London: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Madame Tussauds Ticket

Traveling through London is a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and stories—and what better way to see as much of this vibrant city as possible than with a combined hop-on hop-off bus tour and Madame Tussauds entry? This package from Golden Tours offers a convenient way to explore London at your own pace while enjoying some iconic attractions. While the experience scores an average of 3.7 out of 5 based on 40 reviews, it’s packed with enough highlights to make it a worthwhile option for many visitors.

We love how this tour provides flexibility—you can hop on and off as often as you wish over 1 or 2 days, making it ideal for those who want to tailor their sightseeing to their own rhythm. The included Madame Tussauds entry is a big plus, especially if celebrity and pop culture are your thing. Plus, the Thames River cruise offers a fantastic perspective of London’s skyline from the water. The tour also offers free walking tours like Jack the Ripper or Royal London, which can add depth and authenticity to your visit.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the price point of around $75 per person. While the value depends on how much you enjoy these attractions and tours, some reviewers mention that certain parts of the experience, like the guides or the buses, could be more polished. Still, for travelers seeking a budget-friendly, rundown of London, this package offers a good entry point.

This experience is best suited for those who prefer organized sightseeing, want to maximize their time, and enjoy diverse ways of exploring—whether on the bus, on foot, or by boat. It’s especially handy for visitors with limited time or those who want to combine several attractions into one seamless day.

Good To Know

• Flexible duration options: Valid for 1, 24, or 48 hours, allowing you to customize your trip.
• Multiple routes: Cover all major sights, parks, and museums with dedicated routes.
• Inclusion of Madame Tussauds: Get up close with celebrities and famous figures.
• Thames River cruise: One-way journey with panoramic city views.
• Guides & audio options: Live guides in English and audio guides in 12 languages.
• Additional tours: Free walking tours like Jack the Ripper or Royal London enhance the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-depth Look at the Tour Itinerary and Experience

Starting Out: The Hop-on Hop-off Bus System

The core of this experience is the open-top bus that allows you to see London without the hassle of navigating public transport or walking long distances. The buses run every 20 minutes on the Blue and Red routes, which means waiting times are minimal. The Orange route, focusing on museums and royal sights, operates every 30 minutes from Monday to Thursday, adding flexibility.

The routes are designed to pass all the major highlights—think The London Eye, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and Piccadilly Circus—giving you a rundown of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The live guides are praised for their knowledge, with reviews mentioning guides like “very engaging and informative,” which adds a lot to the experience.

Exploring the Routes

• The Classic (Blue) Route: This is the backbone, taking you across Central London and passing historic and cultural attractions. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting a broad introduction.
• The Essential (Red) Route: Focuses on Madame Tussauds, Kings Cross, Hyde Park, and Regents Park. If celebrity impersonators and parks are your thing, this route is a must.
• The Museum (Orange) Route: For museum lovers, this route takes you past world-famous institutions, along with royal landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Royal Albert Hall.
• Morning & Evening Routes: Designed for quick transfers between hotel districts and central London, these are helpful for logistical planning.

The Madame Tussauds Experience

Stepping inside Madame Tussauds is like entering a world of celebrity and history. With the included ticket, guests can mingle with wax figures of stars like Eddie Redmayne, Benedict Cumberbatch, and even Darth Vader or the Royal Family. The use of modern tech and immersive sets makes it feel less like a wax museum and more like a lively celebration of fame.

Reviewers consistently point out the quality of figures and the interactive elements, such as taking photos on the celebrity’s yacht or on the royal throne. Some note that the entry process is smooth, but others emphasize that suitcases are not allowed inside, so plan to leave larger bags behind.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Thames River Cruise: A Different Perspective

The one-way boat ride is a highlight for many, offering a relaxing way to see London’s skyline from the water. Departing from Westminster Pier, the cruise takes you to Tower Millennium Pier, providing stunning views of landmarks like Tower Bridge, the Shard, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

While some reviews mention that the boats depart every 30 minutes, it’s good to confirm the schedule on the day of your trip. It’s an excellent way to combine sightseeing with a leisurely cruise, breaking up a busy day of exploring.

Free Walking Tours & Additional Highlights

Adding to the value, the included free walking tours give insights into London’s darker past with Jack the Ripper or the royal history with the Royal London tour. These guided walks are often led by knowledgeable guides who bring history and stories to life, adding depth to your sightseeing.

Practical Details & Tips

• The ticket validity varies from 1 to 2 days, so consider your pace and planned activities when choosing.
• The audio guides are in 12 languages, making it accessible for international visitors.
• Remember, Madame Tussauds requires a separate ticket and disallows suitcases, so travel light.
• For the Thames cruise, expect departures every 30 minutes, so plan your timing accordingly.
• The cost of $75.43 is competitive considering the inclusion of multiple attractions, but some reviewers feel it’s a bit pricey if you’re not planning to make full use of the bus routes or attractions.

Overall Value and Who It’s Perfect For

This combined ticket offers a well-rounded introduction to London, especially for first-time visitors or those with limited time. The multiple routes and inclusive activities make it a convenient way to see the city without stressing about tickets or transportation. The knowledgeable guides and stunning views from the bus and boat add richness to your experience.

If you love the idea of self-paced sightseeing, enjoy combining different modes of transport, or want a smooth, hassle-free way to hit all the highlights, this tour delivers. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who value flexibility and value for money—and don’t mind the occasional busy or touristy environment.

However, if you’re after a more intimate or premium experience, this might feel a bit surface-level. It’s not a curated guided tour with personal attention, but rather an efficient, broad-strokes overview. Still, for many, the convenience and variety compensate for this.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While children aged 15 and younger need to be accompanied by an adult to enter Madame Tussauds, the overall bus and boat experience is generally suitable for families. Check specific age restrictions at the attraction venue.

How long do the buses and boat ride take?
The hop-on hop-off buses run every 20 minutes, and the boat departs roughly every 30 minutes. The exact time depends on your schedule and how many stops you make along the way.

Can I hop off and rejoin later?
Yes, with a 24 or 48-hour ticket, you can hop off at any stop and reboard later — perfect for exploring at your own pace.

Are live guides available on the buses?
Yes, some buses have live English guides, providing informative and lively commentary. Audio guides are also available in 12 languages.

What should I know about Madame Tussauds entry?
Your ticket includes entry to Madame Tussauds, but note that suitcases are not permitted inside. It’s best to travel light and plan your visit accordingly.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll need to purchase at the attractions or bring your own.

To sum it up, this London hop-on hop-off bus tour combined with Madame Tussauds and a Thames cruise offers a practical, engaging way to see many of the city’s top sights without packing too much into a single day. It’s best for those who enjoy flexible itineraries, appreciate guided commentary, and want to make the most of their limited time in the capital. While it may lack some personal touches, the variety of included activities and the scenic routes make it a solid choice for travelers eager to tick off iconic London experiences in one go.

You can check if your dates are available here: