Woolwich Ferry London
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Woolwich Ferry London

4.2
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

A historic, free ferry service connecting Woolwich and North Woolwich across the River Thames, offering scenic views and a unique transport experience...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Shorter waits, smoother journey

CrowdLow
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Woolwich Ferry London

Woolwich Ferry London

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Shorter waits, smoother journey

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic, free ferry service connecting Woolwich and North Woolwich across the River Thames, offering scenic views and a unique transport experience.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"Literally the best thing ive ever seen TFL do. Hated them and khan for a long time now but this for free in London was a shock tbh."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Embrace the Free Experience

It's a free service! Enjoy the ride and the views without any cost.

⏰ Beat the Afternoon Rush

Mornings offer shorter waits (10-20 mins). Afternoons can be 40-60 mins.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 2,198 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Thames Crossing

Historic Thames Crossing

River Thames, connecting Woolwich and North Woolwich

Experience a free, historic ferry ride across the iconic River Thames, offering unique city views.

River Thames Views

River Thames Views

Onboard the ferry

Enjoy scenic vistas of the London skyline and the bustling river traffic during your short journey.

Free Public Transport

Free Public Transport

Woolwich and North Woolwich terminals

A rare free public transport option in London, carrying pedestrians, cyclists, cars, and lorries.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Free Ride

The Woolwich Ferry is a fantastic free service connecting Woolwich and North Woolwich. It's a unique way to experience the River Thames and a slice of London's transport history. Be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak hours, as it's popular with locals and tourists alike.

Timing is Key for a Smooth Crossing

While the ferry is free, waiting times can vary significantly. Mornings tend to be quicker, with waits of 10-20 minutes. Afternoons can see queues stretching to 40-60 minutes. Consider this when planning your journey to avoid delays.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Shorter waits, smoother journey
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend Mornings
Why
Scenic views, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Can be busy, plan for queues
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ever crossed the Thames without a bridge or the Tube? 🛥️ Say hello to the Woolwich Ferry. Running for free for over 130 years, this historic service connects Woolwich and North Woolwich every 15–20 minutes. Whether you're on foot, two wheels, or four, just hop on and enjoy five minutes of river views and a slice of London transport history. #LondonMakesItPossible #VisitLondon #WoolwichFerry #Hidde...
@visitlondon
2.7K likes • 55.3K views

🎯 Embrace the Free Experience

It's a free service! Enjoy the ride and the views without any cost. TikTok+1

⏰ Beat the Afternoon Rush

Mornings offer shorter waits (10-20 mins). Afternoons can be 40-60 mins. Reddit

The Woolwich Ferry is a legend of London on the River Thames and still free of charge - have you been on it ? #thingstodoinlondon #thames #fyf #visitlondon #ferry
@londoncityroller
1.1K likes • 61.5K views
The Royal Iris, Woolwich, a former Mersey Ferry, maybe one day a night club #foryou #london #ferry #Thames #history #liverpool #boat #mersey #Woolwich #history #londonlife #londonhotspots #londontiktok #historytime
@crabsticksontoast
1.7K likes • 65.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Friendly

There's a separate area for pedestrians, making it easy to hop on and off. Reddit

🚲 Cycle Across

Cyclists are welcome, making it a great option for exploring on two wheels. TikTok

Interesting experience Lool 😂 #woolwichferry #woolwich #southeastlondon #hiddengemslondon #greenwich #newham
@hiddengemslondon
1.1K likes • 18.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Embrace the Free Experience

It's a free service! Enjoy the ride and the views without any cost. TikTok+1

⏰ Beat the Afternoon Rush

Mornings offer shorter waits (10-20 mins). Afternoons can be 40-60 mins. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Friendly

There's a separate area for pedestrians, making it easy to hop on and off. Reddit

🚲 Cycle Across

Cyclists are welcome, making it a great option for exploring on two wheels. TikTok

📸 Capture the Views

The ferry offers great photo opportunities of the Thames and city skyline. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Woolwich Ferry as a surprisingly delightful and free way to cross the Thames, offering scenic views and a touch of history. While appreciated for its cost-effectiveness and convenience for vehicles and cyclists, some find the afternoon wait times can be quite long.

"Free ferry service to cross the river. Its quicker in the morning when waiting time is 10 to 20 minutes. In the afternoon it takes to get into the ferry around 40 minutes to 60 minutes.

If you are not in rush, you can use it by car, bike or on foot. Usually in summer, the scenic beauty will mesmerise you."

MD AMINUL ISLAM (Rana)

"I live in the UK and have never heard of this service. It's free and very quick. It also added excitement to our journey."

Paula Thorpe

"Literally the best thing ive ever seen TFL do. Hated them and khan for a long time now but this for free in London was a shock tbh. Two ferries fully crewed managed very well i need to say. From traffic to to the boat 🚢. Brilliant 👊"

Anthony Wrenn

What People Like

Free to use
Scenic river views
Historic transport experience

What People Dislike

Long afternoon queues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Woolwich Ferry connects Woolwich on the south bank of the Thames with North Woolwich on the north bank. You can reach the Woolwich terminal via public transport in Woolwich, and the North Woolwich terminal via public transport in North Woolwich. It's a key part of the TfL network. TikTok+1

Yes, the Woolwich Ferry is operated by Transport for London (TfL) and is a free service. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The Woolwich Ferry accommodates cars, vans, lorries, and cyclists, in addition to pedestrians. TikTok

You can take the DLR to Woolwich Arsenal or Woolwich Dockyard for the south side, or to King George V for the north side. The ferry itself offers an alternative to busy roads or the Tube. TikTok

For crossing the Thames in this area, it can be a great alternative to navigating congested roads or using tunnels, especially if you're not in a rush. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Woolwich Ferry is completely free to use for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. It's a rare free service in London! TikTokReddit+1

The ferry typically operates from Monday to Friday, 6 am to 8 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 8 pm. It's advisable to check the official TfL website for the most up-to-date times, as these can vary. TikTok

The ferry runs every 15-20 minutes, making it a frequent and convenient option for crossing the river. TikTok

No booking is required. As it's a free public service, you can simply turn up and board. TikTok

The ferry is generally accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, with dedicated areas for passengers. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The crossing is short, lasting about five minutes. You can stand on deck to enjoy views of the Thames and the surrounding areas. TikTokReddit

You'll get views of the Thames, the docks, and parts of East London. It's a different perspective than seeing London from the ground. TikTokReddit

Crowds can vary. Mornings are generally less busy, while afternoons and weekends can see more people. Reddit

The Woolwich Ferry has been operating for over 130 years, serving as a vital transport link across the Thames. TikTok

Yes, it's a great spot for photography, offering unique angles of the river and city. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no food or drink facilities on the ferry itself. It's a short crossing, so it's best to eat before or after your journey. TikTok

Both Woolwich and North Woolwich have local cafes and restaurants. You can find various options depending on your preference. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The open deck offers unobstructed views. Try capturing the ferry itself, the river traffic, and the London skyline as you cross. TikTok+1

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. However, any time provides a unique perspective of this working river. TikTok

The Royal Iris is a former Mersey Ferry that has been moored in Woolwich and is being repurposed. While you might see it from the ferry, it's not currently in active service as part of the Woolwich Ferry route. TikTok

Woolwich Ferry London (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide