Day-trippers will be able to travel to North Greenwich Pier or London Bridge City Pier on the river bus from Kent

London river bus service Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is once again running a day service to the capital from Gravesend.

On Saturday March 19th, you’ll be able to hop on board and travel directly to North Green Pier or London Bridge City Pier.

It follows sell-out trips in February, although one was hampered by Storm Eunice.

The boat takes about 40 minutes to Greenwich Peninsula and a further 20 minutes to London Bridge, sailing past iconic sights including the Thames Barrier, the O2, The Old Royal Naval College Greenwich, Canary Wharf and under Tower Bridge.

Earlier this year, the prospect of a regular rapid Uber Boat river service to the capital was raised after Gravesham Borough Council agreed to the sale of its Grade II listed Town Pier and Pontoon to Thames Clippers.

Cabinet members said it would mean the historic asset would be preserved as the company would be responsible for maintaining it.

Cllr John Burden, leader of the council, said the sale to Thames Clippers safeguards the community asset, while opening up new opportunities for strengthening Gravesend’s links to the River Thames.

“We have long-held aspirations to support river transportation from the town and while this sale does not guarantee rapid river links to London, it certainly makes their introduction more likely,” he said.

Geoff Symonds, chief operating officer of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, says it has long been the company’s goal to expand the River Bus network further east.

“The acquisition of Gravesend Town Pier will enable us to do this,” he said.

“This expansion has already started, with the select central London sailings from Gravesend and Tilbury in 2021 and with Barking Riverside Pier due to open next spring.

“Whilst we establish the long-term service from Gravesend, we plan to operate more leisure sailings in the interim, further enabling as many residents as possible to enjoy the benefits of travelling by river.”

The terms of the sale include a buy back option by the council should anything go wrong.

It also includes the continued use of the pontoon by the Gravesend/Tilbury ferry service and public access to Town Pier.

More info here: https://booking.thamesclippers.com/thames-clippers-tickets/gravesend-tilbury-leisure-trips.html