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

Hop-on hop-off tours in london.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Archaeology Tours
  • Cultural 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.

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

6. Big Bus London Open-Top Evening Tour

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

14. Ride of Routemaster and See London

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

18. London by Night Tootbus Sightseeing Bus Tour

london bus tours route

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

20. full day london pick & mix customized tour.

london bus tours route

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

london bus tours route

22. Full Day London Pick & Mix Customized Tour

What travelers are saying.

Jesse Lingard 35

  • Claire B 1 contribution 0 4.0 of 5 bubbles Fun evening Fun evening seeing central London from the top of a double decker bus. Top tip, you can’t move around once the bus sets off so photographers might want to sit in the uncovered section. Read more Review of: Big Bus London Open-Top Evening Tour Written April 17, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Pippa W

  • 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

PlanTripLondon – Things to do in London

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

sightseeing bus tour in London

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These are the different tickets available and their respective prices:

Classic: 1 Day Ticket

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

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

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Classic Ticket

Premium: 2 Day Ticket

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

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

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Premium Ticket

Deluxe: 3 Day Ticket

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

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

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Deluxe Ticket

Night Tour and Hotel Return Service

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

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

  • London Eye (stop 7) at 19:30, 20:00 & 20:30
  • Victoria (stop 29) at 19:45, 20:15 & 20:45
  • Marble Arch (stop 4) at 20:00, 20:30 & 21:00.  From Marble Arch, which is the last stop of the tour, there is a free hotel return service that goes to Paddington, Bayswater, Notting Hill & Kensington at the end of the tour.
Night Tour only Prices: Adult ticket: £24.90 Child ticket (5 – 15): £15.00 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £64.80

Combined tickets: Big Bus Sightseeing Tour + Attraction

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

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

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

Big Bus Tour + London Eye

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds

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

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

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

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

Big Bus Tour + Tower of London

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Bus Tour + St. Paul’s Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Classic Red Tour

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

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

2. Big Blue Tour

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

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

3. Green Link

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

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

4. Night tour: Hotel Return Service 

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

Bus stops and timetables

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

⇒ See Sightseeing Bus Tour Route Map Here

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

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

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

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

Free Guided Walking Tour

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

Related Posts

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

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

hoho

  • Select Language
  • Select Currency
  • Australian Dollar
  • Canadian Dollar
  • Chinese Yuan (CNY)
  • British Pound (GBP)
  • Indian Rupees (INR)
  • Japanese Yen (JPY)
  • Malaysian Ringgit
  • Newzealand Dollar
  • Singapore Dollar

v1573772799/europe/united%20kingdom/london/23177.jpg

Hop On Hop Off London - Bus Tours

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

London Sightseeing Bus Tours

( ) experiences found.

  • Recommended
  • High to low
  • Low to high
  • User rating

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

Top Customer Reviews

Carol holobinko.

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

Judelka Gumbs

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

Anna Jenkins

Excellent tour! Great way to see the city.

About Paris

Experience London in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Are these tours guided?

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

Q: What is the validity of the tour?

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

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

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

travel inspiration from guidebook

LONDON CALLING : Top London Attractions to Experience in England’s Capital in 2023

LONDON CALLING : Top London Attractions to Experience in England’s Capital in 2023

London – the dynamic and lively capital of England welcomes you! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this bustling metropolis has no… The post LONDON CALLING : Top London Attractions to Experience in England’s Capital in 2023 appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

The Best Way to Capture London – Take a Thames River Cruise

The Best Way to Capture London – Take a Thames River Cruise

Ride the Thames Tide The post The Best Way to Capture London – Take a Thames River Cruise appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Top Royal Tours to Take

Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Top Royal Tours to Take

Hooray, it’s a celebration day! The post Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Top Royal Tours to Take appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

Get the latest offers and inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter and get the best isango! has to offer

  • Enter a valid email
  • Enter the characters shown below Captcha not matching

Terms of Use

  • Booking terms & conditions
  • Picture credits

Get in touch

isango!

Haven't found what you're looking for?

Try a more specific search (e.g Add city or destination name)

You have signed up successfully.

Please stay tuned on your email for exciting offers.

Sign Up Login Login Or Sign Up

Sign up to create and view bookings Login to create and view bookings

  • Enter full name
  • E-Mail ID Already Exists User does not exist Enter a valid email
  • Please enter password Enter valid password(at least 6 characters)
  • Remember me Forgot Password
  • I wish to receive top deals and travel inspiration
  • By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Forgot Password

  • Enter your email address and we will send an email with a link to reset your password.
  • Continue Login

Email sent successfully.

london bus tours route

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

100+ Free Things to Do in London

One Week in England: The Perfect Itinerary

9 Top Things to Do in London for Easter

girl gone london

17 Best London Bus Tours in 2023 (ranked!)

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

Ready to tour London by bus?

You’ve come to the right place. I live in London, and have spent a lot of time figuring out the best London bus tours so that you can make the most of your trip to this incredible city.

In this guide, we’re going to explore the best 17 London bus tours – all led by expert guides who want to share their knowledge and help you have a memorable time.

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

london bus tours route

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

The best London bus tour is this Hop-On and Hop-Off bus tour .

Click here to check prices and availability.

The best London bus tour if you want the classic sightseeing experience is this Big Bus Hop-On and Hop-Off Bus Tour and the best bus tour in London if you want something a bit different is this Spooky London Ghost Vintage bus tour.

They both have hundreds of amazing reviews, so there’s no going wrong.

London is a massive city that can be much easier to explore by bus, and there are plenty of London bus tours that will cater to your specific interests, whether that be music history, architecture, filming locations in London , or something else entirely!

If you want to see what your other options are, here are the best London bus tours that are definitely worth your time.

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

Easy Guide: Best London Bus Tour Picks

Best classic bus tours in london, 1. big bus hop-on hop-off classic london tour.

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 7,300+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1-3 day pass | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Big Bus is the most iconic London bus tour and one of my favorite of the sightseeing tours that are hop-on/hop-off style.

Choose the red route if you have less time, or the blue route if you want to see more of London, and enjoy being whizzed around the city with information at each stop about what you’re looking at (the worst kind of bus tour is one where they don’t even tell you!).

Big Bus operate in multiple cities around the world, so the formula isn’t new in London, but it’s a tried-and-tested hop-on and hop-off tour, and that’s why it makes my list as the best one if you’re just going to do one bus tour in London.

2. Vintage London Bus Tour with Optional London Eye

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 370+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

london bus tours route

The difference between this bus tour and a normal sightseeing tour is that you get to travel in style on a vintage London bus, not one of the ugly themed hop-on and hop-off bus styles.

The London Eye can also be included in your sightseeing ticket, which is a fantastic way to cover both at once as you’ll finish at the London Eye and not waste any time in traveling there (because the bus will take you!).

This is not a hop-on and hop-off variation, so this is also great if you don’t really need to get on or off and just want to sit and enjoy the views.

3. London Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

london bus tours route

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

Tootbus is newer on the scene in London when it comes to bus tours, but they’re doing amazing and have fantastic reviews and lots of repeat customers.

There are three different circuits to choose from to customize your London bus experience, and the upper deck is obviously the best place to sit (particularly when you’re going over the bridges!).

Tootbus is a great option for families with kids in London , as it has a little bit more of a casual vibe than the Big Bus options.

4. London Vintage Bus Tour with Thames Cruise

london bus tours route

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Want to combine your London sightseeing bus tour with a Thames river cruise?

This is your best bet!

So many people want to do both during their time in London, and this is a great option for that, combining land and river for an epic sightseeing day out.

For the record, I prefer doing a sightseeing cruise with sightseeing bus in the warmer months, and a sightseeing bus with the London Eye (a previously listed tour – scroll up a bit) during the colder months just for comfort.

5. Golden Tours Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

london bus tours route

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 600+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 day | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Golden Tours offer a hop-on and hop-off sightseeing tour around London that rivals the other big companies, and they are easy to spot with their blue and orange coloring.

I love that the front of the upper deck is covered in case the weather is bad, while the back of the top is open to the elements in case the sun is shining (or you just want to brave it!).

They do audio tours instead of live guides on their buses, so it’s better if you want that pre-recorded experience or have already tried Big Bus or Tootbus.

Best Night Bus Tours in London

6. london by night open top sightseeing tour.

london bus tours route

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 540+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

London is completely different at night , and even if you’ve done a London sightseeing tour during the daytime, a London bus tour at night is such a memorable experience that I recommend to all visitors.

This tour takes you all around the most iconic London attractions to see them lit up and sparkling in the dark, including the bright lights of the London Eye, the Tower of London , and the iconic Westminster Abbey.

You’ll get to see a side of the city that many people never see, and it can be a great thing to do on your first night in London to try and beat that jet lag.

7. London Christmas Lights at Night Bus Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 130+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 45 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

london bus tours route

Deck the halls in London with a beautiful Christmas lights bus tour during the winter season.

There is something so insanely magical about London in winter when the Christmas lights are on, and this tour will take you right down some of the most important streets like Oxford Street and Regent’s Street.

The best part is that on the upper deck, you’ll be right under and right up close to the lights, as well as have a great vantage point to lights on the sides of the street lighting up the shops.

It’s a really wonderful tour to take in London in the winter if you’re visiting around the holiday season, and one I recommend to my friends and family often.

Best Music Bus Tours in London

8. rock music bohemian soho and north london tour.

⭐️  RATING:  5 of 5 Stars, 12+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

From Pink Floyd’s studio to the former home of Rod Stewart, the Rock Music Bohemian tour will take you through some of London’s most boho neighborhoods to let you into the world of rock music legends like The Clash, the Beatles, Sting, and so much more.

london bus tours route

You’ll get to take a bus around town, meaning you can hit more places than if you go on a walking tour, and along the way you’ll also get to enjoy the architecture and charm of Camden, Islington, and of course the iconic Abbey Road.

Listen to the music blasting from your bus as you tour around the city, perfectly timed with the stops, and enjoy this wonderful world of London rock music with an expert (and hilarious) guide.

9. London Rock Legends Bus Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 350+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

london bus tours route

Another fantastic option for music fans, the London Rock Legends bus tour is a great choice if you’re wanting to see Notting Hill, Soho, Chelsea, and more – and if those don’t ring a bell to you, think: Ringo’s House, Jimmy Page’s house, and tons of Queen-related locations.

You’ll zip around the city with your guide and leave feeling like you’ve truly learned something new about the musical history of London – this tour is similar to the one mentioned above, so choose which one works best for your schedule.

10. A Ticket to Ride: Beatles in London Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.6 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Join the Beatles’ vibe on a chill evening bus tour through London, catching the city all lit up.

Cruise through the ‘Beatlemania’ era, from 1962 to 1969, and beyond, hitting up Mayfair, Marylebone, St John’s Wood, and the edge of Soho. Celebrate the ‘Fab Four’ spanning over 50 years.

Swing by cool spots like the Scotch of St James Club and other joints where the Beatles hung out.

Check out the pads and offices of the band members and their manager Brian Epstein, where they partied, met their significant others, and did their thing.

And, of course, take a casual stroll across the iconic Abbey Road crossing near the legendary recording studio.

11. London Rock Music Tour

london bus tours route

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 830+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Wanna dive into London’s rock history?

From where the Rolling Stones rocked their first record at ‘Tin Pan Alley’ to the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing, this tour has got it all covered.

Take your pick between morning, afternoon, or go all-in with the full-day London Rock Music Tour.

Check out Abbey Road, swing by Apple HQ, drop by Paul’s House, Ringo’s place, and Jimmy Page’s crib, plus a bunch more.

Your rock-savvy guide will dish out insider stories about your favorite musicians while giving you the lowdown on all things music.

Best Ghost Bus Tours in London

12. spooky london ghost vintage bus tour.

london bus tours route

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 480+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Join your spooky guide as you hit up notorious local haunts, hearing tales of restless spirits and passing by places with a dark history—St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the infamous Fleet Street.

As you roll through the city, keep an eye out for top attractions like Tower Bridge while your guide spills the beans on London’s haunted past.

The cherry on top?

You’ll be cruising in a retro 1960s Routemaster with a Gothic twist.

Get set for a laid-back, eerie adventure through the spookier side of London!

13. Comedy London Ghost Bus Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.3 out of 5 Stars, 1300+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

london bus tours route

Get ready to hop on the Necrobus for a ride on the creepy side of London! It’s like the city’s spooky history comes to life.

With on-board actors and tech tricks, this tour is all about giving you the heebie-jeebies while checking out London’s coolest and eeriest spots.

Picture this: a creepy conductor sharing all the ghostly deets, from haunted palaces to secret burial grounds.

The Ghost Bus Tour takes you all around town, hitting up the West End and cruising south of the river.

You’ll get the lowdown on Westminster Abbey, Fleet Street, The Tower of London, and London Bridge—all while soaking in the eerie vibes of the city’s oldest and most historic places.

Best Afternoon Tea Bus Tours in London

14. english afternoon tea bus with panoramic tour of london.

london bus tours route

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

Ditch the crowds and hop on a double-decker bus to check out the coolest London landmarks without any obstructions.

Cruise around, see way more stuff than you would on foot, and to top it off, indulge in some classic British afternoon tea while you ride.

There’s even a bunch of menu options, so you can munch on what you love. It’s like soaking up the vibes of London while enjoying good eats and drinks on the upper deck.

Perfect for newbies trying to figure out the city!

15. Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London

london bus tours route

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 900+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 25 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Brigit’s is one of the most iconic afternoon tea buses in London, and you can’t go wrong with one of their afternoon tea bus tours .

In addition to the regular sightseeing tour, they also offer specialty afternoon tea London bus tours like ones for kids featuring Paddington, as well as ones during the holiday season where everything gets a good dose of Christmas as you look at the lights while enjoying tea.

They’re absolute professionals at making sure that you have the best time seeing the city with your pinkies up, and visitors to the city always rate this as one of their favorite things to do in London.

Best London Movie Bus Tours

16. magical harry potter london bus tour.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 130+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

london bus tours route

Harry Potter fans, all aboard!

Not the Hogwarts Express, sadly, but the Magical Harry Potter London Bus tour, where you’ll zip past so many Harry Potter filming locations while on tour.

London was where many of the scenes of the “muggle” world were filmed, and you can recognize important attractions like the Millennium Bridge featuring heavily in the movie franchise as the bridge the dementors destroy in the 6th film.

But it doesn’t stop there.

From the origins of Diagon Alley to other Harry Potter filming locations throughout the city, this is the perfect Harry Potter tour in London to pair with the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford to make sure you’ve truly followed in the footsteps of the Boy who Lived.

17. James Bond Bus Tour of London

london bus tours route

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Dive into the awesome world of 007 with this super cool 4-hour James Bond tour around London!

Follow the footsteps of your favorite spy as you hit up filming spots from classics like ‘GoldenEye,’ ‘The World is Not Enough,’ and ‘Die Another Day,’ as well as recent hits like ‘Spectre,’ ‘Skyfall,’ and ‘No Time to Die.’

Get the lowdown on Bond trivia, from Sean Connery to Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.

Feel the spy vibes for real as you cruise past MI6, the actual spy headquarters in London.

Kick back in a comfy mini-coach with live commentary, and soak up the cinematic thrill of Bond’s adventures all over the city!

Want more London tours? Check these out!

  • 15 Best London History Tours
  • 5 Best London Speedboat Tours
  • 5 Best Tower of London Tours
  • 5 Best Westminster Tours in London
  • 5 Best Winston Churchill Tours in London
  • 7 Best Borough Market Tours
  • 7 Best James Bond Tours
  • 7 Best Black Cab Tours of London
  • 11 Best Royal Tours in London for Visitors
  • 11 Best London Art Tours
  • 5 Best Graffiti Tours in London
  • 11 Best Full Day London Tours
  • 9 Best Tours of London’s East End
  • 11 Best Private Tours in London
  • 17 Best London Food Tours
  • 17 Best London Harry Potter Tours
  • 11 Best London Bus Tours
  • 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
  • 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
  • 9 Best London Literary Tours for Bookworms
  • 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
  • 11 Best London Bike Tours
  • 11 Best Beatles Tours in London
  • 11 Best London Museum Tours
  • 21 Best London Walking Tours
  • 11 Best London Rock N Roll Tours
  • 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
  • 19 Unique London Tours
  • 5 Best Open Top Bus Tours in London
  • 7 Best London Helicopter Tours

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

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

london bus tours route

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

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

london bus tours route

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Important Notice

london bus tours route

Activities stay in your cart for up to 20 minutes

Please check the availability of the products and add them back to your cart

Please checkout again

separator

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 2 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 more than 30 stops in London!

Traveling to London has never been this easy!

Buy your tickets

icon map

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.

icon time

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 complements the main Red Route and is ideal if you want to visit the British Museum. It will also be of great use to those staying at many hotels within the Bloomsbury area.

map icon

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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!

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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!

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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!

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #E51E28

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.

Route #2F36A9

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.

Route #2F36A9

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.

Route #2F36A9

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.

Route #2F36A9

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.

Route #2F36A9

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.

Route #2F36A9

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.

Route #66BB6A

Not translated

Route #66BB6A

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!

Route #66BB6A

Woburn Place, stop H, outside the Royal National Hotel

Route #66BB6A

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!

Route #66BB6A

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!

Route #66BB6A

You can't miss...

separator

London Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour

Home > Tours > London Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour

* See the best of London with our hop-on hop-off bus * Choose from 60 stops throughout central London * Hop on and hop off for a calendar day * Cruise through the Thames on a sightseeing boat ride

  • Hop-on hop-off service
  • Experience a sightseeing cruise like no other with your free 24-hour River Thames hop-on hop-off boat ride ticket
  • No need to print your tickets – E-tickets accepted on all hop on hop off services!
  • Buses depart every 20 mins from main tourist points.
  • Bus audio guides in: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic
  • River Thames Boat Ride*
  • Free cancellation**
  • Hop-on hop-off bus ticket
  • Audio guides available in 11 languages
  • Free Wi-Fi on all Open Top buses
  • Entrances to attractions

Please Note

  • Audioguides available in 11 languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic)
  • This is Hop-On Hop-Off bus service, you can join at any Golden Tours bus stop.
  • No restroom available on board.
  • Duration valid from when you first hop-on the bus. Unlimited usage within your chosen timeframe. Does not include London by Night service.
  • River cruise to be used between Westminster to Tower Millennium pier or vice versa.
  • Please view the Schedule tab for bus timetables and other helpful information.
  • **You can cancel your reservation for this product up to 24hrs before to get a refund in full.

When would you like to go?

Unavailable, please select:, options selected:, optional extras, price breakdown:, you may also like.

1 Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket

1 Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket

Rate from 1 Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket

Your browser does not support iframes

London Bus Tour

Let the city simply take you by surprise.

Tootbus London St Paul's Cathedral

On Sunday 21st April, the London Marathon will cause unavoidable disruptions to our tour. Buses will be on diversions and we will not be able to serve some stops.  See details

Hop-on hop-off: explore London at your own pace in 1, 2 or 3 days

london bus tours route

Must See London

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + cruise

  • 1, 2 or 3 days
  • 3 bus routes
  • 3 walking tours
  • River cruise

london bus tours route

London Discovery

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + walking tours

London themed bus tours: discover the city from a different angle

london bus tours route

London Kids Tour

Non-stop live guided bus tour

  • Live guided in English
  • Fun and educational

london bus tours route

London by Night

Non-stop evening bus tour

  • Adult & kids commentary

london bus tours route

Unique rooftop on wheels

  • Catchy playlist
  • Drinks available on board

London Packages: combine our hop-on hop-off visit with an attraction or a night tour

london bus tours route

London Discovery + London By Night

Daytime hop-on hop-off bus tour + evening bus tour

  • 3 daytime bus routes
  • 1 night tour

Self-guided city discovery walks

Wi-Fi on board

Audioguide in 10 languages

Family Pass

Kids special commentary

Walking tours includded

Fully accessible

  • United Kingdom

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

Best Bus Tours in London

  • 0 Pinterest

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

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

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

  • bus tours in London

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

London: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 2856 reviews )

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

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

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

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

  • See price & reviews

2 – London: Guided Harry Potter Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour

London_ Guided Harry Potter Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 439 reviews )

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

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

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

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

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

  • Harry Potter tours in London

3 – Luxury 6 Course Bus Dining Experience Through London

Luxury 6 Course Bus Dining Experience Through London

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 134 reviews )

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

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

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

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

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

  • dining experiences in London

4 – London: Comedy Horror Ghost Tour on a Bus

London_ Comedy Horror Ghost Tour on a Bus

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 1568 reviews )

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

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

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

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

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

  • ghost tours in London

5 – London Christmas Lights Tour on Open-Top Bus

London Christmas Lights Tour on Open-Top Bus

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 59 reviews )

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

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

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

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

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

  • christmas lights bus tours in London

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

London by Night Sightseeing Tour - Open top bus

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 457 reviews )

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

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

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

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

  • night bus tours in London

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

Golden Tours_ Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 762 reviews )

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

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

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

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

8 – Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Brigit's Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1276 reviews )

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

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

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

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

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

  • Afternoon Tea Experiences in London

9 – London by Night Sightseeing Tour – Open top bus

London by Night Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour with Audio Guide

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 771 reviews )

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

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

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

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

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

Golden Tours_ London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 1947 reviews )

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

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

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

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

11 – James Bond Bus Tour of London

James Bond Bus Tour of London

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 47 reviews )

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

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

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

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

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

  • James Bond Tours in London

12 – Big Bus tour of London

Big Bus tour of London

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 2 reviews )

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

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

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

13 – Tootbus Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass in London

Tootbus Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass in London

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 171 reviews )

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

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

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

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

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

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

BONUS TIP_ NEW COMBO TOUR 48_72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of London + London Eye Tickets

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

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

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

How to book a bus tour in London?

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

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

  • compare bus tours in London

IMAGES

  1. London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours 2022

    london bus tours route

  2. Hop On Hop Off London

    london bus tours route

  3. The Original Tour London: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Ticket, Cruise & Walks

    london bus tours route

  4. Golden Tours Londres: Autobús Turístico

    london bus tours route

  5. The BEST Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in London 2023

    london bus tours route

  6. 10 Best London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

    london bus tours route

VIDEO

  1. The north west london bus route where the bus doesn't stop for passengers

  2. London Bus Ride Route 205 from Stepney Green to Baker Street / London Bus Journey / London Bus Tour

  3. London Bus Route 244 at Watersmeet Place heading towards Abbey Wood

  4. London Bus Ride from Mile End to Liverpool Street / London Bus Tour / London bus routes

  5. london bus tours. London Bridge #uklife

  6. London Bus Ride Route 189 from Baker Street to Boundary Road / London Bus Journey / London Bus Tour

COMMENTS

  1. Big Bus Tours London

    Big Bus Tours operates sightseeing tours of London on open-top double-decker buses. See all the top sights, and enjoy an entertaining and informative recorded commentary, available i a choice of 5 languages. You can hop on and hop off the bus at any Big Bus stop to visit London's key landmarks and attractions.

  2. 10 best London bus tours

    Explore London at your own pace with the Golden Tours hop-on hop-off bus tour. Choose between four routes and hop off at more than 60 stops, including Shakespeare's Globe and Westminster Abbey.As well as having your transport covered, you can enjoy added extras including a 24-hour Thames river pass.

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

    from. $29. per adult. 6. The Big Day out - London Eye Ticket, London Hop-on Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise. 56. Audio Guides. 3-4 hours. Discover London aboard an open-top, double-decker Big Bus on this hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour and enjoy a trip on the….

  4. Best Bus Tours in London

    3.2 Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds. 3.3 Big Bus Tour + Tower of London. 3.4 Big Bus Tour + St. Paul's Cathedral. 4 Routes and Timetable for London's Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour. 5 Bus stops and timetables. 6 FREE River Cruise when you buy Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour tickets. 7 Free Guided Walking Tour.

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

    Your hop-on hop-off pass also includes a cruise along the River Thames or a night tour as a bonus. Green Route. 10 Stops. 4 Points of Interest. Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes. Operating Schedule: Buses depart every 30 - 60 mins. First Departure at 08:30 from Stop 44 - Woburn (Northbound) and the last bus departs at 17:45.

  6. Hop On Hop Off London

    Golden Tours London: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus. from US$ 48.59. US$ 44.96 per person. Instant confirmation E-Voucher. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers River Roamer: Hop-On, Hop-Off. from. US$ 27.54 per person. Instant confirmation Saver Combos. Uber Boat by Thames Clipper Hop-On, Hop-Off & Tower of London.

  7. London's Best Bus Routes for Sightseeing

    London is covered by more than 700 bus routes, and many travel past some of the city's iconic sights. ... your best bet is the classic Big Bus Tours circular route. 01 of 08. No. 11 Route. Laura Porter. 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 ...

  8. 17 Best London Bus Tours in 2023 (ranked!)

    3. London Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars, 3,500+ reviews | TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 30 - 2 hours | BOOK NOW! Tootbus is newer on the scene in London when it comes to bus tours, but they're doing amazing and have fantastic reviews and lots of repeat customers.

  9. London Hop On Hop Off Bus Routes & Map

    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 2 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.

  10. London Bus Tours

    London Bus Tours. There's no better way to see the world-famous sights of London than an iconic Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. With over 60 stops, 4 routes and tickets for 1 day, 24, 48, or 72 hours, you'll be sure to pass by all the historic landmarks and modern attractions that this great city has to offer. What's more, select ticket options ...

  11. Discover Ticket

    Our Red Route showcases London's famous landmarks and monuments, from exclusive Belgravia in the west, to Tower Bridge in the east. Listen to stories and facts about the city's 2000-year history via our entertaining pre-recorded commentary. For Red Route stops, bus times, frequency and tour duration, please visit our Red Route Schedule Page.

  12. London Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour

    The Essential Tour (Red route): Passes Madame Tussauds and Kings Cross, as well as Hyde Park and Regents Park, two of the prettiest parks in London. The Museum Tour (Orange route): Explore London's world-famous museums with the Museum Tour and along the way pass by the beautiful Royal Albert Hall, Harrods and Buckingham Palace. The Morning and ...

  13. Hop On Hop Off London

    A hop-on hop-off tour on an open top bus, is the number one way to sightsee in London. You can select either a 1 day, 24, 48 or 72 hour ticket to make the most out of your time in London. Taking you to all the main Central London landmarks, the Classic Tour passes the London Eye, Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, St ...

  14. London sightseeing bus tours

    London Discovery + London By Night. Daytime hop-on hop-off bus tour + evening bus tour. 1, 2 or 3 days. 3 daytime bus routes. 1 night tour. 3 walking tours. from £48.80£61.00. Adult & kids commentary. Book tickets.

  15. London bus tour

    London Discovery. Hop-on hop-off bus tour + walking tours. 1, 2 or 3 days. 3 bus routes. 3 walking tours. from £33.15£39.00. Family Discount. Book tickets. More information.

  16. TopView London Bus Tours

    Unlimited Hop on Hop off Bus Tour; Expert Live Guide; One Great Route for all the Major Attractions; Thames River Cruise; Schedule of tour. First Bus: 8.00am. ... "This is London's newest bus tour, only been operating a few days - However, they're doing a great job!" Anonymous - USA - 05/01/2024

  17. London Open Top Bus Tours

    From. $90.50. $95.27. manage_search More info. done. Admission to the Tower of London. done. 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour. done.

  18. 14 Best Bus Tours in London for a Panoramic View of the City

    1 - London: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour. 2 - London: Guided Harry Potter Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour. 3 - Luxury 6 Course Bus Dining Experience Through London. 4 - London: Comedy Horror Ghost Tour on a Bus. 5 - London Christmas Lights Tour on Open-Top Bus.

  19. The Original Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour

    Open Top Bus Tour. Just show your E-ticket, and you'll have unlimited access to all of the 3 fantastic Tootbus routes, allowing you to Hop on Hop off the famous red, white and blue open top buses for the duration of your ticket. With 3 different routes, 34+ tour bus stops, and buses operating every 20 minutes you'll never too far away from ...

  20. London Superloop

    Superloop is an express bus network in London, England, that forms part of the London Buses network and connects Outer London town centres, railway stations and transport hubs.. Orbital express bus routes were proposed in 2008 by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, with further proposals by the London Assembly in 2017. The 'Superloop' concept was announced in 2023 by Johnson's successor, Sadiq Khan ...