Hop on Hop off London Bus Tours
Uncover the Best Bus Tours and Deals. Explore London with iconic Open Top Bus Tours
Explore London’s top landmarks with our hop-on hop-off buses. Enjoy flexible open-top tours that let you explore at your own pace.
Effortlessly connect to London’s highlights, from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye.
Hop off to explore attractions and hop back on when you’re ready.
With panoramic views and multi-language audio guides, these tours offer immersive experiences. Compare top companies like Tootbus, Big Bus, Golden Tours, City Sightseeing, and TopView to enhance your London adventure.
What Are Hop On Hop Off Buses?
Hop on hop off buses offer unlimited rides during your ticket period, letting you explore London at your own pace. Equipped with multi-language audio commentary, they provide insightful narratives about the city’s history and attractions.
Why Consider a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour?
These tours offer a comprehensive city overview, perfect for sightseers, families, or those with mobility issues – whatever the weather! They provide a leisurely way to explore London, though the Tube is better for quick travel.
Choosing the Right Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Company
Choosing the right company affects your experience. We guide you through options for family-friendly, budget-conscious, or comprehensive tours.
Comparing London's Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours
We compare top companies like Tootbus, Big Bus, and Golden Tours, as well as City Sightseeing and TopView. Our comparison includes ticket types, routes, main stops, and perks like river cruises and walking tours, helping you choose the best option for your visit.
Tootbus (formerly Original Tour)
Tootbus offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience with a variety of ticket options, including 1, 2, or 3-day passes. Their routes cover major landmarks across London, offering flexibility and convenience for tourists.
Key routes include the Yellow, Royal Blue, and Green lines, along with specialised tours like the Kids Tour, London by Night, Bar Bus, and Christmas Lights routes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Routes and Times: Tootbus operates daily, with the Yellow route starting at 08:30 AM and the last departure around 4:00-5:00 PM, depending on the day. The frequency of buses ranges from every 15-20 minutes for the Yellow route to every 30-40 minutes for the Green route.
- Main Stops: Their tours cover iconic stops such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and more, with comprehensive coverage of the city’s key attractions.
- Special Features: Besides the traditional hop on hop off experience, Tootbus offers a kids’ tour, a unique night tour and thematic tours, providing a different perspective of London.
Big Bus
Big Bus Tours is another major player, known for its flexibility and extensive route coverage. Offering 1 and 2-day tickets, Big Bus routes are designed to cover significant parts of London, including exclusive evening tours.
- Routes and Times: The Red, Blue, and Green routes have varying frequencies, from every 20-30 minutes for the Red route to every 30-60 minutes for the Green Link, ensuring comprehensive coverage across London.
- Main Stops: With stops at major landmarks like the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, Big Bus Tours offers an immersive sightseeing experience.
- Durations: The Red Route takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the Blue Route offers a longer journey of about 3 hours and 30 minutes, allowing passengers to experience London’s scenery extensively.
Golden Tours
Golden Tours strives to enhance the sightseeing experience by aiming to have live guides on every bus, providing an interactive and personal tour. They offer a range of ticket options, from 1 day to 72 hours, catering to various needs.
- Routes and Times: The company operates multiple routes, including the Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, and Green routes, each designed to showcase different facets of London.
- Main Stops: Golden Tours provides access to London’s prime attractions, including Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, and Kensington Palace, among others.
- Live Guides: The presence of live guides offers a unique value, providing real-time commentary and insights into London’s rich history and culture.
City Sightseeing
City Sightseeing is known for its worldwide hop on hop off tours, and its London service is no exception. Offering 1 day to 48-hour tickets, they ensure tourists can explore London at their own pace.
- Routes and Times: The Red, Green, and Blue routes by City Sightseeing cover essential areas of the city, with stops strategically placed near major tourist attractions.
- Main Stops: Highlights include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye, ensuring that passengers don’t miss out on London’s iconic landmarks.
TopView
TopView is a newer addition to London’s hop on hop off bus tour scene, offering a fresh perspective with live guides on every ride. They provide 1-5 day tickets, catering to both short-term visitors and those seeking an extended exploration of the city.
- Routes and Times: TopView focuses on comprehensive city coverage with a single hop on hop off route that intersects with routes for walks, offering a unique blend of bus and walking tours.
- Main Stops: Covering major attractions like Madame Tussauds, the British Museum, and other key sites, TopView combines convenience with informative commentary.
Comparison of Cheapest Tickets (24-hour / 1-day Tickets, no river cruise)
Price
Routes (no of Stops)
Exploring London's Landmarks with Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours
London is a city full of iconic sights, historical monuments, and cultural treasures. From Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, each landmark tells part of the city’s rich story.
Hop on hop off bus tours offer a flexible way to explore these attractions at your own pace, catering to all interests, whether you’re drawn to royal history, art, culture, or breathtaking skyline views.
These tours cover all major landmarks, allowing you to hop off to explore and hop back on to continue your journey. This convenience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview of London and return visitors looking to delve deeper into specific sights.
Below is a table showing which tour options (identified by route color) and stop numbers correspond to some of London’s most visited attractions across different hop on hop off bus tour companies.
|
Attraction
|
Tootbus
|
Big Bus
|
Golden Tours
|
City Sightseeing
|
TopView
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yellow 13, Blue 19
|
Red & Blue 23
|
Blue 24
|
Red 11
|
Red 19
|
|
|
Yellow 9
|
Red & Blue 16
|
Red & Blue 9
|
Red 7
|
Red 12
|
|
|
Yellow 8
|
Red & Blue 15
|
Red & Blue 9
|
Red 6
|
Red 11
|
|
|
Yellow 3
|
Red & Blue 12
|
Blue 1
|
Red & Green 1
|
Red 6
|
|
|
Yellow 6
|
Red & Blue 14
|
Red & Blue 3
|
Red 3
|
Red 9
|
|
|
Yellow 11, Blue 23
|
Red & Blue 21
|
Red 38
|
Red 9
|
Red 5
|
|
|
Yellow 11
|
Red & Blue 21
|
Blue 11
|
Red 9
|
Red 5
|
|
|
Blue 29
|
Blue 31
|
Orange 69
|
Blue 31
|
Red 21
|
|
|
Green 48
|
Green 51
|
Red 52
|
Green 48
|
n/a
|
|
|
Blue 30
|
Blue 32
|
Orange 67
|
Blue 29
|
Blue 26
|
|
|
Blue 30
|
Blue 32
|
Orange 68
|
Blue 30
|
Blue 26
|
Please note: The routes and stop numbers in the table that vary by company may change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official websites of the respective tour companies.
This table serves as a guide to help you plan which bus tours and stops will best suit your itinerary. Whether you’re interested in exploring London’s royal heritage, enjoying panoramic views from the London Eye, or immersing yourself in the city’s rich history, hop on hop off bus tours provide a convenient and comprehensive way to experience all that London has to offer.
Tickets, Best Deals and Offers for Hop on Hop off Tours
Standard Hop on Hop off Bus Tour Tickets
Evening Hop on Hop off Bus Tours
Hop on Hop off Bus Tour for Kids
Christmas Lights Hop on Hop off Bus Night Tours
Planning Your Journey: Tips and Tricks
Selecting the right hop on hop off bus tour package can significantly enhance your London adventure. Consider the duration of your stay and the attractions you most want to see.
Packages that offer 24, 48, or 72-hour tickets provide the flexibility to explore at your own pace. If you’re keen on photography or prefer quieter sightseeing moments, aim for early morning or late afternoon tours to avoid the peak crowds.
For the best views and photo opportunities, secure a seat on the upper deck, but remember to dress appropriately for the weather.
Must-Visit Landmarks on Your Hop on Hop off Tour
London is home to an array of iconic landmarks, each with its own story.
- Don’t miss the majestic Buckingham Palace,
- the historic Tower of London,
- and the modern marvel of the London Eye for seeing London’s landmarks from above.
Spending time at each of these attractions can vary; an hour might suffice for some, while others, like the British Museum, could take up a significant part of your day.
Incorporating personal anecdotes and insights can make each visit more meaningful, offering a deeper connection to the city’s rich tapestry of history and culture. Check our table below to see a minimum amount of time needed for each visit.
Maximising Your Hop On Hop Off Experience
To fully enjoy London’s diverse neighbourhoods, combine bus tours with walking segments. Many hop on hop off tickets include walking tours, allowing you to explore hidden gems not accessible by bus.
Combine Bus Tours with Walking:
- Take advantage of included walking tours.
- Discover hidden gems and unique spots.
- Enjoy culinary delights near bus stops, from traditional British pubs to contemporary cafes.
Cost-Effective Transportation:
- Use the hop on hop off service as practical transportation.
- Save on transport costs while seeing more of the city.
- Efficiently navigate London’s various neighbourhoods.
How Much Time Needed for Each Of London’s Attractions
Selecting the right hop on hop off bus tour package can significantly enhance your London adventure. Consider the duration of your stay and the attractions you most want to see.
Packages that offer 24, 48, or 72-hour tickets provide the flexibility to explore at your own pace. If you’re keen on photography or prefer quieter sightseeing moments, aim for early morning or late afternoon tours to avoid the peak crowds.
For the best views and photo opportunities, secure a seat on the upper deck, but remember to dress appropriately for the weather.
Recommended Time Needed to Explore London Attractions
| Attraction | Minimum Time | Recommended Time |
| Piccadilly Circus | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Leicester Square | 30 minutes | 1 hour |
| Trafalgar Square | 30 minutes | 1 hour |
| National Gallery | 2 hours | Half-day (3-4 hours) |
| London Eye | 30 minutes | 1 hour (including queue) |
| Covent Garden | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| St. Paul’s Cathedral | 1 hour | 2-3 hours |
| London Bridge | 30 minutes | 1 hour |
| Borough Market | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| Tower Bridge | 1 hour | 2 hours (if touring) |
| Tower of London | 2 hours | Half-day (3-4 hours) |
| Big Ben | 15 minutes (viewing from outside) | 30 minutes – 1 hour |
| Houses of Parliament | 1 hour | 2 hours (for a tour) |
| Westminster Bridge | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Westminster Abbey | 1 hour | 2-3 hours |
| Buckingham Palace | 1 hour (viewing from outside) | 2 hours (if touring) |
| Hyde Park | 1-2 hours | Half-day (relaxing) |
| Marble Arch | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Oxford Street | 1 hour | 2-3 hours (for shopping) |
| Harrods | 1-2 hours (for browsing) | 2-3 hours (for shopping) |
| Museums (General) | 1 hour | 2-3 hours |
| British Museum | 2 hours | Half-day (3-4 hours) |
| Kensington Palace | 1 hour | 2-3 hours |
| Notting Hill Gate | 30 minutes | 1-2 hours (for a walk around) |
| Russel Square | 30 minutes | 1 hour |
| Waterloo Station | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Victoria Station | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Paddington Station | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Euston Station | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Kings Cross Station | 30 minutes | 1 hour (if exploring the area) |
| St Pancras Int | 30 minutes | 1 hour (if exploring the area) |
| Madame Tussauds | 1 hour | 2-3 hour |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours in London
How do hop on hop off bus tours in London work?
Hop on hop off bus tours provide a flexible way to see the city’s sights at your own pace. With a single ticket, you can board any of the tour buses from various stops throughout the city.
You’re free to get off at any attraction that interests you and then hop back on another bus when you’re ready to continue.
Can I buy tickets on the day, or do I need to book in advance?
Are the buses accessible for people with disabilities?
Most hop on hop off bus tours in London operate fully accessible buses, accommodating wheelchairs and providing accessibility features. It’s best to check with the specific company for details about their accessible services.
Do hop on hop off buses operate all year round?
Yes, hop on hop off bus tours generally operate throughout the year, including weekends and bank holidays. However, schedules can vary, and services might be reduced on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Always check the latest timetable on the company’s website.
How often do the buses run?
The frequency of buses can vary depending on the route and the time of year, but typically, buses arrive at each stop every 10-20 minutes.
Can I use my ticket on any route offered by the bus company?
Most tickets allow unlimited travel on all routes operated by the bus company within the validity period of your ticket. Some special routes, like night tours, might require a separate ticket.
Are guided tours available in languages other than English?
Yes, audio guides are available in multiple languages on most hop on hop off bus tours. Live commentary in English is also commonly offered, with some tours featuring live guides speaking additional languages.
What should I do if I lose my ticket?
Lost tickets are generally non-refundable and non-replaceable. It’s important to keep your ticket safe throughout your journey. Digital tickets on your phone can be a convenient and secure option if the company offers them.
Can I get off the bus at any stop?
Yes, you can hop off the bus at any of the designated stops along the route to explore the nearby attractions. When you’re ready to continue, simply wait at any stop for the next bus with available seating.
Are there any discounts available for children, students, or seniors?
Yes, most companies offer discounted rates for children, students, and seniors. Children under a certain age may travel free with a paying adult. Check the specific company’s policies for age brackets and discount details.
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Personal Recommendations and Hidden Gems
Discover hidden gems in London that offer a unique perspective. From the tranquil beauty of Little Venice to the historic Inns of Court around Fleet Street, these lesser-known spots provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Here are some personal recommendations to complement your Hop On Hop Off Tour.
Little Venice
This picturesque neighbourhood, where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet, offers a serene escape with its beautiful waterways, charming boats, and quaint cafes. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk or a canal boat tour.
Inns of Court
Nestled around Fleet Street, the historic Inns of Court are the heartbeat of legal London. A visit to these ancient halls and serene gardens offers a glimpse into legal life and architecture dating back to the 14th century.
Sky Garden
Situated atop the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building, Sky Garden offers free entry to one of London’s premier panoramic viewing platforms. This urban oasis features landscaped gardens, open-air terraces, and 360-degree city skyline views.
Shoreditch
Renowned for its vibrant street art, indie shops, and eclectic markets, Shoreditch is a haven for creativity and culture. Walking tours in this area reveal stunning murals and artworks, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Leadenhall Market
With its Victorian architecture, this covered market in the City of London offers a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants. Harry Potter fans may recognize it as the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
Hampstead Heath
Known for offering some of the best views of London from Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath is a sprawling park celebrated for its woodlands, ponds, and swimming baths. It’s ideal for those seeking a nature break within the city.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Open only on Sundays, this vibrant street market transforms Columbia Road into a floral paradise. It’s the perfect spot for photography, exploring unique shops, and soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Greenwich
Situated a bit further afield, Greenwich is famed for its maritime history, the Royal Observatory, and the prime meridian line. The journey there by riverboat adds an extra layer of adventure to your visit.
Day Tours from London
Don’t overlook the variety of day tours available, which allow you to visit famous landmarks like Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and the Roman Baths. These tours can be full-day or combined in a way that fits into a single day. For our recommended tours, check out our London Day Tours page.