Surprisingly Affordable! Explore London by Thames River Bus – A Budget-Friendly Cruise Experience

When thinking of London sightseeing, most people envision classic spots like red double-decker buses, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. However, the Thames River that flows through this city is also an indispensable element when discussing London’s charm. Today, I’ll introduce you to the “River Bus” – Thames water buses that serve as both a commuting option for locals and an excellent attraction for tourists.

What is the River Bus? London’s Lesser-Known Transportation

The River Bus is a public transportation service operating on the Thames River. It’s the “Uber Boat by Thames Clippers” service operated by Transport for London (TfL), with multiple routes available. The route I used was RB1, which connects major spots along the Thames.

Operating from Westminster in the west to Greenwich and Woolwich in the east, cutting through central London, it plays an important role connecting tourist spots and business districts. Unlike dedicated cruise ships for tourists, it functions purely as public transportation, making fares relatively reasonable. Yet it offers views that rival regular tourist cruises, which is its greatest appeal.

Actual Boarding Experience: From Waterloo to Canary Wharf

I used the route from Waterloo Pier to the modern financial district of Canary Wharf. After visiting the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben around Westminster, I had plans to watch a live performance at a restaurant called Boisdale in Canary Wharf that evening, so I was researching transportation options.

I considered traveling by underground or bus, but transfers were required which seemed troublesome. That’s when I discovered this River Bus (RB1 route). It could take me directly to Canary Wharf without transfers while also offering sightseeing, so I decided to use it as a perfect two-in-one solution.

The one-way fare was £9.5. Tourist cruises typically cost £20-30, so this was less than half the price. The excellent cost-performance ratio comes from being operated as public transportation. The frequency of about every 20-30 minutes was more frequent than I expected, which was convenient.

Payment accepts Oyster cards or contactless payments, which are standard for London public transport. There’s a note of caution when using Oyster cards: pier staff will check your balance before boarding. If your card balance is insufficient, you cannot board, so I recommend ensuring you have adequate credit beforehand. With contactless payment, you can easily pay with credit cards or mobile tap payments for a smooth experience.

Evening Thames River Boarding Report

I boarded during the evening hours, and the view of London’s historic buildings illuminated by the western sun, along with the cityscape gradually lighting up, was exceptional.

Departing from Waterloo Pier, looking back you can see the London Eye and Westminster. Passing the South Bank cultural complex, you’ll see the Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral, and further along, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Tate Modern come into view.

Evening London viewed from the water has a completely different charm from land-based views. Particularly the soft light as the sun sets gently illuminates the historic buildings, painting London’s streetscape as beautifully as a painting. The Thames-side promenades bustling with tourists also looked like different scenery when viewed from the river, which was fascinating.

After passing the historic Tower of London and Tower Bridge, the scenery transforms dramatically. You enter the Docklands area with its modern high-rise buildings. The sight of high-rise building lights sparkling on the water surface had an urban beauty.

The approximately 45-minute cruise allows you to experience both London’s historical and modern aspects at once, which is unique to this route.

Tower Bridge Passage Highlight Experience

The cruise highlight was undoubtedly the moment of passing under Tower Bridge. As we approached the tower, passengers inside began to thin out, giving me the perfect opportunity to move to the outside terrace seats. The scenery while feeling the wind directly was exceptional.

As the boat approached Tower Bridge, its overwhelming presence was breathtaking. Since it was evening, the Gothic towers of the bridge were illuminated by the sunset, glowing golden. Entering under the bridge, it suddenly became dark, and the experience of looking up at the bridge structure up close was more impressive than I had imagined. The realization of “touching one of London’s famous landmarks” suddenly struck me here.

After passing through the bridge, an open view appeared again, and this time the contrast between Tower Bridge viewed from the opposite side and the City’s high-rise buildings spreading beyond it was spectacular. Particularly impressive was the sight of The Shard’s spire illuminated by the sunset, reflecting on the river surface. The glass skyscraper shining both in the sky and on the water surface created a scene like a futuristic city.

The sunset view of London from the water is a special sight that can never be seen from land. The Thames River surface turned golden in the sunset, and the landscape woven by historic buildings and modern architecture floating above it was another gift from this River Bus journey.

Inside the Boat: As Transportation, Not a Tourist Vessel

River Bus boats adopt a catamaran design called “cats,” featuring high stability. The interior is simple and functional. Large windows provide excellent views, and you can also go out on the outer deck to feel the wind while sightseeing.

The boat also has a cafe bar where you can purchase drinks and light snacks, so you can feel secure during long journeys. Commuters enjoyed coffee while reading newspapers, and tourists enjoyed drinks while viewing the scenery – everyone enjoyed the boat trip in their own way.

Passengers included not only tourists but many suited business people, making me realize it’s actually used for commuting and transportation. Since it functions as public transportation, it also serves as daily transport for London residents. This mix of tourism and practicality allows you to experience a real side of London different from tourist buses or dedicated cruise ships.

As transportation, while it takes slightly longer than the underground, it’s more comfortable than crowded underground trains or buses, and you don’t need to worry about road traffic jams. Particularly during peak hours, when road traffic is congested, you can arrive at your destination relatively smoothly, which is appealing.

Conclusion: Excellent Value! A Two-in-One Experience Combining Tourism and Practicality

The River Bus is a hidden charm of London tourism that goes beyond mere transportation. At more reasonable fares than tourist cruises, you can view London’s iconic scenery from the river. The excellent cost-performance ratio that comes from being operated as public transportation is truly a hidden gem for travelers seeking high-quality tourist experiences while keeping budgets in check.

Particularly when traveling from tourist areas like Westminster to slightly distant areas like Canary Wharf or Greenwich, the ability to access directly without transfer stress is a major benefit.

Next time you have the opportunity to visit London, please try using the River Bus to experience this historic city from a different perspective than land routes. The view of London from the Thames will surely bring you new discoveries and emotions.