River Bus services in London operate along the Thames between Putney and Barking Riverside, using a zonal fare system with adult one-way tickets starting around £5.60. Tickets can be purchased via contactless cards, Oyster cards, or online—with the latter offering up to 30% savings. Passengers must touch in and out at piers equipped with yellow card readers. Boats are wheelchair accessible and offer cashless onboard cafes. Frequent service runs daily, and route maps and timetables support effective trip planning. Additional details explain navigation and ticketing options.
Using river bus services in London offers a practical way to travel along the Thames, connecting various parts of the city from Putney in the west to Barking Riverside in the east. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers operates a zonal fare system divided into West, Central, and East zones, similar to the London Tube. Adult fares start at about £5.60 for a one-way trip.
Children aged 5 to 15 receive a 50% discount, while those four and under travel free. One-day hop-on hop-off tickets, which allow unlimited journeys across all zones for the day, begin at approximately £22.10. Tickets can be purchased using contactless payment methods, Oyster cards, or Visitor Oyster cards. Buying tickets online offers savings of up to 30% compared to prices at the piers. Passengers must remember to touch in at the start and touch out at the end of each journey on yellow card readers, with staff on hand to confirm each touch. Many key attractions are easily accessible near the piers, such as the Tate Modern and St Paul’s Cathedral at Bankside Pier, making the river bus a convenient option for sightseeing as well as commuting. Additionally, passengers can enjoy scenic views of London’s famous landmarks while traveling along the river.
River bus services run on multiple routes with stops at 24 piers between Putney and Barking Riverside. The main route, RB1, operates daily between Battersea Power Station or London Eye and Barking Riverside. Another route, RB6, connects Putney with Canary Wharf and North Greenwich, with stops varying by time and day. The service is operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, ensuring a consistent and professional experience. Modern, high-speed boats provide a comfortable and efficient journey.
Services run frequently, every 10 to 20 minutes, from central piers, starting early in the morning and continuing until late at night, seven days a week. Key stops include Tower Pier near the Tower of London, Greenwich Pier, North Greenwich Pier close to The O2, and connections to the Woolwich Ferry. These river buses provide fast, reliable transport for commuting and sightseeing but do not offer guided commentary.
Most piers and boats are step-free and wheelchair accessible, with a few exceptions. Boats have ramps and can carry up to four wheelchairs plus three folding wheelchairs on larger vessels. Passengers with mobility scooters must join the Mobility Scooter Recognition Scheme to board.
Onboard facilities include covered cabins with climate control and open rear decks for fresh air and views. A cashless café bar offers refreshments such as coffee, hot chocolate, beer, and prosecco. Payment onboard is by card or contactless only, with no cash accepted. Travelcard holders benefit from a one-third discount on most fares.
To plan journeys effectively, passengers should check timetables online, as service frequencies vary during the week. A free interactive digital map is also available to help plan trips along the Thames by highlighting landmarks and piers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed on Thames Clippers River Buses?
Pets are allowed on Thames Clippers River Buses, with dogs required to stay on a lead throughout the journey.
There is no additional fee for bringing pets, and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all vessels.
Passengers should keep pets off seats to maintain cleanliness and be considerate of others.
Step-free boarding is available at most piers, though a few have limited accessibility, which may affect pet boarding conditions.
Is There Onboard Wi-Fi Available During the Trip?
Onboard Wi-Fi is not available during Thames Clippers trips.
Passengers can access free Wi-Fi only at select piers, such as London Bridge City and Tower Pier.
While onboard, mobile phone signals including 4G and 5G remain strong, allowing internet use via personal data plans.
The vessels have Wi-Fi equipment for operational purposes, but this does not provide continuous internet access for passengers while traveling on the river.
Can I Bring a Bicycle on the River Bus?
Bicycles are allowed on Thames Clippers river buses without extra charge, with up to 14 bikes per vessel depending on size.
Spaces are first-come, first-served, with no reservations. E-bikes are permitted, but e-scooters and e-unicycles are banned for safety reasons.
Bikes must not block gangways or safety equipment, and passengers may be asked to remove bikes if obstructive.
Arriving early is advised to secure space onboard, and bike carriage is included in the ticket price.
What Are the Safety Measures on Thames Clippers?
Thames Clippers enforce safety through regular fire risk assessments, clear emergency exit routes, and maintained fire safety equipment.
Passengers must follow crew instructions, hold valid tickets, and avoid prohibited behaviors like smoking. Enhanced cleaning and hand sanitiser stations promote hygiene.
Wheelchair access and mobility scooter schemes support accessibility. CCTV monitors safety onboard and at facilities.
Passenger capacity controls help prevent overcrowding, though some reviews note occasional seating shortages.
Safety notices and trained crew guarantee passenger awareness and assistance.
Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?
Discounts are available for children and seniors on Thames Clippers services.
Children under 5 travel free, while those aged 5 to 15 receive a 50% fare reduction when accompanied by an adult.
Seniors aged 60 and over with a Freedom Pass or 60+ Oyster card also get a 50% discount.
Veterans holding a Veterans Oyster card qualify similarly.
Proof of eligibility is required, and some conditions apply, such as ticket type and purchase method.
