Thames Dinner Cruise vs Thames River Cruise to Greenwich: London Sunset Guide

Last reviewed: November 13, 2026

A Thames dinner cruise or a sunset cruise in London on the River Thames is one of the simplest ways to see London's most famous landmarks in a single trip. As the light fades, Big Ben, the London Eye and Tower Bridge light up along the river, and you see them from the water rather than through crowds on the pavement.

There are two quite different ways to do it: a London dinner cruise or evening cruise, where the meal and the atmosphere are the point, or a Thames river cruise from Westminster to Greenwich, which is shorter and cheaper and focuses on the views. This guide compares both, explains how to time your trip for sunset and covers what to check before you book.

Thames Dinner Cruise or River Cruise: Quick Answer

Choose the Thames River Dinner Cruise if you want a full evening: a two-hour evening cruise with canapés and a drink, or a three-hour dinner cruise with a three-course meal. Choose the Westminster to Greenwich sightseeing cruise if you want a shorter, lower-cost trip: one hour one way or two hours round trip, with live commentary. For sunset views, check the sunset time for your date and pick a sailing that is on the water during it.

Dinner Cruise vs Westminster to Greenwich: Side by Side

Prices shown depend on your currency, date and selected option.

Option 1: Thames River Dinner Cruise

This is the choice when the cruise is the evening. Ganzay's listing offers two durations:

• Two-hour evening cruise: cold canapés with a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink.
• Three-hour dinner cruise: a three-course meal with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. Selected options also include a welcome drink and live entertainment with dancing.

Along the way, look out for Big Ben, the London Eye and Tower Bridge as the city lights come on. Additional drinks and transport to and from the pier are not included.

Check dates for the Thames River Dinner Cruise

Option 2: Thames River Cruise from Westminster to Greenwich

This is the classic river route between central London and Greenwich. Ganzay's listing offers a one-hour one-way trip or a two-hour round trip, with flexible boarding at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich piers. A skipper's live commentary in English and a multilingual audio guide add history and context.

On the way you pass Big Ben, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the towers of Canary Wharf before reaching Greenwich, home of the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory. Drinks and snacks are available at the onboard bar at extra cost.

To catch the sunset, take a late-afternoon one-way sailing towards Greenwich in winter, or a round trip in the early evening in summer, then check the last return time before you go.

Check times for the Westminster to Greenwich cruise

How to Time a Sunset Cruise in London

London's sunset time changes by more than five hours across the year, so the right departure depends entirely on your travel date:

• November to January: sunset is roughly 3:50 PM to 4:30 PM. An afternoon sightseeing cruise catches it; most dinner cruises sail after dark.
• March and October: sunset is roughly 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, a good match for early-evening sailings.
• May to July: sunset is roughly 8:30 PM to 9:20 PM. A three-hour dinner cruise often sails through it.

Look up the sunset time for your exact date, then choose a sailing that is on the water from about 30 minutes before. On a cloudy day, the city lights after sunset can be just as good as the sunset itself.

What to Check Before You Book

• Option and duration. Inclusions differ between the two-hour and three-hour dinner cruises, and between one-way and round-trip sightseeing tickets.
• Boarding pier. Confirm which pier you board at and how you will get there; transport to the pier is not included.
• Dietary needs. The three-course dinner includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices; ask about other requirements before travel.
• Weather. Bring a layer. The river is cooler and windier than the streets, especially on deck.
• Cancellation. Both cruises currently allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Make a Day of It

Many visitors pair a river cruise with the London Eye, which is next to one of the boarding piers. If you are planning a special evening, see our guide to the London Eye champagne experience, then finish with a dinner cruise on the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best sunset cruise in London?

For a full evening, the Thames River Dinner Cruise on Ganzay offers a two-hour evening cruise with canapés and a drink, or a three-hour dinner cruise with a three-course meal. For a cheaper daytime or early-evening trip, the Westminster to Greenwich sightseeing cruise takes one hour one way or two hours round trip.

What time is sunset in London?

It changes a lot through the year: roughly 4:00 PM in mid-December and around 9:20 PM in late June. Check the sunset time for your date and choose a departure that sails during or just before it.

How long is the Westminster to Greenwich cruise?

About one hour one way, or about two hours for the round trip, according to Ganzay's listing.

Where can I board the Westminster to Greenwich cruise?

Ganzay's listing gives flexible boarding at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich piers. Check the pier for your chosen option before you travel.

Is food included on the Thames dinner cruise?

It depends on the option. The two-hour evening cruise includes cold canapés and a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink. The three-hour dinner cruise includes a three-course meal with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. Extra drinks are not included.

Which landmarks will I see?

On both cruises you can expect Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Tower Bridge. The Greenwich route also passes the Tower of London and Canary Wharf.

Can I cancel a Thames cruise booking?

Both Ganzay Thames cruises currently allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Is the sightseeing cruise suitable for families?

Yes. Ganzay's listing describes it as suitable for first-time visitors, families and couples, with live English commentary and a multilingual audio guide.

Final Thoughts

For a celebration or a relaxed evening, the Thames River Dinner Cruise gives you food, drinks and the illuminated skyline in one booking. For a quick, affordable look at London's landmarks, the Westminster to Greenwich cruise does the job in an hour. Whichever you choose, match the sailing to your date's sunset time and you will see London at its best.

Last fact-checked: November 13, 2026.

Editorial note: This guide was prepared using Ganzay's published Thames River Dinner Cruise and Westminster to Greenwich sightseeing cruise listings. Sunset times are approximate. Schedules, prices and inclusions can change; always confirm the details for your selected date.