How to Reach Thames River, London – Directions, Transport & Tips (2025)
Discover the easiest ways to get to the River Thames — London’s most famous waterway. Learn which Tube stations, bus routes, walking paths, and nearby piers connect you directly to the river for sightseeing or a relaxing cruise.
Book Thames River CruisesQuick Overview
Location: The River Thames flows through central London, passing landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.
Main Piers: Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich Piers.
Best Access: Reachable by Tube, bus, or on foot from major attractions.
Top Pier for Visitors
Westminster Pier is ideal if you want to see Big Ben, Parliament, and the London Eye before boarding your cruise.
Greenwich Pier
Perfect for visitors exploring the Cutty Sark and Maritime Museum, with frequent boat connections back to Westminster.
Option 1 — From Central London
Most travelers reach the Thames from Westminster, South Bank, or Tower Bridge areas.
- By Tube: Westminster Station (Jubilee/Circle/District) brings you out right beside Big Ben and Westminster Pier.
- By Foot: From Trafalgar Square, walk down Whitehall and cross Westminster Bridge (~12–15 min scenic route).
- By Bus: Routes 11, 24, 148 and 211 stop near Parliament Square and Embankment.
Contactless Travel
Tap your card or phone on buses, Tube, and riverboats—no paper tickets needed. Daily price caps apply automatically.
Option 2 — Closest Tube & Rail Stations
Westminster Station
Steps from Westminster Pier. Ideal for central attractions like Big Ben and the London Eye.
Embankment Station
Access Embankment Pier for cruises heading east toward the Tower of London or Greenwich.
London Bridge Station
Near Tower Bridge and Borough Market; walk 6–8 minutes to Tower Pier or the South Bank.
Greenwich Station (DLR)
Quick 5-minute walk to Greenwich Pier for sightseeing boats and Cutty Sark attractions.
Tip
Use the Jubilee Line for Thames-side stations—it runs parallel to the river through central London.
Option 3 — Buses & Scenic Walks
The Thames is easy to reach on foot from most tourist districts. Combine a river stroll with landmarks like St Paul’s, Tower Bridge, or the South Bank.
- Bus 15: Runs from Trafalgar Square to Tower Hill via St Paul’s—follows much of the river route.
- Bus RV1 (heritage): Connects Waterloo, South Bank, and Tower Bridge (check current service status).
- Walking: Embankment to Tower Bridge takes about 45 min with great skyline views.
Photo Tip
Walk the South Bank at sunset for dramatic shots of bridges and reflections on the water.
Option 4 — From London Airports
Heathrow (LHR)
Take the Elizabeth Line or Piccadilly Line to central London, then change for Westminster or Tower Hill.
Gatwick (LGW)
Trains to London Bridge or Victoria connect easily to the river by Tube or bus.
Stansted (STN)
Stansted Express to Liverpool Street → Circle line to Tower Hill for Tower Pier.
Luton (LTN)
Thameslink to Blackfriars or London Bridge—both within minutes of the river walkways.
Travel Tip
Use Oyster or contactless for all onward journeys—same caps apply across Tube, DLR, and bus networks.
Driving, Parking & Bikes
Driving
Traffic near the Thames can be heavy. Congestion and ULEZ charges apply in central zones. Public transport is faster.
Parking
Use paid car parks near Waterloo, Tower Hill, or South Bank. Street parking is very limited.
Bike Hire
Santander Cycles docking stations line the riverfront. Cycle paths connect Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge safely.
Accessibility
Major piers (Westminster, Tower, Greenwich) are step-free. Staff assist with boarding on most sightseeing boats.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Best Time to Visit
Morning for calm rides and clear views; sunset for golden light. Avoid rush hour on weekdays (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM).
Weather
River breezes can be cool—carry a light jacket or umbrella, even in summer.
Tickets
Book online to skip queues. GetYourGuide and City Cruises offer mobile tickets with flexible cancellation.
Getting There Cheatsheet
Closest Stations
Westminster • Embankment • Tower Hill • London Bridge • Greenwich
Popular Piers
Westminster, London Eye, Tower, Greenwich, Embankment
Typical Walking Times
Westminster Tube → Pier: 2 min • Tower Hill → Pier: 5 min • London Bridge → Pier: 6 min
Best Route
Follow riverside signs marked “Thames Path”—ideal for first-time visitors.
Accessibility
Most piers have ramps or lifts; staff assist during high/low tides.
Nearby Essentials
Cafés, toilets, and ATMs at Westminster, Tower, and Greenwich piers.
Ready to Cruise the Thames?
Pick your route—sightseeing, dinner, or hop-on hop-off—and explore London from the water.
See Thames River Tickets