A royal morning with a red vintage bus. It pairs a Routemaster sightseeing loop with a Thames cruise, then lands you at Buckingham Palace State Rooms during their short public opening window.

I love the way this tour strings together top sights with real context from the local guide—whether it’s Alan’s witty, sharp delivery or Nick’s theatrical storytelling. I also love the change of pace: one minute you’re scanning the skyline from an open-top bus, and the next you’re on the Thames with St Paul’s dome and Tower Bridge lining up for photos.

The one real drawback is timing. After the morning circuit (including a Westminster Abbey photo stop), you’ll have a few hours on your own before your booked 14:30 entry to the palace, so you’ll want a plan for lunch and what to do in the gap.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Up to 50 people means this still feels personal compared with mega-bus crowds
• 1960s Routemaster bus gives you those classic London views from an upper-deck vantage point
• Thames cruise time (30 minutes) is just enough to reset and get postcard skyline shots
• Buckingham Palace State Rooms are limited to a short annual public season, and your entry is timed
• Westminster Abbey is a photo stop (no admission included), so you’re not stuck waiting in extra lines
• You tour the palace independently with an audio guide since your guide can’t go inside

Victoria Coach Station and the 7:45am Start

This is a true “morning power tour.” You meet at Victoria Coach Station, then hop aboard a classic red double-decker Routemaster at 7:45am. The early start matters. London’s central streets can feel like slow motion later in the day, and you’re aiming to beat that.

You’ll also want to travel with the basics ready: you get a mobile ticket, and you’ll be using your confirmation details as you board. One practical tip: at Victoria Coach Station, pay close attention to the specific bay/platform number shown in your instructions. It’s easy to waste time standing around if you assume signage will match what you read.

The group size cap (max 50 travelers) helps a lot. You’re still on a schedule, but it doesn’t feel like sardines.

Bus Sights: Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey (and More)

Once you’re on board, the bus part is built for fast orientation. You’re not just looking at famous buildings—you’re driving through the core of government and old London with a guide narrating as you go. That storytelling is what turns a list of landmarks into an actual route you can picture later.

On the morning circuit, you’ll spot major icons such as Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Trafalgar Square usually means you’ll see the area around Nelson’s column and the fountains nearby. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament area show you why this part of London is so visually dominant—straight lines, serious architecture, and that “royal center” feel.

Westminster Abbey gets a 15-minute exterior photo stop. Since admission isn’t included, don’t expect time for a full visit or a long explore. But as a quick snapshot to anchor your day in context, it’s a smart use of time—especially if you’re mixing bus, boat, and palace entry.

One more note: the bus is described as open top, with the real possibility of rain. On rare occasions, it can switch to a closed top. That’s good to know, but either way, dress for wet or chilly weather and keep a small umbrella handy.

Thames River Cruise: Where the Skyline Finally Breathes

After the bus loop, you transfer to a Thames River cruise for about 30 minutes. This is one of the best “reset switches” in the whole day. The city feels different from water—less traffic noise, more space, and usually calmer photo conditions even when the street looks chaotic.

From the river, you get classic views tied to London’s mix of old and new: Tower Bridge, the Tower of London area, St Paul’s Cathedral (including the dome), and the London Eye. You’ll also see the Houses of Parliament from the water, which helps connect what you saw earlier from the bus to what’s actually right on the Thames.

The Thames cruise is included, so you’re not paying extra or hunting for tickets mid-day. And because it’s timeboxed, it doesn’t steal your whole day. It’s a scenic breather that keeps the tour efficient.

If you’re the kind of person who gets tired of standing in lines, this part is a mental win. Sitting back on the boat keeps the day from turning into nonstop “move, wait, move, wait.”

Westminster Abbey Photo Stop: Quick, Useful, Not a Full Visit

That exterior stop at Westminster Abbey is short by design. It’s there to give you a familiar anchor for photos and memory, not to replace an actual Abbey visit.

So here’s the key decision rule for you: if Westminster Abbey is a must-see inside for you, plan to add your own visit outside this tour. The tour won’t provide admission here, and your time is limited.

This is also a spot to practice your photo strategy. Since you’ll move on quickly, set your expectations accordingly: get the shot you came for, then let the rest of the day happen.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms: Limited Access, Audio Guide, and What to Expect

This is the reason many people book. You get to enter Buckingham Palace and tour the State Rooms during their limited three-month annual public opening.

Your palace entry is scheduled for 14:30. Before that, your bus continues from the sights to Buckingham Palace area. Then you’ll walk with the guide to the entrance. After that, the key detail: your guide isn’t permitted inside, so you transition to your own experience using your pre-booked ticket.

Inside, you do an audio-guided tour of the State Rooms. That’s a smart format for a time-limited itinerary—self-paced enough to look slowly at the interiors, but structured so you don’t wander with no context.

There are also clear rules that affect your visit:

• Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the State Rooms
• Photography/video are not permitted inside the State Rooms, including filming with wearable devices for non-commercial purposes

So plan your “picture time” around what you can photograph outside the palace or from the bus and boat. Inside, focus on the rooms themselves—the chandeliers, furnishings, and the Royal Collection objects you’ll see through the audio guide.

If you’re hoping for the full dramatic pageantry, the good news is that the timing can align well for the palace forecourt and the Changing of the Guard. People often love watching it because the processional has layers—movement, music, ceremony. Your exact luck depends on the day, but this tour’s timing is set up to put you in the zone.

The Midday Gap: Turning a Timing Constraint into a Win

Here’s where you need to be a little proactive. After the morning bus and the Westminster Abbey photo stop, you’ll have a few hours break before the 14:30 palace entry.

That sounds like “lost time,” but you can turn it into a smart flex day. Use the gap for:

• a slow lunch nearby
• a short walk to pick up landmarks you want more time at
• resting your feet before the palace visit

Because the palace part is ticketed at a specific time, you don’t want to gamble on drifting around without a plan. You’ll enjoy the day more if you treat the gap like a mini break window with a return route figured out.

Also remember: the palace portion is independent once you go in. So the better your schedule during the gap, the less stress you’ll feel later.

Price and Value: Why $59 Can Work for the Right Trip Style

At $59 for about 5.5 hours, this tour is priced like a practical London “greatest hits” day. The value isn’t just the sights—it’s the fact that key pieces are already handled for you:

• the vintage bus tour
• the included Thames River cruise
• the included Buckingham Palace State Rooms entry (with the audio-guided tour)

If you’re trying to hit big landmarks efficiently—especially on a shorter visit—this package can be a strong way to avoid separate ticket hassles and piecemeal transport planning.

But it’s not perfect for every style. If you want deep, unhurried time inside one museum, or you dislike fixed time slots, you may feel constrained by the schedule and the midday break. Still, for first-timers and time-pressed visitors, it’s a solid deal.

The maximum group size (up to 50) also supports value: you’re getting guided routing plus a classic transport mix, without the heavy feeling of mass tourism.

Practical Tips That Make This Tour Feel Effortless

A few small choices can make a big difference on a day built around multiple modes of transport.

Bring layers for an open-top ride. Even when skies look decent in the morning, London weather loves a plot twist. Open-top means you’ll feel it.

Wear comfortable shoes. You’re doing bus time, boat time, and walking to the palace entrance. The palace visit includes your own movement inside the State Rooms.

Think about your photo plan. You’ll get plenty of photo opportunities from the bus and the Thames cruise. Save your “no-photo inside” awareness for the palace: you can’t rely on phone photos inside the State Rooms.

Double-check the meeting bay details. Victoria Coach Station is big. If your instructions mention a bay number, follow it exactly to reduce morning stress.

Use the audio guide actively. Since you won’t have your guide inside, treat the audio like part of the experience—not background noise. It’s what connects you to what you’re seeing in the State Rooms.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

Book this if you:

• are visiting London for the first time and want a fast, coherent route
• have limited time and want Buckingham Palace State Rooms during their short public season
• like classic London transport and scenic water views
• prefer a guided overview plus independent palace exploration

Consider skipping or mixing this with other plans if you:

• hate fixed entry times and would rather wander freely all day
• want to spend long periods inside multiple attractions (Westminster Abbey here is photo-only)
• get frustrated by weather uncertainty on open-top transport

This tour fits best for people who want structure and variety in one shot.

Should You Book Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London?

If you’re the type who likes to see a lot without turning your day into a logistics puzzle, I think this one is worth it. The big win is the 3-part flow: Routemaster bus panoramas, a Thames cruise reset, then the rare chance to see Buckingham Palace State Rooms during their limited opening. With a smallish group and an included package price, it’s a straightforward way to get real London icons covered.

The main reason to hesitate is the schedule gap. If you’re good at planning a lunch window and don’t mind a few hours on your own, you’ll likely have a great day. If not, you may feel rushed or stuck.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:45am.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9TP, UK.

Does the tour include Thames River cruise tickets?

Yes. The Thames River cruise is included and runs for about 30 minutes.

Is Buckingham Palace entry included?

Yes. You get entry to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, and your palace entry time is booked for 14:30.

Are Westminster Abbey tickets included?

No. You’ll have a photo stop outside Westminster Abbey, and admission is not included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off.

Is the bus open top?

It’s described as an open top bus, and you should be prepared for rain. On rare occasions it may be switched to a closed top bus.

Are food, drinks, and photos allowed inside the State Rooms?

No. Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the State Rooms. Photography/video recording is also not permitted inside the State Rooms, including filming with wearable devices for non-commercial purposes.

What happens if I cancel?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.