london tour double decker bus

Discover The Top London Attractions in 75 minutes

The Classic Tour is a wonderful vintage double decker bus tour and sightseeing experience like no other. Hop on board our carefully restored classic 1960s double-decker Routemaster bus, for your open-top ride through the best attractions in London. Our hand-picked, highly trained, entertaining and comedic tour guides are the best in the business and will help you experience an authentic London you may not have known. They are also very funny! You will see more, learn more and laugh more while understanding the astonishing history of the Capital, taking the photos and selfies of a lifetime, and enjoying the glorious sights of London.

Please note – choice of seats and deck are given on a first-come first-serve basis.

A Classic London Bus Experience

Experience historical London from our beautiful and iconic open-top London bus which was originally used by London Transport from the 1960s.

Finest Tour Guides in London

Our brilliant tour guides come from a variety of entertainment backgrounds and will bring you a tour like no other. Our guides really do know their history and facts about London. They will share their wealth of knowledge with you, as you pass the key landmarks. Watch and listen out for some incredible insights into the making of our Capital city.

State of The Art Audio Equipment

The buses have been fitted with state of the art enhanced technology to bring your experience into the 21 st century.

The Classic Tour Story

The Classic Tour provides a unique and entertaining tour on one of the most iconic and historic vehicles of our time - the Routemaster bus. It is seen in all the classic films with London as a back-drop, it is on all the postcards, and though they are no longer in widespread public service, with us you can still experience this thrilling, prestigious and stately ride that allows the most intimate and authentic opportunity to be experience and be part of our great city.

YOUR JOURNEY

Your journey starts at Trafalgar Square.

Departing from the absolute heart and centre of London, you will follow a carefully selected route to allow you to discovery the very best of our Capital and see the best attractions, buildings and landmarks in London. You will have constant opportunities to take some fantastic photographs and better understand the history of how and why the buildings came to symbolise our great city. Please also note, although we will always try our best, on rare occasions we may be unable to visit every landmark listed on the tour.

Find out more here

Our tours depart from Northumberland Avenue at:

Please Note: Our tours only run on certain days, please check our booking form for the latest date & time information

Please note that tour times are subject to change.

The following tickets are available when you book:

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St Paul’s Cathedral, London, is an Anglican cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the Diocese of London. It sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London and is a Grade 1 listed building.

Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, built around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. Its name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, Spain.

Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and mourning.

Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, is a large, mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster.

The Shard, also referred to as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower, is a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark, London, that forms part of the London Bridge Quarter development. Standing 309.7 metres (1,016 ft) high, the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom, the fourth-tallest building in Europe and the 111th-tallest building in the world.

The Tower of London, officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill.

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. The structure is 443 feet (135 m) tall and the wheel has a diameter of 394 feet (120 m). When it opened to the public in 2000 it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.

Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of London, resulting in it sometimes being confused with London Bridge, situated some 0.5 mi (0.80 km) upstream

Downing Street is a street in London, United Kingdom, known for housing the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. “Downing Street” is used as a metonym for the Government of the United Kingdom.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best London bus tours

1. The Beatles evening tour

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

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

2. Ghost bus tour

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

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

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

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

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

4. Harry Potter bus tour

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

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

5. James Bond bus tour

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

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

6. London at night tour

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

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

7. Open-top tour on a vintage bus

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

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

8. Bustronome London

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

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

9. Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour

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

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

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Daily London tours, private visits to Stonehenge, day trips to Paris, Harry Potter & more!

Stonehenge Tours
London Tours
Harry Potter
Paris Trips
Out of London
Rock 'n' Roll
Other Tours Open Top Bus Downton Abbey Lunch and Afternoon Tea Tower Of London London Eye Windsor Castle Evening Tours
Contacts UK 020-7713-1311 US 1-800-815-4003

Your one-course meal is a choice of either Fish and Chips or Vegetarian dish available on the day. Drinks are available at additional cost. The pub is located near Victoria station.

TRIP ITINERARY

Open Top Vintage Bus Tour with Live Professional Guide

What better way to enjoy the highlights of London than from on board a Classic 1950s Route-master Bus with a live professional guide?

Enjoy great views of the capital’s iconic sights, both old and new, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge & the London Eye. The Vintage Double Decker Bus Tour includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, burial place of Britain’s monarchs and the host for coronations and many royal weddings since its construction in the eleventh century.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the home of the British monarchy and it was The Queen Elizabeth II’s residence in London as well as her administrative headquarters. We stop here for a photo.

Private guided cruise on the River Thames

Finally we will take a guided private extended boat trip on the River Thames. Enjoy excellent views of The Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, Shakespeare's Globe and many more from the river whilst being entertained by our tour guide. (Private cruise exclusive to Premium Tours customers operates during summer months.)

Why not upgrade to add a visit to The London Eye, The Tower of London or Fish & Chips lunch?

Panoramic tour of London on Open top Vintage bus
Thames River Cruise
Photo stop outside Buckingham Palace
Transfer and entry to the venue (when upgrade option selected)
Professional Guide

Please note:

Please note that this is an open top bus tour - please be prepared for the possibility of rain
On rare occasions the open top bus may be changed to a closed top bus or a coach
When the guard change does not take place, we stop instead for photos of Buckingham Palace
Boarding starts 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time
Transfer for all venues is available except for Madame Tussauds and Tower of London. Tour ends at each venue leaving you to explore at your leisure.

[email protected]

London City Tours >

Highlights of London with River Cruise - 3.5 Hours

Our highlights of London tour is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the city. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour with a live guide and watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. You’ll enjoy amazing views of the city’s most famous attractions, including Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, and the London Eye, as well as enjoy a private cruise along the River Thames. End the trip with an optional flight on the London Eye or a traditional fish & chip meal.

Our highlights tour of London is available every day in the morning and afternoon.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

Highlights of London

Discover the city onboard a restored open-top 1950’s Routemaster Bus. This is the iconic red bus that is a symbol of London. See London’s most famous sites and disembark for a photo stop outside of Westminster Abbey, where King Charles was crowned. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace
Learn more about the city with an onboard commentary from a professional guide
Take a cruise along the River Thames that passes Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle, Tower Bridge, The Shard and the Tower of London. During the summer months, we use a private boat that is on exclusive hire to our customers

River Thames Cruise

Choose to add-on to your tour the following upgrades at checkout:

Tour with Cruise plus London Eye

Following your bus tour and river cruise, we will transfer you to the London Eye with tickets to enjoy a flight on the famous Ferris wheel. Enjoy amazing views from high above and spot landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and River Thames.

Tour with Cruise plus Fish & Chip Meal

At the end of your tour and cruise, enjoy a delicious fish & chip meal. This is the national dish of Britain!

Tour with Cruise plus London Dungeon

Includes tickets and transfer to the London Dungeon, which recreates scenes from London’s scary history. Discover 360 sets with gripping storytelling

Tour with Cruise plus London Aquarium

Includes tickets and transfer to the London Aquarium. You’ll get to see amazing creatures, including seadragons, sharks, turtles and more!

what to know:

The tour departs at 07:45 and 13:00 from London Victoria Coach Station
This Highlights of London tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours (without upgrades)
It includes a London vintage bus tour with photo stops outside of Westminster Abbey, viewing of the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace and a River Thames Cruise.
When the Changing of the Guard does not take place, we stop instead for photos of Buckingham Palace.
You can choose to add-on upgrades at checkout. We provide transfer to all venues
This is a fully guided tour and includes an individual headset to hear the guide’s commentary
Since this is an open-top tour, it’s recommended to bring a raincoat! On rare occasions, the open-top bus may be changed to a closed-top bus

Tour Booking

Terms and conditions, you might also be interested.

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Fully Guided Day Tour of London

Afternoon Tea Bus with London Sightseeing - 1.5 Hours

Highlights of london - 2 hours.

London Hop on Hop off Bus with Optional River Cruise

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London Tours

Best Double Decker Bus Tours in London 2024

Ever hopped onto a double-decker bus in London ? Oh, it’s a blast! The last time I took one of those iconic red giants , London unveiled its charms in the most magical way.

Travelling atop a bus, the views are unparalleled. Imagine gliding past the regal Buckingham Palace or catching sight of the towering Shard , gleaming against the city skyline. It’s a perspective you don’t get walking the bustling streets.

During one of my tours, I found myself humming to the Beatles as we passed Abbey Road . And, oh! The chatter and giggles with fellow tourists when we spotted a guard at the Tower of London sneeze (yes, they’re human too!) were unforgettable.

But it wasn’t just about the famous spots. Those lesser-known corners, the local markets , and the wafting aroma from that tiny bakery in Notting Hill — it’s all there, waiting for you from the comfort of that seat.

On one particularly sunny afternoon, I decided to take the Thames River Cruise . Floating on the water, with the London Eye in the backdrop, was simply poetic.

So, wondering which bus tour to jump on. Well, with every twist and turn of London’s maze-like streets, there’s a new tale to discover. What will your London story be?

💁‍♀️ In a Hurry? My Top Picks for Best Double Decker Bus Tours in London

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Disclosure: We participate in partnerships, so we may earn commissions on purchases made via links we provide. There’s no extra cost to you, and we appreciate your support!😀

Journey with Me: My Top Picks for Double Decker Bus Tours in London

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 (8,253 Reviews) | 📍 Location: Greater London, United Kingdom | 👉 Check Availability

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

Engaging Expedition Awaits in London!

Experience the majestic charm of London through the iconic Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour paired with an enchanting River Cruise. Let the city unfold its stories from Buckingham Palace to Hyde Park . With choices ranging between 24 and 48-hour tickets, craft your own voyage, while basking in the city’s luminance during the evening tour.

An Experience to Cherish!

I’ll let you in on a secret, this tour was an absolute revelation! Sailing atop the double-decker bus, I felt the pulse of London beneath my feet. From the architectural marvel of St. Paul’s Cathedral to the verdant serenity of Hyde Park, every stop was like a page from a riveting novel. The Thames River cruise? Simply mesmerising! But what genuinely made my heart skip a beat was the evening ride. Seeing the Big Ben illuminated against the night sky? Truly, a sight to behold. Did you ever dream of witnessing such grandeur up close? Well, this is your moment.

Don’t Wait for Tomorrow

The charisma of London awaits to spellbind you. Take the plunge, and let this city’s tale captivate your heart.

Essential Tour Facts :

Exclusive Insights from My Personal Journey :

Opt for the 48-hour ticket to experience the panoramic Evening Tour – it’s a game-changer!
The live-guided walking tours provide a more intimate perspective of London’s gems.
Board the bus early to grab the best open-top seats for an unhindered view.

Guest’s Voice : “ The combination of bus and river cruise was an unforgettable experience! The evening tour is a must. ” – John, Australia.

FAQs about Best Double Decker Bus Tours in London

Most tours range from 35 minutes to a few hours, with options to choose from based on your schedule and interests.

You’ll witness iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower of London, among other notable sights.

Yes, many bus tours provide added experiences like river cruises, walking tours, and audio narration for a comprehensive view of London.

Absolutely! The beauty of these tours lies in their flexibility, allowing you to explore London’s attractions at your own pace.

Prices vary, but they generally start from around $36 and can go up to $50 or more, depending on the duration and inclusions.

Yes, there are specific night tours that showcase London’s landmarks beautifully illuminated, offering a unique perspective of the city.

Some tours offer deals and discounts, especially if booked in advance or as part of a package, so it’s always good to check before booking.

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👉 What’s the Best Way to Get Around London and England?

By Bus or Car — For swift travel around London, the Tube and city buses are your best bet. If you fancy exploring England at your own pace, a rental car is a viable option. Companies like Discover Cars offer competitive deals. (Read more)

👉 Where Can I Book a Place to Stay in London?

London caters to all accommodation preferences, whether luxury or cosiness. Try websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com for hotels, or Airbnb and VRBO for a more homely feel. Always pay attention to reviews to make an informed choice. (Read more)

👉 What are Essential Items to Pack for London, England?

London weather is known for its whimsy, so a versatile wardrobe is crucial. Key items include an umbrella, comfortable shoes, and a backpack for city outings. Don’t overlook essentials like a travel pillow, noise-cancelling headphones, and a portable phone charger. (Read more)

👉 What Type of Adapter Plugs Are Used in England?

England uses Type G outlets, so it’s a good idea to pack a Type G travel adapter to keep your devices charged. If you don’t have one yet, Amazon offers a wide range of options. (Read more)

👉 Where Can I Find the Best Flight Deals to London?

Start your search for budget-friendly flights to London on platforms like Skyscanner, Expedia, and KAYAK. Using price alerts can help you snatch up great deals as soon as fares drop. (Read more)

👉 How Can I Get from the Airport to London City Centre?

Getting from London’s airports to the city centre is straightforward. Express services from Heathrow or Gatwick, or direct trains from Luton and Stansted are convenient. Alternatively, taxis and ride-shares are always available, but be wary of unpredictable London traffic. (Read more)

👉 Is the Tap Water Safe to Drink in London?

Yes — London’s tap water is not only safe but also of high quality. If the taste doesn’t suit you, a water filter bottle could be a helpful solution. (Read more)

👉 What Are Some Recommended Attractions in And Near London?

Must-visit attractions in London include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. For a panoramic view of the city, try the London Eye. Also consider day trips to nearby places like Bath, Oxford, or Cambridge. (Read more)

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LONDON BUS TOUR REVIEWS AND TRAVEL TIPS

Doubledeckerlondon is your go to source for using tour buses and finding out the best ways to explore london.

Tower Bridge

National gallery, tate modern.

TooTBus London

An eco-friendly and fun way to hop-on hop-off around london.

Big Bus London

Explore london with the most popular hop-on hop-off bus in town.

Golden Tours

Offering an extensive network of routes and great deals.

TopView London

newcomer to the city, offering fantastic live guided tours .

Bar Bus by TooT

Fun experience blending city sightseeing with drinks and music.

Exploring history and culture in a fun, educational way

Magical journey through the world of harry potter.

Afternoon Tea bus next to the London Eye

English Tea Bus

Scenic, historic, flavorful: english tea bus delights all.

Scenic ride, delectable treats, and cultural immersion in one

Afternoon Tea Bus

Our Mission

trafalgar square.

St Paul's Cathedral

Whether you choose hop-on-hop-off buses, themed tours, public transport, or even exploring on foot, our goal is to provide the information you need to create unforgettable London experiences.

Get Inspired

Discover one of the most

cities on Earth aboard its

iconic buses

TRAVEL TIPS

London on a budget

London in one day

Top 5 things to see in London

CitySightseeing

Renowned tour operator that shows you spectacular sights.

See London By Night

experience london's iconic landmarks in a whole new light.

Ghost Bus

Explore london's haunted past aboard an old double-decker bus, discover london's iconic landmarks on a classic tour.

Bustronome double-decker bus in Piccadilly

The most unique fine dining experience in London

Covent garden, tower of london.

The London Eye

British museum, science museum, your mission.

Just sit back, relax, and take in the beauty that London has to offer. Try to ignore the traffic that can cause disruptions, unexpected delays, or other challenges a big city normally throws at you. At every corner, there is something beautiful to admire.

Camden Market

Buckingham palace.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

Harry Potter Tour

travel tips

The 5 Best London Bus Tours – [2024 Reviews]

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

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

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

Best Bus Tours of London

Quick answer: the 5 best bus tours of london.

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

Bus Tours of London Reviews

#1 buckingham palace and vintage bus tour of london.

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

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

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

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

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

Tour Information & Booking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London Travel Guide

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

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

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

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

London City
London Gatwick
London Luton
London Stansted

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

Tip #1: Bring Your Walking Shoes

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

Tip #2: Bring a Converter or Transformer

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

Tip #3: Start Planning Your Trip Early

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

Tip #4: Always Bring an Umbrella

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

Tip #5: Start Budgeting in Advance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The History, Beauty, and Mysticism of Stonehenge

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

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

Enjoy your trip to London!

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

Richard Moore

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

Classic Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Bus Tour

Indulge in a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea experience with the classic afternoon tea bus london sightseeing tour by brigit's bakery..

Our exclusive vintage Routemaster buses wind their way through the heart of Central London, offering a unique blend of delightful sightseeing and delectable Brigit's themed afternoon teas on a classic double-decker bus!

As you sip your tea, you'll soak in the vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and rich history of London. Our London Routemaster bus will treat you to breathtaking views of renowned attractions like Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James's Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson's Column, Downing Street, and many more. It's not just a tea; it's a journey through London's heritage.

Savour the sweet and savoury flavours of France with a selection of scrumptious finger sandwiches, including classics like smoked salmon and cream cheese, and mouthwatering cakes and pastries, all expertly crafted by our executive pastry chef to enhance your tea experience. And of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without scones with jam and clotted cream.

Why choose us? We take pride in being the original classic tour, conducted on an iconic 1960s Routemaster bus. Our commitment to preserving tradition and creating lasting memories sets us apart from the rest.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary adventure! Book your spot now for the Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Sightseeing Tour and and embark on a tea-infused journey through the heart of London. Reserve your seat today and make this unique experience a cherished memory.

Take a look at our Traditional Afternoon Tea Menu and dietary options below.

Traditional afternoon tea london menu, freshly prepared savouries.

Mini spinach & cheddar quiche Cucumber, cream cheese & mint finger on basil bread Turkey ham & cheese, mayo mustard finger on tomato bread Feta, tomato & red pepper savoury muffin Salmon & cucumber pretzel with cream cheese

Assortment of mini Homemade Cakes & Tarts

Chocolate & pistachio tart Biscoff choux Carrot cupcake with cream cheese frosting Lemon & lime sable with whipped ganache

Freshly baked, plain scone with clotted cream & jam

Drink options included in our Traditional Afternoon Tea

Coffee & Hot Chocolate Americano | Cappuccino | Latte Macchiato | Hot Chocolate

Our Traditional Menu is seasonal and may vary. Please check with us, at time of booking, for any changes.

Sparkling wine.

PROSECCO BRUT SUGAR-FREE VILLA MARCELLO Bottle £39 PROSECCO ROSE VILLA MARCELLO Glass £11 | Bottle £36 PROSECCO ZIA Glass £9 | Bottle £32 NYETIMBER CLASSIC CUVEE Half Bottle £35 | Bottle £65

CASTELNAU BRUT Half Bottle £28 | Bottle £48 LOUIS ROEDERER ROSE Half Bottle £65 CASTELNAU ROSE Bottle £55 CASTELNAU BLANC DE BLANC Bottle £85 LIMITED COLLECTION LOUIS ROEDERER Bottle £95 VINTAGE ROSE LOUIS ROEDERER Bottle £95 CRISTAL LOUIS ROEDERER Bottle £315

Seasonal Offerings

MULLED WINE GIN COCKTAIL

Seating Plan

Bus routes & departure points, purchase gift vouchers, we're wheelchair-friendly, did you know that we have a wheelchair-friendly bus for our afternoon tea london sightseeing tours, dietary options & allergens.

Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for: nut-free, peanut-free, combination of dairy & gluten-free, combination of vegan & gluten-free and Coeliacs. Gluten-free menu may contain traces. Vegan and gluten free teas are £3 extra. Please specify requirements upon reservation. All allergies must be emailed and confirmed by management at [email protected] . Thank you for your understanding.

We offer the following alternative Afternoon Tea menus:

Celebrating an occasion

We took our friends on an afternoon tea on Brigit's Bus, the food and service was excellent, the staff we very friendly and we had a lovely time celebrating the friends Golden Wedding Anniversary. The weather was cloudy but it did not spoil the trip. It was a lovely afternoon. We look forward to doing it again.

A deliciously British experience!

The whole experience was incredible. Went there as a surprise to my friends and we absolutely loved it! We enjoyed every bite of this delicious afternoon tea. Needless to say we ate everything…! The tour was also a delight. Weather was nice and allowed us to see all the beautiful landmarks perfectly.

Superb experience

Booked this as a surprise for my daughter before seeing a London show. What an overall amazing experience. From getting on the bus to leaving the bus it was worth every penny, driving around London seeing the key sights and the food was gorgeous. We had the vegetarian and they were varied and fresh. Giving a little box to take home uneaten sandwiches/cakes was genius as it was more than it looked. The staff were so friendly and helpful and I highly recommend this and we will do it again.

Incredible Tour!

I couldn’t imagine a better way to kick off our UK tour. Our guides Daisy, Monica and Kel went above and beyond to make this experience perfect. We couldn’t recommend enough, you won’t be disappointed!

The food was first class as was the service

Surprised my wife on her 50th birthday with a group of 14 friends/family on the tour bus. It was absolutely fabulous and everyone had a great time, the food was first class as was the service. I asked them to make a birthday cake and wow it was amazing! The tour itself was also fab and credit to the driver as he must have nerves of steel. I can’t remember the waitresses names but both were so professional and nothing was too much trouble. Top marks and well done Brigit’s Bakery.

Afternoon Tea in LaLa Land

Our friends booked me and my wife this treat for my birthday and it was excellent, nice food great service one and half hour of travelling around London with good commentary of the sites in between listening to nice xmas carols, really do go into la la land. would recommend this trip to any age group.

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LONDON SIGHTSEEING BUS PRIVATE HIRE

You can hire our buses or our bakery for your own unique party. we create bespoke events to your requirements..

There is a recorded guide commentary on our buses and friendly servers to answer any questions! Children under the age of 5 are not permitted due to health and safety regulations. Images may not depict the current menu.

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T: 020 3026 1188 E: [email protected]

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

6. Big Bus London Open-Top Evening Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Ride of Routemaster and See London

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

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

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

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

18. London by Night Tootbus Sightseeing Bus Tour

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

20. full day london pick & mix customized tour.

21. Full Day London Pick & Mix Customized Tour

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

What travelers are saying.

Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option
Thames 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off River Cruise
Golden Tours London Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Sightseeing Bus Tour
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

London sightseeing bus tours : places to visit in London

London themed tours.

Unique rooftop on wheels

Catchy playlist
Drinks available on board

London Kids Tour

Non-stop live guided bus tour

Live guided in English
Fun and educational

London by Night

Non-stop evening bus tour

3 walking tours
Adult & kids commentary

London Christmas Lights Tour

London's iconic lights

Hop-on hop-off tours: Discover London at your own pace

Must See London

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + cruise

1, 2 or 3 days
3 bus routes
River cruise

London Discovery

Hop-on hop-off bus tour + walking tours

London Discovery + London By Night

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

3 daytime bus routes
1 night tour

Private Tour

Private Bus Hire London

For more details

Team building
Educational tours

Discover London with Tootbus , the must-do sightseeing bus tour experience!

Enjoy our various routes to explore the city at your own pace, with panoramic views from our open-top deck buses .

Embark wherever you like on our different lines to discover London and all its iconic landmarks. Our themed tours will immerse you in the heart of its history, culture, and architectural wonders. Whether with children on the Kids Tour , over a drink on the Bar Bus , or with your loved one on the Night Tour , there's something for everyone!

Continue your excursion beyond your sightseeing bus tour with Tootwalk . Our free guided walking tours , available through the Tootbus app on App Store and Google Play , will accompany you on your strolls in London, which will no longer hold any secrets for you.

Let the city simply take you by surprise, welcome to London!

15 Best Bus Tours of London Reviewed (Ultimate guide)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour

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

Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour

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

🏆 Summary of the best bus tours of London

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

👭 Best bus tour for children – London Tootbus Kids Tour

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

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

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

Trafalgar Square in London with a red bus and Big Ben in the background.

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

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

Good to know

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

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

The Big Bus is one of a number of available bus tours of London.

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

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

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

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

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

Click to book the London Panoramic Bus Tour

Some kids holding their thumbs up in front of Big Ben in London.

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

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

Click to book the London Tootbus Kids Tour

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

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

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

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at night.

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

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

Click to book the London Tootbus Bar Bus

The London Eye, a boat on the river Thames and Big Ben in the background.

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

* Premium and Premium Plus tickets only

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A selection of foods at an afternoon tea including scones with jam and cream.

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

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

Click to book the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus in London

London Red Bus with a sign saying Afternoon Tea.

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

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

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

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

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

London Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet at 13 Coventry Street

Click to book the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

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

Enjoy an entertaining commentary by your tour guide.

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

Click to book the London Christmas Lights Bus Tour

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

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

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

London Travel Guide and itinerary planner.

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Ride a double-becker bus ★★★

A new Routemaster double-decker bus at St. Pauls (Photo (c) Transport for London)

Riding the famous double-decker buses of London

Those red two-story buses are an icon of London —and a fabulous way to take a quick sightseeing tour, a bird's-eye tour of the city at the price of a bus ticket.

Besides, sometimes in London you end up feeling like a gopher, taking the Tube everywhere, popping above ground just long enough to see some sight then scurrying back down to tunnel off aboard the Underground to your next stop. Instead, take a few of those rides on a bus—a bit slower, perhaps, but you'll get to see more of London this way.

When you do, try your best to ride up top in the front seat. The view from here can be slightly panicky or vertigo inducing, as an odd effect of parallax often makes it look as if you are about to shave off the corners of buildings as the bus wends its way through London 's gnarl of streets. But once you get used to that, it's great fun.

There are four kinds of double-deckers plying the streets of London these days.

You will mostly see the late 20th century boxy models, the sleek, rounded New Buses , and of course the ubiquitous topless double-deckers converted into hop-on/hop-off sightseeing buses .

The fourth kind, whuch you will rarely see the classic old 1950s Routemaster —at least on public routes.

Most of those you will see have been repurposed as sightseeing tour buses —save on "Heritage Route" 15H.

Where to ride a double-decker in London

Heritage Route 15H (classic Routemaster bus ): Trafalgar Square–Charing Cross–Aldwych–City Thameslink–St Paul's Churchyard–Mansion House–Cannon Street–Tower Hill
Route 8 - Oxford Circus to Bow Church
Route 9 - Hammersmith to Aldwych
Route 10 - Hammersmith bus station to King's Cross St. Pancras
Route 11 - Liverpool Street station to Fulham Broadway
Route 12 - Dulwich to Oxford Circus
Route 15 - Trafalgar Square to Blackwall DLR
Route 16 - Victoria station to Longley Way
Route 24 - Hampstead Heath to Pimlico
Route 38 - Victoria to Hackney
Route 55 - Oxford Circus to Leyton
Route 73 - Victoria to Stoke Newington
Route 88 - Camden to Clapham
Route 137 - Oxford Circus to Streatham Hill
Route 148 - Camberwell Green to White City bus station
Route 390 - Notting Hill Gate to Archway
Route 453 - Marylebone station to Deptford Bridge

How to pay for your ride

If you are using a hop-on/hop-off bus , just flash your pass when you board.

If you are using a public bus, you can use your Oyster Card at the little scanners just inside each door.

If you happen to have a Day Travelcard or paper ticket , board at the front to flash this to the driver.

By the way, the open back platform on the New Bus is only available during the day, when there is a conductor on board to assist back there. It's closed behind perspex at night, though the driver can open it, as he does the other doors, after he comes to a stop.

Double Decker Buses Tours

Hop aboard a vintage red double-decker bus, and then sit back and relax on a sightseeing tour of London. On a route around the city center, watch out for iconic London monuments like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey — where Prince William married Kate Middleton in 2011. Listen to details of each sight’s history from your guide. Pass St Paul's Cathedral, a much-loved Baroque cathedral that has hosted countless services for London’s dignitaries over the years, and hear details of significant occasions, such as the wedding of Lady Diana to Prince Charles, from your guide. Amble down to the banks of the Thames River for a photo stop outside the Tower of London. Designed to terrify Londoners while deterring foreign invaders, the formidable-looking tower is now home to the Crown Jewels and the famous Beefeater guards who protect them. Walk along the river to Tower Pier and hop aboard a sightseeing boat for a leisurely cruise to Westminster. Sit out on deck or relax in the comfy seats in the saloon, listening to audio commentary about all the sites that you pass. Cruise under London Bridge, gaze at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and see the London Eye just across the river. Next, head to the Queen’s famous residence — Buckingham Palace — and see the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony from outside the palace gates. In time to drumbeats from a military band, soldiers from the Queen’s Foot Guard march to Buckingham Palace in their eye-catching red tunics and bearskin hats. Watch this traditional ceremony, your tour will then conclude near Victoria Railway Station in central London. Upgrade to include a delicious fish and chips lunch in a central London pub.

Relax on board your open-top bus as you travel around central London and see the sights. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye are just a few of the landmarks you might see. Hop off your bus near the Tower of London, and pose for photos in front of the formidable monument. Hear how the tower is now home to the world-famous Crown Jewels, and admire the smartly dressed Beefeater guards who protect them. Walk along the river to Tower Pier and board a Thames River sightseeing boat for your 1-hour afternoon tea cruise to Westminster. Sit out on deck or relax in the comfy seats in the saloon, and listen to audio commentary about all the sites. Cruise under London Bridge, gaze at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and take in beautiful views of the London Eye just across the river. No visit to London is complete without sampling a cup of tea alongside quintessentially British scones with jam and clotted cream. So do just that, and enjoy the sweet treats and a glass of Champagne, too. When your cruise ends, travel back to the start point by coach.

Enjoy great views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye as we meander through the streets and history of our great city, all brought to life by our expert guide.

Take your seat on our beautifully restored double-decker bus and marvel at all of London’s highlights, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, all brought to life by our expert guide. Have your cameras at the ready as we stop for photos at Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral where Admirals Nelson and Wellington are buried and where Princess Diana was married. Then join us at the Tower of London that was built nearly a thousand years ago and is now home to the Crown Jewels protected by the famous Beefeaters. The imposing former palace was once used as a fortress and a prison and your guide will take you to see Traitors Gate where prisoners entered the Tower for the last time!

Take your place for an unforgettable traditional Christmas lunch cruise for the finest festive dining experience you will find on the Thames. With a luxurious 3 course menu and an elegant, seasonal atmosphere, we promise you’ll never know another Christmas like it.

Make your own way to Victoria Coach Station in central London, where you’ll meet your professional guide and vintage Routemaster bus. Then, after introductions, settle into your comfortable seat aboard the bus and set off on your tour of the English capital. Gaze out of the window as you cruise through London’s most famous areas. See the iconic lion statues in Trafalgar Square before continuing to Parliament Square to see Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Down by the Thames River, hop out of your bus and climb aboard a boat to see the London skyline from the water. Look out for St Paul’s famous dome and have your camera ready as you draw closer to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. You’ll also see newer sights such as the London Eye and The Shard. After your cruise, continue by bus to Buckingham Palace, which has served as the official London residence of the British royals since the 19th century. Walk with your guide to the entrance of the palace, a site only open to the public for two months each year, before bidding them a fond farewell (guides are not allowed inside). Head inside with your prebooked ticket and plug into your included audio guide to learn more about the British royals and the palace’s history. See the Australian Stage Coach on display at the Grand Entrance portico and ogle the stool and sword used to confer knighthoods. Then, in Queen Elizabeth II’s State Rooms, be wowed by the lavish furnishings and other rare treasures from the Royal Collection. Your experience concludes when you leave Buckingham Palace, leaving you free to continue sightseeing independently or head back to your accommodation.

Other famous London landmarks you'll see include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Next, you'll jump onboard a Thames River Cruise to see all of the famous London landmarks and bridges from a different perspective. The cruise passes Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle and London Bridge before you arrive at Westminster pier to rejoin the bus and head for Buckingham Palace. Watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony as the soldiers, dressed in their fabulous tunics and busbies, march to military music. If the guard change is not taking place, you will stop for photos of the Horseguards. Add one of the following attractions for a comprehensive introduction to the city of London: Top London Attractions: Enjoy fast, hassle-free entry to the London Eye or Tower of London. Pre-booked and pre-paid tickets ensure speedy access to London’s top attractions. Stonehenge Shuttle: Combine the tour with an afternoon visit to Stonehenge. After the morning tour of London, you'll be dropped off at Victoria Coach Station ready to depart on the roundtrip shuttle bus (5 hours) to Stonehenge at 12:30pm. Designed to give you a fast, hassle-free independent trip to Stonehenge, collect your entrance tickets (included in the tour price!) and free audio-guide before exploring at your own pace.

Take your seat on the beautifully restored double-decker bus and marvel at all of London’s highlights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Have your cameras ready as you stop for photos at Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral, which contains impressive mementos and monuments to many of Britain's heroes including Nelson, Wellington and Churchill. Next, sit back, relax and enjoy the London scenery en-route to the Tower of London. Built nearly a thousand years ago, this imposing building has been a palace, fortress and prison. Learn about the Tower’s famous Beefeater guards who are protecting its current treasure, the Crown Jewels and your guide will take you to see Traitors Gate where prisoners entered the Tower for the last time.

Choose the evening departure time most convenient to you, then make your own way to the prearranged meeting point near Trafalgar Square in central London. Greet your ghoulish guide, then climb aboard the eerie ghost bus, a classic 1960s Routemaster with a Gothic edge and a dark backstory. Find a secluded spot in the shadows of the lower deck, or boldly ascend to the top deck and settle into one of the blood red seats. Feel the roar of the engine, and prepare yourself for a thrilling tour of London’s darker side. As your bus weaves its wicked way through London’s streets, listen to your guide, a somewhat unhinged bus conductor, recount gruesome tales from the capital’s long, depraved past. Feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as you learn about the Whitehall Mystery, a particularly bloody murder case where neither the victim nor the killer were ever identified, though some believe that Jack the Ripper, London’s most fearsome serial killer, may have been behind it. Hear spine-chilling stories about the city’s most famous ghosts as you pass by some of London’s must-see attractions including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Steel yourself as you learn about the ancient royal tombs that were uncovered at Westminster Abbey, the black dog of Newgate Prison, and the demon barber of Fleet Street. You’ll also visit the Cross Bones Graveyard, a pauper's burial ground with a legend that dates back to medieval times. After around an hour, your tour concludes back at the original start point.

Make your own way to the prearranged meeting point near Trafalgar Square in central London. Greet your guide, the eccentric Professor Quantum, then climb aboard a classic 1960s Routemaster bus, kitted out (British slang for customized) with time-bending gadgets and mind-boggling devices. Get comfortable inside the lower deck or find a seat on the top deck, then feel the rumble of the engine and prepare to travel back in time on an entertaining tour of historical London. Pass by premier sights including the magnificent Neo-Gothic Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married. Then continue on to Whitehall, the center of the British Government. Pass by Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister, and catch a glimpse of the Horse Guards Parade. Next, marvel at St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic buildings, and be awed by the monumental Tower of London and Tower Bridge, as well as the more modern sights around the London Bridge area. As your bus makes its way through the capital’s streets, listen to the professor recount tales of his experiences from the past, present and future, as well as the history behind the sights you see. You’ll also have the opportunity to make contact with famous figures from by-gone times through a fully functioning time phone. After around an hour, your tour concludes at the original start point.

Perfect for days out in London, this tours has been specifically designed to show you all the sights of the city in 75 minutes. This tour gives you a flavor of the swinging sixties on a timeless Routemaster bus, now converted into an open top bus and filled with state of the art technology. Handpicked by comedy writers and directors, your London tour guides will come from a wide variety of professional entertainment backgrounds. From award winning comedians to the finest tour guides in the city with years of experience, the performers bring you a comedy tour like no other. The tours provide more than just the finest things to see in London, the buses are equipped with high definition screens and an exclusively designed sound system. With footage of London through the ages and site-specific music and songs, this tour immerses you in the London experience.

These might include Double decker buses

Dinosaur Hunt: Discovering the Natural History Museum
City Sightseeing Windsor Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
London City Tour Hop-on Hop-off
Private Guided Evening Tour of East London
Private Tour: London Harry Potter Tour by Black Cab Including Thames River Cruise
Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes Tour of Haunted London

Activities, walks, & excursions

Viator.com - Best one-stop shopping site for all sorts of activities, walking tours, bus tours, escorted day trips, and other excursions. It is actually a clearinghouse for many local tour companies and outfitters, and since it gets a bulk-rate deal on pricing (and takes only a token fee for itself), you can actually sometimes book an activity through Viator for less than it would cost to buy the same exact tour from the tour company itself. (I once booked a Dublin pub crawl via Viator and later discovered that I saved about $1.50; also, the tour turned out to be sold-out, and they were turning away the folks in front of me in line, but since I had a pre-booked voucher I got in.) Partner
Londonwalks.com - Since the 1970s, the gold standard in city walking tours and museum tours—and cheap, to boot. Just meet your guide at the appointed time and place (usually a Tube stop), pay your £10 (students or over 65s are £8; under 15 free), and prepare for a good two hours of amazing cultural insight and historic anecdotes. If you plan on taking three or more walks, buy a "Frequent London Walker" card for £2 from your first guide, then each subsequent walk costs £8. They also run popular excursions outside London for £18. Note that the fee just covers the guided tour; you pay for any admissions (or, for excursions, travel expenses) yourself.
Contexttravel.com - This bespoke walking tour company doesn't even call its 200 tour leaders "guides." It calls them "docents"—perhaps because most guides are academics and specialists in their fields: history professors, archeologists, PhDs, art historians, artists, etc. Groups are miniscule (often six people maximum), and most docents can be booked for private guiding sessions as well. They aren't always the cheapest tours, but they are invariably the best. People rave about Context. Partner
City-discovery.com - Chief rival to Viator (though with a less spiffy interface and often sub-par text descriptions), representing many of the same tours (at the same prices). However, it also seems to cover more destinations, especially secondary ones. When it comes down to it, City-Discovery and Viator have maybe 70% the same inventory, but then 30% will be completely different (some Viator has City-Discovery does not, other vice-versa) so it pays to check through the offerings from both. Partner

Public transit

Tfl.gov.uk - Covers pretty much all London transportation, including the Tube and buses but also taxis, the DLR and other local light rail systems, trams, the London bike share program, and other one-off transport options.
Nationalrail.co.uk - Covers all of the lines once operated by the (since-privitized) old British Rail. This includes most major British railways, but notably does not cover many urban area light rail systems (such as London, Glasgow, Manchester, Blackpool, Sheffield, and Midland Metro), nor does it cover the Eurostar, Heathrow Express , nor a handful of heritage or privately owned railways. Still, it's the closest thing to one-stop shopping for finding train connections across the mainland U.K. (though not Northern Ireland).

How to use the bus and tram system in London

Using an Oyster Card on London public transit (Photo Â© Transport for London)

Do not buy point-to-point tickets. What you want is an Oyster Card (possibly with a Travelcard transit pass).

A line of old Routemasters at Finsbury Park (Photo Sludge G)

The history and rebirth of London's famous double-decker buses

A hop-on/hop-off open-top double decker sightseeing bus crossing London Bridge (Photo Â© The Original London Sightseeing Tour Ltd 2016)

Take a hop-on/hop-off double-decker sightseeing bus tour of London

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Dinner on a Double Decker Bus: The Gourmet Way to Experience London

You won’t be struggling to find ways to experience London’s exciting food scene when you’re in town for a visit. But there’s no better way to combine two great London experiences in one than by enjoying a gourmet meal aboard a double-decker sightseeing bus.

The company that offers this fun and tasty experience is called Bustronome. The innovative double-decker restaurant on wheels began in Paris and extended its tours to London in summer 2018.

You may be wondering how they make this work and I have to admit I spent a fair amount of time wondering how they kept the wine glasses from falling over. I’ll tell you, it’s definitely unique. Read on to learn the secrets.

The waiters are all very well training in the art of staying on their feet, despite the bumps in the road. Though it never really felt like we were driving along the typically bumpy roads of London. The bus ride is very smooth and enjoyable. Check the Bustronome website for more details on dining times and schedule. Ticket prices vary as well.

Planning your trip to London?

Book a transfer from the airport to the city center with Welcome Pickups .
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Best Tours and Experiences in London

Best of London, Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard + Cream Tea or London Eye – Best of London’s landmarks on a comprehensive city tour.
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London – Experience a guided day trip from London to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath, where you can explore historic landmarks.

Table of Contents

The Bustronome Concept

Bustronome serves lunch, afternoon tea , and dinner aboard the bus. A team of very experienced (and well-balanced) chefs and servers make the experience charming and pleasant from start to finish.

When we arrived at the bus, there was already a crowd forming – both dinner guests and curious onlookers. The bus is very sleek in all black with gold trim. The kitchen can be found in the back of the bottom floor. You can watch the chefs preparing the meal as you wait to get on.

You board the bus and are taken to your table about 15 minutes before departure, just as you would at any gourmet restaurant. The table is already set and the excitement begins to build among the tables.

The bus fits up to 38 people in 2-4 person tables. Of course, each table has a fantastic view out of the tall windows. Being on the second floor gives you the height advantage to see over cars and buildings for the best view as you drive along.

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The Gourmet Experience

The dining experience varies depending on which meal you’re on board for. Lunch is a 4-course meal (with or without wine pairings). Dinner includes 6 courses. Afternoon tea can be with or without Champagne. We took the dinner service, but I imagine lunch would be very similar.

Upon boarding, we started with a glass of sparkling wine and some appetizers. It felt just like we were being served at a restaurant – it just happened to have scenery passing by as we ate. This was when I learned the secret to how they keep the wine glasses from falling over.

The table is expertly prepared with the means to keep everything in place. Water and wine glasses slide into slots in the centerpiece. There were absolutely no slips or spills, despite the occasional bump in the ride. You wouldn’t know it by looking, but the silverware are all magnetized to the table, so they won’t slip around at all.

We didn’t really know what could be expected of a dinner served aboard a bus. I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meal. This isn’t your typical tourist attraction dinner. It lives up to its billing as a gourmet meal. The food surpassed my expectations.

It was more than enough food, and was nicely paired with both a white and red wine along the route. The timing of the courses deliberately matched the lulls in the tour guide, so you could listen to the program without interrupting your meal. Music is played all throughout the journey.

The Bus Tour

Yes, there is a tour guide, but it’s very unobtrusive. When you board the bus, there is no mass welcome, instruction or introduction to the tour. The aim is for this to be an elegant and relaxing experience. The tour element to the experience takes a back seat to the dining experience.

The menu doubles as a tour guide. They use an innovative pen system to deliver information. As you near a stop of interest, you just hover the little pen device over the dot on the map and then listen to the audio track through the handheld device.

The bus tours lasts for 1:45 for lunch and 2:45 for dinner. It passes by many of London’s top sights, monuments and museums. Although the nighttime tour makes it difficult to take great photos, it is a stunning way to see the city, all lit up at night.

All you have to do while you’re on board is enjoy yourself. There’s no tour guide talking at you or anything. If you don’t want to listen to the tour information, you don’t have to. If you want to spend the whole time taking pictures, you can. It really does feel like a nice dining experience, and you just happen to be aboard a bus.

Important Information

The bus parks at Coach Bay 40B at Victoria Embankment, making it an easy spot to get to for everyone, whether you’re coming from East or West London. You’re asked to arrive 15 minutes before the departure time to get seated. As I already mentioned, the tour lasts 1:45 for lunch, 2:45 for dinner and 1:45 for afternoon tea.

The upper level of the bus is surrounded by windows, all around and above. The windows are not open like a tour bus usually is. It’s entirely enclosed so the tour happens regardless of the weather. We went on a typical rainy, cloudy evening in London and it was not a problem at all; we still had a wonderful view.

There is a bathroom on board, just in case.

If you’re looking for a fun and unique foodie activity to do in London, this is one of the best. It’s classy and even a little romantic. It’s not your typical tourist bus — it’s way better than that. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tour. Even for locals, it’s a treat.

(Disclaimer: We were invited aboard Bustronome, but that in no way affects our opinions or views.)

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

6 Unique & Fun Restaurants in London

See Paris Aboard a Gourmet Double-Decker Bus

9 Fun Foodie Things to Do in Paris

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

16 Most Scenic Double-Decker Bus Rides in the World (#10 Is a Hidden Gem)

Posted: October 11, 2023 | Last updated: October 11, 2023

<p> When you think of a double-decker bus, your mind may automatically jump to London's famed two-floor, red buses — and rightly so. But there are many other incredible double-decker bus tours, where guests can sit in an open-air top floor worldwide. </p><p>You may not be aware of the fun things you can get up to and the amazing sights you can see on these tours all over the world. So <a href="https://financebuzz.com/ways-to-travel-more?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=1&synd_postid=13870&synd_backlink_title=step+up+your+travel+game&synd_backlink_position=1&synd_slug=ways-to-travel-more">step up your travel game</a> and climb aboard these 16 famous double-decker bus tours from around the world.</p> <p> <a href="https://financebuzz.com/top-travel-credit-cards?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=1&synd_postid=13870&synd_backlink_title=Compare+the+best+travel+credit+cards+for+nearly+free+travel&synd_backlink_position=2&synd_slug=top-travel-credit-cards">Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel</a> </p>

When you think of a double-decker bus, your mind may automatically jump to London's famed two-floor, red buses — and rightly so. But there are many other incredible double-decker bus tours, where guests can sit in an open-air top floor worldwide.

You may not be aware of the fun things you can get up to and the amazing sights you can see on these tours all over the world. So step up your travel game and climb aboard these 16 famous double-decker bus tours from around the world.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Barcelona Bus Turístic – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona's Bus Turístic is one of several popular double-decker bus tours in the city that lets riders hop on and hop off at dozens of incredible sites.

Audio guides are available in more than a dozen languages (headphones are provided on the bus), and riders can take in everything from La Sagrada Familia to Camp Nou football stadium.

Booking with Bus Turístic on one of your first days in Barcelona can help save money on travel by narrowing down which spots you can devote more time to.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

<p> City Sightseeing’s Cape Town bus tours give passengers access to three different routes, with the hop-on, hop-off buses passing through several major tourist destinations. </p> <p> Audio tours are available in 15 languages, and the bus loops stop at breathtaking attractions like Table Mountain’s cableway station and the Camps Bay Strip, where riders can check out the stunning beach. </p>

City Sightseeing Cape Town – Cape Town, South Africa

City Sightseeing’s Cape Town bus tours give passengers access to three different routes, with the hop-on, hop-off buses passing through several major tourist destinations.

Audio tours are available in 15 languages, and the bus loops stop at breathtaking attractions like Table Mountain’s cableway station and the Camps Bay Strip, where riders can check out the stunning beach.

Big Bus Chicago – Chicago, USA

Big Bus is not the only hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus option in the Windy City, but it’s one of the more popular choices.

The tour stops at major attractions throughout the city, like the Chicago Riverwalk, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Millennium Park (home of The Bean), and Navy Pier.

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Big Bus Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Big Bus also has an option to explore Dubai on one of their double-decker buses.

Choose from a 24-hour, 48-hour, or five-day hop-on, hop-off ticket and visit the city's stunning landmarks, including Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), Heritage Village, and Palm Jumeirah.

<p> DoDublin’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour is one of the most popular in Ireland’s capital city. Riders can book 24- or 48-hour passes and check out several of the city’s famed landmarks. </p> <p> A tour guide will give riders the low-down as they visit top tourist destinations like Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more. </p>

DoDublin – Dublin, Ireland

DoDublin’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour is one of the most popular in Ireland’s capital city. Riders can book 24- or 48-hour passes and check out several of the city’s famed landmarks.

A tour guide will give riders the low-down as they visit top tourist destinations like Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more.

<p> Edinburgh Tour takes passengers on a big, green bus to many of Scotland’s capital city’s most stunning landmarks — from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. </p> <p> The tours begin at Waterloo Place and feature a live guide. Passengers are free to hop on and off at any time while their ticket is active or ride for the duration of the tour (about an hour). </p> <p> <a href="https://financebuzz.com/ways-to-make-extra-money?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=7&synd_postid=13870&synd_backlink_title=13+legit+ways+to+make+extra+cash&synd_backlink_position=6&synd_slug=ways-to-make-extra-money">13 legit ways to make extra cash</a> </p>

Edinburgh Tour – Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Tour takes passengers on a big, green bus to many of Scotland’s capital city’s most stunning landmarks — from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The tours begin at Waterloo Place and feature a live guide. Passengers are free to hop on and off at any time while their ticket is active or ride for the duration of the tour (about an hour).

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Big Bus Hong Kong – Hong Kong, China

Big Bus also offers hop-on, hop-off tours of Hong Kong that hit all the major sites — from Victoria Peak and Lan Kwai Fong to Victoria Harbour.

Riders can listen to pre-recorded commentary (available in 10 languages) and choose a 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour ticket, which includes a stunning nighttime view of the Kowloon Peninsula.

<p> Big Bus’s Las Vegas tours take riders to all the major sites — from the Strip and the Bellagio fountains to the Downtown District — in their open-air, two-floor buses. </p> <p> These hop-on, hop-off tours also feature live guides, so riders can be entertained and educated about the area. Riders can buy 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour tickets. </p>

Big Bus Las Vegas – Las Vegas, USA

Big Bus’s Las Vegas tours take riders to all the major sites — from the Strip and the Bellagio fountains to the Downtown District — in their open-air, two-floor buses.

These hop-on, hop-off tours also feature live guides, so riders can be entertained and educated about the area. Riders can buy 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour tickets.

<p> Naturally, there are many incredible bus tours in London, home of the famed red double-decker buses. The Classic Tour, which packs riders onto a vintage 1960s double-decker Routemaster, is a fan favorite.</p> <p> The tours feature hilarious live guides and take riders through the city’s top tourist destinations — from Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral. </p> <p> <a href="https://financebuzz.com/southwest-booking-secrets?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=10&synd_postid=13870&synd_backlink_title=9+nearly+secret+things+to+do+if+you+fly+Southwest&synd_backlink_position=7&synd_slug=southwest-booking-secrets">9 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest</a> </p>

The Classic Tour – London, England

Naturally, there are many incredible bus tours in London, home of the famed red double-decker buses. The Classic Tour, which packs riders onto a vintage 1960s double-decker Routemaster, is a fan favorite.

The tours feature hilarious live guides and take riders through the city’s top tourist destinations — from Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

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<p> There are many hop-on, hop-off bus tour options in New York City, but a relatively lesser known, yet still highly rated, option is the big, orange New York Iconic bus tour. </p> <p> The company offers different tour options — like a Downtown tour, an Uptown tour, or an All City Express tour (that hits hotspots like Grand Central Station and the Plaza Hotel). Many tours also come with a live guide.</p>

New York Iconic – New York, USA

There are many hop-on, hop-off bus tour options in New York City, but a relatively lesser known, yet still highly rated, option is the big, orange New York Iconic bus tour.

The company offers different tour options — like a Downtown tour, an Uptown tour, or an All City Express tour (that hits hotspots like Grand Central Station and the Plaza Hotel). Many tours also come with a live guide.

<p> A two-hour tour where riders can listen to commentary in one of five languages, France Tourisme’s Paris double-decker takes passengers to some of the City of Light’s most stunning landmarks. </p> <p> Riders will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre Museum — and learn about the city’s rich history while doing so. </p>

France Tourisme – Paris, France

A two-hour tour where riders can listen to commentary in one of five languages, France Tourisme’s Paris double-decker takes passengers to some of the City of Light’s most stunning landmarks.

Riders will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre Museum — and learn about the city’s rich history while doing so.

I Love Rome – Rome, Italy

I Love Rome’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes passengers on a hot pink bus to some of the ancient city’s most popular and stunning landmarks.

The open-air bus stops at the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Vatican City, and more. And with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes, passengers can spend as long as they like at each stop.

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Big Bus San Francisco – San Francisco, USA

Big Bus San Francisco offers several options for tour enthusiasts visiting the Bay Area.

They offer the classic 1- and 2-day hop-on, hop-off tours (which hit the city’s hot spots), options to add a visit to Alcatraz into the ticket price, or a wine tour that takes riders to several Napa Valley wineries.

<p> Those looking for a fun weekend excursion in Singapore should consider the FunVee bus tour, which offers incredible views of Singapore’s skyline. </p> <p> The double-decker bus tour runs on Saturdays and Sundays and takes riders past stunning sites like Sri Mariamman Temple, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay. </p>

FunVee – Singapore

Those looking for a fun weekend excursion in Singapore should consider the FunVee bus tour, which offers incredible views of Singapore’s skyline.

The double-decker bus tour runs on Saturdays and Sundays and takes riders past stunning sites like Sri Mariamman Temple, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay.

<p> Big Bus also offers several packages for riders in Sydney. Each tour covers the city’s most well-known landmarks — like Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach. </p> <p> Some packages include extra excursions, like a pass for the company’s hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise, or admission to attractions like the Sydney Tower Eye. </p>

Big Bus Sydney – Sydney, Australia

Big Bus also offers several packages for riders in Sydney. Each tour covers the city’s most well-known landmarks — like Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach.

Some packages include extra excursions, like a pass for the company’s hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise, or admission to attractions like the Sydney Tower Eye.

<p> City Sightseeing offers a great Toronto double-decker bus tour where riders can hop off at more than a dozen prime locations throughout the city. </p> <p> The bus stops at sites like the Royal Ontario Museum, the famed CN Tower, Queen’s Park, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and more. Consider booking your bus tour with a travel credit card to <a href="https://financebuzz.com/top-travel-credit-cards?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=feed&synd_slide=17&synd_postid=13870&synd_backlink_title=earn+travel+rewards&synd_backlink_position=9&synd_slug=top-travel-credit-cards">earn travel rewards</a> while you explore.</p>

City Sightseeing Toronto – Toronto, Canada

City Sightseeing offers a great Toronto double-decker bus tour where riders can hop off at more than a dozen prime locations throughout the city.

The bus stops at sites like the Royal Ontario Museum, the famed CN Tower, Queen’s Park, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and more. Consider booking your bus tour with a travel credit card to earn travel rewards while you explore.

Bottom line

A city bus tour is a smart way to get your bearings when visiting somewhere new since you’re paying for transportation to many top tourist destinations in one shot.

The great thing about many of these tours — aside from the very flexible hop-on, hop-off options — is that they’re one of the best smart travel hacks that can save you money.

Visit one of the tours on this list next time you're visiting one of these terrific locations worldwide.

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You Can Own The Actual Double Decker Bus Used By Paul McCartney And Wings

By Mercedes Streeter
April 17, 2024
28 Comments

There is a special kind of wonderment around the double-decker bus , at least for Americans. There are two whole floors for activities packaged in something rather tall and lanky. But unless you’re taking a sightseeing tour of Chicago or traveling between two cities, Americans don’t have much exposure to these creations. Now, you can own perhaps the most famous double-decker bus in the world. This 1953 Bristol KSW5G carried Paul McCartney and the band Wings on their 1972 ‘Wings Over Europe’ tour and now you can own it. The groovy Bristol runs, drives, and has its own music stage, and I don’t want to know what shipping it across an ocean would cost.

While Americans might not have much exposure to buses with multiple decks, they are a European icon. While vintage photos of American cities are dotted with GMCs and Flxibles , it’s hard to picture a place like London without giant red double-decker buses running around. Transport For London still uses the double-decker as the backbone of its fleet and they’re still bright red, too.

This particular bus wouldn’t exist if Paul McCartney were just about any other rockstar. When most would tour from place to place using private aircraft, McCartney chose a bus for a 7,500-mile, nine-country road trip of a lifetime. Now, someone gets to continue the journey. It’s going up for auction later this month!

Decades Of Rich Bus History

Of course, I love a good bus, so before we get to the McCartney and the band, let’s talk about bus stuff. I would wager that when most Americans picture a double-decker in Europe, they have images of the AEC Routemaster. The Routemaster is a legend and I bet many Londoners couldn’t picture the history of the city without it. But the Associated Equipment Company was far from the only constructor of tall buses.

The first double-decker buses dated back to the mid-1800s and were simply horse-drawn carriages with two decks. Over time, these would evolve into the buses we know today. In case you were curious, double-decker buses are still favored in many regions of the world for combining the seating capacity of an articulated bus with the maneuverability of a single-deck bus. A double-decker can fit through tight streets where an articulated bus might have to re-route. Of course, don’t expect a double-decker to win a race against a more svelte bus, or to make its way under infamously low bridges.

As the Bristol Archives notes, the Bristol Tramways Company was formed in 1875 by Sir George White. In those early days, Bristol Tramways ran a horse-drawn tram between Upper Maudlin Street and Blackboy Hill in Bristol, a city in England. In 1887, the company merged with Bristol Cab Company to become the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company. As technology advanced, so did Bristol. The horse-drawn trams became electric trams in 1895 and in 1906, Bristol started running motor buses.

Those first buses were based on chassis from other companies such as Thornycroft. However, Bristol found that these buses weren’t reliable enough for its service. Bristol figured it could build better buses on its own, and began development and production of its own buses. Early Bristol-built motor buses were single-deck units with four-cylinder engines and by 1941, buses became such a boom for Bristol that the last tram ran that year.

Bristol Tramways had been a part of the Tilling Group since the early 1930s and in 1943, Bristol Commercial Vehicles was created as a subsidiary of Bristol Tramways. One of the changes brought on by being under the Tilling Group umbrella was the standardization of powertrains and Bristol buses began being fitted with diesel power. The Tilling Group, and with it Bristol Commercial Vehicles and other firms, became nationalized in 1947.

The Bristol K-type series of buses began production in 1937. They became legendary in part because of their simple, yet rugged design. Bristol provided the chassis while a large number of coachbuilders placed a body on top. Reportedly, most Bristol K-type buses had bodies from Eastern Coach Works.

Road tests of K-type buses suggested that the units had good performance characteristics from smooth-running engines to easy gear changes and brakes up to the task of stopping tall buses. Of course, we’re talking about a bus here, so don’t expect BMW E39 performance. A Bristol K6B hosted in Classic Bus Tests had a top speed of just 34.5 mph, and it took over 30 seconds to get there. But it sounds like the K-type was a solid piece of transport.

The Bristol KSW

In 1950, the legal limit on the length of a double-decker bus opened a little from 26 feet to 27 feet. In response, Bristol announced the KS, which replaced the original K-types with a slightly improved model. A KS tossed some of the extra foot into the passenger compartment and the rest into the engine bay, which allowed the new bus to be outfitted with an 8.4-liter Gardner 6LW diesel. The previous K-type with an Eastern Coach Works body had an engine bay just a smidge too tight.

In addition to the KS, Bristol also unveiled the KSW. A KS was 7’6″ wide while the KSW gained a little more girth for a full 8′ of width. KSWs were easily identifiable with their white steering wheels and models with an Eastern Coach Works body featured aluminum-framed bodies. This bus was another popular Bristol entry and 1,116 units were built between 1950 and 1957.

One of those KSWs would end up becoming one of the most famous double-deckers to be put on the road. When it was time for Sir Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, Henry McCullough, and Denny Seiwell to tour as Wings, they could have taken planes like just about any rockers would. But Sir McCartney was a fan of buses and he wanted to go a different way. From Car & Classic :

This isn’t just a bus, however. This is the famed psychedelic Wings tour bus, resplendent in its Beatles Yellow Submarine/Magical Mystery Tour inspired artwork that was home to Sir Paul McCartney, his family and the band Wings during its 1972 European summer tour which saw the gang traverse 7,500 miles through nine different countries at a pivotal moment for the band. The “Wings Over Europe” tour would mark Wings’ rise to superstardom, going on, as they would, to release five consecutive number one albums over the course of the next ten years.

Eschewing the usual private jets and luxury limousines of the rock star set, McCartney would hand pick WNO 481 as his steed of choice for the tour, immediately cementing its place in the rock and roll and automotive history books. A fan of buses in general McCartney specifically wanted one for the tour, stating: “If we’re gonna be in Europe in the summer going to places like the south of France it’s just silly to be in some little box all day gasping for air so we came up with this idea to have an open deck, upper deck kind of thing. We’ve got some mattresses up there so we can just cruise along, fantastic, it’s great, just lie around and get the sun.” More than merely a means to an end, a tool to simply move the band from point A to point B, the bus would incorporate C,D and E too as it became a living and working space for McCartney and Wings. It was a creative carriage where the band could rest, collaborate and write and it’s not inconceivable that future hits were written from within, including the iconic James Bond theme “Live and Let Die” recorded later that same year.

The bus started life as a 1953 Bristol KSW 5G with an ECW body and a closed top designed to fit under lower bridges. It began running bus service in early November 1953 in Chelmsford. The bus, registration WNO 481, was then modified in 1965 by the Chelmsford Garage to become an open-top bus for coastal sightseeing.

Later, it would be turned into the ultimate tour bus. Artist Geoffrey Cleghorn, also known for work with Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, modeled the bus’s groovy design after the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine album cover. The “magic” bus was designed to symbolize love and peace as Wings traveled across Europe. Of course, as noted earlier, the open upper deck was outfitted as a lounge so the band didn’t have to be trapped in a metal cube on warm days.

This bus and the 1972 Wings Over Europe tour helped Wings become superstars. To elaborate further on that, Wings had 27 Top 40 hits in the United States and five No. 1 albums. Those hits included Band On The Run, Jet, Junior’s Farm, Listen To What The Man Said, Maybe I’m Amazed, My Love, and Silly Love Songs . That’s impressive for a band that Sir McCartney formed in just 1971.

Of course, Sir Paul McCartney himself was an icon from his time in the Beatles and as a solo artist. His achievements include being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice and being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Sadly, the bus didn’t have the greatest life after the 1972 Wings Over Europe tour. After the tour ended, the bus returned to regular service as a transit bus. Then, the bus ended up in several private hands before eventually seeing itself on display at a rock cafe in Tenerife back in its Wings paintjob. Eventually, the bus would end up abandoned outside and discovered in a sad state in 2017.

The bus was brought back home that year and in 2019, the current owner of the bus took it to a shop in Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex, where it would undergo a three-year restoration process.

The restored bus, which was faithfully restored to what it looked like in 1972, was unveiled in November 2022 during the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham. A crowd of 90,000 got to celebrate 50 years since the famous Wings tour by seeing the very bus that carried the band through Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The restorers of the bus went through the painstaking task of giving the bus a level of detail as close to its 1972 spec as possible. Denny Seiwell even donated an original tour case to the cause. The interior features named seats for each of the bus occupants, plus wooden bunk beds that the group’s children would have used on the trip. As noted earlier, the upper deck lounge was replicated.

When the bus was parked at the Federation Village stand of The Federation Of British Historic Vehicle Clubs during the NEC Classic Motor Show, bands played on the “The McCartney Stage” on the bus roof. The Beatles’ 1969 Rooftop Concert inspired the bus-top stage.

Power comes from a 6,975 cc Gardner 5LW inline five naturally aspirated diesel. That should be making around 78 HP and it’s backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Depending on exact configuration, these buses had top speeds of 31 to 40 mph. It’s unclear how fast this example goes. One thing’s for sure, and it’s that you won’t be using this on an American interstate anytime soon. Stick to country roads.

If going that slow isn’t going to deter you, Car & Classic will be selling this psychedelic bus from April 22 to April 29.

Bring a lot of cash, because Car & Classic expects the final price to be in the ballpark of £200,000 when the hammer drops. In addition to the bus, you’ll be getting its website , print-ready 3D models on Sketchfab, a Flickr page with over 1,300 photos, and the Facebook page for the bus. If you’re not in Europe, you’ll then have to figure out how to get the bus from the UK to wherever you live.

Despite its lack of speed, I love this magic bus. Vehicles like these have stories to tell and even if you don’t care about that, the graphics and the roof deck are awesome alone. It would be awesome to cruise America from the top of this groovy machine. Just don’t be surprised if you’re passed by the local farmer on his tractor.

(Images: Photographer(s) for Car & Classic, and the 1972 Wings Tour Bus Flickr, unless otherwise noted)

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1972 wings over europe , beatles , Bristol bus , Bristol KSW , bus history , buses , Cars For Sale , Featured , paul mccartney , wings

Mercedes Streeter

So glad to see it was rescued at one point. And so sad that there is no friggin’ way that I could ever afford this. A real, and true Holy Grail this bus is. Just imagine what this bus could tell you if it could talk…

Thanks Mercedes.

Driving an old slow London city bus all around Europe is truly a great and noble undertaking.

It’s a Bristol bus, that’s the other side of the country from London.

I thought the Bristol company delivered busses to London as well? Anyway, taking city busses out on the open road is a slooooow experiece 😉 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_Commercial_Vehicles

The one time my dad drove a double decker bus he crashed into a yacht. The insurance claim was interesting…

“ I don’t want to know what shipping it across an ocean would cost.”

If they sell it on Amazon, Prime members can get free shipping!

If you’re ever near Sacramento stop by UC Davis. Unitrans bought a few OG London double deckers back in the 1960s and has had them in service ever since as well as a few more modern ones.

The public are welcome to ride for a small fare of $1.75 for a single ride, $7.50 for a 10 ride pass or free if you’re a UCD student or over 60:

Our Buses Unitrans is well-known for our three historic London doubledecker buses as well as four modern doubledecker buses . The doubledeck buses run on six lines (B, E, F, G, J, V) in regular service during the academic year, and their times are noted on the printed schedule. One of the historic London doubledecks has been converted from a diesel engine to run on clean natural gas. Unitrans’ CNG doubledeck is unique in North America, and perhaps in the world.

https://unitrans.ucdavis.edu/about/general-information/

Is that John Lennon on the right in the last picture?

What a great era that must have been. I’m just a bit too young to have been a hippie. How cool is that bus??!! The closest we have now to that much whimsy and color are a few high-mileage Harlequin VWs. We have traded Band On the Run for gangsta rap, and are much poorer for it.

Tha dammed kids and their new fangled rap music! I don’t even understand it, like they’re just talking! That’s not even music!

I could argue that The Beatles, basically, introduced Kidz Bop to the world with Yellow Submarine, and we are all much worse for it.

Negative. He and Paul were not on the best of terms at that time. Something, something Yoko Ono.

“Gangsta rap?” 2004 called, they want their lingo back. It’s Hip-hop. Shitty hip-hop but taxonomically hip-hop.

Hip-hop is another casualty of the same beast that took down rock, going from DIY shows to corporate-produced “protect my investment” vibe, just that the suits figured out the kids want to hear an f-bomb and aggression to simulate some of the edge, the rawness, instead of dissolving into anodyne “yacht rock” as so many bands/acts did in the late 70s.

Gangsta was 1990s, hardly 2004. :p

Gangster rap? I wish, but this isn’t the ’90s! I loved the ’60s music in high school, but then I just grew away from it and haven’t even wanted to hear most of it since—especially the Beatles. Come to think of it, it was partly supplanted by gangster rap. Don’t let the boomer propaganda fool you—the cool stuff we remember was largely made by the preceding generation and the protests for rights were largely just excuses to spread VD and do drugs. If that assessment was wrong (and my boomer mother would have agreed in disgust with her generation and my father in celebration because he’s a sociopath), it seems unlikely the generation as a whole would have gone on to become what they did.

We have traded nothing. We have both. Isn’t variety grand?

Hey Mercedes, great article! I really enjoy this type of niche writing. Love to think of the band just chilling up on the roof like little kids while the bus toddles through the countryside.

Love this story. Always fascinated by history crossovers.

Except for its top speed (can you even call it speed), this would be a groovy Autopian caravan.

Lastly, I can never think of double decker busses without recalling a bit from the Des O’Connor Show, circa 1970. Can’t recall the actors name (he was an older British comic), but every week he’d interrupt O’Connor at an inopportune moment in the show by walking on stage with his hands clasped out in front calling out, “I say, I say, I say, guess what I’ve got in my hands.” An exasperated O’Connor would roll his eyes and guess something ridiculous. The guess I remember was, “A double decker bus,” whereupon the old gent would peer between his thumbs, look surprised and say, “You looked!“ and storm off stage. What can I say, it killed in 1970.

If I had the funds I would buy it. Minor issue there.

I knew a few folks back in the day had Bristol buses. Even in the hippy convoy community they had a rep as being a cut above. Albions had hardcore fans too.

If we all pitch in, do you think we could we win this for Adrian?

My guess is that Adrian is more of a fan of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band:

https://noticias.coches.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Facel-Vega-Ringo-Starr-02.jpg

Oh, yeah, that’s indeed mighty nice & luxurious but what about his hatchback Mini? While that Mini might have been customized for Ringo to use for his drums it’s still a lot more plebeian than a Facel Vega. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5HlciiOkZwswzmP67Lhhf4V8QUdfvvU8YPU3ykxsObpAD7EH3wan-BItlAfa9dflvCwrwi4hHUfYp-RYcznglCH7WleHRcYwsXmVlEOmhMtBNsVPtqeyGau7Dm2STC-n6rga7VnSbQyh/w393-h418/LLO+836D+Ringo+Starr+Mini+3.png

But the Facel Vega’s interior suites him so well with all its glorious knobs and switches. Drummers need things to do with their hands while they drive.

You know, for all the jokes about drummers (and last pick of groupies), Ringo and Nick Mason of Pink Floyd seem like the happiest members of their respective mega bands—without the clashing of egos leading to petty grudges, they can sit back and actually enjoy their fame and fortune.

Not sure Adrian would be very thrilled about having to accept a gift from us peons.

Especially a gift with so many colors.

Why? He’s got a Ferrari. Clearly he’s rolling in that sweet sweet Autopian contributor dough.

Or maybe its cheddar over there.

It was a joke as Adrian has stated he doesn’t like the Beatles.

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A bus once used by Sir Paul McCartney during the 1972 Wings Over Europe tour is going under the hammer at auction.

The eye-catching double-decker bus was used by Sir Paul and Linda McCartney, as well as the rest of Wings, to travel more than 7,500 miles across nine countries and 25 cities during the summer of 1972 – with its psychedelic colour scheme ensuring nobody missed it wherever it went.

Completely and faithfully restored to its original heyday condition, the bus features wooden bunk beds, bright yellow colours and a bespoke cover for the upper deck which features “1972 Wings Tour Bus” graphics.

The top deck itself has been engineered as a performance space – now referred to as The McCartney Stage.

Sold by Car and Classic via online auction, the bus could fetch up to £200,000 by the time the hammer falls. The auction is set to run from April 22-29.

The bus is accompanied by artefacts and memorabilia donated by founding Wings member Danny Seiwell, while an official licence permits the use of artwork, logos and the names of both Paul and Linda McCartney.

Dale Vinten, Car & Classic head of editorial, said: “Just as [John] Lennon’s Rolls-Royce and the notable cars of other Beatles members carry the weight of history, tour buses tell a different story, and bear witness to the behind-the-scenes magic that fuels the onstage brilliance.

“This essence is perfectly encapsulated in the Wings tour bus, still adorned in its psychedelic colours, and restored to how it would’ve been when the McCartneys and the rest of the band toured Europe over the summer of 72.”

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Unlock the magic of London through our curated bus tour insights. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, get the tips you need for an unforgettable journey ... aboard an old double-decker bus. Discover London's iconic landmarks on a classic tour. Bustronome. The most unique fine dining experience in London. food. exp. Covent Garden.
The 5 Best London Bus Tours
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Bus Tours of London. Buckingham Palace and Vintage Bus Tour of London. Vintage London Bus Tour Including Thames River Cruise w/ Optional London Eye. London Pass including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Entry to Over 80 Attractions. London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Tower of London Ticket.
London's double-decker buses: 11 cool facts to know
Every day, over 7,500 London buses carry 6 million passengers on more than 700 different routes. A single double-decker bus can seat up to 100 passengers. 2. The first double-decker "bus" was horse-drawn. The idea of double-decker transport first arose in the late 19th century, even before motor vehicles were created.
Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
Tick off all of London's top landmarks—then, if you've chosen this option, see the city from a different perspective on an included Thames River cruise. Read more. from. $55.79. per adult. Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay later Free cancellation. Ages 4-99. Duration: 3h 30m. Start time: Check availability.
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.
Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Indulge in a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea experience with the Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Sightseeing Tour by Brigit's Bakery. Our exclusive vintage Routemaster buses wind their way through the heart of Central London, offering a unique blend of delightful sightseeing and delectable Brigit's themed afternoon teas on a classic double-decker ...
THE 10 BEST London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
per adult. 7. 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…. Free cancellation.
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 Best Bus Tours of London Reviewed (Ultimate guide)
100 minutes. . . Avoid the festive crowds and enjoy the views on this bus tour of London's spectacular Christmas lights including Oxford Street, Regents Street and Knightsbridge. Enjoy an entertaining commentary by your tour guide. Good to know. Meet your guide at Gate 0 located inside Victoria Coach Station.
London Bus Tour: Double Decker Red Bus 11 Sightseeing Route
This London Bus Tour (Route #11) passes by Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Parliament, 10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul's Cathedral & more ... join...
Double-decker buses, London
A 21st century "New Routemaster" double-decker bus. Those red two-story buses are an icon of London—and a fabulous way to take a quick sightseeing tour, a bird's-eye tour of the city at the price of a bus ticket.. Besides, sometimes in London you end up feeling like a gopher, taking the Tube everywhere, popping above ground just long enough to see some sight then scurrying back down to ...
London Tootbus Kids' Tour 2024
The kids love the top of the double decker. It's a great tour for all ages and a must do for kiddos! Helpful. Fun for the whole, big family! Sally_P, May 2023. ... Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise. 8,746. Free Cancellation; English; 1 hour 10 minutes; to . 3 hours 30 minutes. from $56.72. Historical Tours.
Dinner on a Double Decker Bus: The Gourmet Way to Experience London
But there's no better way to combine two great London experiences in one than by enjoying a gourmet meal aboard a double-decker sightseeing bus. The company that offers this fun and tasty experience is called Bustronome. The innovative double-decker restaurant on wheels began in Paris and extended its tours to London in summer 2018.
Double-decker bus
A New Routemaster bus operating in London. A double-decker bus or double-deck bus is a bus that has two storeys or decks. Double-deckers are primarily for commuter transport, but open-top models are used as sight-seeing buses for tourists, and there are coaches too for long-distance travel. They appear in many places around the world but are presently most commonly used as mass transport in ...
16 Most Scenic Double-Decker Bus Rides in the World (#10 Is a ...
Naturally, there are many incredible bus tours in London, home of the famed red double-decker buses. The Classic Tour, which packs riders onto a vintage 1960s double-decker Routemaster, is a fan ...
Richard Branson 'sails' round London on double-decker bus
The business magnate took to the streets of London on board a double-decker bus - modelled after his real-life cruise liner, Scarlet Lady. 14 hours ago. Hull Live. The classic you won't want to miss - return of free Humber Bridge car event for 2024.
You Can Own The Actual Double Decker Bus Used By Paul McCartney And
But unless you're taking a sightseeing tour of Chicago or traveling between two cities, Americans don't have much exposure to these creations. Now, you can own perhaps the most famous double-decker bus in the world. This 1953 Bristol KSW5G carried Paul McCartney and the band Wings on their 1972 'Wings Over Europe' tour and now you can ...
Sir Richard Branson spotted 'sailing' through London's streets on
Thu, 18 April 2024, 8:03 am GMT-4. Sir Richard Branson was spotted 'sailing' through the streets of central London today - on a double decker bus-turned-ship. The iconic entrepreneur was carried aloft a street-sized version of his real-life cruise liner Scarlet Lady, surprising passersby on Embankment, White City, Piccadilly, Regent Street ...
Here's what happened to the double-decker tour buses downtown
SAN ANTONIO - Remember the infamous, red-colored double-decker tour buses downtown? Well, they have gone out of business, and a new company has taken their place. David Strainge, founder of City ...
London tour on double decker bus #london #fyp #british # ...
90 Likes, TikTok video from Liv (@ttlavishliv): "London tour on double decker bus #london #fyp #british #doubledeckerbus". Softcore - avdloss.
Sir Paul McCartney's Wings tour bus set to fetch £200,000 at auction
The eye-catching double-decker bus was used by Sir Paul and Linda McCartney, as well as the rest of Wings, to travel more than 7,500 miles across nine countries and 25 cities during the summer of ...