Side-by-side verdict, prices and tips. We pick a winner — but both have a place if you have time.
If you only have time for one, pick Thames River Cruise. Yes, at around £14 it's the best-value sightseeing hour in London. Take the Westminster to Greenwich route one way, sit on the open top deck, and build a Greenwich afternoon around it. London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is still worth it, if…, just rank it below.
From £31 · 2–2.5 hours per loop
Worth it on your first day as a moving overview of London, not as transport. Buy the cheapest 24-hour ticket, ride one full loop from the top deck in the morning, hop off for two or three stops, then switch to the Tube. In afternoon traffic the same loop takes nearly twice as long.
From £11 · 1 hour each way
Yes, at around £14 it's the best-value sightseeing hour in London. Take the Westminster to Greenwich route one way, sit on the open top deck, and build a Greenwich afternoon around it.
| Spec | London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour | Thames River Cruise |
|---|---|---|
| TripScore | 6.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| Verdict | Worth it, if… | Worth it |
| From | £31 | £11 |
| Value (score per £) | 0.22 | 0.74 |
| Time required | 2–2.5 hours per loop | 1 hour each way |
| Setting | Outdoor | Outdoor |
| Best time today | Mornings, Sundays | Late afternoon, clear days |
| Value for money | 6.5/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Experience | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Crowds & wait | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
