A ride on the Thames beats sitting in London traffic. With a 2-day hop-on hop-off pass, you get unlimited boarding on Uber Boats by Thames Clippers, so you can move at your own speed and aim for the views you care about.

Two things I really like: the pass covers a long stretch of the river with 24 piers from Putney to Barking Riverside, and the onboard experience runs smoothly with clear staff instructions for getting on and off. One thing to consider is that boarding is first come first served, so busy times can mean a short wait.

If your goal is to see famous landmarks from the water (think London Eye views and big central landmarks), this is a practical way to do it over two days without over-planning every hour.

Key things to know before you go

• Unlimited rides for 2 days on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
• 24 piers stretching from Putney to Barking Riverside
• Indoor seating plus outdoor covered areas for comfort in changing weather
• Quick, clear boarding and disembarking helps keep the system moving
• Photo-friendly stops at famous points like London Eye Waterloo and Westminster

Price and value: what $58 buys you on the Thames

For $58 per person, you’re buying flexibility, not just a single cruise. Since it’s a two-day unlimited pass, the value comes when you actually use it more than once: ride, hop off, walk a bit, then hop back on.

This works especially well in London because the sights are spread out. A boat lets you skip a lot of stop-and-start transit friction, and you don’t have to lock into one long sightseeing window.

How the pass route feels in real life: Putney to Barking Riverside

This pass covers piers along the Thames from Putney all the way to Barking Riverside, with service points spaced for hopping on and off. I like that the range is wide: you can focus on central landmarks for one day and then use the second day to push farther east for a different view of the city.

Starting points matter. If you want classic London landmark angles, you’ll spend more time around the central piers; if you want fewer crowds and a sense of how far the river runs, you can ride farther toward Canary Wharf and Greenwich.

Also note: there’s no pick-up. You’ll need to get yourself to any pier between Putney and Barking Riverside, then present your mobile ticket or e-voucher to staff at the dock.

Putney, Wandsworth, and Chelsea: a smoother start with river views

If you begin in the west, Putney Pier is a strong launch pad. From there, the route gives you chances to hop around the river’s west-bank stretch, including Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier and St Mary’s Wharf Pier.

These stops feel good when you want to ease into the river experience. You get water-level views without immediately dropping into the most crowded central zones, and you can take your time deciding where you want your next hop.

As you move onward to Chelsea Harbour Pier and Cadogan Pier, the vibe shifts toward the upscale stretches of the Thames. This is where you can slow down and just watch the city slide by at eye level, with plenty of photo angles of the shoreline.

Battersea Power Station and Vauxhall: icons seen from water level

One of the most satisfying hops here is Battersea Power Station Pier. It’s the kind of spot where seeing the building from the river changes the look completely, because the framing includes bridges, the curve of the river, and the motion of the boat.

A little further along, you’ll reach the area around Vauxhall (St George Wharf) Pier. This portion is useful because it sets you up for the central-showstopper zone. You can treat Vauxhall as a pivot point: ride there, hop off if you want to walk, then continue toward the big-picture sights.

I also like how this segment helps you plan photos. You don’t have to rely on one camera position or one perfect moment. You can time your hops for when you want the best angle, then ride on if it’s not the light you hoped for.

Central London by boat: Millbank to London Eye Waterloo

Once you reach the center, the Thames turns into a live sightseeing strip. The route passes through key piers like Millbank Pier to Embankment Pier and includes the highly photo-friendly London Eye Waterloo Pier.

Seeing the London Eye from the water is exactly the sort of moment that makes this pass worth it. From the river, the landmark feels different—part skyline centerpiece, part urban rotation—since you’re moving alongside it instead of standing at one spot on land.

Then you continue toward Westminster Pier and Embankment Pier. This area is ideal if your must-see list includes big political-and-bridge views. Even if you don’t get off every time, just riding through this stretch gives you those waterline sightlines that land tours can’t always replicate.

Blackfriars to Tower Millennium: bridges, City views, and classic angles

As you move east, you’ll hit piers such as Blackfriars Pier, Bankside Pier, and London Bridge City Pier. This is a great run for people who like variety: bridges, architecture, and different riverfront neighborhoods in quick succession.

Hop around London Bridge City Pier and you’re in the part of the city where the river feels tightly woven into daily life. It’s also a good place to think about timing—since boats run along this corridor, you can usually find a moment where you’re not stuck waiting too long to continue.

For dramatic skyline-and-bridge framing, Tower Millennium Pier is a standout stop. It’s positioned for those classic views where your photos benefit from height and distance, plus the Tower area sits naturally in the river’s sightline.

Canary Wharf, Greenwich, and beyond: switching from postcard London to the working city

If you’re up for a second-day change of pace, push farther along to Canary Wharf. The route includes Canary Wharf with additional nearby piers like Greenland Pier and Masthouse Terrace Pier.

This part of the Thames is visually different. The skyline feels modern and business-forward, and the ride gives you a sense of how the city’s economic center sits right on the river. It’s a good antidote to only seeing London as “one photo spot.”

Next comes the Greenwich area, including Greenwich Pier, North Greenwich Pier, and nearby stops like Royal Wharf Pier. Greenwich gives you another shift in character—less just landmark sightseeing, more riverfront neighborhood energy.

Then you can continue all the way through the more outer end of the route: Woolwich Pier, and finally Barking Riverside Pier. This is where you can see the Thames stretching out and where the ride can feel less like a checklist and more like enjoying the river itself.

Onboard experience: covered areas, clear instructions, and smooth turnarounds

This pass includes indoor seating and outdoor covered areas, which matters more than it sounds. London weather can change fast, and having both options means you’re not forced into one miserable spot when clouds roll in or the sun comes out.

One of the strongest praised parts of the experience is how the crew handles boarding and disembarking. The boats keep things moving efficiently, and staff give clear instructions so you know what to do at the piers. That may sound minor, but in practice it reduces the stress that comes with first-come systems.

Boarding itself is first come first served, so your best strategy is simple: arrive a bit early at each pier if you can, and keep your eyes on staff directions when it’s time to line up.

Also, food and drinks aren’t included, but you can buy them onboard. If you plan to ride for a full day of hopping, that’s a comfort feature rather than a full meal plan.

Stop-by-stop: what each pier is best for (and how to use it)

Think of each hop as a tool for one job: landmark photos, short walks, or just shifting your angle along the river.

• Putney Pier: good start if you want a calmer west-bank entry before the central crowd.
• Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier and St Mary’s Wharf Pier: useful for breaking up the ride and grabbing scenic riverfront views without immediately rushing.
• Chelsea Harbour Pier and Cadogan Pier: nice if you want a more polished riverside feel and strong photo lines along the shoreline.
• Battersea Power Station Pier: the icon stop. Expect the best payoff for landmark framing from the water.
• Vauxhall (St George Wharf) Pier: a pivot stop that sets you up for central sights.
• Millbank Pier to Embankment Pier, London Eye Waterloo Pier, Westminster Pier, and Embankment Pier: your central landmark cluster. This is where the river turns into a moving viewpoint for the big names.
• Blackfriars Pier and Bankside Pier: good for bridging scenery and riverfront neighborhood views as you head east.
• London Bridge City Pier and Tower Millennium Pier: classic bridge-and-City photo angles.
• Canary Wharf, Greenland Pier, and Masthouse Terrace Pier: modern skyline and a different flavor from central London.
• Greenwich Pier and North Greenwich Pier: another character shift, great for the “farther along the Thames” feeling.
• Royal Wharf Pier, Woolwich Pier, and Barking Riverside Pier: the outer-route finale if you want less of a tourist rush and more of the river’s reach.

Best way to plan your 2 days without overthinking it

I’d plan your two days like this: one day anchored on central highlights, one day for pushing outward.

Day one: start west (Putney and nearby stops), then continue to the central cluster around London Eye Waterloo, Westminster, and Embankment. You’ll get the famous sights with minimal wasted transit time.

Day two: start again along the route, but aim farther east toward Canary Wharf, then keep going toward Greenwich and beyond to Woolwich or Barking Riverside. It’s a smart way to avoid spending both days in the same camera frame.

One practical tip: because boarding is first come first served, you’ll enjoy the day more if you build in a little patience. Arriving slightly ahead at each pier helps, especially at popular stops.

Who should book this Thames hop-on hop-off pass

This is ideal if you want:

• flexible sightseeing with multiple ride segments over two days
• landmark views from the river, especially central stops like London Eye Waterloo
• a comfortable ride with indoor seating and covered outdoor areas
• a plan that’s easy to adjust day by day without feeling trapped

It may not be the best fit if you want a tightly guided, timed program where you’re always led from point to point. This pass works best when you like options and self-direction.

Should you book this 2-day Thames Clippers pass?

Yes, if you’re the type who likes to wander and you want landmark photos with less stress than dealing with traffic or cramped transit. At $58 for two days of unlimited hop-on hop-off service across 24 piers, it’s a strong value when you’ll actually use the boat more than once.

Also, if weather changes worry you, the combo of indoor seating and outdoor covered space is a real plus. And if you prefer things to run smoothly, the crew’s efficient boarding and clear instructions are exactly what makes a hop-on pass feel easier than it sounds.

FAQ

How long is the 2-day Thames sightseeing pass?

The pass is valid for 2 days (approx.).

Where can I board and hop off?

You can board and hop off at piers covered by the pass across the River Thames, from Putney to Barking Riverside.

Do I need to print anything?

You should present your printed or e-voucher to Uber Boat by Thames Clippers staff at the piers.

Is food included on board?

Food and beverages are not included, but you can purchase them on board.

Does the pass include the O2 Post Express?

No. The O2 Post Express is not included.

Is pick-up included?

No. Pick-up is not included. You’ll need to go to one of the piers between Putney and Barking Riverside.

How does boarding work?

Boarding is based on first come first served.

Are children allowed?

Children up to age 10 must always be accompanied by an adult.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

Quick call

If your plan includes multiple Thames viewpoints over two days, this pass is a practical, money-friendly way to do it—especially with the comfort of indoor and covered areas and the staff running the boat stops with clear, efficient instructions.

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