through their official site. They offer standard sightseeing cruises, lunch and afternoon tea cruises, and evening sailings with live music. The website gives a decent overview of options, but the layout can feel a little dated, and it’s not always easy to compare departures or see how flexible the tickets are. Still, if you know exactly what time and cruise you want, it gets the job done.
5. Circular Cruise Westminster
Circular Cruise Westminster is a smaller operator running regular daytime sightseeing cruises along the central stretch of the Thames. Boats run in a loop between Westminster and St Katharine’s, with stops at key piers like Embankment, Bankside (near Tate Modern), and Tower.
It’s a good no-fuss option if you want to hop on and off while sightseeing along the river. Commentary is usually live and relaxed, and the atmosphere is more casual than on the big tourist cruises. You won’t find luxury dining or evening jazz — but you will get easy river views and a flexible route at a fair price.
If you want the smoothest experience
If you just want to enjoy the river without digging through complicated packages or hoping your boat leaves from the right pier, go with ThamesRiver.cruises. It’s made for this exact purpose — clear, flexible, and focused only on Thames experiences. And when you’re standing on the pier, knowing exactly what you’re getting into makes all the difference.