Buckingham Palace Entrance and Open Top Bus Tour London

A day in London gets a royal upgrade with this specially curated Buckingham Palace Entrance and Open Top Bus Tour for $103.01 per person. This package offers a full-day experience that combines convenient hop-on hop-off bus service, entry to Buckingham Palace, a river Thames boat ride, and a free walking tour. The tour is designed for those who want to explore London’s top sights at a relaxed pace, with buses departing every 20 minutes from key locations. The highlight, of course, is step inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, a rare chance to view some of the finest royal treasures and works by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt.

This tour is ideal for visitors seeking an all-in-one London experience that balances sightseeing, historical insights, and exclusive access. While the duration is approximately one day, the multiple included features enhance the value, making it a comprehensive way to see London. Its high rating of 5.0 and positive review underscore its popularity—particularly for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and smooth logistical planning. Keep in mind that mobility needs should be considered, as the palace’s State Rooms require some moderate physical fitness.

Key Points

• Includes entry to Buckingham Palace and access to its State Rooms, housing priceless art and royal treasures.
• Hop-on hop-off bus ticket valid for 24 hours with free Wi-Fi on all buses.
• River Thames boat ride is included as a one-way cruise, offering scenic views of London’s skyline.
• Guided audio tours available in 12 languages, enhancing the sightseeing experience.
• The tour departs every 20 minutes from main tourist points, ensuring flexible scheduling.
• Ideal for visitors who want a full day of sightseeing with easy transportation and guided insights.

Exploring Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms

The main highlight of this tour is the entry to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Royal family. The visit lasts about 2 hours, giving ample time to explore the 19 State Rooms. Visitors are treated to exquisitely furnished rooms that showcase French and English antique furniture and artworks from the Royal Collection. You’ll see masterpieces by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt, along with sculptures by Canova and porcelain by Sèvres.

Tour safety regulations mean that pushchairs are not permitted inside the State Rooms, but baby-carriers are available to loan. Photography is not allowed inside the Palace, but mobile phones can be used in the Palace Garden. The full visitor route follows a one-way system for safety, and mobility access can be arranged directly with Buckingham Palace.

The Open-Top Bus Experience and Free Wi-Fi

The 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket is a flexible way to get around London at your own pace. The buses are open-top, providing excellent views of the city’s landmarks, with buses departing every 20 minutes. Free Wi-Fi is available on all buses, allowing travelers to stay connected or access additional audio guides in 12 languages.

The buses stop at all major tourist points, making it easy to explore London’s attractions without the hassle of navigating public transport independently. This service suits those wishing to combine sightseeing with quick, convenient transfers between popular sites.

Thames River Boat Ride: Scenic and Relaxing

Included in the package is a one-way River Thames boat ride, which offers stunning views of London’s riverside landmarks from the water. The cruise provides a relaxed perspective of the city, with the boat operating as part of the overall sightseeing experience. Since the ride is one-way, it’s ideal to plan it as part of your day’s itinerary, perhaps after visiting Buckingham Palace or as an exit route.

While the boat ride adds a scenic element, expect to not have access to food or drinks onboard, and restrooms are not available on the boat itself.

Guided Commentary and Multi-Language Audio Guides

To enrich the experience, audio guides are available in 12 languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and more. These guides provide informative commentary about the sites visited during the bus tour and the Palace, helping visitors gain context and background during their trip.

In addition, a live guide is sometimes available on the Golden Tours Bus, subject to availability, offering a more personalized narration. This feature can add depth to your sightseeing, especially for those interested in historical stories and local insights.

Meeting Points and Tour Logistics

The tour begins at The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, located at London SW1A 1AA. It is near public transportation, making it accessible from various points in London. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, simplifying planning.

The ticket is a mobile e-ticket, so there’s no need to print documents. The full-day schedule is designed for flexibility, allowing ample time to explore each stop. The tour caters to a maximum of 50 travelers, which helps maintain a manageable group size for a more engaging experience.

Accessibility and Safety Considerations

Travelers with mobility needs should book directly with Buckingham Palace for appropriate arrangements. The visitor route inside the Palace features a one-way system, and pushchairs are checked in at the entrance for safety reasons. As photography is not permitted inside the Palace, visitors should plan to enjoy the sights without cameras.

The tour emphasizes safety protocols, with mobile phones permitted only in the Palace Gardens and no restroom facilities onboard the bus or boat. It is recommended for those with moderate physical fitness, given the walking involved at some stops.

Pricing, Cancellation, and Booking

At $103.01 per person, this package offers good value considering the multiple attractions and features included. The free cancellation policy allows cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case of plan changes.

Booking is straightforward via Golden Tours Gray Line London, which guarantees confirmation at the time of booking. The tour is particularly popular, with more than five bookings last month, reflecting its ongoing appeal.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Choice for a Complete London Day

This Buckingham Palace Entrance and Open Top Bus Tour delivers a balanced mix of royal splendor, scenic views, and convenient transportation. Its main draw, the inside visit to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, makes it stand out from typical city tours. Coupled with the scenic Thames cruise and flexible hop-on hop-off buses, visitors get a rundown of London in just one day.

While the tour’s pace suits most travelers, those with mobility concerns should plan accordingly in advance. The knowledgeable guides and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi elevate the experience, making it both enjoyable and informative.

This tour suits visitors eager for a well-rounded, hassle-free day exploring London’s iconic landmarks with the comfort of organized logistics and exclusive access to the Royal residence. It offers excellent value for those interested in a royal highlight combined with scenic sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include transportation between stops?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off bus provides transportation between all the major stops, including Buckingham Palace and the river cruise dock.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund.

Is there an age restriction for visiting Buckingham Palace?
The data does not specify age restrictions, but pushchairs are not permitted inside the State Rooms for safety reasons.

Are audio guides available?
Yes, audio guides in 12 languages are included to enhance your understanding during the bus tour and palace visit.

How long does the Buckingham Palace visit last?
The Palace visit lasts about 2 hours, allowing time to explore the State Rooms and view the royal art collection.

Is there a restroom onboard the bus or boat?
No, there are no restrooms on the bus or boat, so plan accordingly.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, and since the buses are open-top, consider weather-appropriate clothing.

Can I take photographs inside Buckingham Palace?
No, photography inside the Palace is not permitted to preserve the privacy of the Royal Family.

How accessible is this tour for travelers with mobility issues?
Travelers with mobility needs should book directly with Buckingham Palace for arrangements, as the route features a one-way system and some physical demands.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, located at London SW1A 1AA.