London Hop on Bus

It is a very slow way to get around, as the HOHO bus sits in a lot of traffic. If you need to rest your feet, it fills that need. If you're looking for an efficient way to get around, use an alternative mode. Safe travels.

We visited London and arrived in the morning, many hours before we would be able to check in to our hotel. We dropped off our bags with the Conceirge and decided to ride the hop on hop off to get a feel for the city. My sister recorded comments on one of their maps, to give us ideas on what we might want to see and how best to get there. Since we’d come in on a “red eye” flight AND neither of us sleep well on a plane we were too tired to do any walking around the city. So this was a great option for us. We were able to scope out sites and underground and train station connections as we went. For us, it was money well spent and helped occupy time that didn’t require a lot of physical exertion.

For London, opinions on the hop on bus go hot and cold.

As you saw, someone took the bus on the day of arrival. However, after a long flight, and sitting on a bus, you take the risk of falling asleep.

I have used the hop on bus in some cities as an orientation to decide what I might want to see afterwards. However, London has multiple routes so no one bus will take you past everything.

So, what I'm saying is, if you want to take it, take it. But with five nights, I'd probably skip it and use the time to visit sights I want to see.

HOHO services are a good way to introduce you to many cities worldwide but London isn’t one of them. They are an expensive way to sit in very slow moving traffic. If you get off it can often be difficult to get back on again. The best way to counteract jet lag is to get moving out in the fresh air, not sitting in traffic trying to fight off a natural inclination to sleep.

An alternative to HOHO is to have tea on a vintage bus. You won't mind that it goes slowly. I have not done this in London, but I did it in Dublin (awesome) and Edinburgh (meh). Here's the link:
https://b-bakery.com/london/bus-tours/afternoon-tea-bus-london

I have not taken a HoHo bus in ages, but I have in London. First, the bus really does not work for efficient transport, or maybe even to take advantage of the hop on and off feature. But one plus with these buses in London is that there are great sights that are worth a view from the bus, and the sights are spread out. So as a quick overview, maybe orientation, it works.

The only caveat is traffic, if the roads are packed and at a standstill, then no sense in sitting on a stationary bus.

thanks for replies

I can add some color to G3rryCee's recommendation for the High-Tea bus.

"An alternative to HOHO is to have tea on a vintage bus. You won't mind that it goes slowly. I have not done this in London, but I did it in Dublin (awesome) and Edinburgh (meh). Here's the link:
https://b-bakery.com/london/bus-tours/afternoon-tea-bus-london"

I have taken the Brigit Bakery's Christmas Lights Tour last December. I took this tour to see the lights. I would take this again even without the Christmas lights. I was so surprised on the quality (and quantity) of the food. It was delicious. They also served the tea in really fun sippy-type cups to avoid any spills. While you do sit in traffic, sitting in traffic, seeing the sites and eating a delicious high-tea. If you do take them, spend a bit extra for their souvenir book which has delightful illustrations of the top London sights. If I knew it was so cute, I would have ordered extra for gifts.

I just noticed that Bustronome does a tour of London. This is a modern double-decker bus that has very nice food. We did it in Paris at Christmas time and would do it again.
https://www.bustronome.com/en/

London traffic is worse than LA. Kid you not.

Where are you staying? Which neighborhood? Only asking because forum members can offer intel so you can get a lay of the land ….so to speak…

IMHO having enjoyed London travel for decades you’ll find the London Underground an excellent means of public transportation so you can explore a variety of differing neighborhoods.

Great city. I’m returning in November just in time for Santa Runs, Christmas lights, Lord Mayors Parade and Winter Wonderland.

We are staying in Westminster Bough, near Victoria station

You can easily stroll over to Palace if you are near Victoria Station or St James Park Station.

The Houses of Parliament with Elizabeth’s Tower and the Big Ben bell, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Bridge are close. St James Park is also nearby. Pleasant jaunt along Birdcage walk.

The furthest iconic site is the Tower of London. You can use the Tube to get to the Tower of London. From St James Park Underground Station take a District Line train to Tower Hill. 20-25 minutes. At Tower Hill, exit and the Tower of London is across the street.

My first trip to the UK or Europe was in 1984. I remember two things very clearly. 1st on the way in to town we saw one of the little 'open' milk trucks that were still in use back then. 2nd, we took the HOHO bus tour around London that afternoon and I kept dozing off. It was hilarious as I kept thinking "I'm finally here, isn't this wonderful, zzzzzzzz." Best part, I am usually cursed with insomnia when I try to go to sleep. On subsequent trips overeseas, I have just walked my neighborhood, found a place that sells coffee and if in Italy I have a cafe corretto with several shots of espresso plus sugar AND grappa.

We are currently are in London. We decided to skip the HOHO bus.. used taxi, ferry and lots of walking.

I took a bus ride like this in Paris upon arrival. It was warm. Traffic was bad. Just like an earlier poster I dozed off.

I slept through two loops of Paris. I’m not sure it’s a good way to fight jet lag. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz