City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour & Optional River Cruise

Thinking about exploring London in a way that’s both flexible and convenient? The City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour might be on your radar. It’s a popular option for travelers wanting to see the city without getting lost in the underground maze or worrying about transportation logistics. As someone who’s seen a lot of city tours, I’ll share what’s really worth knowing about this experience.

What we like about this tour? First, the flexibility to hop on and off at multiple famous landmarks makes it perfect for those who want a personalized sightseeing day. Second, the option to add a river cruise and walking tours really boosts the value, especially if you’re up for a multi-day adventure. The downside? The price can seem a bit steep for some, especially when considering potential hiccups like confusing stops or inconsistent information from staff. But overall, this tour best suits travelers who want a straightforward, guided way to familiarize themselves with London’s top sights without the hassle of planning every step.

If you’re after a relaxed yet comprehensive look at the city, this service could be a good fit. It’s especially friendly for first-time visitors, those wanting to avoid complex public transport, or anyone keen on a guided commentary that shares interesting tidbits along the way. Just keep in mind: like many city tours, it’s not perfect. You’ll want to balance what’s included with your own sightseeing goals.

Key Points

• Flexible Ticket Options: Choose from 1, 24-, 48-, or 72-hour passes, depending on how long you want to explore.
• Multiple Routes Cover Major Sights: The blue, red, and green routes take you past landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and more.
• Audio Commentary in 11 Languages: Learn about the sights as you go, adding depth to your sightseeing.
• Extras for Longer Passes: River cruise, walking tours, and even a Night Tour are included with multi-day tickets.
• Stops Near Key Attractions: From Harrods to Westminster, stops are conveniently placed for sightseeing.
• Customer Reviews Highlight Mixed Experiences: While many praise the helpful drivers and good views, some mention issues with stop locations and confusing information.

What Is the Experience Really Like?

The hop-on hop-off bus is designed to make London sightseeing straightforward. You purchase a ticket for a set period—anywhere from a single day to three days—and then you’re free to jump on or off at any of the stops along the routes. The buses are open-top, so you’ll get plenty of fresh air and good photo opportunities, especially on a clear day.

Routes and Stops

The tour operates on three different routes—blue, red, and green—each covering different parts of London. The red route, for instance, is key for seeing the city’s central landmarks. You’ll pass by iconic sights such as Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, with commentary in multiple languages to keep you engaged. The route also includes stops at places like the Tate Britain and the London Eye, making it easy to plan your visits around your own pace.

For example, some travelers quote: “The drivers were extremely helpful and friendly, the wait for the next bus was short, and the recorded guide informed us along the way.” This suggests a generally reliable service with helpful staff.

The green route focuses more on shopping and museums, with stops at Harrods and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Meanwhile, the blue route is more for specific sights and easy access to attractions like Marble Arch and Hyde Park.

The Stops and Their Value

Most stops are strategically placed near major sights. For example, Buckingham Palace is a key highlight, and although it’s closed during certain hours, many visitors enjoy just viewing the exterior and snapping photos. The London Eye stop is right behind the London Eye itself, offering great photo ops and quick access.

Some reviews mention the challenge of locating stops. One reviewer said, “Terrible directions!!!! We wasted 30 mins trying to find out where to catch the bus!!!!!” It’s worth noting that some stops might not be clearly marked, and the instructions aren’t always straightforward. Travelers suggest going to the official website or using online maps to find exact locations.

The Audio Guide and Commentary

The recorded commentary is another benefit, available in 11 languages. It provides historical facts, fun tidbits, and context about each landmark. While some reviews note that headphones sometimes don’t work perfectly, most found the commentary informative. It’s a nice touch for those who want to learn as they ride.

The River Cruise

The included river cruise is a big bonus for many. The 24-hour ticket offers a one-way cruise, which departs from Westminster Pier or Tower Pier approximately every 40 minutes. The cruise lasts about 35 minutes and provides a different perspective of London’s famous landmarks along the Thames, such as Tower Bridge and the Globe Theatre.

A review notes: “Great overview of the city (and a chance to rest your legs!)”. The cruise is relaxing and offers excellent photo opportunities. Longer tickets (48- or 72-hour) include a return trip to Greenwich, which is perfect if you want to explore beyond central London.

Additional Tours and Walking Options

Multi-day passes include walking tours like the Rock & Roll Tour, Royal Walking Tour, and even a Jack the Ripper Tour. These add depth to your experience, especially if you’re interested in history or pop culture. The Night Tour is another interesting feature, operating in the evening for those hoping to see London lit up at night.

Pricing and Value for Money

At $57.61 per person, prices are on the higher end, especially considering some reviews mention logistical frustrations. However, when you factor in the multi-day access, river cruise, and walking tours, it can be a worthwhile investment—especially for first-time visitors or those wanting a broad overview without stress.

Some travelers feel the value is fair if you plan to use the services extensively and enjoy guided commentary, but others think the experience could be better organized. For example, one reviewer pointed out difficulties with finding stops and inconsistent information, which can diminish the perceived value.

What Are the Downsides?

While the service has many strengths, it isn’t without its flaws. Common complaints include difficulty locating bus stops, some stops being temporarily closed, and occasional issues with headphones or staff communication. For instance, one guest shared, “I had trouble calling up the ticket for scanning, and the stops weren’t clearly marked.”

Another review highlighted frustration with conflicting staff directions and the challenge of navigating some routes, especially during busy times or street work. The stop at Marble Arch was mentioned as being “covered up,” making the photo opportunity less worthwhile.

It’s also worth considering that some reviewers felt the price was high given the organizational hiccups. If your primary goal is to see landmarks quickly and comfortably, this may be a good option. But if you’re seeking a perfectly smooth experience, be prepared for some possible confusion.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour works best for first-time visitors to London who want an easy-bacing overview and don’t mind the occasional logistical challenge. It’s ideal if you prefer guided commentary and a flexible schedule that allows spontaneous detours. If you’re traveling with a group or family and want the convenience of multiple stops without the hassle of public transport, this offers a practical solution.

It’s also a good pick if you’re interested in additional experiences like walking tours or river cruises, which are included with longer passes. However, if you’re a seasoned traveler or prefer a more curated, less crowded experience, you might find it a little too basic or disorganized.

Final Thoughts

The City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour is a solid choice for those wanting to gain a broad understanding of the city at their own pace. It’s a convenient way to see major sights without the hassle of navigating underground tunnels or booking multiple tickets. The audio commentary enhances the experience, making it more educational and engaging.

While some travelers point out frustrations with logistics and stop locations, many appreciate the helpfulness of staff, the views, and the overall value—especially when bundled with the river cruise and walking tours. If you’re looking for a relaxed, cost-effective way to get your bearings in London, this could be just right.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for first-timers, families, or anyone wanting an easy, guided approach to London’s most popular sights. Just keep in mind that a little patience and preparation can make your experience smoother.

FAQ

Do I need to print my voucher or can I show it on my phone?
Both mobile and printed vouchers are accepted, so you can easily show it on your phone. Just make sure it’s easily accessible when you reach the stops.

Can I start the tour at any stop?
Yes, you can board at any of the route stops with your voucher, giving you flexibility to jump on where it’s most convenient.

How long does each route take?
The full loop of the red route takes about 150 minutes. The blue route lasts around 60 minutes, and the green shuttle runs every 30 minutes, taking about 80 minutes.

Are the stops near major attractions?
Absolutely. Stops are strategically placed near landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the British Museum, Hyde Park, and Harrods.

Is the river cruise included in all tickets?
No, the cruise is part of the 24-hour ticket as a one-way trip. Longer passes (48/72 hours) include return trips and trips to Greenwich.

What are the operating hours?
Red Route buses start at 8:30am, with the last full tour at 6pm. The green route begins at 9:20am, last buses around 3:50pm. Night tours are available with 72-hour tickets.

Is this service family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as family-only, the open-top buses and easy hop-on hop-off format are generally suitable for families, especially those wanting to see the sights at a relaxed pace.

This tour offers a good balance of convenience and sightseeing, especially if you’re new to London or short on time. With some planning and patience, it can be a memorable way to start your adventure in the UK capital.