A numerically accurate and computationally effcient method is developed for extracting tidal current profiles from vertically integrated two-dimensional models. The method can incorporate an arbitrary profile of eddy viscosity and determines tidal current profiles satisfying a no slip condition at the sea bed. Comparisons with observations and current profiles computed with full three-dimensional models, confirm the accuracy of the method. Bottom boundary layer thicknesses determined from these current profiles clearly show regions of the European continental shelf where the bottom boundary layer extends to the sea surface. The boundary between these regions and other areas where the bottom layer is less than the water depth corresponds quite closely to the known position of tidal fronts. ¿American Geophysical Union 1990