london bus tour price comparison

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Comparing London's hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses

Tootbus compared with big bus + golden tours with previously asked questions.

Tootbus has routes to major sights and free cruises

London's hop-on sightseeing bus tour providers

Nowadays sightseeing tours of London are dominated by London's three hop-on, hop-off open top sightseeing operators:

1. Tootbus (formerly The Original Tour) 2. Big Bus 3. Golden Tours

If you see anybody else offering a hop-on, hop-off tour for London they are acting as an agent for one of the above.

At first inspection all three London sightseeing operators offer a very similar product. But spend an hour or so studying each service and you begin to identify the differences.

This page aims to save you that time and present the differences as concisely as possible.

The traditional guided coach tour of London is still available, but in terms of market share this is tiny compared with London's popular hop-on, hop off sightseeing buses.

Premium Tours also run a small fleet of open top vintage red London buses. These fall somewhere between the guided coach tour and the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses. The London red vintage bus tour has no hop-on, hop-off facility and is basically a guided orientation tour of London's main sights with a few photo stops and a river cruise.

Comparison table of London's hop-on bus prices 2024

BOOK HOP-ON BUS TICKETS   Compare 3 hop-on bus companies   Ticket differences   London Pass - Big Bus or Golden Tours   River Cruise   Money saving - Hop-on bus plus attraction   Hop-on bus price comparison table   Previously asked questions about hop-on buses  

TOOTBUS HOP-ON BUS & GUIDED WALKING TOURS

Tootbus London Discovery tickets + Vox City guided walking tours

• Choose from 24, 48 or 72-hr tickets • Audio guide in 5 languages • 2 professionally guided walking tours: The Wizard Walk - Harry Potter Walking Guided Tour & The Royals and Landmarks - Walking Guided Tour 

DISCOUNTED BIG BUS LONDON TICKETS

DISCOUNTED TICKETS COMPARED WITH BOOKING DIRECT

Choice of tickets • FREE River cruises on all tickets • 3 FREE guided walking tours on Essential & Explore tickets • Evening tours included on Explore ticket • Free Wi-Fi on board • Audio in 5 languages • London in your Pocket app access

GOLDEN TOURS HOP-ON BUS LONDON TICKETS

Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus London

Choice of 1-day, 24, 48 or 72-hr tickets • Free one-way Thames river cruise (if selected) • Two walking tours • Free Wi-Fi on board • Audio in 11 languages • London in your Pocket app access

Tootbus (The Original Tour) v Big Bus v Golden Tours comparison

All 3 London sightseeing tour operators are established operators in the London market. Big Bus and Tootbus (formerly The Original Tour) are owned by large corporates and Golden Tours, the relative newcomer entered the market several years ago after a long history of offering the traditional guided coach tours, which they still do.

All 3 operators offer similar packages, but more differences have opened up in recent years, see below for more details.

Walking Tours

Both Golden Tours and Big Bus offer highly regarded professionally guided walking tours included with your ticket (selected tickets only).

With Golden Tours you can choose from a Jack The Ripper Walking Tour or Coronation Walking Tour.

Big Bus offer THREE FREE TOURS with their Essential and Explore tickets: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, City of London Walking Tour and a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour. Each tour is 1.5 hours long.

Tootbus do not offer guided walking tours but instead give you the chance to download "Tootwalk" to your phone: a choice of three self-guided walks.

River cruises

River cruises are available with all three tour companies, but not all tours automatically include them; the cheaper (both 24-hr and calendar day) tours do not. If this is important to you, do check carefully before booking.

Routes and vehicles

All operators offer an open top bus experience with routes that all cover the major sights in central London.

Although they each have a different number of routes, where they visit is almost identical, with all three sightseeing tour operators almost duplicating each others routes in the very heart of London.

You can click through on the links below to study each operators route map in detail.

Tootbus are the only operator to offer the unique Kids Tour which is a non-stop tour (not hop-on, hop off) but which is cheaper and offers a commentary that is very family friendly. In addition they are also the only company to offer a 1.5-hr Bar Bus tour , again, not hop-on hop off but a memorable experience with bar on board.

Vehicles used are almost identical, all offer free Wi-Fi and audio guides providing commentary in English and at least one other language.

Tootbus route map London 2024

Big Bus Tour map London 2024

Golden Tours route map London 2024

Live guides vs audio guides

This is one area that has also changed in recent years. Traditionally all three companies offered live guides on at least one of their hop-on tours.

Today you will find this is no longer the case. If having a live guide is important to you there are a couple of options, but none of them are hop-on, hop-off but rather 60 or 90-minute continuous sightseeing tours.

Golden Tours have a live guide on their 90 min non-stop tour.

Tootbus have a live guide on their London Kids Tour and London Christmas Tour.

Big Bus no longer offer a live guide service on any of their tours.

Prices are similar to the 1-day tour but many people really value having a live guide if English is a language they speak fluently.

Tootbus no longer offer the range of languages it once used to; now audio is either in English or French. Big Bus have an audio guide with 5 languages. Golden Tours have the most with 11 languages.

Times and frequencies of buses

All operators start up around 8.30am and start running down the service around 5pm. Evening services are also additionally available as a separate tour with all three operators.

All three operators, even in the winter months operate frequent bus services, however of the three operators perhaps Golden Tours is slightly less frequent. You shouldn't generally have to wait more than twenty minutes however.

London's hop-on buses - differences between tickets for all 3 operators

Standard tour ticket durations

24, 48 or 72-hr durations.

All operators offer tickets with 24 and 48-hr validity periods; Tootbus and Golden Tours also offer 72-hr tickets.

In addition Tootbus offer a 60-min Bar Bus ticket, while Golden Tours offer a fully guided 1.5-hr Express ticket (see above).

Tootbus call their tickets, '1-day' and '2-day' but the actual validity is 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Golden Tours offer cheaper calendar tours (which run from when you buy them to the end of the day) in addition to 24/48/72-hr tickets. The calendar day tickets do not include the river cruise.

Shorter tours/express tours (not hop on, hop off)

Both Tootbus and Golden Tours offer shorter tours, of 1.5 hrs which are different to the traditional hop on, hop off buses in that you stay on them for the duration of the tour. Tootbus call theirs as 'Bar Bus' as drinks are available on board (over 18s only). River cruises are not included with these tours.

For Golden Tours this is their only product featuring a live guide. Although much shorter therefore, the price is nearly as much as a 24-hr hop on bus tour.

Tootbus' similar offering is in the same price band but does not feature the live guide. Many people really appreciate the difference between having a live guide and an audio guide.

Evening tours (not hop on, hop off)

All three companies offer evening tours which are non-stop for around 1.5 hours. Again, Golden Tours is the only operator offering the live guide on this experience, though Tootbus have a live guide on their Kids Tour and Christmas Lights tour.

Big Bus also include a separate evening tour with their Explore ticket.

Discounted - cheapest tickets

Hop-on, hop off sightseeing tickets are freely available in London from hotels, tourist centres and on the day from the representatives of the tour companies you find around the bus stops.

Do not expect to find discount vouchers or codes, if you do find one it's the exception rather than the rule.

However, cheaper tickets can be found using our banners on this page. By booking online ahead of our hop-on, hop-off bus tour you will always save money.

Our partners Travel Compendium bring you exclusive discounts on hop on bus tours in London with Golden Tours and Big Bus.

Pre-booking tickets - flexibility and ease/cost of obtaining tickets

All three operators now require you to select your date of tour at purchase. However all 3 tours companies offer a 'flexible booking guarantee' should you need to amend your tour date at any time (Tootbus allow this up 12 months from date of purchase, Golden Tours allow a cancellation for full refund up to 24 hours before boarding, Big Bus require 72 hours to amend your booking.)

For Big Bus and Golden Tours tickets are e-tickets and are shown to the driver at your first bus stop. Here they give you a receipt which you keep for the validity of your hop-on bus tour.

Tootbus accept mobile tickets but encourage you to download your tickets on to their app, for ease of use.

Both Big Bus and Tootbus offer an app offering similar features such as:

Maps, route planning, real time bus tracking, walking directions to nearest bus stops, nearby eateries and attractions and even the secrets of must-see landmarks with audio commentaries.

With Tootbus you can also import your pass (tickets) ready to scan directly on the bus.

London Pass - choice of 2 hop on bus companies: Big Bus or Golden Tours

The London Pass is a flat rate sightseeing pass to many (but not all) of London's main sightseeing attractions. You can buy a London Pass for 1, 2, 3, 6 or 10 day durations

The London Pass gives you entry into more than 60 London tourist attractions and a river cruise on the River Thames.

The London Pass also now includes use of either Golden Tours or Big Bus hop-on hop-off bus for one calendar day, whatever the duration of the London Pass.

Tootbus are not part of the London Pass scheme.

Key points of the London Pass Ho Ho bus offer

You can choose to ride on the Golden Tours  or  Big Bus hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Tootbus (Original Tour) is not covered.

The Ho Ho bus offer is for one calendar day  not  for 24 hours.

Most people use the Ho Ho facility on the first day of their London Pass, but there is nothing stopping using it on another day when the London Pass is valid.

The Ho Ho bus offer with London Pass doesn't include the walking tours and river cruises included in the standard tickets issued by the Ho Ho companies concerned, only the bus tour (but you do get a river cruise included in the London Pass separately anyway)

You show your London Pass to the driver or tour guide of the first bus you board. They will scan your London Pass and issue you with a separate ticket for the bus company concerned valid for the rest of the day. You cannot switch to the other bus company once you have made your first journey.

London Pass more details

Free river cruises

While all three tour companies have a river cruise option, not every tour comes with a river cruise automatically. The cheaper tours for example, do not feature a river cruise.

Both Big Bus and Tootbus use the same river cruise company, City Cruises , while Golden Tours use Thames River Sightseeing.

Golden Tours/Thames River Sightseeing operate a cruise between Westminster Pier and Greenwich Pier.

Tootbus and Big Bus cruises run between Westminster and Tower Pier (or Greenwich Pier for Big Bus Premium or Deluxe ticket holders).

All operators run river services approximately every 40 minutes and later services are usually available until around 6pm in the summer season from April.

The Thames Cruise should be a highlight of your day and we recommend you take advantage of the facility.

Thames river cruise ticket options by company

A complimentary one-way river cruise offered by  City Cruises  (lasting around thirty minutes) is included in your Big Bus London ticket.

Tootbus' cheaper ticket doesn't come with the river cruise included - look for it on the 'Must See London' ticket. Your one-way river cruise starts at either Westminster pier or Tower of London pier.

Golden Tours

Golden Tours' river cruise is only available on the 24-hr ticket, not the calendar day ticket. There is also another ticket option to choose 24-hrs without cruise. Cruises are also one-way.

Hop-on buses in London plus attractions - money saving

Save money buying attraction tickets & bus tour in one package

Many people opt to combine their hop-on bus tour with one or more top attractions in London, in order to save even more on entrance tickets.

Golden Tours hop-on buses plus top London attraction

At the moment Golden Tours probably offer the best range of hop-on bus tours combined with attractions.

Please see our full listing of your choices of Golden Tours hop-on bus plus top London attraction

Big Bus + top London attractions tickets - save up to 28%

Big bus + attraction through discount london.

Discount London are offering a great deal: buy your Big Bus tickets in combination with your choice of top London attraction and save up to 28% on the cost of buying tickets separately.

Attractions included are: London Eye , SEA LIFE , St Paul's Cathedral , London Dungeon , Madame Tussauds , Tower of London and London Zoo .

Please see our full listing of your choices of Big Bus plus top London attraction

Big Bus + attraction through Big Bus website

In addition, through the Big Bus official website you can also add on tickets to: Madame Tussauds , Tower of London and London Eye Fast Track .

Tootbus and add-on attraction in London

Tootbus don't currently offer any add-on attractions but they do offer alternative tours such as an Evening Tour , Bar Bus and a very popular Kids tour .

LONDON'S OPEN TOP HOP-ON, HOP-OFF SIGHTSEEING TOUR PRICING 2024

All the hop-on bus companies have permanently discounted online prices, (compared with walk-up prices) which are between 10 - 15% off.

Prices are seasonal and variable and prices above are based on low season prices. During school holidays prices are typically higher.

To be sure you are getting the best possible price it is advisable to check our prices above against the hop-on bus companies' websites as they occasionally run sales throughout the year:

Tootbus official website

Big Bus official website

Golden Tours official website

Tootbus offer cheaper tickets, which are bus only, no river cruise. Tootbus offer this for a 24, 48 or 72-hr period and call this ticket 'London Discovery'.

Top of the page

London's hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses - previous questions answered by Bob

At present we are unable to maintain the discuss service but you can contact us using the Contact Us link at the bottom of each page. We have decided to leave the answers here as they are useful for many of the questions we receive. If you cannot find an answer to your question, we'll be happy to hear from you.

POPULAR LONDON ATTRACTIONS - ADVANCE PURCHASE AND/OR FAST TRACK TICKETS

The 5 Best London Bus Tours – [2024 Reviews]

For a convenient way to see the most of london's sites take one of these top bus tours.

London is certainly a city with a lot to take in. A London bus tour allows you to get from site to site, museum to museum, and even from one tour to another. With someone else doing the driving, feel free to watch this beautiful city pass by and snap the perfect photos.

You may even be able to rid in a vintage London double-decker bus. Here are the best London bus tours available for your next vacation.

Best Bus Tours of London

Quick answer: the 5 best bus tours of london.

• Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London
• Vintage London Bus Tour Including Thames River Cruise w/ Optional London Eye
• London Pass including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Entry to Over 80 Attractions
• London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Tower of London Ticket
• Tootbus Must See Windsor: Hop-on Hop-off Tour & Cruise

Bus Tours of London Reviews

#1 buckingham palace and vintage bus tour of london.

• Departure Point : Victoria Coach Station
• Departure Time : 8:15 AM
• Duration : 5 hours 30 minutes
• Includes : bus tour with guide, Thames river cruise, tour of Buckingham Palace, free snacks

The red London double-decker buses are as unique to the city of London as Buckingham Palace itself. This sightseeing London bus will take you by many of the city’s attractions so you can pack as much as possible into just over 5 hours.

See the infamous Tower of London, the year-round residence of the Queen, the Houses of Parliament and even Big Ben among others. That is only the beginning of the excitement this tour of London has to offer.

You’ll then see the city from the perspective of a cruise boat as you travel the Thames. Plus, you will be able to tour Buckingham Palace to experience the royal residence up close and personal.

2019 marks 200 years since Queen Victoria was born and there is a special exhibit at the Palace to commemorate Her Highness.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, #2  vintage london bus tour including thames river cruise w/ optional london eye.

• Departure Time : 7:45 AM
• Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes
• Includes : experienced local guide, London sightseeing bus tour, Thames river cruise, priority access to the London Eye or Tower of London with purchased admission to those attractions

This is one of the best London bus tours if you are looking to enjoy the city from one of their popular, vintage red buses. In addition to Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, you’d also ride past Shakespeare’s famous theatre, The Globe.

That’s only the start of the attractions you can see and experience on this London double-decker bus tour. You’ll ride over the London Bridge, made famous by song and rhyme, and pass by Westminster Abbey.

If you decide to add a ride on the London Eye to your big, red bus London tour, you’ll have priority access to the attraction. The same for visiting the Tower of London. If you purchase tickets in advance, you will have priority access.

Enjoy the Changing of the Guard, lots of photo ops, and even a Thames river cruise. You’ll be brought back to the Victoria Coach Station where you can easily board another tour to Stonehenge taking place in the afternoon.

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

#3 london pass including hop-on hop-off bus tour and entry to over 80 attractions.

• Departure Point : Multiple Hop-On Hop-Off Points
• Departure Time : Immediately After Purchase
• Duration : Various Options
• Includes : Access to 80+ attractions, Skip-the-Line access at several attractions, hop-on hop-off access to the London red bus

When it comes to a hop-on hop-off London bus, this “all-inclusive” option is one of the best London bus tour deals available. What is a hop-on hop-off London bus tour? You can literally hop on the bus and hop off at many places around the city. This makes it a great mode of transportation while sightseeing.

With this hop-on hop-off tour, London is at your fingertips. You will enjoy discounts at many shopping venues and restaurants you can access with this bus tour.

While the full list of stops and included attraction tickets are listed in the free London travel guidebook you receive with the confirmation of your booking, there are more than 80 and way too many to list here. However, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Zoo even have skip-the-line access.

With this hop-on hop-off bus, London is yours for the taking. You can take advantage of the best London bus tours with many different lengths of use. For example, you can purchase credits for everything from 1 day to 10 depending on the length of your stay.

#4 London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Tower of London Ticket

• Departure Point : Any of the 80+ stops
• Departure Time : Any
• Duration : 24 hours or 48 hours
• Includes : guided hop-on hop-off access to a London city tour bus, access to 3 walking tours in the city, ticketed access to the Tower of London

If you won’t be in London long enough to enjoy all 80+ attractions included in the above hop-on hop-off big bus tour, London can still be yours with this one. Bring your confirmation to any of the stops and they will exchange it for your 24-hour pass or offer a 48-hour pass as an upgrade.

There are more than 80 different stops where you can literally hop on and hop off where and when you’d like. This can be one of the best London tours available while you also enjoy a Thames river cruise and access to the Tower of London.

The hop-on hop-off London bus tour will stop at each of the 80+ predesignated stops approximately every 15 minutes. This allows you to stop at those you want to and hop right back on after your visit at the attraction or museum.

Your confirmation of this London city bus tour also entitles you to three different walking tours of the city, which the bus also stops at. For convenience, all inclusions can be used on different days.

#5 Tootbus Must See Windsor: Hop-on Hop-off Tour & Cruise

• Duration : 24 hours from the time of first use
• Includes : guided hop-on hop-off access to a London city tour bus, access to 3 walking tours in the city, a Thames river cruise, ticketed access to Shrek’s Adventure

With your confirmation for this original bus tour, London is open to you and your family. Many of the 80+ stops are at or near family-friendly attractions such as museums and walking tours. There are 3 walking tours included with this package, making it one of the best London bus tours.

Another great inclusion with this hop-on bus: London seen from the Thames river on a river cruise. Cruise past many of London’s biggest attractions as you take advantage of wonderful photo opportunities.

The children’s activity will keep the little ones busy during the less exciting parts of the London city bus tour, at least for them, until it’s time to head to Shrek’s Adventure. There, you will board another bus, but you’ve never seen one like this. Have fun with Donkey as he takes you through Shrek’s Swamp and to 10 different fairy-tale themed shows.

London Travel Guide

Airports & entry, planning tips, restaurants & eating out, nightlife & entertainment, getting around, accommodations, attractions.

Here, we offer a guide to visiting London, from the airport you will be arriving at to other attractions you may want to visit and even the weather.

Let’s help you make the most of your vacation to London!

There are five airports that service London, England. If you are traveling abroad, you will most likely be arriving at London Heathrow. For shorter flights departing European airports, should you be heading to London from a previous vacation spot, you may fly into one of these smaller London airports:

• London City
• London Gatwick
• London Luton
• London Stansted

Visiting London is unlike visiting any other city on earth. Because of this, you will want to take a full city tour of London to get a idea of where all the attractions are. We list our top 5 tips for visiting London below. Do you have additional tips to suggest? We’d love for you to comment them below!

Tip #1: Bring Your Walking Shoes

Much of your travel around the city will be walking. Even when you head out of town for a day tour, such as those to Stonehenge, most of the tours require quite a bit of walking. It’s best to be relaxed wearing athletic shoes instead of wearing more fashionable shoes that can make the necessary walking uncomfortable.

Tip #2: Bring a Converter or Transformer

Your electric and electronic devices made for use in the US will not work in the UK without a converter or transformer. A converter is made to use with electronics such as your phone or tablet and a transformer with electric devices such as a hairdryer. The US runs on 120 V and the UK on 240. This means that using your US devices without a voltage converter or transformer in the UK may damage them.

Tip #3: Start Planning Your Trip Early

London receives millions of tourists each year. This means that you will most likely have to book tours well in advance. You should also book your accommodations and reservations in restaurants as soon as possible. This is especially true for tickets to theater events and shows.

Tip #4: Always Bring an Umbrella

It doesn’t matter what time of year you’re visiting London, quick showers and rainstorms are always a possibility. It’s best to bring an umbrella with you as purchasing one at a convenient location in the city will most likely cost much more. A collapsible umbrella that is easy to carry with you is ideal.

Tip #5: Start Budgeting in Advance

London is quite an expensive city to visit but it’s worth it. Be sure you have budgeted for your flight and accommodations as well as your daily meals. You should have plenty of British pounds, the local currency, on hand as taxis and some stores may not take debit or credit cards. Also, keep in mind that the farther out your trip is planned, the better deals you will get, especially on accommodations.

There are several Dishoom restaurants located around the city. These restaurants serve high quality and delicious Indian food within a modern atmosphere. London is one of the best places to enjoy Indian food outside of India. These restaurants often have a wait but the wait is well worth it.

Not only will you want to experience the delicious Indian food, it also wouldn’t be a trip to London without an afternoon tea. There are plenty of places around town to enjoy your tea, but afternoon tea at The Savoy Hotel, London is something not to be missed. Sketch is another afternoon tea hotspot offering a unique experience.

If you’re looking for a meal with a great view, you’ll want to make reservations at the Duck & Waffle. However, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the most popular meal in London, fish and chips, at many local hotspots.

Nightlife in London can be anything you’d like it to be. There are nighttime tours of the city and surrounding areas for something a little more low-key, or you can head to a nightclub or one of the many music venues to turn up the entertainment dial.

From standup comedy and dramatic theater to the trendy clubs of the West End and even the casinos that can be found around town, nightlife in London is perfect for everyone.

As mentioned, visiting London requires a lot of walking. However, you can also choose to ride the subway, board a boat, or even hop on a bus or take a taxi. You may find the subway also referred to as “the underground” or “the tube.”

The cost of transportation by any of these methods will be determined by your destination’s distance from central London. The city and surrounding areas are divided into zones that determine distance and cost. If you’re going to be visiting for at least a few days, you may want to invest in a daily or weekly Travelcard pass.

There are many choices in accommodations when visiting London. You may find a great Airbnb location, and you can also find everything from a small hostel to a five-star, luxury hotel. The accommodations you choose should be determined by your budget, but also by the type of experience you’re looking for. An Airbnb can instantly make you feel like a local.

A hostel can provide plenty of opportunities to meet other tourists and learn more about attractions and eateries. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, the Camden Enterprise Hotel or even the Dorset City London can provide it.

The average low temperatures during the winter months are in the mid-40s Fahrenheit or around 7°C. These mild winter temperatures make London an ideal vacation spot for the holidays. July, London’s hottest month of the year, usually doesn’t reach the 70s Fahrenheit, or above 18⁰ Celsius.

Even with mild temperatures during the summer, it can feel quite humid and you may run into a short shower or two. Once again, always have an umbrella handy.

A vacation to London necessitates a visit to Buckingham Palace . Other attractions include the Coca-Cola London Eye, the Ferris wheel easily seen in every London skyline, as well as historical landmarks such as Kensington Palace, the London Tower, or the Churchill War Rooms.

While in London, be sure to visit one of the many museums and art galleries that can be found in nearly every area of the city. Parks, waterfronts, and bridges provide great photo ops and can provide a beautiful place to rest and take in the local sights. Fans of the Harry Potter books and movies will be in heaven. Be sure to do a Harry Potter tour to see all the sites and filming locations from the series.

Maybe the best way to get most of the sights to see in London is a Thames River sightseeing and dinner cruise . You will glide by the sights on the beautiful Thames River while enjoying lunch or dinner and avoiding the crowds.

If you want to see a castle, the Windsor Castle is a don’t miss! This 1000 year old castle has been home to 39 monarchs and currently the Queen spends many weekends there. To fully appreciate the splendor, be sure to take a guided tour of Windsor Castle .

The History, Beauty, and Mysticism of Stonehenge

When planning your vacation to London, be sure to plan for a day trip to Stonehenge while there. The best guided tour from London to Stonehenge will allow you to experience the English countryside, the 18th-century city of Bath, the ancient Roman baths, 14th-century English pubs, and more.

However, that doesn’t mean you can skip on visiting the many museums and art galleries, enjoying some of the best food available, and taking time to appreciate the beautiful mix of modern style and historical sites that London provides.

Enjoy your trip to London!

Outside Pursuits chose a vintage London Bus Tour for our Editor's Choice. Buckingham Palace and River Thames are just two of the sites you'll enjoy along its route.

Richard Moore

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

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The 9 best bus tours in London from 007 to fine dining

Anyone call for a bright red double-decker? See the capital in all its glory on one of these brilliant London bus tours

Whether you’re after a whirlwind tour of London’s attractions  for the first time or you want a little refresher of your favourite spots in London, we’ve rounded up the best London bus tours for you to take your pick. Our choice selection includes open-top classics that enable you to tick off your favourite landmarks one by one and some sinister tours that take place after dark... And don’t worry Harry Potter fans – we’ve included a London bus tour that takes in all the bespectacled boy wizard’s trips around the capital, from King’s Cross to Number 12 Grimmauld Place. 

Time Out tip:  Wherever you're headed while you're visiting London always have two things to hand: a brolly and Citymapper. 

Want more? 🚲Try a London bike tour instead 💂‍♀️Check out  the best London tours   🛏Stay in the best Airbnbs in London

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here .

An email you’ll actually love

Best London bus tours

1.  The Beatles evening tour

Trace the years from 1962 to 1970, when Beatlemania was at its peak, as you visit more than 35 Beatles-related landmarks on this evening tour of central London. You’ll also see some of the sites surrounding the band members’ individual music careers, while your expert local guide entertains you with Beatles history through music and film footage - don't worry, there are plenty of photo stops.

Time Out tip: If you're a Beatles fan, you might also enjoy Music of The Mind, an exhibition exploring the works of artist and activist Yoko Ono. It runs until 1st September. 

2.  Ghost bus tour

Set aside an hour of your time to get well and truly spooked. On this ghost bus tour you’ll cruise the city’s historic streets in an old Routemaster (painted black, of course), learning all about London’s gruesome past with a hefty helping on chilling tales and the most haunted sites in the capital.

Time Out tip: For even more gore, why not check out the Sweeny Todd experience at the London Dungeon ?

3.  Big Bus London hop-on hop-off tour

Hop on and off at London's best landmarks and attractions on this classic open-top tour bus. Soak up the sights with over 40 stops around the capital, listen to captivating commentary about your surroundings and experience it all at your own pace.

Time Out tip: With a city this widespread, you'll need some flexibility. For that, you can grab a ticket valid for up to three days, that way you can take your time getting to know London.

4.  Harry Potter bus tour

We may all be muggles, but London contains a wealth of fun Harry Potter experiences that are more than magical. Hop onboard this tour and you’ll journey from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross to Number 12 Grimmauld Place – a trip that takes three hours (aka just enough time to get  really  into the Potterverse). You’ll get to learn about locations that inspired JK Rowling’s awesome books and discover the tales behind some of wizarding wonders. And the best thing? You’ll also be shown some of the most famous Harry Potter film locations.

Time Out tip: Once you head back to Kings Cross, you grab a slice and enjoy the sun (providing there is any) at Happy Face Pizza. It's Neapolitan style, so you know it's good. 

5.  James Bond bus tour

Sure, James Bond drives fancy cars, like a classic Aston Martin, but can he fit all his mates in there for a jolly around London? Not likely. Especially if you want to throw a guide in for good measure, too. Luckily, you can fit all those people and more on this Bond bus tour. Delve into 007’s world of espionage and late-night wanderings to discover filming locations as well as sites frequented by Ian Fleming.

Time Out tip: Want even more British novelty? Just a 14-minute tube stop away you'll find Rules, London's oldest restaurant serving traditional British fare. It's pretty fancy, so Bond would approve.

6.  London at night tour

Giving lucky riders a taste of the lit-up London skyline, this 1.5-hour night tour hits all of the top tourist spots. Naturally, you’ll be travelling on-board a classic double-decker, and it’s the perfect way get views of famous attractions, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye after hours. Plus, learn fascinating facts about these legendary landmarks from your expert guide and hear insider tips on exciting places to visit in the capital at night.

Time Out tip : If you're looking for more lates the National Gallery is open until 9 pm every Friday, while Sir John Soane's Museum hosts a themed late each month.

7.  Open-top tour on a vintage bus

A vintage double-decker bus has been transformed into an open-top sightseeing experience. From Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London via the Houses of Parliament, The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral, see London without any of those annoying panes of glass in the way. Aboard the bus, you'll also have screens with historical footage of London through the decades. 

Time Out tip: If you're feeling peckish after the tour, head to the vibrant, colourful Carnaby Street (a 15-minute stroll) for lots of great food options. 

8.  Bustronome London

A bus tour for gourmands. The Bustronome team combine fine views with fine dining, across a series of lunch, afternoon tea and dinner services. As you pass a sequence of landmarks including Nelson’s Column, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s and the Tower of London, you’ll also enjoy a seasonal menu with an optional paired wine. Bon appetit!

Time Out tip: While this tour is on the pricier end of the scale, it makes a great gift. Not to mention you get to site-see while you dine.

9.  Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour

Fancy a quintessentially British afternoon tea on a classic London bus? Get involved on one of Golden Tours' afternoon tea buses  – as you sit down to a brew and a spread of sandwiches, cakes and pastries, you’ll be driven past Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall and all the usual suspects. Splendid!

Time Out tip: This tour is an excellent choice if you're looking for wholesome hen-do ideas. 

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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.

Related Posts

Changing of the guard in london: dates 2024, the best black taxi tours in london, best musicals in london in 2024, thames river cruises in london: options, offers and available routes.

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15 Best Bus Tours of London Reviewed (Ultimate guide)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2023

Are you considering a bus tour of London? Not sure what is available or which one is the best for you? We have you covered in our complete guide to the best bus tours of London

Are you planning to visit London and want to take one of the many bus tours of the capital that are on offer? With so many to choose from you may be wondering which one is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we compare some of the best available bus tours of London to provide you with a detailed breakdown and help you pick the right one for you.

A bus tour is a perfect introduction to London and is a great way to get oriented with the city without being too tiring. One option is to walk between all the main sights, landmarks and attractions but this can be hard work if you are not used to so much walking. The Tube is another great way to get around London but as you will be underground you won’t see anything!

An added bonus on many of the available tours is the live guides or audio commentaries on board. These help you to learn about the city’s history, culture, and architecture as you travel around. Many are multilingual too.

Some of the bus tours include a free cruise too which is an added bonus if you would like to see London from the comfort of a boat. (You can find my comparison guide to the best London boat trips and cruises here !

We have included the best hop-on hop-off London bus tours, Christmas bus tours, night bus tours, afternoon tea London bus tours and even a comedy ghost-themed bus tour and a Bar Bus! Plenty of choices and I am sure you will find at least one bus tour for your London visit.

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour

Big bus open-top hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour, london panoramic bus tour, london tootbus kids tour, tootbus london discovery hop-on hop-off bus tour, london tootbus bar bus, big london ticket: london eye, big bus & thames river cruise, london by night sightseeing open-top bus tour, afternoon tea bus with panoramic tour of london, afternoon tea bus tour.

• Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour

London christmas lights tour by vintage open top bus, tootbus christmas lights tour, christmas lights bus tour, the london pass free hop-on hop-off bus, plan your visit to london, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

🏆 Summary of the best bus tours of London

🚏 Best hop-on hop-off bus tour – Choose between the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour or the Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

👭 Best bus tour for children – London Tootbus Kids Tour

🎄 Best bus tour for Christmas lights – London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Open Top Bus

🫖 Best bus tour for afternoon tea – Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

💵 Best value bus tour – The London Pass is great value if you plan to see lots of sights as it is included for free!

*When you purchase a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour ticket

Discover London’s most iconic sights on this hop-on hop-off city tour. An onboard audio commentary will get you up to speed on the city’s history and culture as you enjoy panoramic views.

Good to know

• First departure is at 9am the last departure at 5:10pm.
• Buses are every 30 mins
• Take the full loop over 2.5 hours (without stopping off)

Click to book the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour

See London’s famous landmarks and listen to the audio commentary (available in 5 languages) as you go. Hop off and explore at leisure before hopping back on for your next stop. This tour includes a choice of 3 tickets with the Premium and Premium Plus tickets including a panoramic evening tour and return river cruises.

• Includes 2 bus routes but one (the blue route) is seasonal so do check at booking.

Click to book the Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Panoramic 2 hours tour of London’s famous landmarks . This is not a hop-on hop-off bus so you will need to stay on the bus for the duration of the tour.

• Multilingual audio guide in 11 languages.
• Live tour guide (English)

Click to book the London Panoramic Bus Tour

The BEST bus tour for children aged 6 – 12. Introduce them to the history of London on this 45-minute bus tour. Listen to the live kid-friendly guided commentary on this tour designed especially for them!

• Free access to the Tootbus app so you can prepare children for the visit ahead.
• Arrive early for the best seats!
• Meeting point at Charles II Street, St James’s.

Click to book the London Tootbus Kids Tour

Board the bus at one of 8 conveniently located stops in central London and enjoy the views of London’s most famous sights and landmarks as you travel around the city.

• Audio commentary on bus devices for adults and kids
• Free earphones
• Wi-fi on board the bus
• Access to app including bus tracking, points of interest, adults and kids commentary, and self-guided walking tours

Click to book the Tootbus London Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Fancy a rooftop terrace over London? Why not try the Bar Bus and enjoy the most original of them all!

• Don’t forget your ID if you look like you are under 25!

Click to book the London Tootbus Bar Bus

Enjoy the top sights and landmarks of London plus some additional extras including a free London river cruise, tickets for the London Eye and a Panoramic evening tour. *

* Premium and Premium Plus tickets only

• Recorded commentary in 5 different languages
• Free wifi on-board every bus

Click to book the Big London Ticket: London Eye, Big Bus & Thames River Cruise

Explore the city of London at night on this 90-minute bus tour. Your guide will provide historical information as you pass St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, sharing fun stories about the city along the way! This tour is perfect for families or groups of friends looking to have a great time.

• Meet at the bus stop next to the Ritz Hotel by Green Park Tube station
• Note that during the months of May, June and July for the earlier tours it may still be daylight and not entirely dark

Click to book the London by Night Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour

Take a tour of the best of London whilst enjoying an afternoon tea ! Includes an assortment of savoury and sweet treats.

• Enjoy a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink
• Seating on the lower or upper deck depending on the option selected
• Contact the supplier 72 hours prior to travel to confirm your choice of menu
• Meeting point varies depending on whether you choose upper or lower deck option

Click to book the Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea whilst viewing some of London’s famous landmarks including Big Ben, the House of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

• Note that there are no toilets on board.
• Submit dietary requirements when booking
• Meeting point at Victoria Coach Station

Click to book the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea on a traditional London bus while you tour the sights and landmarks of the city. Onboard commentary is provided.

• Note that there are no toilets on board
• Non refundable
• Meeting point at a Victoria Coach Station or 8 Northumberland Avenue

Click to book Brigit’s Bakery Afte rnoon Tea Bus in London

Enjoy the scariest tour in town on the Ghost bus! You’ll get to see all of the spooky and haunted places in town with the creepy conductor who is your guide along the way. But be warned: he might tell you some things that are better left hidden.

• Meet at Northumberland Avenue o utside the Grand Hotel
• Smoking, eating and drinks other than bottled water are not permitted on the bus.

London Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour

Avoid the crowds and get the best views on this wonderful open-top vintage bus tour of London’s spectacular Christmas lights including Oxford Street and Harrod’s Christmas window displays.

Enjoy the commentary by your tour guide as you enjoy the tour.

• Meet outside the Grand Hotel at 8 Northumberland Avenue
• Arrive early to choose your seat
• Don’t forget to wrap up warmly!

Click to book the London Christmas Lights Tour on a vintage London bus

Take this 45-minute bus tour of London’s festive lights and enjoy free access to the Tootbus app, Tootbus Christmas playlist and a Santa Hat.

This is a great trip for children and if they are under 5 they can even travel for free on their parent’s lap.

• Meet at 13 Coventry Street

Click to book the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

Avoid the festive crowds and enjoy the views on this bus tour of London’s spectacular Christmas lights including Oxford Street, Regents Street and Knightsbridge.

Enjoy an entertaining commentary by your tour guide.

• Meet your guide at Gate 0 located inside Victoria Coach Station.
• Check-in starts 15 minutes before the departure time selected.
• Arrive early to choose your seat and don’t forget to wrap up warmly!

Click to book the London Christmas Lights Bus Tour

The London Pass also includes a free 24 hour hop-on hop-ff bus ticket (plus Thames cruise) which makes this an excellent option if you are planning to visit some of London’s top attractions during your visit.

Read our guide to the London Pass to decide if this is a cost-effective option for you!

• London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip
• Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
• First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
• How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s manin trains stations.
• What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions
• How to purchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions
• London Eye – Complete guide, tips and ticket options compared
• Visiting on a budget? Read out budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
• Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
• Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and ou r guide to the best tours from London
• Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London

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14 Best Bus Tours in London for a Panoramic View of the City

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Those who are looking for some guidance on the best bus tours in London , this article has got you covered! Discover the incredible landmarks of  London from Palaces, shopping streets, museums, churches, parks to bridges!

Riding along on top of a double decker bus has to be one of the essential things to do in London for any visitor (or indeed local) looking to get a deeper insight into the rich history of the different London neighborhoods and stories behind the monuments!

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• bus tours in London

1 – London: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 2856 reviews )

“Great tour, very nice and helpful people. You’ll pass all the sights, get off where you want and get on again when you’re done. You will receive a map on the bus and there are earphones available to listen to the recorded information that is available on the bus at each attraction.” Simone, Getyourguide

Experience the best of  City Sightseeing UK and see the major streets, landmarks and squares of London during a classic double decker bus ride! A ride on one of the best hop on hop off bus tours in London is definitely one of the essential activities to do when visiting the capital!

Stop off and explore different attractions and neighborhoods during your bus journey and enjoy the flexibility of taking your sightseeing at your own pace! Enjoy the panoramic views as you cruise across Westminster Bridge, you gaze up at the iconic Big Ben and you zoom past Hyde Park!

A fun day out discovering the main sights of London from the comfortable elevated position of our double decker. It was good to get free earphones to listen along to historic facts and curiosities about the various landmarks on the bus commentary and receive an included map to get our bearings!

• See price & reviews

2 – London: Guided Harry Potter Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 439 reviews )

“Rory was amazing, he provided a lot of interesting facts not only from Harry Potter films but also from other movies and cultural facts. He made this tour very fun” Adriana, Getyourguide

Harry Potter fans won’t want to miss this  Brit Movie Tours spellbindingly magical Potter bus tour to visit a whole handful of London filming locations and places that inspired author J.K Rowling!

Get off the bus to take photos of some top locations up close such as the world famous Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. Discover London locations that inspired Gringotts Bank, the Leaky Cauldron Pub and 12 Grimmauld Place!

Featuring a knowledgable and entertaining guide and a modern air-conditioned mini van, this definitely makes the shortlist as one of the best bus tours in London!

Funny and informative guide with a great range of Potter trivia, behind the scenes stories and interesting anecdotes. You get to see more of the sights than you would during a traditional walking tour. Good amount of free time at the various stops to stretch the legs and take photos!

• Harry Potter tours in London

3 – Luxury 6 Course Bus Dining Experience Through London

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 134 reviews )

“Everything was absolutely perfect. The food was amazing and the crew so sweet. We went with friends and had a really special evening.” Rebecca, Viator

Treat yourself to a luxurious gourmet dining experience with a twist- a sightseeing bus trip around central London! With Bustronome London you can enjoy an unforgettable evening as you tuck into a refined 6-course meal whilst gazing at fabulous London landmarks.

Follow along to an interesting audio commentary to brush up on your historical and cultural London facts! Highlights including passing by the Royal Courts of Justice, London Bridge, the Shard, the Houses of Parliament and the bustling Piccadilly Square!

For those looking for an extra indulgence, opt for the wine pairing menu to savor some outstanding flavor combinations!

A very romantic choice for foodies looking to share a special moment! See the lights of London change from dusk to night and finish up seeing all the streets of London illuminated! The service was exceptional and the dishes were thoughtfully presented.

• dining experiences in London

4 – London: Comedy Horror Ghost Tour on a Bus

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 1568 reviews )

“The tour guide really did a great job. It was very funny. We had a lot of fun. The route was also very well chosen, we passed sights and learned a lot about dark London. We can definitely recommend it” Jasmin, Getyourguide

For those who enjoy a chilling ghost story, join The Ghost Bus Tours on their spooky route around Londons main landmarks! Get ready for a creepy bus conductor and on-board actors who will bring this supernatural theatrical journey to life!

Learn about the ghoulish tales surrounding Westminster Abbey such as the Unknown Monk spectral figure lurking in the cloisters or pass by the Tower of London, famed to be one of the most haunted buildings in the whole of Britain where many former prisoners faced execution or lay rotting in the dungeons!

Feel the goosebumps developing as you discover a different side of London by night!

A memorable evening learning about the dark historic tales of London and iconic villainous figures such as Jack the Ripper. Good audience interaction with the guide and lots of entertaining jokes to keep the group engaged. The kids loved the atmospheric double decker bus!

• ghost tours in London

5 – London Christmas Lights Tour on Open-Top Bus

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 59 reviews )

“Absolutely phenomenal experience! We got there early to ensure we had a spot at the top of the bus to see the lights! Our guide and driver were amazing! The lights were stunning and everyone that was working was amazing!! Highly recommend this tour!” Heather, Viator

The Big Bus London Christmas lights extravaganza is one of the best bus tours in London for those who are in the mood for getting festive and witnessing all the twinkling and illuminated light decorations adorning major sites throughout the capital!

From the elevated position of a double decker, gaze down at the window displays of the London department stores as you sail down the bustling London shopping streets!

Look out for the shining bright lights of the London Eye, the impressive glow of the Houses of Parliament and the mighty Nelson’s Column and Lion statues of Trafalgar Square!

A magical tour of the illuminated city by night. Managed to get some atmospheric photos of the street decorations and beautiful Christmas trees. The guide kept us entertained during the ride with a range of historical and cultural facts about London. Definitely glad we brought hats and scarves for sitting up on deck.

• christmas lights bus tours in London

6 – London by Night Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour with Audio Guide

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 457 reviews )

“The guide was amazing! The tour was a lot of fun. Even though traffic was really slow- the guide never ran out of interesting facts!” Jaycey, Viator

Join Golden tours to discover London’s top sights at night time from the comfort of a double decker bus! This informative bus journey around London’s historic gems is definitely one of the  best things to do in London at night . Put your feet up, relax, and enjoy some spectacular panoramas!

Pass by the famous Buckingham Palace (the official residence of the British monarch) and the majestically illuminated Tower Bridge, a triumph of Victorian engineering! Other highlights include cruising through the bustling Piccadilly Circus with its bright electronic billboards and neon advertisements and the Tower of London (home to the crown jewels!)

The guide brought the tour to life with a wide array of detailed historical curiosities and insights into London culture! Despite the traffic, we were kept fully entertained as I was hoping the tour would last longer! London is magical at night and it was a great introduction to the city on the first night of our trip!

• night bus tours in London

7 – Golden Tours: Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 762 reviews )

“the tour & afternoon was brilliant. Took a friend with me who had never seen the sights of London & she was thrilled with it all plus a beautiful afternoon tea.” Kathryn, Getyourguide

If you are looking to enjoy the delights of a quintessentially British afternoon tea, this is one of best bus tours in London! Join Golden tours as you take a panoramic tour around central London whilst tucking into some refined finger sandwiches, slices of cake and freshly baked scones and jam.

Add that element of finesse by accompanying your afternoon tea with a glass of Prosecco! The tour will pass by iconic London sights such as the magnificent St Pauls Cathedral, the famous London bridge and the historic Tower of London.

A lovely afternoon spent sipping tea and looking out of the bus windows at the sights of London. The servers were very helpful and made it an enjoyable experience. There was certainly a fun atmosphere on the bus.

8 – Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1276 reviews )

“Fabulous time on the bus. It was a lot of fun. The food was delicious with a wonderful assortment of savoury snacks and amazing cakes.” Tricia, Viator

Hop onboard Brigit’s Bakery bus for a classic British afternoon tea! Cruise by the impressive window displays of Harrods department stores and look out the window to spot the iconic Big Ben!

Expect plenty of sandwiches and cakes to snack on during the tour along with an audio commentary introducing the sights and a few background facts, providing an excellent overview of central London.

Gaze out across the vast Hyde Park and people-watch as the bus cruises along down the fancy streets of Mayfair! Look out for the impressive Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square and the colossal National Gallery!

A wide range of savory and sweet afternoon tea treats. The staff were friendly and the background music provided a convivial and relaxed ambiance. The audio commentary helped to orientate us as we navigated our way around the different sights. Highly recommended!

• Afternoon Tea Experiences in London

9 – London by Night Sightseeing Tour – Open top bus

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 771 reviews )

“We had an enjoyable evening on this tour. Our guide was funny and informative. It was a nice way to get an overview of the city. It was beautiful seeing everything lit up at night.” Lorraine, Viator

Travel around London by night in a double decker open top bus with Evan Evans tours . Discover the areas of Westminster and Knightsbridge and get to see some of London’s iconic landmarks illuminated such as the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey! Avoid day time traffic jams and take in the magical glow of the city lights after dark!

Admire the glittering lights of boats along the river Thames and the impressive Tower Bridge from the elevated position of the bus deck! Learn more about these signifiant sights thanks to a live guide who will talk you through a bit of history and important background facts!

A wonderful tour of London by night in the company of a knowledgable and comical guide. It was very special to see many of the main London attractions lit up and we managed to get some atmospheric photos. The bus tour definitely covered a lot of ground and different London neighborhoods.

10 – Golden Tours: London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 1947 reviews )

“It was great experience and interesting routes. We have completed all of them and also it can be used as transport within the city” Lev, Headout

Embark on a London sightseeing odyssey with  Golden Tours where you can opt for a day pass, a 48 hour or a 72 hour ticket depending on the length of your stay in London. Explore 4 different routes through different parts of the city with a total of 70 stops, learning more about the history thanks to a live guide or an engaging audio commentary.

Admire views of the splendid  River Thames and breathe in the crisp London morning air! This tour is perfect for those who don’t have a good grasp of English because the audio guides comes in 12 different languages. Make the most of the free wifi onboard to keep upto date as you cruise around the city in comfort!

A great way to cover large areas of London for those who want to go at their own pace and stop off en route to visit a handful of attractions. Booking is easy and quick. The live guide was interesting and informative and there was even a 3D treasure hunt game available for kids.

11 – James Bond Bus Tour of London

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 47 reviews )

“Ian was great and funny. He gave us a lot of information and “insights” from movies. The tour has a good dynamic and duable with kids.” Simona, Viator

Enter into the glamorous world of British agent Bond on the Brit Movie Tours  007 bus adventure! Get ready for lots of Bond related trivia, facts about the books and the chance to see many of the London filming locations featured in the films!

Pass by the MI6 headquarters and the Vauxhall Bridge along with plenty of other Bond related hidden places whilst listening to the entertaining commentary of your passionate 007 guide! Check out the river Thames that featured in so many Bond movies such as ‘Die another Day’ and ‘Skyfall.’

The tour caters to both adults and children, making it suitable for all ages!

A fun and smooth day out discovering the different sites of London that we could recognize in the Bond films! Lots of fun facts about the various Bond actors that kept us full engaged throughout the tour! Great dynamic pace but we didn’t feel like we were being rushed at all.

• James Bond Tours in London

12 – Big Bus tour of London

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 2 reviews )

Hop onboard the double deck bus of  Big Bus tours for a comprehensive overview of London’s major historic and iconic landmarks! Choose from three different bus routes and pass by the glorious  St Paul’s Cathedral , designed by the celebrated Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666 or take photos of the eerie Tower of London guarded by the traditional beefeaters!

Catch a glimpse of the majestic  London Eye soaring above the river Thames as you make your way through the capital! Thanks to a one, two or three day pass you can take the tour at your own pace and stop off at as many sites as you desire along the way. Every ticket also includes a free river cruise so you can see the bridges and architecture from another perspective!

Thanks to the Big Bus tour we really feel that we got a great overview of Londons highlights. The onboard commentary was insightful and entertaining and we loved stopping off at Oxford Street for a spot of shopping and Kensington Gardens for a tranquil walk around the gardens and palace. A great sightseeing option with a thrown in river cruise manages to tick all the boxes.

13 – Tootbus Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass in London

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 171 reviews )

“A great way to see all the sights. Regular buses serviced all the popular destinations and more. Hopping on and off was easy and the best way to get as many attractions done as possible.” Anonymous, Klook

Spend the day exploring over 80 different stops on a wide variety of sightseeing bus routes offered by Tootbus . Thanks to the conveniently flexible ticket, you can hop off the bus to visit your preferred landmarks and then join the next bus to continue on your ride.

The routes cover all the essential London attractions such as the triumphal Marble Arch located on the edge of Hyde Park and the magnificent Westminster Bridge (the oldest surviving bridge across the River Thames in central London!)

Other highlights include the bright neon lights of Piccadilly, the fancy department stores of Knightsbridge, the iconic Big Ben and the majestic Houses of Parliament.

The buses were regular so there wasn’t much waiting around time. It was useful to follow all the routes of the Tootbus buses through the app. The tour was excellent for kids because on the main Yellow Route there is a specially designed children’s audio available in both English and French.

14 – BONUS TIP: NEW COMBO TOUR 48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of London + London Eye Tickets

Hop on a flexible bus tour with a live English guide and an audio commentary available in 11 different languages! Explore 4 different bus routes with 60 different potential stops! Whether you fancy seeing the wax sculptures at Madame Tussauds, taking a picnic in Regents Park or visiting the historic pubs of Fleet Street this bus has stops throughout the city!

Bonus Tip: If you are looking to visit more attractions yet are keen to save money, combo tours are a great option! Combine a stunning Thames River Cruise or take an unforgettable ride on the London Eye  for some breathtaking 360 degree views! Reach heights of 135 meters and snap some incredible city skyline shots.

Definitely glad we got a combo ticket to include a trip up the London Eye! It was amazing to get a birds-eye view of Buckingham Palace, St. Pauls and the Houses of Parliament. Later during the day we passed by many of these sites in the bus and could brush up on the historical context.

How to book a bus tour in London?

We hope this article has inspired you to hop on board a bus tour to get a real overview of the main London sites! There are lots of companies offering London bus tour experiences along with many travel websites selling these tours online. Many sites offer changing discounts, so prices may vary from one website to another!

In order to ensure that you grab the best deal available, use the Tourscanner search engine to compare the various offers, check out the reviews and seize the best prices!

• compare bus tours in London

11 Best London Bus Tours for Families in 2024 (ranked!)

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Ready to tour the amazing sights of London onboard a double decker bus?

You’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to explore the best 11 London bus tours for families that depart from London – all led by expert guides who want to share the beauty of this part of England and help you skip the tourist traps.

If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, then don’t worry.

The best bus tour from London is the London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise .

It has about 3,548 amazing reviews, so there’s no going wrong.

A London bus tour is an excellent way to see its attractions and landmarks with your family.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best London bus tour for families is the London Tootbus Hop-on hop-off bus tour .

Click here to check prices and availability.

You can hop on and hop off at any stop and explore the various sights at your leisure.

If you want to see what your other options are, here are 10 more tours that are definitely worth your time.

So let’s get into the list of the best London bus tours for families, so you can book it already!

PS – booking in advance is highly, highly recommended, so you don’t miss out.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best London Bus Tours for Families

1. london tootbus hop on hop off bus tour and thames river cruise.

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 3,500+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Option to choose multiple-day hop-on hop-off pass
• Audio-commentary for adults and bespoke children’s audio-commentary
• Convenient real-time bus tracking with the Tootbus app
• Hop-on hop-off Thames River cruise ticket

Enjoy a bus tour of London without standing in line and avoiding the stress of rigid tour timings.

See London’s famous landmarks, amazing attractions, and popular monuments by comfortable, double-decker bus.

Hop on the bus at one of the many designated stops of your choosing, including London Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, or Tate Gallery.

Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the open-top deck, or grab a seat inside as your bus takes you through town.

The kids-focused audio commentary and a complementary activity pack are sure to engage your kid’s interest.

This tour offers ultimate flexibility as you can travel on any of the transport links or tour routes.

The best thing about this tour?

It comes with an added bonus!

You can hop off and take a Thames River sightseeing tour or join a fascinating city walking tour depending on your preference. You can end the tour by disembarking at any stop along the route.

2. The London Pass®: Access 80+ attractions inc. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 – 10 days | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Access to over 80 attractions
• 1-day river roamer pass
• Valid for 2 years from the date of purchase
• Digital guide with information and instructions

With so much to see in London, it’s quite difficult to accomplish it all in one day.

With The London Pass, you can choose a sightseeing credit package for up to 10 days and enjoy access to almost 80 attractions.

And the best part?

You can visit as many as you like each day!    

Redeem credits of your London Pass on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, London bike rental, Thames River Cruise, and more.

This pass includes a digital guide that’ll help you plan your itinerary to visit the best attractions of London, including the London Zoo, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and many more. 

This pass offers users flexibility and convenience as it’s valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and is only activated when you exchange credits at the included tour or attraction.

After that, the pass is valid for the remaining days, so it’s not a problem even if your travel plans change.  

3. Golden Tours London Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Sightseeing Bus Tour

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 day | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Wi-Fi on all open-top buses
• Free one-way River Thames boat ride
• Hop-on hop-off bus ticket
• Audio guides available in 11 languages

One of the perfect ways for first-timers to see the iconic City of London is by traveling on an open-top, wheelchair-accessible double-decker bus.

Combine the flexibility of independent travel with the ease of tour with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass.

See many attractions including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Big Ben, then hop off to watch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, ride the London Eye, or tour the Tower of London.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the city’s biggest skyscraper, The Shard, experience the hustle and bustle of London’s South bank area, and see the majestic Westminster Abbey.

Listen to audio commentary as you pass various monuments and learn about the history of this city.

In addition, your pass includes a free Beatles or Royal London walking tour, an optional KidZania entry ticket, or a River Thames boat cruise.  

4. Vintage London Bus Tour Including Thames Cruise with Optional London Eye

⭐️  RATING:  4.0 out of 5 Stars, 380+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Local guide
• Panoramic tour of London
• Thames River cruise
• Upgrade options include London Eye and Stonehenge

Book your tour , hop aboard a double-decker bus in Victoria, and sit back and enjoy London’s famous sights as you travel around the heart of the city.

See some of London’s top attractions like the House of Parliament, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and more.

Then hop off your bus at the River Thames and join a short sightseeing cruise. Relax and admire popular landmarks like Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London Eye, and Tower Bridge as you sail down this iconic river.

Join your bus tour again to visit Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of Guards.

You can also upgrade your ticket to enjoy a flight on the London Eye and see the breathtaking, 360-degree views of London.

The London Eye 4D experience after riding the glass capsule is a must as it takes you on an incredible journey across London brought to life by multisensory effects and other visual aids.

Or you can take an afternoon Stonehenge visit upgrade and see this pre-historic stone circle on board a comfortable, round-trip shuttle bus. UNESCO-listed Stonehenge.

5. London Hop On – Hop Off Bus with River Cruise

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 15 minutes – 3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Complimentary headsets
• Audio commentary in 13 different languages
• Wi-Fi on board
• Free River Thames cruise with the bus tour ticket

Discover London at your own pace and see the highlights of this amazing English capital while enjoying a ride in an open-top, red double-decker bus. 

Make the most of your time in London by taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Choose the duration of your tour according to your schedule by booking a 1-day, or a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour ticket.

Enjoy unlimited travel across several routes until your ticket expires and take in the views of popular sights including Big Ben and the Tower of London.

Learn about the history of these popular attractions by listening to the audio commentary, available in 13 different languages for your convenience.

You can hop off at any of the well-placed stops to take photos or explore the building you find interesting.

You’ll also get a complimentary walking tour and a river cruise with this bus tour.

6. English Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London– Upper Deck

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 150+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Unique afternoon tea experience
• Seating on the upper deck
• Glass of soft drink or Prosecco
• Friendly staff

Enjoy the wonderful views of London while sipping a delicious hot cup of tea for a unique afternoon tea experience!

Watch the hustle and bustle of the city as this 90-minute bus ride takes you through the heart of London.

Visit iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and many more.

No tea is complete without finger sandwiches, and this tour provides a wide range of homemade finger sandwiches including salmon and cream cheese to falafel and hummus and more are sure to excite your taste buds.

For people with a sweet tooth, the assortment of mini tea pastries and mouth-watering British scones served with jam and clotted cream provide the perfect dessert. 

Enjoy unobstructed views of popular tourist destinations as you pass by Buckingham Palace, the grand London residence of His Majesty, the King; the historically rich Westminster Abbey, which was originally a Benedictine monastery; the London Eye that offers breathtaking views of the city and other attractions including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and many more. 

7. City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 – 2 hours| ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Free river cruise
• Free self-guided podcast walking tour
• Green route now available as a shuttle service
• Great mix of stops

A convenient way to explore London’s top landmarks, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour allows you to experience the many facets of this versatile and lively city at your pace.

Avoid the hassle of navigating London’s underground system by simply hopping on and off a tour bus at designated stops.

Explore London on a sightseeing bus and save yourself hundreds of pounds on expensive taxi fares.

This tour offers a great mix of stops from museums to monuments to shopping areas.

Visit iconic monuments and attractions like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Harrods, Oxford Street, Tower of London, V&A – Victoria and Albert Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and The Shard. 

In addition, you can get a free self-guided walking tour pack depending on the option you choose.

Listen to an informational podcast as you walk past famous attractions and learn about their history, all for free!

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

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Entry ticket to London Eye
• Thames River Cruise
• Recorded commentary in 5 languages
• Complementary earphones

Experience the many attractions of London from water, sky, and the streets with this excellent-value package that allows you to leisurely explore London.

Book a hop-on hop-off bus tour valid for 24 hours and visit top sights without spending a fortune on taxi fare.  

Enjoy the amazing aerial view of the city aboard the London Eye, sail past Big Ben and the Parliament House on a Thames River cruise, and visit multiple top sights of London including Notting Hill, Grosvenor Square, Statue of Eros, St. James Park, and many more on a double-decker bus.

Make sure to reserve your time slot for the London Eye ticket in advance using the link printed on your voucher.

Also take note that your Big Day out pass includes a one-way river cruise, which runs only from Fri-Sun.

9. Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London– Lower Deck

⭐️  RATING:  4.0 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Afternoon tea experience
• Seating on the lower deck
• Glass of Prosecco or soft drink
• General or vegetarian menu available

The famous tradition of enjoying high tea in London is not an experience to be missed.

And what better way to enjoy this than aboard a red, double-decker bus? Book a hop-on hop-off tour and cruise through London from West End to Charing Cross and enjoy fantastic views as you sip a delicious cup of tea.

Sample delicious cakes and finger sandwiches along with your tea, and for dessert try a classic scone with clotted cream.

Pass by top London attractions, including the vibrant Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End.

This popular junction connects Haymarket, Regent Street, Glasshouse Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Coventry Street and is a busy meeting place.

See the beautiful statues and fountain in Trafalgar Square and pass by Westminster Abbey, which boasts a rich history that’s more than a thousand years old.

No tour is complete without a visit to the London Eye or Buckingham Palace.

Visit these popular tourist attractions while being served excellent afternoon tea by a friendly and welcoming staff.

10. London Eye Fast-Track Ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Hop-on, hop-off bus ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours
• Fast-track entry ticket to the London Eye
• Thanes River Cruise

If you’re on a short visit to London, this tour offers one of the best ways to see this city and enjoy its various sightseeing experiences.

This convenient package allows you to cruise around town at your own pace.

Start with a hop-on, hop-off tour with a choice to pick from 24-, 48-, or 72-hour passes.

Then head over to the London Eye, where you can enjoy fast-track entry and panoramic views.

Other points of interest that you’ll pass on this tour include Mayfair, St. James Palace, HMS Belfast, Somerset House, Nelson’s Column, and many more.

Listen to recorded commentary as you pass by these famous attractions.

Available in 5 different languages, this commentary will help you learn more about the history of this iconic city.

You can also enjoy a river cruise with this package. However, take note that this cruise only runs from Fri-Sun.

11. Catch a Gourmet Lunch on a London Bus

• Bus tour through the heart of London
• Drinks (tea, coffee, water, and wine)
• Insider recommendations and tips from your local host

Ready to experience a unique bus tour of London?

Then check out this Catch a Gourmet Lunch on a London Bus tour.

Cruise through the heart of the city and enjoy the best view of all popular landmarks thanks to the panoramic glass roof of the bus.    

Enjoy a delicious meal made with a fusion of British and French cuisine along with drinks while cruising around on a luxury bus.

Prepared by an experienced chef, this tour offers an aesthetic and mouth-watering meal created by using different cooking techniques from around the world.

Experience fine dining on wheels while learning more about London’s historic landmarks with the help of an Audi Pen Guide.

This tour is perfect for a couple on a date or people who are on a tight schedule with lots to see.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

• 11 Best Tours of the Cotswolds from London in 2023
• 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
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UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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Dutch Girl in London

Blog about: London | street art | art & culture | expat life

• 6 Best London sightseeing bus tours

An overview of the best London sightseeing bus tours in London by theme. Suitable for anyone from first-time visitors to Londoners alike, ranging from families to solo travellers!

Go straight to:

• Big Bus Tours: the classic hop-on hop-off London sightseeing bus tour
• Afternoon tea bus tour London with Brigit’s Bakery
• Gastronomy London bus tour
• London by night bus tour
• London ghost bus tour
• East London Gangster Bus Tour

While walking is my preferred way of exploring London, there’s certainly something to be said about seeing London from the comforts of a bus. 

I mean, those feet need a rest once in a while too, right? Especially if you’re visiting London with a jam-packed itinerary, rushing around from museum to theatre, exploring all must-see attractions and discovering the coolest neighbourhoods. 

Ease and comfort aside, what I appreciate most about sightseeing London by bus, is the fresh perspective it offers. Seated a few metres above road level, it allows you to see a completely different cityscape and witness the hustle and bustle of the city around you. 

And driving through the streets of the metropolis, coming at eye level with the building facades, you will even notice the intricate decorations, signs and curious sculptures you would normally miss by walking down the pavement.

That’s why I often tag along when friends and family visiting from overseas suggest a ride on a London tourist bus. It’s the perfect excuse for me to jump on a sightseeing bus which I think are suitable for tourists and locals alike. 

But like everything else in London, there are a lot of options to choose from so who do you pick? 

This blog post may contain affiliate links . This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I will receive a small commission in return. While these modest earnings help towards the costs of running this site, the best thing about it that it doesn’t cost you a penny more. Thanks for your support !

Top 6 London tourist bus tours

To help you on your way, I’ve selected my personal top 6 of best London sightseeing bus tours. To add some variety, I have chosen tours that all have a completely different theme. My selection ranges from your classic hop-on hop-off tourist bus tour to delightful afternoon tea tours and even East London gangster tours. 

Whether you’re visiting London for the first time, are a Londoner yourself, looking for a family-friendly bus tour or a fun London activity with your mates or besties, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect London bus tour here!

1. Big Bus Tours: the classic hop-on hop-off London sightseeing bus tour

With their iconic brown open-top double decker buses, Big Bus Tours truly is the number one London tourist bus!

Visiting all essential London highlights like Buckingham Palace,  Tower of London  and Covent Garden, this is the only bus tour in this list that allows their passengers to get on and off the bus as they wish. This way you can decide to get off at any landmark or attraction you’d like to visit or at least see and photograph from up close. 

The accompanying pre-recorded audio tours are available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish and passes are valid for 24 (Classic), 48 (Premium) or 72 (Premium Plus) hours. Within that time, you can get on and off at any of their 30+ bus stops along their two cleverly curated routes whenever you want! (During their operating hours that is of course.) 

While all three tickets also include a river cruise, you get wider options with the Premium and Premium Plus tickets. And as a great bonus, these latter two ticket types even include a 90-minute panoramic evening tour! 

Interested in just the evening tour without upgrading your Big Bus Tours ticket? Then head down to  tip number 4 in this list .

2. Afternoon tea bus tour London with Brigit’s Bakery

A sightseeing bus tour that combines a delicious  afternoon tea in London ? Count me in!

Honestly, can you think of anything better than exploring London from an iconic red double-decker bus whilst satisfying your appetite? I think not.

Serving mouth-watering homemade pastries and delightful sandwiches, the Brigit’s Bakery afternoon tea bus tour makes for a heavenly ride. 

The cute red and pink interior and cakes make it especially suitable for a romantic date or fun afternoon out with the girls. But it’s also a popular choice amongst families who can tick two things off their London bucket list with just one activity.

Depending on traffic, tours last approximately 90 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy your traditional afternoon tea and take in all classic London sights you cruise by.

3. Gastronomy London bus tour

Taking it up a notch now and going for a full 6-course luxury dinner on wheels, there’s the unique and excellent Bustronome gastronomy London bus tour.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bustronome London (@bustronomelondon)

During this 3-hour evening tour, you’ll be treated to gorgeous dishes all prepared and cooked fresh onboard. Using only seasonal products, the chef conjures up an exquisite British feast with a French twist. 

The atmospheric music adds to the restaurant ambiance, making it an original date night activity.

Seated in the glass-roofed upper deck, you’ll get to enjoy glorious panoramic views of London. And if you want to get in some tourist information, the discrete audio guides on each tables provides audio commentary in nine languages.

Regular bookings don’t include drinks, but you can opt for a wine pairing option when making your reservation. 

4. London by night bus tour

While London is a wonderful city in daytime, the twinkling lights accentuating the city’s majestic landmarks, do add a magical note to the experience. If you want to see London in a completely different light (pun intended), then I would certainly recommend a night bus tour.

With their dazzling signs coming to live at night, London’s iconic theatres and the Piccadilly Circus neon billboards make for fantastic sights. The 90-minute tour highlights 16 of London’s famous attractions, including  The London Eye ,  St Paul’s Cathedral  and Harrods. With more than 12,000 glimmering lights, this lavish department store is quite literally radiating at night.

The live commentary is provided in English. If you prefer to receive the tourist information in another language, then you can use the onboard audio guides. These are available in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin) and Japanese.

5. London ghost bus tour

Hop onto the aptly called black-coloured Necrobus for a lively ghost-themed London bus tour. 

A lively ghost tour, I hear you think. Isn’t that a contradiction? 

Well no, because your special hosts are all classically trained actors who deliver their immersive tours with great wit and enthusiasm. 

Starting from Trafalgar Square, the 75-minute London ghost bus tour takes you along nine major London attractions such as Westminster Abbey,  The Shard  and of course the  Tower of London .

Famous for its ‘celebrity’ executions, the history of the Tower is filled with dark stories. Your guide might entertain you with the story of the young princes who mysteriously disappeared here. Or share the spine-chilling recount of the Yeoman Warden who saw an eerie apparition of a ‘white figure’ at exactly the same place of Anne Boleyn’s beheading.

Delivered in an engaging theatrical style and with a great dose of humour to counterbalance the dark tales of the night, the London ghost bus tour certainly is a unique and memorable way of seeing London!

Note that discounted children’s, students’ and senior tickers are also available.

If you’re interested in seeing a few sinister off-the-beaten track London landmarks, then head over to my  self-guided historical walk  for tips. And don’t forget to check out my post with tips for things to do around Tower of London !

6. East London Gangster Bus Tour

Do you also love those East End gangster movies? And ever wondered how much was true about films like  Legend  and  Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels ? Then what better way to get to the bottom of this under the guidance of those in the know?!

From the safe confines of the brilliantly called Naughty Bus, you will get to hear all the ins and outs by Micky ‘Goldtooth’, close friend of the famous gangster Kray twins. Told with such humour, I guarantee you will be roaring with laughter many times during this original London bus tour.

Starting in the East End, you will be driving down Bethnal Green Road. Long before I did my daily shopping here at Tesco’s and the local Indian supermarkets, this street was dominated by the Kray Twins. These identical twin brothers were both feared and loved by locals and celebrities such as actor Barbara Windsor.

When Reggie Kray died in 2000, Bethnal Green Road was chock-full of mourners and curious bystanders. Escorted by his smartly dressed and impressive looking friends and family, his coffin was brought to St Matthew’s church at the top of the street by horse and carriage. 

This happened not long after my husband had moved to Bethnal Green. Unaware of whose funeral he was walking by that day, he told me many years later he was struck by this memorable sight. It gave him an intimate look into the East London gangster stories he was so familiar with. You can see a clip of the impressive procession in this  BBC News item .

After this little personal anecdote, we go back to your East End gangster tour!

Some of the Bethnal Green highlights include the famous E Pellicci Cafe (which appeared in the film  Legend  starring Tom Hardy in a double role) and Valance Road, the twins’ birthplace. 

The first part of the tour ends at The Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel. You will stop for drinks and insider stories at this infamous and well chronicled East London haunt. 

For the second leg of the tour, you will cross the river Thames and finally finish at The Clink Prison near  London Bridge .

Bringing alive the images we know so well from for instance the Guy Ritchie movies, the closest we can get to the ‘Golden Days’ of the East End is a ride on the Naughty Bus.

With so many different London tourist bus tours ranging from gastronomical delights to ghosts to gangsters, which one sounds most fun to you? Let me know in a comment below! Thanks, Zarina xx

*Photo credit feature image: Daniel Tong / Unsplash

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5 thoughts on “ 6 Best London sightseeing bus tours ”

For a regular bus route that takes in a lot of sights I recommend sitting upstairs on the number 15 Westbound from Aldgate. Passes Tower Bridge, Monument, St Paul’s and Trafalgar Square.

Thanks for this tip! I agree that jumping on a regular London bus is also a great option for sightseeing or just observing daily life 🙂

I would opt for tours number 2 and 3, but that is probably because I have to gain some weight! 🙂 Thank you, so happy you are back with your Sunday posts!

I would love to join you for the afternoon tea bus tour as soon as I’m allowed to have treats again 🙂

I’ll put it on my bucket list! You never know, maybe one day I’ll be able to come over to GB and visit you!

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THE 10 BEST Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in London, England

Hop-on hop-off tours in london.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Walking Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Chinese (Simplified)
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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

2. City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

3. Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option

4. Golden Tours London Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Sightseeing Bus Tour

5. Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames

6. Big Bus London Open-Top Evening Tour

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

8. London: Harry Potter Walking Tour + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

9. London Discovery by Day and by Night Hop-On Hop-off Tours

10. London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

11. IFS Cloud Cable Car and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers Hop On Hop Off Pass

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

13. London Tootbus Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

14. Ride of Routemaster and See London

15. London Christmas Day 1 Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

16. London Eye Fast-Track Ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

17. 7 Day Winter Tour of England and Scotland starting from London

18. London by Night Tootbus Sightseeing Bus Tour

19. 7 Day Tour Exploring England and Scotland starting from London

20. London for 5 Days with Stay in English Families Home

21. full day london pick & mix customized tour.

22. Full Day London Pick & Mix Customized Tour

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• City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Golden Tours London Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option
• Thames 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off River Cruise
• Vox City International Ltd
• Big Bus Tours
• Tootbus London
• Happy Tourist Pvt Ltd
• Booking Agency London
• Thames River Sightseeing
• City Cruises
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
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Best London Sightseeing Bus Tours

This post provides an overview of the various types of bus tours you can take in London, including our free, self-guided options and our almost free GPS-enabled audio tour .

In addition to covering the differences between these services, we will also include details about ticket prices, tour length, availability, and more.

• Unique Specialty Tours
• Night Bus Tours
• Deals and Discounts
• Free Bus Tours
• London Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours
• Day Trips from London

UNIQUE BUS TOUR EXPERIENCES

The following section will include some of the most interesting and entertaining bus tours available in London, from the supernatural to the tasty and beyond!

In addition to covering details such as ticket prices, we will also provide information about availability, tour durations, and what you can expect to see on each outing.

Harry Potter Bus Tour 

This 2 ½ to 3-hour tour features many of the filming locations and inspirations from all 8 movies in the series.

Some of the stops include Kings Cross Station, 12 Grimmauld Place, and the sites used for the Leaky Cauldron.

There is also an opportunity at the end of the tour to buy Harry Potter merchandise.

NOTE: We also offer a pay-what-you-wish Harry Potter walking tour as well as a GPS-enabled audio tour of Harry Potter sights.

Availability:  

• Jan – Dec: Saturdays at 2 pm
• School Holidays and Mar-Oct: Wednesdays at 2 pm
• School Holidays and Jul-Aug: Thursdays at 2 pm
• School Holidays and Jul-Aug: Fridays at 2 pm

Ticket Prices: £30 – Adult | £21 – Child (under 16)

• Purchase tickets or learn more .

Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter 

There are several tour operators that offer packages that include your ticket to the studio with timed entry and also transportation from London by coach or train.

Typically, these tours cost approximately £80 - £100 per person (less for children).

Some of these companies play Harry Potter movies on the bus ride to warm you up for your studio visit.

For the purposes of this post, we’ll focus on one especially popular option from Premium Tours.

For additional options, make sure to read our post covering Harry Potter day trips from London .

This activity is an absolute must for die-hard fans of the franchise.

Included in the price is admission with timed entry, a dedicated studio tour guide, headsets when appropriate, transportation to and from the meeting point in Central London, and one butterbeer per guest.

It’s best to book a month in advance as this tour sells out.

When: check their calendar for availability

Ticket Prices:

• £94 – Adult (age 16+)
• £89 – Child (age 5-15)
• £30 – Infant (age 3-4)
• Free – 2 and under

Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes Bus Tour

As the name indicates, this tour focuses on the true story of Jack the Ripper and the fictional tale of Sherlock Holmes.

In addition to covering these topics, they also provide information about subjects such as the Elephant Man and Smithfield Market.

This spooky tour takes place after dark, ensuring the perfect atmosphere to hear all about some of the most notorious crimes and disturbing legends in London's history.

• Price: £42/Adults | £39/Students & Seniors
• Availability: Daily at 7 pm
• Duration: 3 hours

Reviews for this service are pretty good with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Customers indicate that their tour guides (live guides) are very friendly and knowledgeable, providing a lot of interesting information about Jack the Ripper.

Sadly, some guests were a bit disappointed that there weren't more details about Sherlock Holmes.

That being said, a majority of people indicate that they had a lot of fun on this trip around London.

Beatles and Rock Tour of London

This is a 2 ½ hour mini-coach tour that will explore the Beatles’ London, including Abbey Road and other rock landmarks related to icons such as Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, the Kinks, Pink Floyd, and more.

With a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Get Your Guide ( read reviews here ), it’s safe to say this is a pretty popular and reliable tour.

• £44/Adult (17+) | £37/child (3-16)
• Most days at 6 pm (18:00)

London Duck Tours

NOTE: London Ducks have suspended services as of September 1, 2017. There is no expected date to restart service at this time.

A whirlwind journey through London in a Second World War amphibious vehicle!

The tours run through London giving visitors fun facts and stories about the capital before finishing by splashing down into the river Thames for a boat ride – all in the same vehicle!

BB’s Bakery Bus Afternoon Tour

Afternoon tea with a twist or a sightseeing bus tour with a twist! Either way, you look at it, this is one tasty tour!

Full afternoon tea is served aboard a double-decker bus that travels through Central London, showcasing London’s famous sights as guests indulge in sweet treats and teas. 

Although the theme of this tour may seem strange to foreigners, the 4 ½ star rating this company has received on TripAdvisor indicates that it’s a pretty phenomenal service.

There are a handful of negative reviews, but an overwhelming majority of guests report that this is a lovely trip that includes delicious food.

Some reviewers even went so far as to describe the tour as a great experience, indicating that it was a wonderful combination of English tradition and sightseeing.

• Lower Deck seats start at £45/Adults and £35/Kids (5-11)
• Higher Prices depend on seats with better views, Upper Deck, etc.
• 12:30 pm and 15:00 (3 pm)
• 12:00 pm, 14:30 (2:30 pm) & 17:00 (5 pm)
• Tours last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

LONDON BY NIGHT BUS TOURS

Many of the above-mentioned tour companies offer night tours, like  Big Bus Tours . Here is a list of a few more.

Be sure to also check out our post on night tours of London for walking, bike, boat, and Segway tours.

There is also a Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes night tour by bus.

Ghost Bus Tours

A spooky sightseeing tour that takes place on a black double-decker bus.

The commentary is creepy but also amusing and takes guests past some of the most famous icons in the city, exploring the dark and grisly past of this ancient city.

With an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars  on TripAdvisor, it's safe to say that most passengers have a lot of fun on the Ghost Bus.

This company has received some negative reviews, but they don't seem to represent the typical experience.

A majority of guests report that this tour is a lot of fun and can be very spooky.

TIP: This tour is included for free with the London Sightseeing tourist discount pass .

Learn more about this and other discounts in our post about London tourist attraction discount passes .

This tour is also included with the 2-for-1 deal !

• Adult (16+) – £28
• Child (6-15) – £19
• Child under 6 – Free
• Student/Concession – £21
• Family – £61
• Sunday to Thursday – 19:30 & 21:00
• Friday – 18:00, 19:30 & 21:00
• Saturday – 18:00, 19:30, 19:45, 21:00 & 21:15
• The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Location: Northumberland Avenue, near Trafalgar Square opposite the Sherlock Holmes pub.

Commentary Type and Language: Live commentary in English.

Evening Beatles Bus Tour

This is similar to the longer specialty tour by bus during the day, in that it covers a lot of notable landmarks related to the history of these rock icons.

Enjoy a 2 hour and 15 min evening tours of of Central London in a mini-coach.

Visit 35 locations made famous by the Fab 4 including an opportunity to hop off and walk across Abbey Road!

With a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Get Your Guide, it’s fair to say that this tour is well-reviewed ( read the reviews ). 

• Every Monday through Friday at 6 pm (March-Sept)
• £44/Adult (17+) | £37/Child (3-16)

DISCOUNTS AND DEALS

The following section will provide information about all the different ways to save money on bus tours in London.

We will include details about tourist attraction passes and other discount opportunities.

If you’re interested, we also have a detailed discount section for hop-on-hop-off bus tours as well.

Tourist Attraction Discount Passes

Most London tourist passes include a hop-on-hop-off tour, but there is currently only one pass that offers any other type of bus tour.

The London Sightseeing Pass includes the Ghost Bus Tour which covers the paranormal history behind notable landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, the Tower of London, and more.

This service also includes access to several day tours from London such as Stonehenge, Oxford, Canterbury, Bath, and the Cliffs of Dover.

This tourist pass allows you to pick 3, 5, 7, or 10 different attractions for one flat price.

Depending on how you use the travelcard, you could save 50% or more off general admission prices.

If you’re interested in going on a self-guided bus tour, it’s worth noting that the London Turbo Pass includes an Oyster Card which you can use for public transport.

Big Bus Tours (24-hour ticket)

• The London Pass
• London Explorer Pass
• London City Turbo Pass

Golden Tours (24-hour ticket)

For more information about these services, make sure to read our full post covering London tourist attraction passes .

London 2 For 1

If you’re planning to use the National Rail to get around, you might have the opportunity to take advantage of London’s 2-for-1 program.

This service allows you to get 2 attraction tickets for the price of 1, and it includes both hop-on-hop-off tours and specialty tours like those listed above.

Currently, the following tours are included in this deal:

• Harry Potter London Tour by Bus
• Ghost Tours of London by Bus
• London Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour
• Afternoon Tea Bus
• London by Night Tour

We have a post that explains how to get 2-for-1 tickets for bus tours .

And make sure to read our post about the 2-for-1 deal for more information on all attractions included in this deal.

Discount Sites

In addition to the other opportunities to save money, you can also use a site such as Groupon or Discount London .

Both of these services include various London bus tours at lower prices.

These sites often provide coupon codes that you can use to increase your discount by an extra 20% or more.

Make sure to check the top and bottom of each page for a banner with a special code to use at checkout.

FREE LONDON BUS TOUR

Why not consider taking a tour of London on a public, double-decker bus?

It's possible and we have come up with 2 of our own self-guided, hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

And one of these tours also comes in the form of a GPS-enabled audio guide tour (Listen to the sample below the video).

With a daily bus ticket of £5.25, you can spend all day hopping on and off public buses. 

TOUR: Westminster Abbey via Trafalgar Square to the City of London

Take the 26 bus from Victoria Station to St. Paul's Cathedral then change to the 15 to the Tower of London.  

Here is some of what you’ll cover on this self-guided bus tour.

• Westminster Cathedral
• Westminster Abbey
• Parliament and Big Ben
• 10 Downing Street
• Horseguards Parade
• Trafalgar Square
• Royal Courts of Justice
• Fleet Street
• Ludgate Hill
• Temple Church
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• The Bank of London
• The Tower of London

Click here for the tour .

This tour is also offered as a GPS-enabled audio commentaries tour for just £1.99.

Here is how it works.

• Purchase an audio tour.
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

The Heritage Bus route 15 and 9

Using London Buses is pretty easy. Most buses are driver-only operated, meaning you need to board at the front to show the driver your bus ticket.

  Routes 9 and 15, the traditional Routemaster buses, work differently, as you can simply board the bus, sit, and wait for the conductor to check your ticket.

Route 9 Self-Guided Tour

These older models are worth taking a ride if you get the chance.

Route 9 operates between Kensington via Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. Route 15 operates between Tower Hill and Trafalgar Square.

With this tour, you will see many major icons such as  Trafalgar Square ,  Piccadilly Circus ,  Royal Albert Hall ,  Kensington Palace , and more. 

LONDON-HOP-ON-HOP-OFF TOURS

London hop-on-hop-off tours are a popular way to explore the city's iconic attractions.

These tours offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to customize your sightseeing experience.

London hop-on-hop-off buses are typically designed as iconic double-decker buses, featuring an open-top deck for panoramic views and a closed lower deck for comfort, with spacious seating and large windows to enhance the sightseeing experience.

These open top bus tours provide a comprehensive way to see the city's major landmarks and attractions such as the Tower of London, London bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

You can explore historic sites like St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, immersing yourself in London's rich history.

The bus routes often include stops at famous museums, including the British Museum and the Natural History Museum.

With hop-on-hop-off flexibility, you can disembark at any stop and spend as much time as you desire before hopping back on the next bus.

Live or pre-recorded commentary on the bus provides interesting facts and insights about the attractions and the city's history.

To know in detail about these tours, visit our post on London Hop-On Hop-Off bus Tours .

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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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Top Customer Reviews

Carol holobinko.

So easy to see the sights without doing all of the driving!

Judelka Gumbs

Booked a last minute tour from the same day and it was worth it. The bus locations and stops were easy to find and there were members of staff in most locations ready to help and guide you. The bus seats were comfortable and the audio was informative, audible and comical making the experience enjoyable.

Anna Jenkins

Excellent tour! Great way to see the city.

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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Coach / Bus Tours & Trips from London

See the best Coach / Bus trips from London, England. We have 193 adventures that range from 2 days up to 45 days in length. The most popular time for tours leaving London is June.

193 Coach / Bus tour packages from London with 6,185 reviews

• Coach / Bus

Europe Taster

Excellent thanks tlto Kirstie and CC

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

I really enjoyed the trip

Classic Europe

Awesome tour. Great people. Super tour guide and driver - Adam & Florin.

Essential Britain & Ireland

great support driver and guide, excellent stops, especially edinbriugh... BUT... too much time on the bus. This needs to be better balanced.. either shorter distance or more timer

Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland

This tour was fabulous! We highly recommend it!

London to Rome Highlights (8 Days)

Farewell Dinner should include in the tour package.

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

European Encounter (Winter, Start London, 16 Days)

Where do I start!? Megs is hands down the best tour manager you will ever have. From her bubbly personality and warm smile, she makes you feel at ease straight away. Her level of knowledge is insane and blows you away. She is not only knowledgeable and informative, but she is so much fun to go out with and enjoy a night out as well. Any tour you have with Megs I will guarantee will be three times as good as you could ever imagine!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

European Quest (Winter, Start London, 25 Days)

The European Quest was hands down the best 24 days of my life. The sites were breath-taking and the me time activities were so much fun. However, what made the trip for me was my tour guide Greg. He knew all the best gelato places in each city and was so interactive with the crew and full of energy! He really knew how to get everyone pumped up and get the best of their contiki experience, could not recommend him enough.

United Kingdom and Ireland ( 10 days )

England, Scotland & Wales

The tour was good the driver and tour guide were great! But the time was an issue to short at the stops!

Best of Britain (11 Days)

We really enjoyed the tour! Although most of the days were quite packed, it was a perfect way to discover the highlights of Britain!

London and Paris Explorer (Summer, 9 Days)

Tour guide was great, Local experts were great, but the only thing that was not so great was the hotels. A lot of people in our group were older, and the tubs were high. Difficult to get in and out of. Please consider this when choosing hotels.

3-Day Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath & the South West Coast Small-Group Tour from London

John was a very good host.Sam also was very good. We enjoyed the sites and agenda. We will use the tour company again.

Northern Route

Guides Johanna, Miquel and Oscar were friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable. I enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to my friends.

Get Social: Europe Express 2024-25 (including Heidelberg)

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Coach / Bus Tours from London

Overall the trip was well coordinated. There were minor glitches that were easily resolved

Awesome tour. Great people. Super tour guide and driver - Adam & Florin.

Travel Styles

Coach / bus from london.

• to London (121)
• to Rome (20)
• to Paris (14)
• to Edinburgh (7)
• to Barcelona (6)
• to Amsterdam (5)
• England Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Coach & Bus Companies (with Reviews)