How To Make the Most Of Water Transport in London

게시물이 마음에 드시나요? 지금 공유하세요!

Have you ever thought about discovering London from the water? The River Thames flows right through the city, offering one of the most beautiful and relaxing ways to explore. Whether you’re here for a short visit or studying in London, travelling by boat is a fantastic way to see the sights and avoid the busy streets.

If you’re new to London and learning English, using public transport can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry! This guide will explain everything you need to know about getting around by boat, including ticket options, routes, and top attractions along the way.

Types of Water Transport in London

London has different types of boats for travel, sightseeing, and fun. Here are the main options:

1. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

🚢 Best for: Sightseeing and commuting between central London and East London.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is a fast and reliable boat service. It runs between Putney in the west and Woolwich in the east, stopping at key locations like Westminster, Embankment, London Bridge, and Greenwich.

Cost: The fare depends on the route, but it is cheaper with an Oyster card or contactless payment. Students can also get a discount!

Operating hours: Boats run every 20 minutes during the day, and some operate in the evening.

2. River Bus Services

🚢 Best for: Easy and calm daily travel without any traffic.

The River Bus is part of London’s public transport system, operated by Thames Clippers. It is similar to the Uber Boat service and is perfect for daily travel to school or work.

Discounts: If you have a Travelcard or Student Oyster, you can get cheaper fares.

The River Bus has several routes across the Thames. Here are the main ones:

RB1: Battersea Power Station → Westminster → Tower Bridge → Greenwich → Barking Riverside

RB2: Putney → Chelsea Harbour → London Bridge → Canary Wharf

RB6: Putney → Blackfriars → Canary Wharf

Closest piers to ES London: Embankment Pier and Blackfriars Pier – perfect for a boat trip after your English class London!

3. Sightseeing Cruises

🚢 Best for: Tourists to have fun days out for all photography lovers!

If you’re new to London, a sightseeing cruise is a fantastic way to learn about the city. These boats offer guided tours with fun facts about London’s history and landmarks.

Popular options:

City Cruises – Runs from Westminster to Greenwich, with amazing views.

London Eye River Cruise – A short but fun trip near the London Eye.

Cost: Prices vary, but student discounts are sometimes available.

4. Canal Boats and Water Taxis

🚢 Best for: A unique, relaxing way to explore hidden parts of London!

London has many canals, including the famous Regent’s Canal. You can use a canal boat to travel from Little Venice to Camden Market, passing beautiful parks, cafés, and houseboats.

Where to go:

Little Venice – A peaceful area with cafés by the water.

Camden Market – A lively market with street food and shops.

Cost: Around £10–£15 per person for a boat ride.

5. The Woolwich Ferry – A Free River Crossing

If you’re in East London, you can take the Woolwich Ferry, which crosses the Thames between Woolwich and North Woolwich. It’s completely free and offers great views of Canary Wharf.

Benefits of Using the River Transport:

Amazing Views – See famous landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Tower of London from the water.
No Traffic – Avoid crowded buses and the Underground during peak hours.
Comfortable Journey – Boats have comfortable seats, toilets, and even a café on board.
Easy Access – With over 20 piers (a structure built on posts extending from land out over water, used as a landing place for ships) across London, you can easily hop on and off.
Great for Language Learners – Listen to announcements in English and practise reading signs and maps.

Get Your Ticket

You can buy River Bus tickets:

✔ Online (on the Thames Clippers website or app)

✔ At the pier (from ticket machines)

✔ Using an Oyster card or contactless payment

💡 Good news! If you already have a Travelcard, you get a discount!

River Roamer Ticket – The Best Deal for a Day Out!

If you’re planning to explore multiple locations in one day, the River Roamer ticket is the best option. It’s a hop-on, hop-off ticket that lets you travel unlimited times on the River Bus for the whole day. With this ticket, you can travel at your own pace and visit different areas without worrying about extra fares. The price depends on whether you buy a child, adult, or family ticket, but it’s cheaper than buying multiple single tickets. You can get it online, from ticket machines at the piers, or via the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers app.

Must-See Places Along the Thames

With a River Roamer ticket, you can explore many exciting parts of London. Here are some top spots:

1. Greenwich

🚢 Stop: Greenwich Pier

📍 Visit: Cutty Sark (a famous ship), Greenwich Park, and the Royal Observatory.

💡 Did you know? Greenwich is where time zones start – at the Prime Meridian!

2. Tower Bridge & Tower of London

🚢 Stop: Tower Pier

📍 Visit: The Tower of London (home of the Crown Jewels) and the iconic Tower Bridge.

3. South Bank & London Eye

🚢 Stop: London Eye (Waterloo) Pier

📍 Visit: The London Eye, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

4. Battersea Power Station

🚢 Stop: Battersea Power Station Pier

📍 Visit: A newly developed area with restaurants, shops, and parks.

Top Tips for First-Time River Travellers

Check the timetable – Boats don’t run as often as trains or buses, so plan ahead.
Arrive early – Especially during busy hours.
Sit at the back of the boat – For the best open-air views.
Look out for discounts – If you’re a student, you might get a discount on tickets!

How ES London Can Help You Explore London

At ES London, we don’t just help you improve your English – we also make sure you feel confident navigating the city. After your English classes in London, why not explore the city by boat with your classmates? It’s a great way to practise English while enjoying London’s stunning views. Plus, learning about transport and planning journeys in English is important to manage your cost of living in London!

Looking up ‘learn English classes near me’? We offer English courses in London that fit all levels – whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your fluency.

체크 아웃

다른 게시물

읽은 내용이 마음에 드셨나요? ES의 모든 소식에 대한 최신 정보를 알려드리고 싶습니다. 다양한 코스, 런던에 대한 흥미로운 사실, 뉴스, 업데이트, 놀라운 성공 사례 등을 확인해 보세요.