Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Traveling through London is a dream for many, but figuring out the best way to see all the iconic sights can be overwhelming. The Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour offers a flexible way to explore the city’s highlights from the comfort of an open-top double-decker bus. It’s a popular choice, especially among first-time visitors, thanks to its convenience and wide coverage. But does it deliver on its promises? We’ve taken a close look at what this tour includes, what travelers are saying, and whether it’s a good fit for your trip.

What we really like about this experience is the option to choose between 24- or 48-hour passes, giving you some flexibility depending on your schedule. Plus, the included Thames River cruise is a lovely bonus that adds a different perspective to the city’s skyline. On the flip side, some reviews mention long waits, crowded buses, and inconsistent commentary, which are important considerations if you’re after a seamless, premium experience. This tour tends to suit travelers who want a broad overview of London at a budget-friendly price.

If you’re planning a first-time visit, especially if you enjoy a relaxed pace with the option to hop off and explore, this could be just what you need. But if you’re after highly personalized guided tours or expect super frequent buses, it’s worth weighing those factors. Now, let’s unpack the details so you can decide if this is your ideal way to see the city.

Key Points

• Flexible ticket options: 24 or 48 hours, with the river cruise included in both.
• Wide route coverage: Stops at major sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Tower of London.
• Onboard commentary: Available in 7 languages, offering insights as you ride.
• Customer experiences vary: Some praise the views and value, others complain about bus frequency and signage.
• Additional features: Free Wi-Fi, live-guided walking tours, and an evening panoramic tour.
• Cost effectiveness: At around $59, it’s often seen as a reasonable way to get an overview, but some find the experience lacking in depth.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Big Bus hop-on hop-off experience is designed as a convenient way to get around London’s most famous landmarks without the hassle of navigating public transport or booking multiple tours. You’ll purchase a ticket that’s valid for either 24 or 48 hours. During that time, you can hop on and off at any of the designated stops along the route, which include everything from Hyde Park to Covent Garden, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London.

The buses are open-top, double-decker models, providing great unobstructed views of the city’s sights. As you ride, the onboard commentary offers a mix of historical facts, interesting anecdotes, and cultural insights, available in multiple languages. However, a few reviews mention that the prerecorded narration can sometimes feel shallow or repetitive, and that the commentary might not always clearly call out every stop.

One of the tour’s biggest perks is the included Thames River cruise, which you can hop off at Westminster Pier or Tower of London to enjoy. The cruise provides a different angle on the city’s architecture and highlights some landmarks you might miss from the bus. It’s especially appreciated on a clear day when the London skyline looks spectacular from the water.

Itinerary Breakdown: How the Route Works

The itinerary is quite comprehensive, covering many of London’s must-see attractions. Let’s look at some of the highlights with a bit more detail:

• Stop 1 & 2: Green Park and Underground – Starting near central parks and underground stations, these stops set a convenient tone for exploring London’s green spaces and transit hubs.
• Stops 3-6: Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Hyde Park Corner – These are lively areas full of shops, theaters, and historic sites. You’ll love the views here, especially if you enjoy city buzz.
• Stops 7-10: Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall – The core of London’s government and history, with iconic landmarks that are perfect photo ops.
• Stops 11-14: London Eye, Westminster, St. Paul’s Cathedral – These stops put you at the heart of Westminster and South Bank, with plenty to see and do within walking distance.
• Stops 15-16: Tower of London, London Bridge – Medieval history and stunning river views make these stops especially popular.
• Stops 17-19: Temple, Westminster Pier, and back to London Eye – Completing a circuit that hits many of the city’s top sights again and again.

The routes are designed to give flexibility, but some travelers have noted that buses don’t always arrive as frequently as hoped, impacting the overall experience. The app’s live tracking feature can help, but it’s not foolproof, as some reviews have pointed out.

Customer Experiences: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Many travelers praise the tour for its convenience and value. For example, one review states, “This is a great way to see the city of London especially for a first-time traveler. We enjoyed the ride and the commentary.” Others specifically mention how easy it was to plan their day, especially when combined with the Thames cruise and walking tours.

However, not all reviews are positive. Several travelers have experienced long waits, overcrowded buses, and confusion at stops. For example, one reviewer noted, “Buses are full, wait is longer than they say. This was nothing but wasted time and money. Do not waste your time here!” Another shared frustration about poor signage and inconsistent service, making it difficult to find stops or know when the next bus would arrive.

One particular issue highlighted is the audio commentary. While some enjoy the cultural tidbits, others found it “vapid and shallow,” or wished there was more engaging narration. Also, some buses did not always stop at all the sites listed, leading to disappointment.

The included river cruise is a highlight for many, with comments like “great way to see London from the water,” and “the views from the cruise are spectacular.” But timing is everything—reviewers mention that early morning cruises are less crowded and more enjoyable, whereas later trips can be packed.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At roughly $58.94 per person, this tour is priced to be accessible, especially considering the multiple attractions and the added river cruise. It’s generally seen as a cost-effective way to get a broad overview of London without paying for separate tickets or guided tours.

That said, some reviewers feel that the experience can be inconsistent, especially with buses running less frequently during busy times or if stops aren’t well-marked. If you’re someone who prefers detailed guided tours or smaller groups, this might not fully satisfy you. But if your priority is seeing a lot in a short time at a reasonable cost, it can be a good choice.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Download the app before your trip to track bus arrivals and plan your day accordingly.
• Get on the bus early to avoid crowds, especially around key sites like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
• Use the river cruise early in the day. It’s a peaceful way to see the city’s skyline and avoid large crowds.
• Show your QR code and printed voucher at each stop for smooth check-in.
• Combine with walking tours or other experiences for a more immersive visit.
• Be prepared for occasional delays or crowded buses, especially during peak hours.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This hop-on hop-off tour suits travelers who want a broad overview of London without the hassle of public transport or booking individual tickets. It’s particularly good for those on a budget or with limited time who prefer to see many sights in one go, then explore further on foot.

If you enjoy guided commentary, flexible schedules, and scenic water views, and don’t mind occasional crowds or waiting times, this experience could be a good fit. Conversely, if you’re after more in-depth guided tours or highly frequent service, you might want to consider other options or supplementary tours.

FAQ

Does the 24-hour ticket include the Thames River cruise?
No, the 1-day ticket does not include the river cruise. The 24- and 48-hour tickets do, which is a nice bonus to see London from the water.

Can I hop on and off at any stop?
Yes, with your ticket, you can hop on and off at any of the designated stops along the routes during your ticket’s validity.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but it’s worth checking with the provider directly if you have specific accessibility needs.

What languages are the commentary available in?
Recorded commentary is available in 7 languages, making it accessible for international visitors.

Is the Wi-Fi on board free?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on the buses, which is handy for sharing your photos or checking maps.

How do I find the stops?
Stops are located at prominent points around London, and you can confirm their locations via the app or signage at each stop. Some reviews mention signage could be better, so downloading the map beforehand helps.

What if I don’t want to take the river cruise?
If you’re not interested in the cruise, you can opt for the 1-day ticket, which is cheaper but doesn’t include the water trip.

Final Thoughts

The Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour offers a convenient and relatively affordable way to get an overview of London’s top sights. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors who want the flexibility to explore at their own pace, and for those who enjoy scenic water views via the included Thames cruise.

While there are some hiccups—like occasional crowding, delays, and commentary that isn’t always as engaging as you’d hope—the overall experience tends to be positive, especially when combined with other activities like walking tours or early river cruises. It’s a practical choice if you’re after a broad, reasonably priced introduction to London’s many treasures.

If you’re okay with some unpredictability and prefer a simple, no-fuss way to cover a lot of ground, this tour can serve as a great backbone for your London adventure. Just plan ahead, use the app, and try to get on early to enjoy the best of what it has to offer.

• First-time visitors wanting an overview of London
• Travelers on a budget looking for good value
• Those interested in combining water views with land-based sightseeing
• Anyone who doesn’t mind occasional crowds or waiting times

Not ideal for those seeking highly personalized tours or very frequent service, or travelers with specific mobility needs.

Ready to explore London from the top of a double-decker bus? We hope this detailed look helps you decide whether the Big Bus hop-on hop-off experience is perfect for your trip. Safe travels!