bus tour london tickets

London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

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.

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.

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
• Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, Russian & Arabic
• 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)
• Free earphones made from recyclable materials
• Entry to attractions
• Live guide on the bus

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

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

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

• Tip: Explore a local market or two. Borough Market and Portobello Road Market are treasure troves of food, antiques, and local finds.
• 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.
• 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 don't need a separate seat.
• You can use your tickets on any day before the tour date. However, just keep in mind that they cannot be redeemed if the first day of travel has already passed.

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)
• Kids audio guide in English & French (on yellow route & night tour)
• 3 self-guided walking tours
• 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
• Tip: London is known for its street art. Look out for hidden gems at stops like Shoreditch or Brixton.
• The night tour is closed from Nov 13 to Mar 28.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they aren't entitled to their own seat.

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

Buckingham Palace

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.

Westminster Abbey

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

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

Tower of London

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.

Tower Bridge

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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Hop On Hop Off London - Bus Tours

Looking for ways to explore the city and see all its best bits? Hop-On Hop-Off London is the most fun way to explore the capital city of England and the UK. Pick the open-top Tootbus or City Sightseeing London Bus Tour to navigate around one of the world's busiest cities. Your bus will pass through all key attractions like London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Madam Tussauds, London Bridge, The Shard and allow you to get off and get on as you like. Visit and wave to Nelson standing tall on his Trafalgar Square column or marvel at the futuristic and expanding city skyline. What's more, all your tickets come with options to add on extras.

London Sightseeing Bus Tours

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Experience London in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Get to ride the London Eye or visit Madame Tussauds to say 'hello' to the stars! You'll be saving some pennies if you do. Your ticket allows you to hop off the bus where you choose. You can always hop back on again later!

Nothing beats a good combo ticket. Check out all the options in the simple online booking process. All tickets offered by Golden Tours and Original Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus Tours come with options to add on the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and more. Options will be presented in the simple online booking process.

And those looking for some great deals may wish to pick up The London Pass, which provides access to the Tower of London, skip-the-line admission at St. Paul's Cathedral, and a lot more! A London Hop-On Hop-Off tour is the perfect accompaniment to your trip and also one of the best things to do in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is a hop-on hop-off london bus tour.

A Hop-on Hop-off London bus tour essentially works over a designated route that allows you to see London’s top attractions and set your own itinerary. With all the stops located strategically around all the major attractions, it is convenient to explore at your own pace. When you are ready to return, simply show your pass, hop back on the bus and onward toward your next attraction. You can do this as many times as you like within your ticket limit.

Q: What are the key attractions covered in the London Hop-On Hop-Off tour?

London Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour will take you through major attractions and landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Thames River, Westminster pier or Tower of London pier, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Downing Street, Piccadilly, Buckingham Palace, and more.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Hop-On Hop-Off London tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops and timings change frequently.

Q: Are these tours guided?

Depending on the London tour operator, bus tours can either have a live guide or an audio guide. You can enjoy an informative commentary on the bus as you pass famous attractions and neighborhoods.

Q: What is the validity of the tour?

You can choose from 24/36/48/72-hour or ½/3-day London tours depending on your travel plans. The vouchers are valid anywhere between 6 months to 12 months and can be used anytime during that period.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
• BUENOS AIRES
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

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Tootbus - The Original London Bus Tour

DURATION (APPROX): 24hr / 48hr Tickets

Highlights of Tootbus - The Original London Bus Tour

• Choice of 24hr / 48hr Tickets
• Unlimited Hop on Hop off - 3 Different Routes
• Thames River Cruise (when "Bus + River Cruise" ticket type selected)
• Audio Guides Available
• Kids English Audio Guide
• Complimentary WiFi

Language Options

Schedule of tour

First Bus: 9.30am

Last Full Tour: 5.00pm

Bus Frequency: Mon - Sun (every 20mins)

Departure Points:

• Piccadilly Circus
• Trafalgar Square
• St Paul's Cathedral
• Marble Arch
• Tower of London
• Westminster Pier

Description

There's no better way to explore London than on an iconic, double decker bus. Hop on-board an Original Open Top London Bus Tour , and we'll show you all the sights including: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey plus much more.

Tootbus - The Original Open Tour Route Map

Full details, open top bus tour.

Just show your E-ticket, and you'll have unlimited access to all of the 3 fantastic Tootbus routes, allowing you to Hop on Hop off the famous red, white and blue open top buses for the duration of your ticket.

With 3 different routes, 34+ tour bus stops, and buses operating every 20 minutes you'll never too far away from experiencing more of our great city.

• Yellow Route -  This is the "must do" route as you'll get to see all of London's landmarks including Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Palace of Westminster, Downing Street, Big Ben, The London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Tower of London, Marble Arch, Hyde Park plus much more.
• Blue Route -  This is a carefully designed tour, showing you the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, home to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria Museum, plus the exclusive shopping district of Knightsbridge, home to Harrods department store.
• Green Tour -  This is a great tour that serves the British Museum, Russell Square hotel district, St Pancras, Euston and Kings Cross station, a "must see" for all Harry Potter fans, where you can see platform 9 ¾.

Visitor's Top Tip: If you're unsure of the best tour route, or it's your first London experience, then we highly recommend to hop on-board the main yellow route, and enjoy a full circuit, seeing all the main landmarks. Afterwards you can then use all 3 routes to Hop on Hop off at the different sights that you'd like to visit and enjoy in more detail. (One full circuit on the yellow tour takes approx. 2 hours 15 minutes)

Thames River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing, one way 35 minute Thames River Cruise from either Tower Pier or Westminster Pier, where you can re-join the bus tour.

To enjoy this fantastic upgrade, just select "Bus Tour + Thames River Cruise" when booking your tickets.

• 24hr / 48hr Ticket
• Free Thames River Cruise (when "Bus & River Cruise" ticket type selected)

Your E-ticket is valid for the selected ticket duration (24 / 48 / 72 hours) from the time you have the ticket scanned by a member of The Tootbus on-street staff, or driver.

(For example, if you board your first bus at 2.00pm with a 24 hour ticket, you can use the ticket until 2.00pm the following day)

The Thames River cruise is included when "Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour +  River Cruise" ticket type, is selected.

Children aged 0-4 years travel free of charge but will not occupy a seat. If you require a seat for an infant, please purchase a child seat for them.

Please note that these tickets are not valid on Christmas Day 25th December 2024

"Really good tour. We loved that we went past Buckingham palace and over tower bridge. Commentary was very good."

"Bello! Un buon modo per vedere la città soprattutto se è la prima volta, come ne mio caso, anche se è un po corto come orario e quindi nn sostituisce la metro. Ai bambini è piaciuto forse anche perché il tempo è stato sempre bello......con la pioggia..... chissà."

"It Was Fun Enjoyed"

"Upgraded to two day tour. Commentary on the yellow tour. very entertaining. Excellent and would recommend to friends"

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Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour in London + River Cruise

Jumping on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour in London is definitely one of the best ways to explore such a big city like London. These sightseeing bus tours are suitable for all the family, and you can just sit back and relax and let it take you to London’s most important landmarks.

One of London´s most important sightseeing bus tour is the one offered by Big Bus Tours. You can hop-on and hop-off any of their three fascinating routes, and with more than 30 stops, you won´t miss any of London´s most important must-sees.

Hop on and hop off all the times you want and wherever you want during the day and see London in one of the most effective ways, on the topless upper deck of a double decker sightseeing bus. But don’t worry if the weather isn’t great as you’ll be able to avoid the cold or rain at the front of the upper deck which is covered, just in case!

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour in London: Advantages

There are a few reasons why we recommend a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tour in London:

• Discover all of London´s must sees:  The streets, the famous squares, the monuments and the important attractions and the best thing is that you don´t have to worry about looking at a map and getting lost. Just enjoy the ride.
• You can hop on and off as many times as you want during the day on all the different routes, so you will spend less time on public transport during your trip. Let´s be honest, you get to see much more on the top deck of a bus than on the London Underground!
• The ticket includes a River Cruise on the Thames.
• The ticket also includes a free guided walking tour  in London (See more details below).
• Enjoy the live commentary or listen to the recorded commentary (multi-lingual if English is not your preferred choice!) and discover all the interesting things you didn´t know about London.
• You also get a free discount book  which includes discounts to other attractions and restaurants in London such as the Hard Rock Café.
• They have the largest fleet of open top buses in London , so they run a lot more frequently than other sightseeing tour buses.
• Sightseeing bus tour tickets are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase, so you do not have to redeem them on a particular day. This is great because you can do the tour any day that suits you.

Big Bus London Hop-on Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour Prices

There are 3 different ticket types for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing Bus Tour in London: Classic , Premium and Deluxe .

Each one of these tickets has 3 different prices: Adults, Children (5 – 15) and Family (2 adults + 2 children under 15).

These are the different tickets available and their respective prices:

Classic: 1 Day Ticket

With this ticket you will be able to hop-on and hop-off Big Bus sightseeing bus tour as many times as you like during one day. It also includes a one way Thames River Cruise ticket (London Eye – Tower of London) and the Guided Walking Tour .

Classic Ticket Prices: Adults: £35 Children (5 – 15): £26 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £106.60

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Classic Ticket

Premium: 2 Day Ticket

The Premium ticket is valid for two consecutive days . You can hop on and hop off as many times as you like on any of the big bus routes for two days. This ticket also includes a round trip ticket on a Thames River Cruise and a free Guided Walking Tour , as well as the Night Tour during the summer months.

Premium Ticket Prices: Adult ticket: £40.40 Child ticket (5 – 15): £31.40 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £124.60

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Premium Ticket

Deluxe: 3 Day Ticket

The Deluxe ticket is valid for three consecutive days . You can hop on and hop off as many times as you like on any of the bug bus routes for three days. This ticket also includes a round trip ticket on a Thames River Cruise and the free Guided Walking Tour , as well as the Night Tour during the summer months.

Deluxe Ticket Prices: Adult ticket: £44.90 Child ticket (5 – 15): £35.90 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £139.60

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Deluxe Ticket

Night Tour and Hotel Return Service

During the summer months there is also the possibility of hopping on a sightseeing bus tour to see London at night. This night tour runs until the end of September. This night tour is also included when you buy deluxe (2 day) and premium (3 day) tickets, but you can also buy tickets for the night tour only.

There are three night tours per evening that depart from the London Eye, Victoria Station and Marble Arch. The pick-up times are:

• London Eye (stop 7) at 19:30, 20:00 & 20:30
• Victoria (stop 29) at 19:45, 20:15 & 20:45
• Marble Arch (stop 4) at 20:00, 20:30 & 21:00.  From Marble Arch, which is the last stop of the tour, there is a free hotel return service that goes to Paddington, Bayswater, Notting Hill & Kensington at the end of the tour.

Night Tour only Prices: Adult ticket: £24.90 Child ticket (5 – 15): £15.00 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £64.80

Combined tickets: Big Bus Sightseeing Tour + Attraction

There is also the possibility of buying combined tickets   for Big Bus HO-HO sightseeing bus tour in London with tickets to one of London’s Top Attractions , resulting in great savings.

Once you have bought tickets, the driver or a member of staff from Big Bus Tours (at any Big Bus Tours stop) will exchange your tickets, giving you the tickets for the sightseeing bus tour as well as the tickets to your chosen attraction.

Combo tickets:  > Big Bus Tours + London Eye > Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds > Big Bus Tour + Tower of London > Big Bus Tour + St Paul’s Cathedral

Big Bus Tour + London Eye

This ticket includes a 1 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic ticket) and entry to the London Eye . This ticket also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour . Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 90 days to use your London Eye tickets.

You can buy normal entry tickets to the London Eye or fast track tickets. With fast track tickets you won’t have to queue at all.

Prices with Normal London Eye entry: Adult ticket: £64.80 Child ticket: £47.90 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £227.30

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour + London Eye Tickets

Prices with Fast Track London Eye entry: Adult ticket: £67.80 Child ticket: £58.80 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £189.00

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour + London Eye Fast-Track Tickets

Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds

This ticket includes a 1 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic ticket) and entry to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum . This ticket also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour .

You can redeem your tickets at any Big Bus Stop. Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 90 days to use your Madame Tussauds tickets.

Prices for 1 day bus tour + Madame Tussauds Adult ticket:  £65.80 Child ticket: £52.80 Family ticket: £211.40

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds Tickets

Big Bus Tour + Tower of London

You can choose a 1, 2 or 3 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic, premium or deluxe ticket) and entry to the Tower of London. These tickets also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour .

You can redeem your tickets at any Big Bus Stop. Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 3 days to use your Tower of London tickets.

Prices for 1 day bus tour (Classic ticket) + Tower of London Adult ticket: £61.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £38.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Classic + Tower of London

Prices for 2 day bus tour (Premium ticket) + Tower of London Adult ticket: £67.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £43.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Premium + Tower of London

Prices for 3 day bus tour (Deluxe ticket) + Tower of London Adult ticket: £71.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £48.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Deluxe + Tower of London

Big Bus Tour + St. Paul’s Cathedral

You can choose a 1, 2 or 3 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic, premium or deluxe ticket) and entry to St Paul’s Cathedral. These tickets also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour .

Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 90 days to use your St Paul’s Cathedral tickets.

Prices for 1 day bus tour (Classic ticket) + St Paul’s Cathedral Adult ticket: £61.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £38.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Classic + St Paul’s Cathedral

Prices for 2 day bus tour (Premium ticket) + St Paul’s Cathedral Adult ticket: £67.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £43.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Premium + St Paul’s Cathedral

Prices for 3 day bus tour (Deluxe ticket) + St Paul’s Cathedral Adult ticket: £71.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £48.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Deluxe + St Paul’s Cathedral

Routes and Timetable for London’s Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

There are 4 different routes which will take you to see London’s top landmarks. You can hop-on and hop-off of any of the routes as many times as  you like, and change routes whenever you want. This just makes sightseeing in London very easy, and it saves you having to use public transport in London to get from one place to another.

It’s also good to know that you can start your journey on the sightseeing bus tour at any bus stop, on any route, so you can start your journey at the bus stop that suits you best.

⇒ Here you will find a map with the routes and timetables: London Sightseeing Bus Tour Map .

1. Classic Red Tour

The first bus of this route departs at 8.10 am from the stop located just in front of Green Park underground station, on Piccadilly Street and there are buses approximately every 5 minutes. This route is the Classic Tour, a route that passes through 15 of the most important tourist places in London, including Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Big Ben, Covent Garden, the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral among others. The red route has a live commentary in English, and there are also recorded commentaries in several languages.

The red route takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and has several stops in common with the blue route: stops from 2 to 5, from 7 to 11 and stop 15. It also coincides with the green route at stop 9.

2. Big Blue Tour

The first bus of the blue route departs at 8.36 am from stop number 2, which is located at Hyde Park Corner, and there are buses approximately every 5 or 10 minutes. The nearest underground stop is Green Park. The blue route is a slightly longer route, and coincides in almost all the stops with the red route, but also goes round Hyde Park, passing through the South Kensington area, where the natural history museum, the science museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are located. It also goes past Harrods and towards Regent’s Park stopping at Baker Street, where the Sherlock Holmes museum and Madame Tussauds wax museum are located. The blue route has recorded commentaries.

The blue route takes almost 3 hours and coincides with the red route at stops 2 to 5, from 7 to 11 and stop 15. It also connects with the green route at stop 9 .

3. Green Link

The green link is very short and connects the famous Trafalgar Square with King’s Cross and St Pancras underground and train stations, going past the British museum. If you are going to spend a day in London and arrive at the King’s Cross – St Pancras station, we recommend that you use the tourist bus, since you can start the route here, change at Trafalgar Square to another route and see London easily before returning to King’s Cross with the green link again if you need to.

The first bus on the green route leaves from Covent Garden at 8.20 am, where it also links to the blue and red routes.

4. Night tour: Hotel Return Service 

The purple route is the hotel return service. It covers the areas from Marble Arch to Gloucester Road, so it’s ideal if your hotel is anywhere in between – such as Paddington, Bayswater, Notting Hill or Kensington. It runs up to 2 hours later than the other routes mentioned above.

Bus stops and timetables

Here you can find a list of the bus stops from the RED and BLUE routes, and the time of departure of the first bus at each one of them. After that, buses run every 5 – 10 minutes. Guide: Red Route ( RR ), Blue Route ( BR ) and Green Link ( GL ).

⇒ See Sightseeing Bus Tour Route Map Here

1. GREEN PARK ( RR ) – Green Park Underground Station, next to the Ritz Hotel 2. HYDE PARK CORNER ( RR , BR )  – Opposite Hard Rock Cafe 3. QUEEN MOTHER GATES ( RR , BR ) – Opposite Hilton Hotel 4. MARBLE ARCH ( RR , BR ) – Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park 5. MAYFAIR ( RR , BR ) – Park Lane Big Bus Stop 6. ROYAL MEWS ( RR ) – 31 Buckingham Palace Road Bus Stop 7. LONDON EYE ( RR , BR ) – Westminster Bridge Road Bus Stop 8. WATERLOO ( RR , BR ) – York Road Bus Stop 9. COVENT GARDEN ( RR , BR , RV) – Big Bus Stop at No.1 Aldwych 10. ST PAUL´S CATHEDRAL ( RR , BR ) – 26 Ludgate Hill Bus Stop 11. TOWER OF LONDON ( RR , BR ) – 362 Tower Hill Bus Stop 12. YORK ROAD ( RR )– Westminster Bridge Road Bus Stop 14. WHITEHALL ( RR ) – Big Bus Stop opposite Horse Guards 15. TRAFALGAR SQUARE   ( RR , BR ) –  Pall Mall East Bus Stop Z 16. BAKER STREET ( RR ) – Big Bus Stop at 9 Marylebone Road 17. OXFORD STREET ( BR ) – Bus Stop RF on Regent Street 18. REGENT STREET ( BR )– Bus Stop V on Regent Street 19. PICCADILLY CIRCUS ( BR )– Bus Stop G on Regent Street 20. HAYMARKET ( BR )– Big Bus Stop at No.11 Haymarket  **The blue route after stopping at stop number 20 stops at stop 15 at Trafalgar Square, where it coincides with the red route** 21. CRAIG´S COURT ( BR ) – Bus Stop at Craig’s Court and Whitehall Corner 22. WHITEHALL ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No.61 Whitehall **The blue route after stopping at stop number 22 stops at stops number 7, 8, 9, 10 and  11 coinciding with the red route** 23. WESTMINSTER PIER ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No.30-35 Victoria Embankment 24. LAMBETH PLACE ( BR ) – Lambeth Palace Road Bus Stop 25. COLLEGE GREEN ( BR ) – Abingdon Street Bus Stop 26. TOTHILL STREET ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 43-45 Tothill Street 27. BUCKINGHAM PALACE ( BR ) – Bus Stop  at No.1 Buckingham Gate 28. RUBEN´S HOTEL ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 39 Buckingham Palace Road 29. VICTORIA ( BR ) – Bus Stop opposite The Bag of Nails Pub 30. VICTORIA STATION  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 111 Buckingham Palace Road **The blue route after stopping at stop number 30 stops at stops number 3, 4 and 5 coinciding with the red route ** 31. GREEN PARK ( BR ) – Green Park Underground Station Bus Stop **The blue route after stopping at stop number 31 stops at stop number 2 coinciding with the red route** 32. HYDE PARK CORNER ( BR ) –  Bus Stop at No. 1 Knightsbridge 33. HARRODS ( BR ) – Bus Stop at Harrods, No. 87-135 Brompton Road 34. SOUTH KENSIGNTON MUSEUMS  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 6 Thurloe Place 35. GLOUCESTER ROAD  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 128 Gloucester Road 36. KENSINGTON PALACE  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 5 Kensington High Street 37. NOTTING HILL GATE  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 14 Notting Hill Gate 38. KENSINGTON GARDENS  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 150 Bayswater Road 39. THISTLE HOTEL  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 104 Bayswater Road 40. BAYSWATER ( BR ) – Bayswater Road Bus Stop 41. PADDINGTON STATION  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 25 London St 42. WOBURN ( GL ) – Bus Stop opposite Royal National Hotel 43. EUSTON STATION  ( GL ) – Bus Stop L, Upper Woburn Place 44. KING´S CROSS STATION  ( GL ) – Pancras Way Bus Stop 45. ST. PANCRAS STATION  ( GL ) – Midland Road Bus Stop 46. EUSTON ROAD ( GL ) – Bus Stop M, Upper Woburn Place 47. WOBURN (SOUTHBOUND) ( GL ) – Bus Stop J, in front of Russel Court 48. BRITISH MUSEUM (SOUTHBOUND) ( GL ) – Bus Stop X, Southampton Row 49. DUNCANNON STREET ( GL ) – Bus Stop G, Duncannon Street.

FREE River Cruise when you buy Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour tickets

A Thames River Cruise is honestly one of the best things you can  do when visiting London, this is something that I always recommend friends and family do when they come to visit us. If it’s your first time in London I can guarantee that a cruise on the Thames will leave you speechless, as you can see many famous landmarks from the river. And the best thing is: You get a free river cruise with the London hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour tickets. Boom!

The river cruise included is a one way ticket if you’re buying a one day sightseeing bus tour ticket, or a return ticket if you’re buying a 2 or 3 day bus tour ticket. The cruise runs from Westminster Pier to Tower of London. If you have a one day bus tour ticket you need to do the river cruise on that same day, but don’t worry as there is plenty of time do both, you would even have time to go on the London Eye on the same day.

Free Guided Walking Tour

You will also be able to make the most of your sightseeing bus tour tickets by joining the free walking tour that’s included in your ticket. The tour starts at the Big Bus Tours Bus Stop in Trafalgar Square at 10.20 am, and you will be able to enjoy the Changing of the Guard at 11.00 am at Buckingham Palace and learn all about St James’ Palace.

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The Original London Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

• Choice of 24 or 48-hour bus pass for tour around London.
• Travel on London's famous bright red open-topped buses.
• Free Thames river sightseeing cruise all the way to Greenwich.
• Immerse yourself with three complimentary walking tours.
• Commentary available in 11 languages.

Immerse yourself in London with the Original London bus tour

The hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour is one of London’s oldest tourist experiences, dating back to as early as the 1900s. Step aboard a vintage red bus and embark on a journey that covers all the city has to offer. The tour has provided thousands of curious visitors with the true essence of London for years. Take the original London bus tour to discover all the great sights of England’s capital.

London is the largest city in the United Kingdom and one of the most toured cities in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. One of the biggest reasons attracting such a massive number of travellers is London’s rich reserve of famous monuments and landmarks. Visit some of the world’s most popular attractions with the hop-on hop-off bus pass during your time in the city. Choose between the 24 or 48-hour pass to travel around London with ease.

Travel aboard an iconic open-topped London bus

The bright red open-topped buses offer a unique touring experience during the London bus tour. You can enjoy panoramic views without any obstruction. Simply take your seat, get comfortable and see the various attractions spread across the city. Commentary is available in eleven languages – English, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Russian, Italian, German, as well as Arabic and Mandarin. The explanations are in-depth, so you can be sure to acquire every fascinating detail about each attraction you pass.

Tour 80 locations around the city

Yes, it’s true! With over eighty stops located throughout the capital, the tour is vast! Some of the sites include the Tower of London , Kew Gardens , Westminster Abbey , the Palace of Westminster , St Paul’s Cathedral , Buckingham Palace , the London Eye , Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge , Trafalgar Square and The Shard . By using the hop-on hop-off facility, you can stop at any of these landmarks and explore them at your own pace.

Your pass also includes something special; access to the River Thames sightseeing cruise, providing a rare view of central London from the water. If you opt for the 48-hour pass, it will take you up to the historic Greenwich. The best part about cruising through River Thames is the get-away from the typical touring routes.

Hold on, there’s more! Your pass also includes three popular walking tour experiences – the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour, the Rock n Roll London Tour, and the Changing of the Guard Walking Tour. The tours are set at different times of the day, allowing you to complete all of them in 24 hours.

The hop-on hop-off London bus tour is an entertaining and educational experience for all age groups. You can see a wide range of contemporary and historical monuments and enjoy the ride at the same time. So, grab your bus tour passes and head out with your friends and family to explore London today.

• Three Complimentary Walking Tours.
• Pass for Thames River Cruise.
• Exclusive Kids' Club with children's commentary.
• Admission to attractions or museums

Blue Line – Every 15 to 30 minutes from 8:15 AM (Nov – March) and every 15 to 20 minutes from 8:15 AM (April – Oct)

Yellow Line – Every 15 to 30 minutes from 8:30 AM (Nov – March) and every 15 to 20 minutes from 8:30 AM (April – Oct)

Boarding the Tour

You may board the bus at any stop within all routes. Present a printout of your ticket voucher to the driver to redeem your bus pass.

Getting your tickets

You will receive an e-voucher via email upon booking. Bring a printout of your voucher and present it to the driver on the bus.

Your e-voucher is valid for one year from the date of purchase. The day on which you exchange your voucher counts as the first day of your pass. Please note: A 1-day pass does not mean 24-hours. For example, if you redeem your voucher at noon, your service will end at the end of that day’s service, not at noon the next day.

Cancellation Policy

These tickets cannot be cancelled, amended or refunded.

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The Original Tour is now Tootbus London

Ratp dev sightseeing activities will resume operation in london under a new brand: tootbus (the original open tour bus)..

This announcement follows the unveiling of Tootbus Bath and Tootbus Bristol, which were launched earlier in May.

… for a new City experience:   “ Let the city take you by surprise” 

Tootbus offers tourists the chance to experience the vibrant cultural life and rich historical legacy of London by taking in its most beautiful treasures. Visitors need merely step on board a Tootbus and let the city surprise them.

The Tootbus experience has been designed to offer tourists a convenient, entertaining, open-air way to discover or rediscover the city. Whether the passenger is a local or someone visiting for the first time, Tootbus London guarantees an exciting journey full of surprises, from historical landmarks to hidden gems.

After a year-long pause due to COVID-19, our teams are committed to once again providing our passengers with a safe and memorable tour of the city. Tootbus London is re-opening with some changes:

• a more digitalised service to simplify and enhance the experience for our customers: with our new website ( www.tootbus.com ), buying a sightseeing ticket has never been so easy and convenient
• a restructured offer to better match consumer demand among a more locally-based and family-oriented clientele 

On board Tootbus London open-top buses, the open-air experience is fully compliant with the public health measures and recommendations currently in effect . Tootbus London is proud to have received Visit Britain’s “We are Good to Go” accreditation.

A whole new audio-guide experience  

With this new identity comes the promise of a fun experience for international tourists and locals alike. The commentaries in the Tootbus audio guide have been wholly revised to help visitors form lasting memories and emotional bonds with the city as they travel to their next sightseeing stop, restaurant, or attraction.

Forging a closer connection with Londoners is a crucial aspect of the experience for visitors to the city. On Tootbus, that aspect is assured by our local guides; engaging characters who relish the chance to give passengers an authentic taste of their beloved city.  

For the convenience of our passengers, the exclusive Tootbus audio guide commentaries will be available in the Tootbus mobile app, so they can enjoy the experience wherever and whenever they want to.

Another new feature of Tootbus London is the audio guide specially created for children. Narrated by a local child exploring the city with his foreign friend, in a way that is fun and engaging, the kid’s audio guide is nonetheless informative and packed with history.

A singular identity for a deep-rooted company 

The Original Open Tour has been a part of London’s cityscape since 1951. It was the world’s first Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing company and has received multiple awards over the years. Now part of RATP Dev, our company continues to innovate and uphold our commitment to giving visitors an excellent service and an authentic experience of the city.

We have wholly revised our service to line up with consumer demand in today’s market: in addition to Hop-On Hop-Off tours, Tootbus offers unique experiences such as the Night Tour, the Kids’ Tour, and more recently the London Bar Bus, with live music on board.

We have long been a part of London. Over the decades, we have hosted countless tourists from all corners of the globe. Over the decades, we have worked hand in hand with our fellow Londoners and the local authorities. After the unprecedented times we have faced, we are even more committed to giving visitors a chance to marvel at the wonders of this extraordinary city. A city tour that is comfortable, convenient, memorable, responsible, and dotted with little-known gems of culture and history.

Catherine Booth, Managing Director of Tootbus London: “Over the last several months, we have been hard at work crafting novel and unique experiences for visitors to London. Today, we are delighted to be back up and running in the city under this new brand. We are proud to share our vision of getting London’s tourism and entertainment sector back on its feet. Our whole team is eager to welcome visitors on board the Tootbus experience and our new digital platform makes it easier for our customers and partners to book and buy tickets.”

About the company

We're not called The Original Tour for no reason. The Original Tour really was the original sightseeing bus tour in London. Since 1951, we have been providing sightseeing bus tours around the city. Our tour was first introduced by London Transport as Service J for the Festival of Britain, where we invited tourists to hop on board to tour ‘around the town for half a crown’.

In the early days, we operated a non-stop circular tour of London and tickets cost just 50p for adults and 30p for children. We were the first to introduce the, now popular, open-top bus tours and in 1970, we extended our service to include coach tours in the City, Windsor and Hampton Court.Showing no signs of putting the brakes on, we lead the way once again and introduced live guides on our tours in 1984. When the 90s arrived we launched audio commentary in 8 languages, our popular hop-on hop-off service and, after several name changes, we became The Original Tour in 1992.Now, over 65 years later, we are part of the RATP Group, the world’s 5th largest public transport provider. We are immensely proud of the innovative sightseeing bus services we have introduced over the years which are now common in cities all over the world. With multiple awards and a dedication to excellent service, enjoy the original way to see London with The Original Tour . 

About RATP Dev

Founded in 2002, RATP Dev operates and maintains urban public transport networks in 13 countries on four continents (Egypt, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Switzerland, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Hong Kong – S.A.R. China, the Philippines, and the United States of America). With more than 1.5 billion passengers travelling on its networks every year, RATP Dev demonstrates its extensive and renowned expertise every day through a wide range of mobility services:   rail transport, regional express rail, tramways, buses, cable cars, and sightseeing tours. The RATP Group has long operated the Paris public transport network, one of the largest such networks in the world. But beyond Paris, in France and around the world, RATP Dev brings to bear the technical expertise and experience of the RATP Group to lead the way in driverless and   tramway operations.   For more information, go to: www.ratpdev.com

How to Get Around London: A Guide to the London Public Transport System

T his comprehensive guide to getting around london will help you understand and navigate the london public transport system so that you can spend more time enjoying the city instead of deciphering underground maps.

First of all, if you’ve decided on visiting London, let me congratulate you on your excellent taste. It’s my favorite major city in the world and one of my all-time favorite destinations. While there are a million things to do in this amazing city, I want to be sure you know how to get around London before you go.

Our family spent several months living in London without a car and also several months living outside the city, and we have also been back to visit several times. Using London public transport is one of our favorite things to do in London and I think it’s actually part of the fun of this city and what makes it so special. While the London transport system is as extensive as the human nervous system, it can also be simplified and easy to use.

Since it’s such a huge city, getting around London can consume a good portion of your trip, but I’m going to share some tips that will help you to understand your options and make the most of your time. Sometimes transportation in big cities can be kind of a drag, but in this city, it’s all so iconic, clean and easy that it makes getting around London part of your true experience. Here are some tips to help make getting around London life go smoothly.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting London:

Wanderlust london guide.

If you’re traveling to London, you’ll want to have a solid itinerary that will help you organize your time in the best way possible and maximize your time and money. I’ve created this 5-day London itinerary that will help you see the best sites in London along with some hidden gems. It contains open-and-go day-by-day schedules and expert advice from me!

Our favorite Hotels in London

• Marriott County Hall
• Georgian House Hotel (Harry Potter Chambers)
• The Mad Hatter Hotel
• H10 Waterloo

Must Have: London Pass

Our Favorite London Activities

• Hop On Hop Off Bus
• Tower of London
• Harry Potter Studio Tour

How to Get Around London: The London Public Transport Zones

London is conveniently…or maybe just confusingly…divided into 9 different zones that determine your fare on most public transport. The zones are circular with 1 in the center and 9 being the outer circle. Zones 1 and 2 are contained in central London. In the London transportation system, the fare generally gets more expensive the more zones you cross.

How Much Does it Cost to Use London Public Transport?

Getting around London is fairly affordable, especially if you’re traveling with kids , since ages 10 and under ride anything that uses an Oyster Card for free, including the Underground and the Bus. Fares for riding each mode of transportation differ. The London buses cost around £1.5 per ride. A single tube fixed price is £2.40 with an Oyster card, but the card has a daily cap and even weekly cap which you can see in the chart below, which means that if you’re riding London public transport all day long you are saving a ton of money.

Different Types of London Public Transport

• Underground
• National Rail
• Heathrow Express

I know that list seems long and scary, but don’t be worried, it’s great to have options and you don’t need to use all of these! I’m going to break down each option so you’ll know the ones that will work best for you.

1. The London Underground

The most well known, and most used London public transport is the London Underground, also known as “the Tube.” It is the oldest underground transportation network in the world, first opening in 1863, and carries over one billion passengers a year. The system is vast, with over 250 miles of track and over 200 stations.

The London Underground is the best way to get around London if you want to move quickly across a large area. And thanks to its efficiency, trains are usually on time.  You can easily find “Tube Stations” all around the city that will allow easy access to its 11 different colored lines. The stations are easily recognizable with the big red circle with “UNDERGROUND” written across it.

Trains generally run at least every 10 minutes between 5 am and midnight, some lines offering 24-hour lines. You can plan your journey on the London Underground here or you can use Google Maps on your phone. To ride the London Underground, you’ll need a ticket or an Oyster Card. Oyster cards are plastic credit card like passes that you can “top up” (add money to) at any time. 

They work on the underground, bus systems, and some National Rail.  Children 10 and under ride the bus and tube for FREE ! To buy your Oyster card, find a machine in any Tube station or ask an attendant. To ride the Tube, hold your Oyster Card over the indicated area on the barriers on your way in and out. The barriers will automatically deduct your fare from your card.

2. Black Cabs

Of course, you can’t leave London without getting a ride from a London Cabby. The cabbies are required to take a difficult test to get this job. It can take years to study and pass the test and they must know the streets of London like the back of their hand! If you want to know about something you pass, ask the cabby, he most likely knows a bit about everything! London cabs seat 5 in the back.

They can get quite expensive so we try to save them for a rainy day (literally). Some cabs take credit cards, but about 80% of the ones we took were cash only. Fares are metered and paid upon completion of the journey. As a common courtesy, it’s always a good idea to go to the passenger window of the cab before getting in and telling them where you’re going to be sure they are willing to go there, especially if it’s far.

When the Taxi sign is lit, the cab is empty. To hail a cab, stand on the curb and hold your hand up. Also, look for designated Taxi pick up spots and be sure not to stand on a “zebra crossing” because they are not allowed to stop there.

My personal favorite way of getting around London is in the iconic red double-decker buses. With over 2 billion journeys a year taken by bus in London, this is the most popular mode of transportation in the city, and for good reason. Here are a few reasons why I think the bus is the best way to get around London:

• Cheap: There is a set fare per journey, so even if you’re going from one end of the city to the other, your fare is still only 1.50 pounds! Also, kids 10 and under ride free!
• Convenient: There are literally bus stops on almost every corner of London and the buses run continuously throughout the day and night, even stopping where there may not be an Underground station.
• Accessibility: If you’re getting around London in a wheelchair or with kids in strollers, the bus is the most easily accessible mode of transportation, lacking the necessity of stairs. If you have a stroller you can just wheel it right on to the bus.
• Oyster Card: You can pay for the bus using your Oyster Card by simply touching it to the yellow reader. You only need to use it at the beginning of your journey.
• The View: Riding the bus in London provides you with incredible views of the city and allows you to see more of London while in transit than you otherwise would by being underground on the Tube. Yes, it’s slower than the Underground due to being restricted by traffic, but I think the trade-off is worth it.

4. River Bus

Guess what else you can use your Oyster Card on? That’s right, you guessed it: the riverboats of London known as the Thames Clippers River Bus. I feel like this is one of the most underutilized modes of transportation in London. Maybe because it’s a little pricer or because the boats don’t run as frequently as the buses or the Tube, but the riverboats can be a convenient way to get across the city while seeing it from a truly unique perspective.

5. Overground

The London Overground is pretty much the Underground, but, you guessed it, above ground (even though much of the Underground is also above ground). The overground is fairly new and basically covers areas that the Underground does not. You can use your Oyster Card on the Overground and the fare system with zones is the same as the Underground.

6. DLR (Docklands Light Rail)

This fully automated rail system (without any drivers) services mostly the East and South of Central London near the docklands area of London. It works just like the Underground and Overground and you can use your Oyster Card.

7. National Rail

What?! More trains? Yes! Most national rail services consist of several different lines that connect London to the rest of the country. Many commuters use these rail lines to commute from the suburbs surrounding London. Your Oyster Card will not work on National Rail lines and children 10 and under are not free, but usually ride at a discounted rate. There will be machines at the station where you can purchase rail tickets and usually a ticket office where you can talk to a human.

8. TramLink

This small tram system services South London, so if you’re staying there you’ll need to know about this one. The TramLink has a fixed fare and works like the bus so you only need your Oyster Card on the way in, not the way out.

9. Heathrow Express

If you’re coming to London you’re most likely flying into Heathrow Airport, London’s largest international airport. If so, taking the Heathrow Express is the fastest way to get into the city center. Don’t make the newbie mistake of taking a cab all the way into London! Book your tickets ahead of time online here to get the best deal. Fares range from £5-£32 depending on when you book.

10. Ride Share

• UBER : UBER is regularly used and accepted in London. It’s an easy way to book and pay for transportation and you can now split fares with your travel buddies. It’s not quite the same experience as riding in a Black Cab in my opinion, but just as efficient. When we were there we found the price to be about the same, but you don’t have to worry about having cash on you for UBER at least. If you’ve never used UBER, don’t worry it’s fun, safe, and easy. Here’s a coupon for $5 off your first ride. 
• Free Now : Despite its name, Free Now is not free, but it will save you a few pence! What I like about Free Now is that you can call a regular car or a black cab, which is much easier than trying to hail one down on the street! I’ve also found it to be a bit cheaper than UBER. Download Free Now for Apple . Download Free Now for Google .

Biking around London can be a really fun and inexpensive way to see the city and get you from place to place on a nice day. The bikes with “Santander” written on them are affectionately known as “Boris Bikes” after Boris Johnson who was the Mayor of London when the bike program launched.

The bikes only cost £2 to access the bikes and the first 30 minutes are free. You could technically bike somewhere for 30 minutes, check in your bike, then check out a new bike and ride it for 30 minutes and so on, potentially paying only £2/day for your bike. There are  750 docking stations and 11,500 bikes to rent around London. You can use a credit card or the app to pay for your bike. 

London has also recently put in millions of pounds to creating more bike lanes around the city to help the environment and the flow of traffic. They’ve done a nice job and you’ll see dedicated lanes for bikes all around the city, and especially in the most congested areas.

If you want to know how to get around London on a bike, you can learn more about the London Bike Scheme here .

12. Walking

Walking is a great way to see a lot of London. Most things in central London can be seen by walking and it’s a great way to make more room for all those delicious foods you’ll be eating! Plus, if you’re on a budget it’s the best way to get around London. Be sure to check the distance between you and your destination on Google Maps. You’ll be able to see a different view of London by walking the city. London is full of beautiful parks and they can make great short-cuts and lovely walks.

What is the Best Way to Get Around London?

While there’s no right or wrong answer to this questions, I definitely have my favorite ways of getting around London. As I’ve stated above, the bus is my personal favorite way to travel in London, but the Underground may be the fastest. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to use every mode of transportation during your time there.

Do You Need an Oyster Card to Travel in London?

Having an Oyster Card in London is not strictly required, but I would highly recommend getting one. A London Oyster Card is the cheapest way to get around London, it covers journeys across London’s public transport networks including the Tube lines, buses, overground train station, and DLR, and can be used any time of the day throughout the week.

It makes life easier and will be more affordable. There is actually a price cap currently of £9.80 for zones 1-4. So you know that you won’t be paying more than that each day you are in London, regardless of how many times you ride.   This article from London Toolkit about the London Public Transport fares was really helpful.

Go Contactless

Use your contactless card, phone, or watch to pay for the tube map. Now riding the tube and bus is even easier with contactless payment. Just use your card, phone, or watch as you would when making a purchase. Be sure to “swipe” in and out using the same contactless card so you’ll be charged the correct fare.

Tips for Getting Around London

• Buy an Oyster Card or Prepare Contactless Payment in Advance:  Having an Oyster Card is a great option as it will allow you to ride multiple forms of transportation around London without having to purchase single-ride tickets.
• Download Google Maps App  and use it! Even if you have to look up directions before you leave wifi. I recommend using google maps public transit directions. These have almost never failed me! The app gives you train or bus times and even track numbers, alternate train times, bus stop letters, and exit names. Google Maps will also provide you with several options for public transportation around London. You can see below that to get from the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey using public transportation you have the option to take the Underground or the River Boat.Along with detailed public transport maps and directions, Google Maps will also provide detailed walking directions from the transit stop to the destination.
• Mind the Gap: Those signs everywhere that say “Mind the Gap”…they’re no joke! During my last trip to London, my nephew got stuck in the gap. It was pretty scary, so just be careful.
• Stand on the Right: When riding on the escalators, stand on the right or walk on the left.
• Travel During Off Peak : Try to avoid using public transportation between 7-9 am and 5-7 pm when trains and buses are crowded.
• Try New Things: Don’t be afraid to try different types of transportation like riverboats.

More London Resources

If you need more help planning your trip to London, check out these great resources!

7 Day London Itinerary

London With Kids

Paddington’s Guide to London

Christmas in London

FAQ on How to Get Around London

There are several ways to get around London on a budget. The best way to save money is by taking public transportation such as the Tube, buses and overground trains. You can also rent a bike or walking is always free. Getting an Oyster card and using contactless payment are great ways to pay for your journeys. Additionally, look out for special offers and discounts when travelling.

The current price is £7 and £9.80 for zones 1-4. You can always top up your Oyster card with cash whenever you need.

It costs £20 for the Visitor Oyster card. This allows you to save £1.75 for a single journey with £5.25 as a daily cap. That’s why many tourists and even locals opt for the Visitor Oyster card when travelling around London.

Yes, as the underground stop is usually within walking distance from most places, it makes traveling around London easy. Trains always arrive in 10 minutes and the system is well connected. Additionally, there are Uber rides that are perfect for sharing in groups and other taxi services.

I hope this guide to getting around London has been helpful. You are going to love this city, and now that you know how to navigate it you’ll feel more comfortable and be able to enjoy seeing the sites without stressing about how to get between them. If you have any questions about how to get around London, please ask! You can message me on Facebook or Instagram . -Vanessa

The post How to Get Around London: A Guide to the London Public Transport System appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .