Buckingham Palace Entrance and Open Top Bus Tour London

If you’re planning a trip to London and want a straightforward way to see some of the city’s most famous sights, this Buckingham Palace entrance combined with an open-top bus tour might catch your eye. It promises a blend of royal history, scenic views, and the ease of hop-on hop-off transportation — all in one day. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve reviewed the details and feedback to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What immediately stands out is the entry to Buckingham Palace, which is a rare treat for many visitors. Plus, the bus tour offers flexibility, with buses leaving every 20 minutes from key points around London. On top of that, the river Thames ride adds a peaceful perspective of the city from the water. Two things I really appreciate about this package are the included audio guides in multiple languages and the free Wi-Fi on buses, making it easier to stay connected or get quick info as you go.

One potential downside? The tour is quite full-service and may feel a bit rushed if you want a slow, immersive experience. Also, note that inside Buckingham Palace, photography isn’t permitted — so if you’re hoping for picture-perfect selfies inside the State Rooms, you’ll need to manage your expectations.

This experience seems best suited for travelers who want a convenient, curated glimpse of London — perfect if you’re short on time or prefer organized outings that cover multiple highlights in one go.

Key Points

• Includes entry to Buckingham Palace: a rare chance to see the State Rooms and treasures housed within.
• Hop-on hop-off bus: flexible, with buses every 20 minutes from main tourist points.
• Additional experiences: river Thames boat ride and free walking tour add extra layers to the day.
• Audio guides in 12 languages: helpful for understanding the sights without a guide in tow.
• Mobile ticketing: no need to print anything, making check-in simple.
• Price point: at $103.01 per person, it offers good value considering the combined attractions.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Buckingham Palace

The big star of this tour is, of course, Buckingham Palace. Known worldwide for its impressive facades and history, the Palace functions as both the private residence of the Royal Family and an administrative hub. The tour includes 2 hours inside, giving you plenty of time to explore the 19 State Rooms. These rooms are beautifully furnished with antique French and English furniture, and you’ll see masterpieces by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt, along with sculptures and porcelain from Sèvres.

While the admission is included, keep in mind that photography isn’t allowed inside, so you’ll have to settle for viewing and appreciating rather than snapping away. Also, pushchairs aren’t permitted inside for safety reasons, but baby carriers are available if you’re traveling with little ones.

The Open-Top Bus Ride

The bus ride is a highlight for many travelers, offering fantastic views of London from above. With free Wi-Fi onboard, you can share your photos or get additional info via the audio guide system, which is provided in 12 languages. The buses run every 20 minutes, so you won’t wait long to hop back on and continue exploring.

The buses are fully open-topped, perfect for picture-taking or just soaking in the scenery. Expect to see the city’s key sights while comfortably seated, with the option to hop off at various stops if a particular area catches your eye.

Thames River Boat Ride

The one-way boat ride on the River Thames** is a relaxing addition, offering a different perspective of London’s landmarks like Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. It’s a quick, scenic cruise that complements the land-based sightseeing.

Free Walking Tour

Some versions of this experience include a free walking tour, which is a great way to get a bit more context and personal interaction. It’s usually led by local guides who share interesting tidbits and local secrets, making the day even more enriching.

How the Experience Comes Together

This tour’s combination of transport, sight, and experiences makes it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of London. The max group size of 50 keeps things manageable, and the audio guides help fill in the blanks without the need for a personal guide. The mobile tickets mean no fuss at check-in, which is always a plus when you’re trying to maximize your sightseeing time.

The timing is structured, but flexible enough for you to jump off and explore on your own. The start point at Buckingham Palace is central, close to other attractions and public transportation, making it easy to fit into your London itinerary.

Price and Value

At just over $100 per person, this package offers a convenient bundle of attractions. Considering the entry to Buckingham Palace alone can be expensive during peak seasons, the overall package provides good value, especially with the added extras like the river cruise and the hop-on hop-off service. However, if you prefer a more in-depth or personalized experience, you might find this a bit on the surface.

What Past Travelers Say

The sole review hints at a positive experience, praising Robin, the guide, for his knowledge and humor. This is promising—guides can make or break a tour, and having someone engaging and informative enhances the whole day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who appreciates organized sightseeing with multiple highlights bundled into one day, this is a good pick. It’s especially suitable for first-timers who want to tick off major sights without the hassle of figuring out transport or entrance logistics. Families who don’t mind a scheduled, group experience might also find this manageable, though pushchair restrictions inside Buckingham Palace are something to note if you have little kids.

Travelers with limited time, or those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, comfort, and guided insights, will find this tour hits the right notes. But if you’re after a deep dive into London’s history or a super personalized experience, you might prefer independent exploration or smaller, specialized tours.

Final Thoughts

This Buckingham Palace and open-top bus tour offers a solid way to see some of London’s top sights with minimal fuss. The entry to Buckingham Palace is a standout feature, giving you a glimpse into the royal life that many visitors cherish. The bus ride and Thames boat add scenic variety, making the whole experience feel well-rounded.

While the structured itinerary and group size keep things straightforward, they might also make it feel a little rushed if you prefer taking your time. The value for money is reasonable, especially considering the inclusion of multiple attractions, but if you’re a history buff or prefer to explore at your own pace, you might want to consider doing certain parts independently.

All in all, this tour is a practical option for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience that covers major landmarks efficiently. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors or anyone looking to get a taste of London’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

FAQ

Is a mobile ticket accepted?
Yes, all tickets are digital, so you can simply show your e-ticket on your phone—no need to print anything.

How often do buses depart?
Buses leave every 20 minutes from the main tourist points, so you won’t have to wait long between rides.

Does the tour include entrance to additional attractions?
No, the tour covers Buckingham Palace, a Thames River cruise, and the bus ride. Entrance to other attractions isn’t included.

Are audio guides available?
Yes, audio guides in 12 different languages are included, helping you understand what you’re seeing without a guide.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 50 travelers, keeping the experience manageable.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience.

Are there restroom facilities on the bus?
No, there are no restrooms on board, so plan accordingly.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility needs?
Clients needing mobility assistance should book directly with Buckingham Palace, as specific arrangements may be required.

This tour packs a lot into one day, ideal for travelers who want the highlights without the fuss. It’s not a deep-dive into history, but if you’re after a well-organized overview of London’s most iconic sights, it’s worth considering.