London: Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off (Optional River Cruise)

Exploring London can be overwhelming with so many sights packed into a relatively small space. The Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off tour offers a convenient way to see the city’s top landmarks while giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. From the iconic Tower of London to the bustling streets of Soho, this tour covers it all.

What makes this experience appealing? For starters, the ability to hop on and off as you please, the live bus tracking for real-time updates, and the self-paced audio guides available in multiple languages—including kid-friendly options—are all real plus points. Also, the option to include a Thames River Cruise adds a scenic dimension to your sightseeing.

However, one consideration is that, like any city bus service, delays can sometimes occur due to London’s traffic, which might impact scheduled cruise timings or stop availability. Still, if you’re after an easy, informative way to navigate London without the stress of public transport, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially great for first-time visitors, families, or travelers wanting a structured overview of the city’s highlights.

Good To Know

• Flexible Hop-on and Hop-off: Unlimited stops during your ticket validity, perfect for personalized sightseeing.
• Multiple routes and stops: Cover 45 stops across three different routes, ensuring comprehensive city coverage.
• Audio guides: Available in 10 languages, with a dedicated kid-friendly channel in English and French.
• River cruise option: Adds a scenic boat ride, linking Westminster to Tower Pier for a full-day experience.
• Helpful app: Real-time bus tracking, route maps, and walking tours via the Tootbus app.
• Value for money: Starting at $36 per person for 24 hours, with options up to 3 days including the cruise.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Experience Overview

The Tootbus London tour promises an easy, accessible way to see the city’s main attractions without the hassle of navigating public transport or walking long distances. It’s designed to be a comprehensive package, combining bus routes, audio commentary, walking tours, and optionally, a river cruise—perfect for those who want a multi-dimensional introduction to London.

You can start your journey at any stop, with buses running daily at intervals averaging between 10 to 30 minutes depending on the season. The tour offers 3 different routes, covering essential sights like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and more. The audio guide enhances the experience, providing insights in 10 languages, while children can enjoy content tailored just for them in English and French.

Detailed Breakdown of the Routes and Stops

The Main Bus Routes

The routes are designed to capture London’s iconic landmarks, with 45 stops conveniently positioned near major attractions. The Yellow Route, for instance, takes you past Westminster, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament, which are perfect spots for photos and quick explorations. Taking this route allows you to hop off, soak in the atmosphere, and then hop back on to continue your tour.

Another popular route is the Pink Route, which guides you through Kensington Gardens, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the peaceful green spaces and perhaps visit the nearby museums or shop in Kensington high street.

The Blue Route takes in the South Bank area, excellent for architecture, street performers, and the lively vibe of London’s cultural hub.

The Stops and What You Can Expect

• Tower of London: Recognized for its glittering Crown Jewels. Many reviewers appreciated the ease of hopping off here to explore in detail, with some noting that guides like “Peter and driver Paul” were “knowledgeable, funny, and helpful,” enhancing the experience.
• Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament: Expect stunning architecture and a sense of history. The guides provide engaging commentary about the city’s political and royal history.
• Buckingham Palace: The Changing of the Guard is a highlight, and the bus stop’s proximity makes it easy for visitors to plan a quick visit.
• London Eye: Offers fantastic views, and many travelers enjoyed the panoramic sights over the river, especially when combined with the river cruise.
• Borough Market: Foodies will love this stop, with many reviewers recommending it as the best spot for local eats and tapas.
• Kensington Gardens: Perfect for a relaxing walk, and the guide highlights how this peaceful green space is a nice break from city bustle.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Walking Tours

One of the most appreciated features are the four thematic walks:

• Royal family: Covering Buckingham Palace and St. James Palace.
• Kensington Gardens: Offering nature and architecture insights.
• Sense of Soho: Exploring London’s creative and entertainment districts.
• Architecture and celebration at South Bank: Showcasing modern structures and festive atmospheres.

These tours add depth to your visit, encouraging you to explore beyond the bus and get a real feel for each neighborhood.

Navigating the Audio and App Features

The self-guided audio commentary is a real asset, with options in 10 languages, allowing everyone in your group to learn about the sights comfortably. We noted from reviews that the kids’ audio guide in English and French keeps younger travelers engaged, making the tour more family-friendly.

The Tootbus app is another highlight, providing real-time bus tracking and directions on where to hop off or walk to nearby attractions. Several users found this helpful, especially in busy areas where stops can be crowded or confusing.

River Cruise Addition: A Scenic Bonus

Opting for the river cruise transforms your day from a city tour into a varied experience. The cruise departs every 40 minutes from Tower Pier and Westminster Pier, running between 10:00 AM and 6:35 PM from Tower Pier, with the option to start at Westminster.

This one-way cruise takes you along the Thames, offering stunning views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and the South Bank. Several reviews praised the scenic aspect, highlighting how the boat ride provides a relaxing break from the bus, with the added benefit of seeing the city from a different perspective.

Travelers should note that the cruise is operated by City Cruises and is included only if you select the cruise option when booking. It’s a seamless addition that offers a lovely, scenic way to connect different parts of the city without extra hassle.

Practical Aspects: Pricing, Duration, and Accessibility

Starting at $36 per person for a 24-hour ticket, the price reflects good value, especially considering the flexibility, multiple routes, and included extras like Wi-Fi and kids’ guides. You can opt for 48 or 72 hours, which allows for more relaxed exploration and deeper dives into neighborhoods.

The buses are wheelchair accessible, and the stops are conveniently located, including a stop just in front of Eurostar station, making it easy for travelers arriving from outside London to hop on immediately.

The timing generally suits most travelers, with buses running regularly throughout the day. However, some reviews mention that the service can sometimes finish earlier than other companies—around 6:00 or 6:30 PM—which might limit late-day options. If you’re a night owl, planning accordingly will ensure you don’t miss out.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

From the volume of reviews, it’s clear that most travelers find this tour a worthwhile way to see London. Many appreciated helpful staff and guides, with some specifically mentioning “friendly and welcoming” personnel. The audio guides consistently received praise for their clarity and interesting commentary.

A few reviews pointed out small issues—like buses occasionally running late in traffic or stops not aligning perfectly with the map—but these are common in city tours and don’t detract from the overall experience. Several visitors highlighted how the buses were clean, plentiful, and easy to use, making London’s vast sights manageable even for first-timers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits first-time visitors wanting a primer of London’s major sights, especially if they’re short on time or prefer a guided approach. It’s also great for families, thanks to the kid-friendly audio channels and spacious, open-top buses.

Those who enjoy scenic views and easy navigation will find the river cruise an excellent addition. Meanwhile, travelers seeking in-depth exploration might prefer combining this tour with individual visits to attractions.

If you value flexibility and comfort over a strict, guided tour, this hop-on hop-off service provides an excellent balance of information, convenience, and sightseeing.

FAQs

Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
Yes, depending on your purchase, your ticket can be valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, giving you flexibility to explore over several days.

Can I hop off and explore a stop?
Absolutely. The ticket allows unlimited on and off access at any stop during its validity period, letting you decide how long to linger.

Does the tour include a river cruise?
Only if you select the cruise option at booking. The cruise departs from Westminster or Tower Pier and offers scenic views along the Thames.

Are the buses accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making this a suitable option for travelers with mobility needs.

What languages are available for the audio guides?
Audio commentary is available in 10 languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bringing your own earphones is encouraged for better comfort, and a mobile device with the Tootbus app is highly recommended for real-time updates and walking tours.

Final Thoughts

The Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off tour offers a well-rounded, flexible way to see London’s most famous sights without the fatigue of walking or navigating complex public transit. Its accessible routes, engaging audio guides, and optional river cruise make it a solid choice for those wanting a rundown in a short time.

The value for money is clear, especially with the 48- and 72-hour options, which let you explore leisurely. While minor delays can happen, most travelers find the experience smooth, informative, and enjoyable—especially with friendly staff and clean buses enhancing the journey.

If you’re a first-time visitor, a family, or someone who loves sightseeing with ease, this tour is likely to tick many of your boxes. It’s a practical, enjoyable way to get to know London and set the foundation for more in-depth exploration later on.

You can check if your dates are available here: