London: Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off (Optional River Cruise)
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Non smoking
History
The Tootbus London Hop-on Hop-off tour draws from the city’s long-standing tradition of open-top bus tours, a staple for tourists exploring London’s historic and modern landmarks. Launched to offer a flexible, tech-enhanced sightseeing experience, Tootbus integrates real-time bus tracking and multilingual audio guides, making it a favorite for global visitors.
This tour showcases London’s rich heritage, from medieval sites like the Tower of London to royal landmarks like Buckingham Palace. The optional Thames River Cruise complements the experience, reflecting London’s historical connection to the Thames as a vital artery for trade, culture, and exploration.
Highlights
- Discover London’s iconic landmarks at your own pace with unlimited hop-on hop-off access.
- Enjoy stunning views from an open-top bus, including Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge.
- Optional Thames River Cruise for a scenic riverside perspective of the city.
- Family-friendly with a kids’ audio guide in English and French.
- Four themed walking tours via the Tootbus app, exploring Soho, Kensington Gardens, and more.
Full Description
Embark on a flexible journey through London with the Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off tour, perfect for seeing the city’s top sights. From an open-top bus, marvel at landmarks like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Piccadilly Circus. With 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket options, hop off to explore or stay onboard to enjoy audio commentary in 10 languages.
Visit vibrant spots like Covent Garden, Borough Market, or St. Paul’s Cathedral, tailoring your itinerary to your interests. History lovers can explore the Crown Jewels, while families can watch the Changing of the Guard. The Tootbus app offers real-time bus tracking and self-guided walking tours, enhancing your adventure with ease and insight.
For a complete experience, choose the Thames River Cruise option, a one-way trip between Westminster and Tower Pier operated by City Cruises. This scenic cruise reveals London’s riverside beauty, complementing the bus tour. With onboard Wi-Fi and a kids’ audio guide, this tour is accessible, engaging, and ideal for all travelers.
Why Choose This Experience?
The Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off tour offers unmatched flexibility, letting you explore London’s iconic sites at your own pace. Whether you’re drawn to history, culture, or nightlife, the ability to hop on and off at any stop, paired with multilingual audio commentary, ensures a personalized and informative experience for every traveler.
Perfect for families, solo adventurers, or those with accessibility needs, this wheelchair-accessible tour includes a kids’ audio guide and the Tootbus app for seamless navigation. The optional river cruise adds a unique water-based perspective, making this a comprehensive and convenient way to discover London’s charm.
What’s Included
- 24, 48, or 72-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket (based on option selected).
- Optional one-way Thames River Cruise (Westminster to Tower Pier or vice versa).
- Audio commentary in 10 languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian).
- Kids’ audio guide in English and French.
- Tootbus app with real-time bus tracking, audio commentary, and four themed walking tours (Royal Family, Kensington Gardens, Sense of Soho, South Bank).
- Onboard Wi-Fi.
- Earphones (personal earphones encouraged).
Itinerary
- Begin at any Tootbus stop along the route to start your tour.
- See landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the Houses of Parliament.
- Hop off to explore attractions like the London Eye, Borough Market, or St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- If selected, take a one-way Thames River Cruise between Westminster Pier and Tower Pier.
- Use the Tootbus app for four self-guided walking tours in areas like Soho or Kensington Gardens.
- Enjoy unlimited hop-on hop-off access within your ticket’s validity (24, 48, or 72 hours).
Pricing
From $35 per person
Meeting Point
- Start at any Tootbus stop along the route.
- For the Thames River Cruise (if selected):
- Westminster Pier: Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH
- Tower Pier: Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames St, London EC3N 4DT
How to Get There
- By Public Transport: Take the London Underground to stations like Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle lines) or Tower Hill (Circle, District lines) for bus or cruise access.
- By Foot: Use the Tootbus app to find the nearest stop, often located near major landmarks like Trafalgar Square.
- By Taxi or Rideshare: Request a drop-off at Westminster Pier or Tower Pier for the cruise, or near central stops like Piccadilly Circus for the bus.
- By Car: Parking is limited in central London; public transport is recommended due to congestion and restrictions.
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for walking during hop-off explorations.
- Reusable earphones for the audio guide (provided, but personal ones encouraged).
- Weather-appropriate clothing, as the open-top bus is exposed to London’s variable weather.
- A charged smartphone to access the Tootbus app for bus tracking and walking tours.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets are valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours from first bus validation.
- Thames River Cruise (if selected) operates every 40 minutes from 10:00 AM, with the last departure at 6:35 PM from Tower Pier and 7:20 PM from Westminster Pier.
- Buses run daily with a frequency of 10–30 minutes, depending on the season.
- Oversized luggage is not permitted on the bus or cruise.
- Check the Tootbus app or City Cruises website for real-time schedules and updates.
Reviews
- Loved the flexibility to hop off and explore places like Borough Market. The views from the bus were amazing, and the audio guide was super informative. Finding stops was a bit tricky at first, but the app helped.
- The bus routes made seeing London so easy, and the drivers were friendly. The app’s bus tracker was great for planning. The cruise was a relaxing way to see the Thames’ sights.
- Perfect for a quick overview of London’s landmarks. The kids’ audio guide kept my children entertained, and hopping off at the London Eye was a highlight. Highly recommend for families.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What is the validity period of the Tootbus ticket?
The ticket is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours from the moment you first board the bus, depending on your chosen option. This allows unlimited hop-on hop-off access during that time, letting you explore landmarks like Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London at your own pace. The Tootbus app provides real-time bus tracking to help plan your stops. You can check schedules and routes in advance to maximize your time. It’s a flexible way to see London without being tied to a fixed itinerary.
Is the Thames River Cruise included in all ticket options?
The Thames River Cruise is only included if you select a ticket option that explicitly mentions it. This one-way cruise, operated by City Cruises, runs between Westminster Pier and Tower Pier, offering views of riverside landmarks like the Houses of Parliament. Always check your booking details to confirm inclusion. The cruise timetable is available on the City Cruises website for planning. It’s a great addition for a unique perspective of London.
Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off tour is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps for boarding and trained staff to assist. This ensures all travelers can enjoy the experience comfortably. For the Thames River Cruise, accessibility may vary, so contact City Cruises in advance for specific details. Informing the operator when booking helps ensure a smooth experience. The tour’s design prioritizes inclusivity for all visitors.
Can children enjoy this tour?
The tour is highly family-friendly, featuring a dedicated kids’ audio guide in English and French to keep children engaged with fun, age-appropriate commentary. The open-top bus and hop-off flexibility make it exciting for kids to see landmarks like the London Eye. The Tootbus app’s walking tours, like the Royal Family tour, are also great for family exploration. It’s an ideal way to introduce children to London’s history and culture. Families can plan stops to suit their kids’ interests.
How do I find the nearest bus stop?
The Tootbus app is your best tool for locating the nearest bus stop, offering real-time tracking and a map of all route stops. You can start your journey at any stop, with major ones near landmarks like Westminster or Trafalgar Square. If you’re new to London, ask a driver for help or use the app’s navigation feature. Stops are well-marked, and the app ensures you won’t miss a bus. It’s designed to make navigation stress-free for all travelers.
