Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour & The London Eye

Discover the Unique Blend of London Sightseeing with This Tour

For those eager to see London’s most iconic landmarks from multiple perspectives, this tour offers a combination of a hop-on hop-off bus experience and a 30-minute ride on the London Eye. Priced at $75.43 per person, it provides up to 72 hours of unlimited bus access, making it ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace. The tour starts in Greater London and is operated by Golden Tours – Gray Line London.

While the overall rating is 2.9 out of 5 based on 17 reviews, it’s important to consider both the strengths—stunning views and flexible routes—and the limitations, such as some confusion over ticket access. This experience suits visitors who value comprehensive sightseeing and a variety of ways to explore London, but should be aware of potential issues with ticket clarity and the need to plan accordingly.

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Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with up to 72 hours of unlimited bus rides across multiple routes
• Includes a 30-minute ride on the iconic London Eye, with spectacular views of the city
• Boat ride on the River Thames offered with valid 24, 48, or 72-hour bus tickets
• Multiple routes available, including the Classic, Essential, and Museum Tours
• Audio guides available in 12 languages enhance the experience
• No hotel pickup or food included, but the tour offers convenient access to London’s highlights

The London Eye: Breathtaking Views from Above

The London Eye is a highlight of this tour, offering a 30-minute ride in one of its glass capsules. From this vantage point, you can see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. James Park, with the Royal Palace often identifiable by the flying flag if the King is at home. The views are spectacular whether it’s day or night, providing a unique perspective on London’s skyline.

The London Eye operates daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, with last entries at 5:45 pm. An important detail for visitors is that the ticketing process may cause some confusion, as reviews mention difficulties with accessing the ride, especially regarding ticket scanning. It’s advisable to arrive prepared with your ticket ready to avoid delays, and note that the Eye is closed during the second and third weeks of January for maintenance.

The Hop-on Hop-off Bus: A Flexible Route Network

This tour’s core feature is the extensive hop-on hop-off bus network that allows up to 72 hours of unlimited rides. The buses operate on several routes, each covering different parts of London:

• Classic Route (Blue): Focuses on central London sights and visits the Museum Quarter.
• Essential Route (Red): Passes Madame Tussauds, Kings Cross, Hyde Park, and Regent’s Park.
• Museum Route (Orange): Explores London’s famous museums, along with Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Buckingham Palace.
• Morning and Evening Routes (Yellow and Green): Connect hotel districts with central London during peak times.

Buses run approximately every 20 minutes on the Red and Blue routes and every 30 minutes on the Orange route from Monday to Thursday. All buses feature either live guides or audio guides in 11 languages, making navigation easier for international visitors. The open-top design provides great views of the city, and the ability to hop on and off means flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace.

River Thames Boat Ride: A One-Way Spectacular

The boat ride on the River Thames is available with 24, 48, or 72-hour bus tickets, offering a one-way journey between Westminster and Tower Millennium Pier. Departing every 30 minutes, the cruise showcases London’s landmarks from the water, with live commentary or an audio guide enhancing the experience.

This one-way cruise allows travelers to enjoy panoramic views of the city’s skyline, with the option to walk back or continue exploring on the bus. It’s a convenient addition for those wanting to combine land and water sightseeing in one seamless experience.

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Visiting the City’s Famous Landmarks

This tour covers major London sights like Buckingham Palace, where the flag flying indicates the monarch’s presence. The Big Ben clock tower and Houses of Parliament are easily visible from the London Eye and during bus rides, giving a rundown of the city’s political and royal centers.

St. James Park offers a scenic route leading toward Buckingham Palace, and the Royal sites are highlighted during the free walking tours included in the package. These walking tours focus on Jack the Ripper and Royal London, providing additional insights into the city’s history and legends.

Online Booking and Ticket Flexibility

The booking process offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for flexible plans. Visitors can reserve now and pay later, which is helpful for those uncertain of their schedule. The tickets are valid for 1, 24, 48, or 72 hours, giving ample time to explore London comfortably.

It’s important to note that the meeting points may vary depending on the option chosen, and each stop is clearly signposted. The ticket includes audio guides in 12 languages, making the experience accessible for a broad international audience.

Additional Free Activities and Extras

Included in the experience are free walking tours—such as the Jack the Ripper tour and the Royal Tour—which last about 2 hours each. These tours cover royal sites and victorian London mysteries, adding a layer of educational value to the sightseeing day.

While food, drink, and hotel pickup are not included, the tour’s routes pass by numerous restaurants and cafes suitable for a quick meal or refreshment.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Travelers should keep in mind that some reviews highlight issues with ticket scanning for the London Eye, suggesting that arriving prepared with digital or printed tickets can save time. The London Eye is closed during January’s second and third weeks for maintenance, so scheduling around this period is advised.

The bus frequency on the main routes is around every 20 minutes, but the Orange route runs every 30 minutes, so planning your stops accordingly helps maximize your day. The Boat Ride is a one-way trip, not a round trip, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Comparing this Tour to Similar Options

This package offers a comprehensive London experience with multiple routes and extra activities, including river cruise and walking tours. Similar experiences are available, some with faster access or additional attractions like Madame Tussauds or Madame Tussauds combo tickets.

The reviews suggest that guides are knowledgeable, and the views from the London Eye are spectacular, but ticket access issues and limited information in the morning are noted concerns. This tour provides good value for those wanting flexible and diverse sightseeing options.

Final Verdict: A Versatile but Cautionary Choice

This combined hop-on hop-off bus tour and London Eye experience can be a great way to see London’s top sights at your own pace, especially with the extended bus access and river cruise. The spectacular city views from the London Eye and the convenience of multiple routes make it appealing.

However, the mixed reviews about ticket clarity and Eye operation times suggest that preparing in advance will improve your experience. This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate flexible schedules and a variety of sightseeing methods, rather than those seeking a guided, seamless experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ticket include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included in this tour.

Can I use the river boat cruise multiple times?
No, the boat ride is a one-way ticket with a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour bus ticket validity, and it does not include a return journey.

Are there guided tours on the buses?
Yes, each bus features either live guides or audio guides in 11 languages to assist with sightseeing.

Is the London Eye open year-round?
The London Eye is open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, but it is closed during the second and third weeks of January for annual maintenance.

How long is the London Eye ride?
The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and provides spectacular views of the city.

What should I do if I encounter issues with ticket scanning?
It’s advisable to arrive prepared with digital or printed tickets to avoid delays, especially for the London Eye.

This combination tour balances sightseeing flexibility with breathtaking views, making it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a rundown of London. Just keep in mind ticket logistics and the maintenance schedule to make the most of this experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby