London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see as much of the city as possible without the hassle of navigating public transport or booking multiple tours, the London Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour combined with a Thames River cruise could be worth considering. While it might not be perfect for everyone, it offers a straightforward way to get around and enjoy iconic sights from different perspectives.

What we like about this experience is the flexibility of having 1-, 2-, or even 3-day passes, allowing you to tailor your sightseeing to your pace. Plus, the stunning views from both land and water make it a memorable way to explore London’s most celebrated landmarks. On the flip side, some travelers note issues like long waits or inconsistent service, which are worth keeping in mind.

This tour setup is especially suited for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of London’s highlights without the need for complicated planning. It can also be a good option for those who enjoy scenic rides and prefer a relaxed way to see the city at their own pace.

Key Points

• Flexibility with passes: Choose between 1-, 2-, or 3-day options to match your schedule.
• Multiple routes: Use your pass on different circuits, covering many top attractions.
• Scenic views: Enjoy panoramic sights from double-deckers and the Thames River cruise.
• Real-time tracking: The app helps locate buses and stops, reducing waiting time.
• Not a perfect service: Some reviews mention long waits, busy buses, and occasional operational hiccups.
• Good value for money: The combination of land and water tours provides a rundown of London’s landmarks at a reasonable price.

How the Tour Works and What to Expect

This experience is designed to be hassle-free, giving you access to London’s major sights via a comfortable, double-decker bus. You purchase your pass—whether for one, two, or three days—and then you’re free to hop on any of the buses at the designated stops scattered across the city. You can choose to stay on the bus for the entire route or disembark to explore a particular area more closely.

One of the standout features is the multiple circuits offered, meaning you can switch routes as your interests change or as you move throughout the city. The buses have audio commentary suitable for both adults and children, which enhances the experience by providing context about the places you’re passing.

The real-time bus tracking via the app is a welcome addition, especially during peak times when buses can get crowded or delayed. However, reviews indicate that occasionally, buses can be infrequent or busy, so flexibility is key. The tour also includes an added Thames River cruise, providing a different perspective on London’s skyline and landmarks like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Westminster.

Analyzing the Route and Stops

The routes cover a broad range of the city’s most iconic locations. Here’s a look at some notable stops:

• Coventry Street: Near Piccadilly Circus, a bustling hub perfect for starting or ending your day.
• Trafalgar Square and Westminster: These stops put you right in the heart of London’s political and cultural center.
• London Eye and Southbank: Expect amazing river views and a lively atmosphere.
• Tower Hill and Tower of London: A must-see for history buffs and those interested in London’s medieval past.
• Buckingham Palace and Green Park: For a glimpse of the royal residence and a relaxing stroll in the park.

Some users mention that the stops are well-placed for sightseeing but that the names of stops don’t always match the actual locations, leading to some confusion. The app’s real-time feature helps mitigate this issue, but it’s good to be aware that stop names might not always perfectly align with what you see on your map.

The Buses and Service Quality

Most reviews describe the buses as comfortable and clean, with friendly staff. The open-top deck is great for sightseeing on a clear day, offering unobstructed views of the city. Inside, the buses are climate-controlled, which is a plus during the colder months.

However, frequency can vary. Some travelers report waiting over 30 minutes for a bus, especially during busy times or when buses are limited. Several reviews point out that buses are not always as frequent as other companies, which can result in longer wait times and missed opportunities to hop off and explore.

A key point is the audio commentary, which many find helpful and informative. That said, some guests have experienced issues like the commentary not syncing well with the bus’s location, reducing the educational value.

The Thames River Cruise: A Highlight

The river cruise adds a different layer to your sightseeing experience. It’s a relaxing way to see some of London’s most famous landmarks from the water. Reviews praise the live narration during the cruise, which brings the sights to life and makes it more engaging than just sitting quietly on a boat.

Travelers often remark that the cruise is a terrific complement to the land-based tour, offering a more leisurely way to appreciate Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and other riverside attractions. Since the cruise ticket is included in your hop-on hop-off pass, it provides good value, especially considering the overall cost.

Pricing and Value

At roughly $47 per person, this package is priced competitively, especially given that it combines both land and water experiences. The flexibility of multiple days allows you to spread out your sightseeing, avoiding rushed visits.

Some reviews indicate that the service can be inconsistent, pointing out long waits or bus shortages, which could impact your overall experience. However, the majority find that the convenience and scenic views justify the price, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed approach to sightseeing.

Keep in mind that the ticket is valid for the same period across all included activities, so plan your days accordingly. Also, food and restroom facilities are not included, so come prepared for a full day out.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of London without the complexity of multiple bookings. It’s also suited for travelers who enjoy scenic rides and the flexibility to hop on and off as they please.

Those on a budget might appreciate the bundled price, especially since it combines both bus and river experiences. However, if you’re someone who prefers a very structured, on-time service or needs very frequent buses, you might find some of the reviews’ critiques about waiting times and bus frequency a concern.

For families or groups who enjoy a relaxed pace with comfortable transport and engaging commentary, this could be a good fit. But if you’re seeking a more detailed or specialized tour, or want to avoid the potential disappointment of service delays, you might consider other options.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour includes bespoke children’s audio commentary, making it engaging for younger travelers. The open-top buses are also fun for kids who enjoy sightseeing from above.

How long does the full tour take?
The combined bus and river cruise experience lasts approximately 3 hours, but this can vary depending on how often you hop on and off and the wait times for buses.

Can I use my ticket on any day?
Your ticket is valid for the period you select (1, 2, or 3 days). You can redeem it on any date within that period, giving you flexibility to plan your sightseeing.

What stops are included in the route?
Stops are numerous, covering major sights like Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Covent Garden. The stops are well-placed, but some names may not exactly match the locations, so the app’s real-time tracking is helpful.

Are restroom facilities available on the buses?
No, restroom facilities are not available onboard. It’s best to plan for bathroom breaks during your sightseeing.

What about bus frequency and wait times?
Some reviews mention waiting over 30 minutes during busy periods, and buses may not run as frequently as some other providers. Planning ahead with the app can help, but flexibility is recommended.

Is food or drink included?
No, food and drinks are not included or available onboard, so bring snacks or plan to grab a bite during your day out.

Final Thoughts

The London Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Thames River Cruise offers a practical way to see the city’s highlights at your own pace. Its main strengths lie in its multi-day flexibility, scenic routes, and the chance to see London’s famous landmarks from both land and water.

While some travelers do report issues like long waits, busy buses, and occasional operational hiccups, the majority find it offers good value for the price, especially if you’re after a relaxed, overview experience. It’s particularly well-suited for first-time visitors, families, or anyone who values easy transportation combined with memorable views.

If you’re okay with some unpredictability and are prepared to plan your day around bus schedules, this tour could be a handy all-in-one ticket for your London adventure. Just remember to bring some patience for the busy times, and enjoy the beautiful sights from either deck or river—you’re in London after all, a city full of surprises around every corner.