London: Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to London, a city packed with iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, you’ll want an easy way to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed. The Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a flexible way to explore the city from both land and water, making it perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a broad overview. With options to purchase a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass, you can tailor your experience based on your schedule.

What really draws us to this tour are the stunning city views from the open-top bus and the included Thames River cruise—these give you a scenic way to take in London’s sights. Plus, the addition of four self-guided walking tours means you can get off the bus and explore at your own pace. One thing to consider is that, though the tour boasts many reviews praising its convenience, it relies heavily on the bus schedule and may face diversions during protests or busy periods.

This experience suits anyone eager to get a comprehensive, flexible overview of London’s top attractions without the hassle of planning every detail. Whether you’re traveling with limited time, want to avoid long walking routes, or just prefer seeing the city from a comfortable seat, this tour has a lot to offer.

Key Points

• Flexible Ticket Options: Valid for 1 to 3 days, letting you choose how long you want to explore.
• Multiple Routes & Stops: Access to 3 routes and 45 stops, covering major landmarks and neighborhoods.
• Scenic Thames Cruise: Included in your ticket, offering a relaxed way to see the city from the river.
• Audio Guides & App: Commentary available in 10 languages, including a child-friendly option.
• Self-Guided Walking Tours: Four themed walks to discover London’s character beyond the bus.
• Convenient Location: Stops near key points like Eurostar Station, making it easy to start your day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Getting Oriented: What is This Tour All About?

This tour is a great way to get a broad sense of London without the stress of navigating public transport or rushing to hit every site. You hop on and off at your leisure, making it ideal for those who want control over their sightseeing. The bus route covers the city’s most famous highlights like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and more. From the bus, you’ll enjoy panoramic views that are hard to beat, especially from the open-top decks.

The Thames cruise adds a relaxing water perspective, taking you from Westminster to Tower of London about every 40 minutes. This is a real highlight, as many reviews mentioned how enjoyable it was to see the city from the water, with engaging commentary from the captains. Plus, the included app and headphones (encouraged to bring your own) provide constant insights about points of interest.

How the Tour Works: Routes, Stops, and Timing

You can choose between a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour ticket, giving you enough flexibility regardless of your itinerary. During this period, you have unlimited hop-on hop-off access, so you can visit multiple sites, take breaks, or revisit favorite spots. The buses run approximately every 20-30 minutes, so waiting times are generally short, and you won’t be stuck waiting long for the next bus.

There are three main routes, each covering different parts of London. You might find the yellow route is the most frequented, perfect for quick city overview, while the blue route takes a wider, less frequent loop. Stops are well placed near major attractions, including Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament. Plus, your meeting point can vary depending on your booking, but there’s a stop right in front of Eurostar station, which is super convenient for travelers arriving by train.

What to Expect on the Bus

Boarding the open-top bus is a fun experience, especially if the weather cooperates. The views from the top deck are excellent, giving you a clear look at landmarks like Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace. The audio commentary is a big plus, providing interesting facts and historical tidbits in ten languages, including a child-friendly channel. Many reviews, like Hamid’s, highlight how practical and easy this approach is: “Highly recommended,” he says.

The buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected or look up additional info about sites as you go. The onboard staff is generally friendly and helpful, which travelers like Timea confirm: “Helpful drivers and very frequent timetable.” Even during busy periods or diversions caused by protests, drivers and staff seem committed to making the experience smooth.

Exploring on Foot with Guided Tours

One of the standout features here is the self-guided walking tours. These four routes take you through neighborhoods like Soho and Kensington Gardens, giving a more intimate feel of London beyond the landmarks. If you enjoy walking, these are a great way to discover hidden gems, local cafes, and quieter streets, all at your own pace.

The walking tours are included in your ticket and accessible via the app, which also features real-time bus tracking—helpful for planning your next move. Whether you want to explore the vibrant atmosphere of Soho or stroll through the lush greenery of Kensington Gardens, these walks add depth and variety to your sightseeing.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Thames River Cruise: A Relaxing Highlight

Most reviews praise the river cruise for its scenic value. Departing from Westminster Pier roughly every 40 minutes, this cruise provides a peaceful water-based perspective of London. The commentary onboard is engaging and informative, making it a favorite for many travelers. It’s a nice break from bus rides and offers a different view of landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.

The cruise is included in your ticket, making it an excellent value. Plus, since it’s an active part of the tour, it’s worth planning your day around these departures. The reviews show that many find the cruise to be a highlight, with one reviewer calling it “excellent” and another noting how it helped them relax after a busy sightseeing day.

Is It Worth the Price?

At around $46.20 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the multi-day validity and the inclusion of both land and water tours. You’re paying for convenience, the flexibility to hop on and off as you please, and the opportunity to see a wide swath of London in a short time. Many travelers, like those in reviews, feel the price matches the convenience and coverage, describing it as “a great way to see sections of the city which would take hours and hours to walk.”

However, it’s worth noting that the tour does not include food or drinks, so you’ll want to plan for meals separately. Also, the tour operates daily with last stops around 4-5 pm, which might limit late-afternoon exploration, especially if you’re on the shorter ticket.

Pros and Cons in a Nutshell

Pros:
– Flexibility with multi-day tickets
– Well-placed stops near major landmarks
– Scenic Thames cruise included
– Multiple routes to customize your experience
– Helpful audio guides in many languages
– Good reviews for organization and helpful staff

Cons:
– Potential diversions during protests or busy periods
– Limited operating hours in the late afternoon
– No guided tour guides onboard (self-guided with commentary)
– No included food or drinks

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is especially suited for travelers who want to see the main sights without the stress of navigating London’s public transport. It’s great if you prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery, especially with the water cruise included. It’s also ideal for those with limited time, as it packs many of London’s most famous attractions into one flexible package.

If you’re traveling with family or a group that appreciates a relaxed pace and the ability to customize stops, this could work well. But if you’re looking for a deep-dive guided experience or want to explore lesser-known neighborhoods, you might want to supplement this with additional tours or walking explorations.

Final Thoughts

The Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Cruise offers a practical, enjoyable way to get acquainted with London’s most iconic sights. It’s a no-fuss, flexible option that combines land and water exploration, making the busy city feel more manageable. Many users praise its ease of use, helpful staff, and the scenic value of the Thames cruise.

While it’s not a guided tour with detailed commentary from a live guide, the audio guides and app provide plenty of insight, and the ability to hop on and off as you please makes it a good option for varied itineraries. If you’re after a relaxed, broad overview of London, this tour is worth considering—especially if you want to maximize your sightseeing with minimal hassle.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for a single day?
Yes, you can do a full London experience in one day with the 24-hour ticket, but the 48- or 72-hour options offer more flexibility to explore at a slower pace.

Does the ticket include guided commentary?
It includes audio commentary in 10 languages, which is pre-recorded. Some buses may have live guides, but that’s not guaranteed.

Can I hop off at any stop?
Yes, your ticket allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off during the validity period. You can explore each stop as long as you like before catching the next bus.

Is the Thames cruise included in the ticket price?
Exactly, the cruise from City Cruises is part of the package, with departures approximately every 40 minutes.

Are there walking tours included?
Yes, four self-guided walking tours are included, accessible via the app, covering areas like Soho and Kensington Gardens.

Is this accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for travelers with mobility needs.

If you’re looking for a laid-back yet comprehensive way to see London, this hop-on hop-off tour with the river cruise could be just the thing. It balances convenience, scenic views, and flexibility—perfect for making the most of your London trip without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here: