City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour & Optional River Cruise

London’s City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour offers an accessible and flexible way to explore the city’s iconic sights. Priced at $57.61 per person, the tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, but the real appeal lies in its multi-day passes that allow unlimited hopping on and off at over 20 stops. The tour features audio commentary in 11 languages and three routes—red, blue, and green—covering major landmarks, shopping districts, museums, and more. Travelers can enhance their experience with optional river cruises and walking tours included in longer passes, making it a comprehensive way to see London.

While the tour generally receives positive reviews for its convenience, helpful staff, and coverage of key sights, some users note challenges such as finding stops or navigating the routes. The mobile ticket system makes it easy to start your sightseeing adventure anywhere along the route, though careful planning can help avoid some common logistical frustrations. This tour caters well to those seeking a cost-effective, guided overview of London, with plenty of options to customize the experience.

Key Points

• Flexible, multi-day passes allow unlimited hop-on, hop-off access across three routes.
• Major landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Harrods are easily accessible.
• Audio commentary in 11 languages provides insightful information during the ride.
• Optional river cruise and various walking tours are included for longer passes.
• Some reviews highlight initial difficulty locating stops and occasional route confusion.
• The tour is best suited for first-time visitors and those wanting a broad overview without the stress of public transit navigation.

Exploring London’s Landmark Stops

The tour’s stops cover the city’s most recognizable sights. For example, Belvedere Road behind the London Eye serves as the starting point for many routes and offers views of the river and the iconic Ferris wheel. At One Aldwych, visitors find themselves near the West End theatres, perfect for combining sightseeing with entertainment plans. The St Paul’s Cathedral stop on Ludgate Hill places you within walking distance of one of London’s most famous churches, known for its impressive dome.

The Tower of London stop on Tower Hill allows easy access to the historic fortress and crown jewels, with many choosing to disembark here for a closer look. The Victoria and Buckingham Palace stops are situated along Buckingham Gate and Buckingham Palace Road, offering the chance to see the royal residence and nearby gardens. The Marble Arch and Hyde Park stops provide access to the lush green spaces and the famous arch, ideal for relaxation or sightseeing walks.

Navigating the Route Options: Red, Blue, and Green

The Red Route operates from 8:30 am to 6 pm with a full loop lasting 150 minutes, making it the backbone of the sightseeing experience. Its audio guide offers commentary in 11 languages, and buses run every 15 minutes, ensuring minimal wait times. This route features stops at major landmarks like Westminster, the British Museum, and Pall Mall.

The Blue Route starts at 8:50 am and offers a 60-minute loop every 30 minutes. It is ideal for quick visits to key locations such as Piccadilly and Marble Arch but is less comprehensive than the red route. The Green Route Shuttle runs from 9:20 am to 3:50 pm, with 80-minute trips every 30 minutes, covering areas like Harrods and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The multi-route system allows travelers to switch between routes and access different parts of the city efficiently. However, some reviews mention confusion about stops and difficulty finding specific boarding points, so consulting a map beforehand can be helpful.

The Experience of the Audio Guide and Commentary

The audio commentary provided during the bus rides enriches the sightseeing experience. Offering 11 languages, it ensures accessibility for diverse travelers. The guides consistently deliver informative descriptions about landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace, making even short trips educational.

Some reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and engaging commentary, noting that it enhances the overall value. However, a few mention earphone outlets not working on certain buses, so bringing your own set of headphones can improve the experience.

The River Cruise and Walking Tours: Added Value for Longer Passes

Longer multi-day passes include options like the single journey on the river cruise or return trips to Greenwich, which depart every 40 minutes and last approximately 35 minutes. These cruises operate between Westminster Pier and Tower Pier, offering scenic views of London’s skyline and historic sites.

The Rock & Roll Walking Tour runs daily at 12 pm from Haymarket, taking participants through London’s musical history, while the Royal Walking Tour departs at 9:45 am on select days, exploring royal sights. The Jack the Ripper Walking Tour begins at 3 pm from Tower Hill, offering insights into London’s darker history.

These added experiences make the multi-day passes especially attractive for travelers wanting a more immersive sightseeing experience without extra cost.

Practicalities: Stops, Accessibility, and Tips

The tour accepts both mobile and printed tickets, valid for 12 months from the booking date. It operates near public transportation, making it easy to connect with other travel plans. The first tour from Stop 17 on the Blue Route begins at 8:50 am, with the last full tour departing at 5:30 pm.

Most travelers can participate, but Stop 11 at Buckingham Palace is closed on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11 am to 12 pm due to the Changing of the Guard. Stop 10 on Horseferry Road is currently closed, with the nearest alternative at Westminster Pier.

The green route shuttle operates every 30 minutes, but some reviews mention difficulty locating stops. Planning ahead with an online map or mobile app can help avoid missing stops or wasting time.

The Helpfulness of Staff and Common Challenges

Many reviews highlight friendly and helpful staff, especially drivers who assist with route guidance and stop locations. However, some users report confusing directions and difficulty finding stops, which can lead to lost time or frustration.

A few reviews mention earphone outlets not working and route inconsistencies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. The tour’s multi-route system can be complex for first-time users, but with thorough planning, it offers broad access to London’s key sights.

The Overall Value and Suitability

The $57.61 price point for a single ticket provides good value, especially considering multi-day options include river cruises and walking tours. The audio commentary and extensive stops make it a practical choice for those who prefer guided sightseeing with flexibility.

The positive reviews emphasize ease of use, helpful staff, and the ability to see many sights in a short time. Some criticisms focus on initial stop location confusion and route clarity, but overall, the tour succeeds in delivering a rundown of London.

Final Thoughts on the City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour

This tour offers an affordable, flexible way to explore London’s most famous sights without the hassle of navigating public transport. The multi-route system, audio guides, and additional tours make it ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a broad overview.

While some logistical issues and stop location challenges exist, they are generally manageable and outweighed by the tour’s coverage and convenience. The river cruise and walking tours are valuable extras for longer passes, providing a more immersive experience.

The City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour delivers a reliable, informative, and enjoyable way to see London from a unique vantage point—especially suited for those seeking a guided overview with the flexibility to explore at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The bus tour itself takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes for a full loop, but multi-day passes allow unlimited hopping on and off over 24, 48, or 72 hours.

Are the tickets valid on any day?
Yes, both mobile and paper vouchers are valid for 12 months from the booking date, and you can start your tour at any stop along the routes.

What landmarks are included in the stops?
Stops include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London, Harrods, Victoria and Albert Museum, Hyde Park, and Marble Arch, among others.

Is the river cruise included?
A single journey river cruise is included with the 24-hour ticket. Longer passes also include return trips to Greenwich.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The commentary is available in 11 languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic.

Are there any stops with accessibility issues?
Most stops are near public transportation and accessible, but Stop 11 at Buckingham Palace closes 11 am to 12 pm on certain days, and Stop 10 is currently closed.

Can I bring my own headphones?
Yes, earphone outlets are available on buses, but some may not be working; bringing your own headphones ensures uninterrupted listening.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the hop-on, hop-off format is family-friendly, offering flexibility for children and seniors, especially when combined with the walking and river tours.