Buckingham Palace Entrance and Open Top Bus Tour London

Traveling through London often involves juggling multiple tickets and navigating large crowds. This tour aims to simplify the experience by combining a hop-on-hop-off bus ride with a guided visit inside Buckingham Palace — the Queen’s grand residence. While the price is around $103, the package promises a memorable day filled with sights, stories, and unique access, all packaged into approximately a full day of exploring.

What we love about this experience is how it balances convenience and insider access. The live commentary on the bus adds a layer of local insight, while the entry into Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms unlocks a glimpse of royal life few get to see. The river Thames boat ride offers a refreshing perspective of London’s iconic skyline. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that you’re limited to a single-day itinerary, which means prioritizing your time carefully.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their London visit without the hassle of planning multiple tickets. It suits those who appreciate a mix of sightseeing, history, and comfort, especially if visiting for the first time or with limited days to explore.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines bus, palace visit, river cruise, and optional walking tour.
• Convenience: Mobile tickets and frequent departures every 20 mins make it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Expert Guides & Audio: Knowledgeable guides and multilingual audio guides enrich the experience.
• Royal Access: Inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, treasures and artworks await.
• Value for Money: Includes several activities and amenities at a relatively competitive price.
• Limited Free Time: The itinerary is structured, so be prepared for scheduled stops and set time slots.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour kicks off at The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, the heart of London’s royal life. From there, the experience offers a full-day itinerary that balances transport, sightseeing, and exclusive access. The tour lasts about one day, but you’ll find it’s packed with enough highlights to make it seem much longer.

Buckingham Palace: The Crown Jewel

The highlight of the day is the entry to Buckingham Palace, which is included in the ticket. This isn’t just a quick glance at the outside; you’ll step inside the State Rooms, which are filled with exquisite furnishings, priceless artworks, and treasures from the Royal Collection. The 19 State Rooms are decorated with French and English antiques, and feature works by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt, alongside sculptures by Canova and fine porcelain by Sèvres.

One reviewer emphasized, “Robin was our tour guide, he was knowledgeable and funny. The tour was enjoyable and worth it to get the views of London with the added history from Robin!” This suggests that the guides are not only well-informed but also engaging, bringing the palace’s stories to life.

The Open Top Bus Ride

The hop-on-hop-off bus is a major perk. Buses depart every 20 minutes from key tourist points, making it easy to hop on or off as you prefer. The audio guides, available in 12 languages, are particularly useful for hearing fascinating tidbits about London’s sights while you sit back and relax.

The double-decker buses offer panoramic views of London’s landmarks, from the Houses of Parliament to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Being on an open-top bus allows you to see the city’s architecture and street life in a way that’s impossible from enclosed transport.

River Thames Boat Ride

A one-way boat ride along the Thames is included, providing a refreshing alternative to bus travel. This is a great way to see the city’s riverside attractions, such as Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the London Eye, from a different perspective.

Additional Highlights: Walking Tour & Flexibility

The tour also offers a free walking tour, which can help you explore hidden gems or get tips from guides on what to see afterward. The Wi-Fi onboard ensures you can share your photos and stay connected, an appreciated touch in today’s travel landscape.

Practical Details & Considerations

This tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and stair access may be required at certain points. The State Rooms visit does not permit pushchairs inside, but baby-carriers can be borrowed. Photography inside Buckingham Palace is not permitted, so be ready to enjoy the views and treasures through your eyes.

The tickets are mobile, so no printing is necessary — a small convenience that adds to the overall ease. The maximum group size is around 50 travelers, which helps maintain a somewhat intimate atmosphere despite being a larger tour.

Authentic Experience and Insights from Reviewers

A guest described their guide as “knowledgeable and funny,” which points to the quality of guiding and storytelling. Others appreciated the value for money: with multiple activities included, it’s a package that offers both convenience and richness.

The timing is well-paced, with 2 hours allocated for Buckingham Palace, allowing enough time to explore without feeling rushed. The structured itinerary ensures you see key sights without missing out, though some might find the schedule a bit tight if they want to linger longer.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a taste of London’s key sights with organized convenience. It’s also suitable for families, couples, or groups who prefer a multi-faceted day that combines transport, sightseeing, and exclusive access.

Those looking for a more flexible or independent exploration might find the schedule a bit structured, but overall, it offers excellent value for those wanting a well-rounded overview of the city and its royal residence.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience for travelers eager to see London’s highlights with minimal hassle. The inclusion of Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms provides a rare glimpse into royal life, while the open-top bus and river cruise create a scenic, relaxing way to absorb the city’s charm. The guides and audio commentary add personality and insights that elevate the trip beyond mere sightseeing.

For visitors seeking a combination of convenience, value, and authentic access, this package hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who prioritize organized tours with multiple activities in one day. If you’re ready to enjoy London’s sights from a variety of angles and inside access to the monarchy’s home, this experience will serve you well.

FAQ

Is the ticket for Buckingham Palace included in the price?
Yes, entry to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms is included in the tour package.

Can I get a printed ticket?
No, tickets are mobile-only and accepted via e-tickets on all hop-on-hop-off services.

How often do the buses depart?
Buses leave every 20 minutes from main tourist points, giving you flexibility in planning your day.

Are audio guides available?
Yes, audio guides are included in the ticket price and are available in 12 languages.

Is there any food or drink included?
No, food and drink are not included, and there are no onboard restrooms.

Are children or mobility-impaired travelers accommodated?
Mobility access can be arranged directly with Buckingham Palace, but pushchairs are not permitted inside the State Rooms for safety reasons.

This tour combines the best of London’s sights, history, and royal mystery into a well-organized day. Whether it’s your first trip or you’re returning for a quick overview, it offers great value and memorable moments.