London: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Madame Tussauds Ticket

If you’re planning a visit to London and want an easy way to see the city’s highlights, this combined ticket offers an appealing mix of sights, entertainment, and flexibility. It’s a package that promises a full day—or two—of exploring the city from the top deck of an open-air bus, complemented by a visit to the iconic Madame Tussauds and a scenic boat ride along the Thames.

We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but based on detailed descriptions, reviews, and what’s included, it strikes us as a versatile option for first-timers and casual sightseeing enthusiasts alike. We like that it combines transportation, attractions, and guided commentary for a reasonable price. However, the experience may feel somewhat segmented for those looking for deeper, more immersive visits. Still, if you’re after a quick, fun overview of London’s essentials, this could be just what you need.

This tour is especially good for travelers who want to maximize their time, see many landmarks without the hassle of navigating public transport alone, and enjoy some interactive attractions. It’s suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone with limited time looking for a snapshot of London’s most famous sights.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with options for 1, 24, or 48 hours.
• Includes entry to Madame Tussauds, one of London’s most popular attractions.
• Enjoy a Thames river cruise for stunning views from the water if you choose the longer tickets.
• Knowledgeable guides and multilingual audio guides enhance the experience.
• Multiple routes cover different parts of the city, including museums, parks, and historic sites.
• Added value with free walking tours, making it a well-rounded day out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This combined ticket offers a practical way to see London’s highlights at your own pace. For those who like the idea of hopping on and off a comfortable bus, it provides a straightforward way to cover a lot of ground. The buses run frequently—every 20 minutes on the most popular routes—so you won’t wait long between rides. The open-top design is perfect for getting unobstructed views of Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and other iconic landmarks.

The ticket options range from a single day to 48 hours, giving you flexibility based on your schedule. The 24-hour or 48-hour options also include a one-way boat cruise along the Thames, which adds a scenic dimension to your sightseeing. Think of it as a floating window into London’s famous skyline, with landmarks like the London Eye and Tower of London passing by in style.

The Routes and Their Highlights

London’s bus network is broken into different routes tailored to specific interests:

• Classic (Blue Route): This covers the core attractions in Central London, perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview. Expect to see sights like Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
• Essential (Red Route): This route adds in Madame Tussauds, which is included, along with Kings Cross station and several parks—Hyde and Regent’s—ideal for a leisurely stroll.
• Museum (Orange Route): Designed for museum lovers, it passes by the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Buckingham Palace, with stops at some of London’s most celebrated museums.
• Morning and Evening Drops: These routes connect major hotel districts to the city center, offering quick transfers at the beginning or end of your day.

What You Can Expect at Madame Tussauds

Your ticket guarantees entry into Madame Tussauds, London’s world-famous wax museum. Here, you’ll encounter incredibly lifelike figures of celebrities, royalty, and fictional characters. The museum employs a mixture of traditional wax modeling techniques and modern digital technology to bring the figures to life.

Guests often appreciate the chance to take selfies with famous personalities like the Royal Family, Star Wars characters, and Hollywood stars. One reviewer highlighted the “immersive sets” that make the experience feel more like stepping onto a movie set than just wandering through wax figures. The inclusion of the Star Wars Experience adds an extra layer of fun for sci-fi fans, allowing you to stand alongside your favorite characters.

Some guests noted that Madame Tussauds has a lively atmosphere, perfect for kids and adults alike. However, it’s worth noting that suitcases and large bags are not permitted, so pack accordingly. Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult, which is standard for such attractions.

The Thames River Cruise: A Scenic Bonus

If you opt for the 24- or 48-hour ticket, you gain access to a one-way river cruise along the Thames. Departing from Westminster Pier, the boat ride offers fantastic views of landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge from a different perspective.

The boats run every 30 minutes, so you don’t need to plan your trip around a rigid schedule—just hop aboard when you’re ready. Many reviews mention how relaxing and picturesque this part of the experience is, providing a peaceful break from bus-hopping and a unique vantage point for city photos.

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The Guided and Audio Tours

For those who love a bit of storytelling, the live guides on the bus are a real asset. They’re generally well-rated for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the sightseeing more engaging. Alternatively, the audio guides available in 12 languages mean you can learn about London’s history and landmarks even if you prefer to explore solo.

With multilingual options, the tour caters to international visitors, making it easier to understand the significance of what you’re seeing. Whether you’re a history buff or just want fun facts, the guides add a layer of context you might miss if exploring on your own.

Additional Perks and Extras

Included in the ticket are free walking tours—the Jack The Ripper Tour and/or the Royal Tour—offering a deeper dive into London’s darker corners or regal history, respectively. These are optional but add a nice touch for those interested in more specialized stories.

You also have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is a large plus if your plans are uncertain. And since you can reserve now and pay later, booking is low-risk, especially for flexible travelers.

Pricing and Value

At $75.43 per person, the cost might seem steep at first glance, but considering what’s included—the open-top bus, Madame Tussauds entry, Thames boat ride, and free walking tours—the value begins to look better. If you had to buy these attractions separately, the total cost would likely be considerably higher.

This package suits travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective way to sample London’s top sights. It’s particularly good if you’re short on time or prefer to avoid the hassle of ticketing and transportation logistics.

A Few Considerations

While this experience offers many positives, there are some points to keep in mind. The reviews mention that some may find the bus routes and schedules a bit rigid, especially if you’re trying to customize your day. The lack of included food and drinks means you’ll need to plan for meals separately. Also, the attraction entry is only valid for the booked time and date, so punctuality matters.

Some reviewers noted that the bus guides are lively and engaging, but that the overall experience is somewhat segmented. If you’re seeking an in-depth visit to a specific landmark or prefer to explore museums at your own pace, this might not be the best fit.

This combined ticket is ideal for first-time visitors eager to tick off London’s must-see sights in a single day or over a couple of days. Families and casual travelers will appreciate the ease of transport combined with entertainment. If you enjoy scenic water views and interactive attractions, the Thames cruise and Madame Tussauds are big wins.

However, if you’re after a more immersive or leisurely experience—say, spending hours in a museum or exploring neighborhoods in depth—you might prefer to supplement this tour with additional independent visits.

For those seeking a convenient, cost-effective way to see a broad swath of London’s highlights, this tour ticks many boxes. The combination of open-air bus rides, celebrity wax figures, and river views offers a lively and memorable overview of the city.

While it might not replace dedicated visits to museums or historic sites for the die-hard history enthusiast, it delivers excellent value for travelers wanting a fun, flexible introduction to London’s most famous landmarks. The knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas keep the experience engaging, even if it’s a bit segmented.

If you value ease, variety, and iconic sights, this tour provides a well-rounded, enjoyable day out—especially for first-time visitors or those on a tight schedule.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children will enjoy Madame Tussauds and the bus rides. Just remember that children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I join the tour on the same day I book it?
Yes, same-day tickets are available if you wish to go on the same date as your booking.

How long can I use the ticket?
You can choose between 1 day, 24 hours, or 48 hours of validity, depending on your preference and schedule.

Does the Thames river cruise run every day?
The cruise departs every 30 minutes on the selected days, making it easy to hop aboard when you’re ready.

Are the guides live or audio?
The buses feature live English guides and audio guides in 12 languages.

What attractions are included in this ticket?
This ticket grants access to Madame Tussauds, a Thames boat ride (if longer tickets are chosen), and the hop-on hop-off bus service. Additional attractions are not included.

Is food or drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not part of the package, so plan for your own snacks and meals.

Where do the bus routes start?
The meeting point varies depending on which option you book; check your booking details.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a lively, practical, and reasonably priced way to see much of London in a single day or over two days. It’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy multiple sights without the stress of planning every detail.

You can check availability for your dates here: