Early morning boat trips offer a relaxing commute for returning workers

With work from home guidance lifted, Londoners looking to avoid the crowds and keep moving safely should look no further than Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. London’s River Bus service runs early morning sailings, offering a comfortable commute to avoid the rush hour crowds.

Calling at 23 piers along the river Thames, the River Bus transports workers from as far west as Putney, or Woolwich in the east, right into the heart of the city. Commuters travelling on the Thames avoid the rush of the capital’s rails and roads; arriving at work fresh and ready to tackle the day. There’s also the added bonus of the onboard café bar, offering tasty snacks, a morning coffee, or something a little stronger on the way home.

With departures from as early as 5:30am, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is perfect for those who prefer a more mindful, relaxed journey, taking in the iconic views as they ease back into office life. Relaxing doesn’t necessarily mean slower though, with plenty of point to point examples whereby travelling by boat works out the quickest – and most direct – mode of transport. The River Bus service is one of the most covid-secure travel options in London, with ‘touch-free’ boarding, well-ventilated cabins and even an open-air deck. Commuters can expect to have plenty of space to themselves, with approximately 1.4 people per square metre at peak times, compared to between five and seven people on London Underground carriages*.

Varied ticketing options keep Uber Boat by Thames Clippers a financially smart choice for both full-time commuters and hybrid workers. Flexible carnets – with 4, 6, 10 or 20 pre-paid tickets – and season tickets provide considerable savings for regular and semi-regular commuters. A Flex 20 ticket carnet buys 20 journeys for the price of 16, whilst with a season ticket, commuting currently costs as little as £1.57** per journey with an annual option. Carnets and season tickets can be purchased using the Thames Clippers Tickets app, or carnets via the Uber app. Alternatively, passengers can pay as they go, using an Oyster or contactless payment card.

Wi-Fi is available at select piers and passengers can receive mobile phone signal (including 4 or 5G) whilst on board, allowing them to arrive at work prepared (or caught up on the latest television series). Guaranteed seating means there’s always a place to rest up or knuckle down and get some work done. In addition, bikes and pets are welcome on board.

For full details on ticket options, timetable or to book, please visit www.thamesclippers.com/commuters.

*London Underground data based on the maximum capacity of a Jubilee Line tube carriage as per the “London Underground Rolling Stock Information Sheet – 4th Edition”
**Based on two journeys across 261 working days of the year, travelling on a West or East Zone annual season ticket.