The Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise is an absolute must for anyone looking to truly enjoy the bustling city of London. With its open-top buses offering unparalleled views of the city’s iconic landmarks, this tour promises an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
From the majestic Buckingham Palace to the iconic Big Ben and the historic Westminster Abbey, this tour allows visitors to explore London’s top attractions at their own pace.
But is this tour everything it claims to be? Are there any hidden drawbacks that might dampen the experience? Let’s find out.
Good To Know

- The Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour offers a flexible and convenient way to explore London at your own pace.
- The tour includes a Thames river cruise and the option to join themed walking tours.
- Despite the helpful and friendly staff, there were several issues with the tour, including inaccurate audio commentary, short stops, and confusing instructions for the night tour.
- Some passengers experienced dissatisfaction and felt that the tour did not meet their expectations, citing a lack of fulfillment and insight into London.
Pricing and Booking Details
When it comes to pricing and booking details for the London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise, there are a few important factors to consider.
The tour starts from $52.41 and offers a lowest price guarantee. You can select your preferred date and number of travelers, then check availability before reserving your spot.
One of the highlights of this tour is the Big Bus hop-on hop-off sightseeing experience, which allows you to explore London at your own pace for 24 or 48 hours. Plus, each ticket option includes a Thames river cruise.
For those who want to delve deeper into the city, there are also three themed walking tours included with the 48-hour ticket option. With top attractions like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey on the itinerary, this tour offers a comprehensive London experience.
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Tour Overview and Highlights

The London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise offers a captivating and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the iconic sights and rich history of London at their own pace. With a sightseeing ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours, travelers can hop on and off the open-top sightseeing bus at their convenience. The tour includes a Thames river cruise, providing a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks from the water. Plus, with the 48-hour ticket option, visitors can join one of three themed walking tours led by live guides. Some of the top attractions covered during the tour include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. This comprehensive tour provides an opportunity to discover London’s highlights while enjoying the flexibility of exploring at one’s own leisure.
| Tour Inclusions |
|---|
| Hop-on hop-off bus tour |
| Recorded commentary in 5 Languages |
| 30-minute one-way river cruise |
| Hop on Hop off with 3 different routes |
| 90-minute Panoramic (Non Stop) Evening Tour with selected tour only |
Inclusions and Tour Duration

The London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise offers a variety of inclusions and a flexible tour duration to enhance your exploration of the city.
With this tour, you can enjoy a hop-on hop-off bus tour, allowing you to easily visit top London attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Recorded commentary in five languages will provide interesting information about the sights.
Plus, a 30-minute one-way river cruise is included with each ticket option, giving you a unique perspective of the city from the Thames.
For those who choose the 48-hour ticket option, there’s the added bonus of three themed walking tours, where you can discover London by foot and experience the knowledge of live guides.
With the flexibility of the tour duration, you can explore London at your own pace and make the most of your visit.
Tour Schedule and Instructions

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, the London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise provides a comprehensive tour schedule and clear instructions for passengers.
The tour schedule allows passengers to plan their day and explore London at their own pace. The hop-on hop-off bus service runs regularly throughout the day, with multiple routes and stops near main attractions. Passengers can easily hop off at any stop of their choice, explore the area, and hop back on the bus when they’re ready to continue their journey.
Plus, the tour includes a 30-minute one-way river cruise, providing passengers with a unique perspective of the city. Clear instructions are given to passengers regarding the meeting points for the river cruise and walking tours.
The staff is available to assist passengers and answer any questions they may have, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Bus Service and Staff Experience

Passengers can expect a mixed experience when it comes to the bus service and staff of the London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise.
On one hand, the staff was helpful and friendly, and the bus stops were conveniently located near main attractions.
However, there were some issues that affected the overall experience. Firstly, the driver abandoned the bus mid-trip due to a labor dispute with the company, leaving stranded passengers without any communication or assistance.
Secondly, passengers had to find alternative transportation after waiting for 30 minutes. These incidents highlight a lack of organization and support from the staff.
Despite the positive aspects of the tour, these issues can greatly impact the overall satisfaction of passengers.
Common Questions

Is There a Refund Policy if I Need to Cancel My Reservation for the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise?
Yes, there is a refund policy for cancellations of reservations for the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise. However, the specific details and conditions of the refund policy may vary, so it is advisable to check with the tour operator for more information.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children to Participate in the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for children to participate in the tour. Families can enjoy exploring London together on the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the bus. This allows them to enjoy their own snacks and beverages while touring London and taking in the sights.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
Unfortunately, there are no available discounts for students or seniors. The prices for the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise are fixed and do not offer any specific discounts for these groups.
Is There a Designated Area on the Bus to Store Luggage or Strollers?
Yes, there is a designated area on the bus to store luggage or strollers. Passengers can safely store their belongings while enjoying the tour and easily access them when needed.
The Sum Up

To sum it up, while the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise offers a convenient way to explore the city’s top sights, there have been some shortcomings and mixed reviews.
Some passengers have expressed dissatisfaction with inaccurate audio tour descriptions and confusing instructions. Plus, bus service disruptions and unhelpful staff have caused inconvenience for some travelers.
Despite these issues, the tour still provides a unique opportunity to see London’s iconic landmarks at your own pace.
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