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

Visiting London is like flipping through a picture book—so many iconic sights, so little time. The Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off tour promises to be a flexible way to see the city’s highlights, with the bonus of a river cruise option to spice things up. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve scoured reviews and details to give you a comprehensive look at what to expect.

What we love about this experience? First, the flexibility to hop on and off at 45 stops across three different routes means you can tailor your sightseeing to your pace. Second, the live bus tracking app makes navigation stress-free, especially in a busy city like London. Third, the family-friendly audio guides, including kid-specific commentary in English and French, make exploring with children far easier.

The one potential downside? Some reviews mention that bus frequency can vary, and waiting times might stretch during peak hours or traffic delays. This could impact those on tight schedules or looking for a more structured timetable.

This tour suits visitors who want to see London’s main attractions comfortably and prefer a flexible, guided experience without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s especially good for first-timers or families wanting a rundown with options to explore deeper on foot.

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Key Points

Flexible hop-on, hop-off system with 45 stops across three routes allows personalized sightseeing
Real-time app and live bus tracking enhance convenience and reduce waiting
Audio guides in 10 languages, including child-friendly options in English and French, make it family-friendly
Cruise addition provides a unique perspective of London from the river
Duration options of 24, 48, or 72 hours cater to different travel plans
Multiple thematic walking tours offer deeper insights into areas like Soho, Kensington Gardens, and South Bank

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Whole Experience: What You Can Expect

Imagine starting your day in London with a panoramic view from an open-top bus, rolling past some of the world’s most famous landmarks. The Tootbus route covers a comprehensive list of sights—from the historic Tower of London and Tower Bridge to the regal Buckingham Palace and the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral. This is ideal if you want a quick, sweeping overview before deciding where to spend more time.

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The Routes and Stops

The tour offers three distinct routes, each covering different parts of the city, with 45 stops in total. The flexibility to hop on or off at any of these stops during your ticket validity means you can tailor your day. For example, you might hop off at Westminster to see Big Ben and Westminster Abbey or spend extra time exploring Covent Garden, just a short walk away.

The Views and Commentary

Traveling on an open-top bus provides unmatched views of London’s architecture and bustling streets. The audio commentary, available in ten languages, offers historical tidbits, fun facts, and local insights. Reviewers have found the commentary engaging, though some note that the music playlist can be quite classic and might not appeal to all ages—consider bringing your own tunes if needed.

Family-Friendly Features

Traveling with kids? The dedicated audio guide for children in English and French is a real plus. It keeps younger travelers entertained and engaged, transforming what could be a lengthy bus ride into a fun learning experience. Several reviews mention how helpful this feature is, especially in maintaining their children’s interest and patience—”even the seven-year-old was enraptured,” one reviewer said.

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The River Cruise

If you opt for the cruise extension, your ticket grants access to a one-way Thames river cruise operated by City Cruises. Departing from Westminster or Tower Pier every 40 minutes, the cruise offers stunning views of London’s riverside landmarks. It’s a lovely way to change perspectives, with reviews praising how the cruise adds a touch of elegance and relaxation to the day.

There's plenty more to explore in London

Walking Tours for Deeper Exploration

Beyond the bus ride, four themed walking tours are included, focusing on areas like Soho, Kensington Gardens, and South Bank’s architecture and celebrations. These add an extra layer of discovery, perfect for travelers eager to connect the dots between landmarks and local neighborhoods.

The Practicalities

Duration and Flexibility

Your ticket’s validity can be 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on your choice, giving you ample time to explore at your own pace. Many reviewers appreciate the extended access, especially those combining the bus with walking and river excursions. The app’s real-time tracking means you won’t spend long waiting, though some mention that during busy periods, buses might be slightly delayed—this is typical in any major city.

Cost and Value

At $42 per person, the price point is quite reasonable given the coverage and flexibility offered. When you consider the included features—multiple routes, live tracking, audio guides, and optional cruise—it’s a solid investment for a comprehensive London experience. Several visitors have noted that, especially with the 48- or 72-hour options, it feels like excellent value for money.

Accessibility and Convenience

The tour starts at various points, including a stop in front of the Eurostar station, making it especially convenient for travelers arriving from continental Europe. Buses are generally well-maintained, clean, and equipped with Wi-Fi, which allows you to stay connected or listen to the commentary seamlessly.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is convenient and comprehensive, some reviews highlight that bus frequency varies, with waiting times occasionally longer during peak traffic hours. Also, the tour stops are spread out—so getting on and off means walking some distances, which might be a challenge for less mobile travelers or those on tight schedules.

Insights from Real Users

Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and helpful staff, with comments like “guides waiting to help with questions” and “friendly, helpful bus drivers.” One reviewer specifically mentioned driver Peter and guide Paul as being especially engaging and humorous, adding to the enjoyment.

Others highlight how easy it is to use the app—it directs you to the nearest stop and provides real-time updates, making navigation effortless. Notably, families and first-time visitors find this particularly helpful, as one review mentions how the bus helps them get their bearings without the stress of figuring out public transport alone.

Some users comment on the music playlist, which they find a bit outdated or not to everyone’s taste, but this is easily remedied by bringing your own music or listening to the commentary.

The Cons

A few reviews mention occasional delays, especially in heavy traffic or during busy times, which can affect the overall experience if you’re on a tight schedule. Also, the buses stop earlier than some other operators—around 6:30 pm—so plan your evening accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

First-time visitors will find this an excellent way to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed. Families with children will appreciate the kid-friendly audio guides and the overall relaxed pace. Those who value flexibility and convenience will love the hop-on-hop-off system and live tracking.

However, if you’re a seasoned London explorer who prefers to navigate on your own, or if you’re looking for a strictly economical way to get around, public transport might be a better option. Still, for many travelers, this tour offers a comfortable, entertaining overview of the city’s most photogenic spots.

The Sum Up

The Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off tour with the optional river cruise combines practicality with fun. Its extensive routes, engaging commentary, and family-friendly features make it a strong choice for those seeking a comprehensive, low-stress way to see London. The inclusion of a river cruise adds a special touch, providing unique perspectives of the city’s iconic riversides.

While some may find the bus frequency inconsistent or the stops spread out, the overall value remains high, especially for first-timers eager to tick all the main sights off their list. The friendly staff, helpful app, and additional walking tours make this experience stand out among London sightseeing options.

This tour is best suited for visitors who want a balanced mix of guided touring and personal exploration, ensuring they don’t miss major landmarks while still having the flexibility to customize their day. If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable way to navigate London’s labyrinth of streets and stories, the Tootbus Experience could be just what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
Yes, you can choose from 24, 48, or 72-hour tickets, allowing you to explore at your own pace over several days if desired.

Does the tour include a river cruise?
Only if you select the cruise option. This adds a one-way Thames river cruise operated by City Cruises, departing every 40 minutes from Westminster or Tower Pier.

Can I hop off at any stop and rejoin the bus later?
Absolutely. Your ticket allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off access at any of the 45 stops during the ticket’s validity period.

Is the audio guide available in multiple languages?
Yes, the commentary is in 10 languages, including a special child-friendly channel in English and French.

What if I don’t want to use the app?
While the app enhances the experience with real-time updates and maps, you can also use physical maps provided on board or at stops.

Are there any additional costs?
Food, drinks, and entrance tickets to attractions are not included. The tour only covers the bus and optional river cruise.

What’s the best time to ride?
Daylight hours are ideal for sightseeing; however, buses run daily with variable frequency, so plan accordingly to maximize your day.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Buses are generally accessible, but walking to stops and getting on/off may pose challenges for some; check specific accessibility options before booking.

Whether you’re after a broad overview or a relaxed way to tick London’s iconic landmarks off your list, the Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off tour with the river cruise offers a practical and enjoyable solution. Just remember to plan around the schedule and take advantage of the flexible tickets to make the most of your London adventure.