London Eye Ticket, Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise

Traveling through London means juggling a lot—iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless history. If you’re considering a combined experience that covers many of these highlights in one go, this package might catch your eye. It bundles a Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour, a Thames river cruise, and a London Eye ticket into one roughly 3.5-hour experience.

What we like about this package is its flexibility—you can hop on and off the buses at your own pace, and the river cruise offers a different perspective of the city. Plus, the London Eye gives a fantastic aerial view that’s hard to beat from the ground. However, some reviews point out that traffic congestion can slow the buses down significantly, which might impact your schedule, especially if you’re trying to fit everything into a single day.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a broad overview of London without the hassle of organizing individual tickets or transport. If you’re okay with potentially long waits and are mainly interested in seeing the major sights rather than off-the-beaten-path spots, this could be a solid choice. But if you’re after a more seamless or exclusive experience, it’s worth weighing those factors.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with a hop-on hop-off bus valid for 24 or 48 hours.
• Stunning views from the London Eye, capturing the city’s skyline.
• Unique perspective on London’s landmarks through a Thames river cruise.
• Cost-effective way to see multiple major attractions in one package.
• Potential delays due to London traffic can affect timing.
• Good for first-timers who want a quick but rundown.

Exploring the Itinerary

This tour covers a lot of ground, with 24+ stops in central London that take you past some of London’s most recognizable sights. The entire experience is designed to give you the chance to see the city at your own pace—whether you want to linger at certain spots or hop off quickly to explore.

The Bus Stops

Starting at Piccadilly Circus and traveling through areas like Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Trafalgar Square, the buses take you past key shopping districts, historic squares, and government buildings. Stops like Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall offer a glimpse into London’s political heart, while spots like Kensington Palace and Notting Hill introduce you to more relaxed, picturesque neighborhoods.

The Sights You’ll Pass

The double-decker buses glide beneath the famous London Bridges, and the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben are easily visible from the route. One of the highlights is the London Eye, which you can access via the provided tickets. You’ll receive instructions to pre-book your time slot, which is necessary for a smooth entry.

The Thames River Cruise

The cruise is offered by City Cruises and provides a different angle on London’s skyline. You’ll pass beneath iconic bridges and see landmarks like the Tower of London, London Bridge, and Lambeth Palace. The cruise includes audio commentary in English, enhancing your understanding of the sights you’re passing.

What to Expect During the Tour

The hop-on hop-off bus is a practical way to cover a lot of ground quickly. Most travelers find the buses convenient, especially when the weather is nice — open-air upper decks provide a prime view. However, reviews show that traffic congestion can slow things down; some people waited over 50 minutes for a bus, which is frustrating when you’re on a tight schedule.

Audio commentary is included in seven languages, which adds value and context to what you’re seeing. Just make sure to grab your headphones when you board—many reviews mention their usefulness in making the experience more informative.

The London Eye experience is a highlight, offering panoramic views of the city. You’ll need to pre-book your time slot via the link provided on your voucher. This is a popular attraction, so advance planning is a smart move.

The Thames cruise is a relaxing element of the tour. Most reviews praise the live commentary and the scenic views. However, some travelers had less enjoyable experiences—like being assigned crowded boats or standing on the upper deck for long stretches. Also, a few reviews mention delays or crowded ferries, so your experience can vary depending on the day.

The Realities of the Experience: Pros and Cons

The value for money is a strong point. For around $82.42, you’re getting a multi-sensory experience—city views from above, on the water, and from the ground. Many reviewers highlight that this combo offers good coverage for first-time visitors who want to hit the main sights without buying individual tickets.

However, the traffic delays are a common complaint. Multiple reviews mention waiting upwards of 45-50 minutes for buses, which eats into your sightseeing time. On busy days, the buses seem to get stuck in traffic, reducing the overall efficiency of the tour.

The London Eye tickets require pre-booking, which can be an extra step but is necessary to avoid disappointment. Some travelers noted that their QR code wasn’t initially accepted, leading to confusion—so be sure to activate your tickets early and follow the instructions carefully.

The river cruise is an enjoyable part of the experience, but there are some caveats. Limited space on boats and crowded conditions in some cases can make it less comfortable. Still, most reviews agree that the views and commentary make it worthwhile.

The staff and drivers have mixed reviews—many find them friendly and helpful, but some mention rude drivers and long wait times. Using features like the live tracking app can help you plan better and reduce waiting.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Book your London Eye time slot early to secure your preferred slot; the process is straightforward but essential.
• Activate your mobile voucher or QR code at any Big Bus stop before heading to attractions to avoid delays.
• Check traffic conditions in advance if possible, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
• Use the audio guide with headphones to enrich your experience, especially if you’re new to London.
• Be prepared for queues at busy stops—early mornings or late afternoons tend to be less crowded.
• Consider upgrading to the 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket if you have more days in London; it offers more flexibility.
• Expect some delays and plan accordingly—don’t schedule back-to-back activities without buffer time.

Is This Tour Right For You?

If you’re after a comprehensive, budget-friendly way to see London’s top sights, this package ticks many boxes. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a big-picture overview combined with a chance to get aerial and water views. The flexibility of hopping on and off allows you to customize your day, especially if you’re willing to tolerate some delays.

Keep in mind, this isn’t a luxury or seamless experience—traffic, crowding, and occasional logistical hiccups are part of the package. If you’re traveling during busy periods or have a tight schedule, be prepared for possible wait times. It’s also a good option for families or groups who want a multi-dimensional sightseeing day with minimal planning.

On the other hand, if your priority is speed, exclusivity, or avoiding crowds, you might want to explore other options. This experience suits those who are comfortable with a bit of unpredictability and want a cost-effective way to cover a lot of ground quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pre-book the London Eye tickets?
Yes, you must pre-book your time slot using the link provided on your voucher to ensure smooth entry.

What if I have a mobile voucher or QR code?
You’ll need to activate your voucher or QR code at any Big Bus stop before visiting the attractions to avoid delays or issues.

How long is the hop-on hop-off bus valid?
You can choose between 24 or 48 hours of validity, which means you can explore at your own pace within that timeframe.

Can I use the river cruise and London Eye on the same day?
Yes, but keep in mind that traffic could impact your timing. Many reviews mention that delays can cut short your cruise or sightseeing.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in this package.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly designed for children, the attractions like the London Eye and river cruise are suitable for most ages. Be aware of waiting times and crowds.

What’s the main drawback of this experience?
Traffic congestion can cause long waits for buses, which might limit how much you can see in a single day.

How do reviews generally rate this tour?
It’s a mixed bag—many travelers appreciate the views, value, and convenience, but some have experienced significant delays and crowding issues.

Final Thoughts

This combined London experience offers a practical and engaging way to see many of the city’s highlights in a relatively short time. It’s especially appealing if you’re new to London, want to maximize your sightseeing with minimal stress, and don’t mind the occasional wait. The stunning views from the London Eye, scenic Thames cruise, and convenient bus routes make it a package worth considering.

However, be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours, and remember that this is a busy, popular route that can get crowded and traffic-heavy. If you’re adaptable and eager to see London from multiple angles, this tour can be a rewarding way to spend part of your trip.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, budget-friendly city overview, and are okay with some unpredictability, this experience should suit you well. For those seeking a more exclusive or speedy visit, other options might better fit your needs.

Enjoy your London adventure!