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Golden Tours

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

GOLDEN TOURS (London) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

travel tips

Golden tours london - in-depth review of the hop-on hop-off bus for 2024.

Updated: 7 days ago

If you're exploring London, you've probably heard of Golden Tours. They're a popular sightseeing tour operator that's been in the city for a while. They offer all sorts of tours, from hop-on hop-off bus adventures to day trips to incredible places like Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle, among many others.

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  Summary:  

Unique route design 

Affordable  tour options

Live guides (certain tours)

Extensive array of languages

London Pass

            Check online for ticket deals

Table of contents

1. why choose golden tours, 2. advantages over other companies.

3. Things to consider  

4. Getting the most out of your bus tour experience

5. Aditional tours on offer by Golden Tours  

6. Routes and Timetable    

7. Available Tickets  

8. Conclusion  of our Golden Tours London review

Golden Tours has quite a history behind it. While they didn't start with hop-on hop-off buses back in 1984, they've gained a lot of experience in the field since then. The fact that they've lasted this long is a good sign that they're doing something right.

I found Golden Tours' aproach to the route design quite unique. While most of the other tours are running almost identical routes, their unique approach could fit some travelers better. 

You'll observe that each company strives to distinguish itself from competitors, a positive trend for us tourists as it leads to continuous improvements in the tours.

Highly rated live guides

Cheapest Family ticket

Commentary in multiple languages

London Pass holders travel for free

Check online for ticket deals

Live guides

Currently, Golden Tours stands as the primary tour bus provider offering live guides on selected blue route departures, with TopView being an exception by also offering this unique feature. According to highly positive reviews on TripAdvisor, Golden Tours is known for its exceptional live guides who provide an outstanding experience. (Remember to ask the friendly staff about their live guided bus options).

Affordable tickets

In this current market, every little helps. One thing I like about Golden Tours is that they cater to all budgets. They also have one of the cheapest, if not the cheapest family ticket out there when booked online .

Audio guides  

Golden Tours outshines its competitors, including Big Bus and Toot, by offering a more extensive array of languages for their commentary. With audio guides available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese, and Arabic, they make sure that a wider variety of international visitors can truly enjoy their London tour.

Golden Tours accepts the London Pass , allowing pass holders to utilize their services while enjoying the benefits of the pass.

The most economic choice for families, you can purchase a ticket for the whole family for around £80 .

3. Things to consider

longer waiting times

navigating the map

limited buses around Hyde Park

Longer waiting times

After observing them for a while and consulting other people's opinions, I've found that Golden Tours usually has longer waiting times than its top competitors. While there are cases when the difference is minimal, at most of the major stops, you can easily spot the distinction. You can overcome this easily by downloading their bus tracking app and planning accordingly.

In my opinion sightseeing maps should be as easy to read as possible. The last thing you want is to waste a lot of time figuring out where the bus goes, or even worse, hopping on the wrong line. I've found that Golden Tours' map can be a bit more challenging and confusing to read compared to some of its competitors. To simplify your journey, I recommend relying on their app . The easiest way to do this is to remove all other routes except the one you're currently focusing on.

Another important thing that I have noticed is that Golden Tours usually concludes its services earlier in the day in comparison to many of its competitors. Additionally, as the day progresses, you might notice a reduction in bus frequency.

You have to try the Red Route to experience the best of London! You get to see Covent Garden, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Madame Tussauds, King's Cross, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Piccadilly Circus and many more.

Blue Route. If you have limited time or you prefer live guides, the blue route is the ideal choice. It's all about Central London and its iconic landmarks, giving you a packed but fulfilling sightseeing adventure. Also perfect for travelers short on time!

Unlock more tips for maximizing your London adventure by checking out our blog post: The best itinerary for one day in London .

5. Aditional tours on offer by Golden Tours

London by Night

Afternoon Tea Bus : We have dedicated an entire blog post to this experience, make sure you check it here to find out more.

Windsor , Stonehenge , Bath and others

If you find yourself in Windsor or York, Golden Tours extends their open-top bus tours to these destinations.

6. Routes and Timetable

As of now, Golden Tours offers four distinct tours :

The Classic Tour (Blue Route)

The Essential Tour (Red Route)

The Museum Tour (Orange Route)

The Morning and Evening Drop-off Service (Yellow and Green Routes)

A detailed timetable for each route can be found here . Remember to always check the app for the latest updated information.

7. Available Tickets

One-day ticket

24, 48, and 72 hrs

Ultimate London Experience

Pro tip : If you're planning to book some incredible out-of-town experiences they are some of the best in the field with years of experience, and their tours are highly rated. A mong the top recommended out-of-town experiences, Golden Tours offers trips to Stonehenge , Windsor , Bath , and the highly sought-after Harry Potter Tour .

We've created a dedicated blog post just for the Harry Potter tour to give it the attention it deserves, which you can find here .

8. Conclusion of our Golden Tours London review  

Golden Tours undoubtedly adds its unique flair to the realm of London hop-on-hop-off buses. While its TripAdvisor reviews may not match those of the top two companies, you can still enjoy a fantastic experience, perhaps even better than with others.

If our Golden Tours London review captivated your interest, be sure to explore our assessment of other tours   here   and discover valuable travel tips   here .

Getting tickets

Booking online is significantly cheaper than purcharsing tickets on the bus .

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SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

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• About this activity

Golden Tours London Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Bus Tour

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Freedom to explore the British capital at your own leisure
• Hop-on hop-off service through the main London attractions
• No limit to the number of times you can hop-on & hop-off
• Informative audio commentary available in 11 languages
• Multiple stops on 2 different routes

Activity location

• Stop 2: Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Gate, Tourist Bus stop
• SW1A 1AA, London, England, United Kingdom

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Belvedere Road
• SE1 7GH, London, England, United Kingdom
• Thu, Apr 25 $49
• Fri, Apr 26 $49
• Sat, Apr 27 $49
• Sun, Apr 28 $49
• Mon, Apr 29 $49
• Tue, Apr 30 $49
• Wed, May 1 $49
• Thu, May 2 $49
• Fri, May 3 $49
• Sat, May 4 $49
• Sun, May 5 $49
• Mon, May 6 $49
• Tue, May 7 $49
• Wed, May 8 $49
• Thu, May 9 $49
• Activity duration is 1 day 1d 1d

Hop-on hop-off pass valid until the end of the day on your selected travel date.

24-Hour Pass & River Cruise

Hop-on Hop-off pass valid for 24 hours from when you first hop-on, unlimited usage within this time.

This pass also includes a one way Free River Thames boat ride. As this is a free of charge inclusion, no refund can be given if not used.

48-Hours Pass & River Cruise

• Activity duration is 2 days 2d 2d

Valid for 48 hours from first use.

This pass also includes a Free one way River Thames boat ride. As this is a free of charge inclusion, no refund can be given if not used.

72-Hours Pass & River Cruise

• Activity duration is 3 days 3d 3d

Valid for a period of 72 hours from first use.

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included London Hop-on Hop-off bus pass
• What's included What's included River Thames one way sightseeing cruise (for the 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours pass)
• What's included What's included Multilingual audio guides available on all routes in 11 different languages
• What's included What's included Headset for tour commentary
• What's included What's included Free Wi-Fi
• What's excluded What's excluded Admission to museums and attractions along the tour route
• What's excluded What's excluded River cruise (for the 4 hours and 1 day ticket)

Know before you book

• Children 4 and younger are complimentary.
• The boat cruise is valid for 24hrs for departure from Westminster Pier near The Houses of Parliament and choose to disembark at either Tower Bridge Quay near The Tower of London and Tower Bridge, or at Greenwich. Or vice versa. As a free of charge inclusion, no refund can be given if not used.
• 4-hour and 1-day pass does not include the Thames River Cruise
• Buses depart every 20-30 minutes from London Eye, Belvedere Road, Tourist bus stop 4 , London, SE1 7GH (nearest tube station is Waterloo, 2 minute walk). At stops common to multiple routes, buses run every 10 to 15 minutes.
• Audio commentary available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, and Japanese.
• The River Cruise service is operated by Thames River Services daily, between 10.20am to 5pm, approx. every 30-40 minutes during peak periods.

What you can expect

Experience the best of London's attractions and charm-filled neighborhoods from the open-air top of a comfortable, double-decker bus.

Plan your own itinerary and explore the city to your heart's content. You can choose to stay on the bus and take in the scenery for the entire loop, or stop at world-renowned landmarks along the way, including the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Engaging pre-recorded commentary highlights the main monuments and provides insights into the city's history and heritage.

The Classic Tour (Blue route) : Covers all the main Central London sights and visits London’s Museum Quarter.

• Kensington Palace
• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum
• Royal Albert Hall
• Victoria & Albert Museum
• Marble Arch
• Buckingham Palace
• Westminster Abbey
• Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
• Westminster Bridge
• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• HMS Belfast
• St Paul’s Cathedral

The Essential Tour (Red route) : Passes Madame Tussauds and Kings Cross, as well as Hyde Park and Regents Park, two of the prettiest parks in London.

• Waterloo Bridge
• Royal Courts of Justice
• Nelson’s Column
• Trafalgar Square
• British Museum
• King’s Cross St Pancras
• Madame Tussauds

The Morning and Evening Drop off Service (Yellow and Green routes) : Operating in the morning and late afternoon, this route travels from the popular hotel districts to Central London.

If you'd like, upgrade your ticket to add on a few additional sightseeing activities. A River Thames cruise lets you see landmarks between Tower Hill and the London Eye from the water. Enjoy an enthralling sightseeing cruise along the heart of London’s River Thames. You can use the one way river cruise on the river Thames (for the 24hrs ticket option only) for departure from Westminster Pier near The Houses of Parliament and choose to disembark at either Tower Bridge Quay near The Tower of London and Tower Bridge, or at Greenwich. Or vice versa. Discover fascinating facts as you cruise with live commentary from the captain and audio guides available via your Smartphone in Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German and Italian. Tickets are valid for 24 hours (unlimited usage within this time) so you can see the best of London at your own leisure!

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures.

• Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants
• Vehicles and venues kept vacant between travelers
• High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected

Social distancing

• Contactless ticket redemption

• Guided London Tours
• Christmas and New Year
• Harry Potter Tours London
• River Cruise Tours
• Afternoon Tea Tours
• London Night Bus Tours
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours London
• Open Top Bus Tours
• 6 Nights London Package with Stonehenge & Cotswolds
• Hotel Stay for Two with London Tour Bus & Trip to Stonehenge
• London Discovery: Hotel Stay, Panoramic Tours, and Stonehenge Adventure
• London Hotel Package for Two with Full Day London Tour and Stonehenge Trip
• All London Hotel Packages
• UK Stonehenge Tours
• Day Tours from London
• Rail Tours from London
• Shopping Tours

Golden Tours (Gray Line) hop-on hop-off open top bus tour

Hop-on hop-off double deck open top sightseeing bus tour with tickets for 24, 48 or 72-hours

Golden Tours London hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour

Explore London on a double-decker open-top sightseeing bus tour that allows you to hop on and off at your leisure. Choose from 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket options.

Golden Tours offers one of the three main hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours in London. In addition to the bus tour, they also provide guided coach tours from London to popular destinations like Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford.

For a unique experience, you can combine your Golden Tours bus ticket with a visit to the Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.

Golden Tours is the only tour operator that offers a fully live-guided tour on their 1.5-hour Express ticket, which is not hop-on, hop-off.

What’s included

• Unlimited travel for 24, 48, or 72 hours on the Golden Tours London sightseeing bus network, covering all major attractions in Central London.
• Enjoy a free one-way river cruise as part of your ticket.
• Join complimentary walking tours of the Coronation and/or Jack the Ripper sites.
• Experience 4 open-top sightseeing routes with recorded commentary available in 11 languages.
• Take part in a 90-minute open-top bus tour with an English-speaking guide.
• Benefit from a flexible cancellation policy allowing a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour.
• Stay connected with free Wi-Fi on all buses.

Golden Tours Ticket Options

Discover the various ticket options offered by Golden Tours for an immersive sightseeing experience in London.

Golden Tours Duration Options

Choose from flexible durations of 24, 48, or 72 hours for your Golden Tours adventure. Select the ticket that suits your itinerary and explore London at your own pace.

Golden Tours with or without River Cruise

Customize your experience by deciding whether you want to include the Thames river cruise with your Golden Tours ticket. Opt for the package that best matches your interests and preferences.

Best Price Guarantee

Enjoy peace of mind when you purchase your Golden Tours tickets directly from their website. Benefit from the best price guarantee, ensuring you get the most value for your money.

Golden Tours Advance Tickets

Secure your tickets in advance through the easy online booking system. Simply make the payment with your credit or debit card and receive an instant confirmation email with your printable ticket.

Easy Redemption Process

Join the tour at any Golden Tours bus stop by exchanging your email voucher for the physical tickets. Your adventure begins when you board the first bus, allowing you to make the most of your chosen duration.

Plan your Golden Tours experience and embark on a memorable journey through the iconic sights of London.

Golden Tours Routes and Buses

Explore London’s iconic landmarks and attractions with Golden Tours’ comprehensive bus routes. With the hop-on, hop-off ticket, you have the freedom to switch between routes as you please.

The Classic Tour (Blue Route)

Discover all the major sights in Central London, including the renowned Museum Quarter. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the city.

The Essential Tour (Red Route)

Experience famous landmarks like Madame Tussauds, Kings Cross, Hyde Park, and Regents Park. Take in the beauty of London’s picturesque parks along this route.

The Morning and Evening Drop off Service (Yellow and Green Routes)

Designed for convenience, these routes operate in the morning and late afternoon, providing transportation from popular hotel districts to Central London.

Golden Tours Route Map

Refer to the comprehensive route map of Golden Tours to plan your sightseeing itinerary and make the most of your London adventure.

Frequencies and Operating Hours

Buses run every 5-10 minutes at major tourist points and approximately every 10-20 minutes at the outer reaches of the network. The main routes commence around 8:30 am to 9 am and gradually wind down from 5 pm.

Guides and Audio Guides

Enhance your experience with Golden Tours’ audio guides, available in 11 languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Indian, Japanese, and Arabic. While live guides are not currently available, there is a dedicated 90-minute route, the Open Top London Bus Tour With Live Guide, accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of London with Golden Tours’ extensive bus routes and informative audio guides. Discover the city at your own pace and create unforgettable memories.

With Warner Bros Studio Tour

Golden Tours 4-Hour Hop-On Bus + Warner Bros Studio Tour London – Harry Potter Magic

Embark on a magical journey into the world of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.

Enjoy exceptional value with a 4-hour hop-on bus tour of London’s iconic sights, including round-trip transportation and entrance tickets to the Warner Bros Studio Tour.

Discover the wonders of The Great Hall, Harry’s bedroom, the Ministry of Magic, Platform 9 ¾, and the enchanting Forbidden Forest.

Join us for an unforgettable adventure through the magical realm of Harry Potter!

Click the link to book your tickets

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter – what to expect

With Merlin attraction pass 

The Ultimate London Experience

Book your Tickets here

Enjoy complete flexibility with this pass. You can select a 1-day or 24-hour hop-on bus tour of London and choose three or all five of the exciting Merlin attractions.

As an added bonus, your hop-on bus pass includes a complimentary Thames river cruise.

Experience a fantastic combination of top London attractions with this incredible bundle.

River Cruise  

Free Thames river cruise with Thames River Cruising

Enjoy a complimentary river trip included in your Golden Tours hop-on, hop-off bus ticket. The river service that the Golden Tours ticket covers runs from the Westminster Pier by Big Ben to the Greenwich Pier in the east, with several stops along the way.

Cruises are for one-way only.

Frequencies are approximately every 20 minutes in the summer and every 30-40 minutes in the winter.

Note – the river cruise is not included in the one calendar day ticket.

Walking tours  

Free walking tours with Golden Tours hop on buses

Explore the dark secrets of London with a complimentary Jack The Ripper Walking Tour or embark on a majestic Coronation Walking Tour during your Golden Tours hop-on bus journey.

Uncover the haunting locations where crucial clues were found and immerse yourself in the chilling enigma of Jack The Ripper’s crimes.

Alternatively, embark on a captivating 2-hour stroll through the city, discovering the grandeur of Royal sites and gaining insights into historic and contemporary coronations. Unearth intriguing details like the favored cigarette shop of The Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth’s preferred off-license store.

Add-ons to Golden Tours tours & themed tours 

In addition to the regular hop-on bus services, Golden Tours offers various other options for you to choose from.

These include:

1. Night tours

2. Christmas lights tours

3. Add-on for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

4. 90-minute non-stop open-top bus ride with a live guide providing commentary

Click on the banner below for more information.

Golden Tours also provides bundled packages that combine their top London attractions with the hop-on bus service.

Choose from:

1. Tower of London with hop-on bus

2. View from the Shard with hop-on bus

3. Westminster Abbey with hop-on bus

4. St. Paul’s Cathedral with hop-on bus

5. SEA LIFE with hop-on bus

6. The London Dungeon with hop-on bus

7. Madame Tussauds with hop-on bus

8. London Eye with hop-on bus

9. Shrek’s Adventure! London with hop-on bus

Golden Tours included with London Pass 

The London Pass is a convenient sightseeing pass that allows you entry to many of London’s main attractions. It is available for 1, 2, 3, 6, or 10-day durations.

With the London Pass, you can access over 60 popular tourist attractions in London and enjoy a river cruise on the River Thames.

Additionally, the London Pass now includes the option to use either Golden Tours or Big Bus hop-on hop-off buses for one full day, regardless of the duration of your London Pass.

Important points about the London Pass Hop-on Hop-off bus offer:

•  You can choose to ride on either Golden Tours or Big Bus hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses for one calendar day. Tootbus (Original London Tour) is not included.
•  The Hop-on Hop-off bus offer is valid for one calendar day, not for 24 hours.
•  Most people use the Hop-on Hop-off facility on the first day of their London Pass, but you can use it on any day within the validity of your London Pass.
•  The Hop-on Hop-off bus offer with the London Pass does not include walking tours and river cruises provided by the respective bus companies. However, the London Pass already includes a separate river cruise.
• -When boarding the first bus, you need to show your London Pass to the driver or tour guide who will scan it and provide you with a separate ticket for the chosen bus company. This ticket will be valid for the rest of the day. Once you start with one bus company, you cannot switch to the other company on the same day.

Golden Tours compared with Tootbus & Big Bus  

When it comes to coverage in London, all three hop-on hop-off bus operations visit the same areas and major attractions in the city.

Live Guides:

Golden Tours is the only company that offers a regular service with live guides, but this is not a hop-on-hop-off bus. Instead, it is a fixed 90-minute tour, priced similarly to the hop-on bus.

Commentaries:

All three companies use pre-recorded commentaries for their hop-on bus services, though the number of languages offered may vary. However, during special promotional periods, Tootbus sometimes provides a special service with an expert live guide. These tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed (though they run hourly).

Ticket Durations:

All operators offer tickets valid for 24 and 48 hours. Tootbus and Golden Tours also offer 72-hour tickets. Additionally, Tootbus offers a 1.5-hour Bar Bus ticket, while Golden Tours has a fully guided 1.5-hour Express ticket.

Evening Tours:

All three operators offer evening tours. Big Bus includes a separate evening tour with their Premium and Deluxe tickets. For more details, please visit their respective websites.

Walking Tours:

Golden Tours and Big Bus offer professionally guided walking tours included with selected tickets. Golden Tours offers the Jack The Ripper Walking Tour or Coronation Walking Tour. Big Bus offers three free tours with their Essential and Explore tickets: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, City of London Walking Tour, and Jack the Ripper Walking Tour. Each tour lasts 1.5 hours. Big Bus currently offers a Royal-themed hop-on bus tour called “A Big Royal Adventure” along with a 45-minute Royal Walking Tour. Tootbus does not offer guided walking tours but provides the option to download “Tootwalk” to your phone, which includes three self-guided walks.

River Cruises:

Two different river cruise operators, City Cruises and Thames River Sightseeing, are used. Golden Tours and Tootbus offer tickets without the river cruise, making them cheaper. All Big Bus tickets include the river cruise. Please note that river cruises are one-way only.

Add-on Attractions or Alternative Tours:

Golden Tours offers a range of attractions as add-ons to the basic 4-hour hop-on bus ticket. Discount London allows you to purchase discounted bundles of Big Bus tickets and top London attractions. Through the Big Bus official website, you can also add-on tickets for Madame Tussauds, Tower of London, and London Eye Fast Track. Tootbus does not currently offer add-on attractions but provides alternative tours such as a Windsor hop-on bus tour and a popular Kids tour.

For a detailed discussion on the differences between the companies, click on the provided banner.

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Golden Tours: 24Hrs London Hop On Hop Off & Westminster Abbey Tickets

• Instant confirmation
• Explore London at your own pace with these hop-on hop-off bus tickets, covering 4 different routes and 70 stops, at a frequency of 1 bus every 15-30min
• You can hop on and hop off the buses as much as you like for a period of 24 hours
• Ticket includes entry to Westminster Abbey, a free HOHO boat ride and a free walking tour
• All buses feature free onboard Wi-Fi
• The bus routes include many iconic attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Madame Tussauds, etc., so you can stop by your favorite spots along the way
• Some routes feature English-speaking guides, while others have audioguides in 8 different languages
• Click here for detailed route map and boarding points
• 24Hr London HOHO Pass
• Entry to Westminster Abbey
• Free Wi-Fi onboard the bus
• Free walking tour of London with an expert English-speaking guide
• Free 24hr River Thames Hop-on Hop-off Boat Ride
• Live commentary in English / Audioguide in 8 languages (based on the bus and route)
• Entrances to other attractions
• Food and drinks

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ratings & Reviews

Why you should get on board.

The Golden Tours London Hop-on Hop-off bus tour ticket gives you unlimited access to their fleet of open-topped, Wi-Fi enabled buses for a period of 24 hours. You can use those 24 hours to see all of Central London, with stops at all the major attractions such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, and much more. This gives you the freedom to explore these attractions at your own pace, hopping on and off as and when you please. What’s more, the 4 different bus routes have audioguides onboard in 8 languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese and Chinese), so you can learn more about the attractions that you will spot from the bus.

Included with the hop-on-hop-off tickets are entry tickets to Westminster Abbey, the iconic London monument where monarchs are crowned and laid to rest. With its stained-glass windows, gothic architecture and lofty facades, Westminster Abbey remains an impressive sight to this day. An audio guide will be also be provided to you, so you don’t miss any of the fascinating history of this momentous cathedral.

The Hop-on Hop-off tickets also come with a free guided walking tour of London with an expert guide. You can choose between a walking tour of the Royal Quarter, including the Change of the Guards, or a Beatles London walking tour. You can also avail of a free 24hr River Thames Hop-on Hop-off Boat Ride, where you can take in panoramic views of the capital from the waters of the Thames between Westminster and St. Katherine’s Pier. You will also learn more about the attractions and the city of London from the live commentary provided by the captain, as well as from the audio guides available for your smartphone in Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German and Italian

Know Before You Go

Please note.

Due to various events taking place as part of the Queen's Jubilee celebrations, there will be diversions and delays to all routes.

Sat, 4 Jun:

• Red route closed stops: 56, 57, 58 & 59
• Blue route closed stops: 1, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 & 32
• All other stops will be served.

Sun, 5 Jun:

• Red route closed stops: All stops closed
• Blue route closed stops: 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 28, 29, 30 & 31

Click here for detailed route map and boarding points. You can join the tour from any of the 70 stops.

Note: View the updated route schedule for this winter season.

Blue Route ( The Essential Tour ):

• Popular stops on the route are Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral & more
• Frequency: Approx. every 30 min
• First bus at 8:30 AM from Haymarket and last bus is at 5:00 PM

Red Route ( The Classic Tour ):

• Popular stops on the route are the main Central London sights and London’s Museum Quarter.
• Frequency: Approx. every 15-30 min
• First bus at 8:00 AM from Kensington Road and last bus is at 6:00 PM

Orange Route ( The Grand Tour ):

• Popular stops on the route are Madame Tussauds and Kings Cross
• First bus at 8:00 AM from Marylebone Road and last bus is at 4:00 PM

Lilac Route ( The Thames Tour ): this route is currently not operating

• Popular stops on the route are London’s most iconic landmarks around the heart of the Thames, including Parliament Square and St James’s Palace.
• First bus at 8:00 AM from Park Lane and last bus is at 5:00 PM

In addition, there are yellow and green routes that provide hotel pick-up and drop off services in the morning and afternoon, respectively. Please check the timetable for more details on these routes.

Westminster Abbey Visiting Hours:

• Mon to Fri 9:30am to 3:30pm (last entry).
• Sat: 9am to 3:30pm (last entry).
• Sun: Closed for sightseeing.
• The abbey will close 30 minutes after the last entry.
• Galleries will open 30 minutes after the main opening time.

Please note:

• On Wed, 2 Mar 2023, the abbey will open at 11am.
• On Mon, 28 Mar 2023, the abbey will close early at 12:30pm (last entry at 12pm).

Planned full closures:

• 24 and 25 Dec.
• 12, 14, 21, and 29 Mar.

Free Hop-on Hop-off Boat Ride

These cruises are operated by Circular Cruise Westminster. The first boat departs from Westminster Pier at 11:00 AM. Cruise rides last 30 minutes. Boats leave every 30 minutes from:

• Westminster Pier (Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH)
• Embankment Pier (Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WS2N 6NU)
• Festival Pier (Festival Pier, South Bank, London SE1 9PX)
• Bankside Pier (Bankside Pier, Bankside, London SE1 9DT)
• St Katharine’s Pier - for Tower of London - (St Katharine’s Pier, St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1LD)

Click here for detailed route map and boarding points.

Walking Tours

You can choose between the following walking tours:

The Royal Walking Tour :

• Days of Operation: Daily
• Departure Point: Golden Tours Visitor Centre - Leicester Square - 11a Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EP
• Return Point: Westminster Abbey
• Start: 10:00 AM
• Finish: 12:00 PM

The Beatles London Walking Tour :

• Departure point: Golden Tours Visitor Centre - Leicester Square - 11a Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EP
• Start: 1:00 PM
• Finish: 3:00 PM

Additional Information

Thames River Boat Ride

• Unlimited usage for 24 hours from when you first hop-on the boat
• Valid between Westminster Pier and St Katharine’s Pier only

Additional information

Westminster Abbey

• Printed tickets are required for entry.
• A security check will be carried out on all visitors.
• Services or special events may close all or part of the Abbey at short notice.
• An audio guide is included in the ticket price.

Reduced tickets

• Children between 6 and 16 years of age benefit from reduced prices.
• Children aged 5 years and under participate free of charge.

Please bring a printed copy of the voucher with you. You can board the bus from any stop included in the itinerary and show the voucher to the driver. The driver will exchange your voucher for your bus ticket.

The ticket is valid only on the date selected at the time of booking.

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For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

Golden Tours: London Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

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Select Date, Travellers and Ticket

• For 1 Day, 24, 48, or 72 hours, you may hop on and off across London.
• Take in sights such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and more.
• Savor a free Thames River boat.
• Take advantage of free cancellations for increased convenience.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted (No need to print!)

With our Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, you can explore the city at your own leisure and experience the bustling pulse of London. Whether you choose the 72-hour ticket or the one-day pass, you will have unrestricted access to many stops across the city, which will link you to famous sites like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Get free walking tours and river cruises with educated locals to add even more value to your trip. Additionally offered are multilingual audio tours and live guides, which guarantee a unique and engaging sightseeing experience. This adaptable method of exploring London blends the attractiveness of its ancient past with the attraction of its modern lifestyle. With the added bonus of free cancellations, our excursions are the perfect way to fully see London's distinct blend of modern and tradition.

With our Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, you can enjoy unmatched flexibility and an immersive exploration of the most prominent landmarks in the city as you set out on an enthralling adventure through the heart of London. With pass choices ranging from 24 to 72 hours, you can customize your experience to fit your schedule and have plenty of time to explore London's vibrant mix of history, culture, and modernity at your own pace. Our painstakingly designed itineraries accommodate a diverse range of interests. With stops at the iconic Big Ben, the ancient Tower of London, and the magnificent London Eye, among other famous sites, the Classic Tour (Blue Route) takes you through the busy streets of Central London. The Essential Tour (Red Route), which gives a thorough rundown of all of London's must-see sights, including stops at Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, and Covent Garden for those who are eager to see the city's core. The Museum Tour (Orange Route) is a must-do for history aficionados and cultural vultures alike, providing convenient access to London's internationally recognized museums and royal locations. Your exploration endeavors will be smooth and hassle-free thanks to our Morning and Evening Drop-off Service (Yellow and Green Routes), which guarantees simple transportation from West London to the city center. Enjoy a free riverboat ride on the Thames to complement your sightseeing experience. With this lovely addition to your ticket, you may choose to launch from Westminster or Tower Millennium Pier and get a unique perspective of London's skyline. Select from informative live commentary or captivating audio tours to provide intriguing context to your trip and learn more about London's famous sites. We also offer a complimentary walking tour, as part of our all-inclusive package. Choose between taking the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour, which will take you through the footsteps of Victorian London's most notorious person, and the Royal London Walking Tour, which will take you through the city's magnificent palaces and regal past. These knowledgeable guided tours make your trip even more memorable by providing close-up looks at London's colorful past. Our trips have a free cancellation policy that lets you cancel up to the night before departure for a full refund since we recognize how important flexibility is. Upon your initial hop-on, your ticket becomes active and is good for the duration you select, giving you unrestricted use of our services. Our service is based on accessibility; all of our buses have a lower deck that can hold one wheelchair and one fold-away stroller. Families will enjoy a family-friendly experience as children under five ride free. We also provide you access to the Golden Tours City Guide App at no extra cost, which puts comprehensive bus timetables and navigation help right at your fingertips to help you with your exploration. Our Arrival/Departure Bus tours serve as a link between London's vibrant present and its distinguished past, offering visitors more than simply an easy way to explore the city. We welcome you to discover the essence of London by fusing accessibility with a wealth of expertise, allowing you to personally see the exquisite fusion of historical grandeur and modern flare that characterizes this legendary city.

• 1 Day, 24/ 48/ 72-Hour London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
• Valid for All Routes
• Audio Guides in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic
• Live English Guide available on the Blue Route
• Complimentary Thames River Boat Tour (One Way) - with 48 and 72 hours
• Free Walking Tour (Jack The Ripper Walking Tour and/or the Coronation Walking Tour)
• Free Wi-Fi On-Board
• Entrance Fees (Unless specified)
• Hotel Transfers

Redemption Info

You can board the bus at any stop and voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver on board. Each of our stops will be clearly signposted Golden Tours Hop on Hop Off/London Tour Bus. Mobile vouchers accepted on board. You will receive a ticket in exchange for your voucher, which you must keep until the expiry date/ tour. Please check your ticket to know when it expires. After exchanging your voucher for a ticket, your voucher will no longer be valid. In loss of voucher/ticket, company is not liable for any refund. We recommend, please do the online check-in   https://www.gttickets.com/en/london/online-check-in Note: The tickets are only valid on the travel date selected date at the time of booking.  

Know Before You Go

Useful downloads, cancellation policy, other london bus tours.

Golden Tours: London Hop On, Hop Off with Westminster Abbey

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

Golden Tours London

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.

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.

Golden Tours: 24-Hour/1-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour of London with London Eye Tickets

• Grab a 24-hour or 1-day hop-on hop-off London pass for a whirlwind tour of the city's most famous sights.
• Choose from 3 routes and hop on and off at over 70 stops. You can even use 2 hotel transfer routes to explore the city with ease.
• But here's the real treat: your pass includes 2 exciting guided walks and the 24-hour pass offers a relaxing boat ride along the Thames River.
• Experience London from a new perspective on the open-top buses, complete with multilingual audio guides and live guides on select routes.
• Few famous stops on your route include the Buckingham Palace, Natural History Museum, and Tower of London.
• 24-hour/1-day hop-on hop-off unlimited tour
• Access to London Eye
• Thames River boat ride (optional)
• Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese & Arabic
• Free walking tours
• Entrance to attractions

Classic Tour (Blue route)

• First bus: 9:30 am from London Eye
• Last bus: 5pm from London Eye
• Frequency: 30mins
• Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Tower of London

Essential Tour (Red route)

• First bus: 8:58am from Victoria
• Last bus: 4:28pm from Victoria
• Popular stops: Hyde Park, Regents Park, London Zoo

Museum Tour (Orange route)

• First bus: 10:22am from Hyde Park Corner
• Last bus: 6:22pm from Victoria
• Frequency: 60mins
• Popular stops: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A Museum

Yellow route (pick-up)

• First bus: 8:06am from Kensington Palace
• Last bus: 9:56am from Kensington Palace
• First bus: 8:05am from opposite Hilton London Kensington
• Last bus: 9:35am from opposite Hilton London Kensington

Green route (drop-off)

• First bus: 5:57pm from London Eye
• Last bus: 6:57am from London Eye
• First bus: 5:58pm from Lancaster Gate
• Last bus: 8:58am from Lancaster Gate

Thames River boat ride

Westminster Pier to Tower Pier

• First boat: 10am from Westminster Pier
• Last boat: 6pm from Westminster Pier
• Frequency: approx 40 mins
• Popular stops: London Eye

Tower Pier to Westminster Pier

• Last boat: 5:15pm from Westminster Pier

Jack the Ripper walking tour

• Starts at 3:30pm from Tower Hill station exit
• Ends at 5pm at Liverpool Street underground station

Royal walking tour

• Starts at 10am from tourist bus stop outside Queen's Gallery
• Ends at 12pm at Westminster Abbey

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

• Tip: If you wish to visit Visit London Eye on the same day, then drop off at stop 1 or stop 11.
• The buses are wheelchair accessible (only one wheelchair user allowed per bus).
• The 24-hour ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time you start your tour. For example, if you begin your tour at 10am, your ticket is valid until 10am the following day. However, the 1-day ticket is only valid for 1 calendar day.
• You can visit the London Eye on the same day or book during peak and off-peak seasons. Check out schedules while making a booking.
• Thame River boat rides do not operate on Dec 24, 25, and 26 and Jan 1.

London Golden Tours Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours 2024

The Golden Tours Company has been a legendary name in the travel industry in London and the UK. Started in 1984, it has decades of experience in running city tours, day trips, and open bus tours across London and the UK. They are also famous for their Hop-On Hop-Off tours .

The easily recognizable blue and white Golden Tours open-top buses can be seen across the city, stopping at over 70 bus stations near London’s major attractions and landmarks. 

The London Golden Tours are one of the best Hop-on Hop-off experiences in the city and offer over 70 stops, excellent routing, comfortable coaches, and an array of freebies and services. Golden Tours also has special partnerships with attractions in London to offer discounts on entrance tickets. 

A London Golden Tours HOHO ticket is one assured way of ensuring that you have a comfortable experience sightseeing while you save on money and time!

Why Choose London Golden Tours?

Visit Top Landmarks: The London Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off bus routes are designed to be within close walking distance to major landmarks with more than 70 stops.

Easy to Use: One of the best ways to avoid the stress of planning your transportation in a new city is by taking the Golden Tours HOHO bus tours. Their well-planned fixed routes make it easy to plan an itinerary.

Multiple Routes: The London Golden Tours operates along the Classic Tour (Blue Route), the Essential Tour (Red Route), and morning pick-up and evening drop-off bus routes.

Audio Guides: With London Golden Tours you can save money on transportation while listening to pre-recorded commentary in 11 languages to learn about the attractions as you pass them.

Your London Golden Tour Ticket Options Explained

• Valid for 1 calendar day
• Open-top buses
• Live English-speaking Guide
• Audioguide in 11 languages

• Valid for 24 hrs
• River Thames cruise
• Complimentary walking tour

• Valid for 48 hrs

• Valid for 72 hrs

Audio guide languages are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic.

Flexible Cancelation Policy: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours in advance.

Discounted Ticket: Get tickets for children aged 5-15 and family tickets (for 2 adults and 2 children) at a reduced price.

London Golden Tours Timetable

• Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Frequency: Every 20 minutes
• Loop: 3 Hours

Blue Routes

• Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes
• Loop: 2 Hours
• Timing: 8 AM to 10 AM
• Loop: 1.5 Hours

Green Route

• Timing: 6 PM to 10 PM
• Timing:  9 AM to 5 PM
• Frequency:  Every 30 minutes
• Duration:  Approx. 30 minutes

London Golden Tours Routes

Classic Tour (Blue Route)

The Classic Tour/Blue Route takes you to all the main Central London landmarks, including Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, 10 Downing Street, the London Eye, the London Eye, Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, Madame Tussauds and many more

The first bus starts at 9:30 AM from Victoria all year round and the last bus is at 6:30 PM.

Essential Tour (Red Route)

The Essential Tour/Red Route is perfect for visitors that want to see the best of Central and North of London. It covers Hyde Park, Regents Park, London Zoo, Madame Tussauds, the British Museum, and Kings Cross, as well as many of Central London, highlights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye.

The first bus departs from Hyde Park Corner at 9 AM and the last bus is at 5:30 PM all year round. The entire loop takes approximately 3 hours to finish.

The Museum Tour (Orange Route)

Discover London's top museums such as the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum as well as the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Buckingham Palace. 

The first bus departs from Hyde Park Corner at 10:22 AM and the last bus is at 5 PM all year round. The entire loop takes approximately 3 hours to finish.

The Morning Pick-Up Service (Yellow) is a way for you to conveniently travel from the hotel region of West London, including Bayswater Road, Notting Hill, and Holland Park, into Central London. There are two main pick-up services, one in Kensington and one in Bayswater.

In the morning, the first bus leaves Holland Park at 7:45 AM, and the last bus is at 9:30 AM.

The Evening Drop-off Service (Green) is a way for visitors to return to the hotel region of West London, including Bayswater Road, Notting Hill, and Holland Park, into Central London. 

In the evening the first bus leaves from Lancaster Gate at 6 PM and the last bus is at 10:15 PM.

This complimentary one-way River Tour takes you down the River Thames. It departs from Westminster Pier near The Houses of Parliament and stops at Tower Bridge Quay near The Tower of London, and at Greenwich Quay.

The first boat departs from Westminster Pier at 11 AM the last one leaves at 6:30 PM. The entire cruise takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Download Map of All Routes >

Suggested London Big Bus Itineraries

Here are some suggested Big Bus HOHO routes you can follow in London:

Choose the 1 day/24-hour ticket and opt for the complimentary river cruise. Start your day by taking the Essential Tour or the Red Route which will take you through all the iconic sights in London. You can take time and explore Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. You can also see the British Museum, Madame Tussauds, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and the London Zoo. End the day with a cruise down the Thames and stop at the Tower of London to see its sights.

Day 1 – You should start your day by taking the Classic Tour or the Blue Route. Visit Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the other attraction in central London. Then head to the museum district including Victoria & Albert Hall, Kensington Palace, and Gardens.

Day 2 – Use the day to spend time on the Essential Tour or the Red Route. Head to Madame Tussauds or the Sherlock Holmes Museum and then take the long route towards British Museum. Later on, spend the afternoon at London’s attractions like the London Eye, and the SeLife Aquarium. End the day with a relaxing cruise on the Thames and watch the sunset over London’s skyline.

Day 1  – Start by going on the Classic Tour or the Blue Route which will take you to Buckingham Palace and through the museum quarter. You can visit the Victoria & Albert Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and Kensington Palace and stroll through Hyde Park to end your day.

Day 2  – Use this day to go on the complimentary River Cruise and start exploring all the sights along the Thames. Start at Westminster Abbey and the nearby Downstreet and Churchill War Museum before hopping on the boat at Westminster Pier and heading to the Tower of London. Finally, spend time at iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and go up to the observation deck at the London Eye. Don't miss the SEA LIFE Aquarium and London Dungeon.

Day 3  – Spend the last day in London by taking the Essential Tour or the Red Route. You can visit attractions like the British Museum, Regent's Park, the London Zoo, Madame Tussauds, and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. End your day by heading to Oxford Circus and browsing the shops and restaurants around Oxford Street and Regent Street.

Highlights of the London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Westminster Abbey

One of the UK’s most important religious buildings, Westminster Abbey the burial and memorial site of writers, actors, scientists, thinkers, and other famous historical significant figures.

Parliament Square

Parliament Square has some of the capital’s most iconic buildings including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and statues of famous leaders and historical figures.

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

London Bridge

Just off the banks of River Thames, the London Bridge area is famous for its restaurants and the Tower Bridge. Often confused with the London Bridge, the Tower Bridge has stunning river views.

River Thames

Explore the beautiful River Thames on a  River Cruise . Travel under the London Bridge, see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and admire the Festival Hall and the London Eye.

Buckingham Palace

Visit the Queen’s residence at Buckingham Palace . Stroll through the vast palatial gardens and witness the Change of Guards ceremony, at this treasure trove of royal experiences.

St. Paul's Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of Europe’s largest cathedrals Listen to the haunting acoustics in the Whispering Gallery and soaking in the breathtaking views offered by the cathedral's galleries.

Madame Tussauds

Home to lifelike wax figures of over 250 celebrities, at  Madame Tussauds you can see the Royal Family, Benedict Cumberbatch, James Bond, and more.

London Big Bus Visitor Tips and Guidelines

• Golden Tours is the only operator which offers both variants – 1 Day and 24 Hours, be mindful of which variant you are purchasing. The 1 Day variant is valid for a calendar day, which means if you activate it on 10 AM Monday it will work only until 11:59 PM Monday. The 24 Hours variant is valid for 24 hours, which means if you activate it on 10 AM Monday it will be valid till 10 AM on Tuesday.
• Audio Guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic.
• Each bus has space for one fold-away pushchair and a wheelchair on the lower deck.
• Children under 5 years of age travel free.
• Golden Tours offers a river cruise pass which is valid for 24 hours. When you plan your itinerary make sure to activate it according to when you might use it to the maximum. The best thing about the pass is that it works like a hop-on and hop-off pass, you can get on and off as many times you want.
• Make sure to pre-book tickets and check the holiday schedule for the attractions. Golden Tours has online maps that will help you plan your journey in advance.
• If you are short on time, the best way to soak in all the sights is to take a round loop of the Grand Tour or the Orange Tour. It covers all the main tourist attractions in London except for the museum quarter.
• Golden Tours HOHO has an exclusive treasure hunt app that will allow you to collect points as you travel across the city. At the end of your journey, you can redeem the points for discounts, freebies, and other gifts.
• The top deck seats are much in demand and if you are looking forward to completing a loop it is best to board the bus at the first point of departure, as you can get the seat of your choice. Also, remember that buses drive on the right side of the road and you will get better views if you seat on the right side of the bus.
• There is no predicting London weather; while there is enough covered space on the bus it is best to carry rainproof gear. Umbrellas are usually not allowed to be opened on board for the safety of other passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions About London Golden Tours

A. Golden Tours is one of the top hop-on hop-off tours in London.

A. Hop-on hop-off buses are tourist buses that allow you to board and leave whenever you like and sightsee at your own convenience.

A. You can purchase London Golden Tours hop on hop off bus tour tickets online .

A. Yes, you can buy London Golden Tours hop-on-hop-off tickets online here .

A. There are multiple hop-on hop-off bus tours, most of which begin from £28.80.

A. London Golden Tours hop-on hop-off bus tours run at a frequency of 30 to 60 minutes.

A. There are four Golden Tours tour routes in London - the red, blue, and the yellow & green links.

A. Yes, you will get access to audio guides available in up to 11 languages to learn more about the city.

A. Yes, the London Golden Tours hop-on hop-off tours are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.

Golden Tours

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Total London Experience: London Eye, Tower of London & St Paul's

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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Golden Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor