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

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

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

Open-Top London Panoramic Bus Tour with Live Guide

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Select Date, Travellers and Ticket

• Take an open-top bus excursion to discover the capital.
• See well-known sites including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.
• All ages may enjoy this dynamic history lesson with a live English-speaking guide.
• There is a choice for an audio guide.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted (No need to print!)

Take an enthralling two-hour open-top bus trip that leaves often from the well-known London Eye. Explore the core of London's past and present while passing by well-known sites including Piccadilly Circus, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. This trip guarantees a balance of information and enjoyment, guided by knowledgeable experts. Relive the enchantment of London's finest sites from the luxury of our bus, whether you pick the day or night trip.

Experience the spirit of London on our panoramic open-top bus tour, an immersive two-hour excursion that leaves from the London Eye every hour. Jubilee Park and Garden in front of the London Eye provide a lovely backdrop for the departure point, which is conveniently located at Belvedere Road, SE1 7NA. A live guide will meet you as soon as you get on one of our blue buses and begin to regale you with interesting facts about some of London's most beloved locations. This trip guarantees that you see all the major sights, including the imposing Buckingham Palace, the fascinating Tower of London, and the energetic Piccadilly Circus. As you travel around the city's busy streets, immerse yourself in its rich history and current relevance. Choose between the day and night trips for a distinctive viewpoint on the nation's capital if you're more flexible. The attraction of London reveals itself to you whether you are in the brilliant sunshine or the twinkling city lights. Spend the entire two hours on the bus taking in the sights and sounds while listening to our live guide's insightful comments. As an alternative, choose the audioguide experience, which provides a fluid history and landmarks of London. For those who want a thorough rundown of the city's top attractions, this trip is ideal. We also offer another alternative if you're seeking for a hop-on and hop-off experience. Our blue busses are waiting for you at the London Eye, where your tour starts and ends. See the timetable map for further information and set out on an unforgettable tour of London's most popular sights. Book your tickets right away!

Day Tours:  10:00am to 5:00pm (please arrive 15 min prior to the start time) Night Tours : 07:00pm and 08:00pm (please arrive 15 min prior to the start time) Duration:  2 Hours Approx Start Point:  London Eye Tourist Stop - Belvedere Road, Tourist bus stop, London SE1 7GH (Please check calender to know about the availability)

• 2 Hours Open Top Bus Panoramic Tour
• Live Guide (Subject to availability)
• Audio Guide available in 11 languages
• Entrance Fees (Unless specified)
• Hotel Transfers

Redemption Info

Know before you go, useful downloads, cancellation policy, other london bus tours.

Golden Tours: London Hop On, Hop Off with Madame Tussauds and London Eye

TooTBus: Must-See London Hop-On, Hop-Off with River Cruise

City Sightseeing: London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

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

London City Tour: Hop-On, Hop-Off with River Cruise

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

TooTBus: London Discovery Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

TooTBus: London Hop-On, Hop-Off with London Night Tour

Other cities in united kingdom.

Golden Tours London

London golden tours hop-on hop-off bus tours 2024.

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

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

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

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

Buy London Golden Tour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour Tickets

Why choose london golden tours.

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

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

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

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

Your London Golden Tour Ticket Options Explained

• Valid for 1 calendar day
• Open-top buses
• Live English-speaking Guide
• Audioguide in 11 languages
• 3D Treasure Hunt Game

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

• Valid for 48 hrs

• Valid for 72 hrs

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

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

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

London Golden Tours Timetable

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

Blue Routes

Orange route.

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

Yellow Route

• Timing: 8 AM to 10 AM
• Loop: 1.5 Hours

Green Route

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

London Golden Tours Routes

Classic Tour (Blue Route)

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

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

Essential Tour (Red Route)

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

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

The Museum Tour (Orange Route)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download Map of All Routes >

Suggested London Big Bus Itineraries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights of the London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Westminster Abbey

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

Parliament Square

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

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

London Bridge

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

River Thames

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

Buckingham Palace

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

St. Paul's Cathedral

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

Madame Tussauds

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

London Big Bus Visitor Tips and Guidelines

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

Frequently Asked Questions About London Golden Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

Your bus tickets are valid for 1 day, 24, 48 or 72 hours (you can take your pick!)

River Cruise: 30 minutes.

Hop-on, Hop-off: 9am to 5pm, every 30 minutes

River Cruise: Please check USEFUL DOWNLOAD section.

You can hop on to the bus from any of the stops .

Circular Cruise Westminster boats depart from Westminster pier 

You can hop off the bus at any of the stops

Please check USEFUL DOWNLOADS.

• Discover London on a fun-filled and flexible hop-on, hop-off bus tour
• Covers major attractions including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, London Eye, Madame Tussauds and more
• Choose from a validity of 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours to discover the city at your own pace
• Enjoy a relaxing Thames Cruise included with the ticket
• Both printed or smartphone vouchers accepted!

Enjoy the perfect introduction to the UK’s historic capital with this action-packed London hop-on, hop-off tour!  Ride past all the key attractions covered by strategically located stops. Enjoy a multilingual audio guide and learn fascinating facts about the things you see. 

FREE River Thames Cruise: Enjoy an enthralling hop-on, hop-off River Thames boat ride and admire London’s attractions and landmarks, between Westminster and St Katherine’s Pier. Valid for 24 hours, you hop on and off as many times as you wish. The cruise is operated by Circular Cruise Westminster.

ATTRACTIONS COVERED

• Buckingham Palace 
• Tower of London
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Madame Tussauds
• London Eye.
• Tower Bridge
• Trafalgar Square
• Parliament Square
• Westminster Abbey
• St James’ Palace

…. And more!

Please check the Useful Downloads section for the route map and cruise timetable.

• 24 hour/48 hour/72 hour hop On, hop Off bus ticket
• Complimentary river cruise with 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours ticket
• Audio Guide available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic
• Free Wi-Fi on open-top buses
• Entrances to attractions, unless specified
• River Cruise with 1 Day ticket

Useful downloads

• Cruise Timetable

Please note

Voucher information: You can show your voucher on your smartphone (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes

No restroom available on board.

Each of our stops will be clearly signposted with the words Golden Tours sitting below the Transport for London bus stop logo. Each bus stop will also display its stop number.

Stops are subject to change and traffic can be disrupted on certain days. The updated map will be available on the bus.

The river cruise is not included in the 1 day bus ticket options. All 24, 48 and 72-hour ticket holders will receive a free one-way sightseeing river cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge Quay or Greenwich, or from Greenwich to Westminster or Tower Bridge Quay. You are free to use your river cruise on any date within 7 days of the start of your hop-on hop-off bus experience.

Customer Reviews

Jo rodriguez.

Easy to purchase online and the drivers were very kind and attentive.

Frank Frick

Great overview of London to see what we wanted to visit again

David Manyara

Great routes, and excellent personal guide!

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Golden Tour’s Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour

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Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of London with Golden Tour’s Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour. Explore the city’s most iconic locations as our open-top bus takes you directly to their doorsteps, offering a comprehensive discovery of one of the world’s most renowned cities.

• Hop-on, hop-off bus ticket
• Audio guides are available in 11 languages
• Live guide on selected blue routes
• One-way river cruise
• Free Wi-Fi on all open-top buses

DESCRIPTION

Whether you choose to revel in panoramic views from the open top or disembark at any of our strategically placed stops, the experience is tailored to your preferences. Cruise through the famed Parliament Square, home to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Pass by the iconic London Eye along the vibrant Southbank, witness the towering Shard, stroll through the golden gates of Buckingham Palace, and marvel at the grandeur of St. Paul’s Cathedral, among other highlights.

With engaging audio commentary providing insights into the capital’s rich history, this tour is a perfect introduction to London, accommodating both your schedule and budget. Select from a range of routes:

• The Classic Tour (Blue Route) encompasses all major Central London sights and explores London’s Museum Quarter.
• The Essential Tour (Red Route): Passes by Madame Tussauds and Kings Cross, featuring Hyde Park and Regents Park, two of London’s most picturesque parks.
• The Museum Tour (orange route): Unveil the treasures of London’s renowned museums, passing by the exquisite Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Buckingham Palace.
• The Morning and Evening Drop-off Service (Yellow and Green Routes): Operating in the morning and late afternoon, these routes seamlessly transport you from popular hotel districts to Central London, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience.

Click here for bus tour map

River Thames Boat Ride

Embark on a captivating sightseeing journey along London’s River Thames with the City Cruises Boat Ride. Departing from Westminster and heading to Tower Millennium Pier, or vice versa, this experience offers panoramic views of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, creating a sightseeing adventure like no other. Immerse yourself in the voyage with live commentary from the captain or an informative audio guide, unveiling fascinating facts about the historical and architectural gems that line the majestic River Thames.

Free walking Tour

Embark on an enriching sightseeing experience in London with our Free Walking Tours, featuring the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour and the Royal London Walking Tour. Delve into the historical significance of King Charles’ coronation and past coronations, along with intriguing facts about the royal family. During the 2-hour tour, explore notable royal sites and witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Alternatively, channel your inner detective by journeying back to Victorian London with the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour. Investigate the morbid murders that shook the city, visiting key locations where crucial clues were discovered. Gain insights into the victims and explore possible suspects, unravelling a gripping chapter of London’s dark past. Choose one or both tours for a memorable and educational exploration of the city’s rich history.

Bus frequency: Summer + Holidays = Every 20 minutes on red & blue routes. Every 30 minutes on the Orange route. Winter = Every 30 minutes on Red, Blue & Orange routes.

Another way to find each bus stop is to use what3words. This will pinpoint a 3-meter-square box where you will find each. The words to use can be found here

To view the latest service information, please click here.

Hop-on Hop-off Boat Ride: Boat Ride operated by City Cruises

Boats leave every 30 minutes from:

Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames St, London, EC3N 4DT

The boat cruise is approximately 30 minutes in duration. Passengers will board the next available departure.

Free Walking Tours Jack the Ripper Walking Tour Start time: 3:30 p.m. daily (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time) Finish time: 5 p.m. Departure Point and Directions: Tower Hill Tram, Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4TH. This is the ice cream stall outside the Tower Hill Underground Station exit. Return Location: Near Liverpool Street Underground Station

Royal Walking Tour Start time: 10am daily (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time) Finish: 12pm Departure Point: Tourist Bus Stop outside The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Gate, SW1A 1AA (Nearest underground station: Victoria and Green Park) Return Point: Westminster Abbey (Nearest underground station: Westminster Station)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Audio guides are available in 11 languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic)
• This is a hop-on, hop-off bus service that you can join at any Golden Tours bus stop.
• No restrooms are available on board.
• The duration is valid from when you first hop on the bus. Unlimited usage within your chosen timeframe Does not include London by Night service.
• River cruise to be used between Westminster to Tower Millennium Pier or vice versa.
• Please view the schedule for bus timetables and other helpful information.
• You can cancel your reservation for this product up to 2 days before to get a full refund.
• Thames River tour is only included with 24 hours and 48 hours ticket

What's Included

•  Hop-on, hop-off bus ticket
•  Audio guides are available in 11 languages
•  Live guide on selected blue routes
•  One-way river cruise
•  Free Wi-Fi on all open-top buses

What's Excluded

•  Entrances to attractions
•  Gratuities

Related Tours

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BOOKING FORM

Hh1- 24hrs ticket, hh2- 48hrs ticket, reset password.

Best Sightseeing Bus Tours in London Compared

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

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

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

London Bus Tours Deals

GET 10% OFF AT BIG BUS TOURS

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

Sightseeing Bus Tours in London Compared

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

Sightseeing Bus Tours in London: What’s included

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

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

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

Sightseeing Bus Tours in London: Price Comparison

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

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

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

Big Bus Tours

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

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

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

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

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

⇒ See Big Bus London Route Map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⇒ See The TOOT Bus London Route Map

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

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

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

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

Golden Tours

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

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

⇒ Golden Tours Route Map

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

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

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

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

City Sightseeing London

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

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

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

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

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

⇒ See City Sightseeing London Route Map

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

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

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

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

Comparison Sightseeing Bus Tours in London: Summary

Are sightseeing bus tours in london worth it.

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

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

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

Other Bus Tours in London

⇒ Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Tour

⇒ Vintage Bus Ghost Tour

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