Vintage Double Decker Bus Tour & Thames River Cruise

If you’re considering a way to see London’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed, this Vintage Double Decker Bus Tour & Thames River Cruise might catch your eye. It promises a relaxed, scenic way to soak in the city’s most famous sights over about three and a half hours, combining the charm of a classic Routemaster bus with a short cruise along the Thames.

What we really like about this tour is how accessible and manageable it is—you get a solid overview of major attractions without the hassle of navigating on your own. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to see the Changing of the Guard in person add extra layers to this experience.

However, a few considerations are worth noting. The price of around $84 per person is fair but not exactly cheap, especially if you’re on a tight budget or want a more in-depth exploration. Also, because it’s a half-day tour, you won’t be able to explore each sight in detail, just get a taste. This tour is best suited for those who want a quick, fun introduction or a comfortable way to tick off some big sights with minimal fuss.

All in all, if you’re looking for a convenient, photo-friendly overview of London with some iconic moments thrown in, this tour could fit the bill. It’s especially good for first-timers or travelers who prefer guided excursions rather than figuring it all out alone.

Key Points

• Classic London Experience: Ride a vintage Routemaster double-decker bus for authentic sightseeing.
• Scenic Thames Cruise: Enjoy views of Shakespeare’s Globe, London Bridge, and more.
• Iconic Sights: See Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Changing of the Guard.
• Guided Tour: Benefit from insightful commentary from your live guide.
• Flexibility and Convenience: Short duration with a central meeting point makes it easy to fit into your day.
• Mixed Reviews: Most travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and great views, but some mention minor issues like visibility on the river cruise or the difficulty finding the meeting point.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting Point and Duration

This tour kicks off from Victoria Coach Station, a convenient central location just a short walk from Victoria Train Station. It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it a manageable addition to your sightseeing plans. You’ll want to check the specific start times for the morning or afternoon sessions, so be sure to arrive about 15 minutes early to check in.

The Double-Decker Vintage Bus Ride

The core of this experience is, of course, the classic Routemaster bus, which adds a nostalgic vibe to your sightseeing. As you glide through the streets of London, you’ll have fantastic vantage points from the open top (weather permitting).

Traveling on an open-top bus means you’re close to the sights, and you’ll love how this mode of transport offers a natural conversation starter. The guides on board tend to be lively and well-informed, sharing tidbits about the city’s landmarks and history.

Sights from the Bus

Your guide will point out major landmarks like Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. The route also includes St. Paul’s Cathedral, where the great Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece stands tall, and where historical figures like Nelson and Wellington are buried. The streets are packed with stories, and your guide’s commentary is generally well-received for its depth and humor.

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The Thames River Cruise

From the bus, you’ll hop onto a short cruise down the River Thames. This part is great for seeing the city from a different perspective—the river views of Shakespeare’s Globe, London Bridge, and Cleopatra’s Needle are quite photogenic.

A common point from reviews is that the boat’s windows aren’t always perfectly clean, which can make viewing a bit tricky, especially if the weather isn’t clear. Fiona, in her review, mentioned that “it would be nice if the windows on the river cruise were clean enough to see out,” which is a bit of a bumble, but still worth doing for the experience.

Westminster and Changing of the Guard

The highlight for many is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The tour often times the visit so you can watch this ceremony, renowned for the soldiers’ bright tunics and precise marches. The guides usually point out the best spots for photos and give some background info about the tradition, which adds to the enjoyment.

Additional Sights

The tour also includes a visit to Traitors Gate at the Tower of London, giving you a glance into its darker past as a fortress and prison. Although the tour doesn’t go inside, seeing the Tower’s outer walls and learning about its history from the guide adds context to your understanding of London’s past.

The Value of the Tour

Price and What You Get

At $83.51 per person, this tour isn’t exactly budget-friendly, but it offers a lot of highlights packed into a relatively short period. For many, the value lies in the convenience of transportation combined with guided commentary. It’s ideal for first-timers who want a broad overview without the hassle of planning multiple tickets or navigating London on their own.

What’s Included

• Double-decker Routemaster bus tour
• Thames River cruise
• Watching the Changing of the Guard

What You Should Know

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, primarily because of the nature of the transportation. It’s also an open-top bus, so prepare for possible rain—bringing an umbrella and wearing comfortable shoes is advised.

Real Traveler Feedback

Reviewers generally highlight the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm as a major plus. Cornelius raved about Steve’s “massive depth of history,” and Sonia mentioned that Clive was “a great and fun guide.” Several reviewers appreciated the visual aspects—the vintage bus makes for excellent photos, and the sights from the boat add a special touch.

On the flip side, a few travelers noted that the river cruise windows weren’t always clear, which can detract from the scenery. Also, some mentioned the difficulty finding the meeting point at Victoria Coach Station, so arriving early and paying attention to directions will make your experience smoother.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to first-time visitors who want a quick, fun, and scenic overview of London’s highlights. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy guided tours, vintage vibes, and photo opportunities. It might be less ideal if you’re seeking in-depth visits or private, flexible itineraries, as it’s a set route and schedule.

People who enjoy history, architecture, and iconic landmarks will particularly appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see the Changing of the Guard, a classic London experience. If you’re traveling with kids or family members tolerant to bus rides and outdoor weather, this could be a memorable and manageable way to explore the city.

Final Thoughts

This Vintage Double Decker Bus & Thames Cruise offers a fun, manageable way to see London’s most well-known sights with a friendly guide to help bring them to life. It’s particularly good if you’re after an iconic, photo-worthy experience that fits into a half-day schedule. While it doesn’t replace an in-depth tour, it’s a solid introduction for those new to the city or travelers craving a relaxed overview.

The combination of vintage charm, scenic routes, and guided commentary makes it stand out among other sightseeing options. However, be prepared for the weather and minor inconveniences like cleaning issues on the river cruise or finding the meeting point. For most, the value is in the ease and charm of the experience rather than a comprehensive deep dive.

If you’re okay with these considerations, you’ll likely find this tour to be a delightful way to kick off your London adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
It can be, especially if your family enjoys bus rides and sightseeing. The tour doesn’t specify restrictions for kids, and some reviews mention traveling with grandchildren. Just keep in mind the open-top bus and weather.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 3.5 hours, making it a good choice for a half-day outing without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, a short walk from Victoria Train Station, and returns to the same spot.

What’s included in the price?
You get the vintage Routemaster bus tour, a short Thames River cruise, and the chance to see the Changing of the Guard.

Is there a specific time I should book?
Check the schedule for morning or afternoon departures—booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy seasons.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Because it’s an open-top bus, an umbrella and rain jacket are wise preparations.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Is the river cruise always included?
Most reviews suggest yes, but some mention that the Thames part was canceled or not as clear as hoped. It’s best to confirm at booking.

Feel like this sounds like a fun way to see London? It’s a tour that balances classic charm with sightseeing practicality—great for those wanting a memorable, picture-worthy, and straightforward introduction to the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: