London: Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Cruise

The London: Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Cruise offers a practical and flexible way to explore the capital’s top attractions at your own pace. Priced at $46.20 per person, this tour provides a choice of 24, 48, or 72-hour passes, making it ideal for short or longer stays in Greater London. The tour includes 3 routes and 45 stops, along with a Thames river cruise from City Cruises and 4 self-guided walking tours to enhance your experience.

A key strength of this tour is its comprehensive coverage of iconic landmarks, combined with audio guides in 10 languages and a helpful app that provides real-time bus tracking and points of interest. While there is no tour guide onboard, the self-guided approach allows for a relaxed, personalized exploration. The ticket includes Wi-Fi onboard and a child-friendly audio channel, making this a convenient option for families as well.

One notable limitation is that food and drinks are not included and there is no live guide, which might matter for travelers seeking more in-depth commentary or meals. Still, the ease of access, frequent buses, and multiple routes make this a practical choice for those wanting a broad overview of London’s highlights during a limited time.

Key Points

• Flexible 1 to 3-day passes allow you to explore London at your own pace.
• Includes a Thames river cruise departing every 40 minutes, adding variety to land-based sightseeing.
• 3 routes and 45 stops cover major attractions like Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and more.
• Audio guides in 10 languages, including child-friendly options, make the tour accessible for all ages.
• Wi-Fi onboard and a free app help you navigate and learn about London’s sights in real time.
• The tour does not include food, drinks, or a live guide, but the self-guided format offers plenty of freedom.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring London from the Bus

The bus routes take you past major landmarks such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye. The open-top buses give you excellent views of the city’s architecture, and the audio commentary shares informative facts about each site.

You can hop off at any stop to visit attractions like Borough Market, a favorite for food lovers, or Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard. The bus stops are well positioned, including one directly opposite the Eurostar station, making arrival and departure smooth.

With buses arriving every 20-30 minutes, you won’t spend long waiting, even during busy times. This frequent schedule ensures that you can easily plan your day around specific landmarks or take a leisurely ride without rushing.

Thames River Cruise: A Scenic Waterway Escape

The Thames cruise from City Cruises is included in the ticket and departs every 40 minutes. This water experience provides a different perspective of London’s skyline, including views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The cruise is known for its informative commentary, which is accessible via the onboard headphones or the app, in multiple languages. The timing allows you to combine the cruise with bus stops, so you can hop off and explore nearby attractions afterward.

Many reviews highlight the cruise as a highlight, especially since it offers a relaxing way to see the city while resting tired legs from walking.

Discovering Landmarks with Self-Guided Walking Tours

The 4 included walking tours are designed to help you explore specific neighborhoods or themes. These tours are self-guided, giving you the freedom to set your pace. Titles include Sense of Soho and Kensington Gardens, offering insights into London’s diverse districts.

The tours come with audio guidance in English and French, which can be accessed through the activity provider’s app. This feature keeps the experience engaging and informative, even without a live guide.

Travelers appreciate the added depth these walks provide, often mentioning that they help uncover hidden details and local flavor that you might miss otherwise.

Practical Details: Tickets, App, and Accessibility

The tickets are valid for 1 to 3 days, depending on your choice, providing unlimited hop-on, hop-off access during this period. You can reboard buses as often as you like, giving you complete flexibility on your sightseeing schedule.

The app enhances the experience by offering real-time bus tracking, audio commentary, and self-guided tours, all accessible via Wi-Fi onboard. Headphones are encouraged, though not supplied, so bringing your own is recommended for the best experience.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

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How this Tour Performs in Real Life

Based on over 3500 reviews and a 4.1/5 rating, this tour consistently provides practical and enjoyable sightseeing. Many reviewers commend the helpful drivers, well-organized stops, and the ease of use. The frequent buses and good coverage mean travelers can maximize their time seeing London’s top sights.

While some reviews cite diversions due to protests or weather, staff are praised for their professional attitude and responsiveness. The informative audio guides and live commentary on some buses are highlighted for adding engagement and fun.

The cost of $46.20 per person is considered reasonable given the length of the ticket and multiple included experiences. Many travelers recommend this for first-time visitors or those short on time, emphasizing its convenience and flexibility.

Final Thoughts on the Tootbus London Tour

This hop-on hop-off experience with an included Thames cruise and walking tours offers a balanced mixture of land, water, and walking exploration. The well-placed stops and frequent buses make it easy to navigate London’s busy streets.

While it lacks a live guide, the audio guides and app provide plenty of information and self-paced discovery. It’s a cost-effective way to cover most of the major landmarks without the stress of planning multiple separate tickets.

This tour suits families, first-time visitors, or anyone looking for a flexible, practical overview of London. It’s especially valuable for those wanting a relaxed day with few logistics to worry about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour includes a child-friendly audio channel in English and French, keeping younger travelers entertained.

Can I hop off at any stop and reboard later?
Absolutely. The ticket is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, allowing unlimited hopping on and off during that period.

Does the tour include a guide?
No, there is no live guide onboard, but audio commentary and the app provide detailed information.

How often do the buses arrive?
Buses arrive approximately every 20-30 minutes, depending on the route and time of day.

What landmarks are covered on this tour?
Key landmarks include Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square.

Is the Thames cruise part of the ticket?
Yes, the river cruise from City Cruises is included and departs every 40 minutes.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring for the audio guides?
It is recommended to bring your own headphones for comfort and clarity, though the tour provides headphones if needed.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

What is the best way to get started with this tour?
You can start at the designated meeting point, which may vary, and then use the app for real-time updates and to plan your route.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservation can be made without immediate payment for added flexibility.

This Tootbus hop-on hop-off tour with a Thames cruise offers value, convenience, and flexibility for exploring London’s most famous sights with minimal hassle. It’s a smart choice for those who want a rundown backed by practical logistics and engaging features.

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