London: Tootbus London by Night Bus Tour

If you’re considering an evening adventure in London, the Tootbus London by Night Bus Tour might just be worth your time. We haven’t personally been on it, but based on what’s offered and reviews from travelers, this experience promises a lively, scenic way to see some of London’s most iconic sights after dark.

What we really like about this tour is how it allows you to view the city’s famous landmarks in a whole new way—by night from an open-top bus. The fact that it’s a quick 90-minute ride makes it a flexible option to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule. Plus, the inclusion of audio guides for both adults and children means everyone can learn a little while enjoying the views.

But, there are some things to keep in mind. For example, since the tour is short and the bus is open-air, weather can be a factor—you’ll want to dress appropriately. Also, the review comments suggest that the experience might be affected by crowding on the boat if you choose to combine it with a river cruise.

This tour is ideal if you’re after a relaxed, overview-style look at London’s illuminated landmarks—perfect for first-timers or those wanting a quick, scenic snapshot without the fuss of a full day of sightseeing.

Key Points

• Short, 90-minute route makes it easy to fit into a busy itinerary
• Open-air bus offers great views and photo opportunities
• Audio guides for both adults and kids add educational value
• Wi-fi onboard keeps you connected while you enjoy the sights
• Passes many top landmarks like Tower Bridge, Westminster, London Eye, and more
• Weather can impact the experience, so dress accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Night Bus Tour

We think the main appeal of this tour is how it transforms familiar London sights into a spectacular nighttime display. As the sun sets, the city’s lights flicker on, giving the landmarks a different, sometimes more dramatic, character. The open-top aspect means you’ll be able to snap photos and take in the panoramic views without glass obstructing your shot.

You’ll hop on at 1 Coventry Street, a central location perfect for those staying in or near the West End. From there, the bus heads out on a loop through central London, passing by landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben.

The route includes several of London’s most recognizable sights, and from the upper deck, they look particularly striking illuminated at night. Expect to see the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Southbank, and more.

The tour lasts about an hour and a half, which feels just right—enough to soak in the atmosphere without it dragging on. At each stop, the audio guide kicks in, sharing interesting facts and stories that add context to what you’re seeing. The guides are available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

The Comfort and Practicalities

This tour is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The bus has Wi-fi onboard, so you can share your photos instantly or look up more info about London’s sights. If you prefer, you can bring your own headphones—many reviews mention this as a thoughtful way to avoid waste and get the best audio experience.

Children under 5 travel free and are encouraged to sit on their parent’s lap, which is great if you’re traveling with little ones. The tour is wheelchair accessible, so it’s considerate of travelers with mobility needs.

The price of around $33 per person is quite reasonable for a quick overview of London at night, especially considering the included features like audio guides, Wi-fi, and the open-air experience. Food and drinks aren’t included, but most travelers plan ahead for snacks before or after the tour.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting from Coventry Street, the tour begins with a gentle ascent into central London’s illuminated streets. The first stops are familiar sights—Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus—both of which look quite different after dark, with their neon lights and crowds. The guided commentary offers tidbits about the history and significance of these landmarks, making the experience more engaging.

As the bus loops around, you’ll pass by the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, where the night lighting enhances their majestic appearance. Many reviews note that some landmarks are only visible from certain angles; for example, Tower Bridge is beautiful at night, but you only pass by it rather than having a close-up view.

A highlight is the London Eye from above—the illuminated ferris wheel is a striking feature against the night sky. The tour also takes in St. Paul’s Cathedral, with its dome glowing softly, and the towering Shard, which looks especially dramatic when lit up.

The route continues along the Southbank, giving passengers a great perspective of the river and city skyline. The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and other historic sites round out the sightseeing. The tour concludes back at the original starting point.

What Past Travelers Say

The reviews provide a helpful snapshot of what to expect. One traveler raved, “Tower Bridge was amazing. We only passed Buck Palace from the side, not the front. St Paul’s also only from behind, too bad,” highlighting that some landmarks are seen only from certain angles.

Another noted, “It was fun. The recorded audioguide was not good, though,” suggesting that while the information is there, the quality of the narration might vary. Conversely, many appreciated the guides’ knowledge, describing the experience as “really good,” and enjoyed the views and the comfort of the bus.

Crowding on the boat, which some travelers also combine with the tour, can impact the overall experience. One review mentioned, “the boat took some time to come and was so full didn’t get the night experience I expected,” so if you’re relying on the river cruise as part of this experience, be prepared for the possibility of crowded conditions.

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Is It Worth It?

Given the price point and what’s included, this tour offers a decent value for a quick overview of London’s nightscape. The combination of open-air sightseeing, informative audio guides, and Wi-fi makes it a flexible, comfortable way to see the city without much hassle.

However, it’s not a comprehensive or immersive experience—think of it as a scenic overview rather than an in-depth exploration. If you’re after detailed history or close-up views, you might want to supplement this with other tours or visits.

It’s especially suited for first-time visitors who want a snapshot of London’s most famous sights in a short amount of time, or for those who want to enjoy the city’s lights without the stress of walking or navigating public transport at night.

Final Thoughts

The Tootbus London by Night Bus Tour combines convenience, comfort, and memorable views into a straightforward package. You’ll love the open-air vantage points and the flexibility offered through the app and audio guides. The scenery at night is truly something special, making it a relaxing way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.

That said, weather and crowding can affect the experience, so planning ahead is wise. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick, scenic overview and enjoy being outdoors without a long commitment.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a way to see London’s most iconic sights illuminated at night without too many complications, this tour offers a good balance of value and enjoyment.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Yes, children under 5 travel free and must sit on a parent’s lap. The audio guide is kid-friendly, making it accessible for families traveling with young children.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Since it’s an open-top bus, rain or cold weather can impact comfort. Check the forecast before booking and dress accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
It takes about 1.5 hours, which is perfect if you want a quick overview rather than a full-day commitment.

Can I join the tour at any time?
Availability varies, so it’s best to check current start times. The tour begins at 1 Coventry Street and ends back there.

Is Wi-fi available during the tour?
Yes, complimentary Wi-fi is available onboard, which is handy for sharing photos or browsing.

Are there audio guides available in languages other than English?
Yes, the audio commentary is offered in multiple languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.

What landmarks will I see?
Expect to see Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Southbank, and more.

What is the price for this tour?
It costs about $33 per person, which is reasonable for a scenic 90-minute sightseeing experience with multiple included features.

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

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic way to experience London’s illuminated landmarks, this tour hits many of the right notes—especially if you’re okay with the weather and crowd considerations. It’s a straightforward choice for those looking to take in a snapshot of the city’s nighttime charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: