London by Night – Tootbus Sightseeing Tour

If you’re considering a London by Night tour on a double-decker bus, you’re probably after a quick, scenic glance at the city’s most famous sights after sunset. The Tootbus London Night Tour offers just that—an hour and a half of gliding through the illuminated streets with commentary guiding you along the way. While it might seem like a charming way to see London, it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking.

What immediately caught our eye are two features that seem appealing: the high vantage point from the top deck, offering a different perspective on London’s glowing landmarks, and the availability of an app with audio guides, including a kids’ channel, which can make the experience more engaging. However, some reviews highlight that the tour can fall short in delivering what it promises, especially around consistency and timing. If you’re after a comprehensive, in-depth exploration, this might not be your best bet, but if a short, scenic overview suits your schedule, it could work.

This tour is probably best for visitors who want a quick snapshot of London at dusk without committing to a full day of sightseeing. It’s also useful if you prefer a relaxed, less crowded way to view the city from above, but keep in mind that some travelers found the experience underwhelming or a bit rushed. It’s not ideal if you’re expecting detailed historical commentary or a peek at less-famous sights, but it does serve as a simple introduction.

Key Points

• Convenient mobile ticketing makes booking straightforward
• Great views from the top deck, especially at sunset and after dark
• Audio commentary includes a kids’ channel for family-friendly fun
• Limited stops and brief duration might leave some wanting more
• Customer reviews indicate mixed experiences, with some feeling it’s a waste of time
• Price point is moderate, but value depends on your expectations and what you’re hoping for

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

Taking a London by Night tour on a double-decker bus sounds appealing—seeing iconic landmarks lit up against the evening sky from the comfort of a bus can be quite magical. We loved the view from the top deck, which provides a sense of proximity to the city’s glowing sights, and the easy-to-use app enhances the experience with helpful tools like real-time bus tracking and audio commentary.

That said, the length of the tour, just around 90 minutes, feels a bit tight for the price, especially considering some reviews mention that the actual tour lasts only an hour. It’s worth noting that the commentary can sometimes be inconsistent, with some passengers feeling it played mostly music or was vague about what they were seeing. One reviewer even mentioned that the audio didn’t match the stops, which reduces the value if you’re hoping to learn about London’s landmarks.

The itinerary starts at Coventry Street, right in the heart of London’s lively West End. While the tour covers top sights like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral, not everyone was satisfied with the stops or explanations. One reviewer was disappointed to find that Buckingham Palace was supposedly part of the route but was not visible at all, leading to frustration. Others pointed out the difficulty in seeing some landmarks properly because of the short viewing time and the busy traffic.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $33.53 per person, you get access to the bus with a mobile ticket, free Wi-Fi onboard, and the audio commentary. The app also offers self-guided walking tours, which could be useful if you want to extend your experience beyond the bus ride. Kids are catered to with a dedicated audio channel, making it a decent option for families wanting an easy overview without much fuss.

However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or restrooms onboard, so plan accordingly. Also, if restroom facilities are a priority, you might find this a bit inconvenient. Some reviews warned about the difficulty in finding stops, with one person mentioning they couldn’t locate the bus at London Eye as expected, which can be frustrating when timing is tight.

Timing and Group Size

The timing is straightforward—most travelers can participate, and the tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes, but again, some felt it was shorter. The group size isn’t explicitly specified but, given the nature of sightseeing buses, expect a moderate to large group, especially in peak tourist season. The service animals are allowed, so travelers with well-behaved pets won’t be excluded.

Is It Worth the Price?

The value of this tour really depends on what you’re after. If your goal is to get a quick, scenic overview of London’s illuminated landmarks and you’re okay with a somewhat superficial commentary, it is reasonably priced. But if you’re expecting a deep dive into London’s history or more interactive stops, this is probably not it. Several reviews suggest that the audio commentary can be lackluster or inconsistent, which diminishes the educational value.

The Review Highlights

One positive review called it a “lovely tour” with a great guide that provided an easy way to “get a quick overview” of London’s sights. Conversely, many others expressed disappointment—“waste of time”, “no Buckingham Palace”, or “no explanation for most of the historic sites”. Some travelers felt that the short duration and quick stops prevented good photos or meaningful viewing.

Practical Tips for Your Ride

• Arrive early at the designated stop to avoid missing the bus, as some reviews report confusion about locations.
• Download the Tootbus app beforehand for real-time updates and commentary.
• Prepare for a brief experience—don’t expect long stops or in-depth explanations.
• Bring snacks and water, especially since food and drinks aren’t included and restroom facilities are absent on the bus.
• If you’re traveling with children, take advantage of the kids’ audio channel for added engagement.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour is suited for visitors who want a simple, quick overview of London’s most famous landmarks lit up at night. It’s ideal if you’re short on time or want a relaxed way to see the city from above without the crowds. It might appeal to families looking for a child-friendly activity or travelers who enjoy bus sightseeing but aren’t overly concerned with detailed commentary.

However, if you’re craving a more immersive experience or want to see lesser-known sites, you’ll probably find this tour a bit underwhelming. The mixed reviews highlight that it can be a hit or miss, so pacing your expectations accordingly is wise.

Final Thoughts

London by Night on the Tootbus provides a visually appealing way to see some of the most recognizable sights in the city after dark. The top deck vantage point and audio guides are definite pluses, especially for those who appreciate scenic views from a comfortable seat. But the short duration, inconsistent commentary, and difficulty in locating stops are drawbacks that can leave some visitors feeling disappointed.

This experience is best for travelers who want a brief, scenic overview without fuss, and who are okay with a tour that may feel a little rushed or superficial. If you’re looking for a more detailed exploration of London, consider other options, but if a relaxed, visual introduction suits your style, this could be a decent choice.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour offers a kids’ audio channel, making it more engaging for children. However, keep in mind the overall brief duration and limited stops.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, but some reviews suggest it may be shorter, around an hour.

Can I use my mobile ticket for this tour?
Absolutely. The booking provides a mobile ticket, making check-in quick and easy.

Does the tour visit Buckingham Palace?
The tour route is supposed to include Buckingham Palace, but at least one reviewer noted they did not see the palace at all.

Are restroom facilities available on board?
No, the bus does not have restrooms, so plan accordingly before the tour.

Is the tour guided by a live person?
No, it’s a self-guided experience via audio commentary, which is played during the ride.

Can I join the tour last minute?
Most travelers book about 38 days in advance, but last-minute availability might vary. Confirm with the provider.

What if I can’t find the bus stop?
Stops are near public transportation and are supposed to be in key locations like Coventry Street. If you have trouble, contact customer service at [email protected].

What’s the cost of this tour?
It’s about $33.53 per person, which is reasonable for a sightseeing bus but may feel steep if expectations aren’t aligned with the experience.

Traveling in London? This tour offers a snapshot of the city’s illuminated charm, but weigh it against what you’re hoping to get out of the experience. It can be a charming, low-effort way to see some sights, but don’t expect a comprehensive or in-depth exploration—think of it more as a scenic overview than a deep dive.