London: Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see as much as possible without exhausting yourself, the Tootbus Hop-On Hop-Off tour offers a practical way to cover the city’s main attractions at your own pace. With options for 24, 48, or even 72 hours, this tour combines land and water transport, giving you access to iconic landmarks, self-guided walks, and a scenic Thames cruise. It’s a flexible, family-friendly experience that’s perfect for first-time visitors or anyone wanting an overview without the hassle of navigating public transport or crowded tours.

What we love about this experience is the ease of use—you can hop on and off at your leisure, making it easy to customize your day. The stunning views from the open-top bus and the Thames cruise are hard to beat, providing a different perspective of London’s famous sights. Plus, the inclusion of audio guides in multiple languages and kid-friendly commentary keeps everyone engaged. The only potential downside? The bus schedule can vary slightly depending on the day or traffic, and some may find it less suited for those seeking a guided tour with a dedicated guide leading the way.

This experience is ideal for families, first-time visitors, and travelers looking for a flexible way to explore London’s top attractions without the stress of planning every detail. If you value comfort, variety, and the chance to see many highlights in one day, this tour could be your best London companion.

Good To Know

• Flexibility: Valid for 1, 2, or 3 days, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
• Multi-modal: Combines bus rides, a Thames river cruise, and self-guided walking tours for a comprehensive experience.
• Convenient: Multiple stops across London, including a front-door stop near Eurostar station.
• Family-Friendly: Audio guides for children and adults, with multilingual commentary.
• Value for Money: Access to major landmarks plus river cruise for a relatively affordable price.
• Real-Time Tracking: The app and onboard Wi-Fi help you stay informed and plan your next move.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Journey Through London with Tootbus

The itinerary of this tour covers some of London’s most famous sights, making it especially appealing for first-time visitors. The three routes and 45 stops are designed to maximize exposure to the city’s highlights, from historic landmarks to bustling markets.

Starting Point & Accessibility

Depending on your booking, your meeting point can vary, but a common and easily accessible location is in front of the Eurostar station. This strategic spot makes it simple to hop on after arriving from the continent or from other parts of London.

Hop-On, Hop-Off Freedom

Once onboard, you’ll enjoy the open-top experience, which is perfect for snapping photos and soaking in panoramic views. The audio guides provide interesting tidbits, bringing each stop to life with historical facts, fun stories, and practical tips. Reviewers mention how helpful the guides are, with one describing the driver as “super helpful and awesome, given the diversions that occurred,” which highlights the importance of friendly staff in ensuring a smooth experience.

Major Stops and Highlights

• Tower of London & Tower Bridge: Marvel at the historic fortress and iconic bascule bridge. Many travelers, like Debbie, appreciated the ability to see everything “that could be seen,” even with diversions.
• Westminster & Big Ben: The classic London photo op, especially with the open-top providing a clear line of sight.
• Buckingham Palace: Catch the Changing of the Guard if timed well, a highlight for many visitors.
• The London Eye & South Bank: Capture stunning views from the river and enjoy the bustling atmosphere with street performers and food stalls.
• Covent Garden & Trafalgar Square: Perfect for a quick walk, shopping, or grabbing a bite.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Thames Cruise

Incorporated into the ticket, the Thames River cruise from City Cruises departs approximately every 40 minutes. The cruise offers a new perspective on the city’s skyline and landmarks, with entertaining commentary—many reviews praise the informative and funny narration. The cruise is a highlight for many, with one reviewer calling it the “highlight of the tour” due to the “very informative, funny commentary.”

Walking Tours & Extra Insights

The self-guided walking tours add depth to your visit, taking you through areas like Soho, Kensington Gardens, and more. These are perfect for those who want to explore specific neighborhoods at their own pace. The app enhances the experience further, offering real-time bus tracking, points of interest, and additional commentary in ten languages, making navigation and discovery easier.

The Practical Side: Transportation, Price, and Timing

While the $46.20 per person price might seem like a splurge, it offers significant value—especially when you consider the cost of individual tickets for attractions like the London Eye or a river cruise. The unlimited hop-on, hop-off feature during your validity period means you can visit as many attractions as you like, stopping when something catches your interest.

Buses run approximately every 20-30 minutes, providing a reliable, quick way to change locations without wasting time waiting. The duration of the tour’s validity—1 to 3 days—gives you the flexibility to spread out your sightseeing over multiple days, which is great if you want to avoid cramming everything into a single day.

Comfort and Convenience

The buses are wheelchair accessible, which is vital for visitors with mobility needs. The onboard Wi-Fi and encouragement to bring your own headphones help keep the experience comfortable and personalized. The drivers are noted in reviews as friendly and helpful, often going above and beyond, especially during diversions caused by protests or traffic.

Food & Additional Costs

While food and drinks aren’t included, many stops like Borough Market and Covent Garden offer plenty of options. The tour itself doesn’t include a guide—it’s self-guided—so if you’re craving detailed storytelling, you might prefer guided tours, but for flexibility, few options beat this.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Travelers love the flexibility and ease of this tour. One review highlights how “the freedom to move around London from area to area” makes all the difference, especially for those on tight schedules. Others appreciate the helpful staff, with one describing a driver named Shane as “fantastic” for handling diversions and keeping everyone entertained with humor and good information.

Many reviewers mentioned how the buses run on time and how the audio guides are engaging—both factors that contribute to a smooth, stress-free day. Several noted the value of the combo ticket, especially given the inclusion of the Thames cruise, which many consider the highlight of the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors to London, who want a broad overview without the stress of planning every detail. Families will appreciate the child-friendly audio guides, and those with limited mobility will find the accessible buses a major plus. It’s also excellent for travelers who prefer a flexible schedule, as you can hop on and off as much as you like during the validity period.

If you’re someone who enjoys panoramic views, informative commentary, and scenic water cruises, this tour covers all those bases. It’s not for those seeking a deeply guided, personalized experience, but it’s perfect for a comprehensive, well-rounded day in London.

The Sum Up

The Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Cruise offers a practical way to explore London’s most famous sights without the hassle. Its combination of land and water transport, along with self-guided tours and multilingual commentary, makes it a versatile choice for many travelers. The ability to hop on and off at your leisure, combined with the scenic Thames cruise, delivers a satisfying overview of this vibrant city—ideal for first-timers and families alike.

While it’s not a guided tour with a personal guide, the friendly staff, helpful app, and excellent value make it a standout option for those who want to see a lot without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Whether you’re aiming for a quick introduction or a leisurely exploration over multiple days, this experience offers flexibility, comfort, and plenty of picture-perfect moments.

FAQs

Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
Yes, your ticket can be used for 1, 2, or 3 days, depending on the option you select, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Does the tour include a guide?
There’s no personal guide leading the tour, but the buses provide audio commentary in 10 languages, and the app offers real-time bus tracking and points of interest.

Can I use this tour if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

How often do the buses run?
Buses typically operate every 20-30 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long between buses to continue your exploration.

What are the main attractions I can see?
Key sights include Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Covent Garden, among others.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks aren’t included, but stops at markets and restaurants around London make it easy to find meals and snacks throughout your day.

Embark on your London adventure with confidence, knowing this hop-on hop-off tour will help you make the most of your visit—scenic, flexible, and full of interesting stops.

You can check if your dates are available here: