London Eye and Thames Cruise Tickets

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Cruise in Thames river, London
























































Hear from our happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Raylene Martinez

Raylene

Feb 2026
The London eye had amazing sights and not a long wait. If you have time to do this experience it's a must see on your list for London. As for the Thames cruise we ran out of time and couldn't use it so only get it if you know you will have time to use the combo pass to both attractions I tried to get a different time but policy is strict. The customer service was nice nonetheless when I asked them.
Anoop Venugopal

Anoop

Jan 2026
Booking the London Eye and Thames River Cruise was a fantastic experience. The process was smooth and well organized, saving time and avoiding long queues. The London Eye offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city, while the Thames cruise was relaxing and informative, with great commentary and iconic landmarks along the route.
Edith Lahner

Edith

Jan 2026
The River Cruise was interesting and we learnt a lot about this Amazing city. The London Eye Is a beautiful and pleasant experience. We used out tickets without any problem, there was a short waiting time dir the London Eye. We would recommend thus Comboticket top anyone
Alan Ian Clayton

Alan

Jan 2026
Absolutely amazing all the employees working there apart from the guy on the door at the front of the building was great the people playing the characters absolutely fantastic look forward to going again
Syed H K Shah

Syed

Jan 2026

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Great experience and value for money!!
Monika Ahuja

Monika

Jan 2026
London eye ride & cruise. It was amazing experience.
Nicolás De León

Nicolás

Jan 2026
Everything was perfect in time
Genoud Sandra

Genoud

Dec 2025

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+2 more

Great moment on the Tamise with audio guide. Very interesting to discover London in this way with my family. Then the sunset from London eye is just fabulous!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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

Statue of Richard I of England in the 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.

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

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.