London Eye River Cruise | Duration, Best Time, & Sightseeing

Hear from our happy customers

Loved by 35 million+

Hetherington

Jul 2025

5/5

Great experience. It was first time for all of us and my visitors from the US where grateful for the experience. A day trip to remember. Thank you......

Ellen

Jul 2025

5/5

We had to queue but it didn't take long and once we were on the wheel it was brilliant a really hot day but air con and fabulous views then we headed for sealife and we really enjoyed it especially the penguins!! My favourite ❤️

Katrin

Jul 2025

5/5

All the staff were very polite, easy to understand and everything went very quickly and smoothly with the online tickets.

Ana

Jul 2025

5/5

I loved the boat ride more than London Eye. We had a funny "tour guide", I believe his name was Pascal/Mascal. He make the ride so fun and seeing London from the boat was amazing!!

Javier

Jul 2025

3/5

In general the experience was good, we were only surprised that they didn't let us in at the right time... they asked us to wait (where did the famous English time go?).

Kristian

Jul 2025

5/5

It was way to get tickets, have prompts just before to remind you and then just to show tickets. Made it so easy for us, just needed to turn up

Lebbar

Jul 2025

5/5

It was simply super. Me and family really enjoyed. The staff were very cooperaive and smiling. We took london eye first then River cruise and then tower of london. This is the best order. Weather was excellent. We enjoyed the view from top of london eye. It was amazing. My son Ayman and wife Yasmin was very happy. Yunus Lebbar Riyadh

William

Jul 2025

5/5

Great price- incredible views from both experiences. Fast pass was perfect for going right to the front and skipping the muggles.

The London Eye river cruise covers all of London's most recognizable attractions and is one of the most pleasant ways to see the city. This river cruise allows you to sit back and take in the sights without the hassle of time-bound entries and exits. The London Eye and river cruise package comes with the added opportunity of seeing the city from the vantage point of the London Eye.

Why book London Eye and Thames cruise tickets

Witness landmark attractions

Experience London from two unique vantage points. The London Eye provides 360-degree views of the city's skyline, allowing you to spot landmarks from above. The Thames cruise, on the other hand, offers a relaxed, water-level perspective, letting you glide past famous sights.

Two people enjoying a River Thames cruise with the London Eye in the background.

Views without breaking the bank

Purchasing London Eye and Thames cruise tickets is more economical than buying separate tickets for each attraction. Save up to 10% when you bundle the London Eye and river cruise, helping you save money on your sightseeing adventure.

River cruise on the Thames with view of the London Eye and city skyline.

Convenience & time-saving

Combining London Eye and Thames cruise tickets streamlines your travel plans. Avoid the hassle of multiple bookings and skip long queues at the ticket offices. Save valuable time that you can instead spend enjoying London's views.

London Eye and Thames River with boats near Westminster Palace.

Family-friendly and inclusive

The London Eye and river cruise combo is a family-friendly activity that everyone can enjoy. It’s accessible and suitable for all ages, so you can bring along children or older family members for a pleasant outing.

About the London Eye

Things to know before booking the London Eye and Thames cruise tickets

What’s included: The London Eye and Thames cruise ticket includes a 30-min ride on the London Eye, a flexible one-way Thames River sightseeing cruise, with live English commentary and audio guides in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, and Spanish on the cruise.
Fast-track access: Want to save time in the queues? Upgrade your tickets for fast-track access and save 30-60 mins by bypassing the long queues.
Flexibility: The London Eye Waterloo Pier, from where you can board your Thames River sightseeing cruise, is just 0.1 km away from the London Eye, meaning you can pair both attractions on the same day without any travel hassles. Your London Eye and Thames cruise ticket also allows you the flexibility to visit both attractions on different days!
Accessibility: Both the London Eye and the river cruise are wheelchair accessible, with ramps for easy access. Your guide dogs are welcome at both attractions. The Eye also allows visitors with accessibility needs to bring a companion with a free carer ticket.
Age restrictions: Note that children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times at the London Eye.

What’s the best way to go about it?

Buying individual tickets

Best for: Travelers who prioritize flexibility in their schedule or have specific preferences for a particular cruise or London Eye experience, like fast-track access or the champagne experience.

Pricing & value: Individual tickets offer slightly more control over the exact timing and type of experience. However, buying tickets separately can be more expensive, especially during peak seasons or if you don't book well in advance.

Availability & reservations: Both the London Eye and popular Thames cruises sell out, particularly during peak times, holidays, and weekends. Booking separately means you need to manage two reservations, ensuring your chosen times align, with sufficient travel time between them. The London Eye requires timed entry, while some river cruises have more flexible boarding.

Experience flow: While offering flexibility, individual tickets might lead to more waiting time if you don't carefully coordinate your bookings. You might find yourself with a gap between the two attractions.

Recommended tickets:

London Eye Admission Tickets
Thames Sightseeing Cruise with Flexible Time and Departure Pier

Getting combo tickets

Best for: Those seeking a convenient, cost-effective, and streamlined experience. This is the most recommended approach for visiting both attractions.

Pricing & value: Combo tickets offer a significant discount compared to purchasing tickets to each attraction separately, a key advantage for budget-conscious travelers.

Guaranteed entry & easy scheduling: Combo tickets simplify the booking process, allowing you to secure both experiences with a single purchase. Book your London Eye time slot and board any cruise departing from the London Eye Waterloo pier. This allows for flexibility in planning your day.

Time efficiency: By combining tickets, you're more likely to have optimized schedules with less waiting. The London Eye and the London Eye Waterloo Pier, where the cruises depart, are virtually next to each other, making transitions seamless. A standard London Eye ride is 30 mins, and a Thames cruise is typically 40 mins. Simply allow at least 15 mins between the two for movement and boarding.

Recommended ticket:

Combo (Save 15%): London Eye Tickets + Thames River Cruise

Looking to experience the Thames River on its own?

Learn more about Thames River cruises and book your tickets for a relaxed, personalized experience. Whether you're seeking a simple sightseeing cruise or a gourmet meal with city views, there's a cruise perfect for you.

Book now!

Making the most of your London Eye and river cruise experience

Timing your visits

The time of day you choose can significantly shape your experience of London from both perspectives:

Father and child on Thames cruise viewing Tower Bridge, London.

Morning

Begin your day with a ride on the London Eye for clear views of the city before the crowds arrive. Follow it up with a relaxing Thames River cruise, offering a serene perspective of its landmarks.

Visitors taking a selfie on the London Eye with cityscape views.

Afternoon

Experience the transition from soaring heights on the London Eye to a more intimate journey on the Thames. The afternoon light bathes the city in a beautiful glow, perfect for photography from the water.

River Thames cruise with view of The Shard and City Hall in London.

Evening

For a truly magical experience, ride the London Eye as the city lights begin to twinkle. Then, embark on an evening Thames cruise to see Westminster, Tower Bridge, and other sites illuminated against the night sky.

London Eye timings

Location

The London Eye and river cruise are perfectly situated for a seamless combined experience. Both attractions are located on the South Bank of the River Thames, making it easy to transition from one to the other, so you spend less time traveling between attractions and more time enjoying London's sights.

The London Eye has its own dedicated pier, the London Eye Waterloo Pier, the most common departure point for Thames cruises.

Here's how easy it is to get to your pier:

London Eye to Waterloo Pier: Your Thames cruise departs directly from the London Eye Waterloo Pier, which is right next to the London Eye itself. Walk a few steps from the London Eye exit to the boarding point for your cruise. This is often just a 2 to 5-min walk.

Getting to the London Eye

Local tips

Insider's guide to the area

Pre-London Eye fuel up: Instead of the typical tourist traps directly surrounding the Eye, grab a more authentic and often better-value breakfast or coffee at Gabriel's Wharf (a short walk east along the South Bank). It has independent cafes and eateries that open earlier. For a quirky experience, try a pastry from Borough Market if you arrive early enough, before heading towards the Eye (a 15-min walk).
Post-cruise wind down: After your cruise, skip the chain restaurants on the South Bank. Head across Westminster Bridge towards Whitehall and explore the quieter pubs tucked away in the side streets like those around Parliament Square or St. James's Park. Many offer a more traditional atmosphere and better value for a post-sightseeing drink or meal. Or, wander towards the Waterloo area for a wider range of independent restaurants.
Escape the crowds: If the South Bank feels too overwhelming, duck into the Jubilee Gardens right beside the London Eye. While still busy, it offers green space and benches where you can briefly sit and people-watch without the constant flow of direct queues. For a truly unique and hidden spot, visit the Garden Museum (a 10-15 min walk, across Lambeth Bridge). It's a peaceful oasis with gardens and a cafe, offering a complete contrast to the tourist hub.

Optimizing your experience

Photography tip: Consider doing your London Eye visit around "golden hour" (just before sunset) for soft light and long shadows, ideal for panoramic shots. Then, immediately jump on a sunset or evening cruise on the Thames. This offers a magical transition as you see the city lights twinkle from the water.
Choosing your cruise seat:
- For commentary: If live commentary is your priority, aim for the lower deck indoors near your guide. Try to sit near a window for good views.
- For open-air views: Head straight to the upper, open-air deck for unobstructed views. If it's a bit chilly or windy, position yourself just behind the enclosed cabin on the upper deck.
- Avoiding reflection for photos: When inside, try to get a seat away from direct reflections. A slight angle to the glass helps. For the best photos, get outside on the open deck if weather permits.
Fast track is worth it: While it's an extra cost, if you're visiting during school holidays, weekends, or summer, the London Eye fast-track ticket can save you an hour or more of queuing. This time saved can be better spent enjoying your cruise or exploring the South Bank.
Thames cruise specifics: Don't just rely on live commentary, especially if English is not your first language. Your cruise offers live commentary, but also pre-recorded audio guides in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, and Spanish.

Avoiding common mistakes

Don't overschedule: While these two attractions are close, rushing them diminishes the experience. Allow at least 1.5 hours for both, excluding travel between (which is minimal) and potential brief waits. Don’t try to squeeze in anything else immediately before or after.
Mind the tide for cruise views: For some lower bridges (like Westminster Bridge), during high tide, cruise boats might have to lower their flags or antennas, and open-top passengers might need to duck. It's a minor detail, but it can be a fun observation. This doesn't affect your views significantly, but is an interesting local nuance.

Plan your visit to the London Eye

Highlights of the London Eye river cruise

Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, officially known as the Palace of Westminster, house both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The oldest element of this neo-Gothic structure originates from the mid-19th century.

River cruise boat on the Thames passing the London Eye and Big Ben, part of the London Sightseeing Cruise.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre exterior in London with tourists gathered outside.

Millennium Bridge over River Thames with St. Paul's Cathedral in London background.

Tate Modern viewed from Thames sightseeing cruise in London.

Frequently Asked Questions about London Eye and Thames cruise tickets

Can I visit the London Eye and the river cruise separately, or do I need to book them together?

You absolutely can visit both attractions separately and buy individual tickets for each. However, booking a combo ticket is highly recommended as it provides a more seamless and often more economical experience. Combo tickets typically save you money compared to buying individual admissions and streamline the booking process, reducing the hassle of managing multiple reservations.

Do I have to visit both attractions on the same day with a combo ticket?

No. Your combo ticket allows you to visit the London Eye and go on your river cruise on the same or different dates. This offers great flexibility for your itinerary.

How long does each attraction take, and how much time should I allow between them?

The London Eye rotation is 30 mins and the Thames River sightseeing cruise is usually 40 mins. Because they are so close, allowing just 15-30 mins between the end of one and the start of the other is generally sufficient for walking between the London Eye exit and the London Eye pier, and for boarding.

What should I do if I’m visiting during peak season when both experiences might be crowded?

During peak season (summer months, school holidays, and weekends), both the London Eye and river cruises can get very busy. The best strategy is to book combo tickets well in advance online. Upgrade to fast-track tickets at the London Eye for priority access to avoid the long queues. Arriving early in the morning for your booked slot can also help minimize crowds.

Is there commentary on the Thames River cruise?

Yes, the sightseeing cruise features live English commentary from expert guides and multilingual audio guides, providing insights into the landmarks you pass.

Is the cruise suitable for children and families?

Yes, families and children are welcome on both the London Eye and the river cruise! It’s a fun experience, making it a great family-friendly outing in London.

Are the London Eye and the river cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both attractions are designed to be wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. The London Eye can accommodate 2 wheelchairs at a time in each capsule, and the Thames cruise boats have ramps and accessible facilities.

What if it rains? Is the cruise still operational?

Yes, the London Eye and river cruise operate in most weather conditions, with indoor seating available to keep you dry. However, in severe weather, check with staff as schedules may vary.