City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour & Optional River Cruise

Exploring London can feel overwhelming, especially with so many iconic landmarks scattered across the city. This hop-on, hop-off bus tour offers a practical way to see the highlights without the hassle of navigating underground tubes or booking multiple tickets. With flexible durations and additional options like river cruises and walking tours, it’s designed to suit various schedules and interests. But does it deliver on value and authentic experiences?

We love that this tour lets you control your pace — hop off at major sights like Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London, then hop back on when ready. The inclusion of audio commentary in 11 languages adds a layer of insight, helping you learn as you go. However, some travelers have noted logistical hiccups, such as difficulty finding stops or inconsistent information from staff, which is worth considering.

This experience works best for first-time visitors eager to get an overview of London’s most famous sights, or those who want a convenient, low-stress way to explore at their own pace. It’s also ideal for travelers short on time who prefer a guided route over trying to piece together a complex public transportation schedule.

Key Points

Flexible durations allow for customized sightseeing, from 1 to 3 days.
Multiple routes cover a wide area, from Westminster to Kensington.
Additional extras like river cruises and walking tours add value.
Audio commentary in 11 languages enriches the experience.
Some logistical issues have been reported, such as stop location confusion.
Great for first-timers wanting an overview without the stress.

The Experience in Detail

The Overall Setup

This tour operates on three main routes—blue, red, and green—each covering different parts of London. The buses are open-top double-deckers, which means you’ll enjoy the breeze and panoramic views, especially if you opt for the full daylight hours. With tickets ranging from 1 day to 3 days, you can tailor your experience to your plans.

What makes this service particularly appealing is its flexibility — you can hop on and off at dozens of stops, from historic sites to shopping districts, museums, and government buildings. The buses run frequently (every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the route), so you’re not left waiting long. And with audio guides available in multiple languages, you can learn about what you’re seeing without needing a tour guide physically present.

Stops and Landmarks

The bus stops are conveniently located near many major sights:

• Buckingham Palace: As one of the most renowned royal residences, it’s a must-see. Reviewers mention several stops on Buckingham Palace Road, with some being very close to the gates.
• Big Ben & Westminster: The iconic clock tower is visible from the stop outside Westminster Pier. Travelers can hop off here for great photo opportunities or to explore Westminster Abbey and Parliament.
• Tower of London & Tower Bridge: On the Tower Hill route, this stop is highly praised. One reviewer described the Tower of London as “very informative and fun,” emphasizing the value of combining sightseeing with education.
• British Museum & Covent Garden: Stops near Southampton Row and Haymarket make it easy to explore cultural hubs.
• Harrods & Kensington: The Green Route offers stops at Harrods and Royal Albert Hall, perfect for a shopping or cultural day.

The Stops That Shine (and Some That Don’t)

Most reviews highlight the stops as convenient, but a few travelers have experienced difficulty. For instance, one noted that Marble Arch was covered up when passing by, which was disappointing for photos. Another traveler mentioned that finding the bus stop was challenging and that staff sometimes provided inconsistent information.

Some stops, like Horseferry Road, are temporarily closed, so it’s wise to check the latest route maps before heading out. This is especially important if you’re relying on the bus to connect to other planned activities or walking tours.

The River Cruise & Walking Tours

A major perk with multi-day tickets is access to river cruises and various walking tours, including the Rock & Roll Tour, Royal Walking Tour, and Jack the Ripper Tour. The cruise, included in the 24-hour tickets, offers a relaxing 35-minute ride between Westminster and Tower Pier, providing excellent views of the city’s skyline and bridges.

One reviewer loved the combination of bus and cruise, noting it as a “great overview of London” that also gave a different perspective from the river. The walking tours are highly praised when included, especially for their knowledgeable guides, although specific guide names aren’t provided.

The Sound System & Commentary

Audio guides are available in 11 languages, which helps international travelers grasp the significance of each sight. Several reviews mention that the commentary is informative and engaging—one person said it “learned a lot” on the tour. However, a few experienced issues like earphone outlets not working, which can be frustrating on busy days.

Reliability & Logistical Considerations

While most reviews are positive, some travelers have faced confusing check-in procedures or difficulties locating stops. One reviewer described the experience as “stressful,” especially when trying to catch the last bus or coordinate with other modes of transport.

A few noted that stops sometimes run out of service, such as Horseferry Road, which could disrupt your plans if you’re counting on a specific route. The timing of buses is generally decent, with departures every 15-30 minutes, but delays can happen, especially during peak hours or street closures.

Price & Value

At $57.61 per person, the price is reasonable considering the convenience and inclusions. For travelers who want a rundown without the hassle of public transport, this tour offers good value—especially with multi-day options that include additional experiences like cruises and walking tours.

The flexibility in choosing durations helps control costs. If you’re only here for a day, the 1-day pass works well, but if you want to explore more neighborhoods or dive into specific sights, the longer passes provide better value. The added extras, such as the night tour or special walking routes, make the overall package more appealing.

Authenticity & Overall Experience

What sets this tour apart is the ability to customize your sightseeing while still benefiting from guided commentary. Unlike self-guided walks or wandering with a map, this bus service combines comfort, control, and storytelling. One reviewer pointed out that the drivers are friendly and helpful, which contributes to a smoother experience.

However, some noted that certain stops aren’t particularly worth the time (like Marble Arch, if it’s under renovation), so it’s worth planning your stops in advance to maximize your day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to get a broad overview of London’s most famous sights. If you’re short on time, the hop-on, hop-off format allows you to see key landmarks without rushing or missing out. It’s also perfect for families or groups who appreciate the freedom to explore at their own pace, stopping at sites that interest them most.

Travelers who enjoy guided commentary and want to learn a bit about the city’s history and architecture will find this service enriching. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for value for money, especially with the extras like river cruises and walking tours included in longer passes.

On the flip side, those looking for a deeply immersive, personalized experience might prefer private tours or walking guides. Also, if you’re traveling during a time of street closures or major events like marathons, it’s wise to check route updates.

The Sum Up

The City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour is a practical, flexible way to see London, especially for newcomers or those who prefer a relaxed, guided approach to city exploration. With multiple routes, extensive stops, and options to customize your experience, it balances convenience with the opportunity to learn about the city’s most iconic sites.

While some logistical issues have been noted—such as stop locations and inconsistent information—the overall experience remains positive, especially considering the value added by river cruises and walking tours. The audio commentary enriches the journey, making it more informative than a simple bus ride.

This tour suits travelers who want an overview without the complexities of public transport, are eager to see major landmarks, and enjoy a mix of sightseeing, transportation, and light education. It’s best for those comfortable with occasional minor inconveniences and who prioritize flexibility and convenience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the hop-on, hop-off format is convenient for families, allowing children to rest or explore at their own pace. The audio guides are available in multiple languages, which can be engaging for younger travelers.

Can I start the tour at any stop?
Most routes allow you to begin your journey at any of the stops, making it adaptable to your arrival points or accommodation location.

Is the river cruise included in all tickets?
No, the cruise is included only with the 24-hour tickets. Longer passes also include return trips to Greenwich and other extras.

How often do buses run?
The buses depart approximately every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the route and time of day. This frequency helps reduce long waits, but delays can happen.

Are the audio guides available in my language?
Yes, audio commentary is available in 11 languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin.

What should I do if I can’t find a stop or it’s closed?
It’s advisable to check the latest route maps and updates before heading out. If you encounter closed stops or routing issues, consider alternative nearby stops or use the map on your mobile device.

Can I buy tickets on the day of travel?
Yes, mobile and printed vouchers are accepted, and tickets are valid for 12 months from the purchase date, allowing flexibility in planning your trip.

This City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour offers a practical way to tick off London’s must-see sights with a bit of comfort and flexibility. It’s a good fit for those who want a guided overview, enjoy scenic views, and appreciate the convenience of combined transport and sightseeing. Just be prepared for some logistical quirks and plan accordingly.