Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers a unique and convenient way to travel along the River Thames in London. The service provides various ticket options and pricing structures to cater to different passenger needs, from single journeys to season tickets for regular commuters. Prices vary depending on the zones traveled, ticket type, and purchase method.
For those looking to explore London by river, Uber Boat offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional transportation methods. The pricing structure is designed to be competitive with other forms of public transport in the city while providing a more scenic and comfortable journey.
| Ticket Type | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Single Journey (Adult) | £5.60 |
| Day Pass (Adult) | £22.10 |
Single Journey Fares
Single journey fares on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers are zone-based, similar to London’s tube system. The River Bus service operates in three zones: West, Central, and East. The fare depends on which zones you travel through, and your ticket must be valid for all zones of your journey.
For a single journey, prices start at £5.60 for travel within either the East or West zone when using an Oyster card, contactless payment, or purchasing online. This price increases to £6.20 if bought at the pier. For travel within the Central zone, the fare is £9.00 with Oyster/contactless/online, or £11.40 at the pier.
If your journey spans multiple zones, such as Central and East or Central and West, the fare increases to £10.25 with Oyster/contactless/online, or £13.40 at the pier. For travel across all zones, expect to pay £17.30 with Oyster/contactless/online, or £18.60 at the pier.
It’s important to note that you can save up to 24% off the standard fare by purchasing your tickets online, via the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers app, or by using a contactless or Oyster card instead of buying at the pier.
Day Passes and Hop-On Hop-Off Options
For tourists or those planning to make multiple journeys in a day, Uber Boat offers Hop-on Hop-off tickets. These provide excellent value for money, allowing unlimited travel across all zones for a full day.
An adult Hop-on Hop-off ticket costs £22.10 when purchased online, which is 10% cheaper than buying a paper ticket at the pier. This option is perfect for sightseeing, as it allows you to explore various London attractions along the river at your own pace.
Family tickets are also available, offering further savings for groups traveling together. A family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) for unlimited daily travel costs £106.80.
Commuter Tickets and Season Passes
Regular commuters can benefit from significant savings by purchasing weekly, monthly, or annual season tickets. These passes offer unlimited travel within specified zones and are an economical choice for frequent river bus users.
| Zone | Weekly Pass | Monthly Pass | Annual Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| East or West | £30.95 | £85.50 | £841.90 |
| Central | £45.10 | £129.40 | £1,261.70 |
| All Zones | £60.05 | £220.75 | £2,255.55 |
For those who don’t need to commute daily but still use the service regularly, Uber Boat offers Ticket Carnets. These provide a set number of journeys at a discounted rate, valid for either 7 or 90 days, depending on the package chosen.
Special Discounts and Offers
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers provides various discounts to make river travel more accessible to different groups:
- Children aged 5-15 pay approximately half the adult fare
- Children under 5 travel for free
- Seniors (60+) receive discounted fares, typically around 15% off the adult price
- Students may be eligible for discounts with valid ID
- Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more, offering savings on the standard fare
Additionally, Uber Boat occasionally runs promotional offers, especially during off-peak times or for special events. It’s worth checking their website or app for any current deals before booking your journey.
Commuter AM Tickets
For early morning commuters, Uber Boat offers a special Commuter AM ticket, providing a 25% discount on single journeys taken before 9:30 am. This incentive encourages commuters to use the river bus service during peak morning hours.
| Zone | Standard Single | Commuter AM (25% off) |
|---|---|---|
| East/West | £5.60 | £4.20 |
| Central | £9.00 | £6.75 |
| All Zones | £17.30 | £13.00 |
Additional Services and Amenities
While the primary focus is on transportation, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers additional services that may affect pricing:
- Bicycle transport is allowed at no extra cost, making it convenient for cyclists to combine river and bike travel
- On-board cafés are available on most vessels, offering refreshments for purchase during your journey
- Wi-Fi is provided free of charge, allowing passengers to stay connected while on board
It’s worth noting that these amenities are included in the standard ticket price, enhancing the overall value of your Uber Boat journey.
Booking and Payment Options
To make the Uber Boat service as accessible as possible, there are several ways to purchase tickets:
- Uber app: Book and pay for your journey directly through the Uber app
- Thames Clippers Tickets app: Purchase tickets in advance or on the day of travel
- Online: Buy tickets through the official Uber Boat by Thames Clippers website
- At the pier: Purchase paper tickets from ticket machines or staffed kiosks
- Contactless/Oyster: Simply touch in and out at the pier, similar to using the London Underground
Using contactless payment, Oyster cards, or purchasing through apps or online typically offers the best value, with savings of up to 24% compared to buying paper tickets at the pier.
Factors Affecting Pricing
Several factors can influence the cost of your Uber Boat journey:
- Time of travel: Peak hours may have slightly higher fares
- Zones traveled: The more zones you cross, the higher the fare
- Ticket type: Single journeys, return trips, or day passes have different pricing structures
- Purchase method: Buying online or using contactless payment is generally cheaper than purchasing at the pier
- Frequency of travel: Regular commuters can save with season tickets or carnets
- Group size: Traveling as a family or in a large group can offer per-person savings
Understanding these factors can help you choose the most cost-effective option for your journey.
FAQs About How Much Is The Uber Boat
- Is Uber Boat cheaper than other forms of London transport?
Uber Boat can be competitively priced, especially for scenic routes, but may be pricier than tube or bus for some journeys. - Can I use my Oyster card on Uber Boat?
Yes, Oyster cards are accepted on Uber Boat services, offering discounted fares compared to paper tickets. - Are there any discounts for frequent Uber Boat users?
Yes, season tickets and carnets offer significant savings for regular passengers. - How much does a family ticket cost for Uber Boat?
A family day pass (2 adults + 2 children) for unlimited travel costs £106.80 when purchased online. - Is it cheaper to buy Uber Boat tickets in advance?
Yes, buying online or through the app can save up to 24% compared to purchasing at the pier.