New season services on the Thames
8 Apr 2015 10:48 AM
Spring is the perfect time to join the record number of passengers travelling on the river.
Our newly published spring and summer guide to London's river services gives all the information needed to plan
a leisurely trip or to make changes to customers' commutes.
The guide, available at selected piers and London Underground stations, contains service information for all River Bus services and River Tours. The information is also available at tfl.gov.uk/river.
The summer season timetables have just started so extra routes are now running and services are more frequent. There are a number of operators offering Thames river tours and other experiences.
River Tours
Take a 40-minute circular sightseeing cruise from London Eye pier and travel between the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge. There's live commentary in English and audio commentary in other languages.
From Westminster pier, you can take a scenic tour to St. Katharine Docks, or go out to the Thames Barrier, via the Tower of London and Greenwich. Alternatively, head up river and visit Kew, Richmond and Hampton Court.
From Greenwich pier there is a Sunday evening circular cruise which passes the Tower of London, London Eye and Westminster. Or you can pick up a tour from Greenwich or Gravesend piers and explore parts of the river most other cruises don't reach!
If you'd prefer to do a spot of sightseeing on land, take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off services some operators run. It means you can enjoy some of London's top tourist attractions on and off the water.
River Bus
There are also regular River Bus services, used by growing numbers of commuters, which run on five different routes between Putney and Royal Woolwich Arsenal. Not only do they take you to some of the Capital's most famous places, they offer great value for money, too.
Take the River Bus to Millbank pier for Tate Britain, or Bankside pier for Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
If you fancy visiting The Shard, HMS Belfast or Borough Market, alight at London Bridge City pier. The Tower of London and Tower Bridge are a stone's throw from Tower pier and Sea Life, London Aquarium and the London Dungeon are a short walk from London Eye pier.
Andy Thompson, Head of London River Services, said: 'The Thames is at the centre of London, and river services offer a great opportunity to see the city in a different way. Last year more people than ever enjoyed time on the Thames, with 9.8 million passengers taking to the river.
'With work continuing to improve river services and events like Totally Thames taking place again in September, it promises to be an exciting summer ahead.'
Quote 'TfL-Easter' to receive 15% off adult and child seats on Thames RIB Experience 50-minute Canary Wharf Experience and 75-minute Thames Barrier Experience trips, departing from Embankment pier. This offer will run until Sunday 19 April. Call the Thames RIB Experience on 0203 245 1177 to book.