big bus tours in london

THE 10 BEST London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop-on hop-off tours in london.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Big Bus London Open-Top Evening Tour

9. Ride of Routemaster and See London

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

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

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

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

14. 7 Day Winter Tour of England and Scotland starting from London

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

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

17. Full Day London Pick & Mix Customized Tour

18. 7 Day Tour Exploring England and Scotland starting from London

19. full day london pick & mix customized tour.

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

21. London by Night Tootbus Sightseeing Bus Tour

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

What travelers are saying.

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

Day in London

Make The Most Of A Day In London!

Big Bus Tours

Experience the best of London’s iconic sights with Big Bus Tours. Hop on and off our double-decker buses as you explore the city’s famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the majestic Big Ben. Enjoy informative live commentary, panoramic views, and flexible routes that let you discover London at your own pace. Make the most of your visit with Big Bus Tours and create unforgettable memories of this vibrant city. Book your tour today and embark on a London adventure like no other.

Visitors can choose from a variety of passes in London to help them make the most of their vacation. The London Pass comprises a hop-on, hop-off bus tour and provides free admission to more than 80 of the city’s finest attractions. The Sightseeing Pass offers a versatile option with the option of three, four, five, or seven attractions, while the Merlin Attractions Pass grants entry to well-known destinations including the London Eye and Madame Tussauds . Big Bus Tours offers a hop-on, hop-off service with live commentary and panoramic views for people who want to experience the city by bus. And finally, for those on a tight budget, the Big City Saver pass provides savings on restaurants, shops, and activities. Visitors to London are guaranteed to discover the best pass for their needs among the several that are offered.

Are you arranging a trip to London and seeking an easy way to visit the famous sites and attractions of the city? Huge Bus Tours London is your only option. Big Bus Tours London is the ideal method to experience the city at your own pace and convenience because of its hop-on, hop-off service, educational audio commentary, extensive route, and over 40 stops. Big Bus Tours London’s adaptability is one of its best features. You can board and exit the bus as often as you like with the hop-on, hop-off service, giving you the freedom to explore the city at your own leisure and convenience. This is particularly helpful if you wish to spend more time at particular sights or attractions.

Top Highlights

• Flexibility: You may explore the city at your own leisure and convenience with the hop-on, hop-off service.
• Informational commentary: The multilingual audio commentary offers fascinating background information on the places of interest.
• Extensive route: stopping at over 40 locations along the way, including well-known sites like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye.
• Scenic views: The open-top bus offers beautiful views of the city and its well-known sites and attractions.
• Ticket options: Big Bus Tours London provides a range of ticket choices to accommodate diverse interests, schedules, and spending limits.
• Family-friendly: To keep youngsters involved and entertained during the tour, Big Bus Tours London provides special children’s commentary and activity booklets.
• Discounts and promotions: Big Bus Tours London frequently provides discounts and promotions, such as complimentary walking tours, river cruises, and attraction tickets when a bus tour ticket is purchased.
• Expert tour guides: The guided walking tours offered by Big Bus Tours London are led by knowledgeable tour guides who share their insider knowledge and the history of the city’s landmarks and attractions.
• Night tours: Big Bus Tours London provides night excursions that highlight the city’s lit landmarks and attractions and offer a fresh and unusual viewpoint on the area.

Further Details

Big Bus Tours London’s educational audio commentary, which is offered in a variety of languages, is another feature. The trip is both educational and entertaining due to the commentary’s intriguing facts and history about the sights and attractions. As you explore, you can unwind, sit back, and discover the city’s rich history and culture.

Another noteworthy aspect of Large Bus Tours London is its broad route. Famous attractions including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye are among the tour’s more than 40 stops. It is a convenient and effective way to see the city because you can see all the important monuments and attractions on one tour.

The beautiful cityscapes that can be seen from the open-top bus are another feature of Big Bus Tours London. The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral are just a few of the famous monuments and landmarks in the city that can be seen from a different angle. The open-top bus offers sweeping views of the city, making it an excellent opportunity to take pictures and remember the experience.

Last but not least, Big Bus Tours London provides a variety of ticket choices to accommodate diverse interests, schedules, and spending levels. Big Bus Tours London has a ticket option for you whether you’re interested in a traditional tour, a night tour, or a combination of the two. Depending on how long you wish to spend exploring the city, you can select a 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day ticket.

There are numerous different reasons to purchase a ticket for Big Bus Tours London in addition to the highlights stated above. For instance, the vehicles are wheelchair accessible, which greatly benefits those with impairments who wish to do the tour. Children can stay entertained and involved during the tour by using the activity materials and unique children’s commentary provided by Big Bus Tours London.

With the purchase of a bus tour ticket, the trip frequently also includes free walking tours, river cruises, and attraction tickets as part of its promotions and discounts. You may also take part in escorted walking tours, which are conducted by knowledgeable experts who share insider information and the background of the city’s landmarks and attractions.

In conclusion, Big Bus Tours London is the best option if you’re planning a vacation to London and want an easy and flexible approach to experience the city’s famous sites and attractions. You can see all the key monuments and attractions at your own time and convenience thanks to the hop-on, hop-off service, informative audio commentary, extensive itinerary, and picturesque views. Make the most of the numerous ticket choices and discounts that Big Bus Tours London provides to get the best value for your money.

Privacy Overview

• Top Things to do
• London Tours
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Tower of London

• Harry Potter London Tours
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• SEA LIFE London Aquarium
• Up At The O2 Climb

Buckingham Palace

• London To Stonehenge Tours

St. Paul's Cathedral

• London To Windsor Castle Tours

Tower Bridge

• National Express London

Westminster Abbey

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• Frameless London
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• Travel Tips

London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Select Your Experience

City Sightseeing: 1-Day/24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of London with Optional Thames River Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Explore London at your own pace as you hop on and hop off unlimited times with your hop-on hop-off pass.
• Get access to 3 routes and 20+ stops covering the entire city with an Iconic 1-day pass, or 24 or 48-hour HOHO pass.
• With the 24/48-hour passes get a one-way cruise on the River Thames, from Westminster to the Tower Pier and 5 award-winning self-guided walking tours of London.
• Learn more about the locations you pass through a multilingual audio guide, available in 11 languages on board and get access to a self-guided Royal London Tour available in English with both passes.
• Some popular stops on your hop-on hop-off route include the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Queen Elizabeth Gate, Piccadilly Circus, and more.

1-Day HOHO Pass

• 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Free walking tour of Royal London with audio guide
• Audio guide in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic & Polish

24-Hour HOHO Pass

• 24-hop-on hop-off bus tour
• One-way Thames River cruise

48-Hour HOHO Pass

• 48-hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Free walking tour of Royal London, Covent Garden, Borough Market, Southbank & Nothing Hill with audio guide
• First bus: 8:30am from Belvedere Road
• Last bus: 7:35pm from Belvedere Road
• Frequency: every 10 to 20 mins
• Popular stops: Grosvenor Gardens, London Bridge, Westminster Bridge
• First bus: 9am from Hyde Park (Queen Elizabeth Gate)
• Last bus: 6pm from Hyde Park (Queen Elizabeth Gate)
• Frequency: every 20 mins
• Popular stops: Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, Victoria and Albert Museum

Green Route (Shuttle)

• First bus: 9:17am from Belvedere Road & 8:55am from Aldwych
• Last bus: 4:17pm from Belvedere Road & 3:55pm from Aldwych
• Frequency: every 20 to 30 mins
• Popular stops: Lancaster Place, Southampton Row

Thames River Cruise

From Westminster Pier

• First cruise: 10:06am
• Last cruise: 7:15pm
• Frequency: every 40 mins

From Tower Pier

• First cruise: 10:05am
• Last cruise: 6:20pm

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

• Tip: Hop off at Buckingham Palace and visit the state rooms and gardens. Also, stay behind to watch the Changing of the Guards Ceremony.
• Keep in mind food & beverages, smoking, large luggage or suitcases are not allowed on the buses. Pack wisely!
• The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
• Ramps are available for easy access.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses.
• Facilities: free Wi-Fi, headphones.
• Only hand luggage allowed per passenger allowed.
• A 1-day ticket is valid for 1 calendar day whereas the 24-hour ticket is valid for 24 hours. For example, if you hop on at 10am, then your ticket remains valid till 10am the following day.

Tootbus: 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of London with Optional Night Tour

• Revel in the liberty of exploring London with a 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket with an unlimited number of hops, across 3 distinctive routes.
• Soak in the rich tapestry of London's history, culture, and lifestyle, with over 40 stops giving you direct access to the city's iconic landmark.
• Want more? The pass includes 3 free walking tours or you can upgrade for a 90mins night tour.
• With a multilingual audio guide and kid's audio guide, listen to riveting tales as you witness the city's wonders from eco-friendly open-top buses.
• Popular stops across your HOHO route include the Harrods, London Eye, Tower of London, and more.
• 24/48/72-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
• 90 mins night tour (optional)
• Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, Russian & Arabic
• Kids audio guide in English & French (on yellow route & night tour)
• 3 self-guided walking tours
• Free earphones made from recyclable materials
• Entry to attractions

Yellow route

• First bus: 8:30am from Coventry Street
• Last bus: 8pm from Coventry Street (Note: until Jun 28, the last bus is from 7pm to 8pm)
• Frequency: 10-20 mins
• Popular stops: London Eye, Buckingham Palace

Royal Blue route

• First bus: 8:30am from Grosvenor Gardens
• Last bus: 6:20pm from Grosvenor Gardens
• Frequency: 15-20 mins
• Popular stops: Parliament Street, Harrods

Green route

• First bus: 8:35am from Wyndham's Theatre
• Last bus: 7:30pm from Wyndham's Theatre (Note: until Jun 28, the last bus is from 5:30pm to 7:30pm)
• Frequency: 30 mins
• Popular stops: British Museum, Bedford Place
• 7:30pm (Apr 2 to 30 & Sep 4 to 24), 8pm (May 1 to 28), 8:30pm (May 29 to Sep 3), 7pm (Sep 25 to 29 Oct) & 5:30pm (Oct 30 to Nov 12) from Coventry Street
• Frequency: once a day

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

• Tip: London is known for its street art. Look out for hidden gems at stops like Shoreditch or Brixton.
• The buses run on clean energy, such as fully electric power, biogas, or biofuel, making them eco-friendly.
• You can access the self-guided walking tours on the Tootbus app, which takes you through Kensington Gardens, Royal shopping in St James’s, Architecture & Celebration.
• The night tour is closed from Nov 13 to Mar 28.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses, pets and small dogs must be seated at your knees.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they aren't entitled to their own seat.
• You can use your tickets on any day before the tour date.

Tootbus: 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour of London with Thames River Cruise

• Travel at your own pace and explore London's charm with 24/48/72-Hour hop-on hop-off bus pass.
• Ride and stop as you please unlimited times on any of the 40+ stops across 3 routes as buses arrive every 15-40 mins.
• The cherry on top? Immerse the allure of the River Thames with a one-way river cruise.
• Admire city views from the eco-friendly double-decker buses, equipped with multilingual audio guides for adults and kids.
• Popular stops include The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and more!
• 24/48/72-hour HOHO pass
• One-way River Thames cruise
• Kids' audio guide in English & French (only on Yellow route)
• Live/recorded commentary in English (on the cruise)
• Audio guide in Italian, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, English & Japanese (on the cruise)

Thames River cruise

• First boat: 10am from Tower Pier
• Last boat: 5:15pm from Tower Pier
• Frequency: 40 mins
• Popular stops: Westminster Pier

Westminster Pier

• First boat: 10am from Westminster Pier
• Last boat: 6pm from Westminster Pier
• Popular stops: London Eye & Tower Pier
• Tip: Explore a local market or two. Borough Market and Portobello Road Market are treasure troves of food, antiques, and local finds.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they don't need a separate seat.

Big Bus: 24/48-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off London Tour with Optional Cruise

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

Discover Pass: 24-Hours

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

Essential Pass: 48-Hours

• 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• 3 guided walking tours of Changing of the Guard, City of London & Jack the Ripper
• 1-way river cruise

Explore Pass: 48-Hours

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

Green Route

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

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

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

Little Legs Kids Tour

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

Cruise Details

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

Evening Tour

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

Golden Tours: London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise

• Explore the best of London with maximum flexibility as you hop on and off unlimited times with this hop-on hop-off bus pass.
• Choose between a 1-day, 24, 48, or 72-hour pass with 4 dedicated routes and over 70 stops, available every 5 to 10 minutes.
• The 24, 48, or 72-hour passes include a free royal walking tour, Beatles London walking tour, and a boat ride on the River Thames.
• Enjoy panoramic views of London from the open-topped deck of these double-decker buses with free-wifi, a 3D treasure-hunting game, a live English-speaking guide available on the blue route, and an audio guide available in 12 different languages across all routes.
• Some of the iconic stops include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben.
• 1 Day/24hr/48hr/72hr Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Pass
• Live English-speaking guide on the Blue Route
• Audioguide in 12 languages
• 3D Treasure Hunt Game
• One mobility impairment access seating per bus
• Complimentary walking tour (as per option selected)
• River Thames Cruise (as per option selected)
• Entrance tickets to attractions
• Additional Gratuities

Yellow Route

• The first bus is at 8:10am from opposite Hilton London Kensington, Holland Park Avenue, Bus Stop HJ, and the last bus is at 10:10pm.
• Frequency: every 20 mins.
• Popular stops: Bayswater Road, Notting Hill, and Holland Park.
• The first bus is at 9am from Victoria and the last bus is at 5pm (Apr to Oct) and 4:30pm (Nov to Mar)
• Frequency: Approx every 20 to 30 mins.
• Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge & St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• The first bus is at 10am from Hyde Park and the last bus is at 5pm.
• Popular stops: Tower of London, London Eye, Tower Bridge & London’s Museum District.

Orange Route

• The first bus is at 10am from Lambeth Palace and the last bus is at 5pm.
• Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, Paddington, Marble Arch, Madame Tussauds, Kings Cross & St. Pauls Cathedral.

Complimentary Walking Tours

Available with the 24/48/72 hour Tickets

Free Hop-on-Hop-off Thames Boat Tour – Lilac Route

• The first boat departs at 11am from Westminster Pier.
• Frequency: every 30 mins.
• Popular stops: Parliament Square & St. James’ Palace

Royal Walking Tour

• Departure Time and Day: 10:00 AM Daily (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time)
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Departure Location: Bus Stop outside The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Gate, SW1A 1AA
• Return Point: Westminster Abbey

Jack The Ripper Walking Tour

• Departure Time and Daye: 3:30 PM Daily (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time)
• Duration: 1.5 Hours
• Departure Location: Ice Cream Refreshments stand next to the Tower Hill Station exit
• Return Point: Near Liverpool Street Underground Station

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

• Tip: At Big Ben, visit the Prison Room which is accessible from the House of Commons and is currently occupied by the Petitions Committee.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi.
• The walking tours are available in English only.
• The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese & Arabic.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Big Bus: Evening Tour of London

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

Golden Tours: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour of Central London

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• This is THE classic London experience – high tea and sightseeing , all rolled into a 90-minute bus tour of Central London.
• See London's popular sights out your window – Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, you name it, with plenty of Insta-worthy moments along the River Thames.
• Tuck into some tasty bites like: smoked salmon on toast and scones slathered in jam and cream. Fancy a glass of Prosecco or maybe a cuppa tea or coffee? It's all there.
• Got dietary needs? No worries! Veggie, vegan, gluten-free, they've got you covered. Plus, pick your fave spot – upper or lower deck!
• 90-min afternoon tea bus tour
• Tea menu here
• Glass of Prosecco or soft drink
• Souvenir mug
• Seating on the lower/upper deck (as per option selected)
• First bus: 11:30am from Bulleid Way.
• Second bus: 2:30pm from Bulleid Way.
• Last bus: 4:30pm from Bulleid Way.
• Popular sights: Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey

Please click here for the detailed route map.

• Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 4 years.
• Keep in mind luggage and large bags are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
• Guests may have to share tables.
• You must contact the activity provider at least 72 hours prior to the travel date to confirm your choice of menu (general or vegetarian) or you will be served the general menu.
• Keep in mind this activity does not have a tour guide although the staff onboard will highlight points of interest and famous landmarks.
• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• The route is subject to change due to road closures and traffic conditions.
• Alcohol will only be served to those aged 18 and over, valid ID is required.

London  is a city that doesn’t shy away from its rich history and heritage, proudly showcasing everything it has to offer. From the majestic Big Ben and Tower of London to the iconic London Eye and Buckingham Palace, there’s no dearth of attractions to be visited and experiences to be had. 

But so many tourist attractions and experiences, London is not an easy place to navigate, especially if it’s your first time in the city.  Hop On Hop Off Buses are a brilliant way for tourists to explore the city’s top landmarks.

Why Choose London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours?

• Visit Top Attractions:  In a city like London, it can be a challenge to visit every attraction and explore every landmark given the sheer number of sightseeing spots.
• Convenient Way to Travel:  A great way to see all these highlights and conveniently travel from one site to another is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus.
• Comfortable and Affordable:  Tourists vouch for the convenience of pre-set routes, affordable pricing along with comfortable transport that the HOHO buses offer. 
• Multiple Routes:  There are a number of bus routes running across the city, and the next bus is never too far away. 
• Pre-Recorded Commentary:  There are audio guides in up to 11 languages, including  English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, to give you information on all the attractions you will visit.

Please check your tickets for more information on the special features and inclusions.

London Hop On Hop Off Routes & Timings

The Big Bus buses operate on three routes with 51 stops at the city’s must-see attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and more. There are also Evening Tours of London.

51 stops covered

City Sightseeing has four routes and 33 stops that will give you an overview of the city including highlights like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, and many more.

33 stops covered

Tootbus London has three routes. The Yellow route covers the city’s major landmarks, the Royal Blue Route covers the city's palaces and shopping destinations, while the Green Route stops major cultural and transport hubs. There is also a optional Night Tours or Thames River Cruises, and a special Kids Tour of London.

52 stops covered

Golden Tours has five routes that cover the city’s major landmarks and attractions. The Red and Blue Routes cover Central London and the Orange Route stops at the city’s museums. The Yellow & Green Routes are transport routes connecting to hotel areas. There is also a special Afternoon Tea Bus Tour.

79 stops covered

Your London Hop On Hop Off Tour Highlights

Visit the King’s residence at Buckingham Palace. Stroll through the vast palatial gardens and witness the Change of Guards ceremony.

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

One of the UK’s most important religious buildings, Westminster Abbey is the burial and memorial site of many famous historical figures.

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

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the North bank of the River Thames. Today, it also houses the Crown Jewels.

Kensington Palace

This palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria, and here you can visit the State Apartments, Royal Wardrobe Collections, and the Gardens.

Built across the Thames River, the historic Tower Bridge is known for its stunning river views, distinctive twin towers, and unique drawbridge.

Explore the beautiful Thames River on a River Cruise, travel under the city's bridges, and see the top highlights from a unique perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions About London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Yes, you can get on the bus tour at any stop.

The stops along the London hop-on hop-off tour will have signs for the relevant bus operator and route name.

Yes, they are child friendly.

Yes, the tours are suitable for senior citizens.

No, pets and other animals are not permitted on the buses.

Yes, they are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.

There are no restrooms or food available on the bus, but, you can use the facilities available at any of the attractions you stop at.

No, any luggage larger than a backpack is not allowed on the buses.

While the hop-on hop-off buses do not offer direct hotel pickups or drop offs, there are some buts routes that have stops near popular hotels or special transport routes connecting to hotel areas.

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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