London: Tootbus London by Night Bus Tour

Exploring London after dark is a whole different experience—and this 90-minute open-top bus tour offers a fantastic way to see the city’s most famous sights lit up against the night sky. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of an engaging, comfortable, and budget-friendly way to rediscover London when it glows brightest.

One thing we love about this experience is the chance to see landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge bathed in lights—perfect for photos and just soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Plus, the inclusion of audio guides for both adults and kids makes it appealing for families or anyone who enjoys learning while sightseeing. A possible drawback? The 1.5-hour duration means you’ll pass by many sights quickly, so you might not get the chance to linger at each location. Still, for a quick, scenic overview of London at night, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, no-fuss way to see the city’s highlights after dark, especially if they want a memorable photo opportunity or are visiting London for the first time.

Key Points

• Stunning night views of London’s most iconic landmarks
• Open-air design offers fresh air and panoramic scenery
• Audio guides enhance understanding with kid-friendly and multilingual options
• Wi-Fi on board keeps you connected
• Compact 1.5-hour tour provides a quick but rundown
• Accessible for wheelchair users and children under 5 travel free

The Experience: What You’ll See and Do

Starting Point and Comfort

The tour kicks off at 1 Coventry Street, a central location close to many attractions and easily accessible. The bus itself is open-top, which really allows for unobstructed views of London’s skyline, especially captivating at sunset and into the evening. The open-air design is a highlight, giving you the sensation of floating above the city, with the cool evening breeze adding to the experience.

The Route and Highlights

Over the course of approximately 90 minutes, the bus travels through central London, passing by many top sights in quick succession.

• Trafalgar Square: The bus approaches from the north, giving you a great perspective on Nelson’s Column and the fountains, which look spectacular under the night lighting.
• Piccadilly Circus: Known for its bright neon lights and iconic billboards, this spot looks lively and vibrant after dark.
• Houses of Parliament & Big Ben: The charm of these landmarks is heightened by the gentle glow of the lights, and many reviews mention how impressive Big Ben looks at night. One reviewer noted, “Tower Bridge was amazing,” highlighting how these illuminated structures can truly take your breath away.
• London Eye: From the bus, you’ll get sweeping views of the large Ferris wheel lit up, a perfect backdrop for those Instagram shots.
• St Paul’s Cathedral & The Shard: Both monuments are beautifully lit, offering striking photo opportunities.
• Tower Bridge & Tower of London: These historic icons shimmer at night, and the bus’s open-top design means you won’t miss a detail.
• Southbank: The lively riverside area, illuminated and bustling, is a great spot to see the city’s nightlife vibe.

Audio Guides and Commentary

The commentary is accessible via headphones provided on the bus, available in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic, making it suitable for international visitors. The guides share interesting facts about each landmark, which helps bring the city’s history and architecture to life.

From reviews, we know that the guides are knowledgeable, though some found the recorded commentary not always the best. Still, the combination of live guides and the app’s features—like real-time bus tracking and self-guided tours—adds value for curious travelers who love a bit of background info.

Comfort, Safety, and Practical Perks

Traveling in a safe environment in a comfortable open-air bus is reassuring, especially at night. Plus, the free Wi-Fi onboard means you can snap photos, share your experience instantly, or look up more info about the sights.

Children under 5 travel free, and the kid-friendly audio guides make this a family-friendly activity. If you bring your own headphones, you’ll help reduce waste, a small but appreciated eco-friendly touch.

The Real-World Feedback

Looking at reviews, many travelers appreciated the stunning views, especially the opportunity to see landmarks like Tower Bridge illuminated at night. One reviewer mentioned, “Tower Bridge was amazing,” and others enjoyed the vivid lighting of the London Eye.

However, some pointed out that passing by landmarks like Buckingham Palace was only from the side, limiting the experience somewhat. This is typical for quick bus tours, but it’s good to set expectations that this isn’t a detailed tour but rather a scenic overview.

A reviewer also noted that the boat cruise component can sometimes be crowded and delayed, impacting the overall experience. Still, they praised the bus journey and guide as being great, indicating that the core sightseeing experience is solid.

Analyzing the Value and Who Will Love It

At $33 per person, this tour offers good value considering the sights you’ll see in just 1.5 hours. It’s an accessible way to cover a lot of ground without walking or hopping on multiple buses. The combination of panoramic vistas, informative guides, and convenience makes it ideal for travelers who want a quick yet immersive introduction to London’s nightscape.

For families or first-time visitors, the kid-friendly audio guides and straightforward route make this a hassle-free option. If you’re short on time or want a relaxed way to experience London after dark, this tour ticks many boxes.

But if you’re after a more in-depth exploration or a more intimate experience, you might find this bus tour a bit surface-level. Still, it’s a fantastic way to capture the essence of London’s illuminated landmarks without the fatigue of walking all evening.

The Sum Up

This Tootbus London by Night Bus Tour offers a practical, scenic, and relatively affordable way to see London’s most famous sights at night. Its open-top design makes the views memorable, especially for photo enthusiasts who want to capture the stunning cityscape under lights. The inclusion of audio commentary and free Wi-Fi adds touches of convenience and educational value.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a breeze-through overview of central London’s key landmarks after sunset. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly guides, and those wanting a relaxed experience will enjoy the comfort of the open-air bus. While it’s not a deep dive into London’s history, it’s a wonderful way to see the city’s highlights illuminated in a short span of time.

For a relatively inexpensive, visually impressive tour, this activity hits the sweet spot—offering great views, easy logistics, and a fun night out in the city’s lights.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children under 5 travel free and sit on their parent’s lap. The tour also offers kid-friendly audio guides, making it suitable for families.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is approximately 1.5 hours, making it a quick but rundown of London’s illuminated landmarks.

Are headphones provided? Yes, headphones are included, but if you prefer your own, you’re welcome to bring them along to reduce waste.

Does the tour include food or drinks? No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so plan to eat beforehand or after the tour.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sights.

What landmarks will I see? Expect to pass by Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and more, all beautifully lit at night.

Overall, if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and memorable way to experience London’s night lights, this tour delivers. Just remember to bring your camera, your curiosity, and perhaps an extra layer of clothing for the cool evening air.