Buckingham Palace Entrance and Open Top Bus Tour London

Exploring London with the Buckingham Palace Entrance and Open Top Bus Tour

Getting a well-rounded view of London can be tricky – the city’s vast, bustling, and packed with sights. This tour promises an efficient way to tick off some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, combining a guided bus tour, entry to Buckingham Palace, and even a river Thames boat ride. With a perfect 5-star rating from past travelers, it’s clearly a popular choice for visitors seeking both convenience and a taste of royal London.

What really stands out about this experience is the combination of transport and exclusive access—you’re not just sitting on a bus and staring at sights; you’re also exploring inside the Queen’s official residence. That’s a rare opportunity, especially considering the full itinerary packed into a single day.

One thing to keep in mind is the price point: at around $103 per person, it’s a bit of an investment, but many note that the included entry and extras like Wi-Fi and a river cruise add significant value. This tour seems ideally suited for first-time visitors or those wanting to maximize their time with a structured, informative, and enjoyable package.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines bus, Palace entry, and river cruise for great value.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides, like Robin, add personality and insight.
• Convenient logistics: Mobile tickets and frequent departures (every 20 min) make planning easy.
• Exclusive access: Inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, with treasures by Rubens and Rembrandt.
• Additional perks: Free Wi-Fi on buses, audio guides in 12 languages.
• Limited extras: No food or restroom aboard buses, so plan accordingly.

Analyzing the Full Experience

This tour offers a practical way to see London’s highlights in a single day, perfect for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing, history, and a touch of the regal without the hassle of independent planning. The 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket is a flexible feature that lets you explore at your own pace, with buses departing regularly from key points of interest. Plus, the free Wi-Fi ensures you stay connected—handy for sharing your trip or looking up quick facts.

The Buckingham Palace Stop: An Inside Look

The highlight for many is, of course, entry to Buckingham Palace. You get to walk through the State Rooms, which are beautifully furnished with French and English antiques. The guides often point out notable artwork, sculptures, and porcelain treasures, making this visit more than just a photo op. The 19 State Rooms house masterpieces by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt, offering a glimpse into royal opulence.

From reviews, it’s clear that the guide Robin enhanced the experience with his knowledge and humor, making the tour engaging. He was described as both informative and entertaining, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with royal history left with a newfound appreciation. The two-hour duration at Buckingham Palace is enough to enjoy the interiors without feeling rushed, and it’s worth noting that photography is not allowed inside, so be prepared to enjoy the art and furniture with your eyes only.

The Bus Tour: Moving Through London’s Landmarks

The open-top bus is a central part of the experience. Departing from the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, it provides panoramic views of London’s skyline. With every 20-minute departure, you won’t have to wait long for the next ride, which is particularly helpful if you want to hop off at other attractions or take a break.

The audio guides are available in 11 languages, making it accessible for international visitors. While the live guide service may vary day-to-day, the recorded commentary is generally informative, providing historical context and fun tidbits about each sight—like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, or the London Eye.

The Thames River Ride: A Different Perspective

The river Thames boat ride is included as a one-way journey, offering a scenic route that complements the land-based sightseeing. From the water, you’ll see London from a different angle, with views of landmarks like the Tower Bridge and the South Bank. It’s a quick ride, but it adds a relaxing, picturesque dimension to the day.

Additional Perks and Practicalities

Wi-Fi on the buses is a feature travelers appreciate, especially when sharing photos or looking up information on-the-go. The tour also provides a free walking tour, which acts as a helpful supplement if you want a more intimate exploration, or simply to stretch your legs.

While the price includes most essentials, note that food, drinks, and restroom facilities are not provided on the bus, so it’s wise to bring snacks or plan for meals outside the tour. The mobility access note indicates that travelers requiring special accommodations should contact Buckingham Palace directly, which is essential for those with specific needs.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers new to London will find this tour particularly valuable, as it offers a structured overview of the city’s top sights with insider access to Buckingham Palace. It’s also great for those short on time but eager to get a comprehensive taste of London’s royal and historic highlights.

If you’re a history buff, the inside visit to Buckingham Palace and the guided commentary will satisfy your curiosity. For families or groups wanting a hassle-free, enjoyable way to see London, the combination of transport, sightseeing, and exclusive access makes this a convenient choice.

However, if you prefer more flexibility, especially around meal times or bathroom access, you might consider supplementing this tour with other independent explorations.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers solid value for those wanting to combine sightseeing with a special inside look at Buckingham Palace. The guided experience and included extras, like the river cruise and Wi-Fi, make it an appealing package. The small group size (max 50) ensures a more intimate, less rushed experience.

For first-time visitors or those wanting a well-organized, memorable day in London, this experience hits many of the right notes. Past guests have praised the knowledgeable guides and the convenience of multiple attractions packed into one day, which is no small feat in a city with so much to see.

While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the comprehensive nature and exclusivity of Palace access justify the cost for many travelers. Just remember to plan your meals and bathroom breaks around the schedule, as amenities on the bus are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as long as you have moderate physical fitness. Buckingham Palace restricts pushchairs in the State Rooms, but baby carriers are available for loan. Be sure to check mobility requirements if needed.

Do I need to print my tickets?
No, the tour offers mobile tickets which are accepted on all hop-on hop-off services, making things easier to manage.

What languages are available for the audio guides?
Audio guides are available in 12 languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and Portuguese.

How long does the entire tour last?
The itinerary is around one day, with the Palace visit lasting about two hours. The bus tour, river cruise, and walking elements are all designed to fit within this timeframe comfortably.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are processed promptly, giving flexibility for travel plans.

Is food available on the tour?
No, there are no food or drink provisions on the buses, so bring snacks or plan to eat before or after the tour.

Final Thoughts

This combined Buckingham Palace and open-top bus tour is an excellent way to see some of London’s most iconic sites in a single, well-organized day. The inclusion of Palace entry, a scenic river cruise, Wi-Fi, and expert guides make it a smart choice for first-time visitors eager for a rundown without the hassle of figuring out transport and tickets independently.

Travelers who value convenience, expert narration, and inside access will find this experience particularly rewarding. It’s especially suitable for those who want a stress-free way to cover the city’s highlights, enjoy some royal history, and capture plenty of photos along the way.

If you’re after deep-dive or highly personalized experiences, this might not be your best fit. But for a balanced, engaging, and value-packed day in London, this tour delivers on many fronts.

Note: Always check current availability, as the live guide service and specific access details may vary. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred times and ensure a smooth trip.