Accessible Guide: Taking the Uber Boat in London

The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is one of the most scenic and accessible ways to travel across London. Running from Battersea in the west all the way to Woolwich in the east, it connects some of the city’s biggest landmarks while letting you skip the traffic and enjoy the skyline from the river.

You can find routes, timetables and live updates on the Uber Boat website or the Uber Boat app.

Want to see it in action? We also filmed our visit, you can watch the full video on our Instagram here!

Step Free Access at Most Uber Boat Piers

Almost every pier on the route is wheelchair accessible with step free boarding. However, there are three piers that are not wheelchair accessible due to steep boarding ramps at certain tide levels:

• Cadogan Pier

• London Bridge City Pier

• Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier

If you are planning a journey that involves these stops, it is best to check in advance or choose an alternative accessible pier nearby.

Tickets and Concessions

Tickets can be purchased at the pier, through the app, or via contactless payment. Disabled passengers are entitled to 50 percent off concession tickets, and carers travel free with a complimentary ticket. We usually find it easiest to buy directly from staff at the pier, who are always happy to help.

Boarding with a Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter

All types of wheelchairs, including power chairs, are welcome on board. You do not need to book in advance, although larger mobility scooters may need to register with the Mobility Scooter Recognition Scheme before travelling.

Ramps can sometimes be steep, depending on the tide, but staff are on hand to guide you. Wheelchair users are usually offered priority boarding and directed to the front of the queue.

On Board the Uber Boat

Once inside, you will find designated wheelchair spaces, usually near the front in the inside area of the boat. The boats are spacious with lots of seating, however, can get quite crowded at peaks times and locations. It’s also worth noting that there are small bumps to get inside the boat due to the doorways.

There are toilets and a wheelchair accessible toilet on board, though in our experience they can sometimes be out of service. It is worth planning ahead if accessible toilets are a priority during your journey.

Arriving at Your Destination

When you arrive at your pier, staff will again guide you off safely via the ramp. Disembarking is usually straightforward and quick, even at busy times. Boarding and disembarking usually happens pretty quickly, so it’s good to be ready when your stop comes up.

Attractions to Visit Using the Uber Boat

• The O2, IFS Cloud Cable Car - North Greenwich Pier

• Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Sky Garden - Tower Pier

• Battersea Power Station - Battersea Power Station Pier

• Greenwich Observatory, National Maritime Museum - Greenwich Pier

• London Eye, Big Ben - London Eye Waterloo Pier

• Tate Modern, Shakespear’s Globe, South Bank - Bankside

The Uber Boat is one of the most enjoyable and accessible ways to travel through London, combined with stunning views of the Thames. Whether you are connecting from another attraction like the IFS Cloud Cable Car or planning a day of riverside exploring, it is a fantastic option to add to your journey.

Planning a day out and want to find accessible cafés, bars, and restaurants nearby? Download Sociability to search thousands of places and filter for your access needs in seconds.