London Water Bus — Thames & Canal
London runs two parallel water-bus networks: high-speed catamarans on the Thames and traditional narrowboats on Regent's Canal.
London has water buses on the Thames (Uber Boat) and on Regent's Canal (London Waterbus Co. + Jason's Trip).
For Thames piers use Uber Boat. For Little Venice ↔ Camden via London Zoo use the London Waterbus Company or Jason's Trip.
All London water bus services
- Thames river busUber Boat by Thames Clippers
London's main Thames water-bus network — high-speed catamarans on routes RB1, RB2, RB4 and RB6 calling at 24 piers between Putney and Barking Riverside.
- Routes overviewAll Thames River Bus Routes
Every Uber Boat route mapped pier-by-pier — RB1 east commuter, RB2 west commuter, RB4 Rotherhithe cross-river, RB6 Putney peak express.
- Canal water busLondon Waterbus Company
Narrowboat water bus on Regent's Canal between Little Venice and Camden Lock via London Zoo — daily April to October.
- Canal water busJason's Trip
Historic 1906 narrowboat Jason's Trip — guided one-way and return canal trips between Little Venice and Camden Lock.
- Canal guideRegent's Canal Water Bus Guide
How the Regent's Canal water bus network works — operators, piers, seasonal schedule and tickets.
- Vehicle ferryWoolwich Ferry (free vehicle ferry)
Not a water bus, but the closest free Thames crossing — included for completeness alongside the river bus network.
Thames vs Regent's Canal — which water bus do I need?
Thames (river bus)
Pick Uber Boat by Thames Clippers for any journey involving central London piers. Catamarans run every 20–30 minutes, you pay with contactless, onboard café.
Regent's Canal (canal water bus)
Pick the London Waterbus Company or Jason's Trip for the slow scenic narrowboat between Little Venice (Warwick Avenue Tube) and Camden Lock (Camden Town Tube), via London Zoo and Maida Hill Tunnel. Tickets direct from the operator — not TfL.
FAQs about London water buses
Does London have a water bus?
Yes — London has two distinct water bus networks. On the Thames, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers operates four scheduled river-bus routes (RB1, RB2, RB4, RB6). On Regent's Canal in north London, the London Waterbus Company and Jason's Trip run narrowboat water buses between Little Venice and Camden Lock.
What is the difference between a water bus and a ferry in London?
'Water bus' usually means a scheduled urban passenger service paid by ticket or contactless — Thames Clippers on the river and the canal water buses on Regent's Canal. 'Ferry' is used for short crossings (Woolwich, Hampton, Hammerton's).
Can I use contactless or Oyster on London water buses?
Yes on the Thames — Uber Boat by Thames Clippers accepts contactless and Oyster pay-as-you-go with its own daily cap. The Regent's Canal water buses sell tickets on board or online; they are not part of the TfL fare system.
How long does the Regent's Canal water bus take?
About 50 minutes one-way between Little Venice and Camden Lock, including the slow pass through London Zoo. The boat negotiates Maida Hill Tunnel and the Cumberland Basin curve.