Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye Option

If you’re considering a way to soak in London’s sights without feeling overwhelmed, a vintage bus tour combined with a Thames cruise might be just what you need. While this tour won’t give you every hidden corner of London, it hits many of the main attractions in a relaxed, accessible way. It’s particularly popular with first-timers or those wanting a rundown in a single experience.

What really draws us to this kind of tour are the open-top vintage buses—they make sightseeing feel nostalgic and fun—as well as the cruise on the Thames, which offers a different perspective of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The optional London Eye add-on is a bonus for those who want that extra panoramic view, making the experience more complete.

Of course, no tour is perfect. The biggest consideration is that it’s a three-and-a-half-hour ride, which can feel a little rushed if you’re wanting to explore each site in depth. Plus, being an open-top bus, it’s weather-dependent—be prepared for rain or shine. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a broad overview and don’t mind a busy schedule. It’s flexible enough for casual visitors and those happy to hop on and off for quick photos.

If this sounds like your kind of day—covering top sights with a mix of land and water views—then keep reading. We’ll go through exactly what to expect, the highlights, and some honest insights from other travelers to help you decide if this experience matches your London plans.

Key Points

• Open-top vintage buses offer a fun, nostalgic way to see London’s landmarks.
• Includes a Thames River cruise, providing a different perspective on the city’s iconic sights.
• You can add the London Eye for panoramic views, or combine with trips to Stonehenge.
• The tour covers major attractions like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and more.
• It’s suitable for first-time visitors and photography enthusiasts who want great photo ops.
• Be prepared for weather and some bus traffic, which can affect timing.

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour promises a well-rounded snapshot of London’s most famous sights in about three and a half hours. Starting at Victoria Coach Station, you’ll hop onto a vintage Routemaster bus, which has become an iconic symbol of London’s transport history. The open-top design means you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views as you wind through the city streets, making it perfect for snapping photos of landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.

The Land Journey: Vintage Bus Highlights

The vintage Routemaster is more than just a photo prop; it’s a fun way to experience London’s streets with a bit of nostalgia. The guide, often praised for their knowledge and storytelling, will point out major sights and share tidbits about the city’s history, architecture, and local legends. As one reviewer mentions, “our guide Steve provided great commentary on each site,” making the experience both informative and engaging.

Some people appreciated how comfortable the bus was, with many noting that the driver was adaptable, especially during busy traffic times. The guide’s narration was sometimes a bit hard to hear on the upper deck, especially if you’re seated at the back, but overall, the group size (max 40 travelers) helps keep it manageable.

Major Landmarks Covered on the Route

The tour doesn’t just glide past landmarks; it stops for photos and brief visits at several highlights. These include:

• Buckingham Palace: If you’re lucky, you might catch the Changing of the Guard (noted to happen only on certain mornings and days). Even if the ceremony isn’t happening, you’ll still get time to snap photos outside the Palace.
• Westminster Abbey: A quick photo stop outside, perfect for capturing its gothic grandeur.
• The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: The guide will point out these historic political centers, and the views from the bus are excellent for photos.
• Whitehall and Downing Street: Home to the Prime Minister’s residence, this stretch offers great photo opportunities.
• Trafalgar Square: Nelson’s Column and lively scenes make this a vibrant stop.
• The Tower of London and Tower Bridge: A photo stop at the historic fortress, with plenty of stories behind its centuries of history.

The Water Portion: Thames River Cruise

Leaving the land-based exploration, you’ll board a boat cruise along the Thames. The boat provides a fresh angle on London’s skyline, showcasing landmarks like the Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the London Eye. This 30-minute cruise, often praised for its guided commentary, offers a peaceful contrast to the bus ride, especially in good weather.

One reviewer loved the way the cruise showed London from the water, saying, “You’ll see Tower of London, Tower Bridge, The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Shakespeare’s Globe from the river,” giving a comprehensive sense of the city’s layout.

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard

The highlight for many visitors is watching the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace. The tour stops here for about 30 minutes, which is enough time to marvel at the precision and pageantry of the ceremony (though it’s only available on mornings and certain days). If the ceremony isn’t happening, the stop still offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Optional Add-Ons: London Eye and Stonehenge

For those wanting to go beyond just sightseeing, the tour offers two popular upgrades:

• London Eye: After visiting Buckingham Palace, you can be dropped off at the London Eye with your pre-booked ticket for a fast-track ride. The glass capsules offer 360-degree views, which many reviews consider worth the extra cost.
• Stonehenge: For an additional fee, you can extend your day with a trip to the ancient stone circle, complete with a self-guided audio tour. This option is perfect for those interested in prehistoric sites or who want to see more of England beyond London.

What the Reviews Tell Us

The overall sentiment is quite positive, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and the visual variety of the experience. One reviewer said, “Steve made the entire experience so enjoyable,” highlighting the importance of a good guide. The vintage bus itself, often described as “beautiful and fun,” adds charm to the whole trip.

Many travelers found the value for money to be excellent—seeing much of London’s key sights for just over $85. The boat cruise and optional London Eye are perceived as worthwhile extras. Several reviews mention that they saw more than they expected, making it a good choice for first-timers or those with limited time.

However, some negatives do appear. A few travelers experienced traffic delays or found the organization a bit disjointed, especially when waiting for the boat or missing certain highlights like the Changing of the Guard. One review called it a “disorganized mess,” citing long waits and poor visibility from the boat windows.

Weather can also be a gamble. Since the bus is open-top, rain or wind can impact comfort. On rare occasions, the bus might be replaced with a closed-top vehicle.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of London’s core sights without the hassle of navigating public transport or organizing multiple tours. It’s also great for photographers looking for scenic spots, thanks to the open-top design and water views.

If you enjoy storytelling and guided commentary and are okay with a somewhat busy schedule, you’ll likely find this tour very satisfying. The add-on options make it flexible for those wanting to customize their day, especially with the London Eye, which is highly recommended by past travelers.

It’s less ideal for those who prefer more in-depth exploration, time to visit interiors, or a more leisurely pace. Also, travelers wary of weather disruptions might want to consider indoor options or be prepared with rain gear.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this vintage bus tour combined with a Thames cruise offers a fun, efficient way to see a lot of London in just a few hours. It’s designed to give a broad overview—not an in-depth tour—making it perfect for travelers who want a taste of everything without feeling rushed.

The tour stands out for its quaint charm and the informative guides. The water segment adds a peaceful component and striking views, which many find especially memorable. The optional London Eye upgrade makes the experience more complete, providing a stunning 360-degree perspective of London’s skyline.

If you’re after a cost-effective, lively overview with some scenic breaks and don’t mind the weather, this tour offers a solid option. Just be ready for the crowds and traffic, and check the weather forecast to ensure a comfortable experience.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the cruise and sightseeing stops.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Victoria Coach Station and typically ends back nearby in Victoria, London.

Is the London Eye included?
Only if you select the upgrade at booking; otherwise, it’s an optional add-on.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Since the bus is open-top, bring an umbrella or raincoat if the weather looks uncertain.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically geared toward children, families who enjoy sightseeing and water views will find it enjoyable.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 40 travelers, helping keep the atmosphere lively but manageable.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included unless specified, so plan accordingly.

What are the main attractions I’ll see?
Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Globe Theatre, and more.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 39 days ahead, especially if they plan to include the London Eye or Stonehenge.

In short, if you’re looking for a captivating, photo-worthy, and well-organized overview of London, this tour is worth considering. It’s a good way to tick off many top sights with minimal fuss, especially when combined with scenic water views and optional extras.