Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus and Thames Cruise with Private Transfer

This is a private transfer at each end of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing day. We drive you from your London address to a stop on the bus route you have chosen, and collect you from an agreed stop or pier at the end of the day. The bus pass and river cruise are bought directly from the operator.

Two operators run open-top hop-on hop-off buses in central London. The Original Tour runs several colour-coded routes with audio guides in several languages, and its tickets include a river cruise. Big Bus Tours sells timed passes; some include a one-way Thames cruise and guided walks. Prices vary by ticket length and offer, so check the operator's website.

The river cruise part depends on the ticket. It is usually a set route between piers such as Westminster, London Eye and Tower. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers also sells a River Roamer day ticket for unlimited hop-on hop-off travel on its scheduled river service.

The bus does the sightseeing and the car handles the start and finish. This helps if you are staying outside the centre, travelling with children or older relatives, or want a direct ride home at the end of the day instead of the Underground.

If you would rather see London without a bus pass, a private car with a driver by the hour may suit you better. The driver is not a guide.

Approximate plan for the day

• Pickup in Central London — Collection from your address or hotel.
• Drop-off at a hop-on hop-off stop — A stop on your chosen operator's route (e.g. Westminster or Trafalgar Square area).
• Your own bus and river day — Ride the bus routes and take the included or separately bought river cruise at your own pace.
• Collection — From an agreed stop or pier (e.g. Tower Millennium Pier), then return to your address.

Timings are agreed with you when the booking is confirmed and depend on traffic and your chosen ticket times.

Before you book

• The Original Tour: tickets are not included and are sold by the attraction (www.theoriginaltour.com). Prices vary by date — check the official site before you travel.
• Big Bus Tours London: tickets are not included and are sold by the attraction (www.bigbustours.com/en/london/london-tour-tickets-and-passes). Prices vary by date — check the official site before you travel.
• Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: tickets are not included and are sold by the attraction (www.thamesclippers.com/plan-your-journey/ticket-information). Prices vary by date — check the official site before you travel.
• Bus routes, frequencies and first/last departures vary by season and operator; check the operator's live timetable.
• Routes are diverted for events, marches and road closures in central London.
• River cruise elements can be suspended for tides, weather or events.
• Pickup points depend on where private-hire vehicles may legally stop near the chosen stop or pier.

Accessibility and walking

Operators publish their own accessibility information; the open top deck of a double-decker is reached by stairs. Piers have ramps whose gradient changes with the tide. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are not part of the current fleet. Walking level: light.

What to bring

• Your bus pass (mobile or printed)
• A layer for the open top deck
• Phone to message the driver about the collection point
• Sun or rain protection

Vehicles

Saloon or Executive Saloon for 1-3 passengers with up to 2 bags; SUV for up to 4 passengers with 4 bags; MPV for up to 6 passengers with 6 bags; Van for up to 8 passengers with 8 bags. Minibus and coach are not offered, so a party of more than 8 would need two vehicles.