Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye Option

London’s best-known sights look different from the top of a vintage red bus, and this tour pairs that city-wide view with a 30-minute Thames cruise. You’ll pass landmarks from Westminster to the Tower, hear stories from a local guide, and get a taste of London without having to plan each connection yourself.

I like two things in particular: the old Routemaster makes the ride part of the fun, and the river leg gives you a fresh angle on places you’ve just seen from the road. The optional London Eye flight can round out the afternoon if you want another view from above.

One thing to weigh: this is a sightseeing sampler, not a series of long visits inside the attractions. Traffic, rain, or a change to a closed-top bus can also affect the feel of the ride, so dress for London weather and keep your schedule flexible.

• A classic bus with open-air views: The 1960s Routemaster adds character, and the open top is especially appealing for photos in good weather.
• A river journey with real landmarks: The cruise runs from Tower Pier to the London Eye, passing sights including Tower Bridge, the Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Shakespeare’s Globe.
• A quick introduction to central London: The route takes in Westminster, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, the Tower, and Buckingham Palace.
• An optional London Eye flight: Choose the add-on at booking for a prebooked ticket after the sightseeing tour.
• An optional Stonehenge trip: You can continue from Victoria by shuttle bus for a self-guided visit to the ancient stone circle and visitor center.
• A small-to-moderate group size: The tour is capped at 40 people, with a local guide and a start in Victoria at 1:00 pm.

A Routemaster ride through the London highlights

The tour begins at Victoria Coach Station, a practical central meeting point near public transport. From there, you board a vintage red double-decker Routemaster and settle in for a guided circuit through the heart of London. The route is built around major landmarks rather than lengthy stops, so you’ll see plenty but should not expect to enter every building.

An open top gives you a broad view of the streets and buildings above the traffic. It’s a lovely setup for photography when the sky cooperates, and the bus itself is part of the experience. The trade-off is that London weather has a vote: bring a waterproof layer, and remember the operator may use a closed-top bus on rare occasions.

The guide’s commentary is a key part of the ride. Past guides have included Alan, Lisa, Eugene, Steve, Magnus, Michael, Richard, and Greg, though your guide will depend on the date. The best parts of the commentary connect the sights to the city around you, and you can ask questions along the way. If you’re seated at the back of the upper deck, one tip is to check that you can hear clearly before the bus gets underway.

The ride can be slow when traffic is heavy. That is the reality of seeing central London by road, not a fault the driver can simply steer around. Think of the bus portion as an orientation tour with a moving view, not a fast way to cross town.

Westminster, Whitehall, and the landmarks from the road

The sightseeing circuit brings you past Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the famous clock tower commonly called Big Ben. You’ll see the parliamentary buildings from the bus, with a photo stop outside Westminster Abbey. The stop is brief, so treat it as a chance to appreciate the exterior and take a picture rather than a visit to the abbey itself. Admission is not included.

The route also goes up Whitehall, where you’ll see Downing Street, home to the Prime Minister’s official residence and offices. From the bus, the appeal is context: these government buildings sit among the streets and monuments of central London, not in isolation. You’ll pass Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column, then continue past the Victorian Gothic Revival Law Courts, opened by Queen Victoria in 1882.

There’s also a view of the cathedral rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666. These drive-by sights can make the tour feel like a highlight reel, especially if you have only a day or two in the city. But you won’t have time to explore each one on foot, and traffic can make the pace uneven.

A photo stop at the Tower of London

The Tower of London is another major stop, with around 30 minutes set aside for a photo stop. It’s a striking landmark, and seeing its walls from close range helps you grasp its scale better than a passing glimpse from the bus. But the stop does not include admission, so you won’t have time to tour the Tower’s interior as part of this outing.

The Tower also sets up the transition to the river. At Tower Pier, you board the sightseeing cruise for the journey toward the London Eye. If you’re deciding what to photograph, this is a good moment to get shots of the Tower and the nearby riverfront before settling in for the boat ride.

The Thames cruise, from Tower Bridge to the Eye

The included cruise lasts about 30 minutes, travelling from Tower Pier to the London Eye. From the water, you’ll see landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. The river view is a useful counterpoint to the bus: buildings open up along the banks, and the bridges give you a sense of how London is arranged around the Thames.

The cruise is a sightseeing trip, not a meal or drinks service. Food and drinks are not included unless specified, so plan accordingly. You’ll have a comfortable place to sit, but visibility can depend on conditions and where you settle on the boat. One low-rated account described dirty windows and a frustrating wait; while that won’t define every trip, it’s fair to say the cruise experience may be less polished than the vintage bus ride.

Timing also matters. A delay waiting for the boat can squeeze the rest of the schedule, including the chance to see the Changing of the Guard. If that ceremony is a top priority, keep in mind that it is not guaranteed to take place during your visit. When it is not happening, the tour stops outside Buckingham Palace for photos instead.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

Buckingham Palace is a central photo stop, with about 30 minutes scheduled. You’ll see the palace from outside, not go in. The afternoon can be a useful time for photos, as the tour information notes that crowds are often lighter then. Still, expect a popular landmark, and don’t count on a quiet courtyard-style view.

When the Changing of the Guard is taking place, you may watch the Foot Guards in red tunics and bearskin helmets exchange duties to military music. It can be a memorable scene, but it depends on the schedule and conditions. If there is no guard change, the stop is for palace photos.

The tour’s attention to this moment is a plus if you want a classic London sight without having to organize your own route. On the other hand, the ceremony can draw crowds and is not the same as a private or close-up viewing. Follow your guide’s instructions about where to stand, and keep your expectations flexible.

London Eye or Stonehenge: choosing an add-on

The London Eye option adds a prebooked ticket for a single rotation in a shared glass capsule, with 360-degree views over the city. It can be a satisfying way to see the skyline after encountering its landmarks from the bus and river. The ticket is for the Eye flight, not a return transfer to your hotel or the original meeting point. Once you finish at the Eye, you should be prepared to make your own way onward.

The other listed upgrade is an afternoon Stonehenge visit. After the London sightseeing tour, you return to Victoria and board a round-trip shuttle bus to the monument. There, you take a self-guided audio tour around the stone circle and visit the visitor center. The Stonehenge option is a separate extension, so it turns a half-day city tour into a much longer outing. Check the selected option carefully: the Eye and Stonehenge are different add-ons, and the route and end point depend on which one you choose.

Is $85.01 good value?

At $85.01 per person, the standard tour bundles a vintage-bus circuit, a local guide, and the Thames cruise into about three and a half hours. The value is strongest if you are new to London, short on time, or want someone else to handle the route while you focus on the sights. It also saves you from stitching together a bus ride and river trip on your own.

The price is less compelling if you prefer to spend an hour or more inside each landmark. The Westminster Abbey and Tower of London stops are outside photo stops, and admission to them is not included. Food and drinks are also extra. The London Eye and Stonehenge upgrades change the total cost, so compare the final booking price with what you would pay for those activities separately.

In practical terms, you’re paying for a guided overview and a distinctive ride, not a full-access ticket to London’s headline attractions. If you use it to get your bearings early in a short visit, it can be a sensible purchase. If you already know the city or want a deep visit to one specific site, a self-planned day may give you more time where you want it.

What to know before you go

The tour lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes and starts at 1:00 pm at Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road. The listed end point is Victoria Street, though it can differ depending on the option you select. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The group is limited to 40 people. You’ll need a moderate level of physical fitness, and the bus is open top, so carry a layer for rain or wind. If you arrive late, you risk missing the departure: be at the meeting point with time to check in. The operator says it cannot hold the bus for more than five minutes after departure.

The experience can be canceled for poor weather or if the minimum number of people is not met. For an ordinary change of plans, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this London tour?

Book it if you want an efficient first look at the city, enjoy the charm of a real Routemaster, and like the idea of seeing landmarks from both the road and the river. It is especially useful for a first day in London or a short stay when a broad overview matters more than long museum visits. Guides such as Alan, Lisa, Magnus, and Steve have been praised for lively, informative commentary, though the person leading your tour will vary.

Skip it if you want to enter the Tower or Westminster Abbey, avoid traffic altogether, or spend a relaxed half-day at just one attraction. And if the London Eye is part of your plan, remember that the add-on does not include getting you home afterward. For a quick, guided introduction with a memorable old bus and a change of perspective on the Thames, this is a solid way to see a lot without trying to map every stop yourself.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP.

What time does the tour depart?

The listed start time is 1:00 pm.

How long does the tour last?

The tour takes approximately three hours and 30 minutes. An optional London Eye visit or Stonehenge trip adds time.

Is the Thames cruise included?

Yes. The standard tour includes a guided sightseeing cruise of about 30 minutes from Tower Pier to the London Eye.

Is admission to the Tower of London included?

No. The Tower stop is for photos, and admission is not included.

Is admission to Westminster Abbey included?

No. The tour stops outside Westminster Abbey for photos, but entry is not included.

Is the Changing of the Guard guaranteed?

No. If the guard change is not taking place, the tour stops outside Buckingham Palace for photos.

What happens if it rains?

The bus is open top, so you should be prepared for rain. On rare occasions, the open-top bus may be replaced by a closed-top bus.

Does the London Eye option include transport back to my hotel?

No hotel drop-off is included. The listed information says the Eye option ends with a drop-off at the Eye, so plan your onward journey yourself.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are not refunded.