London Discovery by Day and by Night Hop-On Hop-off Tours

Discover London through an engaging hop-on hop-off experience that covers top landmarks both in daylight and under the city’s evening glow. Priced at $60.35 per person, this 3-hour tour combines daytime sightseeing with a 90-minute night tour, offering a flexible way to explore the British capital. With over 40 stops across three routes, the tour provides numerous convenient pick-up points near major attractions and accommodations. The mobile ticket makes planning easy, and the real-time bus tracking via the Tootbus app helps you stay on schedule.

While the price offers good value for a rundown of London, it’s worth noting that restrooms are not available on the buses, and the night tour does not include hop-off options. Still, this tour suits those eager to see London’s sights at their own pace during the day and enjoy a stunning illuminated cityscape after sunset.

Key Points

• Flexible hop-on hop-off system with over 40 stops across 3 routes
• Combined day and night tours for diverse views of London’s landmarks
• Price of $60.35 per person, with advance bookings averaging about 35 days ahead
• Duration: approximately 3 hours for the full daytime experience, plus 90-minute night tour
• App-based real-time tracking to help plan your route and stops
• Limited amenities onboard, with no restroom facilities and no hop-off during the night tour

Discover London’s Iconic Sights from Multiple Routes

This hop-on hop-off tour takes you around London’s most famous landmarks from morning until night. The day tour starts at any of the over 40 stops spread across three routes. Key stops include Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Kensington Palace. The top deck provides breathtaking views where you can capture photos of these renowned sites.

The routes are designed to cover areas from the West End to the historic Tower of London, giving you a broad perspective of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. You can hop on and off as you like, exploring at your own pace, which makes this tour flexible and practical.

The Night Tour: London in Glittering Lights

Meet at Coventry Street for the evening night tour, lasting approximately 90 minutes. During this bus ride, the city’s most iconic landmarks are illuminated, transforming familiar sights into a sparkling spectacle. While you cannot hop off during the night tour, the glittering cityscape offers a different perspective of London’s famous sites.

Many find this nighttime experience a perfect way to kickstart an evening in London, especially since the landmarks are lit up beautifully after sunset. The bus remains the main mode of transport, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with sitting and observing.

The Stops: A Closer Look at Every Landmark

The stops on the day route include Coventry Street outside Shake Shack, the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square, London Eye outside the Marriott Hotel, Waterloo Station, Covent Garden, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower of London, Westminster Pier, Buckingham Palace, and several stops along Whitehall and Parliament Street. Each stop involves iconic spaces with plenty to see and photograph.

The evening route features stops at Grosvenor Gardens outside Taipei Office, Buckingham Palace, Lambeth Palace, Westminster Bridge, Parliament Street, Horse Guards Parade, Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, Harrods, and Kensington Palace. Many stops coincide with the daytime route but are positioned to give the best views of the illuminated city.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The tours are convenient for those staying near major transportation hubs, with stops close to public transit options. The mobile ticket simplifies entry, and real-time tracking via the Tootbus app helps avoid long waits. However, restrooms are not available onboard, so plan accordingly if needed. The tour accommodates most travelers, including service animals.

The winter timetable may result in shorter rest periods at some stops and longer wait times between buses, especially outside peak seasons. The app can assist in managing expectations and planning your day efficiently.

The Guides and Commentary: Mixed Reviews

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable and helpful staff. Several mention friendly bus drivers who recommend good photo spots and provide helpful tips. On the other hand, some passengers report disappointing commentary quality, citing repetitive music and poor audio clarity. The pre-recorded commentary sometimes feels out of sync with the sights, reducing the informative aspect of the tour.

Despite some negative feedback, the upstairs open roof during good weather is a highlight, providing fantastic views and making photography easier.

The Value and Customer Experience

At $60.35, this combination of day and night tours offers decent value, especially considering the extensive route coverage and flexibility. Many reviewers praise the friendly staff and helpful service, which enhances the overall experience. However, some mention long waits, poor app reliability, and inconsistencies in commentary as drawbacks.

The limited amenities onboard and the no hop-off policy during the night may be considerations for travelers seeking more freedom or comfort. Still, the multi-route coverage and photo opportunities make this a practical choice for sightseeing in London.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This London discovery experience suits travelers who want a rundown of the city’s top sights with the flexibility to hop on and off during the day. It’s ideal for visitors eager to capture photos from the open top deck and enjoy a spectacular night view of London’s illuminated landmarks. It’s also suitable for those who value friendly staff and easy booking via the mobile ticket.

However, those expecting detailed commentary or onboard amenities like restrooms** might find some limitations. The night tour’s lack of hop-off options makes it less suitable for those wanting to explore landmarks at their leisure after sunset.

London Discovery by Day and by Night Hop-On Hop-off Tours: The Complete Review

This tour package provides a balanced way to see London’s sights from morning until night with convenient stops and breathtaking views. The price point is competitive, especially for the combined experience, and the route coverage ensures you’ll see many of the city’s famous landmarks.

The day tour is perfect for flexible sightseeing, offering photo opportunities and easy access to attractions from Big Ben to Kensington Palace. The night tour transforms familiar sights into a glittering cityscape, making it a memorable way to begin your evening.

While some downsides include app reliability issues and limited onboard amenities, the friendly staff and spectacular views often outweigh these concerns. The tour is best suited for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of London’s most iconic scenes, especially if they value flexibility, panoramic views, and a lively atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most travelers, including children, especially since many stops are near family-friendly attractions. However, note that during the night tour, hop-off is not possible, so plan accordingly.

Are the stops close to public transportation?
Yes, many stops are near major transit points like Waterloo Station, Victoria Station, and Kensington Palace.

Does the night tour include hop-off options?
No, during the 90-minute night tour, you remain on the bus without the ability to hop off.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility details are not provided, the stops are generally near accessible public transit, and the buses are designed to accommodate most travelers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing flexibility if plans change.

Does the tour include food or restroom facilities?
No, food and drink are not included, and there are no restrooms onboard.

How do I access real-time bus tracking?
The Tootbus app offers live updates and closest stop information to help you plan your journey efficiently.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring your camera, comfortable clothes, and sunscreen on sunny days. During the night, a phone flashlight and warm clothing may enhance the experience.

Is this tour worth the price compared to other options?
Considering the extensive route coverage, combined day and night experiences, and ease of use, many find it offers good value, though some reviews note long waits and app issues. Comparing it with other sightseeing options may help you decide.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of London’s landmarks with the flexibility of hop-on hop-off, combined with a spectacular night view. However, travelers seeking detailed commentary or more amenities might prefer other options.