London: Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off (Optional River Cruise)

If you’re planning a trip to London and looking for an easy way to see the city’s highlights, the Tootbus hop-on hop-off tour might catch your eye. This popular sightseeing option offers a flexible way to explore the capital at your pace, complemented by optional river cruises that add a different perspective of the city. We’ve combed through hundreds of reviews and details to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What we love about this experience is how it combines the convenience of multiple routes with live tracking and a helpful app, making navigation straightforward—even for first-timers. Plus, the inclusion of child-friendly audio guides and themed walking tours makes it somewhat appealing for families or curious travelers who want a deeper dive without extra fuss. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that bus frequency can vary, and the service stops earlier than some other tours, which might limit your evening plans.

This tour setup is well-suited for those who want a flexible, guided overview of London without the hassle of figuring out public transport on their own. If you’re on a tight schedule but want to maximize sightseeing, it’s a solid pick. Just keep in mind that if you’re after a more immersive experience or in-depth storytelling, the audio commentary might not quite hit that mark for everyone.

Key Points

• Flexible hop-on, hop-off format lets you explore London at your own pace.
• Live bus tracking and a dedicated app make navigating stops simple and efficient.
• Includes a river cruise option that offers a unique view of the city from the Thames.
• Multiple routes and thematic walking tours deepen your understanding of London’s neighborhoods.
• Good value for money, especially if you opt for longer validity periods.
• Some reviews mention variable bus frequency and early service stops, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Essentials of the Tootbus London Tour

We’ll walk through what you can expect from this experience, highlighting both its strengths and potential hiccups. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a London veteran, knowing what’s on offer helps you decide if this tour fits your travel style.

The Route and Landmarks

The Tootbus open-top buses take you around London, offering breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. As you cruise past the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace, you’ll get a sense of how well the routes are designed to cover the city’s highlights efficiently.

One reviewer noted, “Great route to see everything you needed to,” emphasizing the convenience of the stops. The yellow route across the city offers a good overview, with 45 stops in total, so you can hop on and off at locations that catch your eye.

The Buses and App Experience

The buses are described as clean and comfortable, with onboard Wi-Fi making it easy to share your snaps or look up info while riding. The real-time bus tracking via the Tootbus app is a game-changer, especially during busy periods or if you’re pressed for time. The app also provides audio commentary in 10 languages, giving you insights into each landmark.

A common positive comment was about the helpful staff and easy instructions for selecting your preferred language. Plus, kids can enjoy a special audio channel in English and French, which keeps them entertained during the ride.

The River Cruise — A Nice Bonus

Adding the river cruise option elevates this experience. The cruise departs from Westminster or Tower Pier, takes about 40 minutes, and is operated by City Cruises. It’s a one-way sightseeing trip, so if you choose the full package, you can hop off at Westminster, cruise to Tower Pier, and then hop back on a bus on the Yellow Route.

Several reviews highlight how the cruise offers a different perspective, with some viewers mentioning the views from the Thames were a highlight. The cruise timetable runs from 10:00 AM to around 6:35 PM, making it accessible during the day.

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Duration and Flexibility

Depending on the ticket you purchase—24, 48, or 72 hours—you can explore London over multiple days. This is a major advantage since you’re not rushed, and it allows for spontaneous stops or revisits. Reviewers appreciated the extended validity, especially those who started their tour later in the day or wanted extra time to explore specific areas.

One traveler loved the 48-hour ticket, noting they started around 1 pm and finished three days later, feeling it was a good value. The ability to hop on and off as many times as you like during the ticket period is one of the tour’s key benefits.

The Walking Tours & Additional Features

For those eager to go beyond the bus, the tour includes 4 thematic walks covering areas like Kensington Gardens, Soho, the Royal family, and South Bank architecture. These self-guided walks provide more context and a chance to explore on foot.

The audio guides for children, in English and French, stand out as a thoughtful touch, especially for families or younger travelers who might get bored with just bus rides.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the ease of use, helpful staff, and coverage of major sights. As one user put it, “So easy! Guides were waiting to help you, and the route was perfect to see everything you needed to.” Others appreciated the value for money: “Buses come regularly and the map is clear—can’t beat the price for what you get.”

Some reviewers did mention bus delays or the service stopping earlier than they’d hoped—service hours and bus frequency can fluctuate, especially outside peak season. A few found the audio commentary somewhat dull, citing a lack of engaging stories or music updates, but most appreciated the informative content.

The cruise gets mixed reviews, with some saying it’s a great addition while others wished the timetable was more frequent. Keep in mind, if you’re eager for a more immersive experience, this cruise is a nice bonus rather than a full sightseeing tour in itself.

The Practicalities

The ticket prices start at around $36 per person, which, considering the all-day flexibility and the cruise option, offers good value. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and Wi-Fi onboard is an added convenience.

Start your journey at any stop—the flexibility is a big plus. The buses run daily, but check the specific hours for your dates, since service frequency ranges from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the season.

Important: Oversize luggage isn’t allowed on the buses, so plan accordingly if you’re carrying bigger bags. Also, if you’ve booked the cruise, note that the timetable departs from Tower and Westminster Piers at regular intervals starting from 10:00 AM.

Final Thoughts — Is This Tour for You?

If you’re someone who prefers a low-stress, guided overview of London, this tour hits the sweet spot. The flexibility to hop on and off, combined with live tracking and audio commentary, makes it a solid choice for first-timers or visitors with limited time. The added river cruise provides a refreshing change of scenery, especially if you’re keen to see the city from the water.

However, it might not be ideal for travelers craving deep storytelling or nighttime experiences, since the buses tend to stop early, and the commentary can sometimes feel a little generic. Families with small children will find the child-specific audio a helpful feature, but teens might find the content a bit dull if they’re looking for more engaging stories.

This is a reliable, good-value way to get oriented in London, especially if you want to cover the major sights without the hassle of navigating public transport alone. Just be mindful of the bus schedule and, if possible, plan your day around the cruise and late stops.

FAQ

Does the ticket include a river cruise?
Yes, if you choose the tour option with the cruise, it includes a Thames river cruise operated by City Cruises, departing from Westminster and Tower Piers.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 40 minutes and departs every 40 minutes during operating hours, from 10:00 AM until around 6:35 PM.

Can I start my tour at any stop?
Absolutely. The tickets are valid from the moment you first validate it, and you can hop on at any of the route’s stops.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs.

How many routes are there?
There are 3 different routes with a total of 45 stops, giving you a comprehensive view of London’s key neighborhoods.

What languages is the audio commentary available in?
The commentary is offered in 10 languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. There is also a special audio guide for children in English and French.

What’s the best way to use the app?
The Tootbus app provides real-time bus tracking, stop locations, and audio guides, making it easier to plan your day and avoid waiting around unnecessarily.

In essence, if you want a cost-effective, flexible, and mostly stress-free way to see London’s highlights, the Tootbus hop-on hop-off (with optional river cruise) is a solid choice. Its benefits outweigh its minor limitations, especially for travelers eager to get their bearings or enjoy a quick overview without much hassle.

You can check availability for your dates here: