London: London Eye, River Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Traveling through London can feel overwhelming with so many sights and attractions packed into a small space. That’s why a well-structured sightseeing package like the London Eye, River Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a popular choice for visitors wanting a flexible, rundown of the city. Offered by Big Bus Tours, this combo ticket promises to give you a taste of London’s iconic landmarks, scenic water views, and the convenience of jumping on and off at key locations.

What we love about this experience is how efficiently it combines different modes of transport—buses, boats, and the London Eye—into one seamless package. It’s a smart way to maximize your sightseeing time, especially if your schedule is tight. One potential drawback is that the bus routes can sometimes be slowed down by London’s notorious traffic, which might lengthen travel times. Still, for the value and variety packed into this ticket, it’s an appealing option for most travelers, especially first-timers eager to hit the highlights with minimal fuss.

This tour setup suits families, first-time visitors, or anyone who prefers a flexible, guided approach to city exploration. It’s perfect if you want a balance of guided commentary, breathtaking aerial views, and a relaxing cruise on the Thames—without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with unlimited hop-on hop-off access for 1 or 2 days.
• Stunning panoramic views from the London Eye, the world’s highest observation wheel.
• Scenic Thames cruise that offers a relaxing perspective of London’s riverside landmarks.
• Comprehensive route passing major sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge.
• Audio guides available in multiple languages with free Wi-Fi on buses.
• Authentic experience with insights from knowledgeable guides and detailed commentary.

Breaking Down the Experience

The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

The backbone of this package is the Big Bus Tours’ open-top double-decker buses. You can hop on at any of the stops, which are strategically placed near major attractions—think Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Tower of London, and more. The flexibility to get off and explore at your own pace really stands out here.

Most reviews highlight how convenient the bus is for getting a broad overview of the city. “Great way to see the city and learn about the sites,” one traveler shared. The buses run frequently, roughly every 10 minutes, so you don’t have to wait long. Plus, the digital audio commentary in multiple languages, accompanied by souvenir headphones, adds an educational element to your ride.

One thing to note from guests is that the traffic can sometimes cause delays, especially during peak hours or special events like protests. A reviewer mentioned that “traffic was really heavy so the bus took longer,” but most appreciated the engaging commentary that kept them entertained during those slower stretches.

The London Eye

Scheduled conveniently as part of your ticket, the London Eye offers an incredible bird’s eye view of London. You are required to pre-book your time slot, which helps avoid long lines and ensures a smooth experience. Reviewers consistently praise the staff’s professionalism and the breathtaking vistas. One noted that “the London Eye was an amazing experience and well-managed with good views.”

The Eye’s location at Westminster Bridge makes it easy to combine with a quick walk or bus ride to nearby attractions. Some guests emphasize that visiting early in the morning could help avoid crowds, especially on busy days. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, giving ample time to snap photos of landmarks like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Thames River Cruise

The scenic cruise along the River Thames is a relaxing way to see London from a different perspective. Cruises depart from Westminster Pier and go from the Tower of London to Westminster Pier—either way, offering views of Tower Bridge, the Shard, and other riverside icons.

One reviewer mentioned how “the river cruise was a nice way to relax and get amazing pictures of Tower Bridge,” while another appreciated the entertaining commentary, especially from guides like Bill, who added humor and context to what was passing by. The cruise lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, making it a perfect break between bus rides.

Interestingly, the water route complements the city tour well, highlighting historic sites that might be less noticeable from city streets. If the weather cooperates, this is a highlight of the package, but be aware that rain can sometimes dampen the experience.

The Route and Landmarks

The bus route covers many of London’s most famous sights, including:

• Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard
• Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• Westminster Abbey
• 10 Downing Street
• Whitehall
• Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street
• Trafalgar Square
• London Dungeon, Sea Life, Madame Tussauds, and Covent Garden for more entertainment options
• Bank of England, Monument, and St Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• The Shard and City Hall
• Kensington Palace and Notting Hill

With the 48-hour ticket option, you get even more time to explore these attractions leisurely, plus the chance to take one of the three guided walking tours included with the longer pass. Reviewers found that the flexible timing and detailed audio commentary made it easier to plan their day, especially when combining multiple interests.

The Experience on the Ground

The buses are generally reliable and equipped with Wi-Fi, which is great for sharing your photos or looking up additional info on the route. The drivers and staff are often praised for their friendliness and helpfulness—one reviewer even mentioned a bus driver going out of his way to help find their way after missing a stop.

Price vs. Value

At around $83.51 per person, this combo might seem a little pricey, but considering the inclusion of three major activities and unlimited hop-on hop-off access, it offers good value. Guests have noted that the 1440-minute (for 24-hour) or 2880-minute (for 48-hour) access allows you to spread out your sightseeing comfortably, making it a cost-effective way to cover a lot of ground.

Practical Tips

• Book your London Eye ticket in advance to secure your preferred time slot and skip the long queues.
• Redeem your bus and boat tickets at Stop 11 (Westminster Bridge) for maximum convenience.
• Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and app for real-time updates and route info.
• Be patient in traffic—it’s part of London’s charm, but it can extend travel times.
• Wear comfortable shoes and plan your stops ahead if you want to explore on foot.
• Consider starting early in the day, especially if you’re tight on time or want to avoid crowds at popular attractions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This package is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see London’s highlights without stress. It works well for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting flexibility and value. If you appreciate guided commentary and scenic water views, you’ll find this combination quite satisfying. It’s also perfect if you’re limited on time but want to maximize your experience with a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and photo opportunities.

However, if your priority is speed and minimal travel time, be prepared for some delays caused by London’s traffic. Also, if you prefer to avoid crowded tourist spots or want more personalized guides, you might prefer a private or small-group tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book the tickets in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your combo ticket through the booking portal, and it’s recommended to secure your preferred time slots, especially for the London Eye.

How long is the London Eye ride?
The ride lasts about 30 minutes, offering plenty of time for photos and taking in the views.

Is the Thames River cruise included in the ticket price?
Yes, the scenic cruise along the Thames from Westminster Pier to Tower of London or vice versa is included.

Can I hop on and off the bus as many times as I like?
Absolutely. Your ticket grants unlimited hop-on, hop-off access within the validity period, whether 24 or 48 hours.

Are there guided tours on the bus?
While not live guides, the buses feature digital audio commentary in multiple languages, providing informative insights.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, all buses are equipped with ramps and are wheelchair accessible.

What stops should I use to start the tour?
Starting points include landmarks like the London Eye, Marble Arch, Victoria Station, or Trafalgar Square—most guests find Stop 11 at Westminster Bridge very convenient.

Are headphones provided?
Yes, souvenir headphones are included with the audio commentary.

What happens if I miss my time slot at the London Eye?
You might need to rebook or adjust your schedule, so booking early and arriving on time is advisable.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, infants under 2 can participate free of charge, and the experience is generally family-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This combined ticket for the London Eye, Thames River Cruise, and hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a well-rounded way to explore London. You get to experience the city from multiple angles—sky-high views, scenic water routes, and street-level sights—all at your own pace. The inclusion of audio guides, free Wi-Fi, and strategic stops makes it a practical, enjoyable choice for first-time visitors or anyone wanting to get the lay of the land without the stress of planning each detail.

While traffic delays are unavoidable, most travelers find the convenience, variety, and value make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking for a flexible, engaging way to see London’s iconic landmarks while enjoying a bit of leisure along the Thames, this package is hard to beat.

For those eager to tick the major sights off their list with minimal hassle and maximum fun, this tour delivers a memorable snapshot of London. Just remember to book your tickets early, plan your day, and enjoy the ride!