Uber boat london tickets
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers London — Complete Guide to Tickets, Routes, and Travel Tips
Introduction
London is a city built on the River Thames, and one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to explore it is from the water. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers a unique combination of public transport and sightseeing — letting you cruise past London’s most famous landmarks while avoiding traffic jams and crowded Tube carriages.
Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or planning a romantic journey along the river, Uber Boat London provides fast, frequent, and comfortable services connecting Putney in the west to Woolwich in the east. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything about Uber Boat London tickets, pricing, routes, schedules, and insider tips to make the most of your journey.
What Is Uber Boat by Thames Clippers?
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is London’s official river bus service, operating high-speed catamarans along the Thames. Founded in 1999 and rebranded in partnership with Uber in 2020, it’s now the largest passenger boat network in London, carrying millions of passengers every year.
Unlike traditional sightseeing cruises, Uber Boat functions as a regular public transport service — part of the city’s Transport for London (TfL) network. However, it doubles as one of the most enjoyable ways to see London’s skyline, bridges, and riverside landmarks from a fresh perspective.
Why Choose Uber Boat?
Here’s why so many visitors and locals choose Uber Boat by Thames Clippers:
- Scenic Views: Glide past the London Eye, Tower Bridge, The Shard, Tate Modern, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich — all from your seat.
- Convenience: Boats stop at over 20 piers across central and east London.
- Speed: It’s faster than walking or taking a bus between riverside locations.
- Comfort: Spacious seating, indoor cabins, outdoor decks, and onboard cafés serving drinks and snacks.
- Flexibility: You can hop on and off with flexible tickets or pay-as-you-go options.
- Accessibility: Step-free access at most piers and easy boarding for wheelchairs and prams.
- Sustainability: Modern, low-emission vessels with hybrid and electric technology being introduced.
Main Routes and Key Stops
Uber Boat services operate in four main zones covering the Thames:
| Route | Zone | Main Stops | Journey Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| RB1 (Central Route) | West to East | Battersea Power Station → London Eye → Embankment → Bankside → Tower → Greenwich → North Greenwich → Woolwich | Perfect for sightseeing and river travel. |
| RB2 (West Zone) | Central West | Putney → Chelsea Harbour → Battersea Power Station → Westminster | Great for connections between west London and the city. |
| RB4 (Canary Wharf – Rotherhithe Shuttle) | East Zone | Canary Wharf → Doubletree Docklands | Short shuttle route across the river. |
| RB6 (Putney to Blackfriars) | West Zone | Putney → Chelsea Harbour → Vauxhall → Blackfriars | Morning and evening commuter route. |
Each service runs in both directions, with departures every 20–30 minutes depending on the time of day.
Popular Routes for Sightseeing
- Westminster to Greenwich:
The classic sightseeing stretch — pass Big Ben, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and arrive at historic Greenwich. - London Eye to Tower Bridge:
Short but beautiful — see the city’s bridges and skyline up close. - Battersea to Canary Wharf:
Modern London in one trip — from the redeveloped Battersea Power Station to the financial heart of the capital. - North Greenwich to Embankment:
Ideal if you’re visiting The O2 for a concert and staying near central London.
Ticket Types and Prices
Uber Boat offers several ticket options to suit different travel needs — from single journeys to unlimited day passes.
| Ticket Type | Description | Price (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Ticket | One-way journey between any two piers within your chosen zones. | From £5.20–£13.50 | Price depends on distance and zones. |
| Return Ticket | Round-trip for the same route. | From £10.40–£17.00 | Valid on the same day. |
| River Roamer (All-Day Pass) | Unlimited travel between all piers for one day. | £21.00 (Adult), £10.50 (Child) | Best option for tourists and explorers. |
| Family River Roamer | Unlimited day travel for 2 adults + up to 3 children. | £42.00 | Great for families sightseeing along the river. |
| Commuter Carnet | Bulk tickets offering savings for regular users. | From £45 (for 10 rides) | Prepaid multi-ride bundle. |
| Contactless / Oyster Pay-As-You-Go | Tap in/out like on the Tube. | Zone-based pricing | Earn daily fare capping with TfL. |
Children under 5 travel free, and discounts apply for children aged 5–15, students, and Freedom Pass holders.
How to Buy Uber Boat London Tickets
You can purchase tickets through several simple methods:
- Uber App:
The easiest option — open the Uber app, select the boat icon, and choose your pier and time. - Thames Clippers Tickets App:
Dedicated app allowing mobile ticket storage, live timetables, and QR-code boarding. - Online Booking:
Tickets can be purchased via the official Uber Boat website and saved to your phone. - At the Pier:
Ticket machines and staffed counters are available at most major piers such as Westminster, Tower, and Greenwich. - Contactless Payment / Oyster:
Simply tap your card or Oyster on the reader at the pier gates — no need for paper tickets.
Travel Zones and Fare System
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers uses a zonal fare structure similar to the London Underground, but divided into river zones:
- West Zone – Putney to Vauxhall
- Central Zone – Millbank to Greenwich
- East Zone – Greenwich to Woolwich
The more zones you travel through, the higher the fare. A single journey within one zone is cheaper than one crossing multiple zones.
Tip: If you’re travelling a long distance (e.g. Westminster to Greenwich), a River Roamer pass is often better value than two single tickets.
Schedule and Frequency
- First boats: Around 6:00 AM (weekdays) and 8:00 AM (weekends).
- Last boats: Around 11:30 PM from major central piers.
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes during the day, with peak-time commuter services operating more frequently.
- Journey time examples:
- Westminster → Greenwich: ~45 minutes
- London Eye → Tower Pier: ~25 minutes
- Battersea → Canary Wharf: ~40 minutes
Live departure information is displayed at each pier and within the Uber and Thames Clippers apps.
What to Expect Onboard
Comfort:
Modern catamarans with spacious indoor seating, open-air decks, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
Facilities:
- Onboard café bar serving coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks.
- Toilets available on all mainline boats.
- USB charging ports on newer vessels.
- Step-free boarding and designated wheelchair spaces.
Seating:
Seats are not assigned; it’s first come, first served. Try to sit near the windows or on the rear deck for panoramic photo opportunities.
Top Tips for Using Uber Boat London
- Travel during daylight: You’ll get the best views of the skyline and landmarks.
- Use a River Roamer ticket: Perfect for sightseeing multiple stops in one day.
- Board early: Boats can fill up quickly at popular piers like London Eye or Greenwich.
- Bring a jacket: The outdoor deck can get breezy even on sunny days.
- Combine with other attractions: Many piers are close to major landmarks — ideal for a full sightseeing day.
- Evening cruises: The city looks magical at sunset or after dark, with illuminated bridges and skyscrapers.
- Avoid rush hour: Commuter times (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM) can be busy.
Attractions Near Major Piers
| Pier | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Westminster Pier | Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey |
| London Eye (Waterloo) Pier | The London Eye, Southbank Centre |
| Tower Pier | Tower of London, Tower Bridge, The Shard |
| Greenwich Pier | Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum |
| North Greenwich Pier | The O2 Arena, Emirates Cable Car |
| Battersea Power Station Pier | Battersea Power Station shopping and restaurants |
| Canary Wharf Pier | Modern skyscrapers, shops, and bars |
For tourists, this makes Uber Boat a practical way to hop between London’s best attractions while enjoying the ride.
Accessibility and Family Information
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers provides step-free boarding at most piers, making it suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and passengers with reduced mobility. There are accessible toilets onboard and priority seating areas.
For families, boats offer plenty of space and comfort. Children love sitting on the open deck watching the bridges go by. Under-5s travel free, and discounted child fares make it affordable for families.
Commuting and Regular Travel
While tourists love the scenic views, many Londoners use Uber Boat as a daily commuting option. It’s often faster than road traffic and more enjoyable than packed trains. Regular travellers can save money with Carnet tickets or season passes, offering discounted multi-ride options.
Best Time to Take the Uber Boat
- Morning (9–11 AM): Peaceful and great light for photography.
- Afternoon (2–5 PM): Ideal for sightseeing with fewer crowds.
- Evening (after 7 PM): The city skyline is stunning as lights reflect off the river.
- During Events: Perfect transport option for concerts at The O2, festivals in Greenwich, or fireworks displays.
Example Sightseeing Itinerary
Morning: Start at Westminster Pier and board an Uber Boat eastbound. Admire Big Ben, the London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Midday: Disembark at Tower Pier for lunch near Tower Bridge.
Afternoon: Continue to Greenwich to explore the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark.
Evening: Return to central London and enjoy sunset views from the deck.
With a River Roamer ticket, you can complete this full-day itinerary with unlimited rides.
Why Uber Boat Is Great for Visitors
- Avoid traffic and crowds while exploring London’s landmarks.
- Affordable and flexible ticket options.
- Comfortable, scenic travel with great photo opportunities.
- Connects many major attractions directly by river.
- Environmentally friendly compared to taxis or buses.
Summary
- Operator: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
- Coverage: 20+ piers across London, from Putney to Woolwich
- Tickets: Single, Return, River Roamer (day pass), and Oyster/contactless
- Prices: From £5.20 per journey; unlimited day pass £21
- Best Route: Westminster to Greenwich for sightseeing
- Onboard: Wi-Fi, café, toilets, comfortable seating
- Accessibility: Step-free, family-friendly, wheelchair accessible
Final Thoughts
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is more than just a transport option — it’s one of London’s most enjoyable experiences. Whether you’re a commuter seeking calm on the river or a visitor exploring the city’s skyline, the ride offers comfort, convenience, and unforgettable views.
Book your ticket, find your nearest pier, and enjoy London from the water — the way the city was meant to be seen.