London Eye Ticket, Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise

London looks different from above the Thames, from the water and at street level. This package links all three views: a rotation on the London Eye, a one-way river cruise and a Big Bus pass that can help you get your bearings across central London.

I like that the Eye and cruise add memorable views to the bus’s practical reach, and that a 48-hour ticket includes three guided walks. You can use the bus to connect districts rather than spend the whole day walking between them.

The catch is London traffic. A bus route that looks simple on a map can take much longer on the road, and waits can stretch, especially on the less frequent green route. Treat the bus as a sightseeing option, not a guaranteed fast transfer.

• Three ways to see London: From an open-top bus, the London Eye and the Thames.
• A broad bus network: Stops include Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Kensington, Notting Hill and the British Museum.
• Choose your bus-pass length: The 24-hour option covers the bus; the 48-hour option also includes three guided walks.
• One-way river cruise: The cruise runs between the Tower of London and Westminster Pier.
• Plan the Eye ahead: Book a time slot through the Big Bus Manage My Booking portal, and confirm how to redeem your voucher before joining the attraction queue.

Three views, one busy day

This is a bundle with a clear purpose: combine major sights without having to arrange each ticket separately. The London Eye gives you a slow, elevated view over the city, the cruise brings you onto the Thames, and the bus links a wide range of stops across London.

The advertised experience lasts about 3 hours and 35 minutes, but that is not a sensible estimate for seeing everything listed. The bus ticket is valid for either 24 or 48 hours from activation, and traffic, queues, time at each stop and the Eye time slot all affect your day. Think of the stated duration as a guide to the included experiences, not a promise that you can visit every district in that time.

At $82.38 per person, the package can make sense if you plan to use all three parts. Its value drops if you mainly want the Eye and cruise, or if you expect the bus to carry you quickly across town. The bus is the least predictable element, so build your plan around the attractions you most want to see.

The London Eye: allow time for the view

The Eye is the package’s most dependable highlight. The glass viewing pod moves through a full rotation in about 30 minutes, giving you time to sit or stand and take in the city from different angles. It is a calm change of pace from busy streets and crowded transport.

The view is the point, rather than a quick hop between sights. You can pick out landmarks from above, and the gradual movement gives you time to look around instead of rushing past a view. If London is new to you, this can help you understand how the river, bridges and major sights fit together.

Book your time slot in advance through the Big Bus Manage My Booking portal. The booking details are provided on your voucher. There is also a practical ticket issue to watch for: some package vouchers need to be redeemed with Big Bus staff before you go to the Eye. One visitor had to leave the attraction queue and return to a bus to get a paper ticket. Confirm the redemption steps before you leave the bus, and ask staff for a physical Eye ticket if one is required.

The Thames cruise: London from the water

The included cruise is one way between the Tower of London and Westminster Pier. It gives you a different angle on central London and links two useful areas, rather than taking you on a full return circuit. Check which pier you need for your chosen direction before you board, and leave time to walk between the bus stop and the boat.

The river journey can be a welcome rest after time on your feet or on the bus. One account describes live commentary in English, while the package also includes bus audio commentary in seven languages. Do not assume the cruise follows the same language arrangements as the bus: the listed language information applies to the bus commentary.

Because this is a one-way trip, decide how you will continue at the far end. Westminster Pier is near the Westminster and London Eye area, while the Tower end puts you by the Tower of London. The cruise works best as part of a route you have planned, not as an unplanned round trip.

The Big Bus: useful reach, uncertain pace

The bus network is extensive. Stops cover the West End and central sights, then reach areas such as Kensington, Notting Hill, Paddington, King’s Cross, St Pancras and the British Museum. That range is useful if you want an overview or would rather rest between walks.

The open top is the best seat for city views when the weather cooperates. Audio commentary is available in seven languages, and complimentary earphones are provided. Pick up the earphones as you board, then use the commentary to add context while you pass the sights.

But London traffic can swallow a surprising amount of time. Some passengers report short waits, while others have waited 30 minutes or more, including an hour on one occasion. Traffic, road closures, protests and events can also change the route. The company offers live bus tracking in its app, which is worth checking before you wait at a stop.

The routes do not always make an intuitive loop. You may need to change lines or use the Tube, and stop names can be hard to match to the actual bus stop when you are in a new area. Check the app for the live bus location and stop directions, and keep a backup plan for important appointments. If an attraction has a fixed time slot, do not rely on the bus to get you there at the last minute.

Central London: royal sights, the West End and the river

The central route passes places including Green Park, Piccadilly, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall. It also serves Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Waterloo, Covent Garden and St Paul’s Cathedral. This is the most useful section if you want a first look at the landmarks concentrated around central London.

Stops near the palace and parks are good places to pause and explore on foot. The bus does not drive in front of Buckingham Palace, so do not expect a close pass along the palace gates. Get off at the listed Buckingham Palace stop and continue on foot if that is a priority.

The route also reaches the Tower of London, London Bridge, Southwark, Monument and Temple. These stops put you near key riverside and historic areas, but the bus does not replace time inside the sights. Choose a small number of stops to explore properly. Trying to hop off everywhere will turn a sightseeing day into a race against traffic and closing times.

Kensington, Notting Hill and the northern stops

A second stretch of stops serves Hyde Park Corner, Harrods, the South Kensington museums, Gloucester Road, Kensington Palace, Notting Hill and Kensington Gardens. It also runs by Lancaster Gate, Paddington and Marble Arch. This route adds a different feel to the central landmarks and is useful if you want to connect major west London areas.

Farther north, the listed stops include Baker Street, Oxford Circus, the British Museum, Euston, King’s Cross and St Pancras. These are practical points for linking the tour with rail stations or adding a museum stop. The many route names and stop variations can be confusing, so check the stop number and direction in the app before you board.

There is a trade-off here: the bus network covers more ground than a central-only walk, but the longer the trip, the more exposed you are to traffic delays. If your main aim is to visit one museum or neighborhood, the Tube may be a more reliable way to reach it. Use the bus for the views and flexible sightseeing, not as your only transport plan.

The 48-hour pass and its walking tours

The 48-hour bus ticket includes three guided walks. The Royal Walk starts at Stop 8 at 10:00, the Jack the Ripper walk begins at Stop 19 at 13:00, and the Harry Potter walk departs from Stop 21 at 16:00. They add a more focused way to explore than watching the city from a bus, but their set start times mean you will need to plan around them.

The 24-hour option does not include these walks. If you have two days in London and want both bus time and guided walking, the longer pass offers more flexibility. If you only want a quick overview and the main included attractions, the shorter pass may be enough.

Remember that the ticket clock starts when you activate your mobile voucher or QR code at a designated Big Bus stop. A 24-hour ticket is not a promise of service at any time during the week; plan around the activation period and check the exact terms on your voucher.

Making the price work for you

At $82.38 per person, the package has the strongest value when you use the Eye, cruise and bus pass. It bundles three different ways to experience the city and can spare you the effort of arranging each separately. The Eye and cruise are the most distinctive parts; the bus adds reach and commentary.

The bus is also the part most likely to test your patience. London road conditions can make a short distance take a long time, and service frequency varies by route. If you have only one day, choose your must-see stops first, check live tracking and avoid planning a tight connection between the bus and your Eye time slot.

If you are already comfortable using the Tube, you might prefer to use it for transport and buy only the attraction tickets you need. If you want to sit back, see the streets and stop where it suits you, the bus can still be worthwhile. Just value it as a flexible sightseeing ride, not a time-saving shuttle.

Practical details before you go

Your ticket is mobile, and you activate it at a designated Big Bus stop. The Eye needs a pre-booked time slot, so handle that before setting off. Check whether your voucher must be exchanged for an Eye ticket with Big Bus staff, and keep the bus app handy for live locations and service updates.

Food, drinks and hotel pick-up or drop-off are not included. The bus provides complimentary earphones for its audio commentary, and service animals are allowed. The listed activity is near public transportation, and most people can take part. One wheelchair user reported being able to use the buses and the Eye, but if you need specific access arrangements, confirm them directly before booking.

Should you book this London bundle?

Book it if you want the London Eye, a Thames cruise and a broad city overview in one purchase, and you can stay flexible about travel times. The Eye and river trip give you the package’s most memorable change of perspective; the bus is handy for orientation and reaching several districts.

Skip it if you need fast, predictable transport or have a packed schedule built around exact arrival times. In that case, prioritize the Eye and cruise, then use the Tube for connections. If you do book, plan around the attractions, check the live bus map and leave generous time between stops. That small bit of planning can make the difference between a relaxed day and a long wait at the curb.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

The approximate duration is 3 hours and 35 minutes. The bus pass itself is valid for 24 or 48 hours from activation, so you can use it over a longer period.

What is included in the package?

It includes a London Eye entry ticket, a 24- or 48-hour Big Bus hop-on, hop-off ticket, and a one-way Thames cruise. Bus audio commentary is available in seven languages, with complimentary earphones.

Where does the Thames cruise go?

The cruise is one way between the Tower of London and Westminster Pier. It is not described as a full return circuit.

Do I need to book a time for the London Eye?

Yes. Pre-book your London Eye time slot through the Big Bus Manage My Booking portal. Instructions are provided on your voucher.

When does the bus ticket become valid?

Its validity period begins when you activate the mobile voucher or QR code at a designated Big Bus stop.

Are guided walking tours included?

They are included with the 48-hour ticket only. The listed walks are the Royal Walk at 10:00, Jack the Ripper at 13:00 and Harry Potter at 16:00, each from a specified bus stop.

Are food, drinks or hotel transfers included?

No. Food, drinks, hotel pick-up and hotel drop-off are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and cut-off times use local time.