City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise at London

Name: City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
Brand: tickadoo
Price: 20 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4 (387 reviews)

Official tickets4.0387 reviewsLondon

London

Explore London at your pace on an open-top bus with 24- or 48-hour passes, three routes, 39 stops and an optional Thames cruise.

Customer reviews

4.0· 387 reviews

Summarised reviews

Magical atmosphere
Worth every penny

Visitors to the City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour have praised the tour for its convenience and value for money. With its open-top buses and optional Thames River Cruise, this tour offers a unique and memorable experience of the city. While some visitors have noted that the tour can be crowded and the commentary could be improved, the overall rating of 4.00/5 stars suggests that this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting London.

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London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise

See London's top attractions from both land and water with this flexible sightseeing tour. The hop-on hop-off bus covers 39 stops across three routes, taking you past Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the British Museum. With buses running every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, you control your schedule completely.

The optional Thames cruise adds a different perspective, sailing between Westminster and Greenwich past the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and Tower Bridge. Your ticket lasts 24 or 48 hours from first use, giving you plenty of time to explore properly. Audio commentary in over eight languages explains the history behind what you're seeing, while open-top buses provide clear views and photo opportunities.

Both buses and boats are wheelchair accessible, making this tour suitable for all mobility levels. Digital tickets work straight from your phone, and you can hop off at any stop to explore on foot before catching the next bus.

What is Included

24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass
Access to all three bus routes with 39 stops
Audio commentary in over 8 languages
Optional Thames river cruise (45-60 minutes)
Digital mobile tickets
Unlimited boarding during validity period

Good to Know

Buses run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM in winter) with departures every 10-15 minutes during peak times. Multiple starting points include Victoria, King's Cross, and Westminster. The Thames cruise takes 45-60 minutes with indoor and outdoor seating available.

Bring layers as London weather changes quickly, especially on the open-top deck. Only foldable pushchairs are allowed, and you cannot eat or drink on board except bottled water. Thames cruises may be cancelled in severe weather for safety reasons.

Your digital tickets work directly from your phone, but keep it charged for the full day. Entry fees to attractions are separate from your tour ticket, though many landmarks are perfectly visible from the bus and boat. Allow a full day to make the most of your pass, starting early to avoid crowds and maximise daylight hours.

Want to explore specific areas in more detail? Consider adding a Westminster walking tour when you hop off near Big Ben, or book a Tower Bridge exhibition ticket to go inside one of London's most photographed landmarks.

Why you'll love it

Explore London at your own pace with a 1-day unlimited Hop-on Hop-off pass, giving you the freedom to revisit your favourite sights as often as you like
Discover the city across 3 routes and 51 stops, including iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the British Museum, with buses running every 20–30 minutes
Enjoy the views from an open-top double-decker bus with an audio guide in 11 languages, a special interactive kids' commentary and a booklet to keep young explorers entertained
Enhance your trip with the 24/48/72-hour pass for a scenic Thames river cruise, a retro Routemaster heritage ride, or a guided night tour of London's skyline.

What's included

Hop-on hop-off bus access across three routes
39 stops covering major London landmarks
Thames River Cruise between Westminster and Greenwich
Views of Buckingham Palace, Tower of London and more

Entry to attractions

Good to know

Age suitability: There is no age restriction for this tour, but children under 5 years old travel free of charge and must be accompanied by an adult.
Know before you go: Meeting Points: Multiple starting locations available including Victoria, King's Cross, and Westminster, with clear signage and tickadoo confirmation details provided.
Operating Hours: Services typically run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during summer months, with reduced winter hours from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Weather Preparation: Dress appropriately for open-top bus travel and bring layers, as London weather can change quickly throughout the day.
Photography Tips: Best photo opportunities include Tower Bridge views from the Thames, Westminster from the river, and panoramic city shots from the top deck.
Timing Recommendations: Allow full day for complete experience, starting early to maximize daylight hours and avoid peak tourist crowds at major stops.
Additional Costs: Entry fees to attractions are separate from the tour ticket, though many landmarks can be viewed and photographed from the bus and boat.
Mobile Requirements: Ensure your phone is charged for digital tickets, maps, and photography, with portable chargers recommended for extended sightseeing days.
Visitor guidelines: Only foldable strollers are permitted; keep aisles clear for safety
Do not eat or drink on board except bottled water
Take all personal belongings with you when departing a bus
Follow driver and staff instructions for a smooth experience
Pets must be supervised at all times while on the bus
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 h

Frequently asked

How long are the hop-on hop-off bus tickets valid?

Tickets are typically valid for 24 or 48 hours from first use, allowing unlimited boarding during this period across all included routes.

What languages are available for the audio commentary?

Audio commentary is available in over 8 languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?

Yes, specially adapted buses with wheelchair lifts operate on all major routes, ensuring accessibility for guests with mobility requirements.

How often do the buses run?

Buses operate every 10-15 minutes during peak hours and every 20-30 minutes during off-peak times, with slight variations by season.

What's included in the Thames cruise portion?

The Thames cruise includes a 45-60 minute river journey with professional commentary, covering major landmarks between Westminster and Greenwich.

Can I use tickadoo's mobile tickets directly?

Yes, digital tickets from tickadoo can be displayed on your smartphone and scanned directly at boarding points for both bus and cruise services.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

Buses operate in most weather conditions with protective covers available, while Thames cruises may be subject to safety-related cancellations during severe weather.