Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour & Westminster Abbey

Navigating London can feel overwhelming—so many sights, so little time. For travelers wanting a flexible way to experience the city’s highlights, a hop-on hop-off bus tour combined with a visit to Westminster Abbey offers a practical, hands-on approach. For about $85, you get a one- or two-day ticket that grants access to multiple routes, a river cruise, and entry to one of London’s most iconic sights—the Abbey itself.

We love that this experience allows you to see London at your own pace, hopping off at key locations like the Museum Quarter, Hyde Park, or Kings Cross, then hopping back on when you’re ready. The audio guides in 12 languages help make the journey informative and accessible. Plus, if you’re interested in Britain’s royal history or Victorian writers, Westminster Abbey’s entrance is included—an unbeatable value for those eager to step inside a place that’s been central to royal ceremonies for over a thousand years.

However, the experience does have its quirks. Some reviews mention logistical issues, such as ticketing confusion or inconsistent service, which can affect your overall enjoyment. Also, the tour ticket alone is a good deal, but additional attractions like meals or extra guided tours cost extra. This tour is best suited for first-time visitors who want a broad, accessible overview of London’s main sights, with the flexibility to explore at their own pace.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: The hop-on hop-off bus offers multiple routes, passing major attractions, parks, museums, and royal sites.
• Westminster Abbey included: Entry is part of the ticket, allowing you to explore this iconic church’s treasures and history.
• Audio guides in 12 languages: Make the journey informative for international travelers.
• River Thames cruise: The ticket includes a scenic boat ride, adding a different perspective of London’s skyline.
• Multiple day options: Valid for 1, 2, or 3 days, giving you flexibility.
• Potential issues: Some reviews point out ticketing confusion and limited customer service.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Look at the Tour

If you’re planning to visit London for a short stay, this combined bus and Abbey tour offers a convenient way to hit multiple highlights without the hassle of separate bookings. The $84.86 per person price covers a lot—unlike separate tickets for individual attractions, this bundled experience emphasizes value, especially with access to Westminster Abbey and a Thames cruise included.

The Bus Routes and Their Highlights

The tour provides three main routes—Classic (Blue), Essential (Red), and Museum (Orange)—each tailored to different interests. The Classic Route covers central London’s most famous sights, including Big Ben, Westminster Palace, and the British Museum. The Essential Route passes by Hyde Park, Regents Park, and Madame Tussauds, perfect if you want to see London’s lush parks and famous wax figures. The Museum Route passes by Buckingham Palace, the Royal Albert Hall, and Harrods, ideal for museum lovers.

The Yellow and Green routes operate mainly in the mornings and late afternoons, connecting hotel districts to the city center. This is especially handy if you prefer to travel during less busy times or want to use the bus as a transfer service.

Westminster Abbey: The Crown Jewel

As one of London’s must-see sites, Westminster Abbey’s 700-year-old Gothic architecture and stained glass windows are breathtaking. The ticket grants you access to see the Coronation Chair, used since 1308, and the Poets’ Corner, where literary giants like Chaucer and Dickens are buried or memorialized. The Abbey is also where 17 monarchs are buried, and it has been the site of every coronation since William the Conqueror in 1066.

The reviews reveal some mixed experiences. One traveler lamented, “Nobody gave us a ticket to enter Westminster Abbey,” highlighting the importance of printing your ticket beforehand. The Abbey’s security checks and occasional closures for services are worth noting to plan your visit accordingly.

Thames River Cruise: A Scenic Addition

The included boat ride along the River Thames provides a refreshing change from bus travel. Gliding past landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye, you’ll get a different vantage point of the city’s skyline. The cruise is a one-way ride valid from Westminster Pier to Tower Millennium Pier, or vice versa, and adds a peaceful, scenic element to an otherwise busy day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Guided and Themed Walks

Optional walking tours are available for those who want deeper insights. The Jack the Ripper Walking Tour and Royal London Walking Tour are two popular options. These tours help connect the dots between the sites you see from the bus and uncover stories behind London’s history—whether Victorian murders or royal ceremonies.

What’s Good and What’s Not

The value of this experience lies in its bundling. For a single ticket, you get transport, audio guides, entrance to Westminster Abbey, and a Thames cruise, all of which would be significantly more expensive if booked separately. The flexibility to hop on and off means you can customize your day, spending more time at places that interest you.

That said, some travelers report confusing ticketing procedures and inconsistent customer service, which could be frustrating if you need assistance or encounter delays. The bus frequency is every 20 minutes on most routes, which is decent but not instantaneous, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits first-time visitors eager to cover a lot of ground without the hassle of multiple bookings. It’s also ideal for those with limited time in London who want a broad overview and the flexibility to explore at their own pace. If you’re interested in royal history, literature, or iconic sights, the inclusion of Westminster Abbey makes it especially appealing.

Final Thoughts

This hop-on hop-off London bus tour combined with Westminster Abbey offers a practical, affordable way to experience the highlights of London. Its multiple routes and included Thames cruise provide variety and scenic views, while the Abbey entry enriches your cultural understanding of the city’s traditions.

We appreciate the flexibility and comprehensive nature of this tour, but advise being prepared for potential logistical hiccups, especially regarding ticketing and timing. The guided audio in multiple languages ensures accessibility, making it suitable for a diverse range of travelers.

Overall, if you’re seeking a value-packed, flexible introduction to London, this tour can serve as an excellent choice—especially for first-timers or those who want to see key sights without the stress of planning each detail.

FAQ

Does the ticket include entry to Westminster Abbey?
Yes, the ticket includes admission to Westminster Abbey, allowing you to explore its stunning architecture and historic interior.

Can I visit Westminster Abbey at any time?
You can visit at any time during opening hours, but it’s recommended to check the schedule for specific times and plan accordingly. You must print your ticket for entry.

What if I want to do more than just the bus tour?
Additional attractions like meals or extra guided tours are not included, but you can explore more attractions separately if desired.

Is the Thames cruise included in the ticket price?
Yes, the river cruise is part of the package, providing a scenic ride along the Thames from Westminster to Tower Pier or vice versa.

How often do the buses run?
Most routes run every 20 minutes, with the Orange Museum Route every 30 minutes Monday through Thursday.

Are there audio guides available?
Yes, audio guides are available in 12 languages, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

Can I hop on and off multiple times?
Absolutely. Your ticket is valid for 1, 2, or 3 days, so you can hop off at attractions, explore, then hop back on when ready.

What are some potential drawbacks?
Some reviews mention ticketing confusion or inconsistent service, so staying organized and arriving early can help ensure smooth travel.

Exploring London with this combined bus, Abbey, and river cruise provides a balanced mix of convenience, scenery, and culture. Perfect for those looking to get an authentic feel for the city while maintaining flexibility. Just remember to print your tickets, check schedules, and enjoy the ride!

You can check availability for your dates here: