A River Link Between Two Galleries
The Tate Boat provides a direct Thames river connection between Tate Britain at Millbank and Tate Modern at Bankside. The service was conceived when Tate Modern opened in 2000, as a way to encourage visitors to experience both galleries in a single day. The river journey has become an attraction in its own right, offering views of some of London's most famous landmarks from the water.
The boats are operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, the same company that runs the regular commuter and tourist river bus services on the Thames. The Tate Boat route runs between Millbank Pier, a short walk from Tate Britain's entrance, and Bankside Pier, which is directly outside Tate Modern.
The Journey
The approximately 20-minute journey passes some of London's most recognisable buildings and bridges. Heading downstream from Tate Britain, the boat passes the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Lambeth Palace, the London Eye, the South Bank Centre and several of the Thames's historic bridges, including Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge.
The views from the river are quite different from those available on foot. The perspective of the city from water level, with buildings rising on either side, provides a sense of London's scale and riverside architecture that is difficult to appreciate from the streets. On clear days, the journey is particularly pleasant.
Practical Information
The Tate Boat runs approximately every 30 minutes during gallery opening hours, though the schedule can vary seasonally and in response to weather conditions. Services may be reduced or suspended during very high tides, strong currents or severe weather. It is worth checking the Thames Clippers website or app for the current timetable before planning your journey.
Tickets can be purchased at the piers, online or through the Thames Clippers app. Travelcard holders and Oyster card users receive a discount on the standard fare. The boats are accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs, though space for wheelchairs is limited and it is advisable to arrive early.
Combining Both Galleries
The Tate Boat makes it practical to visit both Tate galleries in a single day, an experience that provides a fascinating contrast in British art. Tate Britain holds the historical collection, with celebrated paintings from Turner, Millais and Hockney arranged chronologically from 1500 to the present. Tate Modern, housed in the former Bankside Power Station, focuses on international modern and contemporary art.
A good approach is to spend the morning at one gallery, take the boat across, and spend the afternoon at the other. The boat journey provides a natural break between two intensive gallery experiences, and the change of scenery refreshes the eye for a different kind of art.
Alternative Routes
If the Tate Boat is not running or does not fit your schedule, there are several other ways to travel between the two galleries. The walk along the South Bank takes about 35 to 40 minutes and passes through some of London's most vibrant riverside areas. Regular Thames Clippers services also connect the piers at various points along the river.
By public transport, the journey involves the Tube or bus and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on the route. However, none of these alternatives offers quite the same combination of convenience and sightseeing as the direct Tate Boat service.
