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Big Bus Tours

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Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

Big Bus London Open-Top Evening Tour

The Big Day out - London Eye Ticket, London Hop-on Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise

The London Pass®: Unlimited access to 90+ top attractions

Tower of London with London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Big Bus Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

London Bus Tour

Let the city simply take you by surprise.

On Sunday 21st April, the London Marathon will cause unavoidable disruptions to our tour. Buses will be on diversions and we will not be able to serve some stops.  See details

Hop-on hop-off: explore London at your own pace in 1, 2 or 3 days

Must See London

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + cruise

• 1, 2 or 3 days
• 3 bus routes
• 3 walking tours
• River cruise

London Discovery

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + walking tours

London themed bus tours: discover the city from a different angle

London Kids Tour

Non-stop live guided bus tour

• Live guided in English
• Fun and educational

London by Night

Non-stop evening bus tour

• Adult & kids commentary

Unique rooftop on wheels

• Catchy playlist
• Drinks available on board

London Packages: combine our hop-on hop-off visit with an attraction or a night tour

London Discovery + London By Night

Daytime hop-on hop-off bus tour + evening bus tour

• 3 daytime bus routes
• 1 night tour

Wi-Fi on board

Audioguide in 10 languages

Family Pass

Kids special commentary

Walking tours includded

Fully accessible

• Evan Evans Tours
• Hop-on Hop-off Tours
• Big Bus London

Big Bus Tours London Hop-on Hop-off

• Audio-guided

Hop on to discover, and hop off to explore with Big Bus Tours—a seamless blend of discovery and exploration! Big Bus Tours is your ticket to London with Big Benefits. Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the River Thames with all Big Bus London tickets. To get your perfect introduction to London's most famous landmarks , embark on an exciting hop-on, hop-off adventure with Big Bus Tours.

• First Bus: 8:40 am from Stop #1: Green Park Underground (Piccadilly - next to the Ritz, by entry to Green Park tube station)
• Last Full-Circuit Tour: 2:40 pm from Stop #1: Green Park Underground (Piccadilly - next to the Ritz, by entry to Green Park tube station)
• Last Bus: 5:10 pm from Stop #1: Green Park Underground (Piccadilly - next to the Ritz, by entry to Green Park tube station)
• Full Circuit Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)
• Bus Frequency: every 20–30 minutes.
• First Bus: 8:30 am from Stop #24: Victoria, Nova Complex (Buckingham Palace Road, outside Sourced)
• Last Full-Circuit Tour: 4:00 pm from Stop #24: Victoria, Nova Complex (Buckingham Palace Road, outside Sourced)
• Last Bus: 5:00 pm from Stop #24: Victoria, Nova Complex (Buckingham Palace Road, outside Sourced)
• Full Circuit Time: 3 hours, 35 minutes (approx.)
• First Bus: 9:00 am from Stop #44: Woburn Northbound (Opposite Russel Court)
• Last Full-Circuit Tour: 3:15 pm from Stop #44: Woburn Northbound (Opposite Russel Court)
• Last Bus: 4:45 pm from Stop #44: Woburn Northbound (Opposite Russel Court)
• Full Circuit Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes (approx.)
• Bus Frequency: every 30–60 minutes.

Departure #1: 7:30 pm from Stop #11: London Eye (Westminster Bridge Road) Bus stop next to Lion Statue, outside London Marriot County Hall

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Bus Frequency: one Night Tour per evening.

Road closures may affect Big Bus Tours London services. In these circumstances, some stops may be closed, frequency may be affected, or service on one or all routes may be partially curtailed.

On rare occasions, we may need to temporarily suspend all service in the instance of very poor weather or for unplanned city events.

Known dates for service amendments are as follows:

Sunday, 7th April 2024 - The London Landmarks Half Marathon

All the buses are wheelchair accessible , with ramps enabling access to all vehicles within the fleet. There is space for one wheelchair per bus (unless the second customer is able to transfer to a fixed seat, in which case a second wheelchair can be accommodated in a fixed position).

There are some restrictions in place due to weight and stability, and mobility scooters cannot be carried. We also may be unable to accommodate larger wheelchairs for the same reason. The maximum weight allowed on the ramp is 300kg, which is the weight of the wheelchair when occupied. The wheelchair also cannot exceed the width of the designated wheelchair seating area.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• You may join the tour at any of the Big Bus stops that are in operation
• All dates and tours are subject to availability, and the supplier reserves the right to alter its opening times/services/routes at short notice
• Tickets can only be used for one visit and will be taken in by the supplier upon exchange. You will require a printed copy of your ticket
• Pre-recorded commentary in the following 5 languages is available on all buses: English, French, German, Spanish and Italian
• River Cruise, Walking tours and London Evening tour, where included, are subject to availability
• A full refund or date change will be offered up to 24 hours before travel. Cancellations within 24 hours will be charged at 100%.
• One complete circuit of the Red Route takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
• One complete circuit of the Blue Route takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
• For accessibility information and restrictions, please see the information above in the full tour description
• Mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on the buses
• Please note that your Evan Evans voucher must be redeemed for an official river cruise ticket with the Big Bus team

PACKAGE OPTIONS​​

Discover Ticket: 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket Digitally recorded commentary in 5 languages One-way river cruise

Essential Ticket: 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket Digitally recorded commentary in 5 languages One-way river cruise 3 x Walking tours

Explore Ticket: 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket Digitally recorded commentary in 5 languages One-way river cruise 3 x Walking tours London Evening Tour (Panoramic evening tour of London)

• Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour
• Free Wi-Fi onboard the buses
• River Thames Sightseeing Cruise

Digitally recorded commentary in 5 languages

• Flexibility to explore London at your own pace with different ticket options

What's Included

Hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket, one-way river cruise, free onboard wi-fi, what's excluded, hotel pick-up & drop-off, share with friends.

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London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Select Your Experience

City Sightseeing: 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of London with Optional Thames River Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Explore London at your own pace as you hop on and hop off unlimited times with your hop-on hop-off pass.
• Get access to 3 routes and 20+ stops covering the entire city with an Iconic 1-day pass, or 24 or 48-hour HOHO pass.
• With the 24/48-hour passes get a one-way cruise on the River Thames, from Westminster to the Tower Pier and 5 award-winning self-guided walking tours of London.
• Learn more about the locations you pass through a multilingual audio guide, available in 11 languages on board and get access to a self-guided Royal London Tour available in English with both passes.
• Some popular stops on your hop-on hop-off route include the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Queen Elizabeth Gate, Piccadilly Circus, and more.

1-Day HOHO Pass

• 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Free walking tour of Royal London with audio guide
• Audio guide in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic & Polish

24-Hour HOHO Pass

• 24-hop-on hop-off bus tour
• One-way Thames River cruise

48-Hour HOHO Pass

• 48-hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Free walking tour of Royal London, Covent Garden, Borough Market, Southbank & Nothing Hill with audio guide
• First bus: 8:30am from Belvedere Road
• Last bus: 7:35pm from Belvedere Road
• Frequency: every 10 to 20 mins
• Popular stops: Grosvenor Gardens, London Bridge, Westminster Bridge
• First bus: 9am from Hyde Park (Queen Elizabeth Gate)
• Last bus: 6pm from Hyde Park (Queen Elizabeth Gate)
• Frequency: every 20 mins
• Popular stops: Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, Victoria and Albert Museum

Green Route (Shuttle)

• First bus: 9:17am from Belvedere Road & 8:55am from Aldwych
• Last bus: 4:17pm from Belvedere Road & 3:55pm from Aldwych
• Frequency: every 20 to 30 mins
• Popular stops: Lancaster Place, Southampton Row

Thames River Cruise

From Westminster Pier

• First cruise: 10:06am
• Last cruise: 7:15pm
• Frequency: every 40 mins

From Tower Pier

• First cruise: 10:05am
• Last cruise: 6:20pm

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

• Tip: Hop off at Buckingham Palace and visit the state rooms and gardens. Also, stay behind to watch the Changing of the Guards Ceremony.
• Keep in mind food & beverages, smoking, large luggage or suitcases are not allowed on the buses. Pack wisely!
• The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
• Ramps are available for easy access.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses.
• Facilities: free Wi-Fi, headphones.
• Only hand luggage allowed per passenger allowed.
• A 1-day ticket is valid for 1 calendar day whereas the 24-hour ticket is valid for 24 hours. For example, if you hop on at 10am, then your ticket remains valid till 10am the following day.

Tootbus: 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of London with Optional Night Tour

• Revel in the liberty of exploring London with a 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket with an unlimited number of hops, across 3 distinctive routes.
• Soak in the rich tapestry of London's history, culture, and lifestyle, with over 40 stops giving you direct access to the city's iconic landmark.
• Want more? The pass includes 3 free walking tours or you can upgrade for a 90mins night tour.
• With a multilingual audio guide and kid's audio guide, listen to riveting tales as you witness the city's wonders from eco-friendly open-top buses.
• Popular stops across your HOHO route include the Harrods, London Eye, Tower of London, and more.
• 24/48/72-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
• 90 mins night tour (optional)
• Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, Russian & Arabic
• Kids audio guide in English & French (on yellow route & night tour)
• 3 self-guided walking tours
• Free earphones made from recyclable materials
• Entry to attractions

Yellow route

• First bus: 8:30am from Coventry Street
• Last bus: 8pm from Coventry Street (Note: until Jun 28, the last bus is from 7pm to 8pm)
• Frequency: 10-20 mins
• Popular stops: London Eye, Buckingham Palace

Royal Blue route

• First bus: 8:30am from Grosvenor Gardens
• Last bus: 6:20pm from Grosvenor Gardens
• Frequency: 15-20 mins
• Popular stops: Parliament Street, Harrods

Green route

• First bus: 8:35am from Wyndham's Theatre
• Last bus: 7:30pm from Wyndham's Theatre (Note: until Jun 28, the last bus is from 5:30pm to 7:30pm)
• Frequency: 30 mins
• Popular stops: British Museum, Bedford Place
• 7:30pm (Apr 2 to 30 & Sep 4 to 24), 8pm (May 1 to 28), 8:30pm (May 29 to Sep 3), 7pm (Sep 25 to 29 Oct) & 5:30pm (Oct 30 to Nov 12) from Coventry Street
• Frequency: once a day

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

• Tip: London is known for its street art. Look out for hidden gems at stops like Shoreditch or Brixton.
• The buses run on clean energy, such as fully electric power, biogas, or biofuel, making them eco-friendly.
• You can access the self-guided walking tours on the Tootbus app, which takes you through Kensington Gardens, Royal shopping in St James’s, Architecture & Celebration.
• The night tour is closed from Nov 13 to Mar 28.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses, pets and small dogs must be seated at your knees.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they aren't entitled to their own seat.
• You can use your tickets on any day before the tour date.

Tootbus: 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour of London with Thames River Cruise

• Travel at your own pace and explore London's charm with 24/48/72-Hour hop-on hop-off bus pass.
• Ride and stop as you please unlimited times on any of the 40+ stops across 3 routes as buses arrive every 15-40 mins.
• The cherry on top? Immerse the allure of the River Thames with a one-way river cruise.
• Admire city views from the eco-friendly double-decker buses, equipped with multilingual audio guides for adults and kids.
• Popular stops include The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and more!
• 24/48/72-hour HOHO pass
• One-way River Thames cruise
• Kids' audio guide in English & French (only on Yellow route)
• Live/recorded commentary in English (on the cruise)
• Audio guide in Italian, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, English & Japanese (on the cruise)

Thames River cruise

• First boat: 10am from Tower Pier
• Last boat: 5:15pm from Tower Pier
• Frequency: 40 mins
• Popular stops: Westminster Pier

Westminster Pier

• First boat: 10am from Westminster Pier
• Last boat: 6pm from Westminster Pier
• Popular stops: London Eye & Tower Pier
• Tip: Explore a local market or two. Borough Market and Portobello Road Market are treasure troves of food, antiques, and local finds.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they don't need a separate seat.

Big Bus: 24/48-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour of London with Thames River Cruise

• Enjoy a hassle-free experience in London with this unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass with the option of choosing between a Discover, Essential, and Explore HOHO pass.
• With 3 different routes available on all passes and over 35 stops located near distinct stops, hop on or off at your leisure.
• The Explore and Essential Passes offer walking tours like a 90-minute Royal Walk or Little Legs Kid’s walking tour, a 2-hour evening tour and a one-way river cruise.
• Pick up interesting facts about some of the attractions through the onboard commentary, available in 12 languages.
• Some of the popular stops on your route include the London Eye, Kensington Palace, Tower Bridge, and Madame Tussauds.

Discover Pass: 24-Hours

• 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• Audio guide in 12 languages
• Hop-on hop-off map of London
• 1-way river cruise

Essential Pass: 48-Hours

• 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• 4 guided walking tours of Royal Walk, Hidden Gems of the City of London, Jack the Ripper & Hidden Gems of Westminster

Explore Pass: 48-Hours

• London evening tour
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• Attraction entrances
• First bus: 8am from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
• Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge & Big Ben
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #4 (Marble Arch)
• Popular stops: Kensington Palace, Harrods, Notting Hill & Paddington Station Complete

Green Route

• First bus: 8:45am from stop #13 (Covent Garden)
• Last bus: 7pm from stop #37 (Woburn)
• Popular stops: Kings Cross Station, St. Pancras Station, British Museum & Temple Underground Station.

Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.

• Departure points: Green Park Underground (stop #1) & Trafalgar Square (stop #8)
• Timings: Daily, at 10am

Little Legs Kids Tour

• Departure point: Westminster Pier (stop #18)
• Timings: Every weekend, 27-31 May (daily), and July & August at 2pm

Cruise Details

• Boarding points: Tower Pier (near stop #17), Greenwich Pier, Westminster Pier (near stop #19), or London Eye Pier (near stops #12 & 13)
• Frequency: approx. every 50 mins.

Evening Tour

• Boarding points: London Eye (Stop 11) at 19:30
• Duration: 2 hours
• Tip: Visit the Covent Square Market, the most popular market in London for jewelry, antiques, or a souvenir of your trip as the merchandise changes every day.
• Facilities: Wheelchair accessibility, pre-recorded commentary.
• The pre-recorded commentary is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
• The live commentary is available in English, only on the red route.

Golden Tours: London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise

• Explore the best of London with maximum flexibility as you hop on and off unlimited times with this hop-on hop-off bus pass.
• Choose between a 1-day, 24, 48, or 72-hour pass with 4 dedicated routes and over 70 stops, available every 5 to 10 minutes.
• The 24, 48, or 72-hour passes include a free royal walking tour, Beatles London walking tour, and a boat ride on the River Thames.
• Enjoy panoramic views of London from the open-topped deck of these double-decker buses with free-wifi, a 3D treasure-hunting game, a live English-speaking guide available on the blue route, and an audio guide available in 12 different languages across all routes.
• Some of the iconic stops include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben.
• 1 Day/24hr/48hr/72hr Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Pass
• Live English-speaking guide on the Blue Route
• Audioguide in 12 languages
• 3D Treasure Hunt Game
• One mobility impairment access seating per bus
• Complimentary walking tour (as per option selected)
• River Thames Cruise (as per option selected)
• Entrance tickets to attractions
• Additional Gratuities

Yellow Route

• The first bus is at 8:10am from opposite Hilton London Kensington, Holland Park Avenue, Bus Stop HJ, and the last bus is at 10:10pm.
• Frequency: every 20 mins.
• Popular stops: Bayswater Road, Notting Hill, and Holland Park.
• The first bus is at 9am from Victoria and the last bus is at 5pm (Apr to Oct) and 4:30pm (Nov to Mar)
• Frequency: Approx every 20 to 30 mins.
• Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge & St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• The first bus is at 10am from Hyde Park and the last bus is at 5pm.
• Popular stops: Tower of London, London Eye, Tower Bridge & London’s Museum District.

Orange Route

• The first bus is at 10am from Lambeth Palace and the last bus is at 5pm.
• Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, Paddington, Marble Arch, Madame Tussauds, Kings Cross & St. Pauls Cathedral.

Complimentary Walking Tours

Available with the 24/48/72 hour Tickets

Free Hop-on-Hop-off Thames Boat Tour – Lilac Route

• The first boat departs at 11am from Westminster Pier.
• Frequency: every 30 mins.
• Popular stops: Parliament Square & St. James’ Palace

Royal Walking Tour

• Departure Time and Day: 10:00 AM Daily (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time)
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Departure Location: Bus Stop outside The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Gate, SW1A 1AA
• Return Point: Westminster Abbey

Jack The Ripper Walking Tour

• Departure Time and Daye: 3:30 PM Daily (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time)
• Duration: 1.5 Hours
• Departure Location: Ice Cream Refreshments stand next to the Tower Hill Station exit
• Return Point: Near Liverpool Street Underground Station

Please click here and here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

• Tip: At Big Ben, visit the Prison Room which is accessible from the House of Commons and is currently occupied by the Petitions Committee.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi.
• The walking tours are available in English only.
• The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese & Arabic.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Big Bus: Evening Tour of London

• Soak up London’s charm during a 2-hour non-stop tour, showcasing the iconic landmarks under a mesmerizing dusk sky.
• This once-a-day evening tour offers an exclusive experience, letting you explore the city's famous sights at a leisurely pace.
• Benefit from the convenience of open-top buses and tune in to the pre-recorded commentary letting you delve into the city's rich history and culture.
• Be captivated by the striking sights of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, and witness the eye-catching spectacle of the London Eye, set against the city's evening skyline.
• 2-hour evening tour
• Pre-recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish & Italian
• First bus: 7:30pm from the London Eye
• Tip: Nearby the London Eye stop is the famous 'Gordon’s Wine Bar', London's oldest, worth a visit post-tour.
• Require special accommodations for your disability? Rest assured as you can contact the service provider and they'll try to assist you.
• Mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on board due to size and weight limitations.
• Children aged 3 and under can travel for free.
• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Golden Tours: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour of Central London

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• This is THE classic London experience – high tea and sightseeing , all rolled into a 90-minute bus tour of Central London.
• See London's popular sights out your window – Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, you name it, with plenty of Insta-worthy moments along the River Thames.
• Tuck into some tasty bites like: smoked salmon on toast and scones slathered in jam and cream. Fancy a glass of Prosecco or maybe a cuppa tea or coffee? It's all there.
• Got dietary needs? No worries! Veggie, vegan, gluten-free, they've got you covered. Plus, pick your fave spot – upper or lower deck!
• 90-min afternoon tea bus tour
• Tea menu here
• Glass of Prosecco or soft drink
• Souvenir mug
• Seating on the lower/upper deck (as per option selected)
• First bus: 11:30am from Bulleid Way.
• Second bus: 2:30pm from Bulleid Way.
• Last bus: 4:30pm from Bulleid Way.
• Popular sights: Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey

Please click here for the detailed route map.

• Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 4 years.
• Keep in mind luggage and large bags are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
• Guests may have to share tables.
• You must contact the activity provider at least 72 hours prior to the travel date to confirm your choice of menu (general or vegetarian) or you will be served the general menu.
• Keep in mind this activity does not have a tour guide although the staff onboard will highlight points of interest and famous landmarks.
• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• The route is subject to change due to road closures and traffic conditions.
• Alcohol will only be served to those aged 18 and over, valid ID is required.

London  is a city that doesn’t shy away from its rich history and heritage, proudly showcasing everything it has to offer. From the majestic Big Ben and Tower of London to the iconic London Eye and Buckingham Palace, there’s no dearth of attractions to be visited and experiences to be had. 

But so many tourist attractions and experiences, London is not an easy place to navigate, especially if it’s your first time in the city.  Hop On Hop Off Buses are a brilliant way for tourists to explore the city’s top landmarks.

Why Choose London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours?

• Visit Top Attractions:  In a city like London, it can be a challenge to visit every attraction and explore every landmark given the sheer number of sightseeing spots.
• Convenient Way to Travel:  A great way to see all these highlights and conveniently travel from one site to another is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus.
• Comfortable and Affordable:  Tourists vouch for the convenience of pre-set routes, affordable pricing along with comfortable transport that the HOHO buses offer. 
• Multiple Routes:  There are a number of bus routes running across the city, and the next bus is never too far away. 
• Pre-Recorded Commentary:  There are audio guides in up to 11 languages, including  English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, to give you information on all the attractions you will visit.

Please check your tickets for more information on the special features and inclusions.

London Hop On Hop Off Routes & Timings

The Big Bus buses operate on three routes with 51 stops at the city’s must-see attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and more. There are also Evening Tours of London.

51 stops covered

City Sightseeing has four routes and 33 stops that will give you an overview of the city including highlights like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, and many more.

33 stops covered

Tootbus London has three routes. The Yellow route covers the city’s major landmarks, the Royal Blue Route covers the city's palaces and shopping destinations, while the Green Route stops major cultural and transport hubs. There is also a optional Night Tours or Thames River Cruises, and a special Kids Tour of London.

52 stops covered

Golden Tours has five routes that cover the city’s major landmarks and attractions. The Red and Blue Routes cover Central London and the Orange Route stops at the city’s museums. The Yellow & Green Routes are transport routes connecting to hotel areas. There is also a special Afternoon Tea Bus Tour.

79 stops covered

Your London Hop On Hop Off Tour Highlights

Visit the King’s residence at Buckingham Palace. Stroll through the vast palatial gardens and witness the Change of Guards ceremony.

Experience a breathtaking view of London from atop the 443-feet high London Eye observation wheel located near the River Thames.

One of the UK’s most important religious buildings, Westminster Abbey is the burial and memorial site of many famous historical figures.

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of Europe’s largest cathedrals. Soak in the breathtaking views offered by the Stone and Golden Galleries.

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the North bank of the River Thames. Today, it also houses the Crown Jewels.

Kensington Palace

This palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria, and here you can visit the State Apartments, Royal Wardrobe Collections, and the Gardens.

Built across the Thames River, the historic Tower Bridge is known for its stunning river views, distinctive twin towers, and unique drawbridge.

Explore the beautiful Thames River on a River Cruise, travel under the city's bridges, and see the top highlights from a unique perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions About London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Yes, you can get on the bus tour at any stop.

The stops along the London hop-on hop-off tour will have signs for the relevant bus operator and route name.

Yes, they are child friendly.

Yes, the tours are suitable for senior citizens.

No, pets and other animals are not permitted on the buses.

Yes, they are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.

There are no restrooms or food available on the bus, but, you can use the facilities available at any of the attractions you stop at.

No, any luggage larger than a backpack is not allowed on the buses.

While the hop-on hop-off buses do not offer direct hotel pickups or drop offs, there are some buts routes that have stops near popular hotels or special transport routes connecting to hotel areas.

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Tips For Family Trips

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Tips for Taking a Big Bus Tour in London

England / October 4, 2019 by Allison / 3 Comments This article may contain sponsored content or affiliate links.

Planning a trip to London? I used to scoff at Big Bus tours because they are “touristy.” However, I've now tried Big Bus in London and Washington D.C. and have decided that they are actually a fun, low-stress way to see a new city. 

My family used Big Bus as transportation and tour on our first full day in London. It was easy to use, and we saw more of the city that day than any other day of our trip. My kids (ages 11 and 14) loved riding in the open upper deck, and never complained about taking a break from all the walking we did on other days of our trip.

Here's are my tips for making the most of your Big Bus Tour in London.

What is a Big Bus Tour?

Big Bus tours are private double-decker buses that drive through the most visited and well-known sections of London. Every bus has a live tour guide or recorded narration that tells you more about what you're seeing. 

You can get off the bus anytime to spend more time at any of the attractions along the way. There are 40+ stops between 4 routes. When you're done, climb on the next Big Bus that comes by and continue your tour. Your wait will probably be 15 minutes or less.

All-Day Transportation

Big Bus is an activity and a full-day's transportation rolled into one. The bus will stop near most major activities in London. You can ride the bus, see the sights, and hop off for activities anytime you want. When you're finished, hop back on the next Big Bus that comes by. Buses should arrive every few minutes. 

You can start and end your day at any Big Bus stop. We arrived with our passes, and they were activated as we boarded. We chose a beginning and end point within walking distance of our hotel.

Related: My Review of Travelodge London-Covent Garden

Which Route is Best?

Stick with the Red Tour if this is your first trip to London and you only have one day on Big Bus.

The Red Tour is the Central London route, which will take you past London's most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London and more. This is the only route with a live tour guide.

Big Bus has four routes to choose from – red, blue, orange and green. You can switch to any route any time, and back again at no extra cost. 

We planned to spend 2-3 hours just riding without hopping off, and imagined that we might transfer to the blue or orange route to see more of the city. It turned out that the Red Tour, with stops at St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London, took the whole day.

See all the routes and plan your day at https://www.bigbustours.com/london .

Keep Activities Short

Aim for smaller museums or landmarks that will not take more than an hour or so – and not too many of them – on your Big Bus day. This will give you time to see more of London on the bus. 

We stopped at St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London on our Big Bus day. From a transportation perspective, these were good choices for us because they weren't very close to our hotel or other activities on our itinerary. On the other hand, the Tower of London is a major activity that can easily take 2-3 hours (or more) if you love history.

If you know you'll want to spend a lot of time at a single activity or neighborhood, do that on a different day. You'll get the most for your money if you use Big Bus to see more places.

Related: Tips for Visiting the Tower of London

Save Time to Ride

You may want to spend some time just riding the bus, without hopping off at all. This is what we did after we finished at the Tower of London in the afternoon.

We passed neighborhoods and landmarks that I'd heard about, but might never have seen without Big Bus. The recorded narration or live guide filled in the details. It was a great way to become more familiar with a new city.

If you just take the Red Route without hopping off, a round trip will take about 2 hours 20 minutes.

Dress for the Weather

Climbing to the open-air upper deck on your Big Bus will be a no-brainer for most families. It has the best unobstructed views. Dress for the weather so that rain or cold won't drive you into the sheltered lower deck too easily.

Related: Packing Tips from our London Trip

Expect Heavy Traffic

Be careful about scheduling other activities on your Big Bus day. We had evening tickets to Les Miserables in the West End and figured that we had plenty of time to take Big Bus from the Tower of London to Leicester Square. However, afternoon traffic was so slow that we had to settle for a grab-and-go dinner to arrive at the theatre in time. 

Slow traffic means you have time to take photos and soak up the scenery while someone else worries about driving. However, the Underground will be more efficient if you need to get somewhere quickly.

Related: How to Get Theatre Tickets in London

Ways to Save

The current price for the 1-day Classic Ticket is £39 per adult if you buy in London when you board the bus. There are several easy ways to save money on your Big Bus ticket. 

Buy Online – You'll save a few pounds on each pass when you buy in advance through the official website. Learn more at www.bigbustours.com/london .

The London Pass – One full day on Big Bus is included with The London Pass. This bundle-and-save pass also includes popular activities like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Churchill War Rooms and many more. Learn more about The London Pass at londonpass.com .

Upgrade your ticket  – It only costs an extra £5-10 to add a second or third day to your Big Bus ticket. If you love the low-stress Big Bus experience, this option is a good way to see London for as little as £15 per day. 

Related: My Review of The London Pass for Families

Every member of my family loved our Big Bus Tour in London and we recommend it. We saw a lot more of the city than we could have seen on foot or on the Underground. The tour guide/recorded narration was informative. We didn't need to spend any other money on transportation that day, and never worried about getting lost. 

I hope that our experience helps your family make the most of your time and money in London.

Happy travels!

Disclosure: My family received complimentary 2-Day London Passes for the purpose of review. Big Bus is included in The London Pass. All opinions are my own.

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Reader Interactions

John Phillips

June 30, 2020 at 8:37 am

Hi Allison Thank you for the very informative review which includes lots of good points.

I’ve travelled around London on a tourist bus but with another company called Megasightseeing. Their 2 hour non stop tour was also excellent but at a fraction of the price of Big Bus & the other tour bus companies that operate in London.

Perhaps you might want to check them out when you are next in town.

Liz Entwistle

October 22, 2021 at 4:33 am

Which is the nearest stop on the red bus tour to Euston station? & how far from Euston is it

October 22, 2021 at 4:09 pm

Hi! Let me start by clarifying that I don’t live in London or know the Big Bus route well. But using Google Maps and the official Big Bus Tours website, I was able to figure out that unfortunately, Euston Station is not very close to a stop on the Red Tour. You’re not too far if you ride a couple of stops via the Underground.

I got an address near Euston Station (the British Library) on Google Maps and then typed it into the official Big Bus site here: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/london/find-a-bus-stop-london . From there, I was able to see the location in relation to the Big Bus routes. It’s a handy tool and it was fun to find it. Thanks!

Have a question or comment? Add it here. Cancel reply

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Big Bus London Tours: Hop on Hop off Stops to Make

By: Author Kristi

If you are planning a visit to London you really should do one of the Big Bus London Tours. The bus will take you throughout London and the Burroughs to see all the best attractions.

The key is to make sure that you know the differences between the different lines.

Each will take you to a different part of the city and allow you to see certain important landmarks and sites.

If you are wondering what you will get the chance to see, we have a guide to taking a Big Bus London tour.

Guide to the Big Bus London Tours

Your trip on a Big Bus Tour of London has a few advantages. First of all, you will get a map of London with all of the sites highlighted so you plan out your day around the city.

There are 3 for the Big Bus Tour: Red, Blue & Green. You will want to pay attention to the different lines because they take you to different places and often overlap the same place but in a different order (or direction).

Some lines have a live tour guide (Red), while others are simply audio (earphones are provided).

All Big Bus Tour buses offer free wifi which is a big benefit when you are travelling abroad!

While you can purchase your Big Bus Tickets outside the bus stop area, you will save a ton of money if you purchase them in advance.

Big Bus London starting points for each tour are as follows:

Blue Route: Stop #1: Baker Street Red Route: Stop #26: Green Park Underground Station Green Link: Stop #49: Woburn (Northbound) Night Tour: Stop #9/15: London Eye

Big Bus London Stops to Make on the Red Line

My favorite of the three lines to take on the Big Bus London Tour is the Red Line. You will get to see the most famous landmarks while on this section of the London Bus Tour. While you will see more than the following on the tour, these are the London Hop on Hop off Stops you should pay attention to:

Hyde Park Corner Stop

Wellington Arch

Wellington Arch once served as the entrance to Buckingham Palace. Later, it became a victory arch when Wellington defeated Napoleon.

The top is crowned with the largest bronze sculpture in Europe, the Angel of Peace descending on a four-horsed chariot of War.

While you can view it from below (or the bus) for free if you would like to walk to the top & see the panoramic view of London there is a small cost.

This is just a sampling of the Big Bus London Hop on Hop off stops to make.

Trafalgar Square Stop

National Gallery

Art lovers will not want to miss this Big Bus London Hop on Hop off stop. You will get to see everything from preliminary drawings by Da Vinci to works by other prominent artists like Van Gogh and Michaelangelo.

You could easily spend an entire day exploring the National Gallery, but if you don’t have that kind of time, be sure to make sure that you see these 30 paintings .

St Paul’s Cathedral Stop

St. Paul’s Cathedral

While the outside of this Cathedral is beautiful, the real joy is found on the inside. Bask in the majestic interior and learn about its fascinating history. Be sure not to miss walking up to the dome where you will have amazing views of London.

Plan to spend 1-2 hours at this stop.

St. Paul’s opens at 8:30 am and the last time to enter for a tour is 4:30 pm.

The price of admission includes entry to the Cathedral floor, the crypt, and the three galleries in the dome. Admission also includes multimedia guides and guided tours.

Globe Theater

Just across the Millennium Bridge is the reconstructed Globe Theater.

Here you will be able to see a replica of Shakespeare’s Theater along with various exhibits.

It is worth taking the time to explore the permanent exhibits inside even if you don’t have time to take the full Globe Theater tour .

Tower of London Stop

Tower of London

The Tower of London is a sight to behold and you will certainly get a feel for its enormity when you see it from the London Big Bus Tour.

Take time to get off at the stop to tour the entire complex.

With an admission ticket, you can tour the fortress, palace and prison while learning about its important history.

You can also buy a combination ticket that allows you to tour the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels (which is a separate ticketed entry).

Tower Bridge

While just seeing the bridge is exciting, you should also consider stopping here and taking the tour.

Touring the Tower Bridge Exhibition gives you a chance to learn about the bridge’s history, including how it was built.

You will also get to see impressive views of London and can stand on a glass bottom platform giving a new perspective of the bridge!

The Tower Bridge Exhibit opens at 9:30 am and the last time to enter for a tour is 17:00 pm.

Temple Underground Station Stop

Cleopatra’s Needle

If you love Egyptian art, one of the Big Bus London Hop on Hop off stops to make is to see Cleopatra’s Needle. The Obelisk brought to London from Alexandria, Egypt sits on the bank of Themes River called the “Victoria Embankment”.

The history of Cleopatra’s Needle is that it belonged to Pharaoh Thotmes III and dates back to 1460 BC, making it almost 3,500 years old.

On each side of the obelisk are hieroglyphics that date from different parts of Egyptian history and at the top of the obelisk you can see a sphinx making offerings to the Gods of Heliopolis.

There is an interesting story concerning the journey of Cleopatra’s Needle from Alexandria to Egypt. You will find it on plaques that surround the obelisk.

You will also find two bronze Sphinxes in Victoria Embankment, but they are reproductions from the Victorian era and are NOT Egyptian.

Buckingham Palace Stop

Buckingham Palace is open to visitors during the summer, but even if you aren’t planning on going on a tour of Her Majesty’s residence, you should take time to get off the Big Bus Tour to see it close up.

While in the area, you can walk through Green Park, The Queen Victoria Memorial & take a look at the Palace gates.

If you choose to visit Buckingham Palace, you should know that only parts of it are open and tourable throughout certain times of the year.

Tickets to Buckingham Palace include a visit to the State Rooms and free entry into the Prince of Wales Exhibition.

Nova Complex Stop

Westminster Abbey

Those wanting to see where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married will want to make sure to get off at this stop so that they can experience Westminster Abbey.

The history of the church doesn’t limit itself to weddings. Beginning with William the Conqueror, every British sovereign has been crowned in Westminster Abbey (with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII).

And if that wasn’t enough to make you want to tour the interior of this amazing UNESCO site, the abbey also has tombs and memorials of famous British subjects like Sir Isaac Newton, Geoffrey Chaucer, Robert Browning and many more.

Big Bus London: Stops to Make on the Blue Line

The Blue Line of the London Big Bus tour takes you toward the western part of the city. If you want to go to Kensington Palace, this is the line to take. Here are the London Hop on Hop off Stops to make:

South Kensington Museums Stop

Victoria & Albert Museum

This museum is more of a showcase of pieces of art than a true art or history museum. You will find a little bit of everything and that is really what makes it worth checking out.

Don’t miss seeing the Jewelry collection which is one of the largest in the world.

Like all museums in London, admission to V&A museum is FREE!

Kensington Palace Stop

Kensington Palace & Gardens 

While you won’t be able to see the Royal residence when touring the grounds of the home of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, you can see the State Rooms and all public areas of the palace and gardens.

Queen Victoria, born in 1819, grew up at Kensington Palace. You will find the history of her life and marriage to Albert on display in part of the palace.

Not to be missed is the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibition, where you will find the iconic outfits and ball gowns she wore during her life.

Big Bus London: Stops to Make on the Green Line

St. pancras station stop.

British Library

This is no normal library. The British Library is the second largest national library in the world in terms of how many pieces it contains (it is second only to the US Library of Congress).

While you can’t possibly see everything here, be sure to stop in the Treasures of the British Library Gallery to see some of the world’s most important books, manuscripts and documents.

You will find such items as DaVinci’s notebook; handwritten music from Beethoven, Shakespeare’s first folio; among other precious books and manuscripts.

British Museum (Southbound) Stop

British Museum

This FREE museum is one of the best in England and is one of the best London Hop on Hop off Stops to Make. You will remember this museum from the movie Night in the Museum: Secret of the Tomb .

There is just so much to see in this museum that I couldn’t possibly list them all. To give you an idea of some of what you can experience, here is a list of what you can expect to see in one hour .

Museums are FREE

British Museum (Northbound) Stop

Churchill War Rooms

You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy going through the bunker where Churchill made some of the most important decisions concerning WWII.

What makes this a neat experience is that it is exactly as it was when Japan surrendered.

You will be able to see the map room where Churchill and his men spent countless hours planning, the rooms where people slept and the telephone room where important calls were made.

Overall, we are huge fans of Big Bus Hop on Hop off Tours and usually take them in any city where they are available. We find them a great way to get an overview of the city and make getting from one site to the next pretty effortless.

The one thing you will want to make sure of is that when you do hop off to walk around you look for the Big Bus Tour bus system sign to re-board.

There are several different bus tour groups available and you don’t want to be waiting for the wrong one!

Have you taken a Big Bus London Tours? What was your experience?

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Thursday 12th of October 2017

Hey, It's actually a great idea of planning a bus tour to London and I am also Planning a trip with my family to London so but i didn't know about booking a bus tour of London. I just planned we walk around the city but now after reading your blog I think It's actually very tiresome so I decided to Plan a bus tour. sounds fun.

Saturday 7th of October 2017

Amazing, isn't it! Have been in London for 1 year, wonderful memories. Thanks for making them alive.

Sunday 6th of August 2017

While I was in London we walked around all time and after 3 days we wore exhausted!! ?? Next time I will follow your advice to take a tour bus!! Its seems much easier and fun.

Saturday 5th of August 2017

This looks like so much fun! The only tour I took in London was along the lines of a ghosts/mysteries walking tour. It was a lot of fun, but because we were walking, it certainly didn't cover this kind of ground. I'd love to go back and try one of these big bus tours, probably with either the actual guide or an audio guide to help me out with the backgrounds and the details. Very cool! Pinned!

Ooooh, a ghost tour sounds amazing. I bet it was really cool knowing the history of London is so vast.

Best Sightseeing Bus Tours in London Compared

After many years organising our friends’ and relatives’ trips to London, one of the questions we have answered many times is: “which one of the different London bus tours is the best” and if they are worth the money.

First of all, I have to say that I highly recommend buying tickets for one of the London sightseeing tours, especially if it’s your first trip to the British capital. It is an easy way to get around the city; making sure you see London’s most important landmarks .

The open-top buses add something special to the experience of visiting London. You still get a feeling of the city, and it’s the best way to get pictures of London’s iconic buildings and attractions. In this article, we will show you the routes that follow all the different London sightseeing bus tours.

London Bus Tours Deals

GET 10% OFF AT BIG BUS TOURS

Another good point to remember is that you can sometimes buy combined tickets for a sightseeing bus tour in London + one of London’s most important attractions, and this is one of the best ways to get more for your money. Most of the  London Attraction Passes include one of the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tours in London.

Sightseeing Bus Tours in London Compared

There are currently 4 main bus companies that offer hop-on hop-off bus tours in London: Big Bus Tours , TOOT Bus , Golden Tours and City Sightseeing .

Sightseeing Bus Tours in London: What’s included

• FREE RIVER CRUISE : One of the things I would recommend doing when you visit London, so definitely important to keep in mind if you can get it included with your sightseeing bus tour tickets.
• GUIDED WALKING TOUR
• RECORDED / LIVE COMMENTARY (recorded commentary available in different languages)
• FREE HEADPHONES
• FREE PONCHO if it rains

The timetables are usually quite similar, normally starting between 8.00 am and 9.00 am and ending at around 5.30 pm or 6.00 pm.

PLAN TRIP TOP TIP : When buying tickets for the different sightseeing bus tours in London, keep in mind that all companies will have different prices depending on whether you buy the tickets online or if you do it on the day in the street or at one of the stops. Online tickets usually are 10 or 15% cheaper, and you don´t usually have to choose a specific day which makes it more accessible.

Sightseeing Bus Tours in London: Price Comparison

We have updated the fares below in February 2023, with the prices from each bus tour provider in London as they appear on their official websites. These prices are for ONLINE TICKETS, which are normally around 10% cheaper than on-street tickets.

* Children under 5 do not need a ticket. Children aged 5 to 15 need a child ticket. A Family ticket is valid for 2 adults + 2 children (aged 5 – 15).

London bus tour deals : Remember that you can use our promo code “ PLANTRIP10 ” to get an additional 10% discount if you buy tickets from Big Bus Official Website . 

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours started touring the streets of London more than 25 years ago, with only 2 buses in London. Nowadays, they are one of the biggest sightseeing bus tours companies in the world, and currently have more than 400 sightseeing buses in more than 26 cities. So, with all this experience, it’s no surprise that Big Bus Tours is one of the most important sightseeing bus tour companies in London.

Their buses are burgundy and cream and say BIG BUS LONDON on the side, so they are easily recognisable. The Big Bus Tours Sightseeing hop on hop off-bus tour is also included in the London Pass .

Their buses have free Wi-Fi on board, and most have USB chargers if you wish to charge your mobile phone during the tour.

Available routes : Big Bus Tours has three different sightseeing day bus routes and one Night Tour.

• The Classic Tour (Red Route):  The classic tour is one of the main routes that will take you through London’s most important landmarks, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Marble Arch, Oxford Street, and Tower of London, Tower Bridge…
• The Blue Route: The blue route is one of the main routes that will take you through London’s most important landmarks, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Marble Arch, Oxford Street, Tower of London, Tower Bridge…
• The Green Link: Connects Trafalgar Square with the British Museum and King’s Cross – St Pancras

⇒ See Big Bus London Route Map

Number of stops:  Big Bus Tours has more than 50 stops across their 3 different day bus routes into account. You can hop on and hop off at every one of these stops.

Included with your ticket:  Every ticket includes a free river cruise, except the Night Tour Ticket. The Classic ticket includes a one way ticket for the river cruise. Premium and Deluxe tickets include a hop-on hop-off river cruise, from Westminster to Greenwich, which is perfect for exploring Greenwich . The classic, premium and deluxe tickets also include a free walking tour.

Types of tickets:  There are tickets for adults, children (5 – 15 years old) and family tickets  (2 adults + 2 children). Children under 5 free. And there are 3 types of tickets:

• Classic: 1 day (this ticket is valid for one calendar day, not 24 hours). This ticket includes a one-way river cruise along the Thames from Westminster Pier (near Big Ben) to the Tower of London, or vice versa. This ticket also includes a free guided walking tour.
• Premium: 2 days (this ticket is valid for two calendar days, not 48 hours). This ticket includes a hop-on hop-off river cruise along the Thames, with stops at Westminster Pier, the Tower of London and Greenwich. This ticket also includes a free guided walking tour and the Night Tour.
• Deluxe: 3 days (this ticket is valid for three calendar days, not 72 hours). This ticket includes a hop-on hop-off river cruise along the Thames, with stops at Westminster Pier, the Tower of London and Greenwich. This ticket also includes a free guided walking tour and the Night Tour.
• Night tour only: This ticket is valid for one-night tour only, which isn’t a hop on hop off bus tour. This ticket does not include the river cruise or the free guided walking tour. This night tour is available during the summer months only.

Validity of tickets: Tickets online are 10% cheaper than buying them on the street. When you buy tickets online they will be valid for 6 months,  so you don’t need to choose a specific day for your tour.

Combo tickets: You can also buy combined tickets for the Big Bus Tours HO-HO Sightseeing Bus Tour in London with tickets to one of London’s Top Attractions. This is a great way of saving money. You can find out more about this here: Big Bus Tours London Detailed Information .

Promo Code: Use our exclusive promo code “PLANTRIP10” when you buy your tickets online to get an extra 10% discount, so this is a 20% discount when compared to on-street prices.

It will be easy for you to recognize their buses in London, as they usually have a UK flag on the side of the bus.

Available routes :  The Original Tour has five different bus routes in London:

• Original Tour (Yellow Route): This is the main route which will take you through London´s most important landmarks, including Hyde Park, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, etc.
• Royal Borough Tour (Blue Route): The blue route covers the district of Kensington, where you’ll find some of London’s most famous museums as well as the well-known department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
• British Museum Tour (Orange Route): This route will take you through London’s famous West End, including Chinatown all the way to the British Museum and King’s Cross.
• Capital Connector (Black Route): From Marble Arch to Madame Tussauds and Regent’s Park.
• Capital Connector (Purple Route): From Marble Arch to Notting Hill and Bayswater. Useful if your hotel is in this area of London.

⇒ See The TOOT Bus London Route Map

Number of stops: The Original Tour has more than 70 stops when you take their different bus routes into account. You can hop on and hop off at every one of these stops.

Included with your ticket: Tickets include a free river cruise + 3 walking tours (including a Changing of the Guard walking tour) except the City Sampler Ticket.

Available tickets:  There are tickets for adults, children (5 – 15 years old) and family tickets  (2 adults + 2 children). Children under 5 free. And there are 3 types of tickets:

• City Sampler: This ticket is valid for the hop-on hop-off bus tour for one day, not 24 hours, and it doesn’t include the free river cruise or the free guided walks.
• 24 hours: This ticket is valid for 24 hours and includes a free hop-on hop off river cruise between Westminster Pier (near Big Ben) and Tower Pier (near the Tower of London) and free guided walks.
• 48 hours: This ticket is valid for 48 hours and it includes a free hop-on hop off river cruise between Westminster Pier (near Big Ben), and Tower Pier (near the Tower of London), plus   an extension to Greenwich and free guided walks.
• 72 hours:  This ticket is valid for 72 hours, including a hop on hop off free river cruise between Westminster Pier (near Big Ben), and Tower Pier (near the Tower of London), plus   an extension to Greenwich, valid for 72 hours and free guided walks.

Golden Tours

Available routes : There are three different sightseeing bus routes in London:

• The Essential Tour (Blue route): This route covers all the main sights in central London and it includes live commentary in English.
• The Classic Tour (Red route): This route covers all the main sights in central London and London’s Museum Quarter in Kensington.
• The Grand Tour (Orange route): This route will mainly take you to Madame Tussauds and King’s Cross.
• The Pick-Up/Drop-Off Route (Yellow route): This route travels from the popular hotel districts to Central London in the mornings.

⇒ Golden Tours Route Map

Number of stops: Over 60 stops on 3 different bus routes. You can hop on and hop off at every one of these stops.

Available tickets:  There are tickets for adults, children (5 – 15 years old) and family tickets  (2 adults + 2 children). Children under 5 free. And there are 3 types of tickets:

• London Introduction: 3-hour open-top sightseeing bus tour of London’s most remarkable landmarks. This is not a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour, and it does not include the free river cruise or free guided walking tours.
• One Day: Ticket valid for one calendar day to use the Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tour. This ticket does not include a free river cruise or guided walking tours.
• 24 hours: Ticket valid for 24 hours. This ticket includes a free hop-on hop-off river cruise, from Westminster pier (near Big Ben) to St Katharine’s pier (near the Tower of London) and a free walking tour.
• 48 hours:  Ticket valid for 48 hours. This ticket includes a free hop-on hop-off river cruise, from Westminster pier (near Big Ben) to St Katharine’s pier (near the Tower of London) and free walking tours.

What else is included with the tickets: Free Hop on hop off River Cruise + voucher valid for two days for one of their guided walking tours. The walking tours available are The Beatles walking tour or Royal Walking tour.

City Sightseeing London

City Sightseeing has also been operating in London for years, but their service is now supplied by TOOT Bus, so their routes are the same.

Their buses are very colourful, but they are mainly red with colourful pictures of London landmarks, making them very easy to identify.

One of the main differences when we compare City Sightseeing to other sightseeing bus tours in London, is that some of their buses have a removable cover for their upper deck, which can be put on to cover the bus if it´s raining.

Available routes :  City Sightseeing buses follow the same routes as TOOT Bus.

• Yellow Route: This is the main route which will take you through London´s most important landmarks, including Hyde Park, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, etc.

⇒ See City Sightseeing London Route Map

Number of stops: City Sightseeing has more than 70 stops when you take their 3 different bus routes into account. You can hop on and hop off at every one of these stops.

Available tickets: There are tickets for adults, children (5 – 15 years old) and family tickets  (2 adults + 2 children). Children under 5 free. And there are 2 types of tickets:

• 24 hours: This ticket gives you 24 hour access to any of the hop on hop off sightseeing routes in London + a 24 hour access the the free hop on hop off river cruise.
• 48 hours:  This ticket gives you 48 hour access to any of the hop on hop off sightseeing routes in London + 48 hour access the the free hop on hop off river cruise.

What else is included with the tickets:   Free River Cruise + 3 free walking guided tours (changing of the guard; Jack the ripper; rock ‘n’ roll walking tour)

Comparison Sightseeing Bus Tours in London: Summary

Are sightseeing bus tours in london worth it.

If it´s your first time in London I personally think that it´s definitely worth thinking about going on one of the sightseeing bus tours available. It´s definitely the easy way to see London´s most important attractions and you also have the opportunity of hopping on and off at different stops during the day.

As there are different companies that offer this service, we have done all the hard work for you here. Here you will find a brief explanation of what each one of the different companies that offer hop on hop off sightseeing bus tours in London includes in their ticket and we have also compared their fares for you.

There are 4 main companies that operate open top hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours in London, and we are going to compare what they each offer as well as their prices in this article, hopefully allowing you to make an informed decision if you decide to buy tickets for one of the sightseeing bus tours in London.

Other Bus Tours in London

⇒ Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Tour

⇒ Vintage Bus Ghost Tour

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