Exploring London’s iconic landmarks has never been easier. The hop-on hop-off bus tour and the renowned London Eye offer visitors unparalleled opportunities to discover the city’s grandeur. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a local seeking a fresh perspective, these experiences seamlessly combine convenience and panoramic views. With flexibility to explore at your own pace and breathtaking vistas from high above the River Thames, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey through London’s rich history and vibrant present. Dive into the details, and uncover the hidden gems that make this city truly captivating.
Key Points

- The Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour offers a flexible way to explore the city’s main sights and landmarks at one’s own pace.
- The London Eye provides breathtaking 360-degree views of London from a height, making it a must-visit iconic attraction.
- Combination tickets are available that include both the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour and a boat ride on the River Thames.
- Walking tours in London offer unique perspectives on the city’s history, culture, and upcoming events like the coronation of King Charles.
- The London Eye and Hop-on Hop-off bus tours operate on specific schedules, with the London Eye closed for maintenance during certain weeks in January.
The London Eye Experience

The London Eye offers visitors a unique opportunity to take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from high above the River Thames. This iconic landmark provides a standard ticket experience that lasts approximately 30 minutes, allowing guests to admire London’s iconic landmarks and skyline at their leisure.
For those seeking more flexibility, the London Eye also offers 24, 48, or 72-hour tickets, which provide free additional 24 hours in July and August.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, the London Eye is a must-visit attraction that showcases the beauty and grandeur of the city from a truly remarkable perspective.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

For visitors looking to see the city, a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour provides an ideal solution. These tours cover the main central London sights, museums, parks, and popular landmarks, allowing passengers to explore the city at their own pace.
The tours are valid for 1 day, 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours, giving travelers the flexibility to hop on and off as they please. Audio guides are available in 11 languages, enhancing the overall experience.
The buses run frequently, with service every 20 minutes on the Red and Blue routes, and every 30 minutes on the Orange route. This makes it easy for visitors to plan their sightseeing around their schedule.
Boat Ride on the Thames

A boat ride along the River Thames is included with the 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours Hop-on Hop-off bus tour, providing passengers with panoramic views of London’s iconic landmarks.
The one-way journey takes travelers from Westminster Pier to Tower Millennium Pier or vice versa, allowing them to admire the city’s famous sights from a unique perspective on the water.
Whether it’s the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, or the Tower of London, the boat ride offers a relaxing and scenic way to explore the city.
This complements the comprehensive bus tour, giving visitors a well-rounded experience of London’s top attractions.
Walking Tours in London
Alongside the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour and the London Eye, visitors can explore London through a variety of specialized walking tours that explore the city’s rich history and culture.
These walking tours offer unique perspectives on the city, from the chilling Jack the Ripper tour to the elegant Royal Walking Tour.
Visitors can learn about the upcoming coronation of King Charles and explore London’s iconic landmarks, including:
- Jack The Ripper Walking Tour
- Royal Walking Tour
- Coronation Walking Tour
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony
These immersive experiences allow travelers to engage with London’s past and present, providing a more intimate and authentic exploration of the city.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyOpening Hours and Schedules
The London Eye operates daily from 11:00am to 6:00pm, with the last entry allowed at 5:45pm. Annually, the attraction closes for maintenance during the second and third weeks of January.
The Hop-on Hop-off bus tour runs every 20 minutes on the Red and Blue routes, and every 30 minutes on the Orange route. Passengers can board the bus at any of the clearly signposted touristic stops labeled as Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-Off/London Tour Bus. This allows visitors to explore London’s main sights, museums, parks, and landmarks at their own pace.
The boat ride included with the 24, 48, or 72-hour Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket provides a one-way journey from Westminster Pier to Tower Millennium Pier, or vice versa, offering panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks along the River Thames.
Ticket Options and Prices
London Eye and Hop-on Hop-off bus tour tickets come in various options to suit different needs and budgets. Visitors can choose from standard, fast-track, and combination passes that provide access to the London Eye and unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides for 1, 24, 48, or 72 hours.
Fast-track tickets allow guests to skip the queue at the London Eye, while combination passes bundle both experiences together for convenience.
Prices range from:
- Standard London Eye ticket: £28.00
- Fast-track London Eye ticket: £34.50
- Hop-on Hop-off 1-day pass: £39.00
- Hop-on Hop-off 2-day pass: £46.00
- Combo London Eye & Hop-on Hop-off 1-day pass: £55.00
Transportation and Departure Points
Visitors can board the Hop-on Hop-off buses at any of the clearly signposted touristic stops throughout central London. These departure points are conveniently located near major landmarks and attractions, making it easy for travelers to access the sightseeing buses.
The buses run every 20 minutes on the Red and Blue routes, and every 30 minutes on the Orange route, providing a flexible and efficient way to explore the city.
For the London Eye, the main entry point is located at the South Bank, where visitors can purchase tickets and board the iconic observation wheel.
With these convenient transportation options, travelers can seamlessly combine the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour and the London Eye experience for a comprehensive sightseeing adventure in London.
Annual Maintenance and Closures
While the Hop-on Hop-off buses and the London Eye operate year-round, it’s important to note that the London Eye undergoes annual maintenance during the second and third weeks of January, when it’s closed to the public.
This brief closure ensures the attraction remains in top condition, providing visitors with an optimal experience throughout the rest of the year. During this time, the buses and other sightseeing experiences remain in operation, offering alternative ways to explore the city.
Visitors planning a trip to London should be aware of the London Eye’s annual maintenance schedule and plan their itinerary accordingly. Key considerations include:
- Booking tickets for the London Eye outside the maintenance period
- Exploring the city’s other attractions and landmarks during the closure
- Utilizing the Hop-on Hop-off buses to maximize sightseeing opportunities
- Considering alternative experiences, such as walking tours or boat rides, during the London Eye closure
Recap

The Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour and the London Eye offer visitors a comprehensive way to explore London’s iconic landmarks.
The bus tour allows passengers to discover the city at their own pace, while the London Eye provides breathtaking panoramic views.
Both experiences are highly recommended for first-time visitors and locals alike, providing an immersive and convenient way to discover the beauty and grandeur of the city.
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