Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour & Tower of London

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see as much as possible without the hassle of navigating public transport or booking multiple tickets, this Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour & Tower of London combo might catch your eye. It promises a flexible way to explore the city’s top sights, with the added bonus of visiting the iconic Tower of London.

What we like about this experience is how it combines transportation and attraction access in one package. The multiple routes mean you can tailor your sightseeing to your interests, whether you’re after historic landmarks, parks, or shopping areas. Plus, the free river cruise offers a great perspective of London from the Thames, which is often overlooked.

However, a potential hiccup is the limited bus frequency reported by some travelers—buses don’t run as often as you’d hope, which could lead to longer wait times. Also, there was a mention that the entry process to the Tower of London could be confusing if you’re not prepared to download your tickets beforehand, so a bit of planning is necessary.

All in all, this tour appeals to visitors who want to combine sightseeing, historic exploration, and flexibility into one day—or two—of touring London. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a mix of guided commentary and independent exploration.

Key Points

• Flexible Duration: Choose 1, 2, or 48 hours depending on your schedule.
• Multiple Routes: Explore London’s main sights, parks, or museums with different bus routes.
• Includes Tower of London: Entry to the historic fortress and Crown Jewels is included.
• Additional Experiences: Free Thames river cruise and optional walking tours enhance the day.
• Audio Guides in 12 Languages: Useful for understanding the sights regardless of your language.
• Potential Delays: Limited bus frequency might mean longer waits between departures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour

When you book this Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour & Tower of London, you’re essentially getting a taste of London’s highlights with the freedom to explore at your own pace. The tour is operated by Golden Tours, part of Gray Line London, a name known for their organized city sightseeing experiences. The ticket prices are $90.25 per person, which might seem steep at first but can be quite reasonable considering what’s included.

The Routes and Their Focus

This experience offers three main routes, each designed to highlight different aspects of London:

• The Classic (Blue) Route: It covers the most iconic landmarks in central London. Expect to see St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. If you’re new to London, this route is like a quick overview of the city’s essentials.

• The Essential (Red) Route: This passes through Madame Tussauds, Kings Cross, and scenic parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. It’s a good choice if you want a mix of entertainment and leisure spots.

• The Museum (Orange) Route: Focused on London’s world-famous museums, it also takes you past the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Buckingham Palace. This is ideal for culture vultures wanting quick access to London’s artistic side.

You can hop on or off at multiple stops along these routes throughout your chosen duration—either 24 hours or 48 hours. The buses run every 5-10 minutes on the Blue and Red routes and every 30 minutes on the orange route, which, as some reviews point out, might not be frequent enough during busy times.

The Tower of London Experience

One of the main reasons to do this tour is the inclusion of tickets to the Tower of London. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its history, the Crown Jewels, and its fortress-like appearance. Visiting the Tower allows you to step into a place that has been pivotal for centuries, from imprisoning royalty to housing the Crown Jewels.

The Tower’s opening days are regular, but note that it’s closed on December 24th, 26th, and January 1st, so plan accordingly. Once inside, you can explore the grounds, learn about its history, and see the priceless Crown Jewels, which are a highlight for many visitors.

The River Thames Boat Ride

This tour includes a free one-way Thames river cruise available with the 24 and 48-hour tickets. Traveling from Westminster to Tower Millennium Pier (or vice versa), you’ll get a different view of London’s skyline. The live commentary from the captain or audio guides enrich this experience, giving insight into landmarks like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the South Bank.

The boat ride adds a relaxing element to your day and offers excellent photos of the city from the water. It’s a smart inclusion for those who want a multi-angle view of London’s architectural marvels without extra cost.

More Great Tours Nearby

Additional Free Walking Tours

If you’re into walking, the tour providers often include options such as the Jack the Ripper Walk or Royal London Walking Tour. These are scheduled at specific times, like the Jack the Ripper tour starting at 3:30 pm daily, offering a chance to explore London’s darker past or royal sites. These add-ons are especially appealing if you want a more in-depth look at specific themes.

What’s Not Included

Keep in mind that food and drinks are not part of the package unless specified, so you might want to budget extra for meals or snacks during your day. Also, since tickets can be canceled up to 7 days before, you have some flexibility if your plans change.

The Practicalities

The meeting point for the tour may vary depending on your ticket options but often starts at the Tower of London, near Tower Hill Station. Buses run at a frequency of every 20 minutes on the Blue and Red routes and every 30 minutes on the Orange route, which might not be ideal if you’re eager to maximize your sightseeing time. Some travelers have noted that the buses don’t run very often, leading to longer waits and potential frustration.

The audio guides in 12 languages are a plus, making this accessible for international visitors. The Tower of London entry is straightforward, but a tip from a review is to ensure you download your tickets prior to arriving, as some found confusion about the process.

Timing and Flexibility

You can choose between a 1-day, 24-hour or 48-hour ticket, making this suitable for both quick visits and more leisurely explorations. The longer tickets allow you to hop on and off multiple times without rushing, especially if you want to visit multiple districts or enjoy the river cruise at different points.

Our Take: Is It Worth It?

If you’re someone who values convenience, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. Being able to see London’s top sights, enjoy a river cruise, and enter the Tower of London all in one package is quite appealing. The audio guides make it informative, and the multiple routes mean you can customize the experience.

However, the bus frequency could be a downside if you’re impatient or traveling during peak hours, as some reviews mention longer waits and misinformation from drivers. Also, the cost may seem high if you’re just interested in one or two attractions, but for a comprehensive, flexible sightseeing day, it’s quite competitive.

This experience is best suited for first-timers who want a structured overview with the freedom to explore at their own pace, especially if they’re interested in iconic landmarks, history, and scenic water views. If you’re a more experienced visitor, or prefer to plan your own itinerary, this might feel a bit too guided or slow.

FAQs

Is the River Thames boat ride included in the ticket?
Yes, the free one-way river cruise is included with the 24 and 48-hour tickets, allowing you to travel from Westminster to Tower Pier or vice versa.

Can I choose the route I want to do?
You can hop on any of the three routes—the Blue, Red, or Orange—depending on your interests and the stops you want to visit.

What if I want to visit the Tower of London?
Your ticket includes admission to the Tower of London, but make sure to arrive early if you want to avoid long lines, and note that it’s closed on specific holidays.

How often do the buses run?
Buses depart every 5-10 minutes on the Blue and Red routes, but only every 30 minutes on the Orange route, which might be a consideration if you’re short on time.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed for children, families with older kids interested in history and iconic sights will find it suitable. Always check the specific attraction opening times and logistics beforehand.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, tickets can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some flexibility if plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour & Tower of London offers a practical, flexible way to see the city’s highlights without the stress of daily planning. It’s particularly valuable for travelers who want a mix of guided commentary, scenic water views, and hassle-free entry to a top attraction. For those who appreciate the option to hop on and off at their own pace, it’s a solid choice—just keep in mind the bus frequency and plan accordingly.

While it’s not perfect—delays and some confusing logistics—these are manageable with a little prep. If you’re after a comprehensive day exploring London’s landmarks with the convenience of packaged tickets, this tour is worth considering.

Enjoy your trip planning, and remember—sometimes the best moments come from simply wandering and taking it all in at your own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: