A River Bus, Not a Cruise

The most important thing to understand about Thames Clippers is that they are a river bus service, not a sightseeing cruise. The boats run to a published timetable, stop at designated piers along the Thames, and operate as part of London's public transport system. Passengers board, travel to their stop, and get off, much like taking a bus or the Tube.

The service is officially known as Uber Boat by Thames Clippers following a sponsorship deal, though most Londoners still call them Thames Clippers. The boats are distinctive high-speed catamarans with a red and black colour scheme, designed to carry large numbers of passengers quickly and efficiently.

The Route Network

The main route runs along the Thames from Putney in southwest London to Woolwich in the southeast, with stops at over 20 piers along the way. Key piers include Westminster, Embankment, Bankside (for the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe), Tower Pier, Canary Wharf and Greenwich.

During peak commuting hours the service runs frequently, with boats departing every 10 to 20 minutes on the busiest sections. The journey from Westminster to Greenwich takes approximately 30 minutes, considerably faster than the equivalent journey by bus and comparable to the Tube, but with far better views.

The Boats

The fleet consists of purpose-built catamarans that can carry several hundred passengers each. They have indoor seating with large windows, an outdoor rear deck, and on most boats a small bar selling drinks and snacks. The boats are stable and comfortable even in choppy conditions, though the ride can be lively when the river is busy with other traffic.

The catamarans are designed for speed and manoeuvrability. They can reach speeds that make them genuinely practical for commuting, and the twin-hull design means they sit low in the water and produce less wake than traditional single-hull vessels. This matters on the Thames, where excessive wake can damage moored boats and erode riverbanks.

Who Uses Them

The service attracts a mix of daily commuters and visitors. For people living or working near the river, the Clippers offer a genuine alternative to the Tube, particularly for journeys between east and central London where the overground options involve multiple changes. The boats accept Oyster cards and contactless payment, making them easy to integrate into a normal London transport routine.

For tourists, the Clippers provide a practical way to travel between riverside attractions without paying for a dedicated sightseeing cruise. You will not get live commentary or a guided tour, but you will get a fast, comfortable journey along the river with excellent views from the deck. Many visitors use them to travel between Westminster and Greenwich, combining practical transport with a scenic trip along the water.

Practical Details

Boats run seven days a week, with reduced services on weekends and public holidays. The first boats depart early in the morning and the last services run into the late evening. All piers are step-free accessible, and the boats themselves have accessible boarding ramps and designated spaces for wheelchair users.

There is no need to book in advance for most journeys. You simply turn up at the pier, tap in with your payment method, and board the next available boat.