London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

Exploring London can feel overwhelming—endless streets, iconic landmarks, and a maze of transportation options. The London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour combined with a Thames River cruise offers a practical way to see the city’s highlights comfortably and at your own pace. This experience provides multiple routes, real-time bus tracking, and an optional river cruise, giving you a versatile sightseeing package in one of the world’s most vibrant capitals.

What we love about this tour is the flexibility—with 1-, 2-, or 3-day passes, you choose how much of London you want to explore. Plus, the added Thames River cruise offers a different perspective on the city, perfect for snapping photos of landmarks from the water.

A potential drawback is the bus frequency—some reviews mention long waits or busy buses, which can be frustrating if you’re pressed for time. Still, for those who value convenience and a broad overview of London’s major sights, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive city overview or travelers looking for a flexible, low-stress way to tick off those must-see attractions without the hassle of navigating London’s public transport.

Key Points

• Multiple-day options allow you to tailor the sightseeing to your pace.
• Real-time bus tracking makes it easier to plan your stops and minimize wait times.
• The tour covers essential landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey.
• The Thames River cruise adds a scenic, water-based perspective of London.
• Flexible disembarking lets you explore at your leisure or hop back on to continue your journey.
• While bus frequency can vary, most travelers find the overall experience worthwhile, especially with friendly, knowledgeable guides.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

A Flexible Approach to Sightseeing

This tour stands out because of its customizable nature. You can pick a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass, which is perfect whether you want a quick overview or an in-depth exploration. The tour operates on multiple routes, meaning you can switch between different circuits across the city, giving you access to key neighborhoods and landmarks.

From the bustling streets of Coventry to the historic Tower of London, the routes are designed to maximize your time. The real-time bus tracking app is particularly handy, allowing you to see exactly where the buses are and find the nearest stop. This is a significant advantage in London, where traffic and crowds can make transportation planning tricky.

Inside the Bus: Comfort and Convenience

The buses are double-decker, with options to sit inside or outside on the open-top deck. The open-air experience offers fantastic views, especially for photography enthusiasts. Based on reviews, the buses are generally clean and comfortable, and the crew is friendly and helpful. However, some comments mention that buses can be busy, and long waits sometimes occur, which can be a downer if timing is tight.

The Routes and Stops: What You’ll See

The tour takes you through some of London’s most recognizable sights, with stops conveniently located near major attractions. For instance:

• Coventry Street: Near Piccadilly Circus, this stop is perfect for starting or ending your city tour.
• Westminster Bridge Road & Westminster Pier: Offering views of the London Eye and Westminster Abbey.
• Tower Hill: Close to the Tower of London, a must-see for history buffs.
• Buckingham Palace Road: An ideal spot to catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace.
• Southbank Place & Waterloo Station: Perfect for a riverside stroll or heading toward the South Bank arts district.

One reviewer highlighted that some stop names don’t exactly match the actual stops, which caused some confusion. The team responds that they aim to keep stops close to well-known landmarks, but this mismatch is something to be aware of.

The Thames River Cruise: A Different Perspective

The included river cruise is a major highlight. Most reviewers agree that the cruise offers a relaxing and scenic way to see London from the water. The crew provides live narration, which many found engaging and informative, giving insights into the city’s history and architecture that you might miss from land.

Many travelers appreciated the peaceful ride, especially after a busy day sightseeing. The cruise complements the bus tour by showcasing landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre from a fresh angle.

Authenticity and Guides

Guides and staff seem to be a mixed bag. Several reviews praise knowledgeable guides, especially those like Leon, who kept travelers informed with a good dose of humor, making the experience more engaging. On the other hand, some reviews mention that commentary can be lacking or inconsistent, with some buses playing more music than narration, which diminishes the value for those looking to learn about the sights.

Price and Value Analysis

At $47.04 per person for the full experience, the price is quite reasonable considering the comprehensive coverage. The multi-day passes offer not just transportation, but a way to explore at your own pace, with the flexibility to hop off and wander through neighborhoods, visit shops, or grab a quick bite.

The combo of bus and river cruise adds value, especially for first-time visitors who want a broad snapshot of London. However, some reviews mention long waits and bus shortages, which might impact the overall value if you’re pressed for time or expecting a smooth, uninterrupted experience.

Challenges and Considerations

While most reviews are positive, a handful of travelers experienced significant delays—waiting over 45 minutes for a bus or encountering breakdowns. One reviewer noted that they couldn’t reach certain stops like Piccadilly Circus due to a bus malfunction, which can be frustrating.

Plus, bus frequency appears inconsistent, and the lack of onboard restrooms can be inconvenient during longer waits. Food and drinks are not provided, so you’ll want to bring snacks, especially if you’re planning a long day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This package is best suited for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of London’s key sights without the hassle of navigating public transport. It also works well for travelers who prefer flexibility—disembarking at specific neighborhoods, exploring, then hopping back on as they go.

Families, especially those with children, can enjoy the audio commentary tailored for kids and the scenic river cruise. However, those who prioritize speed and efficiency or dislike waiting might find the experience less satisfying, especially during busy times.

Final Thoughts

The London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour combined with a Thames River cruise offers a comprehensive, flexible way to see London’s most famous attractions. The multi-route system, real-time bus tracking, and scenic river cruise make it a practical choice for travelers wanting an overview without stress.

While some reviews point out issues like bus delays or confusing stops, many travelers appreciate the friendly guides, good value for money, and beautiful water views. This experience suits those who are eager to explore at their own pace, enjoy panoramic vistas, and take in London’s sights from both land and water.

If you’re after a relaxed, all-in-one sightseeing option and don’t mind some variability in bus frequency, this tour could be your best bet for a memorable London adventure.

FAQ

Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
Yes, you can choose a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass, allowing you to explore London at your own pace over multiple days.

Can I hop off and rejoin the tour later?
Absolutely. The ticket permits you to hop on and off at designated stops across the routes, giving you flexibility to explore neighborhoods or attractions more thoroughly.

What landmarks are included in the route?
Expect to see iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, among others.

How does the Thames River cruise work?
The cruise is incorporated into your ticket, offering a scenic water route with live commentary. It provides a refreshing change from land-based sightseeing.

Is the bus comfortable and suitable for families?
Most buses are double-decker, with an option for open-top seating, and are generally clean and comfortable. There is also separate commentary for children.

What happens if buses are full or delayed?
Some reviews mention long waits or busy buses, especially during peak times. The real-time tracking app helps plan accordingly, but delays can still occur.

Are there restroom facilities onboard?
No, there are no restrooms on the buses or cruise boats, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring with me?
Comfortable clothing, a camera, and perhaps some snacks. The buses don’t serve food, and there are no on-board facilities.

How do I book and what is the cancellation policy?
Booking is straightforward via Viator, with a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Just choose your preferred number of days and enjoy flexible planning.

This tour offers a well-rounded, practical way to experience London’s highlights, perfect for those seeking flexibility and scenic variety in their sightseeing.