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No Cancellation Charges up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. 100% cancellation fee applied within 24 hours of travel date.

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).

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

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• Three Bus Routes and Thames River Cruise vistas are included with the Hop On Hop Off London Bus Ticket.
• Cross the renowned bridges, including the recognizable Tower Bridge, to learn more about the fascinating history of London.
• Learn about London's spiritual and colorful sides, including Piccadilly Circus and St. Paul's Cathedral.
• A multilingual pre-recorded audio commentary provides valuable information about the places you will visit.
• On your London Bus Tour, take a free Thames River cruise between Westminster Pier and Tower Pier.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted! No need to print.
• 1 Day, 24 & 48-Hours London Hop On Hop Off  Bus Ticket
• Audio guide available in 11 International languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Polish and Arabic)
• 45-Minutes Thames River Cruise (One Way Only) - With 24 & 48 Hours Ticket
• Individual headphones on board for personal use only
• Free Wi-Fi on-board
• Entrance Fees
• Hotel Transfers

Redemption Info

Know before you go, useful downloads, cancellation policy, frequently asked questions, q. what is the ticket validity for london hop on hop off bus tours.

A. Yes, there are different ticket options available for London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, including 1-Day Ticket (Including Walking Tour), 24-hour Ticket (Includin Walking Tour and River Cruise) and 48-hour Ticket (Including Walking Tour and River Cruise) tickets

Q. Is my vouchers flexible for London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour?

A. Yes, your booking voucher is flexible and valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Q. Are the buses wheelchair or stroller accessible?

A. Yes, our all buses are wheelchair or stroller accessible. Every bus having one dedicated space on lower level for wheelchair / stroller

Q. Are your buses equipped with audio-guide in different languages?

A. Yes, pre-recorded audio-commentary available in 11 International languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Polish and Arabic).

Q. Where can I start my London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour?

A. You can start your tour from any of the designated stops on different routes. You can download "City Sightseeing London" App to find your nearest bus stop and track live bus locations.

Q. Are your buses pet friendly?

A. Small, well-behaved dogs or pets are allowed on buses.

Other London Bus Tours

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

Uber Hop On, Hop Off Boat Pass by Thames Clipper

Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London

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

TooTBus: London Hop-On, Hop-Off with Optional River Cruise

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

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

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

Customer reviews.

I boarded both the green & red route busses. The experience was awesome. I was amazed about the beauty of London as I to... Read More

I boarded both the green & red route busses. The experience was awesome. I was amazed about the beauty of London as I took photos on the top deck. It was a nice experience

Thank you for your valuable feedback. Happy to hear your thoughts. It is always interesting to see what our travelers think of our service.

Good in general. Red route is fluent. Blue route was canceled twice Read More

Good in general. Red route is fluent. Blue route was canceled twice

Thank you for your valuable feedback. Happy to hear your thoughts. It is always interesting to see what our travelers think of our service. Apologies for the inconvenience during the tour.

Was amazing. Thank you and God continue blessing you. Read More

Was amazing. Thank you and God continue blessing you.

Great staff, great route, but to expensive especially online. Read More

Great staff, great route, but to expensive especially online.

Tour was good and I enjoyed. It would be better if for every stop there is announcement made and can be heard by the gue... Read More

Tour was good and I enjoyed. It would be better if for every stop there is announcement made and can be heard by the guest. it would help the guest, especially sitting upstairs to know that they are approaching 1 particular stop

Very welcoming people on the departure site. Very nice tour! Read More

Very welcoming people on the departure site. Very nice tour!

We had a great Tour of London with friendly staff that helped us on the way making it a thoroughly enjoyable day. Read More

We had a great Tour of London with friendly staff that helped us on the way making it a thoroughly enjoyable day.

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With the London City Tour by Julià you will experience the city from a new perspective. The Hop Hop Hop Off tourist bus will give you wonderful panoramic views of the most important sights of London.

Its 3 routes cover the main tourist attractions that you must not miss during your visit.

Our Hop on – Hop off service allows you to get on and off at any of our stops as many times as you want. Explore our interactive map to check all our routes and find 39 stops in London!

Traveling to London has never been this easy!

Buy your tickets

The Red Official Route presents the key sights and top attractions of London including the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge and Leicester Square.

This route will cover all prominent museums located in the heart of West London such as Victoria & Albert , Natural History and the Science museum as well as Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall and Harrods

Green Route (Shuttle)

The Green Route winds through iconic London sites including the British Museum, Platform 9 & ¾ at King's Cross Station, the literary haven of Bloomsbury, Waterloo Station, the Royal National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall, among other amazing places!

Belvedere Road, behind the London Eye The York Road (Southbank) stop is next to Waterloo Station, and just a few meters from Westminster Bridge. If you decide to Hop On Hop Off at this stop, from this side of the River Thames you can enjoy one of the best views of the city towards the gigantic Ferris wheel of The London Eye. Take the opportunity to enjoy this place and get back on board the bus to continue the panoramic tourist route through the main points of interest in London. Remember that you can get on and off our red double-decker buses as many times as you want.

With the stop Aldwych (One Aldwych Hotel) you will cross the River Thames via Waterloo Bridge and then you can visit one of the most popular places in London: Covent Gargen. A place where you can feel the true pulse of the city and lose yourself among its wide commercial, artistic and entertainment offer. Here you can visit a wide range of places of interest, from the Royal Opera House to the Roman baths, passing through the London transport museum, the Temple church or the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields. With the Hop On Hop Off service of our bus tour you can get off at this stop and enjoy Covent Gargen and its surroundings at your own pace.

At a height of 110 m, the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral in London is the second highest in the world, just behind St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The current cathedral was built between 1676 and 1710 after the Great Fire in 1666 destroyed the original. Sir Christopher Wren was the architect entrusted with rebuilding the cathedral, and it is considered today to be his greatest work. St Paul’s Cathedral’s greatest attraction is its great dome which you can climb up to enjoy some amazing views of London.

If you want to cross the famous Millennium Bridge, remember to get off the bus at the Queen Victoria Street stop. It is located just a few meters away. The Millennium Bridge walkway connects the Tate Modern Gallery and The Globe Theater to the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral, located across the River Thames. The 8 cables that keep the bridge in suspension are tensioned to support 2000 tons of weight, enough to support 5000 people on the bridge at the same time. It is the newest bridge built in London and it has already become one of the iconic places in the city. Remember that you can Hop On Hop Off at any of our stops and take advantage of the different points that we have selected on this tour.

If you decide to get off at the London Bridge stop, you will be just a few steps from the River Thames. Cross the London Bridge that connects the City of London with Southwark and enjoy the views of the next bridge: the iconic Tower Bridge. Check our mobile application to see the location and frequency of the bus in real time and get back on board to continue the panoramic tourist route through the main points of interest in London.

The Tooley Street - Tower Bridge stop will allow you to get off next to Potters Field Park, from where you can enjoy the best views of the south bank of the river towards Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Do not forget that from this place you can also visit the modern glassed building of the London City Hall, designed by Norman Foster, and visit its exhibition halls. If you continue the tour on board the bus until the next stop, you will cross the bridge and enjoy the magnificent views of the arches of the tower from the perspective of the open top floor of our double-decker bus. Let the adventure begin!

Tower Hill is an elevated spot northwest of the Tower of London, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in the East End of London, just outside the City of London boundary.Built during the reign of William the Conqueror, throughout history the enormous fortification that is the Tower of London has served as the Royal residence, an arsenal, a fort and a prison.

Get off the bus at the Victoria Embankment stop on the Red Route and gaze out over the River Thames from its north bank. Cross Waterloo Bridge to visit the National Theater, or stay in the City of London to visit the Royal Opera House. You are also close to the popular Covent Garden area, where the commercial, entertainment and shopping offerings suit all tastes. If you prefer to take advantage of your Hop On Hop Off stop to visit historical and artistic points of interest, don't forget the Temple Church, the Roman Baths on Strand Lane or the statue of Michael Faraday. Get on and off the bus as many times as you want and design your own itinerary. Customize your experience and enjoy the tour!

Westminster Bridge (Big Ben side), in front of Westminster Pier. Get off at this sightseeing bus stop and access your Thames cruise included with your 24 and 48-hour ticket. Over the last decade, the London Eye has become one of the most famous postcard images of the city. Towering over the bank of the Thames, this huge observation wheel offers you unbeatable views of London. The London Dungeon, a real house of terror, and the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, where you can see a large collection of the fauna to be found under the sea, are located at the feet of the London Eye. Crossing the Westminster Bridge, which is located right next to the London Eye, will bring you to Parliament Square in less than 5 minutes. This busy square is where you’ll find the best views of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.

The Horseferry Road stop will allow you to visit places on foot such as the Victoria Tower Gardens, with its privileged views of the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames, or Lambeth Bridge, with its elegant 1930s design. Cross it to visit The Garden Museum and Lambeth Palace, or stay on the same riverbank and enjoy a pleasant stroll through Westminster. You can visit both the abbey and the cathedral. Plan your visit and enjoy the experience with the geolocation functionalities that you will find in our mobile application. You will be able to locate the closest points of interest or know when the bus passes by the Horseferry Road stop before continuing your tour with us. Enjoy London in a fun and comfortable way!

Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the British monarch in London since 1837. The Palace is currently home to Queen Elizabeth II. Built in 1703 by the Duke of Buckingham, the building was acquired by King George III in 1762 to be used as a private residence. The Changing of the Guard takes place at the main entrance to Buckingham Palace throughout the whole year. The ceremony involves the changeover of the Guards, who are in charge of security at the Palace, and is accompanied by a military band.

The Buckingham Palace Road stop will take you to one of the most iconic places in London: the official residence of the British royal family. Throughout the year the popular changing of the guard is held at the main entrance of the palace. Take advantage of our Hop On Hop Off service to enjoy the essential activities of your visit to London. You can visit Buckingham and its surroundings at your own pace and resume the tour to continue enjoying a panoramic tour of the essential places of your visit to the city.

Buckingham Palace Road, Stop Z12 Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the British monarch in London since 1837. The Palace is currently home to Queen Elizabeth II. Built in 1703 by the Duke of Buckingham, the building was acquired by King George III in 1762 to be used as a private residence. The Changing of the Guard takes place at the main entrance to Buckingham Palace throughout the whole year. The ceremony involves the changeover of the Guards, who are in charge of security at the Palace, and is accompanied by a military band.

Grosvenor Gardens, STA Travel, Stop 10A Grosvenor Gardens is the name given to two triangular parks in Belgravia, London, faced on their western and eastern sides by streets of the same name. Both roads run roughly north to south from Hobart Place and Grosvenor Place to Buckingham Palace Road.

The Hyde Park - Queen Elizabeth Gate stop is located to the right of the Achilles statue and is the perfect place to visit Buckingham Palace and its gardens, as well as to enter the immense and the popular Hyde Park. The Queen Elizabeth Gate will welcome you to the park. Hyde Park is one of the green lungs of the city, and has different must-see spots. The Princess Diana memorial, or the statue of Peter Pan are some of them. The Serpentine lake, with its waterfall and its pleasure boats, will accompany you during the journey.

Marble Arch is a 19th-century white marble faced triumphal arch in London, England. The structure was designed by John Nash in 1827 to be the state entrance to the cour d'honneur of Buckingham Palace; it stood near the site of what is today the three-bayed, central projection of the palace containing the well known balcony.[1] In 1851 it was relocated and following the widening of Park Lane in the early 1960s is now sited, incongruently isolated, on a large traffic island at the junction of Oxford Street, Park Lane and Edgware Road. Admiralty Arch, Holyhead is a similar arch, even more so cut off from public access, at the other end of the A5.

Doing Hop On Hop Off at the Marble Arch - Park Lane stop of our sightseeing bus you can enjoy one of the most popular places in the city: Hyde Park, with its access from Speakers Corner. The stop is located just a few meters from Marble Arch, at the west end of Oxford Street. Only members of the Royal Family and the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery had the privilege of passing under the arch. Now, with our open top bus, you can too. Remember that you can get on and off at any of our stops and customize your own tour of the city.

Haymarket, outside Tiger Tiger bar restaurant Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s busiest and lively squares and never seems to be anything but full. It appears in numerous postcards thanks to its immediately recognisable neon signs and is the best place for entertainment thanks to all the theatres, shops and restaurants concentrated in the surrounding area. Follow Coventry Street for 5 minutes up to Leicester Square where you can see all the latest cinema releases.

Trafalgar Square is one of London’s busiest and lively squares. Part of its charms are its huge outdoor space open to the public and the famous Nelson’s column and National Gallery. This art gallery is the city’s most famous, housing works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Tiziano, Velázquez and Michelangelo. Behind the National Gallery lies the National Portrait Gallery with a collection made up exclusively of portraits of important people from British history.

Over the last decade, the London Eye has become one of the most famous postcard images of the city. Towering over the bank of the Thames, this huge observation wheel offers you unbeatable views of London. The London Dungeon, a real house of terror, and the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, where you can see a large collection of the fauna to be found under the sea, are located at the feet of the London Eye. Crossing the Westminster Bridge, which is located right next to the London Eye, will bring you to Parliament Square in less than 5 minutes. This busy square is where you’ll find the best views of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.

Knightsbridge is an upscale residential and commercial district located in central London, in the Westminster borough. It is known for its high-end shops, elegant restaurants, and luxury hotels, as well as for being home to some of London's wealthiest residents. The heart of Knightsbridge is the famous department store Harrods, which is a major tourist destination and a symbol of the neighborhood's elegance and luxury. There are also many other high-end shops in the area, such as Harvey Nichols, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. In addition to shopping, Knightsbridge is also known for its proximity to some of London's major tourist attractions, such as Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and the Natural History Museum. In terms of architecture, Knightsbridge boasts many historic buildings and beautiful Georgian and Victorian mansions that have been carefully preserved and restored. Overall, Knightsbridge is a high-end neighborhood that offers a unique shopping and tourism experience in London. It is a popular destination for visitors looking for a combination of luxury and sophistication in an urban setting.

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall located in London, England. It is situated in the South Kensington area and is one of the most famous and prestigious music venues in the world. The hall was opened in 1871 and was named after Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. The Royal Albert Hall has a seating capacity of approximately 5,200 people and is known for its distinctive circular shape and dome-like roof. It is used for a wide range of events, including classical music concerts, rock and pop concerts, ballet performances, opera, and other cultural events. In addition to its use as a performance venue, the Royal Albert Hall is also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours of the hall, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the venue, and its history. The hall also has several bars and restaurants, including the Verdi Italian Kitchen, which serves Italian cuisine. Overall, the Royal Albert Hall is an iconic cultural landmark in London, and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in music, architecture, and history.

Kensington Road is a street located in the Kensington neighborhood of West London. It is an upscale and luxurious street with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. One of the most popular attractions on Kensington Road is the Natural History Museum of London, which houses an impressive collection of animal, plant, fossil, and mineral specimens from around the world. Also on this street is the Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the largest art and design museums in the world. Other notable attractions on Kensington Road include the Royal Albert Hall, an iconic London venue that hosts concerts and other events, as well as the Albert Memorial, a statue dedicated to Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. In terms of shops and restaurants, Kensington Road offers a wide variety of options, from high-end fashion shops to small independent boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants. The street is also known for its beautiful Victorian-style buildings and its beautiful green spaces, such as Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. In summary, Kensington Road is an iconic London street that offers a wide range of tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.

Gloucester Road is a major street located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. The road runs from Kensington Gardens in the north to the Cromwell Road in the south, and is lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and hotels. One of the most notable landmarks on Gloucester Road is the Natural History Museum, which is located near the intersection of Cromwell Road. The museum is one of the largest and most important natural history museums in the world, and features a vast collection of specimens from the plant and animal kingdoms. Gloucester Road is also home to several other notable cultural institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Royal College of Music. These institutions attract thousands of visitors each year and contribute to the rich cultural fabric of the area. In addition to its cultural attractions, Gloucester Road is also a popular residential area, with many high-end apartments and townhouses. The road is well-connected to the rest of London, with several Underground stations, including Gloucester Road station, providing easy access to other parts of the city.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, also known as the V&A, is an art and design museum located in London, England. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert. The museum houses an impressive and diverse collection of over 2.3 million objects spanning over 5,000 years of human history, from art and fashion to ceramics and architecture. Some of the standout objects include the world's largest collection of Medieval art and design, the largest collection of glass objects in the world, and the national collection of contemporary art. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the V&A also features temporary exhibitions and educational programs for all ages. The museum also has a gift shop, restaurants and cafes, and offers guided tours for those who want to learn more about the museum's history and collection. In summary, the Victoria and Albert Museum is one of London's largest and most prestigious museums and is a must-visit destination for art and design lovers.

Harrods is a famous department store located in the exclusive neighborhood of Knightsbridge in central London, UK. The store occupies an impressive seven-story building and is known for its wide range of high-end and luxury products. The area surrounding Harrods is very popular among tourists and locals alike for its sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere. The vicinity of the store is filled with upscale shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as luxury hotels and high-end apartments. Just a few minutes' walk from Harrods is the famous Hyde Park, a vast park that offers an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustle of the city. The park features beautiful gardens, lakes, walking and cycling paths, and is a popular spot for picnicking and outdoor sports. Another nearby attraction to Harrods is the Natural History Museum in London, which is located about a 10-minute walk away. This museum is one of the largest and most prestigious of its kind in the world, featuring an impressive collection of animal, plant, and mineral specimens from around the globe.

Waterloo Road, a key artery in London, pulsates with a mix of history and modern life. Stretching from the southeast near Waterloo Bridge to St George's Circus, it transitions from commercial areas to a vibrant cultural hub near the Thames. While the road itself may not be lined with historical sites, its northern end boasts the iconic Southbank Centre, including the Royal National Theatre. With Waterloo Station at its doorstep, the road offers seamless connection to the entire city.

The Old Vic, a landmark theater in London since 1818, offers an avant-garde and diverse program that encompasses classics, contemporary plays and experimental productions. Its rich history, marked by the likes of Lilian Baylis and Kevin Spacey, makes it a renowned venue. Don't miss a play in this historic and accessible space, where the passion for theater is breathed in every corner.

Southampton Row, stop B, for the City Sightseeing shop and information centre. The Southampton Row stop is located within walking distance of the British Museum. Nearby you can find a variety of restaurants to complete your visit!

Woburn Place, stop H, outside the Royal National Hotel Woburn Place, located in the heart of London's Bloomsbury district, is a street with history. Named after Woburn Abbey, it winds between the iconic Tavistock and Russell Square. Known for its Georgian and Victorian-style buildings, some even with porters, Woburn Place is home to an interesting mix of private residences, artists' studios and elegant restaurants offering classic English, continental and oriental cuisine.

While Pancras Road might not be a top tourist destination in London, it holds its own unique charm. Located near the famous St. Pancras International Station, it offers a glimpse into a more local side of London. You'll find a mix of shops catering to everyday needs, from delis and pubs to bookstores and hardware stores. The area also boasts a vibrant multicultural scene, with restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. In addition, Harry Potter fans will be delighted to know that King's Cross Station, the station from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” and other films in the saga, is just a short walk from Pancras Road. A stroll through the area will allow you to relive the magic of Hogwarts and take pictures at iconic locations featured in the films.

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Great Russell Street is most famous for being the location of the British Museum. This major London street runs between Tottenham Court Road and Southampton Row, and the British Museum sits right along it.

Southampton Row, stop Y, for the British Museum. The Southampton Row stop is located within walking distance of the British Museum. Nearby you will find several restaurants to complete your visit!

Lancaster Place, Somerset House, Stop B Lancaster Place is located within walking distance of a number of attractions such as Waterloo Bridge, Covent Garden and Cleopatra's Needles. Also, if you get off at this stop and cross the famous Waterloo Bridge, you will have the London Eye in front of you!

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Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus Tours

Our tour guides do their best to show you as many landmarks as possible in London, but some of the most popular attractions are spread out pretty far apart.

Most guides will recommend taking the tube from one point to the next, but hop-on hop-off tours are another option to consider as well.

In addition to including helpful details about each of the hop-on hop-off bus tours available in London, we will also include some tips and advice from locals and travelers who use our Facebook Group.

• Companies + Routes
• Night Bus Tours
• Discounts & Deals
• Pros and Cons
• Tips From Locals
• Other London Bus Tours
• Things to Do in London

Disclosure:  We think you should consider  our free tours , but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOURS

This section will cover each of the 3 main London bus tour companies that allow you to jump off and explore each stop at your leisure.

We will provide details about ticket types, hours, prices, and other important factors.

And again, you also might consider our free, hop-on-hop-off tour on the public bus 11 route, which comes with GPS-enabled audio.

We actually recommend using these bus tours to get an idea for which attractions you'd like to visit, and then checking to see if one of our free London walking tours includes those locations.

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus London considers itself the premiere hop-on-hop-off tour bus company and the reviews appear to agree.

This company offers 3 routes with 38 bus stops.

The purchase of all tickets also includes a free Thames River cruise, which you could from Westminster Pier or London Tower Pier.

Each type of ticket also includes 3 guided walking tours .

• Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
• Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
• City of London Past to Present Walking Tour

You will also enjoy free wifi onboard, as well as a booklet filled with vouchers for various London attractions.  

All ticket types, with the exception of the Classic Ticket, also include the Big Bus night tour.

You can also combine a Big Bus ticket with several popular attractions for a combo discount .

Ticket Prices (with a 10% online discount)

Discover Ticket (24 Hours)

• Adult – £40.50
• Child – £31.50
• Family – £128.25
• Includes free cruise on the Thames.

Purchase tickets or learn more .

NOTE: A 1-day ticket is included for free with the London Explorer Pass and the London Sightseeing Pass .

Essential Ticket (48 Hours)

• Adult – £49.50
• Child – £40.50
• Family – £159.75
• Includes a free cruise on the Thames.
• Includes free guided walking tours.

Explore Ticket (48 Hours)

• Adult – £58.50
• Child – £49.50
• Family – £191.25
• Includes a free cruise along the Thames.
• Includes the night bus tour for free.

TIP: If you want to save an extra 5% , consider using Tiqets !

NOTE: There is sometimes a multi-day ticket for a few pounds more that allows you to use your ticket on non-consecutive days.

Times: 8:10 am - 7:00 pm. Tours run every 10-20 minutes. Big Bus also offers a night tour .

Where to Purchase Tickets

Purchase tickets here . Tickets are cheaper when purchased online in advance.

Or you could get them from Central Departure Points.

These points are Marble Arch, Green Park, Victoria Station, Baker Street, and Trafalgar Square. Onsite tickets are a bit more expensive.

Commentary Languages and Type

Each ticket entitles you to an audio guide.

Recorded commentary in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, and English.

Red Route (2 hrs 30 min):

The best of London covers Central London, from Green Park to Victoria Station, including Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Big Ben, Mayfair, London Bridge, and much more.

The Big Bus red route starts from the Green Park Underground station next to the Ritz (first stop at 08:30 and last stop at 16:00)

Click on the map for a larger view

Blue Route (1 hrs 15 min):

As above, plus Kensington Gardens, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Paddington, Notting Hill, Regents Park, and more.

The Big Bus blue route starts from 144 Regent Street (TfL Bus Stop "V", near the corner with Beak Street)

Green Route (1 hr 10 min):

Temple Church, The Mall, St James’s Park, British Museum, Kings Cross, Churchill Museum, Downing Street, National Portrait Gallery, and much more.

The Big Bus green route starts from

Holiday Routes

For the holidays, Big Bus offers a special route at night which will take you around London to see all of the best Christmas lights and displays.

They also have a Christmas Day bus tour , which might not seem like a big deal at first, but it's worth noting that none of the public buses will be running on this day.

In other words, you can expect far less traffic on Christmas day, and that might make the experience much more enjoyable.

Of course, a lot of places will also be closed on Christmas, and this route doesn't allow you to hop on or off at your own leisure.

Even so, if you're interested in seeing the city without too much traffic, this could be the best time to do it!

Reviews of Big Bus Tours London

With a 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Big Bus Tours has received quite a few respectable reviews from its customers.

Most passengers felt like this was a great way to learn about London and see many significant landmarks.

Unhappy reviews tend to increase during the early summer season as buses become more crowded, so be sure to temper your expectations.

The TootBus Sightseeing Tour

The TootBus Sightseeing Tour, also known as the Original London Sightseeing Tour company is almost identical to Big Bus Tours and their reviews are about equal.

As their name hints, they are the original hop-on-hop-off London sightseeing bus tour.

The Original Tour also offers opportunities to combine a bus ticket with tickets to popular attractions to save on both. 

Extras: 24-hour and 48-hour tickets include a free river cruise, 3 free walking tours, and a booklet filled with vouchers for various London attractions (not for The Original Tour).

Also for children, a free activity pack is included.

The 3 free walking tours are: Changing of the Guard, Rock N Roll London, and Jack the Ripper.

Original London also offers a nighttime bus tour as well as a bus tour specifically for families .

Ticket Prices (with 15% discount)

24-Hour London Discovery Ticket Price

• Adult – £29.75
• Child – £17.00
• Family – £90.00

48-Hour London Discovery Ticket Price

• Adult – £34.85
• Child – £21.25
• Family – £107.00

72-Hour Ticket Price

• Adult – £39.95
• Child – £25.50
• Family – £124.00
• Purchase tickets or learn more . (Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance)

Yellow Route

• Buses run every 20-35 minutes.
• Buses run every 15-30 minutes.
• Daily: 9 am - 4 pm
• Buses run every 20-30 minutes.

Yellow Route   – The Original Tour (T1 and T2)

• Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge and Leicester Square.National Gallery, and more.
• T1 – Live commentary in English.  T2 – Recorded commentary in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, Mandarin. PLUS special commentary specifically for children.
• First bus: 8:30 am. Frequency: every 5-20 mins.

Blue Route – The Royal Borough Route (T4)

• Harrods, Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum and Design Museum, and more. 
• Multilingual commentary.
• First bus:  8:30 am. Frequency: Every 15-20 mins.

Orange Route   – The British Museum Tour  (T5)

• British Museum, British Library, Chinatown, Shaftesbury Avenue, and more.
• First bus: 8:35 am. Frequency: Every 20-30 mins.

NOTE: This route is not currently available and we don't know when they will bring it back.

Reviews of Toot Bus London

Much like their competition, The Original London Sightseeing Tour has received a 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor.

Reviews for their hop-on-hop-off bus tours are mostly positive, but they have had some unhappy customers from time to time.

Some guests complained that they didn’t learn a lot and the trip took too long, but many others were pleasantly surprised by everything they experienced.

Several visitors were very impressed by their drivers and the additional walking tours that they offer for free.

City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-off Tours

This is one of the most popular bus tour companies in the world, and they offer a very similar level of service to their competitors.

City Sightseeing currently offers both a 24-hour and 48-hour ticket. Each ticket includes at least one additional activity, including free walking tours, cruises, and more.

There are a total of 25 stops spread across two routes.

The red route will take you to some of the most notable sites in London,

Here are the prices you can expect to pay for each ticket:

24-Hour Ticket

• £37/Adults | £22/Children
• £96/Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
• 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
• Self-Guided Royal London Tour.

24-Hour Ticket + Cruise

• £42/Adults | £25/Children
• £109/Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
• Thames River Cruise.

48-Hour Ticket + Cruise

• £49/Adults | £29/Children
• £127/Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
• 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
• 6 Self-Guided London Tours.

City Sightseeing London Routes

City Sightseeing offers pretty much the same red and green route provided by Big Bus Tours.

The red route starts from the London Eye, Belvedere Road, Stand 3788, and follows a route that covers mostly Westminster and the City of London.

The green route also starts from the London Eye and travels north to sites such as Woburn Place and Southampton Row.

There aren't many differences to note, as they both follow pretty much the same path.

If you want to get a better idea of where the bus will take you, use the following map for more information.

The Thames River cruise, the blue route, starts from Westminster Pier, across from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and has just one stop ending at Tower Pier, near the Tower of London .

You might have noticed that City Sightseeing offers better pricing than some of its competitors, but it should be noted that the quality of service might not be as great.

According to TripAdvisor, this company currently has a 3 out of 5 rating, which isn't terrible, but it's also not very good.

While some guests enjoyed their experience, others were disappointed with the amount of information given and the regularity of service.

Keep these factors in mind before deciding which ticket to buy.

Golden Tours

24-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Ticket Price

• Adult – £41
• Child – £25
• Includes boat ride

48-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Ticket Price

• Adult – £47
• Child – £28

72-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Ticket Price

• Adult – £54
• Child – £34
• Includes boat ride.

Purchase tickets or learn more . (Full refund up to 24 hours in advance)

NOTE: The 24-hour ticket is included for free with the London Explorer Pass .

Commentary Languages and Type: Live commentary in English. Recorded commentary in German, French, Spanish, Italian Japanese, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese.

Route Duration: 1 – 3 hours

Extras: FREE riverboat cruise.

• Red Route – Standard Route – Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace.
• Yellow Route – Standard Route plus Kensington --- Harrods, V&A Museum, Royal Albert Hall, etc.
• 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Buses run every 10-20 minutes.

Although this service is worth mentioning, it’s important to note that Golden Tours has only been given a 3 ½ out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, but 4 out of 5 stars on Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ).

Reviews for their hop-on-hop-off bus tour are very mixed, and several customers have concluded that the service was not very good.

Some guests complained about their bus driver while others were displeased with how infrequently the buses ran.

Those who enjoyed their trip felt that it was a great value which made it a lot easier to explore London. 

LONDON NIGHT BUS TOURS

Many of the above-mentioned bus tour companies offer night bus tours, and we will detail those services below.

Most of these are not hop-on-hop-off tours, but they do take place in the same open-top double-decker buses that are used during the day.

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 bus tour.

London By Night

A double-decker bus tour of London after the sun goes down.

The tour route takes visitors through the most famous sites in London, all lit up, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, Harrods, and more!

This company has received an overall 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ).

An overwhelming majority of reviewers were very pleased with their service, some going so far as to say that this was an excellent experience.

Although they have been given a few negative reviews, none of them indicate any serious issues with the tour bus.

Ticket Prices

• Adult – £29
• Child – £16
• Family – £78
• Under 5 – FREE
• Purchase tickets here . (Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance)
• 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:15, 21:45, 22:15 in Summer (Apr-Sept).
• 19:30, 21:20 in Winter (Oct-Mar)
• Tours last around 1 hr 15 min.

Location: Tours begin from Green Park Underground Station next to the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly.

View the route map .

Commentary Type and Language: Live commentary in English.

This night tour will take you past notable and historic sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye after the sun sets.

The tour is offered three times per night and you can start the tour at one of three different stops. Hotel return service is provided at the end of your outing.

Pre-recorded commentary is available in 12 languages, as it is on their hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

• Adult – £31.50
• Child – £22.50
• Family – £96.75
• From the London Eye: 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 pm
• From Victoria: 7:45 pm, 8:15 pm, 8:45 pm
• From the Marble Arch: 8 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm

This night bus tour is only available for a limited time from April – September.

That said, you can purchase tickets ahead of time and use them on any day within 6 months of purchase.

The TootBus Night Tour (formerly the Original London Night Tour)

This company offers its yellow route as a night tour, and it includes a variety of popular landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and more.

Unlike other companies, this is essentially just an extension of their hop-on-hop-off bus tour during the day, but the night bus tickets are only valid after 6:30 pm.

Think of it as a discount ticket for the end of the day.

That said, this night bus tour does not include any of the additional activities that you can get with other services provided by the Original London Sightseeing Tour.

Regardless, being able to hop on and off at your own leisure will make this a much better option for anyone who wants to get some good pictures after the sun goes down.

• Adult – £23.80
• Child – £13.60
• Family – £72.00
• March - April: 7:30 pm
• May: 8:00 pm
• June - August: 8:30 pm
• September: 7:30 pm
• October: 7:00 pm
• November: 5:30 pm
• The tour lasts for up to 2 ½ hours

Toot Bus's night tour starts from Coventry Street, London W1D 6BH.

In addition to offering the opportunity to jump off and explore at your leisure, this is also the most affordable night bus tour in London and it’s available year-round!

Toot Bus also offers a bus tour specifically for families .

DISCOUNTS AND DEALS

The following section will cover all of the different ways you can save money on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

We include information about tourist passes, combo packages, and more.

Tourist Attraction Passes

Most of the tourist attraction discount passes available to you in London include free tickets to at least one hop-on-hop-off bus tour, but not all of these services are the same.

Each of these tourist passes includes a variety of attractions for one flat price, allowing you to save up to 55% depending on the card that you choose.

They can also save you time by allowing you to skip the ticket queue at select tours and attractions. 

With that in mind, this section will provide a breakdown of which bus tour is offered by each tourist pass.

Big Bus Tours (24-hour ticket)

• London City Turbo Pass
• London Sightseeing Pass

Golden Tours (24-hour ticket)

• London Pass
• London Explorer Pass

Make sure to read our full post about which London City Pass is best for you for more details about how to use these services.

Combo Packages

All the 3 major hop-on-hop-off companies offer tickets that combine various durations of their bus tickets with popular attractions in London.

The TootBus Sightseeing Tour (formerly the Original London Sightseeing Tour)

This company offers a combo deal that includes both their hop-on, hop-off bus tour and a cruise on the river Thames.

If you're interested in both of these activities, this is a great way to save money on tickets by paying one flat price instead of paying for tickets individually.

Prices (with 15% discount)

• 24 Hour Tickets: £35.70/Adults | £20.40/Children
• 48 Hour Tickets: £41.65/Adults | £24.65/Children

This service currently offers a variety of combo packages, and they also work with Madame Tussauds to provide discounts through a special London attraction package.

The following deals are available directly from Big Bus Tours:

• £81/Adults | £67/Kids
• £105/Adults | £92/Kids
• £83/Adults | £69/Kids
• £73/Adults | £48/Kids

Purchase combo packages or learn more .

Much like its competitors, this company also offers a plethora of different combo deals which include their hop-on-hop-off bus tour and at least one additional attraction.

Here are the deals they currently have available:

• £66/Adults | £50/Kids
• £66/Adults | £35/Kids
• £64/Adults | £49/Kids
• £59/Adults | £32/Kids
• £46/Adults | £24/Kids
• £58/Adults | £40/Kids
• £101/Adults | £79/Kids
• £104/Adults | £69/Kids
• £58/Adults | £43/Kids

While some of these combo packages are excellent deals, you may want to compare prices for a few of them to the Madame Tussauds Attraction Package and other combination discounts.

PROS AND CONS OF A LONDON HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TOUR

If you’re looking for a great way to see all the major sites in London, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour can be a great option.

That said, there are a few things you may want to consider before purchasing tickets.

Here are a few reasons you may want to think about taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in London.

Commentary in Several Languages

These bus tours typically include recorded commentary about the most historic and notable landmarks in the city.

The audio guide is often offered in at least 5-10 different languages.

Jump Off and Explore

In addition to the tour itself, you’ll also have the opportunity to jump off at any stop you want and take a closer look for yourself.

You can set your own pace for exploration. Once you’re done looking around, just hop back on and resume your guided trip!

Great Overview of the City

This is a great way for visitors to become more familiar with the city and where everything is located.

Each hop-on-hop-off bus tour includes a map that can make it even easier to find your way around town.

Additional Services

Depending on which type of ticket you purchase, you could also enjoy free walking tours, cruises, night tours, and other things to do.

This is a great way to save money on activities you may already be considering.

Reasonable Prices

Considering that you’ll receive transportation, a tour, live and recorded commentary, a map, and even additional activities, the ticket prices are pretty reasonable at an average price of £35-£50 per person.

TIP : We have a section on  discounts and deals below so you don't have to pay full price!

Although a hop-on-hop-off bus tour can be very useful for most travelers, there are some reasons that you may want to consider another service.

Simplistic Commentary

It’s nice that these tours typically include both live and recorded commentary about the city.

But, they don’t usually go into a lot of detail about all of the landmarks and historic locations you will see.

If you want more in-depth commentary, consider complementing a bus tour with one of our walking tours.

Or, consider our public bus hop-on-hop-off route.

In addition to audio on the bus, we also have clips for walking around at select stops ( learn more here ).

Not Very Efficient

Whether you don’t have a lot of time in London or you just want to save some time, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour isn’t very efficient.

This service is more about taking your time and exploring each location of interest.

Visitors who want a quicker, more efficient experience should consider a different kind of London bus tour.

No Assigned Seat

While you can get an assigned seat on other bus tours and assure that you’ll always have a place to sit, there is no such guarantee on these hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

All seats are first-come, first-served.

If you want to make sure you’ve got a good seat with great views of the city, another type of London bus tour will probably suit you better.

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Alright, enough trying to sell you on hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Here are some of the thoughts and opinions of both locals and travelers from our London Travel Tips group on Facebook who have taken these tours in London.

Megan recommends a pretty good idea, which is to use your first circuit on the bus to note locations you'd like to visit.

Then, on your second trip around, use the hop-on hop-off bus to get to each of the attractions you want to see in closer detail!

Thomas notes that they always do the hop-on hop-off tours in every city they visit just to get an overview of the area, and that is definitely one of the better uses of these services.

Here's another excellent suggestion.

Whether or not you're trying to save money, it's worth noting that you can technically see all the major attractions included on a hop-on hop-off bus tour by using the TFL buses instead.

As a matter of fact, you can actually see a lot more this way, but it does require more effort to figure out the bus routes you'll want to take.

Most locals recommend lines 9 and 15 if you want to follow basically the same route as hop-on hop-off tours.

Richard here actually used to work on the hop-on hop-off buses, so he's got a lot of experience with the services.

He advises to avoid Golden Tours, and from other comments we have seen, it seems that this company does have issues providing these tours.

He also notes that you can easily find which route a bus offers by looking at the colour coded signs on the windows.

If you're wondering whether or not you need to purchase tickets in advance, it'll be nice to know that you can just walk right up to the bus and purchase tickets directly from the driver/guide.

The only real reason to buy tickets ahead of time is to save money, and that's why we offer so many discount opportunities in this post!

For more helpful advice, make sure to check our London Travel Tips group on Facebook.

RELATED POSTS: 

• Where to Store Your Luggage
• London Bus Tours
• London Walking Tours
• Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
• What to Do in London

And much, much more

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

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

24 or 48 hours (take your pick!) Evening tour: 2 hours Walking tours: 1.5 hours

Hop-on, Hop-off: 8:30am to 5pm, every 20-60 min (depending on the routes) Panoramic evening tour: 7:30pm River cruise: 10am to 5:50pm, every 15 minutes in summertime, and every 30-40 minutes in winter Walking tours:

• Royal Walk: 10am
• Hidden Gems of the City of London Walk: 4pm
• Hidden Gems of Westminster Walk: 1pm

London hop-on, hop-off tour: You can hop on to the bus from any of the stops. The first stop is Green Park Underground .  Evening tour: Hop on at the London Eye (Stop 11). River cruise: Board at the Tower of London to sail to Westminster, or board at Westminster to sail to the Tower of London. Walking tours:

• Royal Walk: Stop 7
• Hidden Gems of the City of London Walk: Stop 14
• Hidden Gems of Westminster Walk: Stop 10

You can hop off at any of the stops

• Enjoy marathon London sightseeing with 24 hours or 48 hours hop-on, hop-off tour covering top attractions
• Plan your perfect London itinerary with the flexibility to hop on and off as many times as you like
• Enjoy a River Thames cruise with every ticket
• Book the Panoramic Evening Tour and see London illuminated and magical after sunset
• See top London attractions including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey
• Stops at Harrods, South Kensington Museums, Kensington Palace & Gardens, Notting Hill & Paddington
• Both printed and smartphone vouchers accepted!

Explore London with a Big Bus hop-on, hop-off ticket. Travel around and experience unrestricted views of the city on-board the top-deck of an open-top, double-decker bus. This London hop-on, hop-off tour has 3 comprehensive routes and strategically located stops covering all the best-loved London landmarks and attractions. Customize your own itinerary and discover London at your own leisurely pace.

Discover central London on the Red route , West London on the Blue route , and hop on the London Green Link route , connecting King's Cross and St. Pancras stations with Covent Garden, where you'll be able to easily join our Red Route and Blue Route bus tours.

Enjoy pre-recorded commentary in multiple languages and immerse yourself in the history of London.

List of attractions covered:

• Eros Statue
• St James Park
• St Mary le Strand
• H.M.S. Belfast
• Buckingham Palace
• Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

You can choose from three hop-on, hop-off ticket options:

Discover Ticket:

• 24 hours Hop-On, Hop-Off
• River cruise one way

Essential ticket:

• 48 hours Hop-On, Hop-Off
• Guided walking tours

Explore ticket:

• London evening tour

London Evening Tour: See London illuminated and magical as the sun begins to set on a panoramic bus tour that showcases significant landmarks and top attractions. Enjoy entertaining pre-recorded commentary in English as you pass attractions like the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye.

Walking tours:

• Royal Walk: Experience London's iconic royal pageantry, including the Changing of the Guard on days it is scheduled.
• Hidden Gems of the City of London Walk: Immerse yourself in the history and modern architecture of the City of London.
• Hidden Gems of Westminster Walk: Discover the City of Westminster, including Parliament, Big Ben, Horseguards and more.

Please check the Useful Downloads section for the updated route map.

• 24 or 48 hours Hop-On, Hop-Off tour
• Recorded commentary in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish
• River Cruise - One way
• Evening tour (with Explore ticket)

Useful downloads

• Cruise timetable

Please note

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

Validity:  14 days from or before the date chosen at the time of booking

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes

London is a functioning city and weather, traffic and events may occasionally cause disruption.

Timings and stops are subject to change. The updated map will be available on the buses.

The family ticket includes 4 persons - 2 adults and 2 children.

To collect your river cruise pass, please present your booking confirmation to a Big Bus Tours staff member first.

Customer Reviews

Jeffrey sessler.

Walking tours were very good. Night tour was very disappointing.

Theresa Goulder

My Mum and I really enjoyed our trip around London. We used the Big Bus app to keep tabs of where we were, although it would have been useful if there had been paper maps available on the bus itself. It took us a while to realise where we could access the audio which we'd been looking for, but neither of us had suitable headsets so we had to forego the commentary which was a shame. That said, we really enjoyed the trip and would consider booking it again at another time of year...with appropriate headsets!

Deepa Chhagan

Was greatful the sun was and was able to sit on the top.

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Big Bus London Tours

Big Bus: London Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Enjoy a hassle-free experience in London with this unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass with the option of choosing between a Discover, Essential, and Explore HOHO pass.
• With 3 different routes available on all passes and over 35 stops located near distinct stops, hop on or off at your leisure.
• The Explore and Essential Passes offer walking tours like a 90-minute Royal Walk or Little Legs Kid’s walking tour, a 2-hour evening tour and a one-way river cruise.
• Pick up interesting facts about some of the attractions through the onboard commentary, available in 12 languages.
• Some of the popular stops on your route include the London Eye, Kensington Palace, Tower Bridge, and Madame Tussauds.

Discover Pass: 24-Hours

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

Essential Pass: 48-Hours

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

Explore Pass: 48-Hours

• London evening tour
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• Attraction entrances
• First bus: 8am from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
• Frequency: every 10 to 20 mins
• Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge & Big Ben
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #4 (Marble Arch)
• Frequency: every 20 mins
• Popular stops: Kensington Palace, Harrods, Notting Hill & Paddington Station Complete

Green Route

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

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

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

Little Legs Kids Tour

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

Cruise Details

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

Evening Tour

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

Big Bus: London Evening Tour

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

Combo (Save 10%): Heathrow Express One-Way Tickets + Big Bus London 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

• Save big with this cost-effective combo, ensuring hassle-free Heathrow transfers and a London city hop-on hop-off tour.
• Reach London's vibrant Paddington from Heathrow Airport, or vice versa, in just 15 mins!
• With frequent connections from Heathrow Airport’s terminals, get access to a transfer with the most flexible schedule through the day.
• On a convenient hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour, access 3 routes with over 35 stops spread across the heart of the British capital.
• Visit iconic spots like the London Eye, Kensington Palace, Tower Bridge, Madame Tussauds, and more along your route.

Heathrow Express one-way tickets

• One-way transfer between Heathrow Airport to London Paddington (as per ticket choice)
• Level platform access to all trains on all platforms
• At-seat power
• Free 4G Wi-Fi
• Air-conditioning onboard
• Luggage space
• Onboard entertainment platform to browse newspapers, magazines & podcasts

Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour

• 3 guided walking tours of Changing of the Guard, City of London & Jack the Ripper

From Heathrow Airport to London Paddington

• First train: 5:12am
• Last train: 11:57pm
• Frequency: Every 15 mins

From London Paddington to Heathrow Airport

• First train: 5:10am
• Last train: 11:25pm

Green route

• Timings: 10am, daily

Little Legs kids tour

• Timings: Every weekend, 27-31 May (daily), and Jul & Aug at 2pm

Cruise details

• Frequency: Approx. every 50 mins.
• Tip: At Paddington Station, you can access National Rail, and Crossrail for London and UK travel. It's a central hub for Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City tube lines.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi, Cloakroom.
• Pets and guide dogs are permitted on this transfer.
• Children 15 years and under can travel free on Heathrow Express.
• Note: The service is subject to disruptions or late departures in certain circumstances.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pre-Recorded Commentary.

Combo (Save 7%): Stansted Express One-Way Transfers + Big Bus 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of London

• Save big and enjoy two experiences with Stansted Express and Big Bus London hop-on hop-off combo tickets.
• Get to Tottenham Hale from Stansted Airport or vice versa, in under 40 minutes with the Stansted Express ensuring a quick and comfortable journey.
• Make use of in-train amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, at-seat power supply & USB plug, and ample luggage space on the Stansted Express.
• Explore London at your own pace with the Big Bus Tour, covering over 35 stops and featuring iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.
• Choose between 24 or 48-hour passes, access 3 different routes, and enjoy extras like a river cruise and guided walking tours.

Stansted Express

• One-way transfers between London Stansted Airport & Tottenham Hale
• Ample luggage space
• Air-conditioning
• Wi-Fi, at-seat power supply & USB plug

Big Bus London

Discover Pass: 24-Hour

• Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian & Spanish
• Live guide in English on red route

From Stansted Airport to Tottenham Hale Station

• First train: 5:30am
• Last train: 12:30am
• Frequency: Approx. every 30 mins

From Tottenham Hale Station to Stansted Airport

• First train: 4:52am
• Last train: 11:13pm
• Frequency: Approx. every 50 mins
• Tip: Hop off at Tottenham Hale and discover Covent Garden's street performances and boutique shops.
• Facilities: Wheelchair & Bicycle Accessibility, Lavatory, Free Wi-Fi, Power Supply Socket, Luggage Space.
• Tip: Savor Indian cuisine at Dishoom near Covent Garden (stop 12), a local favorite.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pre-recorded Commentary
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Big Bus London hop-on hop-off tours

Embark on a memorable journey with London’s Big Bus hop-on hop-off tours. Experience the city's rich history and vibrant culture as you explore famous landmarks, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London. Enjoy the flexibility to hop on and off at your leisure and uncover the best of London's sights .

Why choose the Big Bus London tours?

Hop on hop off convenience

Enjoy the flexibility to explore London at your own pace with our hop-on, hop-off feature. Jump off at any of our designated stops and dive into the city's iconic attractions.

Panoramic views

Experience London's landmarks from a unique vantage point on our open-top buses. Capture breathtaking views of Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and more.

Expert guided tours

Learn about London's rich history and culture from our knowledgeable tour guides. Gain insights into each landmark's significance and uncover hidden gems along the way.

Multi-language commentary

Choose from a variety of languages for live commentary during your tour. Whether you speak English, Spanish, French, or Mandarin, our multilingual options ensure everyone can fully appreciate the experience.

Exclusive discounts and offers

Unlock special deals and discounts at select attractions with your Big Bus combo tickets. Maximize your London adventure while saving money on entrance fees and experiences.

Family-friendly experience

Our tours are designed to cater to all ages, making them perfect for families. Sit back, relax, and create lasting memories together as you explore London's top sights.

Big bus London routes, stops and maps

The Red Route/Classic Red tour travels around the best of Central London. Highlights are Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Big Ben, and St Paul’s Cathedral. 

• First stop: Green Park Underground
• Timings: 8:30am - 6pm
• Frequency: Every 10 to 20 minutes
• No. of stops: 24
• Full loop duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

The Blue Route/Big Blue tour is perfect for visitors who want to experience the best of West London, from Kensington Palace and Harrods to Notting Hill. It starts near Piccadilly and travels to the ritzy shopping areas near Park Lane, Regent Street, Oxford Circus, and Hyde Park. 

• First stop: Victoria, Nova Complex
• Timings: 8am - 6pm
• Frequency: Every 15 to 20 minutes
• No. of stops: 39
• Full loop duration: 3 hours 35 minutes

This route is primarily a transport link that connects Euston Station and King’s Cross Station to Central London. It starts at Covent Garden and has 10 stations that cover attractions like the British Museum, Russel Square, and Holborn. 

• First stop: Woburn - Northbound
• Frequency: Every 30 to 60 minutes
• No. of stops: 10
• Full loop duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

More details:

• Big bus overview and route-wise timetable
• Big bus route overview and route-wise stops and maps

Highlights of your Big Bus London tour

Route name: Red route, Blue route

Attraction timings: 11am to 6pm

Tower of London

Attraction timings: 9am to 5:30pm

SEA life aquarium

Attraction timings: 10am to 4pm

Buckingham Palace

Attraction timings: 9:30am to 6:30pm

Tower Bridge

Attraction timings: 9:30am to 6pm

Suggested London Big Bus Itineraries

If you have just one day in London then pick the Red Route of the London Big Bus Tours and explore all the top attractions in West London and Central London London.

• Start off at the Green Park Underground Station and take in the sights of West London, stopping at Mayfair. 
• Get back on the bus and stop at Trafalgar Square and enjoy the free Royal Walking Tour at 10am and explore the area around Buckingham Palace. 
• Take the Big Bus from Trafalgar Square to the Tower of London. Explore the landmark, then take the free River Cruise from the Tower of London Pier to Westminster Pier.
• After a stop for lunch, explore Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
• Finally, get back on the Big Bus and do the complete Red Route loop (1 hour 15 minutes), and get down at Covent Garden. Walk around the district and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants.

If you have 2 days, you can explore the attractions in London at a more leisurely pace. Here is a sample itinerary to use:

Day 1 – Blue Route:  Set out from Green Park Underground and get down and explore the South Kensington Museums. Visit Kensington Palace and have lunch in the area, or at nearby Notting Hill. Get on the bus and stop at Baker Street for the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds. Stop at the London Eye to ride the London Eye, and visit the London Dungeons and SeaLife Aquarium. Finally walk down to Westminster Pier and take the free river cruise.

Day 2 – Red Route:  Start your day at Trafalgar Square for the free ‘Royal Walk’ walking tour at 10am. After the tour head to Westminster Abbey. Get on the Red Route and get off at St Paul’s Cathedral. Then head to the City Hall stop to explore the H.M.S. Belfast. Finally, cross Tower Bridge, or take the bus again and get down at the Tower of London and spend time exploring the attraction.

Big Bus London tips

• Download the Big Bus Tours app as it is a convenient way to plan your itinerary and ensure you have the bus timings and route ready at your fingertips. 
• Plan your day ahead in advance as the bus routes are in a loop and there are a few points where you can change over to other routes. Make sure you consider the timings of the attractions and the days of closing as you don’t want to waste time alighting at the wrong stops! 
• As much as possible pre-book your tickets as you can avoid spending time in the queues outside attractions. You can purchase skip-the-line tickets for London attractions here . 
• The Big Bus ticket is valid for calendar days which means it is advisable to activate your pass as early in the day as possible. You cannot use the 1-day Big Bus ticket for 24 hours over 2 days!

Big Bus London: FAQ's

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

Your ticket grants you access to all Big Bus routes, allowing you to hop on and off at any designated stop. Additionally, you'll enjoy informative commentary, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, and exclusive discounts at select attractions and restaurants.

London Big Bus hop-on hop-off bus tours run at a frequency of 10 to 30 minutes. Depending on the route. Click here for details. 

There are three Big Bus tour routes in London - the red, blue, and green link. All the routes are included in your big bus ticket. 

Yes, you will get access to audio guides available in up to 12 languages to learn more about the city.

Yes, the London Big Bus hop-on hop-off tours are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.

Tickets are typically valid for either 24 or 48 hours from the time of redemption, depending on the ticket type purchased.

London's Best Bus Routes for Sightseeing

Stephen Lux/Getty Images 

There's a lot to see on a trip to London , and especially on your first trip to the city. Taking a bus is one of the easiest ways to get a good view of London without much hassle or expense; all you have to do is find out which route you want to take and then leave the driving to them while you gawk at the scene. London is covered by more than 700 bus routes, and many travel past some of the city's iconic sights. As a bonus, many of the buses are double-deckers , and what a great view you'll get on the upper deck. This list focuses on routes in central London only and includes links to a full guide that rounds up all the sights included on the route as well as helpful tips and additional information. 

London buses no longer accept cash fares, so you will need an Oyster card loaded with sufficient credit or a travelcard. You could also consider using a contactless payment card to pay for London transport .

If you are short on time and want to guarantee that you see all of the big sights in London , your best bet is the classic Big Bus Tours circular route.

No. 11 Route

This bus route is a perfect one to take if it is your first trip to London. The key section of the No. 11 route starts at Liverpool Street Station and ends at Victoria Station. It goes through the City of London and past such must-sees as  St. Paul's Cathedral , Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

No. 9 Route

Brendan Mccarthy/Getty Images

The best section of the No. 9 route starts in Kensington and ends on the edge of Covent Garden. It goes past Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park, along Piccadilly, past St. James's Palace and Trafalgar Square .

No. 73 Route

joe daniel price/Getty Images

The No. 73 route starts at Victoria Station and ends in Stoke Newington in northeast London. It goes past the Buckingham Palace gardens, Wellington Arch, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, along with the whole length of Oxford Street, and through Islington.

No. 26 Route

vladimir zakharov/Getty Images

The No. 26 route starts at Hackney Wick in east London and ends at Waterloo by the South Bank . It goes through Hackney and the City of London before traveling over Waterloo Bridge for fantastic views on both sides.

No. 24 Route

Stephen Rafferty/Getty Images

The No. 24 route starts at Hampstead Heath in north London and winds its way to Pimlico, near ​ Tate Britain . It goes through Camden and Trafalgar Square, as well as Parliament Square, where you'll get a glimpse of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

Laurie Noble/Getty Images

The RV1 route starts at Tower Hill, close to the Tower of London, and ends in Covent Garden. The route links the Tower of London to London Bridge and Borough Market, via Tower Bridge, and Waterloo and the South Bank to Covent Garden Piazza.

David Bank/Getty Images

This route starts in West Hampstead and passes through other upmarket North London neighborhoods, including St. John's Wood where the famous Abbey Road pedestrian crossing can be found, before heading along Oxford and Regent streets, through Piccadilly Circus and around Trafalgar Square, and ending in Waterloo with magnificent views from Waterloo Bridge.

London Monopoly Board Locations

Bruno Vincent/Getty Images

Visitors to London often walk London Monopoly board locations. It's easier if you take the bus on these four routes, which will drive you past all the Monopoly board locations. These routes all connect. Catch No. 205 at Marylebone Station, No. 78 at Liverpool Street Station, No. 72 at Old Kent Road, and No. 23 at Fleet Street. If you want an abbreviated tour, pick No. 23, where you will hit the jackpot and roll past the lion's share of Monopoly board names on just this one route.

Sightseeing on the Number 11 London Bus

20 Best Things to Do in London When It Rains

What to Do and See During One Week in London

Number 24 London Bus for a Cheap Sightseeing Tour

Monopoly Board Locations by London Bus

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

How to Enjoy a Quick Layover in London on a Budget

Top 10 London Attractions

19 Things to See If You Only Have a Few Hours in London

The Top 20 Things to Do in England

The Complete Guide to London's Big Ben

15 Terrific Day Trips From London

The Top 12 Things to Do in London's West End

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One Week in England: The Perfect Itinerary

100+ Free Things to Do in London

Paris Big Bus Tour Review

T he Paris Big Bus Tour is the gift that keeps on giving. Truth be told I love to walk and see cities on foot, but Paris is a must by bus because it makes financial sense, and it will save you a lot of time.

The Big Bus Tour in Paris

Is it worth it.

When traveling, I am a fan of taking public transportation and traveling like a local. It’s environmentally friendly and you can save money on car rental expenses.

Taking the Big Bus Tour was one of the best decisions that we made because the tourist attractions are spread apart, and you can see many more points of interest while saving time and money.  

Paris is made up of 20 neighborhoods (or arrondissements) and the Big Bus Tour will travel through 7 of them.  

We spent a total of 9 days and Paris and had a pretty full agenda which included lunch at the Eiffel Tower , a river cruise on the Seine, a day trip to Versailles, a classical concert at La Sainte Chapelle, trips to outdoor markets like Marche des Enfants Rouges, visiting the rooftop of the Arc de Triumph, souvenir shopping, Sacre Coeur, the Louvre Museum, the Champs Elysees, the Catacombs, Rue de Cler, Pont Alexandre , a croissant making class with a Parisien chef, Ile de la Cite, Berthillon, and more. We also ventured out to see Paris at night and the views were stunning!

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in Paris

The Red Route is the main tour, and it takes about two hours to see everything if you don’t exit the bus. We stayed on the bus from start to finish to get a idea of places that we wanted to visit on foot.

How Much is the Big Bus Tour in Paris

The ticket fee will vary based on the number of days that you want to join the tour bus. I recommend the combination ticket where you can see the points of interest for the Big Bus, and take a cruise on the river Seine.  

It is possible to do both the tour and the cruise in one day. If you join the tour and finish by 5 PM, you can then join the cruise on the river and catch the sunset depending on the time of year that you go.  

Check for tickets on the Paris Big Bus Tour here .

Are There Toilets on the Big Bus

Sorry, but no matter what the city it is very likely that you won’t find any restrooms. However, you can ask the driver or attendants on the bus to guide you. The wonderful thing about Paris is there are public restrooms available for just a euro.

When is the Best Time to Visit Paris

We went on the bus tour at the end of March for Spring break. The weather was a bit chilly and in the high 50s to low 60s. It was sunny, but not incredibly warm.  

The prime months are April, May, September, and October when highs reach a comfortable 60-70°F (15-21°C).

Big Bus Tour Review

We purchased our tickets online using a smartphone after touring Notre Dame. Because the cathedral was one of the tour stops, we thought we were close, but the stop was a 7-minute walk away.  

To add, the area was congested, and the instructions were confusing. After calling the tour company, we found the stop heading west but then learned that the bus stop was across the street and coming from the south direction.  

Fortunately, we caught it in time and were able to get nice seats on the upper deck. 

It was a sunny, cool day and one would think would be an excellent opportunity for photos. The problem for me is that I don’t have great photography skills and I was using my smartphone.  

When we got to a landmark or icon, it was difficult to take a good shot due to the speed at which the bus traveled, bumps in the road, construction equipment, or overgrown trees, not to mention the hands, heads, and cameras of other passengers.

On our tour there were two routes in operation, the red route, and another color (which may no longer be available). The red route took about two hours to see everything. Then we had to exit the bus at the last stop to catch another bus that went into other neighborhoods.

The most interesting point on the second route was The Moulin Rouge. Otherwise, the sights were non-eventful, so we caught up on rest and napped on the lower level during the ride.

Overall, it was time well spent. And since we planned activities at a few of the attractions we had the chance to make up for bad photos taken on the bus. 

Where to Catch the Big Bus Tour in Paris

There are 10 stops on the red route and the buses will arrive in frequent intervals. During peak visiting months, like spring to summer, you can expect longer waits and slim pickings for a good seat.

1 – Louvre Pyramide / Big Bus Information Centre (11 avenue de l’Opéra)

2 – Louvre at Pont des Arts (2 rue de l’Amiral de Coligny)

3 – Notre Dame ( 3, Rue Lagrange (outside souvenir shop, opposite park entrance)

4 – Musée d’Orsay (58 Place Henry de Montherlant, facing the museum)

5 – Champs-Elysées (156, avenue des Champs-Elysées, facing the Arc de Triomphe)

6 – Grand Palais (Avenue Winston Churchill, facing Grand Palais and Petit Palais)

7 – Trocadéro (Avenue Paul Doumer, next to the Musée de l’Homme)

8- Tour Eiffel (Quai Branly, Entrée 2 Tour Eiffel, at the north pillar of the Eiffel Tower)

9 – Champ de Mars (Avenue Joseph Bouvard)

10 – Opéra Garnier (Facing 15 rue Scribe, next to the Roissy airport shuttle bus stop)

Things to Know Before You Go

• The tour is pre-recorded and the audio narratives can be heard in English, French, Italian , Spanish, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Mandarin, and Korean.
• Be mindful of potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours so that you can plan your tour for off-peak times to avoid congestion.
• Be aware of any events that may alter the experience (rallies, protests, huge sports competitions).

I can’t emphasize the awareness of events enough. There was an enormous parade outside our hotel on one trip, and protests that caused the Champs Elysee to be boarded up during another trip.

Final Thoughts on the Paris Big Bus Tour

Overall, it was a pretty fun girls’ trip but the last thing I wated to do was spend most of our time and money riding the subway all over Paris.

The Big Bus is a no brainer if you want to see the best of Paris without wearing yourself out.

As a US citizen, I try to make the most of my visits to Europe.

The more countries I visit, the more I am convinced that I’ve made the best use of a 10-hour flight.

A quick trip to the Covent Garden in London, Venice , Italy, or any another country is always must for me.

And as always, you can see whether you are in New York , Paris, or Chicago , you experience so much in a short amount of time with a Big Bus Tour.