I'm on the fence about the HOHO bus tours in London. We are staying near Paddington Station, and in looking at the Original Tour's route map, a limited line serves this area. If we have to make HOHO connections, does this waste valuable sightseeing time? Do ya'll think it's worth it? Is there a particular HOHO company that you recommend?
Posted by
11196 posts
We did it once and wouldn’t use it again. The tube can get you all the city so quickly and easily. Buy an Oyster card.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5332 posts
If you are thinking of it primarily as a narrated tour with intersecting routes, river trip etc it may meet your needs.
If you are thinking of it primarily as a form of transport between one site and another, then it is very wasteful, slow and expensive way of doing it.
Posted by
3254 posts
I used one of the HOHO lines in London once. I mostly remember this large group of fellow Americans who each took a "window" seat on the upper level as opposed to sitting together. But, I digress.
The city buses in London are really easy to use and great for seeing the sights and getting around town. Check out this map.
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/bus-route-maps/key-bus-routes-in-central-london.pdf
Posted by
140 posts
We bought the Original Tours HOHO in London. It was pleasant enough. One of our group was a never-ever. It was especially good for her. The guides were entertaining and knowledgeable. The Thames River Cruise to Greenwich was really good. We won’t do it again, but, it was nice enough.
Oyster Card, tube, busses and comfortable shoes are definitely a better way to get around quickly and conveniently.
Posted by
Huntington Beach CA
1116 posts
I think the HOHO bus is a great hassle free way to see any city if you’re a first time visitor. I definitely would not rely on it for transport but would sit through and do the full loops, only getting off for a quick stop, not to see a museum. I did this and went inside Tower of London/ Tower Bridge which took a few hours so by the time we got back on in the afternoon we only did one loop so it was a waste of money. We did have time to take the free boat ride from the tower back to Westminster. Each bus company offers 3 or so different loops if I recall. Depending on the time of year, busses are more frequent in the busier times. I think we did the Original tour. Try to get on a bus with a live guide as that is more fun than listening to a tape recording.