hop on hop off bus tours london uk

London sightseeing bus tours : places to visit in London

London themed tours.

London by Night

Non-stop evening bus tour

• 3 walking tours
• Adult & kids commentary

London Christmas Lights Tour

Non-stop live guided bus tour

• Live guided in English
• 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 + 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!

• London City Tours >

London Hop on Hop off Bus with Optional River Cruise

Our London hop on hop off bus offers amazing value for money and is the best way to explore the city. We have 3 different interconnecting bus routes, with over 80 bus stops conveniently located near to all the major London sites and attractions as well as hotels and main line railway stations. This includes stops by Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and many more. One ticket enables unlimited use of all 3 routes.

Choose from a 24 hour, 48 hour or 72 hour ticket. There are also Family Tickets which helps keep costs down.

Special offer: Book a 24, 48 or 72 hour ticket, and receive an extra 24 hours for free. Valid for travel until 31 August.

The Hop on Hop Off Bus is so much more convenient than taking the underground or regular bus routes and with its routes and bus stops following the major sites and with either an audio guide or live guide, plus being an open-top bus it also offers a great experience.

The ticket can also includes a river cruise between the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. Enjoy amazing views of iconic London attractions as you travel along the River Thames.

Save time and book your ticket before you arrive.

You can cancel up to midnight (UK time) the night before departure and get a refund in full.

You can see a route map via the link here >>> , and you can also download a route map from your e-ticket. When you first hop on the bus, you will also be given a large printed map of all the bus routes.

Hop on Hop off Highlights

• Convenient stops located all across the city next to the main attractions. Travel around the city on open-top buses and enjoy amazing views as you ride!
• The buses are valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours from the moment you first hop on. You can hop on and off as much as you like during this time
• Live guides are available on all blue route departures
• Audioguides are available on every bus in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese & Arabic
• Our riverboat cruise allows you to travel 1-way up or down the River Thames to or from Westminster Pier (next to The Houses of Parliament) and Tower Millenium Pier (next to The Tower of London). The journey time is  30 minutes dependent on where you disembark. You can take your cruise within 7 days from when you first start your hop-on hop-off bus journey.
• You can cancel up to midnight (UK time), the night before departure and receive a full refund.

London Open Top Bus Routes

Our Blue Route – Classic Tour

This is our signature route passes by many of London’s most famous landmarks including the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly. The route criss-crosses over the River Thames including over the iconic Tower Bridge.

A great idea is to take this route as a circular tour of London and see many of London’s most iconic sites and get a good feel for the city. Then, take the route to hop on and off as you want, or skip onto one of the other routes where they overlap.

This route stops at the side of Buckingham Palace as no buses are allowed in front of the Palace.

Our Red Route – The Essential Route

Because London is so big, we have another signature route that covers more of Central London as well as the North. You’ll see Hyde Park, Madame Tussauds, the British Museum and Kings Cross, St Pancras, and Euston Stations, where you can snap a selfie at Platform 9 3/4. The route passes very close to Regents Park, which is on the far side of London Zoo.

This route also stops at the side of Buckingham Palace, as no buses are allowed in front of the Palace.

This route is additionally convenient for visitors staying in the many hotels in the Bloomsbury district of London near Woburn Square, Woburn Place, and the British Museum.

Our Orange Route – Museum Tour

This route covers the west of central London, where you can find many of London’s principal museums, including the V&A Museum, Science Museum and Natural History Museum. The route also passes Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Buckingham Palace and The Royal Albert Hall. And for shopaholics, it passes the world-famous Harrods department store.

All our routes are included in your ticket.

You can see a route map and timetable here>>> , and you can also download a route map and timetable from your e-ticket. When you first hop on the bus, you will also be given a large printed map of all the bus routes.

Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace

River Cruise

River Thames Cruise

There is also an option to include a River Thames Cruise. Travel from Westminster Millenium Pier (next to the Houses of Parliament) to Tower Pier (next to the Tower of London) or start from Tower Millenium Pier and cruise to Westminster Pier. This is a 1-way ticket, and the cruise lasts 25 minutes. The cruise passes many famous sites, including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, HMS Belfast, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge and The Tower of London. The cruise is an unforgettable experience.

• You can take your cruise within 7 days from when you first start your hop-on hop-off bus journey.

You can see a route map via the link here >>>

Free Walking Tour

Additionally, with your ticket, you can also choose between 2 free walking tours. Purely optional. This has been recently added as a free addition to the ticket.

‘A Royal Walking Tour’. Enjoy a 2-hour tour through the capital with an expert guide, passing places with past and present connections to the royal family and fascinating insights into the royals’ daily lives. The tour starts at 10.00am by Buckingham Palace.

A ‘Jack The Ripper Tour’. Our expert guide will take you back to Victorian London where the notorious Jack the Ripper stalked for victims. Use your detective skills to analyse the clues ‘The Ripper’ left behind to try and solve these terrible crimes. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and starts near The Tower of London at 3.30pm.

Our ticket types

We offer five different ticket types to choose from. You can select your ticket type on the checkout page

1 Day without Cruise –  this is our cheapest hop on hop off ticket, which allows you to travel on the bus for one calendar day. For example, if you get on the bus on Tuesday at 10am, you can use the bus until the end of Tuesday. The ticket also includes 2 free walking tours

24 Hours –  this ticket includes a cruise, 2 free walking tours and can be used for 24 hours from the moment you first hop on the bus. For example, if you first get on the bus on Tuesday at 10am, you can use the bus until Wednesday at 10am.

48 Hours – this ticket includes a cruise, 2 free walking tours and can be used for 48 hours from the moment you first hop on the bus. For example, if you first get on the bus on Tuesday at 10am, you can use the bus until Thursday at 10am.

72 Hours – this ticket includes a cruise, 2 free walking tours and can be used for 72 hours from the moment you first hop on the bus. For example, if you first get on the bus on Tuesday at 10am, you can use the bus until Friday at 10am.

24 Hours without Cruise – this ticket can be used for 24 hours from the moment you first hop on the bus but does not include a cruise. For example, if you first get on the bus on Tuesday at 10am, you can use the bus until Wednesday at 10am. The ticket also includes 2 free walking tours

more details:

• Our open-top buses depart every 20 minutes in the summer and holidays on the blue and red routes. Every 30 minutes on the orange route. The r iverboats depart every 30 minutes
• You can join the bus from any of our stops and use all the routes.
• The 24, 48 & 72 hour tickets include unlimited use of the hop on hop off bus & riverboat cruise
• You are free to use your river cruise on any date within 30 days of the start of your hop-on hop-off bus experience.
• All tickets include 2 free walking tours. You are free to take these walking tours on any date within 7 days of the start of your hop on hop off bus experience
• You can cancel up to midnight (UK time), the night before departure and get a refund in full
• Children under 5 go free

Tour Booking

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Afternoon Tea Bus with London Sightseeing

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• You must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
• If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
• Any modifications made less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
• The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
• This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.

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

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

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

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

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Select Date, Travellers and Ticket

• Complimentary 24 Hours Ticket with a purchase of 24hrs, 48hrs or 72 hrs ticket (valid from 10Jul to 31 Aug 2024)!
• For 1 Day, 24, 48, or 72 hours, you may hop on and off across London.
• Take in sights such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and more.
• Savor a free Thames River boat.
• Take advantage of free cancellations for increased convenience.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted (No need to print!)

With our Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, you can explore the city at your own leisure and experience the bustling pulse of London. Whether you choose the 72-hour ticket or the one-day pass, you will have unrestricted access to many stops across the city, which will link you to famous sites like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Get free walking tours and river cruises with educated locals to add even more value to your trip. Additionally offered are multilingual audio tours and live guides, which guarantee a unique and engaging sightseeing experience. This adaptable method of exploring London blends the attractiveness of its ancient past with the attraction of its modern lifestyle. With the added bonus of free cancellations, our excursions are the perfect way to fully see London's distinct blend of modern and tradition.

With our Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, you can enjoy unmatched flexibility and an immersive exploration of the most prominent landmarks in the city as you set out on an enthralling adventure through the heart of London. With pass choices ranging from 24 to 72 hours, you can customize your experience to fit your schedule and have plenty of time to explore London's vibrant mix of history, culture, and modernity at your own pace. Our painstakingly designed itineraries accommodate a diverse range of interests. With stops at the iconic Big Ben, the ancient Tower of London, and the magnificent London Eye, among other famous sites, the Classic Tour (Blue Route) takes you through the busy streets of Central London. The Essential Tour (Red Route), which gives a thorough rundown of all of London's must-see sights, including stops at Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, and Covent Garden for those who are eager to see the city's core. The Museum Tour (Orange Route) is a must-do for history aficionados and cultural vultures alike, providing convenient access to London's internationally recognized museums and royal locations. Your exploration endeavors will be smooth and hassle-free thanks to our Morning and Evening Drop-off Service (Yellow and Green Routes), which guarantees simple transportation from West London to the city center. Enjoy a free riverboat ride on the Thames to complement your sightseeing experience. With this lovely addition to your ticket, you may choose to launch from Westminster or Tower Millennium Pier and get a unique perspective of London's skyline. Select from informative live commentary or captivating audio tours to provide intriguing context to your trip and learn more about London's famous sites. We also offer a complimentary walking tour, as part of our all-inclusive package. Choose between taking the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour, which will take you through the footsteps of Victorian London's most notorious person, and the Royal London Walking Tour, which will take you through the city's magnificent palaces and regal past. These knowledgeable guided tours make your trip even more memorable by providing close-up looks at London's colorful past. Our trips have a free cancellation policy that lets you cancel up to the night before departure for a full refund since we recognize how important flexibility is. Upon your initial hop-on, your ticket becomes active and is good for the duration you select, giving you unrestricted use of our services. Our service is based on accessibility; all of our buses have a lower deck that can hold one wheelchair and one fold-away stroller. Families will enjoy a family-friendly experience as children under five ride free. We also provide you access to the Golden Tours City Guide App at no extra cost, which puts comprehensive bus timetables and navigation help right at your fingertips to help you with your exploration. Our Arrival/Departure Bus tours serve as a link between London's vibrant present and its distinguished past, offering visitors more than simply an easy way to explore the city. We welcome you to discover the essence of London by fusing accessibility with a wealth of expertise, allowing you to personally see the exquisite fusion of historical grandeur and modern flare that characterizes this legendary city.

• 1 Day, 24/ 48/ 72-Hour London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
• Valid for All Routes
• Audio Guides in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic
• Live English Guide available on the Blue Route
• Complimentary Thames River Boat Tour (One Way) - with 48 and 72 hours
• Free Walking Tour (Jack The Ripper Walking Tour and/or the Coronation Walking Tour)
• Free Wi-Fi On-Board
• Entrance Fees (Unless specified)
• Hotel Transfers

Redemption Info

You can board the bus at any stop and voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver on board. Each of our stops will be clearly signposted Golden Tours Hop on Hop Off/London Tour Bus. Mobile vouchers accepted on board. You will receive a ticket in exchange for your voucher, which you must keep until the expiry date/ tour. Please check your ticket to know when it expires. After exchanging your voucher for a ticket, your voucher will no longer be valid. In loss of voucher/ticket, company is not liable for any refund. We recommend, please do the online check-in   https://www.gttickets.com/en/london/online-check-in Note: The tickets are only valid on the travel date selected date at the time of booking.  

Know Before You Go

Useful downloads, cancellation policy, other london bus tours.

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

Uber Hop On, Hop Off Boat Pass by Thames Clipper

Golden Tours: Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London

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

Go City: London Explorer Pass

Go City: London All-Inclusive Pass

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

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

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London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

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

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Looking to explore London in the most fun way, then look no further! How about hopping on and off a bus tour as much as you want for 24 or 48 hours?
• 3 different routes and 50+ stops to choose from, all near the must-see attractions in town.
• Who doesn't love free perks? Go on a guided sightseeing cruise across the Thames and opt for 4 walking tours and a 2-hour panoramic evening tour.
• Plus, you'll even have onboard commentary in 5 languages to learn interesting facts about the places you visit.
• Discover the magic of London, from the London Eye to Tower Bridge, Kensington Palace, and so much more along your HOHO route.
• 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Access to Red, Blue & Green routes
• Thames River cruise with live commentary in English
• Audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish & Italian
• Complimentary headphones
• 4 guided walking tours (optional)
• Panoramic evening bus tour (optional)
• Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

• First bus: 8:15am from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
• Frequency: every 10-20 mins
• Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Piccadilly Circus
• First bus: 8am from stop #24 (Victoria, Nova Complex)
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #24 (Victoria, Nova Complex)
• Frequency: every 15-20 mins
• Popular stops: Kensington Palace, Trafalgar Square, Notting Hill
• First bus: 8:30am from stop #44 (Woburn, Northbound)
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #44 (Woburn, Northbound)
• Frequency: every 30-60 mins
• Popular stops: Kings Cross Station, British Museum, Temple Underground Station

Thames River cruise

From Tower Pier

• First cruise: 10am
• Last cruise: 7:20pm
• Frequency: every 15-40 mins

From Westminster Pier

• Last cruise: 6:55pm

Evening bus tour

• Departs at 7:30pm from stop #11 (London Eye)
• Frequency: once every evening
• Duration: 2 hours

Walking tours

• Royal Walk starts at 10am from stop #7, 10am
• Hidden Gems of the City of London Walk starts at 4pm from stop #14
• Jack the Ripper Walk starts at 2pm from stop #16
• Hidden Gems of Westminster Walk starts at 1pm from stop #10
• Tip: Visit the Covent Square Market, the most popular market in London for jewelry, antiques, or a souvenir of your trip as the merchandise changes every day.
• This experience is not accessible by mobility scooters.
• Require special accommodations for your wheelchairs? Rest assured as you can contact the service provider and they'll try to assist you.
• Public transport and sightseeing buses can't stop right at Buckingham Palace, but there is a stop just a 5-minute walk away.
• The Tower Pier cruise starts at the Tower of London (stop #16) on Lower Thames St, London, and ends at either Waterloo Pier or Westminster Pier.
• The cruise starting from Westminster Pier (stop #18) on the northwest side of Westminster Bridge, Victoria Embankment finishes at Tower Pier.

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

• Explore London's top attractions with the freedom to hop on and off as many times as you like for 1 day, 24 or 48 hours.
• No need to worry about missing a bus, they come every 15 to 30 mins and cover three routes and over 39 stops across the city.
• As a bonus, the 24/48-hour passes include a scenic cruise on the River Thames from Westminster or the Tower Pier.
• Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of London with the multilingual audio guide, available in 11 languages on the iconic double-decker buses.
• Hop off at popular stops such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, and many more.
• 1-day, 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Polish & Arabic
• One-way Thames River cruise (optional)
• First bus: 8:30am from Belvedere Road
• Last bus: 4:15pm from Belvedere Road
• Frequency: every 15 mins
• Popular stops: Grosvenor Gardens, London Bridge, Westminster Bridge
• First bus: 8:40am from Marble Arch (Park Lane)
• Last bus: 5pm from Marble Arch (Park Lane)
• Frequency: every 30 mins
• Popular stops: Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, Victoria and Albert Museum

Green Route

• First bus: 9:18am from Waterloo Road
• Last bus: 4:43pm from Waterloo Road
• Popular stops: Lancaster Place, Southampton Row

With 24-hour HOHO pass

• First cruise: 10am from Tower and Westminster Piers
• Last cruise: 6:55pm from Tower Pier & 7:20pm from Westminster Pier
• Frequency: every 40 mins

With 48-hour HOHO pass

• First cruise to Greenwich: 10am from Tower and Westminster Piers
• Last cruise to Greenwich: 4pm from Westminster Pier (no return transfer included) & 5:50pm from Greenwich
• Tip: Hop off at Buckingham Palace and visit the state rooms and gardens. Also, stay behind to watch the Changing of the Guards Ceremony.
• The buses are wheelchair accessible.
• Wheelchairs must be no larger than 70cm wide, 120cm long, and 135cm high to board the bus. If unsure, contact the service provider.
• Just a heads up, each bus can only accommodate 1 wheelchair at a time. If there is already a passenger in a wheelchair, please wait for the next one.
• Your dogs are welcome on the buses.
• A 1-day ticket is valid for 1 calendar day whereas the 24-hour ticket is valid for 24 hours. For example, if you hop on at 10am, then your ticket remains valid till 10am the following day.
• If you purchased the 24-hour HOHO pass, you get a one-way cruise from either Westminster or Tower Pier. However, the 48-hour HOHO pass offers a return transfer to/from Greenwich Pier on the same day.

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

• Ride and stop as you please unlimited times on your London trip with the 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• Hop on a bus every 15 to 40 mins and explore London with 3 routes and 40+ stops, your adventure awaits at every corner.
• The cherry on top? Immerse the allure of the Thames River with a sightseeing river cruise.
• Admire city views from the eco-friendly double-decker buses, equipped with multilingual audio guides for adults and kids.
• Popular stops include The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and more.
• 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off tour
• Access to Yellow, Blue & Green routes
• 3 self-guided walking tours
• Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, Russian & Arabic
• Kid's audio guide in English & French (only on Yellow route)
• Free earphones made from recyclable materials
• Discounted family tickets
• Entry to attractions

Yellow route

• First bus: 8:30am from Coventry Street
• Last bus: 8pm from Coventry Street (Note: from Sep 7 to 27, Mon to Thu, the last bus is at 7pm)
• Frequency: 10-15 mins
• Popular stops: London Eye, Buckingham Palace

Royal Blue route

• First bus: 8:30am from Grosvenor Gardens (Note: from Sep 7 to 27, Mon to Thu, the first bus is at 9am)
• Last bus: 6:20pm from Grosvenor Gardens (Note: from Sep 7 to 27, Mon to Thu, the first bus is at 5pm)
• Frequency: 15-20 mins
• Popular stops: Parliament Street, Harrods

Green route

• First bus: 8:35am from Wyndham's Theatre
• Last bus: 7:30pm from Wyndham's Theatre (Note: until Sep 27, the last bus is from 5:30pm)
• Frequency: 30 mins
• Popular stops: British Museum, Bedford Place
• First boat: 10am from Tower Pier
• Last boat: 5:15pm from Tower Pier
• Frequency: 40 mins
• Popular stops: Westminster Pier

Westminster Pier

• First boat: 10am from Westminster Pier
• Last boat: 6pm from Westminster Pier
• Popular stops: London Eye & Tower Pier
• Tip: Explore a local market or two. Borough Market and Portobello Road Market are treasure troves of food, antiques, and local finds.
• The buses run on biodiesel and qualify as ultra-low emission.
• You can access the self-guided walking tours on the Tootbus app, which takes you through Kensington Gardens, 2 royal palaces including Buckingham Palace, and the south bank of Thames River.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses, pets and small dogs must be seated at your knees.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they don't need a separate seat.
• You can use your tickets on any day before the tour date. However, just keep in mind that they cannot be redeemed if the first day of travel has already passed.

Tootbus: London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Evening Bus Tour

• See the best of London with a 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off pass and getting on and off whenever you want.
• Soak in the rich history, culture, and lifestyle of the city with over 40 stops near the iconic sights across the 3 routes as buses arrive every 10 to 30 mins.
• Want more? The pass includes 3 free walking tours or you can upgrade for a 90-min evening bus tour.
• With a multilingual audio guide and kid's audio guide, listen to riveting tales as you witness the city's wonders from eco-friendly open-top buses.
• Popular stops across your HOHO route include the Harrods, London Eye, Tower of London, and more.
• 90-min evening bus tour (optional)
• Kid's audio guide in English & French (only on Yellow route & evening bus tour)
• Starting time: 8:30pm (May 29 to Sep 3), 7:30pm (Sep 4 to Sep 24), 7pm (Sep 25 to Oct 29), and 5:30pm (Oct 30 to Nov 12) from Coventry Street
• Frequency: once a day
• Tip: London is known for its street art. Look out for hidden gems at stops like Shoreditch or Brixton.
• The evening bus tour is closed from Nov 13 to Mar 28.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they aren't entitled to their own seat.

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

• Experience London at its finest with a flexible 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour, enabling you to traverse the city at your leisure.
• Navigate London's best sights seamlessly with buses running every 10-20 mins across the three routes and 50+ stops.
• More extras up ahead. Go on a Thames River cruise, offering a unique perspective of the city's skyline, or bask in the 360° views atop the London Eye.
• Benefit from the convenience of free onboard Wi-Fi and multilingual pre-recorded commentary, enriching your journey through London's rich history.
• Dive into the hustle and bustle with stops like Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Nothing Hill, and more.
• 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
• Pre-recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish & Italian
• Free Wi-Fi & headphones onboard
• Entry to London Eye
• 40-min Thames River cruise
• First bus: 8:15am from Green Park Underground
• Last bus: 6pm from Green Park Underground
• Popular stops: London Eye, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge
• First bus: 8am from Victoria, Nova Complex.
• Last bus: 6pm from Victoria, Nova Complex.
• Popular stops: Harrods, Baker Street, Kensington Palace
• First bus: 8:30am from Woburn Northbound, opposite Russel Court.
• Last bus: 6pm from Woburn Northbound, opposite Russel Court.
• Popular stops: British Museum, Temple Underground Station, Covent Garden
• Tip: Love hidden gems? Visit the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel near the London Eye, a vibrant, underground tunnel, bursting with creative street art.
• The buses are not accessible by mobility scooters.
• Require special accommodations for your disability? Rest assured as you can contact the service provider and they'll try to assist you.

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

• Plan your London trip with ease as you hop on and off unlimited times with this hop-on hop-off bus pass valid for 1 day or 24/48/72 hours.
• The tour includes 3 different routes with buses running every 20 mins.
• Ready for some thrills? Walk Victorian London's Jack the Ripper sites, stroll past royal spots and cruise the Thames River, all with a 24/48/72-hour pass.
• Enjoy panoramic views of London from the double-decker buses equipped with a multilingual audio guide and an English-speaking guide on the Blue route.
• Some of the iconic stops include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben.
• 1-day or 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Access to Blue, Yellow & Orange routes
• English-speaking guide (on the Blue Route)
• Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese & Arabic
• River Thames cruise (optional)
• 2 complimentary walking tours (optional)
• Entrance tickets to attractions
• First bus: 9:20am from London Eye
• Last bus: 6:30pm from London Eye
• Frequency: every 20 mins
• Popular stops: London Bridge, Parliament Square, Buckingham Palace
• First bus: 9am from Victoria
• Last bus: 7:22pm from Victoria
• Popular stops: Madame Tussauds, London Zoo, Tower of London

Orange Route

• First bus: 9:30am from Hyde Park Corner
• Last bus: 7:30pm from Hyde Park Corner
• Popular stops: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace, Victoria & Albert Museum
• Last cruise: 6pm
• Last cruise: 5:15pm

Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

• Departs at 3:30pm from Tower Hill and ends near Liverpool Street Underground Station
• Duration: 90 mins

Royal Walking Tour

• Departs at 10am from Tourist Bus Stop outside The King's Gallery and ends near Westminster Abbey
• Tip: At Big Ben, visit the Prison Room which is accessible from the House of Commons and is currently occupied by the Petitions Committee.
• The buses are equipped with space for one fold-away pushchair and a wheelchair on the lower decks.
• Your cruise ticket is valid for any day within 7 days from when you start your hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• Heads up! Bus stops 22, 24, 38, and 39 near Buckingham Palace will be closed from 10am to 12pm on days when the Changing of the Guard ceremony happens. You can use stops 16 or 23 instead during this time.

Tootbus: London Kids Tour with Live Guide

• Discover London’s best with the flexibility of the kid's tour a single ticket that offers the freedom to see London's iconic landmarks.
• Convenient and efficient, the 45-min tour departs every 45 mins from Fri to Sun and holidays, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the capital's attractions.
• Experience the city in style on an open-top bus, complete with engaging live commentary for your kids that brings the rich history of London to life.
• Popular spots along your way include Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Downing Street, and more.
• 45-min bus tour of London
• Live commentary in English
• First bus: 11 am from Charles II Street (departures may vary with season)
• Last bus: 3 pm from Charles II Street (departures may vary with season)
• Frequency: every 45 mins

Please click here for a detailed route map.

• Tip: At Downing Street, try getting a glimpse of the British Prime Minister's residence, or look out for neon-colored advertisement boards at Piccadilly Circus.
• Keep in mind food & beverages and smoking are not allowed on the buses. Pack wisely!
• Ramps are available on the buses for easy access.
• Your guide dogs are welcome aboard.
• Facilities: free Wi-Fi.
• Pets and small animals are allowed only if they are positioned at your knees.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult all the time.
• Infants aged 3 and under can travel for free.
• The tour takes place only on Fri, Sat, and Sun and every day during school holidays.
• During the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, public transport and sightseeing buses are not allowed in front of the palace. The 1pm tour will be diverted on these days.

Tootbus: London Evening Bus Tour

• Dive into London's evening magic on a 90-min tour. You'll be on an open-top bus, perfect for seeing all those lit-up landmarks.
• The specially designed single route gives you tons of chances to snap photos with the city lights making everything look extra special.
• The audio guide available in 10 languages tells stories about the places you see, adding a touch of learning to your experience.
• This tour really covers it all, you'll get to see all the major spots like the Tower of London, the London Eye and the Shard.
• 90-min evening bus tour of London
• Free earphones

Evening tour route

• Tip: Try to soak in the atmosphere at the bustling Southbank, it's a cultural hub you wouldn't want to miss.
• The tour remains closed from Nov 13 to Mar 28.
• Please note that it’s not a hop-on hop-off tour.

Big Bus: London Evening Bus Tour

• Soak up London’s charm during a 2-hour non-stop tour, showcasing the iconic landmarks under a mesmerizing dusk sky.
• This once-a-day evening tour offers an exclusive experience, letting you explore the city's famous sights at a leisurely pace.
• Benefit from the convenience of open-top buses and tune in to the pre-recorded commentary letting you delve into the city's rich history and culture.
• Be captivated by the striking sights of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, and witness the eye-catching spectacle of the London Eye, set against the city's evening skyline.
• 2-hour evening tour of London

Evening tour

• First bus: 7:30pm from stop #11 (London Eye)
• Tip: Nearby the London Eye stop is the famous 'Gordon’s Wine Bar', London's oldest, worth a visit post-tour.
• Mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on board due to size and weight limitations.
• Children aged 3 and under can travel for free.
• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please note this is not a hop-on hop-off tour.

Golden Tours: Central London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

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

Please click here for the detailed route map.

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

London Hop-on Hop-off bus tours

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

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

Why choose London Hop-on Hop-off bus tours?

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

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

London Hop-on Hop-off routes & timings

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

51 stops covered

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

33 stops covered

Tootbus London has three routes. The Yellow route covers the city’s major landmarks, the Royal Blue route covers the city's palaces and shopping destinations, and the Green route stops at major cultural and transport hubs. There are also optional night tours or Thames River cruises, and a special kids tour.

52 stops covered

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

79 stops covered

Your London Hop-on Hop-off tour highlights

Buckingham Palace

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

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

Westminster Abbey

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

St Paul's Cathedral

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

Tower of London

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

Kensington Palace

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

Tower Bridge

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

Thames River Cruise

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

Frequently Asked Questions about London Hop-on Hop-off bus tours

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

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

Yes, they are child-friendly. There's even a Kids Tour specially curated for children.

Yes, the tours are suitable for senior citizens.

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

Yes, they are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.

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

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

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

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Tootbus London: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus & Optional Thames Cruise

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

1/2/3-day (take your pick)

Buses operate between 8:30am to 7pm; every 15-40 min (depending on routes) Cruise: 10am to 7:20pm, every 40 minutes.

Please note that the timings are subject to change

Hop-on hop-off tour: Hop on the bus at any of the stops. The first stop is Coventry Street.

Thames cruise: You can start from Westminster pier or Tower of London pier.

Hop off the bus at any of the stops.

Cruise: Either the Westminster pier or Tower of London pier.

• Discover the best of London on an action-packed, fun and flexible hop-on, hop-off tour!
• Upgrade your hop-on, hop-off tour to include a leisurely Thames cruise for a holistic sightseeing experience
• Lively and informative audio commentary for kids in English and French on the hop-on, hop-off bus tour!
• Interesting audio guide on the bus and on the Tootbus App
• Hop on and off at any of the well-placed stops to visit attractions of your choice
• Choose from many validity options, as per your travel plans
• Customize your own itinerary and explore the city without burning a hole in your pocket

Discover the charms of London by choosing from the Discovery and the Must-See package:

London Discovery: Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

Tootbus London Discovery hop-on, hop-off tour allows you to get a first overview of London's top landmarks and attractions all in a day. Hop on and off at any of the stops and see attractions of your choice. Kids Commentary: Kids audio guide specially designed to capture their attention all throughout the journey available in English and French on the bus devices and on the Tootbus app.

Must See London: Discovery Hop-On, Hop-off Tour + Thames Cruise

Enjoy a 1,2 or 3-day hop-on, hop-off tour with a Thames River cruise and discover London from both land and water. The cruise goes between Westminster Pier and Tower Hill. Hop off at Westminster, take the river cruise to Tower Pier and take the Hop-on, Hop-off bus to and enjoy unlimited hop-on hop-off access during the duration of your ticket.

Some of the main stops of the Hop-On, Hop-Off route are:

• Coventry Street
• Pall Mall Ease
• Westminster Bridge
• Ludgate Hill
• Buckingham Gate
• Grosvenor Gardens
• Westminster Abbey
• Kensington Palace
• 1/2/3-day hop-on, hop-off tour (if option selected)
• Thames cruise (with Must-See London package)
• Audio commentary in 10 languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian, Arabic) + French/English audioguides for children's commentaries.
• Entrances, unless specified

Useful downloads

• Cruise Timetable

Please note

Voucher information: No need to print! You can show your voucher on your smartphone or other devices. (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

Hop-on-hop-off tickets are valid for redemption on the booked travel date or any date before it.

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

You will receive your cruise ticket once you board the bus (Must-See package).

Customer Reviews

Dorota lesniewska.

Amazing You can visit London in one day ??

Odete Borges [email protected]

The buses passed frequently The drivers were kind The gentlemen helped us when our tickets did not let us on the boat ride.

Charles Case

Most audio channels on the bus were not working.

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 48 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus Tours

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

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

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

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

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

HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOURS

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

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

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

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

Big Bus Tours

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

This company offers 3 routes with 38 bus stops.

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

Each type of ticket also includes 3 guided walking tours .

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

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

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

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

Ticket Prices (with a 10% online discount)

Discover Ticket (24 Hours)

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

Purchase tickets or learn more .

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

Essential Ticket (48 Hours)

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

Explore Ticket (48 Hours)

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

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

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

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

Where to Purchase Tickets

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

Or you could get them from Central Departure Points.

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

Commentary Languages and Type

Each ticket entitles you to an audio guide.

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

Red Route (2 hrs 30 min):

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

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

Click on the map for a larger view

Blue Route (1 hrs 15 min):

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

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

Green Route (1 hr 10 min):

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

The Big Bus green route starts from

Holiday Routes

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews of Big Bus Tours London

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

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

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

The TootBus Sightseeing Tour

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

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

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

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

Also for children, a free activity pack is included.

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

Original London also offers a nighttime bus tour as well as a bus tour specifically f o r families .

Ticket Prices (with 15% discount)

24-Hour London Discovery Ticket Price

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

48-Hour London Discovery Ticket Price

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

72-Hour Ticket Price

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

Yellow Route

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

Yellow Route   – The Original Tour (T1 and T2)

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

Blue Route – The Royal Borough Route (T4)

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

Orange Route   – The British Museum Tour  (T5)

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

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

Reviews of Toot Bus London

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

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

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

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

City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-off Tours

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

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

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

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

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

24-Hour Ticket

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

24-Hour Ticket + Cruise

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

48-Hour Ticket + Cruise

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

City Sightseeing London Routes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golden Tours

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

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

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

• Adult – £47
• Child – £28

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

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

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

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

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

Route Duration: 1 – 3 hours

Extras: FREE riverboat cruise.

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

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

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

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

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

LONDON NIGHT BUS TOURS

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

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

Be sure to also check out our post on night tours of London for walking, bike, boat, and Segway tours.

There is also a Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes night bus tour.

London By Night

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

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

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

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

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

Ticket Prices

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

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

View the route map .

Commentary Type and Language: Live commentary in English.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toot Bus also offers a bus tour specifically for families .

DISCOUNTS AND DEALS

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

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

Tourist Attraction Passes

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

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

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

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

Big Bus Tours (24-hour ticket)

• London City Turbo Pass
• London Sightseeing Pass

Golden Tours (24-hour ticket)

• London Pass
• London Explorer Pass

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

Combo Packages

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

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

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

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

Prices (with 15% discount)

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

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

The following deals are available directly from Big Bus Tours:

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

Purchase combo packages or learn more .

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

Here are the deals they currently have available:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary in Several Languages

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

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

Jump Off and Explore

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

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

Great Overview of the City

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

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

Additional Services

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

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

Reasonable Prices

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

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

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

Simplistic Commentary

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

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

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

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

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

Not Very Efficient

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

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

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

No Assigned Seat

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

All seats are first-come, first-served.

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

Tips From Locals and Travelers

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

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

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

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

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

Here's another excellent suggestion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED POSTS: 

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

And much, much more

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