London's most famous sights are spread across several miles, from Westminster in the west to the Tower in the east. On foot or by Underground, seeing them all in one go takes a full, tiring day. With your own car and driver, you can see the highlights in about four hours, with short stops for photographs at each one.
It works especially well on your first morning, when you are still finding your bearings, or for visitors with limited time or limited walking.
- LengthAbout 4 hours, hotel to hotel
- TicketsNone needed for the outside views
- WalkingShort stops only
- Best start9am, before the traffic builds
The route
- Pickup from your hotel or address in Central London.
- Westminster: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square (about 35 minutes).
- Buckingham Palace and St James's Park: photographs at the palace gates and the Victoria Memorial, and a short walk in the park.
- A slow drive along The Mall, through Trafalgar Square and down Whitehall.
- Covent Garden: free time around the Piazza and the market hall.
- Along Fleet Street to St Paul's Cathedral for a photo stop.
- The Tower of London and Tower Bridge: river views and a walk on to the bridge.
- Drop-off at your hotel, a restaurant or anywhere in Central London.
Four hours is designed for outside views and short stops. If you want to go inside the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey, choose our full-day London tour instead, which includes about two hours at the Tower.
Seeing Changing the Guard
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace is free to watch and draws large crowds. In 2026 it takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on scheduled dates, starting around 11:00 (the Sunday ceremony can start earlier). It can be cancelled for bad weather or state events, and the dates are only confirmed a few weeks ahead, so check the Household Division's official schedule before you travel.
If you would like to see it, tell us when you book and we will reorder the route so you arrive at the palace in good time. The best views go to people who are in place by about 10:15.
Why do it by car?
- No stairs and no changes. Several of these sights are a long walk from the nearest Underground station.
- Your own pace. Stay longer where you like it, skip what you have seen before.
- Your own group. No one else to wait for, and room for shopping bags.
- A finish where you choose. End at your hotel, a lunch reservation or a matinee.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Price per vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| See the current prices for every vehicle on the tour page. | ||
Practical tips
- Central London traffic varies by day. Our timings allow for it, but weekday mornings are usually the smoothest.
- Major events, marathons and state occasions can close roads around Westminster and The Mall. We will adjust the route on the day.
- Bring a light layer and an umbrella: most stops are outdoors.
Questions we are often asked
Can we go inside the attractions on the four-hour tour?
Four hours is planned for outside views and short stops. Going inside one attraction means dropping other stops. For time inside the Tower of London, choose our full-day London tour.
When is Changing the Guard?
In 2026 it takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on scheduled dates, starting around 11:00. It can be cancelled for weather or state events, so check the official Household Division schedule.
Can the tour start somewhere other than a hotel?
Yes. We can collect you from any address in Central London, a station or a cruise coach drop-off point, and finish wherever you like within Central London.
Is the driver a tour guide?
Your driver is a professional chauffeur who knows London well, not a licensed Blue Badge guide. We can arrange a qualified guide to join you for an extra cost.
Is the price per person?
No. The price is for the whole vehicle and your group, including VAT.