Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London

The Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and rich history. Blending a scenic bus journey on a classic Routemaster with a relaxing cruise along the Thames, this tour grants visitors a unique vantage point to admire the architectural wonders of the capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the timeless elegance of Big Ben, the guided excursion immerses guests in London’s captivating past. With the chance to witness the Changing of the Guard, this tour promises an enriching and unforgettable exploration of the city’s most celebrated sights.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive three-in-one tour: Routemaster bus, Thames cruise, and entry to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms.
• Vintage double-decker bus provides panoramic views of London’s iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square and Big Ben.
• Scenic Thames River cruise offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline.
• Guided tour of Buckingham Palace’s opulent State Rooms, including witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
• Reasonable accessibility for visitors, with elevators available for palace entry and ramp access for cruise boarding.

Tour Overview

The Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London offers a comprehensive three-in-one experience for first-time or time-pressed visitors to the city.

This popular tour includes a guided tour aboard an iconic 1960s Routemaster bus, a scenic Thames River cruise, and entry to the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace.

With an average rating of 4.0 from 41 reviews, the tour showcases London’s top landmarks, including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.

Lasting approximately 2 hours at Buckingham Palace, this experience provides a convenient and efficient way to explore the city’s most iconic sights, all while enjoying the unique perspective of a vintage double-decker bus and a river cruise.

Tour Details

Lasting approximately 2 hours at Buckingham Palace, the tour includes admission to a 1960s Vintage bus tour, a Thames River cruise, and entry to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms.

Gratuities and hotel pickup/drop-off are also included. Guests will need to travel independently to the meeting point at Victoria Coach Station, where boarding starts at 7:30 AM for a 7:45 AM departure.

The tour offers panoramic views of London’s landmarks and a new perspective of the skyline from the Thames River cruise.

Visitors should note that eating, drinking, photography, and recording aren’t allowed inside the State Rooms.

Tour Experience

Guests travel independently to the meeting point at Victoria Coach Station, where boarding for the iconic Routemaster bus tour begins at 7:30 AM.

The guided tour provides panoramic views of London’s most famous landmarks, including:

• Trafalgar Square
• Big Ben
• Westminster Abbey
• The River Thames

After the bus tour, guests embark on a scenic Thames River cruise, offering a fresh perspective of the city’s breathtaking skyline.

The experience culminates with a guided tour of Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms at 2:30 PM, allowing visitors to marvel at the royal residence’s stunning interiors and rich history.

Important Information

Eating and drinking aren’t permitted inside the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Photography and recording are also not allowed during the tour of these rooms.

The tour is conducted on an open-top vintage bus, so visitors should prepare for the possibility of rain. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves walking and navigating stairs.

However, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience for a full refund, providing flexibility.

Traveler Reviews

Overwhelmingly, traveler reviews for the Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London were positive.

Guests praised the informative guides, great value, scenic views, and overall organization of the experience.

While some noted long gaps between tours and a rushed Buckingham Palace entry, the highlights were consistently noted as:

• Witnessing the changing of the guard
• Marveling at the stunning State Rooms
• Enjoying the picturesque Thames River cruise

Meeting Point and Departure

The meeting point for the Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London is Victoria Coach Station, located at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP.

Boarding for the tour begins at 7:30 AM, with a departure time of 7:45 AM. Visitors must travel independently to the meeting point, as the tour doesn’t offer hotel pick-up or drop-off services.

The tour includes a guided journey aboard an iconic Routemaster bus, providing panoramic views of London’s landmarks, followed by a Thames River cruise and entry to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms at 2:30 PM.

Highlights of the Tour

As the tour commences aboard the vintage Routemaster bus, passengers are treated to panoramic views of London’s iconic landmarks, including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.

The journey continues with a scenic Thames River cruise, offering a fresh perspective of the city’s stunning skyline.

Arriving at Buckingham Palace, visitors are granted entry to the opulent State Rooms, marveling at the grand interiors and tapestries.

The tour’s highlight is witnessing the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, a captivating display of British pomp and pageantry.

From the vintage bus to the regal palace, this well-organized experience provides a comprehensive introduction to London’s rich history and architecture.

Accessibility and Mobility

This tour offers reasonable accessibility for visitors with mobility concerns. While the vintage bus and walking around Buckingham Palace require a moderate level of physical fitness, the tour organizers provide helpful accommodations.

Feature	Description	Rating
Bus Access	Steps to board, no lift	3/5
Palace Entry	Elevators available	4/5
Cruise Boarding	Ramp access	5/5

Those with wheelchairs or other mobility aids can participate with some assistance. Guests should communicate any special needs when booking to ensure a comfortable experience. The tour caters to a range of fitness levels, making it accessible to many visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Photos on the Vintage Bus Tour?

Yes, you can take photos on the vintage bus tour. The tour allows photography outside the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, providing an opportunity to capture the scenic views of London’s landmarks from the iconic Routemaster bus.

Is There a Dress Code for Buckingham Palace?

There is no strict dress code for visiting Buckingham Palace. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully, with smart casual attire generally acceptable. Shorts, tank tops, and beachwear should be avoided when touring the State Rooms.

Can We Bring Our Own Lunch to Enjoy on the Cruise?

Guests can’t bring their own lunch to enjoy on the cruise. The tour experience doesn’t include a meal, but guests can purchase refreshments onboard the river cruise to enjoy during the scenic journey.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It is a scheduled experience with a fixed itinerary and timing. Guests must adhere to the tour schedule provided, which includes approximately 2 hours at Buckingham Palace.

Do We Get to See the Changing of the Guard Ceremony?

According to the tour details, visitors have the opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace during this experience. However, the tour duration at the Palace is limited to approximately 2 hours.

The Sum Up

The Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and the grandeur of Buckingham Palace. With informative guides, the tour offers a comprehensive introduction to London’s rich history and architecture, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an enriching and memorable sightseeing adventure.