Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

The Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour offers a flexible and accessible way to explore the heart of London. Priced at $58.94 per person, this tour typically lasts about 3 hours and 35 minutes and features open-top double-decker buses that stop at many iconic locations. With options for 24- or 48-hour tickets, visitors can tailor their sightseeing experience, hopping on or off at top landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. A standout feature is the inclusion of a Thames River cruise or night tour with both ticket options, providing a scenic water perspective of the city.

While the tour offers many highlights, some reviews mention inconsistent bus frequency and confusing stops, so planning ahead with the mobile app is recommended. This tour suits travelers seeking a relaxed way to see London’s main sights, especially those keen on combining bus and water experiences.

Key Points

• Flexible ticket options: 24 or 48 hours to fit different schedules and budgets
• Includes Thames River cruise or night tour: bonus experience included with both ticket types
• Extensive route network: stops at Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Tower of London, and Hyde Park
• Audio commentary: available in 7 languages with onboard Wi-Fi for easy connectivity
• Practical for all: most travelers can participate; service animals are allowed
• Considerations: ticket does not include food or drinks, and the 1-day ticket excludes the river cruise

London’s Landmark Stops on the Big Bus Tour

From Green Park to Trafalgar Square

Beginning at The Green Park or Green Park Underground, the tour takes you past Regent Street, famous for flagship shops and vibrant street life. Continuing to Piccadilly Circus, you’ll enjoy the bustling illuminated screens, then move on to Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column and historic statues. These stops offer a vivid taste of London’s lively city center, perfect for quick photo stops or a brief walk to nearby attractions.

Exploring Westminster: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Pier, and Big Ben

The Westminster section is central to London’s political and royal history. Buckingham Palace is a highlight, where visitors can view the exterior of the Queen’s residence. The Westminster Pier stop offers the chance to hop onto the included Thames River cruise, giving a water-based perspective of Tower Bridge and the City. Not far from here, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey are easily accessible for those wanting to explore the UK’s governance and monarchy institutions more closely.

Tower of London and London Bridge

The tour makes a stop at the Tower of London, a fortress steeped in history and home to the Crown Jewels. The London Bridge stop nearby provides great photo opportunities and access to the historic bridge itself. This area features a mix of medieval architecture and modern city life, making it a prime location for sightseeing.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

The Hyde Park Corner stop allows visitors to stroll through Hyde Park, one of London’s largest green spaces. Nearby, Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens are accessible, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. The Natural History Museum and Harrods are also in this area, making it ideal for combining sightseeing with shopping and cultural visits.

West End and Shopping Districts

Stops on Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden let travelers experience London’s retail and entertainment hubs. Covent Garden is particularly lively, with street performers, markets, and boutiques, perfect for exploring on foot after hopping off the bus.

Thames River Cruise: Water Views and Unique Perspectives

The included Thames River cruise is a significant advantage of this tour, offering panoramic views of London’s skyline from the water. The cruise departs from Westminster Pier or Tower of London stops, depending on whether the ticket is 24 or 48 hours. Many reviews highlight how this water route provides excellent photo opportunities of landmarks like Tower Bridge, the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and The Shard. The cruise features live commentary about notable buildings and is generally considered a relaxing way to see the city from a different angle.

Best Timing for the Thames Cruise

Choosing to take the cruise early in the day, around 10:00 am, helps avoid crowds and long lines for later departures. The cruise duration is approximately 20-30 minutes, making it a manageable addition to the overall sightseeing.

The Route and Stops: Covering Major London Attractions

The tour covers an extensive network of stops, including Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade, College Green, and Victoria Station. These stops collectively span London’s historic, royal, and cultural districts, making it easy to plan short walks to nearby sites of interest.

The Westbound and Eastbound routes both include stops at Marble Arch, Harrods, and Paddington Station, facilitating easy access to shopping districts, museums, and transportation links. The Notting Hill and Kensington sections add a more residential, charming flavor to the sightseeing options.

The Onboard Experience: Commentary, Wi-Fi, and Accessibility

The recorded commentary enhances the sightseeing experience, with explanations available in 7 languages. The onboard Wi-Fi allows passengers to share their experience or access additional information during the ride. Each bus is equipped with outlets at seats for headphones and volume control, although some reviews mention occasional technical issues. The buses are clean and well-maintained, and most stops have guide staff or helpful drivers to assist with directions.

Audio and Language Options

The commentary give you cultural insights and fun facts about passing landmarks, though some reviews note that the content could be more engaging or in-depth. Still, for most, it adds context to the sights passing by from the top deck.

Navigating the Ticketing and Redeeming Process

The tickets are valid from the first date of redemption, with full flexibility for 24 or 48 hours. To use the river cruise and walking tours, travelers show a QR code obtained upon booking. The app helps track bus arrivals and plan routes, especially helpful during crowded times around famous landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Important Ticket Details

• The 1-day ticket does not include the Thames River cruise
• Tickets are fully refundable if canceled at least 24 hours in advance
• The redeem process involves showing a printed QR receipt or digital code at stops and activities

Review Summary: Strengths and Limitations

With over 10,000 reviews and a 4.0-star rating, this tour is generally appreciated for its value, convenience, and coverage of major sights. The inclusion of the Thames River cruise with both 24- and 48-hour tickets is a notable perk. Passengers praise the comfortable buses, helpful drivers, and the audio commentary in multiple languages.

However, some reviews mention inconsistent bus frequency, confusing stops, and long waits that can diminish the experience. A few travelers express dissatisfaction with the quality of commentary and traffic-related delays. These issues highlight the importance of planning ahead and using the live tracking app for a smoother experience.

Visiting London with the Big Bus Tour: Who Will Love It?

This tour best suits first-time visitors who want a straightforward way to see the city’s top landmarks without the hassle of navigating public transportation. It offers good value for money and combines bus and water experiences for a well-rounded day. Travelers comfortable with pre-recorded audio guides and willing to plan around potential delays will find this a practical, enjoyable option.

Those seeking deep, guided storytelling or more personalized tours might find the experience somewhat shallow, according to some reviews. But if your goal is to cover a lot of ground efficiently and enjoy breathtaking views from both land and water, this tour provides a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ticket include food and drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included with the tour.

Can I cancel my ticket?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the Thames River cruise included with the 1-day ticket?
No, the river cruise is only included with the 24- or 48-hour tickets.

Are the buses accessible for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

What languages are available for the onboard commentary?
The commentary is available in 7 languages.

Where do I redeem my ticket?
You can redeem your voucher at any designated Big Bus stop using your QR code or printed receipt.