London Ferries — Every Thames Crossing
London has one major river-bus network on the Thames plus three traditional ferries still operating today. Use this hub to find the right service for your route — central London piers, the free vehicle ferry at Woolwich, or the upstream foot ferries near Hampton Court.
All London ferries
- River busUber Boat by Thames Clippers
London's core river-bus network — four colour-coded routes (RB1, RB2, RB4, RB6) calling at 24 piers between Putney and Barking Riverside. Accepts contactless and Oyster.
- Free vehicle ferryWoolwich Ferry
Free vehicle and passenger ferry between North Woolwich and Woolwich, crossing the Thames in 5 minutes. Two electric-hybrid vessels: Ben Woollacott and Dame Vera Lynn.
- Foot ferryHampton Ferry
Historic small passenger ferry across the Thames between Hampton (Middlesex) and Molesey Lock. Operates seasonally (Easter–October).
- Foot ferryHammerton's Ferry (Twickenham)
Daily foot and bicycle ferry between Marble Hill House (Twickenham) and Ham House — operating continuously since 1908.
- Routes overviewAll London River Bus Routes (RB1–RB6)
Every Thames Clippers route mapped — RB1 east, RB2 west, RB4 Rotherhithe shuttle, RB6 Putney Express — with first/last sailings and key piers.
- OperatorThames Clippers (legacy brand)
The operator behind Uber Boat — fleet, history and how the brand evolved from Collins River Enterprises to today's catamarans.
How London's ferries work in 2026
The backbone of river travel in London is Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, a fleet of high-speed catamarans operating four scheduled routes between Putney in the west and Barking Riverside in the east. Boats call at 24 piers including London Eye, Tower, Greenwich and North Greenwich (The O2). Fares are paid by contactless or Oyster pay-as-you-go with a daily cap separate from the Tube/bus cap.
For vehicles and pedestrians crossing the river in east London, the Woolwich Ferry is free and runs every 10–15 minutes between North Woolwich (A117) and Woolwich (A205). Two electric-hybrid vessels — Ben Woollacott and Dame Vera Lynn — have replaced the older diesel boats.
Upstream, two of London's oldest passenger ferries still operate: Hammerton's Ferry (Twickenham to Ham, since 1908) and Hampton Ferry (Hampton to Molesey, seasonal). Both are small foot ferries staffed by a single boatman and accept cash or card on board.
FAQs about London ferries
Are there ferries in London?
Yes. London has a regular river-bus network (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, routes RB1, RB2, RB4 and RB6), the free Woolwich Ferry for vehicles, and two small upstream foot ferries — Hampton Ferry and Hammerton's Ferry (Twickenham).
How much does the Woolwich Ferry cost?
The Woolwich Ferry is free for both pedestrians and vehicles. It is funded by Transport for London as part of the local highway network.
Can I use Oyster or contactless on London ferries?
Yes on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers — pay-as-you-go with contactless or Oyster, with a daily cap. Woolwich Ferry is free so no fare media is needed. Hampton Ferry and Hammerton's Ferry are cash or card direct to the boatman.
Does the Thames Clipper run at night?
Service finishes around midnight in central London on weekends and slightly earlier on weekdays — there is no overnight river service on the Thames.