thames travel day ticket

River Bus Ticket Information

There are several ways for you to pay before you travel

Ways to Pay

Paying for river travel with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers couldn't be easier, we have different options available. Choose the most convenient for you. Remember, you must pay for a valid ticket before boarding.

Buy single, return, Hop-on Hop-off and Joint Tickets online and show the PDF ticket on your device before boarding

Thames Clippers Tickets App

Do you often travel with us? Download our Tickets app and save up to 75% on river travel with season tickets

You already have the Uber app installed on your phone? Save time and buy tickets directly through their app

Ticket office or ticket machine

Buy your tickets on the day directly at the pier at either the ticket office or one of the ticket machines and pay the standard fare. 

Contactless or Oyster

Touch in and out with the same contactless or Oyster card (including at interchanges) to pay as you go. It’s quick and easy. Each passenger needs a separate card.

- You must have enough credit on your pay as you go Oyster card to complete your journey. We do not have top up facilities. - Touch in and out with the same card, including interchanges. - TfL daily cap does not apply to River services. - For contactless travel, please be aware that overseas transaction fees may apply to a card issued outside the UK; please check with your card issuer.

By paying for your travel online, via the app or using a Contactless or Oyster card you can save up to 24%.

The River Bus is divided into zones, just like the tube. Our services operate in three zones: West, Central and East and the fare will depend on which zones you travel in. Your ticket must be valid for all the zones you travel through. For instance, if you are travelling between Tower and Greenwich piers you will need a Central and East ticket. 

Save up to 24% off the standard fare (purchased at the pier) by buying your tickets online, via the apps or travel using a Contactless or Oyster card.

• Child and Concession - 50% off adult fares Excludes return fares purchased at the pier. A child is 5-15 years old. 4s and under travel free. For concession fare eligibility, please see discounts section below .
• TfL-issued Travelcard holders receive 1/3 off standard fares and season tickets. Discount only available when TfL Travelcard is printed on a paper ticket or loaded onto an Oyster card. Other cards or formats will not be eligible.

For all discounts, please see below.

You can bring your bike on board at no extra cost

Dogs are allowed on board. Please keep them on a lead. 

Single & Return

Travel A to B in comfort and style!  Below are our adult fares for single and return tickets depending on the payment method you choose.

You're not sure about which zones you'll be travelling from and to? Check our route map

Hop-on Hop-off

Go unlimited with our Hop-on Hop-off tickets, giving you all-day travel across all of our piers, or choose our 2-day option to explore even more of London at your own pace.

Only travelling in the East Zone? An East Zone Hop-on Hop-off ticket is perfect for exploring the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the Royal Docks and the wider London Docklands from only £5.90.

Cross River

Making crossing the Thames easier and cheaper for customers wanting to travel between the following piers: 

• Barking Riverside Pier  ↔  Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)   Pier For an easy connection with the Elizabeth line (within 9 minutes)
• Greenland (Surrey Quays) Pier  ↔  Canary Wharf Pier
• Doubletree Docklands Pier  ↔  Canary Wharf Pier For an easy connection to the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, the DLR or Santander bikes.

Touch in and out with an Oyster or contactless card or alternatively purchase your Cross River ticket on the Thames Clippers Tickets or Uber apps.

Terms and conditions:

- The Cross River fare applies when touching in and out with an Oyster or contactless card for pay as you go or by buying a Cross River ticket on the Thames Clippers Tickets or Uber apps. - Discounts are not available for the Cross River fare: children, concession or Travelcard discounts do not apply. For these rates please purchase a regular East Zone ticket to receive a discount. -Only applies for single journeys between DoubleTree Docklands / Greenland (Surrey Quays) and Canary Wharf piers or Barking Riverside and Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) piers.

Other tickets

Commuter am.

Travelling on weekdays between 06:30 and 09:30? Save up to 25% when buying a single Commuter AM ticket on the Thames Clippers Tickets app, compared to when touching in and out with your Oyster or Contactless card.

Season Tickets

Save up to 75% on river travel with a weekly, monthly or annual season ticket via our Tickets app. This can work out as little as £1.61 per journey with our annual option. You’ll also receive 15% off at the café bar on board.

Flexible Ticket Carnets

A flexible solution for those who travel with us on a regular basis. Save time and money with our carnets, a flex ticket is up to 25% cheaper per journey compared to touching in with a Contactless or Oyster card. 

Park & Glide

Avoid costly central parking by parking your car securely at The O2 for the day and use the River Bus to travel into the city from North Greenwich Pier. Tickets are great value for money!

Note: 'Park & Glide for Work' tickets are temporarily unavailable. We are working to bring them back as soon as possible. 'Park & Glide for Leisure' can still be purchased.

Joint Tickets

Make the most of your day in London with our joint tickets for river travel and entry to some of the city’s greatest attractions along the Thames.

Group tickets

Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount on Single, Return and Hop-on Hop-off tickets. Just book in advance via our form and we'll get in touch.

Gift vouchers

Purchase one of our gift vouchers and treat friends or loved ones to a fantastic experience on the river. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months.

River Guide

Discover everything London has to offer with our River Guide. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, our free interactive map will help you plan the perfect adventure across the capital.

Start exploring

Boarding process

We operate a first come, first served boarding process at our piers, with season ticket holders (weekly, monthly and annual) boarded to their preferred sailing first* right behind any customers with disabilities.

Each of our vessels has a maximum capacity which we cannot exceed under any circumstances. This means if the vessel reaches capacity, boarding will be stopped. At staffed piers, the team are at hand to help with information regarding capacity and wait times. All customers are advised to arrive at the pier at least 5 minutes prior to their intended sailing. Ticket inspections are carried out at staffed piers during pre-boarding before the vessel arrives. To pay the correct fare, customers should only touch-in (if using Oyster/Contactless) when asked to do so. To ensure our vessels depart on time, customers who do not have the right tickets or arrive after pre-boarding has commenced or after the vessel is alongside, may be required to board the following sailing.

*Available at select piers only whilst staff are present. Find out more on our FAQ page .

• Children 4 years old and under travel free. Maximum two per ticketholder; any additional children under 4 years old will need a child ticket of their own.
• Children aged 5-15 get 50% off the adult price for all tickets (excluding return fares at piers, carnets and joint tickets).
• If children are travelling with Oyster pay as you go and want to receive the 50% discount they must have an 11-15 Oyster photocard, a 5-10 Oyster photocard or an Oyster/Visitor Oyster card with young visitor discount activated.
• Children receive a further 1/3 off standard child fares if they have a TfL-issued Travelcard (the equivalent of half the price an adult Travelcard fare).
• Receive 1/3 off Standard fares with a Transport for London (TfL) issued Travelcard (either on paper or on your Oyster card). This means you can receive 1/3 off standard Adult and Child single tickets, Adult Hop-on Hop-off, Child Hop-on Hop-off and Season Tickets.
• Oyster cards linked to TfL Travelcards (weekly, monthly, annual) will automatically apply the 1/3 off when touching in and out.
• Passengers with paper TfL Travelcards will need to purchase their tickets online, via the Tickets app or with the self-service ticket machine and select the TfL Travelcard option.
• Zip Oyster photocard, London Bus and Tram Pass season tickets are not eligible for the travelcard discount.
• Travelcards that are not on an Oyster card or printed on a paper ticket will not be eligible for this discount.
• Do you want to know more about Travelcards? Please check the TfL website here
• Freedom Pass, 60+ Oyster card and UK regional senior bus pass holders can receive 50% off all Uber Boat by Thames Clippers fares (excluding return purchased at piers). This includes a 50% discount on Hop-on Hop-off tickets, single tickets and season tickets.
• This discount can be accessed by selecting the Concession fare via our website, the Tickets app, at the ticket office or at the ticket machine.
• You will need to show your Freedom Pass, 60+ Oyster card or UK regional senior bus pass to a member of staff when asked.
• Please note that Freedom Passes and UK regional senior bus passes can't be used to pay as you go, meaning they will not work with touching in and out at the Oyster card readers at piers.
• Please visit the Freedom Pass website for more information. We are unable to extend a similar discount to holders of Senior Railcards.
• Any person with a disability will receive a 50% discount of all of our tickets. This includes Single, Return (online only), Hop-on Hop-off and season tickets; doesn't include carnets.
• If buying your ticket online, via the Tickets app or at the ticket machines at the pier, please select the Concession fare.
• When booking a ticket online add a Concession and a Carer ticket to your basket (applies to tickets for all timetabled services but may exclude some special sailings.)
• The carer ticket can also be accessed by selecting the Concession + Carer fare via the Thames Clippers Tickets app (available for Single, Return and Hop-on Hop-off tickets - for season tickets please contact our Customer Service team ).
• Should you require the assistance of more than one person, please contact our Customer Service team to arrange tickets.

Learn more about the accessibility of our services

• 18+ Student Oyster photocard holders and Apprentice Oyster photocard holders will receive 1/3 off Season Tickets. 
• To obtain the discount please select the ‘Travelcard discount’ option via the Thames Clippers Tickets app.
• War Veteran Pass holders can receive a 50% discount off all of our fares. This includes Hop-on Hop-off tickets, single tickets and season tickets.
• This discount can be accessed by booking via our website, the Tickets app, at the ticket office or at the ticket machine and selecting the Concession fare.
• You will need to show your War Veteran Pass to a member of staff when asked.
• Please note, if you wish to touch in and out with your War Veteran Pass, you must have sufficient credit on your Oyster card.
• TfL staff can receive the Travelcard discount: 1/3 off Standard fares. This is also the case for TfL staff's ‘nominated family/friend’.
• To obtain the discount please show your staff pass when buying your ticket at a pier ticket office, or select the ‘Travelcard discount’ option if purchasing tickets at a pier self service machine, online or via the Thames Clippers Tickets app.
• Tate Members get a 25% discount on the RB2 Tate to Tate service.
• Purchase your ticket at the Ticket office at Bankside or from the ticket machines at Bankside or Millbank piers. You must show your Tate Membership card to a member of staff when boarding.

Useful links

Accessibility, book tickets.

Refund Policy and Conditions of Carriage

• +44 (0) 20 3778 0700
• [email protected]
• Manage My Booking

• TICKET INFORMATION
• ACCESSIBILITY
• LONDON JOURNEY PLANNER
• PRIVATE HIRE
• TRAVEL TRADE
• THAMES HISTORY

Sightseeing At Its Best

Explore london with thames river sightseeing.

Make the most of your adventure! Join our local skippers and friendly team for an unforgettable Thames River cruise.

THAMES RIVER CRUISE TICKETS

Tickets & packages.

• Thames River Sightseeing Cruise Ticket

Westminster to Greenwich

Travel from Westminster to Greenwich and enjoy beautiful views over London’s famous landmarks with our River Thames Sightseeing cruise.

Westminster to Tower Bridge (Butler's Wharf Pier)

See the best of beautiful London from the waters on this  Thames River Sightseeing cruise, from Westminster to  Tower Bridge.

2 Day River Pass | Hop On Hop Off

Our 2-day hop-on and hop-off Thames River Sightseeing ticket is the best way to explore London from the water – with unlimited river travel over two consecutive days to enjoy at your own pace.

Tower Bridge (Butler's Wharf) to Westminster

Climb aboard our sightseeing cruise at Tower Bridge (Butler’s Wharf Pier) and head to Westminster.

THAMES RIVER SIGHTSEEING

Featured Attractions

There’s so much to see when you’re on your Thames River Sightseeing cruise that you’re bound to find at least one place you’ll want to visit. Explore iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard, & more!

• Closest Pier: Bankside Pier

TOWER OF LONDON

• Closest Pier: Greenwich Pier

ROYAL OBSERVATORY

Shakespeare's globe, st. paul's cathedral.

• BEAUTIFUL VIEWS
• EXPERT CREW

Are you a group of 15 or more? Book now and get 15% off your tickets. Please select a cruise below and the discount will automatically be applied for group bookings of at least 15 people.

Select a cruise for your group and get 15% off your tickets when check out.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our common answer to your common questions. Didn’t see what you are looking for? Click the button below to read all our FAQs.

The Thames is a chock-a-block full of London landmarks, including the iconic Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Cutty Sark, as well as modern attractions like the London Eye and the Shard. Rest assured your skipper will point out all the points of interest in an entertaining and informative commentary.

• Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JH
• Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2N 6NU
• Festival Pier, Riverside Walk, London, SE1 9PX
• Bankside Pier, Bankside, London, SE1 9PD
• Tower Bridge Quay, St Katharine Docks, 50 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LA
• Greenwich Pier, King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT

• +44 (0) 20 3778 700
• [email protected]

Loading service updates...

• Live train times
• Assisted travel
• Delay Repay
• Buy tickets

Service updates

Travel updates Latest travel information and updates

Industrial action Information about upcoming train strikes and industrial action

Timetables Find Thameslink timetables by station and download train times

Planned engineering work Details of planned engineering work on our network

Live map Real-time service status and route display

Cambridge closures Network Rail are constructing a brand new station at Cambridge South

East Coast Digital Programme Upgrading and modernising signalling on some of our routes

Alternative route maps Alternative train, bus and tube maps

Festive period 2024 Planned engineering works will be taking place across the festive period

Onboard travel

Bikes & scooters Storage of bikes and scooters on board

Wi-Fi on board Keeping you connected

Baby on board Priority seating for new and expectant parents

Find a quieter train Want to have the best chance of getting a seat?

Luggage Guidelines and support for carrying luggage on board

Travelling with pets Policies for travelling with pets

Station information

Car parking Parking availability and information across our stations

All stations (A-Z) Facilities, addresses, maps and more, for all stations

Getting to the station Find out about taxis, buses and how to get to the station

Airport travel

Gatwick Airport Gatwick airport is just a train away with Thameslink

Luton Airport Easy travel to London Luton Airport

Tickets & payment methods

Off-Peak Reduced fares during off-peak hours

Super Off-Peak Reduced fares during off-peak weekdays

Anytime Tickets valid for travel at any time

Advance tickets Discounted tickets booked ahead of travel

Carnet tickets Buy a book of pre-paid single tickets

First Class Guarantee a seat and power socket

Child tickets Child fares and discounts for young people

Season tickets Discounted long-term tickets for regular commuters

sTickets Digital season tickets on your phone

Flexi Season Flexible season ticket options for part-time commuters

Ways to pay eTickets, Smartcard and Oyster card payment methods

Discounts & offers

2FOR1 offers 2-for-1 entry at attractions in London, Brighton and more

Railcards Save up to 1/3 off tickets with railcards

GroupSave Off-peak savings for 3-9 adults travelling together

PlusBus Combined train, bus and tram tickets

Kids for £2 Cheaper child fares starting from just £2

Accessibility

Book assistance Our online form for booking assistance for your journey

Assisted travel Assistance for those with access needs

Priority seat card A badge for those who require priority seating

Support whilst you're travelling Information and guidance on accessing our trains

Wheelchairs & mobility scooters Guidelines for wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Help & support

Contact us Need help? Find out how to get in touch

Delay Repay Compensation for unexpected delays and cancellations

Refunds & amendments How to refund and change your ticket

Penalty fares Information on penalty fares and prosecutions

Failed to carry Submit proof of your ticket or railcard

Lost property Lost property services, collection and enquires

First Class claim form First class claim form for reimbursement

Anytime tickets

Keep your options open with Anytime, a flexible ticket that’s valid all day.

Anytime Tickets – Travel Anywhere, Any Time

If you want the ultimate flexibility, then opt for an Anytime train ticket. Whether you’ve got an important meeting to attend at London St Pancras International or a trip to Gatwick for a business flight, an Anytime train ticket gives you the most flexibility.

Because sometimes we just don’t know exactly what time we’ll need to travel.

When are Anytime Single and Anytime Return tickets valid?

Anytime! When you buy an Anytime train ticket, you can travel at any time of day, in both Peak and Off-Peak times. There are a few different options to choose from.

Anytime Day Single When you buy an Anytime Day single, you can get from A to B on the date shown on the ticket.

Anytime Single An Anytime single gives you a little more flexibility. You can use this within two days of the date on the ticket. The latest time you can use it is until 04.29 after the last valid day.

Anytime Day Return An Anytime Day return ticket lets you complete both parts of your journey, there and back, on the same day. This is the date that’s shown on your ticket.

Anytime Return Our Anytime return tickets give you the biggest freedom. Set off within 5 days of the date on your ticket and return within one calendar month.

Anytime Day Travelcard Want to explore the sights in London? Then an Anytime Day Travelcard might be for you. Get into London on the train, then take advantage of unlimited travel in London Zones 1-6. It’s valid on the Tube, London buses, London Overground, Trams, Docklands Light Railway and National Rail services. Just make sure you return on the same day.

City Thameslink to Luton Airport

Anytime day single, bedford to london, anytime day travelcard, gatwick airport to london blackfriars, anytime return, why choose anytime tickets.

The great thing about Anytime tickets is that they are completely flexible, with no time restrictions. You can:

• Buy on the day or in advance
• Receive a 50% discount for children aged 5-10
• Travel with two free children under 5 (with a paying adult)
• Certain Railcard holders can save 1/3

How do I buy Anytime tickets?

Anytime train tickets can be bought in advance or just before travel, it’s completely up to you. Here are some of the ways you can get your tickets:

• Book Online – they can be delivered First Class or collected at the station
• Through our On Track app ( iOS ) and printed at the station
• Using a ticket machine inside the station
• At station ticket offices (during opening hours)

Terms and conditions

For more details of when you can use Anytime tickets, read the  terms and conditions .

No booking fees and collect from any station in the UK

Buy online and get the best deals

Other ticket types

Super off-peak, season tickets, stay up-to-date.

Subscribe to email updates. Get travel inspiration, journey updates and exclusive offers delivered straight to your inbox.

We will not pass on your personal information to any organisation outside of Thameslink.

Should we no longer operate the Thameslink franchise, please be aware that we will pass your details to the Successor franchise or Secretary of State for Transport to allow you to continue receiving service and/or marketing emails if you have consented to them.

Subscription confirmed

Thank you for subscribing to receive relevant updates from Thameslink.

Subscription Failed

Something went wrong with your submission, please try again later.

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best tower of london tours.

Hear all about the tower's history and secrets on a guided tour.

The Best Tower of London Tours

© Historic Royal Palaces

Built as a fortress by William the Conqueror beginning in the 1070s, the UNESCO-listed Tower of London is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Once a palace for monarchs, a formidable state prison and a place of execution – where three of Henry VIII's wives, including Anne Boleyn, met their end – this imposing castle conceals more than 1,000 years of history across its different towers. Visit to learn more about its gruesome tales, and to admire the Crown Jewels, where glittering state crowns and other precious treasures sit beside the world-famous Koh-i-Noor diamond.

If you're looking to explore this impressive site with the insider knowledge of a local, consider booking a tour. We've rounded up some of the top tours, all of which have at least 100 reviews and a minimum rating of 4 out of 5 stars across multiple websites.

Editor's Pick: City Wonders – Best of London: Tower of London, Thames River Ride & Changing of the Guards

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura French , an award-winning British travel writer currently based in London, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. City Wonders – Best of London: Tower of London, Thames River Ride & Changing of the Guards was selected by our team as an Editor's Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

Price: Adults from $98; kids from $92 Duration: 4 hours

This half-day, early-morning walking tour is ideal if you want to combine the Tower of London with other key London attractions ; as a bonus, you get early access to the tower, meaning you'll enter before it officially opens to the public.

We met our guide by the tower at 8:15 a.m. and got plenty of interesting information on its history before being led through to watch the opening ceremony (available as an upgrade). A resident, red-and-navy-clad beefeater (the tower's ceremonial guards) welcomed us with entertaining anecdotes, before the chief yeoman warder and others marched through the grounds to officially open the tower. We then had around an hour to explore; it was enough time to admire the Crown Jewels and its diamond-topped crowns, royal robes and gold chalices – as well as some of the other towers, several of which were still (happily) empty pre-10 a.m.

After exploring the tower, we boarded a Thames Clipper boat from the pier around the corner, passing several London landmarks – from London Bridge to The Shard, St. Paul's Cathedral to the "walkie-talkie" skyscraper (the Fenchurch Building). From Embankment Pier, we wandered through Whitehall to Horse Guards Parade, witnessing the Changing of The King's Life Guard; crowds gathered as mounted soldiers in red and gold lined the square. After a stroll along The Mall, the tour ended at Buckingham Palace . We took in the lavish grounds from the outside and found the perfect photo spot as our guide continued to regale us with more insightful tales.

Laura French

Good to know:

• On Sundays and Mondays, a Royal Westminster Walk is offered instead of the changing of the guard.
• Prices vary by date, so play around with different options if you're flexible on when you can go.

Why we love it:

• Getting early access to the Tower of London makes a difference – I've been to the tower twice before, but this was the best experience yet. There was no line for the Crown Jewels (waiting times can get long later in the day), and the whole area felt relatively calm and uncrowded.
• It's a flexible tour, with the option to add on the opening ceremony when you book. Though it does cost extra, I recommend it if you want to experience one of London's many traditions. We learned about the history of the beefeaters and the daily Ceremony of the Keys, and were kept thoroughly entertained by the yeoman warder who greeted us.
• Our guide was humorous, entertaining and brought the tour to life, sharing facts and stories about London's past and present that I (even as a local) didn't always know about – from historic facts at the Tower of London to a garage in Whitehall that was used as the Ministry of Magic in the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" movie.
• The tour was a good length and the group wasn't too big (we had 19 in our group), so it felt like we saw and learned a lot without being overwhelmed.

Check prices & availability on:

Let Me Show You London – Tower of London Private Tour

Price: Varies depending on group size (maximum of 10) Duration: 3 hours

If you'd prefer a private Tower of London tour for just you and your family or friends, this is an excellent choice. An experienced Blue Badge Guide (Britain’s highest professional tourist-guiding qualification) will take you around the tower, sharing in-depth tales of its past. Explore all the key highlights, from the Bloody Tower to the Crown Jewels, as you learn more about its different uses throughout the centuries from an entertaining, knowledgeable expert.

Travelers highly recommended the tour, and are impressed with the knowledge of the guides. Many say it's a great option for families, with plenty of stories to keep younger ones entertained, and appreciate that it can be customized to suit the group's interests.

Tours are available Tuesday to Saturday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays. Tours depart from the Welcome Centre at the Tower of London (you can also arrange for your guide to meet you at your hotel). The cost of the tour varies by the number of people in the group. For instance, a pair of two adults can expect to pay about 252 pounds (about $330) per person, while a group of 10 adults will pay about 89 pounds (around $117) per person. The company also runs private tours of other London landmarks, such as the British Museum and Westminster Abbey .

Walks – Complete Tower of London Tour: Opening Ceremony, Early Access Crown Jewels & River Cruise

Price: Adults from $135; kids from $123 Duration: 3 hours   Escape the crowds with early access to the Tower and its Crown Jewels on this standout tour. You'll enter before it opens to the public, and watch as a beefeater performs the opening ceremony. Then, you'll enter the Jewel House to admire its treasures with few others around, before meeting your guide for a tour of the rest of the site. Afterward, you'll be given a City Cruises ticket for a one-way sightseeing cruise on the Thames to enjoy at your leisure.

Travelers love this tour and feel it's well worth the price, praising the early access and the included headsets, which make it easy to hear the guides' commentary. Many enjoy watching the opening ceremony and are impressed by the guides, who keep the whole group entertained.

Tours depart from the Tower of London. They take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. four days per week in summer (on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays), and two to three days per week in winter. The City Cruises pass is valid on the day and time of your choice, and from a selection of piers (including the Tower Millennium pier, just outside the gates, so you can easily do it straight after your visit). The company also offers an "after hours" evening tour of the tower that includes the legendary Ceremony of the Keys, when the chief yeoman warder officially locks the tower for the day.

LetzGo City Tours – Tower of London – Complete Tour with Crown Jewels & Opening Ceremony

Price: Adults from 132 pounds (about $174); kids from 127 pounds (about $167) Duration: 3 hours

If you want to combine early access perks with a visit to Tower Bridge , this is the tour for you. You'll be among the first to enter the Tower of London, witnessing the military pomp of the opening ceremony before the crowds descend. Learn more about the history of the ceremony from your guide, then see the Crown Jewels with few others around.

Afterward, you'll have time to explore the surrounding highlights of the complex, before heading to Tower Bridge. Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition and wander over the glass walkway to see the Thames from above, with sweeping city views all around. Head down into the engine rooms to learn more about the history of this Victorian-built feat, before a photo stop to round off your tour.

Tourgoers appreciate the early access and say it's well worth the money, praising the expertise and humor of the guides. Many also enjoy visiting Tower Bridge.

Tours are available every day apart from Tuesdays and leave from Tower Hill tube station, close to the Tower of London. The company also offers afternoon tours, though these do not feature the opening ceremony.

Historic Royal Palaces – Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

Price: Adults from 35 pounds (about $46); kids from 17 pounds (about $22) Duration: Varies

If you'd rather explore the tower on your own, book this option to enjoy guaranteed entry. It's the same price as buying a ticket on site, but it's worth it if you'd rather have your booking sorted in advance. You'll explore all the key highlights, from the White Tower and Traitors' Gate to Tower Green and the Crown Jewels. You can also join an optional, complimentary yeoman warder (beefeater) tour for extra insight – a highlight for many reviewers, who describe the warders as friendly and humorous. The first yeoman warder tour starts at 10 a.m. from Tuesday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays and Mondays.

Travelers thoroughly enjoy the perspective offered by the beefeaters, and find the site fascinating; they recommend setting aside a few hours to explore it fully.

James Hart – Tower of London

Price: Adults from 132 pounds (about $173); kids from 117 pounds (about $154) Duration: 3 hours

On this in-depth tour, you'll see the beefeaters, glimpse the famous ravens, admire the Crown Jewels and tour the rest of the tower with your guide, James Hart. An expert local who's been leading tours for more than two decades, he'll tell you everything there is to know about the tower's past – from its beginnings to the gruesome details.

Travelers find the tour fascinating; they give rave reviews of Hart's historical knowledge and sense of humor. Participants also say the ticket price is a good value for the experience.

You can choose a small-group tour or opt for a private one, with departures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout most of the year. Tours leave from the sundial outside Tower Hill tube station, a short stroll from the Tower of London. If you're hoping to explore outside of London, Hart also leads tours of Stonehenge and the Cotswolds, among other locations.

Pinocchio Tours for Kids and Families – Tower of London Tour for Kids and Families

Price: Varies depending on group size Duration: 3 hours

If you're traveling with kids and are worried they'll get restless, this family-focused private tour is ideal. You'll be led by a Blue Badge Guide who's specially trained in keeping younger ones entertained. Highlights include a glimpse of the beefeaters, the Crown Jewels and a visit to all the other key highlights. Expect plenty of child-friendly tales, as your guide shares the history of the tower.

Participants love the tour, and many are impressed with how well the guides kept the kids' attention, tailoring the tour to different ages. A few say it might be a little long for younger ones, but most give rave reviews.

Tours leave from the Tower of London Welcome Centre at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. every day, apart from Sundays and Mondays, when the morning tour starts at 10 a.m. Children of any age are welcome, although it's recommended for those 6 and older. The company also organizes kid-friendly tours of the British Museum, as well as a "Harry Potter" tour, among others.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer currently based in London. She grew up near the city and spent her childhood visiting sights like the Tower of London. She loves exploring local attractions, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best London Hotels

The Best London Tours

• The Best Travel Insurance for Europe

Tags: Travel , London , Tours , Europe Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Top indoor water park resorts.

Holly Johnson and Amanda Norcross Sept. 11, 2024

Romantic Getaways in Florida

Alissa Grisler and Gwen Pratesi Sept. 9, 2024

The Best Weekend Getaways From NYC

Alissa Grisler and Jessica Colley Clarke Sept. 5, 2024

The Best Beach Resorts in the World

Sept. 5, 2024

The Best Rome Food Tours

Laura Itzkowitz Sept. 4, 2024

Top Things to Do in Hershey, PA

Amanda Norcross Aug. 30, 2024

The Best College Town Hotels

Rachael Hood Aug. 29, 2024

Fun Fall Weekend Getaways

Aug. 29, 2024

Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson Aug. 29, 2024

Kim Foley MacKinnon Aug. 29, 2024

Subscribe --> HELP First time rider? click here

Tickets & Fares

Capitol corridor trains generally do not require an advance reservation, so it’s easy to just buy a ticket and ride., types of tickets, single ride/multi-city ticket.

10-Ride Ticket

Monthly ticket, c onnecting bus tickets.

Capitol Corridor’s service area is extended greatly through a number of dedicated, connecting bus routes to destinations such as San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Monterey. If your trip involves a bus connection, your ticket will include the route’s designated bus segment, as well as the rail segment. If you are beginning your trip on a bus without a ticket, you will be required to temporarily surrender your photo ID to the bus driver.

Please note that unless you are traveling between Emeryville and San Francisco, most connecting bus trips require an advance reservation.

Ways to Purchase Tickets

Capitol corridor tickets can be purchased in the following ways:.

• Online from the Capitol Corridor or Amtrak websites,
• from the Amtrak mobile app,
• from a station ticket agent,
• from a station self-service kiosk (Ticket Kiosk), or
• from a conductor on board the train (one-way only; surcharge added unless boarding station is unstaffed.)

Tickets purchased online, from a station ticket agent or at a self-service Ticket Kiosk machine, are issued as electronic tickets, or eTickets. If you book your ticket online, you will receive an email receipt with your eTicket attached as a PDF that can then be printed out or pulled up on your mobile device. If you purchase your ticket from a station agent or Ticket Kiosk machine, you will receive the ticket at the end of your transaction as a paper ticket; it will not be emailed to you. You can also buy your ticket and access it from the Amtrak mobile app. You must show your ticket (paper copy or pulled up on your mobile device) to the train conductor once seated or bus driver upon boarding. You may be asked to present a valid photo ID. Read more about ticket policies .

The only types of tickets that are not issued as eTickets are the following:

• Group tickets
• Tickets purchased on board the train
• Tickets purchased through a travel agency or corporate travel office

Capitol Corridor fares vary by origin-departure stations. You can view station-to-station train fares on our Capitol Corridor Fare Chart . You can also check fares (including fares for trips with a bus segment) by typing in your origin and destination on the Capitol Corridor homepage, or by calling 1-877-9-RIDECC (1-877-974-3322).

Please note that the San Francisco Bay Area Clipper fare payment card is not available on the Capitol Corridor.

Everyday Discounts

Capitol Corridor offers a variety of discounts for seniors, children, disabled persons, and members of select organizations. See applicable discounts .

Special Offers

Capitol Corridor often has seasonal discounts and offers from regional partners. View our current offers .

Group Travel

Groups of 20 or more passengers traveling together are eligible for a group discount. View the Group Travel page for details.

Train Treks

Our Train Treks program, especially designed for school groups, also offers discounted travel.  Learn more about Train Treks .

Transit Connections

Capitol Corridor offers Transit Transfers that allow you to ride connecting buses and light rail free of charge.  Read more about transit connections and transfers.

Pre-Tax Transit Benefits

Federal law allows workers receive up to $255* a month in employer-paid tax-free transit costs, or take up to $255 a month in tax-sheltered payroll deductions for transit costs. See Pre-Tax Tickets for details.

Please visit Amtrak for more information regarding the latest ticket and refund cancellation policy.  For single ride tickets, you may easily modify and request a refund online at Amtrak.com.

Ticket Kiosks

Buy one-way and round-trip tickets at staffed stations, online or at Ticket Kiosks.  If you’ve booked your reservation online, you can pick up and print out your tickets at a Ticket Kiosk. Reservations are not required for travel on Capitol Corridor, so you can walk up to a Ticket Kiosk and purchase your ticket right before you hop on board the train.

● = Available at this station $ = Additional fee charged for purchasing a ticket on board the train when boarding at a staffed station. To avoid fees, purchase your ticket online, from the station agent or at a Ticket Kiosk, if available.

Please complete the form below. Once your request is approved, we will send the appropriate logo file(s) to the email provided.

• Organization
• Purpose for request
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.