City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour & Optional River Cruise

If you’re looking for a convenient way to see London’s highlights without the hassle of navigating the Tube or walking miles, the City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour might just be your best bet. Priced at $57.61 per person for a 24-hour ticket, it offers a relaxed, flexible way to explore with the option to hop on and off at numerous stops near iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, and Big Ben. Add in the optional river cruise, and you have a well-rounded introduction to the city that’s suitable for first-timers or those pressed for time.

One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is the audio commentary in 11 languages, which adds context and stories to the sights we pass — a helpful feature if you want to learn a bit more about the city’s landmarks. Another plus is the multiple route options—blue, red, and green—that give you a diverse perspective of London, whether you want to stick to the historic core, browse the shopping districts, or explore the royal parks.

A potential consideration is finding the stops—some reviews mention that directions can be tricky, especially for first-timers. And if you’re expecting perfect audio guides and timely buses, be aware that some guests experienced waiting times or technical glitches, such as headphones not working. But overall, this tour suits travelers who want value, flexibility, and a broad overview of London’s vast attractions without breaking the bank.

If you’re after a no-fuss way to cover the main sights or want extra options like walking tours and river cruises, this ticket package is a good fit. It’s especially appealing for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting to maximize sightseeing in a limited time.

Key Points

• Flexible access to major sights with hop-on, hop-off stops at key locations
• Audio guide available in 11 languages for added context
• Multi-route options for diverse city views and experiences
• Includes river cruise and walking tours with multi-day passes for added value
• Potential drawbacks include difficulty locating stops and occasional technical issues
• Ideal for first-time visitors or those who prefer a relaxed, all-in-one overview of London

A Deep Dive into the London HOHO Bus & River Cruise Experience

The Itinerary and Routes: Covering the Heart of London

The itinerary is designed to hit all the high points. Starting from Belvedere Road behind the London Eye, the red route takes you past St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, and Westminster. Here, you can hop off to snap photos of iconic structures like Big Ben or stroll through Victoria Embankment. The stops are well-placed near major attractions, making it easy to plan a self-guided visit.

The Blue Route takes a slightly different angle, passing through areas like Hyde Park, Marble Arch, and Kensington Palace, perfect if you want to explore London’s royal and park districts. The Green Route, running from 9:20 am to 3:50 pm, offers a shuttle service that connects travelers to places like Harrods and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

What You Can Expect at Each Stop

Buckingham Palace (Stop 11) is a highlight for many, even if the changing of the guard doesn’t happen every day—noted in reviews, and closed on some mornings. Still, seeing the outside of the royal residence is a thrill. The Tower of London stop (Stop 7) offers a chance to explore the historic fortress, with one review noting a “very informative and fun” visit, especially with a Beefeater guide.

Near Big Ben and Westminster, you’ll find stops that allow for quick photos or a short walk to Westminster Abbey or Houses of Parliament. While some stops like Marble Arch aren’t in parks but on busy roads, the views from the bus windows compensate by giving you a quick glance at the city’s architectural grandeur.

The River Cruise: A Relaxing Addition

The 1-day ticket includes a single journey on the Thames River from Westminster Pier to Tower Pier, about 35 minutes of relaxing sightseeing from the water. The 48- and 72-hour passes include return trips and even a Greenwich route, offering a different perspective of the city away from the hustle on land.

Guests have appreciated the additional value of the cruise, especially on a warm day when sitting on the deck gives you a breathtaking view of London’s skyline. One reviewer remarked, “Great overview of the city (and a chance to rest your legs!)” which highlights how well this complements the bus tour.

The Audio Commentary: Informative but Not Flawless

The audio guide in 11 languages is a key feature. It’s designed to give you storytelling and context as you pass each landmark. However, some reviews mention earphone issues or that the commentary can be more hotel-focused than landmark-focused, suggesting that the experience varies depending on technical reliability and personal expectations.

The Stops’ Practicalities and Guest Experiences

While the routes are extensive, some reviews indicate difficulty in locating stops or understanding exactly where to board, especially during busy city streets. One reviewer recommended more prominent signage and online maps to ease the process.

Timing can also be a factor; the first tour begins around 8:30 am, with the last full tour at 6 pm, running approximately every 15-30 minutes, which is quite frequent. But in high season or during street works, buses might be delayed or stops temporarily closed, so flexibility is advised.

Extras That Enhance the Tour

With multi-day passes, you can access walking tours like the Rock & Roll, Royal, or Jack the Ripper tours, adding depth for those interested in London’s stories beyond architecture. The Night Tour on the 72-hour ticket offers a different view of London’s illuminated landmarks, a perfect way to cap your day.

Value for Money: Is It Really Worth It?

At just over $57, this tour offers a lot of bang for the buck — especially considering it includes transportation, audio commentary, river cruise, and walking tours. Reviewers like Dana call it a “great way” to see London at your own pace, while others appreciate how it simplifies navigating the city.

However, some guests felt it was pricey for what they received, especially if technical issues or confusing stops hampered their experience. It’s important to weigh that value depends on your expectations: if you want a comprehensive, flexible overview without worrying about transport logistics, this is a solid choice.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of London’s sights. Families or groups wanting easy access to major landmarks and the option to hop on and off will find it particularly convenient. If you’re comfortable with some logistical challenges and are keen to combine bus, boat, and walking experiences, it offers a lot of variety.

Final Thoughts

The City Sightseeing London HOHO Bus Tour with optional river cruise is a useful, flexible introduction to London. It’s not perfect—some stops can be tricky to find, and occasional technical hiccups may occur—but the value of seeing many major sights in one day is undeniable. With entertaining audio commentary and multiple routes, you’ll get a broad picture of the city without the stress of planning every detail.

For those who want the comfort of a guided, hop-on hop-off experience with added options like walking tours and river cruises, this package offers excellent variety. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors, families, or travelers with limited time who prefer to see most of London from the comfort of a bus.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off format makes it accessible for all ages, especially with the ability to rest and stay comfortable on the bus. Some reviews mention traveling with seniors and found it manageable.

Can I start the tour at any stop?
Yes, your ticket is valid for any stop along the routes, giving you flexibility to plan your day based on your interests and schedule.

Will I see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace?
The stop at Buckingham Palace is included, but note it’s closed on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11 am to 12 pm when the Guard Changing usually happens.

What if I experience technical issues with headphones or commentary?
Some guests’ve experienced headphone malfunctions; bringing your own earbuds or checking the system early can help. The audio guide is available in multiple languages, but reliability may vary.

How frequent are the buses?
Red Route buses run every 15 minutes during operating hours, with the Green Shuttle every 30 minutes, offering plenty of opportunities to hop on.

Is the river cruise included with the 24-hour ticket?
Yes, a single journey on the Thames is included with the 24-hour pass. Longer tickets include return trips and trips to Greenwich.

What should I do if I can’t find a stop or have trouble with directions?
Look for online maps, ask local staff, or check your mobile device for guidance. Reviews suggest more prominent signage would improve the experience.

To sum it up, this London hop-on hop-off tour with river cruise offers a practical, relaxed way to get acquainted with the city’s highlights. While not flawless, it’s a solid choice for travelers ready to enjoy London at a slower pace, with enough flexibility to customize your day. If you’re seeking a stress-free, all-in-one sightseeing solution, it’s well worth considering—just be prepared for some minor logistical hurdles along the way.