London Eye Ticket, Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise

London Eye Ticket, Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour & River Cruise offers a well-rounded introduction to London’s most iconic sights. At $82.42 per person, you get approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes of sightseeing, with the freedom to explore at your own pace. The package includes a London Eye ticket, a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour (with an option for 48 hours in some cases), and a Thames River cruise. It’s a package designed for travelers who want to see the city without the hassle of figuring out transport or scrambling to fit everything in.

What we love about this experience is how it combines sky-high views from the London Eye with the urban buzz of the city on a double-decker bus, plus a peaceful cruise past historic bridges and landmarks. The flexibility of being able to hop on and off the bus at popular stops like Trafalgar Square, Westminster, or Covent Garden makes it easy to tailor your day. Another highlight is the water journey along the Thames, offering a different perspective of sights like Parliament, Big Ben, and the Tower of London.

One consideration is the potential for traffic delays affecting the bus schedule. Several reviews mention long waits and overcrowding, especially during busy times. That said, the ticket’s value remains good, especially if you focus on the highlights and plan your timing carefully. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, want access to top sights without costly taxis, and appreciate combining different viewpoints—street level, water, and sky—in one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Combines bus, river, and aerial views for a complete London overview.
• Flexible hopping: The hop-on hop-off format allows you to explore specific neighborhoods and attractions at your pace.
• High-quality views: The London Eye provides stunning, panoramic vistas essential for first-time visitors.
• Authentic waterway experience: The Thames cruise offers a scenic, historic perspective of London’s riverside landmarks.
• Value for money: The package covers multiple major sights with a single, reasonable ticket.
• Potential delays: Traffic and crowding can extend wait times and reduce the overall experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Piccadilly & Green Park

Your journey begins in the heart of London’s West End, near Piccadilly and Green Park. These locations are perfect for grabbing a quick photo of the famous statue or the bustling streets before hopping on the bus. From here, the route takes you through some of London’s iconic neighborhoods, including Mayfair and Pall Mall.

Top Sights on the Route

The bus stops include major attractions like Harrods, Natural History Museum, Kensington Palace, and Notting Hill. These stops offer the chance to explore at your own pace. Several reviewers mention that the buses take you to “top places plus around London,” making it a good way to get your bearings.

The Heart of the City: Trafalgar Square & Westminster

A key highlight is Trafalgar Square, famous for Nelson’s Column and lively street performances. From there, the route passes through Whitehall, Whitehall, and the Horse Guards Parade—areas filled with government buildings and historic military sites.

The London Eye & Thames River Cruise

The London Eye is a major highlight of the tour, offering incredible bird’s-eye views of the city. You’ll receive a ticket included in the package—just remember, you need to pre-book your time slot, which can be done via the link provided on your voucher. Several reviews note that the staff at the Eye can sometimes be strict about QR code scans, so be sure to activate your ticket early.

The Thames cruise by City Cruises takes you beneath London’s famous bridges—Tower Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and more—and past landmarks like the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe. The cruise is a tranquil way to see many sights along the river, although some travelers found the experience crowded or stressful when the ferry was overfull.

Neighborhoods and Cultural Hotspots

Stops at Covent Garden, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and London Bridge allow you to explore London’s lively arts scene, historic cathedral, or the historic bridge that has become a symbol of the city.

Additional Stops and Variations

Depending on the route (north, south, or eastbound), the buses also visit Victoria Station, Baker Street, and Kensington Gardens—areas full of shops, theaters, and green spaces. This flexibility means you can customize your day based on interests or weather.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

Many reviews echo the value of this combination experience. For example, Kylie loved how smooth the booking was, calling it “excellent” with no mishaps. Ann appreciated the short wait times and how it took her around London’s prime spots.

However, some reviews highlight challenges. Rick noted that ticket scanning issues at the London Eye affected his experience, and Vijay described a crowded, uncomfortable river cruise. Long waits, overcrowding, and traffic congestion are recurring themes, with some travelers waiting over 45 minutes for a bus or being overrun by crowds.

Another common sentiment is that the London Eye and river cruise are truly the highlights, with many calling them “outstanding.” The views from the London Eye are described as “epic” and the cruise as “amazing,” making them worth the cost even if the bus component can sometimes be frustrating.

Several reviewers also mention the traffic delays, which can turn what should be a 3-hour tour into a 5-hour adventure, especially during peak hours or special events. The buses, while frequent in theory, sometimes don’t keep pace with expectations, leading to longer wait times and overcrowding.

Practical Details and Tips

The ticket’s validity begins when activated at any Big Bus stop, and you can choose to upgrade to 48 hours if available. Remember, food and drinks are not included, so plan to pack snacks or enjoy a meal during your exploration. The London Eye requires a pre-booked time slot, and you should activate your mobile voucher or QR code at a designated stop.

Since the package is mobility-friendly (service animals allowed), it can suit a variety of travelers, including seniors. The public transportation nearby makes it easy to reach the tour stops, especially at major stations like Victoria or Waterloo.

Most travelers find value for money in the combined experience—seeing London from street level, water, and sky—but should be prepared for potential delays. The audio commentary in 7 languages helps orient you, and complimentary headphones ensure you don’t miss the stories.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re a first-time visitor eager to see London’s key sights without tiring yourself out, this package offers a convenient overview. It’s especially suitable if you’re fine with some waiting and crowded buses, as many reviews mention. Families, couples, or solo travelers who want a flexible, all-in-one experience will likely find this tour a good fit.

However, if you expect a completely smooth ride or are traveling during peak traffic times, you might experience some delays. The combination of water, sky, and street views makes this a compelling way to get a broad sense of London’s layout and landmarks, especially if you prioritize stunning vistas and authentic city experiences.

The Sum Up

This London sightseeing package combines the best of three worlds: a bird’s-eye view from the London Eye, a relaxing river cruise, and the flexibility of a hop-on hop-off bus. For a reasonable price, you gain access to many sights, with the freedom to explore at your own pace. The tour’s success hinges on timing and patience, especially considering traffic and crowding issues.

It’s ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting an efficient way to see London’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail. The views and experiences—particularly the London Eye and Thames cruise—are what make this tour memorable, even if the bus component occasionally tests your patience.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, flexible introduction to London, this tour delivers, provided you’re prepared for the potential delays and crowds. For travelers who want to maximize sightseeing in a limited time while enjoying diverse perspectives of the city, this package offers a practical, enjoyable option.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, including seniors. Service animals are also allowed, making it accessible for people with mobility needs.

Do I need to pre-book the London Eye?
Yes, you’ll need to book your time slot in advance using the link on your voucher to ensure smooth entry.

What does the ticket include?
It includes entry to the London Eye, a hop-on hop-off bus pass for 24 or 48 hours, and a Thames River cruise with audio commentary.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

Can I hop off and spend time at each stop?
Absolutely. The hop-on hop-off format allows you to explore different neighborhoods at your own pace.

What about delays?
Traffic and crowding can cause significant wait times, sometimes over 45 minutes, especially during peak hours.

How long does the full bus circuit take?
It can take around 3 hours and 15 minutes, but some travelers experienced longer due to delays.

What should I do if I experience issues with my tickets?
Activate your mobile voucher early and verify bookings at designated stops. Review feedback about ticket scanning to avoid surprises.

Is this a good value for the price?
Given the inclusion of major sights and flexible travel options, many consider it a good value, especially compared to more expensive private tours or taxis.

In essence, this package offers an engaging way to see London’s highlights from several viewpoints, though patience and timing are key. It’s a practical choice for those who want a broad, flexible overview and don’t mind some crowds or traffic delays.