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London Eye River Cruise | Timings, duration, sights covered & more

LondonLondon EyeRiver Cruise

The London Eye River Cruise covers all of London's most essential and recognizable attractions and is one of the most pleasant ways to see the city. The ferry is specifically constructed for the finest possible tourist experience and has an onboard bar with food and beverages. 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 River Cruise comes with the added opportunity of seeing the city from the vantage point of the London Eye.

Why take the London Eye River Cruise

london eye river cruise
  • Witness landmark attractions: The cruise lets you see the mesmerizing sights of London including The Shard, The Tower of London, Greenwich Market, The OXO Tower, and The Sky Garden.
  • Sightseeing at your leisure: The cruises depart every 30 minutes, allowing you to see the sights of the city at your leisure.
  • Cafes on board: All boats include cafés where you can buy hot and cold drinks and food.

London Eye River Cruise | Essentials

london eye river cruise
  • When does the London Eye River Cruise operate?
    The London Eye River Cruise operates between 10:45am and 4:4pm.
  • How long is the London Eye River Cruise?
    The London Eye River Cruise takes about 40 minutes.
  • When is the best time to go for the London Eye River Cruise?
    The best time to go for the London Eye River Cruise is between September to November when the skies are clearer and a downpour is less likely.

Highlights of the London Eye River Cruise

London eye river cruise - Houses of Parliament

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.

london eye river cruise - Big Ben London

Big Ben

Elizabeth Tower, or Big Ben, is the most famous feature of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament). This tower is the representative structure of London for the entire world.

lonodn eye river cruise - Shakespeare’s Globe Theater
london eye river cruise Millennium Bridge

Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge, made of steel, aluminum, and concrete, connects the south bank of the Thames to the north bank at Peter's Hill. The low-slung frame is stunning to view from your ferry, especially in the evening.

london eye river cruise - Tate Modern

Tate Modern

Tate Modern is an extraordinary modern and contemporary art gallery housed in the brilliantly renovated Bankside Power Station, and it is one of London's most stunning attractions.

london eye river cruise - St Paul’s Cathedral
london eye river cruise - HMS Belfast
london eye river cruise The Gherkin

The Gherkin

Despite the best efforts of the engineering feats that now surround it, The Gherkin is the city's most interesting skyscraper. The view of this building from your cruise will help you understand modern English architecture.

london eye river cruise Tower of London
london eye river cruise - Tower Bridge
london eye river cruise The Monument London

The Monument

This big Doric column of Portland stone, designed by Christopher Wren, is a reminder of the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed 80% of the city. It is 62 meters tall — the distance from where the fire is believed to have begun.




Book London Eye tickets

London Eye Admission Tickets
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30 min. - 2 hr.
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Combo (Save 10%): London Eye Tickets + Thames River Cruise
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Audio guide
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£45.15
Combo (Save 10%): Madame Tussauds + London Eye Tickets
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£69.93
Combo (Save 10%): Tower of London with Crown Jewels + London Eye Tickets
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£64.32
London Eye Fast Track Tickets
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30 min. - 2 hr.
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Combo (Save 30%): London Eye Tickets + Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Thames River Cruise
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Flexible duration
Guided tour
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Afternoon Tea at the London Eye
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1 hr. 30 min.
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Visitor tips for the London Eye River Cruise

  • Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues, pick a clear day for stunning views, and arrive early to enjoy the area's attractions.
  • The London Eye ride takes about 30 minutes and rotates slowly, so it's easy to walk around the capsule and take in the view from all angles.
  • Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views of London. Be mindful of other visitors, and avoid blocking their view.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather, in case you have to wait in lines or are uncomfortable in the air-conditioned capsules. In case of rain, ponchos are available.
  • Combine a ride on the London Eye with a visit to the nearby SEA LIFE London Aquarium, or Shrek’s Adventure! London.
  • The London Eye is a safe attraction, but be sure to follow staff instructions, keep an eye on children, and don't lean out of the capsule.
  • For optimal views, consider a late afternoon or early evening cruise. The lighting around sunset adds an extra charm, and it’s generally less crowded.
  • There is no formal dress code, but comfortable attire and layers are recommended, as the temperature may vary on the water.
  • Bring essentials like a camera, sunscreen on sunny days, and a light jacket for cooler weather on the Thames.

Frequently Asked Questions about the London Eye River Cruise

Can I get off the London Eye river cruise at any stop?

No, the London Eye River Cruise starts and stops at the London Eye pier and you cannot get down at any point in the river cruise loop.

Are there any refreshments on the London Eye river cruise experience?

Yes, all London Eye River Cruise ferries are well stocked with refreshments with a bar on board for drinks and snacks.

When can I visit the London Eye with my London Eye River Cruise tickets?

You can visit the London Eye anytime on the day of the London Eye River Cruise tickets booking.

Is the cruise suitable for children and families?

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

What if it rains? Is the cruise still operational?

Yes, the London Eye River Cruise operates in most weather conditions, with indoor seating available to keep you dry. However, in severe weather, check with staff as schedules may vary.