Enjoy Iconic Views of London Without Navigating The Tube.
Quick Guide
Top London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours
If you’re in London for the first time and want to see all the most iconic stops in one swoop, Big Bus is a strong choice. Their routes hit the big landmarks and buses every 20-30 minutes on main routes, the commentary is easy to follow, and you’ll find plenty of departures throughout the day. Three guided walking tours are included (The Royal Walk, Harry Potter Walk, Jack the Ripper Walk with 48-hour passes), which adds real value over competitors who only offer app-based walks.
If you’re traveling with kids or want evening tours, Tootbus is a great option. They run 3 main routes covering central and west London, with the longest operating hours and popular evening options like their 90-minute evening bus tour and Bar Bus. Their standout feature is the 45-minute Kids Tour with live guides, plus kid-friendly audio commentary on regular routes that keeps children engaged. They also offer the cheapest kids’ tickets, making them great value for families.
Golden Tours offers the most stops, the most ticket flexibility (4 hours, 1 day, 24/48/72 hours), and multilingual audio guides in 12 languages. They also include two walking tours (Jack the Ripper and Royal London Walking Tour) plus Tastecard offering discounts at 1000s of restaurants. The trade-off is less frequent service, so you’ll wait longer at stops compared to Big Bus or Tootbus.
City Sightseeing offers solid coverage of the city. If you’re only in London for a day and want a no-frills tour, they’ll do the job. Note: they don’t offer live bus tracking app. If you’re staying longer or want better value and more add-ons, Big Bus, Tootbus, or Golden Tours offer more for your money.
London’s top three experiences in one ticket:
Tickets & Prices
You’ll find several ticket durations to suit your stay and pace, typically 24‑hour, 48‑hour, and 72‑hour passes, all offering unlimited hop‑on hop‑off access during your chosen period.
Some operators also offer one‑day or loop‑only tickets if you’re short on time. These tickets often include extras like a Thames river cruise, live‑guide walking tours, or night‑bus options.
| OPERATORS | BIG BUS | TOOTBUS | GOLDEN TOURS | CITY SIGHTSEEING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket types | 24 hours, 48 hours | 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours | 4 hours, 1 day, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours | 1 day, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours |
| Routes & stops | 3 routes, 55 stops | 3 routes, 46 stops | 3 routes, 89 stops Most Stops | 3 routes, 51 stops |
| Bus frequency | Red route: 20–30 min Blue route: 20–30 min Green route: 45–60 min | Yellow route: 15–25 min Royal Blue route: 20–30 min Green route: 60 min | Classic (Blue) route: 20 min Essential (Red) route: 30 min Museum (Orange) route: 30 min | Red route: 20–30 min Blue route: 20–30 min Green route: 30 min |
| Add-ons | ✓ One-way Thames River cruise (with 24/48-hour passes) ✓ 2-hour evening bus tour (with 48-hour Explore Ticket) ✓ 3 guided walking tours: The Royal Walk, Harry Potter Walk, Jack the Ripper Walk (with 48-hour Essential & Explore Tickets) | ✓ 4 self-guided walking tours: The Senses of Soho: Dive into the Energy of London’s West End, Architecture and Celebration at South Bank: A Blend of Modernity and Culture, Kensington Gardens: A Haven of Greenery and History & A Royal Tour of St James’s: Luxury and Tradition | ✓ One-way Thames River cruise (with 24/48/72-hour passes) ✓ 2 walking tours: Jack the Ripper Walking Tour and Royal London Walking Tour (with 24/48/72-hour passes) ✓ Tastecard – enjoy discounts at 1000s of restaurants | ✓ One-way Thames River cruise (with 24-hour pass) ✓ Two-way Thames cruise (with 48/72-hour passes) |
| Other tours | ✓ Bus + Thames River Cruise + London Eye fast-track entry | ✓ Bus + Thames River cruise ✓ 90-min evening bus tour ✓ 45-minute Kids Tour with live guide ✓ Bar Bus Tour | ||
| Amenities | ✓ Pre-recorded commentary in 7 languages ✓ Free Wi-Fi & headphones ✓ Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking | ✓ Audio guide in 10 languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Brazilian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Russian) ✓ Kids’ audio guide in English & French ✓ Free Wi-Fi & earphones ✓ Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking | ✓ Audio guide in 12 languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Hindi, Japanese, and Arabic) ✓ Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking | ✓ Audio guide in 11 languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic) ✓ Free Wi-Fi ✓ Activity booklet ✓ Kids’ audio guide in English |
Detailed Pricing Tables
| Ticket Type | Adults | Children (5–15y) |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Hours Discover Ticket (bus + one-way river cruise) | £45.99 | £36.99 |
| 48 Hours Essential Ticket (bus + one-way river cruise + 3 guided walking tours) | £55.99 | £45.99 |
| 48 Hours Explore Ticket (bus + one-way river cruise + 3 guided walking tours + evening tour) Most Popular | £65.99 | £55.99 |
| 2-Hour Evening Bus Tour | £36.99 | £27.99 |
| Ticket Type | Adults | Children (5–15y) | Family Combo (2 adults + 2 children) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Hours | £39.00 | £24.00 | £112.00 |
| 48 Hours | £44.00 | £29.00 | £127.00 |
| 72 Hours Best Value | £54.00 | £34.00 | £142.00 |
| London By Night Tour | £35.00 | £24.00 | £94.00 |
| Kids Tour | £24.00 | £24.00 | £72.00 |
| Ticket Type | Adults | Children (5–15y) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Hours | £39.00 | £22.00 |
| 1-Day Basic Ticket + FREE tastecard | £42.00 | £24.00 |
| 24 Hours (bus + one-way river cruise + FREE tastecard) | £49.00 | £29.00 |
| 48 Hours (bus + one-way river cruise + FREE tastecard) | £54.00 | £33.00 |
| 72 Hours (bus + one-way river cruise + FREE tastecard) Best Value | £59.00 | £39.00 |
| Ticket Type | Adults | Children (5–15y) | Family Combo (2 adults + 2 children) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day Ticket | £42.00 | £25.00 | £109.00 |
| 24 Hours + River Cruise | £49.00 | £30.00 | £128.00 |
| 48 Hours + River Cruise | £60.00 | £36.00 | £156.00 |
| 72 Hours + River Cruise | £85.00 | £50.00 | £220.00 |
Find Your Perfect Bus Tour
Families with children
Choose: TOOTBUS
Dedicated Kids Tour with live guides, child-friendly commentary, and lower kids’ ticket prices.
First-time visitors (2-3 days)
Choose: BIG BUS
Most frequent service (every 10-30 min) and clearest routes. Includes 3 live walking tours.
Budget travelers
Choose: GOLDEN TOURS or TOOTBUS
Both start around £39, with Tootbus frequently offering online discounts.
Travelers who value time
Choose: BIG BUS
Shortest wait times between buses means more sightseeing, less standing around.
Evening tours
Choose: TOOTBUS
London by Night tour, Bar Bus option, latest operating hours.
London Pass holders
Choose: BIG BUS or GOLDEN TOURS
Already included in your pass at no extra cost.
FAQs About Ticketing & Pricing
Do I need to book hop-on hop-off bus tickets in advance?
You don’t have to. All operators sell tickets on the bus itself, but booking online ahead of time usually saves you money. Online prices are often cheaper than walk-up rates, and you’ll skip the queue at busy stops during summer or school holidays.
All major operators (Big Bus, Tootbus, Golden Tours, City Sightseeing) accept mobile tickets, so you can book the night before, get a QR code on your phone, and board the next morning without printing anything.
Is the hop-on hop-off bus worth it in London?
It depends on what you’re after. If you’re visiting London for the first time and want to hit all the major landmarks in a day or two without figuring out the Tube, hop-on hop-off buses make sense. You’ll see more in less time, the commentary gives you context, and you don’t need to worry about navigating between stops.
The downsides? London traffic can be brutal, especially around central areas like Trafalgar Square and Westminster. A route that should take 20 minutes can easily stretch to 45 during peak hours. You’re also paying £35-50+ for something you could technically do cheaper on regular TfL buses, though you’d need to plan routes yourself and wouldn’t get the commentary.
Best for: First-time visitors, families with young kids, anyone with mobility issues, or travelers who only have 1-2 days and want maximum coverage with minimum planning.
Skip it if: You’re comfortable with the Tube, have plenty of time to explore at a slower pace, or you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind doing the legwork to figure out regular bus routes.
Are combo tickets with attractions available?
If you plan to add a river cruise, visit museums, or join a walking tour, look for bundle options. Booking everything together is often the easiest and most cost-effective way to get the most out of your ticket.
Can I use my mobile ticket, or do I need to print it?
You don’t need to print anything. All major hop-on hop-off operators in London accept mobile tickets. Just show the QR code or barcode on your phone when boarding.
Can I change my booking date?
Yes, with notice 24 hours ahead.
What’s the cancellation or refund policy?
All operators let you cancel or change your ticket for free if you do it at least 24 hours before your tour.
Route Maps & Stops
Small caveat
Headways can stretch or tighten by season, time of day, traffic, and events. For the most precise timing on the day, use each operator’s live-tracking app before you walk to the stop.
Big Bus Tours Routes
Big Bus offers three main sightseeing loops in London: the Red Route, the Blue Route, and the Green Link. These cover 50+ stops across the city.
Red Route
- Duration: ~ 2 hours 30 minutes for a full loop.
- Frequency: Every ~20‑30 minutes.
- Operating Hours: First bus around 08:30 from Stop #1 (Green Park Underground). Last full loop approx 17:10.
- Main Starting Point: Stop #1 – Green Park Underground (Piccadilly, next to The Ritz).
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 1: Green Park Underground — Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park
- Stop 2: Hard Rock Cafe (Piccadilly) — Wellington Arch, Hyde Park
- Stop 3: Queen Mother Gates (Park Lane) — Wellington Arch, Hyde Park
- Stop 4: Marble Arch (westbound) — Speakers’ Corner, Oxford Street
- Stop 5: Regent Street — Hamleys, Carnaby Street
- Stop 6: Piccadilly Circus — Eros Statue, Chinatown
- Stop 7: Haymarket — Theatre district, Leicester Square
- Stop 8: Trafalgar Square — National Gallery, Nelson’s Column
- Stop 9: Craig’s Court (Whitehall) — Downing Street, Cenotaph
- Stop 10: Horseguards — Admiralty Arch, London Dungeons
- Stop 11: Whitehall — Big Ben, Churchill War Rooms
- Stop 12: London Eye (Eastbound) — Houses of Parliament, SEA LIFE Aquarium
- Stop 13: Waterloo (Eastbound) — Southbank Arts Center, London Eye views
- Stop 14: Covent Garden — Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum
- Stop 15: St Paul’s Cathedral — Museum of London, Shakespeare’s Globe nearby
- Stop 16: Monument — London Bridge, The Gherkin
- Stop 17: London Bridge — Borough Market, HMS Belfast
- Stop 18: Southwark — City Hall, Southbank restaurants
- Stop 19: Tower of London — Tower Bridge, Crown Jewels
- Stop 20: Temple Underground Station — Temple Church, Somerset House
- Stop 21: Westminster Pier — River cruises, Big Ben
- Stop 22: London Eye (Westbound) — Thames riverside views, Southbank
- Stop 23: Lambeth Palace — Lambeth Palace Gardens, Thames walk
- Stop 24: College Green — Westminster Abbey, Big Ben vantage
- Stop 25: Tothill Street — Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms
- Stop 26: Buckingham Palace — The Queen’s Gallery, Changing of the Guard
- Stop 27: Victoria Station — Westminster Cathedral, shopping at Victoria Place
Route Highlights: Classic London landmarks all in one loop, from royal palaces to the River Thames. This route is perfect if you want to take in all of the essentials in one day.
Blue Route
- Duration: ~ 3 hours 35 minutes for a full loop.
- Frequency: Every ~20‑30 minutes.
- Operating Hours: First bus around 08:40 from Stop #27 (Victoria, Nova Complex). Last full loop about 16:00.
- Main Starting Point: Stop #27 – Victoria, Nova Complex (Buckingham Palace Road).
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 27: Victoria, Nova Complex — Buckingham Palace, Westminster Cathedral
- Stop 28: Victoria Station — Westminster Cathedral, Victoria coach/train interchange
- Stop 29: Queen Mother Gates — Wellington Arch, Hyde Park
- Stop 30: Marble Arch (westbound) — Selfridges, Speakers’ Corner
- Stop 31: Green Park — Ritz, St James’s Park
- Stop 32: Hard Rock Cafe (Piccadilly) — Piccadilly Circus, lively nightlife
- Stop 33: Hyde Park Corner — Wellington Arch, Hyde Park
- Stop 34: Harrods — Iconic department store, Knightsbridge shopping
- Stop 35: South Kensington Museums — Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A
- Stop 36: Gloucester Road — Underground station, museum district
- Stop 37: Kensington Palace — Kensington Gardens, royal residence
- Stop 38: Notting Hill — Portobello Road Market, colorful streets
- Stop 39: Kensington Gardens — Serpentine, stately parkland
- Stop 40: Thistle Hotel, Kensington Gardens — Bayswater location near the park
- Stop 41: Peter Pan (Bayswater Road) — Peter Pan statue, Hyde Park edge
- Stop 42: Lancaster Gate — Bayswater area, near Hyde Park & Paddington
- Stop 43: Paddington Station — Historic station, canal-side area
- Stop 44: Edgware Road — Diverse dining, near Paddington/Hyde Park corner
- Stop 45: Marble Arch (eastbound) — Speakers’ Corner, Oxford Street
- Stop 46: Baker Street — Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds
- Stop 47: Oxford Circus — Selfridges, busy shopping intersection
- Stop 5: Regent Street — Hamleys, Carnaby Street
- Stop 6: Piccadilly Circus — Eros statue, Chinatown nearby
- Stop 7: Haymarket — Theatre district, Leicester Square nearby
- Stop 8: Trafalgar Square — National Gallery, Nelson’s Column
- Stop 9: Craig’s Court (Whitehall) — Downing Street, government offices
- Stop 10: Horseguards — Admiralty Arch, St James’s Park entrance
- Stop 11: Whitehall — Big Ben, Churchill War Rooms
- Stop 12: London Eye (Eastbound) — Houses of Parliament, riverside views
- Stop 13: Waterloo (Eastbound) — Southbank arts, London Eye access
- Stop 14: Covent Garden — Royal Opera House, shopping & street performers
- Stop 15: St Paul’s Cathedral — Iconic dome, Museum of London nearby
- Stop 16: Monument — London Bridge, The Gherkin in the City
- Stop 17: London Bridge — Borough Market, HMS Belfast
- Stop 18: Southwark — City Hall, river walk restaurants
- Stop 19: Tower of London — Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge
- Stop 20: Temple Underground Station — Temple Church, Somerset House
- Stop 21: Westminster Pier — Thames river cruises, Big Ben views
- Stop 22: London Eye (Westbound) — Riverside promenade, Southbank
- Stop 23: Lambeth Palace — Lambeth Palace Gardens, Thames path
- Stop 24: College Green — Westminster Abbey vista, parliamentary area
- Stop 25: Tothill Street — Westminster area, near government buildings
- Stop 26: Buckingham Palace — The Queen’s Gallery, Changing of the Guard
Route Highlights: The Blue Route takes you through West London, home to some of the city’s best museums, shopping streets, and historic neighborhoods. It’s a great choice if you want to spend the day exploring places like Kensington Palace, Harrods, and the V&A, or just enjoy a quieter, more elegant side of the city.
Green Route
- Duration: ~1 hour 10 minutes for a full circuit.
- Frequency: Every ~45‑60 minutes.
- Operating Hours: 09:00 to around 17:00 from Stop #48 (Woburn, northbound).
- Main Starting Point: Stop #48 – Woburn (opposite Russell Court).
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 48: Woburn (Northbound) — The Foundling Museum, British Museum, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
- Stop 49: Euston Station — Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, British Library
- Stop 50: King’s Cross Station — Platform 9¾, British Library, St Pancras Hotel
- Stop 51: St Pancras Station — Francis Crick Institute, British Library
- Stop 52: Euston Road — St Pancras New Church, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
- Stop 53: Woburn (Southbound) — The Foundling Museum, British Museum, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
- Stop 54: British Museum (Southbound) — The Cartoon Museum, British Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum
- Stop 20: Temple Underground Station — Temple Church, Somerset House, Royal Courts of Justice, OXO Tower
- Stop 14: Covent Garden — Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum, Somerset House, Cleopatra’s Needle
- Stop 55: British Museum (Northbound) — The Cartoon Museum, British Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum
Route Highlights: The Green Route connects King’s Cross, the British Museum, and Covent Garden, making it the clear pick for Harry Potter fans who want to see the iconic Platform 9 ¾, history buffs, and anyone curious about everyday city life beyond the tourist core.
TootBus Routes
TootBus lets you explore the city at your own pace across 3 bus routes (Yellow, Royal Blue, Green) covering over 40 stops across the city. Be sure to download the Tootbus app for real-time tracking.
Download Tootbus London route map (PDF).
Yellow Route
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes for a full loop.
- Frequency: Buses run every 15–25 minutes.
- Operating hours: First departure from Stop 1 (Coventry Street) at 08:30 AM; last departure around 05:00 PM to 06:30 PM, depending on the season.
- Main stop (starting point): Coventry Street.
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 1: Coventry Street — Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus
- Stop 26: Trafalgar Square / Pall Mall East — National Gallery, Admiralty Arch
- Stop 27: Whitehall / Craig’s Court — Downing Street, Banqueting House
- Stop 28: Whitehall / Banqueting House — Horse Guards Parade, Household Cavalry Museum
- Stop 29: Parliament Street / Westminster Station — Big Ben, Houses of Parliament
- Stop 30: London Eye — Westminster Bridge, SEA LIFE Aquarium
- Stop 31: Waterloo Station — Southbank Center, The Old Vic Theatre
- Stop 32: Covent Garden — Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum
- Stop 33: St Paul’s Cathedral — Millennium Bridge, Museum of London
- Stop 34: London Bridge — The Shard, Borough Market
- Stop 35: Tooley Street — HMS Belfast, City Hall
- Stop 36: Tower of London — Tower Bridge, Crown Jewels
- Stop 37: Temple — Somerset House, Royal Courts of Justice
- Stop 38: Westminster Pier — River Cruises, Big Ben Views
- Stop 23: Parliament Street — Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms
- Stop 24: Horse Guards Parade — The Mall, St James’s Park
- Stop 25: Trafalgar Square / Cockspur Street — National Gallery, Nelson’s Column
Route Highlights: The Yellow loop allows you to visit London’s top landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Covent Garden, and more.
Royal Blue Route
- Duration: Approximately 120 minutes for a full loop.
- Frequency: Buses every 20-30 minutes.
- Operating hours: First departure around 09:00 AM; last departure around 05:30 PM (seasonal variations apply).
- Main stop (starting point): Kensington Palace.
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 18: Grosvenor Gardens — Victoria Palace Theatre, Royal Mews
- Stop 19: Buckingham Palace — The Queen’s Gallery, Changing of the Guard
- Stop 20: Horseferry Road — Tate Britain, Millbank
- Stop 21: Lambeth Palace — Lambeth Palace Gardens, Thames riverside views
- Stop 22: Westminster Bridge — London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium
- Stop 23: Parliament Street — Big Ben, Houses of Parliament
- Stop 24: Horse Guards Parade — The Mall, St James’s Park
- Stop 25: Trafalgar Square — National Gallery, Nelson’s Column
- Stop 2: Piccadilly — Piccadilly Circus, Fortnum & Mason
- Stop 3: Green Park Station — The Ritz, Royal Academy of Arts
- Stop 4: Hard Rock Café — Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner
- Stop 5: Hyde Park / Queen Elizabeth Gate — Speakers’ Corner, Serpentine Lake
- Stop 6: Harrods — Luxury shopping, Knightsbridge
- Stop 7: Museums — Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A
- Stop 8: Gloucester Road Station — Local cafés, Cromwell Road
- Stop 9: Kensington Palace — Kensington Gardens, The Orangery
- Stop 10: Notting Hill Gate — Portobello Road Market, colourful terraces
- Stop 11: Bayswater Road / Hilton Hotel — Hyde Park north entrance, Italian Gardens
- Stop 12: Bayswater Road / Thistle Hotel — Kensington Gardens, Lancaster Gate
- Stop 13: Paddington Station — Little Venice, Paddington Bear statue
- Stop 14: Praed Street — Paddington Basin, canalside restaurants
- Stop 15: Marble Arch — Oxford Street shopping, Speakers’ Corner
- Stop 16: Oxford Street — Selfridges, Bond Street boutiques
- Stop 17: Victoria Station — Westminster Cathedral, coach station connections
Route Highlights: The Blue Route explores West London, which is ideal for culture lovers and shoppers, with stops near Kensington Palace, Harrods, the South Kensington museums, and the pastel streets of Notting Hill.
Green Route – Tootbus London
- Duration: Approximately 60–75 minutes for a full loop.
- Frequency: Buses run every 1 hour.
- Operating hours: First departure from Stop 48 (Woburn Northbound) at 09:00 AM; last departure around 05:00 PM (depending on season).
- Main stop (starting point): Woburn Northbound.
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 48: Woburn (Northbound) — The Foundling Museum, British Museum, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
- Stop 49: Euston Station — Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, British Library
- Stop 50: King’s Cross Station — Platform 9¾, British Library, St Pancras Hotel
- Stop 51: St Pancras Station — Francis Crick Institute, British Library
- Stop 52: Euston Road — St Pancras New Church, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
- Stop 53: Woburn (Southbound) — The Foundling Museum, British Museum, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
- Stop 54: British Museum (Southbound) — The Cartoon Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum
- Stop 20: Temple Underground Station — Temple Church, Somerset House, Royal Courts of Justice, OXO Tower
- Stop 14: Covent Garden — Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum, Cleopatra’s Needle
- Stop 55: British Museum (Northbound) — The Cartoon Museum, British Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum
Route Highlights: The Green Route is perfect for Harry Potter fans and culture seekers. You’ll stop at King’s Cross (Platform 9¾), the British Museum, Covent Garden, and Bloomsbury’s historic literary streets all in one loop.
Golden Tours Routes
Golden Tours operates three main hop-on, hop-off loops through London (Classic/Blue, Essential/Red, and Museum/Orange) and offers fantastic bundle & combo options with a variety of different attractions.
Download Golden Tours route map & timetable (PDF).
Classic Route (Blue Route)
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours for a full loop.
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
- Operating Hours: First bus around 09:00; typical last full loop around 18:00.
- Main Starting Point: Stop #1 – London Eye, Belvedere Road (Tourist Bus Stop).
Note: The exact numbered stops vary by season and direction; the main confirmed stops are below.
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 1: London Eye — SEA LIFE Aquarium, Westminster Bridge
- Stop 2: Covent Garden — Royal Opera House, Aldwych
- Stop 3: St Paul’s Cathedral — Millennium Bridge, Museum of London
- Stop 4: Bank — Mansion House, Queen Victoria Street
- Stop 5: Monument — London Bridge views, The Walkie Talkie
- Stop 6: London Bridge — The Shard, Borough Market
- Stop 7: Tooley Street / Hay’s Galleria — HMS Belfast, City Hall
- Stop 8: Tooley Street (Junction Stop J) — Potters Fields Park, Tower Bridge views
- Stop 9: Tower of London — Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge
- Stop 10: Temple — Victoria Embankment, Royal Courts of Justice
- Stop 11: Westminster Pier — River Cruises, Big Ben views
- Stop 12: London Eye / County Hall — Riverside Walk, Jubilee Gardens
- Stop 13: Lambeth Palace Road (Opp. St Thomas Hospital) — Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Bridge
- Stop 14: Lambeth Palace — Lambeth Palace Gardens, Archbishop’s Residence
- Stop 15: Abingdon Street — Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square
- Stop 16: Parliament Square / Treasury — Big Ben, Houses of Parliament
- Stop 17: Whitehall / Horse Guards Parade — Downing Street, Banqueting House
- Stop 18: Trafalgar Square — National Gallery, Nelson’s Column
- Stop 19: Piccadilly Circus — Leicester Square, Eros Statue
- Stop 20: Green Park Station — The Ritz, St James’s Park
- Stop 21: Hyde Park Corner — Wellington Arch, Hard Rock Café
- Stop 22: Victoria / Buckingham Palace Road — Royal Mews, Victoria Coach Station
- Stop 23: Victoria Station — Westminster Cathedral, Thistle Hotel
- Stop 24: Buckingham Palace — The Queen’s Gallery, Changing of the Guard
Route Highlights: The Classic Blue Route is Golden Tours’ flagship loop, and its perfect for first-time visitors who want to see London’s most famous landmarks in one ride, from the Tower of London and Big Ben to Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus.
Essential Route (Red Route)
- Duration: Around 3 hours for the full loop.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Operating Hours: From around 10:30 to 20:00.
- Main Starting Point: Stop #14 – Victoria (Buckingham Palace Road) (as listed in route documentation).
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 21: Hyde Park Corner — Hard Rock Café, Wellington Arch
- Stop 22: Victoria / Buckingham Palace Road — Victoria Coach Station, Royal Mews
- Stop 23: Victoria Station — Westminster Cathedral, Thistle Hotel
- Stop 61: Knightsbridge / Lanesborough Hotel — Luxury shopping, Hyde Park views
- Stop 62: Knightsbridge / Park Mansions — Harrods, Brompton Road
- Stop 63: Royal Albert Hall — Kensington Gore, The Albert Memorial
- Stop 64: Kensington Palace — Kensington Gardens, The Orangery
- Stop 65: Kensington Plaza Hotel — Gloucester Road, boutique hotels
- Stop 66: Gloucester Road Station — Cromwell Road, cafés and transport links
- Stop 67: South Kensington Station — Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A
- Stop 68: Victoria & Albert Museum — Cromwell Gardens, Exhibition Road
- Stop 69: Harrods — Brompton Road, luxury department store
- Stop 70: Knightsbridge / Hyde Park Corner — Park Lane, Wellington Arch
- Stop 41: Queen Elizabeth Gate, Hyde Park — Serpentine Lake, Speakers’ Corner
- Stop 42: Speaker’s Corner / Marble Arch — Oxford Street shopping
- Stop 71: Lancaster Gate — Italian Gardens, Hyde Park north entrance
- Stop 72: Bayswater Road (Opp. Lancaster Gate Hotel) — Kensington Gardens
- Stop 73: Bayswater Road (Opp. Kensington Gardens Hotel) — Hyde Park
- Stop 74: Bayswater Road (Opp. DoubleTree Hilton) — Hyde Park, Bayswater
- Stop 75: Notting Hill Gate — Portobello Road Market, colourful houses
- Stop 76: Holland Park Avenue — Holland Park, boutique cafés
- Stop 77: Kensington Hilton Hotel — Holland Park Avenue, local shops
- Stop 78: Hilton London Kensington — Holland Park Avenue, Shepherd’s Bush nearby
- Stop 79: Holland Park Station — Holland Park, Kyoto Garden
- Stop 80: Notting Hill Gate (West) — Portobello Road, vintage markets
- Stop 81: DoubleTree by Hilton Kensington Gardens — Bayswater, Hyde Park
- Stop 82: Thistle Kensington Gardens Hotel — Bayswater Road, Hyde Park views
- Stop 83: Columbia Hotel — Bayswater Road, Lancaster Gate access
- Stop 44: Paddington / Norfolk Place — Little Venice, Paddington Station
- Stop 45: Paddington / Praed Street — Paddington Basin, cafés
- Stop 84: Edgware Road — Marble Arch, Middle Eastern restaurants
- Stop 85: Marble Arch — Park Lane, Oxford Street
- Stop 86: Hilton Hotel, Park Lane — Hyde Park, Mayfair
- Stop 87: Piccadilly / Hyde Park Corner — Hard Rock Café, Wellington Arch
- Stop 20: Green Park Station — The Ritz, Royal Academy of Arts
Route Highlights: This route takes you beyond the tourist icons and through elegant neighborhoods and cultural hotspots. Ideal if you have more time and want to explore West and North London.
Museum Route (Orange Route)
- Duration: Around 1 hour 30 minutes for the full loop.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Operating Hours: Typical first bus around 10:10; last full loop around 18:40.
- Main Starting Point: Stop #12 – Hyde Park Corner.
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 62: Harrods — Luxury shopping, Knightsbridge icon
- Stop 63: Royal Albert Hall — The Albert Memorial, Exhibition Road
- Stop 64: Kensington Palace — Kensington Gardens, The Orangery
- Stop 65: Kensington Plaza Hotel — Boutique hotels, Gloucester Road area
- Stop 66: Gloucester Road Station — Cromwell Road, cafés and Underground links
- Stop 67: South Kensington Station — Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A
- Stop 68: Victoria & Albert Museum — Cromwell Gardens, Exhibition Road
- Stop 69: Harrods (Brompton Road) — Shopping and dining district
- Stop 70: Hyde Park Corner — Wellington Arch, Hard Rock Café
- Stop 20: Green Park Station — The Ritz, Royal Academy of Arts
- Stop 21: Hyde Park Corner (Return Stop) — Park Lane, Hyde Park access
Route Highlights: The Museum Route takes you through London’s cultural heart — connecting the V&A, Natural History, and Science Museums with landmarks like Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, and Harrods. It’s the perfect loop for anyone who loves art, history, and a slower-paced day around South Kensington and Knightsbridge.
City Sightseeing Routes
City Sightseeing lets you explore London across three looping routes (Red, Blue, and Green) with over 50 stops, and you can download the free “City Sightseeing” app to track buses live and access audio commentary in multiple languages.
Red Route
- Duration: Approximately 150 minutes for a full loop.
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes.
- Operating hours: First departure from Stop 1 (Belvedere Road, behind the London Eye) at 8:30 AM; last departure around 5:00 PM (seasonal variations apply).
- Main Starting Point: Stop #14 – Victoria (Buckingham Palace Road).
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 1: Belvedere Road — London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium
- Stop 2: Aldwych — One Aldwych Hotel, Covent Garden
- Stop 3: St Paul’s Cathedral — Millennium Bridge, Museum of London
- Stop 4: Cannon Street Station — Mansion House, Queen Victoria Street
- Stop 5: London Bridge / Monument — The Shard, Borough Market
- Stop 6: Tooley Street — Potters Fields Park, Tower Bridge views
- Stop 7: Tower Hill — Tower of London, Crown Jewels
- Stop 8: Temple Station — Victoria Embankment, Somerset House
- Stop 9: Westminster Bridge (Big Ben side) — Westminster Pier, Houses of Parliament
- Stop 10: Horseferry Road — Tate Britain, Millbank
- Stop 11: Buckingham Palace / King’s Gallery — Changing of the Guard, St James’s Park
- Stop 12: Rubens Hotel — Buckingham Palace Road, Royal Mews
- Stop 13: Buckingham Palace Road (Coach Stop 16) — Victoria Palace Theatre, shopping
- Stop 14: Clermont Hotel Stop R — Grosvenor Hotel, Victoria Station area
- Stop 15: Buckingham Palace Road Stop Z12 — Westminster Cathedral, restaurants
- Stop 16: Grosvenor Gardens Stop 10A — Royal Mews, Victoria Coach Station
- Stop 17: Hyde Park / Queen Elizabeth Gate — Achilles Statue, Serpentine Lake
- Stop 18: Marble Arch / Speakers’ Corner — Oxford Street shopping, Hyde Park
- Stop 19: Marble Arch (Park Lane) — Selfridges, Park Lane hotels
- Stop 20: Park Lane / London Hilton Hotel Stop B — Mayfair, Hyde Park Corner
- Stop 21: Piccadilly / Hard Rock Café Stop D — Wellington Arch, Green Park
- Stop 22: Haymarket / Tiger Tiger Bar — Theatre District, Leicester Square
- Stop 23: Pall Mall East — National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
- Stop 24: Whitehall / Banqueting House — Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade
- Stop 25: Westminster Bridge (London Eye side) — Marriott Hotel, Jubilee Gardens
Route Highlights: The Red Route is City Sightseeing’s signature loop, connecting London’s top landmarks.
Blue Route
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes for a full loop.
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes.
- Operating hours: First departure from Stop 19 (Marble Arch, Park Lane) around 9:00 AM; last departure around 5:30 PM (seasonal variations apply).
- Main stop (starting point): Marble Arch, Park Lane.
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 19: Marble Arch, Park Lane — Speakers’ Corner, Oxford Street shopping
- Stop 20: Park Lane / London Hilton Hotel Stop B — Mayfair, Hyde Park Corner
- Stop 31: Hyde Park Corner Station — Wellington Arch, Hard Rock Café Stop 32: Harrods (Stop KA) — Knightsbridge, luxury shopping
- Stop 33: Victoria and Albert Museum (Stop N) — Natural History Museum, Science Museum
- Stop 34: Gloucester Road (Stop GS) — Cromwell Road cafés, Underground access
- Stop 35: Kensington Road / Royal Albert Hall (Stop RD) — The Albert Memorial, Hyde Park
- Stop 36: Palace Gate Tour Bus Stop — Kensington Gardens entrance, quiet residential streets
- Stop 37: Kensington Palace (Stop N) — Kensington Gardens, The Orangery
- Stop 38: Palace Gardens Terrace (Stop M) — Kensington High Street, shopping
- Stop 39: St Petersburgh Place Tour Bus Stop — Bayswater, boutique hotels
- Stop 40: Porchester Terrace Tour Bus Stop — Bayswater Road, Italian Gardens
- Stop 41: Lancaster Gate / Columbia Hotel (Stop LE) — Hyde Park north entrance
- Stop 42: Lancaster Gate Station (Stop LH) — Lancaster Gate, Kensington Gardens
- Stop 43: Praed Street Tour Bus Stop — Paddington Basin, canal-side cafés
- Stop 44: Marble Arch Station / Edgware Road (Stop H) — Oxford Street, Selfridges
Route Highlights: The Blue Route explores West London’s museum and shopping district, with key stops at Harrods, the V&A, Kensington Palace, and Hyde Park.
Green Route
- Duration: Approximately 75–90 minutes for a full loop.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Operating hours: First departure from Stop 1 (Belvedere Road, behind the London Eye) at 9:00 AM; last departure around 5:30 PM (seasonal variations apply).
- Main stop (starting point): Belvedere Road, behind the London Eye.
Stops & attractions:
- Stop 1: Belvedere Road — London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Jubilee Gardens
- Stop 2: Aldwych — One Aldwych Hotel, Covent Garden, Theatre District
- Stop 51: Southampton Row — British Museum, Bloomsbury
- Stop 52: Woburn Place — Royal National Hotel, Russell Square
- Stop 53: Pancras Road — King’s Cross Station, Platform 9¾
- Stop 54: Midland Road — St Pancras Station, Francis Crick Institute
- Stop 55: Euston Road — British Library, Euston Station
- Stop 56: Euston Square — Wellcome Collection, University College London
- Stop 57: Stephen Street — Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia cafés
- Stop 58: Great Russell Street — British Museum, The Cartoon Museum
- Stop 59: Southampton Row — City Sightseeing Shop, Russell Square
- Stop 60: Lancaster Place — Somerset House, Victoria Embankment
- Stop 61: York Road — Waterloo Station, near M&S and South Bank attractions
Route Highlights: The Green Route takes you through the center of London’s culture and history, passing the British Museum, Russell Square, King’s Cross, Covent Garden, and the South Bank.
Which Operator Has The Best Routes?
Each London hop-on hop-off operator shines in its own way, depending on what kind of experience you want.
Big Bus Tours offers the best all-around routes for first-time visitors, with wide coverage across every major landmark and frequent buses that make exploring stress-free. Tootbus is ideal for families or eco-minded travelers, with electric buses and a fun children’s tour that mixes storytelling and sightseeing.
Golden Tours wins for convenience if you want to combine your bus ticket with big attractions like the London Eye or the Tower of London. It’s the best bundled, one-stop option. Meanwhile, City Sightseeing keeps things simple and affordable, focusing on London’s core highlights. It’s perfect for travelers who want an easy, budget-friendly way to see the city without the extras.
What to See & Do
Listen to the Audioguide in Your Language
Each bus comes with multilingual audio commentary, so you can sit back and enjoy the stories behind London’s most famous sights. Plug in your headphones, relax on the open-top deck, and learn everything from royal scandals to quirky local legends as you ride.
Hop Off for a Bite or a Stroll
Many routes drop you right by some of London’s best food hubs, so come hungry. Grab a paper cone of fish and chips near Covent Garden, try a little bit of every global food stall at Borough Market, or hunt down the perfect croissant in Notting Hill. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t skip Chinatown for bubble waffles or grab a warm doughnut from Camden Market before hopping back on board.
Cruise the Thames
A river cruise on the Thames is a fantastic add-on if your chosen operator offers it either free or a separate add-on. You’ll float past landmarks like the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Canary Wharf.
Explore Iconic Neighborhoods
London is home to tons of different neighborhoods, each with their own unique charm. You’ll pass a plethora of famous landmarks in Westminster, the Southbank’s arts and riverside spots, Kensington’s museums and shops, and Notting Hill’s colorful streets.
See a Show at One of London’s Theatres
London has hundreds of theatres, from big West End musicals to small local stages. You can find discounted tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square or through apps like TodayTix and SeatPlan.
Top London Landmarks on the Tour
Click on the link to learn more about the attractions and find top things to do.
London Eye
You’ll spot the London Eye from far away – it’s hard to miss. It sits on the riverbank across from Big Ben, and if you hop off for a ride, you’ll get one of the best skyline views in the city.
Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
TootbusBig Ben is one of the most iconic spots in all of London. It’s located along the River Thames and part of the Elizabeth Tower, which is connected to the Houses of Parliament.
Buckingham Palace
One of the most memorable parts of visiting London is seeing the King’s official residence – Buckingham Palace.
The best time to visit is during the Changing of the Guard, when the soldiers swap shifts in front of the palace. It’s a short, traditional ceremony that draws a crowd, and it’s worth seeing at least once. Even if you miss it, watching the guards outside the gates is still a cool reminder that this is a real working palace, not just a photo stop.
Trafalgar Square
Pio3/canvasTrafalgar Square is always busy and full of life. Street performers, giant fountains, and the National Gallery make it a great place to hop off, walk around, and grab a quick bite.
Tower of London
The Tower of London holds some of the city’s most fascinating history. Over the centuries, it’s served as a royal palace, a prison, and even a treasury, with stories from each era still visible. Inside, you can see the Crown Jewels, explore the old stone towers, and learn about famous prisoners who were once held there.
The Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, still live and work inside the Tower and carry on centuries-old traditions like guarding the Crown Jewels and performing the nightly Ceremony of the Keys. This is a nightly ritual lock-up of the fortress that has taken place every single night for more than 700 years.
Tower Bridge
Pexels LicenseDaniele Gerini /PexelsTower Bridge is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and is still a fully functioning drawbridge. You can walk across for great views of the Thames or visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition inside, which explains how the bridge was built and lets you look down through glass floors at the traffic and boats below.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Pexels LicenseOlga Lioncat/PexelsSt Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most impressive buildings. Inside, you can see detailed mosaics, visit the crypt where famous figures are buried, or climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views. Even if you’re short on time, its scale and design on the outside alone are worth the stop.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a historic market area known for its ecclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and street performances. You can find plenty of handmade goods in the covered market, grab a meal at one of the nearby cafés, or watch performers in the main square.
Piccadilly Circus
Farida Alvarez/Things to do in LondonPiccadilly Circus is one of the busiest spots in central London and where several major streets meet. It’s known for its huge electronic billboards, double-decker buses, and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at its center. From here, you can easily walk to Regent Street for shopping, Leicester Square for theatres, or Soho for bars and late-night food.
Westminster Abbey
400tmax/Getty Images SignatureWestminster Abbey has been the setting for royal weddings, coronations, and burials for over a thousand years. Inside, you’ll find intricate Gothic architecture and the resting places of famous poets, scientists, and kings.
FAQs
How long does the full route take without getting off?
It varies by operator and route. Big Bus’s Red Route takes about 2 hours 30 minutes for a full loop, the Blue Route runs around 2 hours, and the Green Route is roughly 75-90 minutes. Tootbus and Golden Tours have similar timing. Expect anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on which route you pick and how bad traffic is that day.
Most people don’t ride the full loop in one go. They hop on, hit 4-6 stops over the course of a day, and hop off whenever something looks interesting. If you do want to ride a full circuit to get your bearings, do it first thing in morning when traffic’s lighter.
Is the bus wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Most buses are fully accessible, with low floors and designated spaces for wheelchairs. If you’re using a mobility scooter or power chair, check your operator’s size and weight limits ahead of time to make sure it fits safely on board.
What happens if the bus is full when it arrives?
If a bus is full, you’ll just wait for the next one—buses usually run every 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the route and time of day. Staff at major stops can often tell you when the next one is due.
What happens in bad weather?
Buses run year-round, rain or shine. Most have both open-top and covered sections, so you can stay dry and still enjoy the ride. If weather conditions are extreme, operators may delay or adjust service for safety.