London: London Eye, River Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

London’s skyline looks best from three angles, and this package gives you all of them: open-top bus, riverboat, and the London Eye. I like the freedom to hop off at Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London, then use the bus again when your feet need a rest. I also like the included Thames cruise, especially for views of Tower Bridge that are hard to match from the street.

The main drawback is London traffic. A bus that crawls through central London is not a fast way to cross town, and waits can grow at busy stops. Use the package as a sightseeing ride, not as your only transport plan.

Key points at a glance

• Three ways to see London: Take in the city from an open-top bus, the London Eye, and a 40-minute Thames cruise.
• Choose 24 or 48 hours: The longer ticket gives you more time to revisit routes and includes three guided walking tours.
• Pre-book the London Eye: Your bus ticket does not automatically set your Eye time, so reserve a slot through the Big Bus booking portal.
• Use the app: Live bus tracking, route maps, and stop information can save you from long waits and wrong turns.
• Best starting point: Stop 12 at the London Eye, beside the Lion Statue outside the London Marriott County Hall, is a practical place to begin.
• Expect traffic delays: The bus offers fine views and useful commentary, but the Tube is faster for long cross-city trips.

Why this three-part London ticket works

At $74 per person, this is not a cheap city bus pass. It earns its keep by bundling three separate experiences: a 24-hour or 48-hour Big Bus ticket, entry to the London Eye, and a one-way Thames cruise.

The real value comes when you use the bus several times and make the Eye and boat trip fit into a sensible plan. A one-day visitor can cover the main route, ride the Eye, and cruise the river. With 48 hours, you can slow down, stop for lunch or a pub break, revisit a favorite route, and add a walking tour.

I would not buy this simply to get from one London neighborhood to another. Traffic can turn a short ride into a long one, especially around Westminster, the Tower of London, Hyde Park, and major events. The Underground is usually the better tool for speed. This package is for seeing the city as you move through it.

Riding the open-top Big Bus

The open-top double-decker is the heart of the package. From the upper deck, you get a clear view of grand buildings, monuments, street corners, and the changing shape of London. On a dry day, it is an easy way to get your bearings without studying a map every few minutes.

The buses cover three routes and stop near many of London’s major sights. Exact waiting times can change with traffic, diversions, and the season. The Big Bus app shows stop locations and live bus positions, which is especially useful when you are standing at a busy street corner trying to identify the right vehicle.

The recorded commentary comes through complimentary headphones in Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. It gives useful background as you pass the sights. Some people may find the playful banter in the recording a little much, so you can simply enjoy the view without listening the whole way.

The main route takes you past:

• Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament
• Buckingham Palace, Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner
• Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, and Regent Street
• Covent Garden, the British Museum, and Mayfair
• St Paul’s Cathedral, the Bank of England, and the Monument
• The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, City Hall, and The Shard
• Harrods, South Kensington museums, Kensington Palace, and Notting Hill

You can ride a full loop first if you want a broad introduction. I prefer using the first circuit to mark two or three places for later stops. London has too many major sights to handle properly in one hurried loop.

Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye

Stop 12 at the London Eye is a handy starting point. It puts you near Westminster Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Eye itself. From here, you can combine several headline sights without spending much time crossing the city.

The London Eye makes the most sense after you have seen Big Ben and Parliament from street level. The wheel rises high above the Thames, giving you a wide view across central London. You get one full rotation, with plenty of time for photographs and a good look at the city from above.

You must reserve a time slot in advance through the Big Bus Manage My Booking portal. The link comes with your confirmation. Do not assume that having the package guarantees an immediate place in the queue. One useful strategy is to book the first available morning slot, when lines can be shorter. Another is to choose a time near sunset, when you may see daylight on the way up and London lighting up as the capsule rises.

The Eye is enclosed, so it remains a workable choice in mixed weather. Clear conditions make the view better, but even a gray day gives you a strong sense of how the Thames organizes the city.

The Thames cruise from Westminster to Tower Pier

The included boat trip is one-way between Westminster Pier and Tower Pier, in either direction. The ride takes about 40 minutes, and departures are generally every 15 to 40 minutes in summer and every 30 to 40 minutes in winter.

I like taking the boat from Westminster after visiting the Eye, then getting off near the Tower of London. The route gives you a different view of the Houses of Parliament, the riverfront, Shakespeare’s Globe area, St Paul’s Cathedral, the modern City, and Tower Bridge. It also provides a welcome break from traffic and pavement walking.

The live commentary can be a highlight. Bill and Pasquale are among the guides praised for making the ride lively while still explaining what you are seeing. The style is informal, with jokes mixed into the facts. If you prefer quiet, sit away from the main commentary area when possible.

Tower Bridge is the grand finale. From the river, you see its full towers and suspension span in a way that is difficult to appreciate from nearby streets. The cruise is not a long sightseeing voyage, but it is long enough to reset your day and connect Westminster with the Tower area.

Boat operations can change. A cancellation has occurred, and engine smells may bother some people, so keep your plans flexible if the cruise is essential to your day.

What to do at the major stops

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard: This is one of the most popular bus stops, and it gives you access to the palace, Green Park, and the ceremonial heart of London. Check the timing of the guard ceremony separately before building your day around it, since the package itself does not promise a particular ceremony time.

Westminster Abbey and Parliament: This is the strongest cluster for first-time sightseeing. You can see the Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament within a short walk. The bus is useful here because you can continue toward the Tower without planning another route.

Trafalgar Square and Whitehall: Trafalgar Square makes a good break point between Westminster and the West End. Whitehall leads toward 10 Downing Street and the ceremonial government district, while nearby Piccadilly Circus connects you with shopping and theaters.

Covent Garden and the British Museum: These stops suit a slower 48-hour plan. You can get off for the market area and return to the bus later. The British Museum is also on the route, though the package covers transport rather than museum admission.

St Paul’s Cathedral and the City: The route shifts from royal and government London to the financial district. Look for St Paul’s dome, the Bank of England, and the Monument. This section works well before or after the river cruise.

Tower of London and Tower Bridge: Get off here for the strongest mix of medieval London, river views, and photographs. It is also the natural end or start point for the Thames cruise at Tower Pier.

Kensington Palace, Harrods, and Notting Hill: These western stops show a different side of London. They are worthwhile if you have 48 hours or want a less central ride after covering Westminster and the Tower.

The 48-hour ticket and walking tours

The 48-hour option costs more than the one-day choice, but it gives you breathing room. You can use the first day for the central sights and the second for Kensington, Notting Hill, museums, or a repeat ride with better weather.

It also includes a choice of three guided walks:

• The Royal Walk leaves from Stop 8 at 10:00.
• The Jack the Ripper walk leaves from Stop 19 at 13:00.
• The Harry Potter walk leaves from Stop 21 at 16:00.

The Harry Potter walk has been led by Lea and is a useful pick for families or fans who want more time on foot. It also brings you closer to parts of central London that can blur together from the top deck.

The walks have fixed departure times, so do not treat them as drop-in extras. Plan your bus route around the one you want, and allow extra time for traffic.

A practical one-day plan

Start by reserving the London Eye. If you can get a morning slot, take it first from Stop 12. You will avoid spending the middle of the day wondering how to fit it in.

After the Eye, walk around Westminster Bridge and Parliament. Then board the bus toward the Tower of London. If traffic is moving slowly, stay on for the sights rather than treating the bus as a transfer.

Get off near the Tower, visit the area at your own pace, and board the Thames cruise from Tower Pier toward Westminster. The river trip works well as a calmer middle or late afternoon segment. After returning to Westminster, use the bus for Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, or a short ride through the West End.

This schedule is full. You will see a lot, but you will not explore every sight in depth.

A better two-day plan

With 48 hours, use the first day for Westminster, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the Thames cruise. Make the boat trip your link between Westminster and the Tower, rather than adding it as a separate out-and-back journey.

On day two, ride toward St Paul’s, Covent Garden, the British Museum, Kensington, or Notting Hill. Add one walking tour if its time fits your plans. You can also repeat part of the route, which is more enjoyable than trying to photograph every landmark on the first pass.

Keep the app open. The route map can take a little getting used to, and some stops are not as obvious as you might expect. Big Bus staff at stops can point you in the right direction, but allow time to find the correct stop when changing routes.

Weather, traffic, and comfort

The upper deck is the reason to take the bus, but London weather can change quickly. Bring a waterproof layer, and do not count on every upper-deck seat being comfortable in wind or rain. The buses have covered sections, and the Eye itself is enclosed.

Traffic is the biggest practical issue. One ride may be smooth, while another can crawl for a long stretch. Parades, protests, strikes, and road diversions have caused passengers to get off early and walk to another stop or back to their accommodation.

Bus hours also matter. Service does not run late enough for every evening plan, and some people have wished for longer operating hours. If you are staying far from central London, check your return route before settling in for a late dinner.

The buses have ramps for wheelchair users, and the activity is wheelchair accessible. Infants under two travel free. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you make your own way to a bus stop, Westminster Pier, or Tower Pier.

How to book and activate the package

You can activate the bus ticket in two ways. Add the booking to the Big Bus app using the Activity Provider Reference number, then activate it when you are ready. Or show the printed or mobile voucher to a Big Bus staff member or driver at any operating stop.

The ticket lasts for 24 or 48 hours from activation, depending on what you choose. It is not simply tied to the date you made the reservation, which gives you useful flexibility.

For the river cruise, download the City Cruises ticket after booking and show it to staff at Westminster Pier or Tower Pier. For the Eye, use the booking link in your confirmation and secure a time before you arrive.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your London schedule depends on trains, weather, or other timed attractions.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this package for a first visit, a family with children, or anyone who wants a clear introduction without arranging three separate bookings. It is also useful if you have only one or two days and want to see London from the street, sky, and river.

It suits you less if you already know London well, dislike recorded commentary, or need fast transport. The bus can be slow, and the package does not replace the Underground.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want easy sightseeing with built-in flexibility and you value the London Eye and river cruise as much as the bus. The 48-hour ticket is the stronger choice if your schedule allows it, especially if you want a walking tour or several relaxed stops.

For one packed day, reserve the Eye early, use the bus for views, and take the Thames cruise between Westminster and the Tower. For a short first visit, $74 can be fair value. Just remember that the bus is your sightseeing platform, not London’s fastest way across town.

FAQ

How long is the ticket valid?

You can choose a 24-hour or 48-hour Big Bus hop-on, hop-off ticket. The ticket is valid for the period selected after activation.

Is the London Eye included?

Yes. Entry to the London Eye is included, but you must pre-book a time slot after booking the package.

Where do I reserve the London Eye time?

Use the Big Bus Manage My Booking portal. A link is provided in your confirmation email.

Where is a recommended place to start the bus tour?

A practical starting point is Stop 12 at the London Eye, on Westminster Bridge Road beside the Lion Statue and outside the London Marriott County Hall.

Is the Thames cruise included?

Yes. Each ticket includes one one-way cruise between Westminster Pier and Tower Pier, in either direction.

How long is the river cruise?

The cruise takes about 40 minutes. Departures are generally every 15 to 40 minutes in summer and every 30 to 40 minutes in winter.

Are guided walking tours included?

The three guided walking tours are included with the 48-hour ticket only. They are the Royal Walk, Jack the Ripper walk, and Harry Potter walk.

Which languages are available for the audio commentary?

Audio commentary is available in Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Can wheelchair users take the buses?

Yes. The buses have ramps for wheelchair users, and the activity is described as wheelchair accessible.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. You make your own way to a Big Bus stop and to Westminster Pier or Tower Pier for the cruise.