Buckingham Palace Entrance and Open Top Bus Tour London

If you’re planning a trip to London and want a straightforward, engaging way to see some of its most iconic sights, this combined bus tour and palace visit might be just what you’re looking for. It promises an easy, no-fuss way to explore the city’s highlights while also stepping inside the world-famous Buckingham Palace.

What drew us in are two standout features: the fully guided open-top bus experience with free Wi-Fi and the exclusive access to Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms. These combine to offer both a relaxed sightseeing ride and a rare peek into royal life. The only potential downside? The tour’s pace, which is ideal for most but might feel rushed if you’re a slow explorer or want a more in-depth palace experience.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want value for money, a guided commentary in multiple languages, and an efficient overview of London’s best-known attractions. If you’re pressed for time or prefer a curated experience without the hassle of planning every detail, this package fits the bill.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience with transportation, sightseeing, and palace access.
• Guided commentary available in 12 languages, enriching your understanding.
• Convenient hop-on hop-off system every 20 minutes at main points.
• Includes a river Thames boat ride, offering a different perspective of London.
• Great value for the price, considering the attractions and extras included.
• Limited inside access to Buckingham Palace, focusing on the State Rooms.

A Practical Look at the Tour Experience

This tour is marketed as a one-day adventure that balances sightseeing, royal intrigue, and easy movement around London. Priced at $103.01 per person, it offers a solid package for visitors wanting to maximize their time without sacrificing comfort or insight.

Starting at Buckingham Palace

The journey begins right at the heart of London—Buckingham Palace itself. The meeting point is conveniently located at The King’s Gallery, making it easy to find near public transportation. Standing outside the grand facade, you’ll get a sense of the grandeur that makes the palace a symbol of Britain.

The highlight here is the entry into the Palace’s State Rooms—a rare opportunity for most visitors. The State Rooms are lavishly furnished with French and English antiques, and include masterpieces by Rubens, Canaletto, and Rembrandt. The experience of walking through these rooms feels like stepping into a living museum, where every corner tells a story of royal tradition and craftsmanship.

One reviewer summed it up well, stating, “Robin was our tour guide, he was knowledgeable and funny. The tour was enjoyable and worth it to get the views of London with the added history from Robin!” His commentary added layers of context that made the experience more meaningful.

The Open-Top Bus Ride

From Buckingham Palace, the hop-on hop-off bus is your primary mode of transportation for the day. Buses depart every 20 minutes, offering flexibility if you want to spend more or less time at each stop. The open-top design is perfect for sightseeing; you’ll love the unobstructed views of London’s skyline, landmarks, and bustling streets.

The buses come equipped with audio guides in 12 languages, making the journey accessible no matter where you’re from. The live guides, when available, bring a lively, personal touch to the commentary, often peppered with humorous anecdotes that keep the tour engaging.

The Thames River Boat Ride

Adding a river cruise is a nice touch—it’s a one-way ride that offers a different vantage point of the city, from the water. While it’s an optional feature, it’s included in the ticket, meaning you can enjoy a scenic, peaceful cruise along the Thames. The boat ride is short but memorable, providing photo opportunities of landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye from a unique perspective.

The Hidden Gems and Authentic Encounters

While the main stops are well-known, the tour does a good job of highlighting some hidden spots in the middle of London, giving you a sense of the city beyond the typical tourist trail. Plus, the free walking tour—included in the package—allows you to stretch your legs and explore parts of London you might not otherwise see on a standard bus route.

Practical Aspects

The mobile e-ticket system simplifies entry, so no need to print anything. The tour operates with a moderate group size—up to 50 travelers—meaning you’ll generally get a good balance between personal attention and group camaraderie.

While the tour is designed to be family-friendly with baby-carrier loans and mobility access available through Buckingham Palace, some restrictions exist, such as no pushchairs allowed inside the State Rooms for safety reasons.

Price and Value

At just over $100, this tour offers good value considering what’s included: entry to Buckingham Palace, a hop-on hop-off bus, audio guides, a river cruise, and a free walking tour. For travelers who want an all-in-one experience that covers transportation, storytelling, and entry fees, this package can be a smart choice.

One reviewer mentioned, “Robin was knowledgeable and funny… the tour was enjoyable and worth it,” affirming that the guided aspect adds significant value.

What’s Not Included

Some attractions, like additional sites or food, are not part of this tour. You’ll need to budget extra for meals or any other museums or sights you wish to visit on your own. Also, inside Buckingham Palace, photography is not permitted, so if capturing memories is important, plan your shots accordingly outside.

Who Would This Tour Suit Best?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to London who want a well-rounded overview without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transport. It’s also suitable for travelers with limited time who prefer a guided, curated experience.

Families, especially with young children or mobility challenges, will find the ease of transportation and included amenities helpful. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the all-inclusive price that covers most major attractions, making it simpler to plan expenses.

However, if you’re looking for an in-depth, immersive visit to Buckingham Palace or wish to explore London at a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed or superficial. Still, for a solid snapshot of London’s highlights, it works well.

The Sum Up

This Buckingham Palace Entrance and Open Top Bus Tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to encounter London’s most famous sights with minimal fuss. You’ll benefit from guided commentary, convenient hop-on hop-off transport, and the rare chance to see inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms.

The included river cruise adds another scenic element, rounding out a well-structured day of sightseeing. The tour’s value for money is a key selling point—especially considering the tickets, transport, and extras bundled together.

If you’re after a balanced, efficient, and informative way to get an overview of London, this experience is worth considering. It’s especially suitable for those who want a guided touch and comfort with their sightseeing, making your London visit both memorable and manageable.

FAQ

How do I receive my tickets?
Your tickets are delivered as a mobile e-ticket, so you can simply show them on your phone at the meeting point—no printing needed.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, UK. This location is easily accessible near public transportation.

How long is the entire tour?
The experience lasts approximately one day, with the Palace visit allocated around 2 hours, and the rest of the day spent on the bus and river cruise.

Are there guide services?
Yes, audio guides are available in multiple languages, and live guides can be included depending on availability.

Is there any food or restroom on the bus?
No, there are no restrooms on board, and no food is provided during the tour. Travelers should plan accordingly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, allowing you to get a full refund if needed.

This tour balances the fun of sightseeing with the convenience of guided commentary and easy transportation, making London’s highlights accessible and enjoyable for most visitors.