River Thames on a Budget

Unusual Ways to Explore the River Thames on a Budget

No doubt visitors to London will be enjoying the view via top attractions such at The London Eye but there are plenty of alternative ways to explore the Thames that you may not have considered.  Why not try out a lesser-known commuter ferry, or take advantage of a cable car over the Thames or even a foot tunnel that runs under the river!

1. The Thames Clipper Commuter Ferry

Whilst the Thames Clipper is known to locals as the commuter ferry, it offers both workers & tourists a budget trip down the River Thames at a fraction of the price of more costly river cruises.

The Thames Clipper runs from the London Eye to Greenwich, taking in all the sights along the river including the Tower of London, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament & Tower Bridge. Whilst there is no commentary during your trip, if you know your sights of London this is a great way to enjoy the Thames on a budget.

Select a daily river roamer ticket that gives you full flexibility for the day along the River Thames.   Alternatively, simply do as the commuters do & select a single ticket for a one way journey along the Thames.

Thames Clipper on the River Thames, (photo; Phil Loach)

2. Emirates Air Line

The Emirates Air Line, (also known at the Thames Cable Cars), runs from Greenwich to the London Docks and offers a bird’s eye view of the Thames. Reaching a height of 90 metres above the Thames, you can take in views of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Canary Wharf, the City of London & the O2 Arena. This 1.1km journey across the river takes approximately 10 minutes each way during off peak times, (only 5 minutes during commuter peak times), with tickets reasonably priced.  Why not take take the Thames Clipper to the North Greenwich and then take a short walk to Emirates Greenwich Peninsula Terminal for a trip on the cable cars.

More information available at Emirates Air Line.

Budget London; Emirates Air Line

3. Walk Under the River Thames; Greenwich Foot Tunnel

An unusual way to explore the River Thames is by making use of the Greenwich foot tunnel that offers you the chance to walk under the Thames.  This FREE foot tunnel runs under the River Thames, (from the Cutty Sark to the Isle of Dogs), and originally provided workers with a passageway through to the London Docks.  The foot tunnel runs over 15m deep & the original 200,000 glazed white tiles as still visible dating back to 1902.

Although the foot tunnel has seen better days, it is currently undergoing a £11.5 million refurbishment that began back in 2009.  The refurbished lifts are looking great & it is fun to walk under the Thames from one bank side to the other.  Why not combine the Greenwich foot tunnel with a trip on the Thames Clipper by alighting at Greenwich Pier.

More information available at Greenwich on a Budget.

Entrance to Greenwich Foot Tunnel under the River Thames

4. Budget Itineraries Across the River Thames

Here’s a route that gives you a chance to explore under, over & across the River Thames in one day;

• Take the Thames Clipper to Greenwich Pier, (single fare using an oyster/travelcard).
• Take the Greenwich Foot Tunnel to the Isle of Dogs & back, (free).
• Take the bus, (129) to North Greenwich, (use your oyster/travel card).
• Take the Thames Cable Car from North Greenwich to London Docks, (single fare using an oyster/travel card).
• Take the DLR, (Docklands Light Railway) back into London, (use your oyster/travel card).

Why not take a look at our money saving ideas on Views of London on a Budget for further savings too!