Manchester River Cruises City River Tour Tickets

60-minute round-trip cruise from Salford Quays.

Manchester River Cruises City River Tour Tickets logo
Location Large Purple IconManchester, Greater ManchesterMobile Signal Purple IconMobile Tickets, Instant DeliveryShield Purple IconOfficial Ticket Seller

What to Expect...

See Manchester from the water on a 60-minute round-trip cruise through Salford Quays and the historic Manchester Ship Canal. This trip gives you a fresh view of the city, with English commentary sharing the stories behind the canal, the docks and the skyline along the way.

You will board at Pier 8 by The Lowry and stay on the boat for the full round trip, so it is an easy option for families, visitors and anyone wanting a simple sightseeing stop in Salford Quays. There is onboard seating, toilets and a licensed bar for drinks and snacks.

Before or after your sailing, you can make more of your day around the waterfront with nearby attractions, shops and places to eat. Browse more tours and river cruises on DOWTK.

Clock Purple Icon1 hour
Mobile Signal Purple IconMobile voucher accepted
Global Purple IconOffered in: English
Family IconSuitable for Ages 4+Clock IconTypical Visit Times 1 - 2 hoursCar Parking IconPaid parking nearby at Quayside
Ticket IconBook Tickets from £13
For Manchester River Cruises
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Manchester City River Tour
  • Aug 2026
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What's Included in your ticket

Your ticket covers a City River Tour on either the Princess Katherine or Isabella. This is a 60-minute, non-stop, round-trip cruise departing from Salford Quays.

Tickets are available online and, subject to availability, can also be bought onboard. You will need to choose a sailing time when booking online, and the operator asks passengers to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure.

Includes:

  • Check Circle Green Icon60-minute round-trip river cruise from Salford Quays
  • Check Circle Green IconSailing on the Princess Katherine or Isabella
  • Check Circle Green IconEnglish commentary about the canal and surrounding area
  • Check Circle Green IconViews of Salford Quays and the Manchester Ship Canal
  • Check Circle Green IconOnboard seating, first come first served
  • Check Circle Green IconAccess to onboard toilets

Excludes:

  • Circle Cross Orange IconDrinks and snacks from the onboard bar

What's On - Events and Activities

This Manchester river cruise is a simple way to see the city from a different angle. You will travel through Salford Quays and along the historic Manchester Ship Canal, with commentary explaining the landmarks and waterways around you.

Highlights include MediaCityUK, Old Trafford Football Stadium, Manchester Dry Docks, Mode Wheel Locks, Imperial War Museum North and Stephenson’s 1830 Bridge. The route is round trip only, with no extra stops along the way.

  • What you’ll see on the route

    What you’ll see on the route

    Landmarks including MediaCityUK, Old Trafford Football Stadium, Imperial War Museum North and Stephenson’s 1830 Bridge. It is a sightseeing cruise rather than a hop-on, hop-off service, so you stay onboard for the full 60-minute round trip.

  • Onboard comfort

    Onboard comfort

    Both boats are heated and have two toilets onboard. There is also a licensed bar selling hot drinks, cold drinks and light snacks during the trip.

  •  Easy Salford Quays boarding

    Easy Salford Quays boarding

    Boarding is at Pier 8 under the white and blue Millennium Footbridge by The Lowry. The nearest tram stop is MediaCity, and paid parking is available nearby at Quayside.

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

  • Monday, 11:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday, 11:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday, 11:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday, 11:00 - 17:00
  • Friday, 11:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday, 11:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday, 11:00 - 17:00

City River Tour departures usually include 11:30, 12:45, 14:00 and 15:15, with each cruise lasting 60 minutes. Sailing times can change by date, weather, river conditions and availability, so check your selected booking slot before travelling.

Directions

Manchester River Cruises logo

Manchester River Cruises

Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M50 3RB, England

///sing.twin.shot The boarding point is under the Millennium Footbridge (blue and white with two pillars on either side) in between the Lowry Theatre and the Quayside Shopping Centre.

Tel: 0161 960 0534

This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Last updated: 13:44 27/07/2026

Important Information

  • 60-minute round-trip cruise from Salford Quays, with no stops
  • The boat is not wheelchair accessible
  • The boarding point is at Salford Quays by the Lowry Theatre. The closest parking is at the Quayside Shopping Centre, the closest tram stop is at Media City
  • All tickets are a round trip only, there are no additional stops on the route
  • Please ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes before the time stated on your ticket. The cruise will not return to the boarding point once departed
  • Infants ages 0-1 go for free and do not need to purchase a ticket. They should sit on the parent's knee
  • Buggies and prams will need to be foldable to be stored beneath the seats
  • Toilets are available onboard and outside seating is available on a first come first served basis
  • All sailings are subject to the weather and the levels of the River Irwell
  • Board at Pier 8, under the white and blue Millennium Footbridge by The Lowry

Booking FAQs

Most asked questions relating to Manchester River Cruises.

Tickets are available onboard subject to availability, but booking online is recommended to guarantee your place. Tickets are cheaper online with Day Out With The Kids. Prices vary by sailing time, date and availability

Manchester River Cruises Reviews

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