London: London Eye, River Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

If you’re planning a visit to London and want a way to see the city’s main sights without feeling overwhelmed, this combo ticket for the London Eye, River Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s designed to give you a broad perspective of the city, combining three iconic experiences in one package.

What we really appreciate about this experience are the flexibility of the hop-on-hop-off bus, allowing you to explore at your own pace, and the stunning panoramic views from the London Eye that provide a real sense of the city’s scale and architecture. Plus, the scenic cruise along the Thames adds a relaxing dimension, letting you absorb London’s riverside landmarks from a different angle.

That said, one thing to consider is that traffic can slow down the bus, which might lengthen your travel time—and some reviews mention the buses can be slow, especially during busy hours. So, if you’re tight on time or prefer quicker transportation, this might be a bit frustrating at peak times.

This tour suits travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing with minimal planning, especially if you’re short on days in London. It’s also great for those who love a combination of outdoor experiences, scenic views, and being able to hop on and off as they please.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Unlimited hop-on, hop-off access over 1 or 2 days makes it easy to customize your sightseeing.
• Best views: The London Eye offers 360-degree vistas of London’s skyline—perfect for photos and seeing top landmarks.
• Relaxing cruise: The Thames boat trip provides a calm, scenic way to see the city’s riverside highlights.
• Comprehensive route: The bus routes pass by major sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and more.
• Good value: With the combination of activities, the price of around $83.51 per person feels fair, especially considering the flexibility.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, with ramps on buses and infants under 2 riding free.
• Extras included: Digital audio guides, souvenir headphones, free Wi-Fi, and a helpful app enhance the experience.
• Booking tips: It’s recommended to reserve your London Eye timeslot in advance to avoid missing out due to limited slots.
• Potential delays: Be aware that traffic can impact bus timings, so patience is advised during busy periods.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary & What You Can Expect

Starting Point & How It Works

You can hop on this tour at any Big Bus stop, with popular starting points at the London Eye, Marble Arch, Victoria Station, or Trafalgar Square. The flexibility of starting where it’s easiest for you means you can tailor your day around your plans.

Once on board, you’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi and digital audio commentary in multiple languages, which makes the journey not just practical but also more engaging. The buses are open-top double-deckers, giving you fantastic views during the ride.

The Routes & Major Stops

The bus routes are designed to take you past London’s essential sights, including Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge. Each stop is strategic, so you can get off to explore a bit more or stay on to get a broader overview.

Some reviews mention that the buses are frequent, arriving every 10 minutes or so, which helps reduce waiting time. However, during heavy traffic, expect some delays. One reviewer pointed out that the bus journey can take longer than expected due to traffic, but the commentary kept the wait informative and sometimes entertaining.

The London Eye Experience

When you reach Westminster Bridge, you’ll want to hop off and enjoy the London Eye Ferris Wheel. The ticket includes a fast-track option, so you won’t waste precious sightseeing time in long lines. From the top, you get a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, including sights like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the River Thames.

Many visitors find this part of the tour to be one of the highlights, with one reviewer describing it as “definitely worth a visit” and noting that staff were friendly and efficient. The views are particularly stunning early in the day, making it a great start if you’re keen on iconic photos.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Thames River Cruise

The boat cruise runs between the Tower of London and Westminster Pier, giving you a different perspective of London’s riverside landmarks. It’s a relaxing way to see the city and enjoy some downtime between busy sightseeing sessions.

While the cruise is included in your ticket, be aware that weather can influence your experience—many reviews mention that rain can sometimes mean skipping the cruise, but the overall experience remains positive when conditions are clear. The cruise commentary is engaging, and some reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable guides, like Bill, who added a lot to the trip.

The 2-Day Option & Guided Walks

If you opt for the 48-hour ticket, you’ll also have access to three guided walking tours, which can help you get a more in-depth understanding of specific areas. Although the reviews don’t specify their content, it’s a nice bonus for travelers wanting to stretch their legs and learn more about London’s history and neighborhoods.

How Does It All Add Up in Terms of Value?

At around $83.51 per person, this package offers a lot of bang for your buck. When you consider you’re getting unlimited bus travel for a full day or two, a ride on the London Eye, and a scenic boat cruise, it’s a convenient way to tick multiple boxes without paying separately for each experience.

Several reviewers pointed out that this tour is great value, especially given the flexibility—“the 48 hours on the hop-on hop-off bus almost paid for everything,” one said. It’s particularly useful if your time in London is limited but you want to see as much as possible.

The inclusion of helpful features like digital audio commentary, free Wi-Fi, and the Big Bus app adds a layer of convenience, helping you navigate the city smoothly. Plus, the ability to book your tickets in advance and reserve specific times for the London Eye ensures you won’t miss out on key experiences.

Considerations & Downsides

The main drawback, as some reviews highlight, is the traffic congestion that can slow down buses significantly. While this is out of the tour provider’s control, it might affect the timing of your sightseeing. If you’re in a rush or prefer quick transit, you may find this frustrating.

Another minor point is that some travelers found the bus seats a bit tight, especially taller visitors—so if you’re very tall, be prepared for limited legroom. Also, the pre-recorded commentary, while informative, can sometimes feel a bit repetitive or annoying, according to reviews.

Lastly, this tour doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to make your way to the starting point independently. Planning ahead for transportation to and from the meeting point will smooth your experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a rundown of London without the hassle of planning multiple separate tickets. It’s perfect if you prefer a flexible schedule—you can hop on and off as you wish and see many of the key sights easily.

It’s also a good choice for travelers with limited time, aiming to pack a lot into a short visit. The combination of scenic views, informative commentary, and the relaxed pace of the river cruise appeals to those who enjoy outdoor activities and picturesque settings.

However, if you’re someone who values speed or has very tight schedules, you might find the traffic delays and slower buses less suitable. Likewise, if you’re tall or need more space, the bus seating might be a bit cramped.

FAQ

Do I need to book my London Eye time slot in advance? Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your preferred time slot after booking to ensure availability.

Can I hop on and off the bus as many times as I like? Absolutely, the ticket grants unlimited hop-on hop-off access within the valid time period, whether 1 or 2 days.

Is the Thames River cruise included? Yes, the scenic cruise from Tower of London to Westminster Pier is part of the package.

Are there guided tours included? With the 2-day ticket, you can choose from 3 guided walking tours, which are a nice addition if you want more context about the areas you’re visiting.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, all buses are equipped with ramps for wheelchair users.

Are infants free on this tour? Yes, infants under 2 can join the tour at no extra charge.

What’s the best way to start the tour? You can begin at any Big Bus stop, but Stop 11 (London Eye) is a popular and convenient starting point.

How long does each activity usually take? The bus routes are designed to be flexible, but expect the full loop to take some time, especially with traffic. The London Eye ride lasts about 30 minutes, and the river cruise typically runs between the Tower of London and Westminster Pier.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This combo tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to tick off London’s top sights without the stress of navigating public transport alone. It’s especially suited to those who want a balance of sightseeing and relaxation, with the added bonus of great views and helpful commentary. While it’s not perfect—traffic delays and tight bus seats are worth considering—it remains a solid choice for a quick, comprehensive city experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: