Westminster Pier

The Basics

Thames River Services and several cruise tours make use of Westminster Pier, with a regular schedule of departures throughout the day. Hop-on hop-off options let you explore riverbank attractions at your own pace, while cruises to Greenwich and back are a great way to relax after a long day of city sightseeing. Alternatively, you can take the leisurely connection to Hampton Court and spend three hours soaking up the charms of London’s West Thames.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Westminster Pier is sometimes known as Westminster Millenium Pier.

• The pier is fully accessible, with a waiting room and seating available.

• You can use Oyster and contactless payment methods for Thames River Services.

• Some city tours include cruise costs in the price.

How to Get There

The closest tube stop is Westminster, which is less than a minute’s walk away. Take Exit 1 for Westminster Pier. City buses stop nearby on Parliament Street, Bridge Street, and Westminster Bridge, where hop-on hop-off bus services also depart.

When to Get There

The pier operates year-round, with many services offering an extended timetable during summer. Many of the vessels have both covered and open decks, making cruises possible even in the wetter months. The pier has indoor seating too, so there’s no need to wait in the rain.

Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site

Boating enthusiasts don’t need to travel far along the Thames to get their fill of maritime history. From Westminster Pier, take a service directly to Greenwich Pier, and stroll straight into the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, home to the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, and Royal Observatory. These family-friendly attractions offer insight into London’s role in the history of navigation and seafaring, and are all set in a Royal Park.

Ways to explore

Riverboats and ferries ply the waters of the Thames, and Westminster Pier is one of the busiest stops in London’s central zone. Set sail on a sightseeing cruise past Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral; zip down the river on a speedboat; or ride the hop-on hop-off ferry to Greenwich in southeast London. London Pass and Oyster Card holders can access the ferries.

Hop off at Westminster Pier to visit Westminster Abbey and see Big Ben up close, then walk to nearby attractions such as Downing Street, the Churchill War Rooms, St. James’s Park, and Buckingham Palace.

Accessibility

The pier is fully accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers with boarding ramps; all Thames Clippers boats have designated wheelchair areas, and most have accessible restrooms on board; service dogs are permitted on board.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, wide-brim hat (opt for a snug fit or chin strap), reusable water bottle, scarf or jacket (it can get windy on the water), your umbrella, your London Pass or Oyster Card (both are accepted for the ferries)

What to wear

Flat, comfortable shoes with good grip, weather-appropriate clothing, and layers (London weather is notoriously changeable)

Not allowed

Thames Clipper boats allow bikes and pets on board, but sightseeing boats typically don’t; e-scooters, e-unicycles, and any item over 7 feet (2 meters) long aren’t allowed on board.

Amenities

Public restrooms (fee), sheltered waiting area, free Wi-Fi, ticket office and ticket machines, Oyster card readers; most larger boats and ferries have restrooms and an on-board café

Address

Westminster Pier is located on the north bank of the Thames in central London and can be reached on foot, by boat, or by public transport.

Driving

Driving in London will be hard on your wallet and your nerves, so it’s best to make like a Londoner and use public transport. If you choose to drive, you must pay the daily Congestion Charge fee and follow Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) restrictions; the closest parking garage is Q-Park Westminster Car Park.

Public transportation

Ride the District, Circle, or Jubilee Line tubes to Westminster station and follow the signs to Westminster Pier, which is a short 2-minute walk away. Alternatively, city buses and hop-on hop-off bus services stop nearby on Parliament Street, Bridge Street, and Westminster Bridge.

Best times to visit

Sightseeing cruises are quietest in the morning, but a sunset cruise is worth the crowds. Avoid the Thames Clipper boats over rush hour (7am–9am and 5pm–7pm).

Best days to visit

Midweek is usually the quietest, providing you avoid rush hour; expect crowds from about 11am onwards on weekends.

Best months to visit

Skip the crowded months of July and August, and consider the May–June or September–October shoulder seasons instead. Alternatively, wrap up around Christmas when the riverfront illuminations are spectacular.

Special events

There are party cruises in summer, Christmas Lights cruises, and New Year’s Eve cruises with fireworks views. The annual Totally Thames Festival, held in September, offers free exhibitions, shows, and performances along the length of the Thames.