If you want to see London from a completely different perspective, hop aboard the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers - one of the city’s most beautiful, relaxing, and surprisingly affordable experiences.

Sailing along the River Thames from Battersea Power Station to Greenwich offers stunning views of London’s most iconic landmarks, from Westminster to Tower Bridge, all while avoiding the city’s busy streets and traffic.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local exploring anew, this river journey is one of the most memorable ways to experience London.

⚓ What Is Uber Boat by Thames Clippers?

Uber Boat is London’s official river bus service, running daily between Putney in the west and Woolwich in the east.

It’s not a tourist boat - it’s part of London’s public transport network (you can even tap in with an Oyster card or contactless!).
But unlike the Tube, it comes with panoramic views, fresh air, and a chance to see the city glide by.

🕐 Travel Time:
The full route from Battersea Power Station to Greenwich takes about 1 hour.

💰 Tickets:
You can pay with contactless or buy tickets on the Uber Boat app. Prices vary from £8-£13 one way, depending on distance and time of day.

🗺️ Route Overview

This journey takes you east along the Thames, passing under some of London’s most famous bridges and landmarks.
Below is a guide to what you’ll see along the way - in the exact order you’ll pass them.

🚢 1. Battersea Power Station (Starting Point)

Begin your adventure at the newly revived Battersea Power Station Pier.

Before you board, take a few minutes to admire this iconic art deco power plant, now transformed into a lifestyle hub full of restaurants, shops, and riverfront cafes.

💡 Tip: Arrive early to enjoy a coffee at No 29 Power Station West or take a quick ride up Lift 109 for panoramic views from one of the power station’s chimneys.

🏙️ 2. Chelsea & Albert Bridge

As the boat departs, you’ll pass Chelsea Bridge, glowing beautifully at night with its soft white lights.
A bit further, you’ll see Albert Bridge, one of the most elegant bridges in London - nicknamed the “Fairy Bridge” because of its pink and pastel tones.

Look across the river and spot Chelsea Embankment, lined with Victorian houses and gardens.

🏰 3. Westminster & The London Eye

Soon, the skyline opens up and you’ll see some of London’s most famous icons:

• Big Ben

• Houses of Parliament

• Westminster Abbey (behind the Parliament)

• The London Eye slowly turning across the river

This is the most photographed section of the route - keep your camera ready!

💡 Best side to sit: Right-hand side (starboard) for perfect views of Westminster.

🏛️ 4. Embankment & Cleopatra’s Needle

As you glide eastward, you’ll pass Embankment Pier and see Cleopatra’s Needle, an ancient Egyptian obelisk gifted to Britain in 1877.
It’s one of the oldest objects in London, dating back over 3,000 years.

🎭 5. Southbank Centre & St. Paul’s Cathedral

Look to the left bank and you’ll spot the Southbank Centre, National Theatre, and Royal Festival Hall, home to concerts and art installations.

Across the river, the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral dominates the skyline - one of Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpieces.

Nearby, you’ll glide under the Millennium Bridge, the modern steel footbridge famously featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

🧭 6. The City of London & The Shard

The landscape soon shifts from historic to futuristic as you pass London Bridge City.

On your right:
🏙️ The Shard - the tallest building in Western Europe, with a height of 310 meters.

On your left:
⚓ HMS Belfast, the WWII battleship now serving as a floating museum.

💡 Fun fact: The Thames is tidal - you might notice the water level rising or falling as you travel!

🌉 7. Tower of London & Tower Bridge

Next comes one of the most magical sights on the Thames - the Tower of London, followed by the magnificent Tower Bridge.

You’ll pass directly underneath the bridge, offering a unique view of its Gothic towers and blue suspension chains.

This is where many passengers take their best photos of the entire trip.

🏗️ 8. Canary Wharf

After Tower Bridge, the river widens and the modern towers of Canary Wharf rise ahead - London’s financial heart.

It’s an impressive sight, with skyscrapers reflecting on the water, including One Canada Square, which was once the tallest building in the UK.

At night, this area sparkles with city lights and riverside reflections.

🏛️ 9. Greenwich (Final Stop)

Your journey ends at Greenwich Pier, one of the most charming and historic parts of London.

Here, you can spend the rest of your day exploring:

• The Cutty Sark - a 19th-century tea clipper ship museum

• The Royal Observatory - where you can stand on the Prime Meridian Line

• Greenwich Market - perfect for street food, vintage finds, and crafts

• The National Maritime Museum - free entry, with interactive exhibits for all ages

• Greenwich Park – climb to the top of the hill for one of the best panoramic views of London

💡 Tip: From the top of Greenwich Park, you can see the whole route you just sailed - from Canary Wharf to the distant Shard.

🕐 Suggested Itinerary

Here’s an ideal half-day plan:

🎟️ Tickets & Practical Info

• Operator: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

• Website: thamesclippers.com

• Ticket Options: Contactless, Oyster, or mobile app

• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes

• Facilities on board: Indoor seating, open-air deck, café bar with drinks & snacks, Wi-Fi

🌇 Best Time to Go

🕓 Late Afternoon to Sunset - perfect golden-hour light for photography
🌃 Evening - magical city lights reflecting on the Thames
☀️ Summer months (May-September) - longer days and outdoor deck views

⚡ Final Thoughts

A river journey from Battersea to Greenwich is one of the most peaceful and beautiful ways to explore London.

It’s sightseeing without the crowds - a chance to glide through history, from the industrial heritage of Battersea to the royal legacy of Greenwich.

Whether you’re looking for a unique day out, a romantic escape, or a fun family activity, the Uber Boat on the Thamesoffers the perfect London experience - timeless, scenic, and unforgettable.