Best Hop on Hop off Bus London (Tickets, Comparison & Maps)

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Looking for the best hop on hop off bus London tour for your sightseeing ? A few months ago, I went on a hop-on hop-off bus tour in London and did a lot of research beforehand—maybe a bit too much. After the tour, I discovered several even more great options that I’d love to try on my next visit.

If you’re looking to soak in London’s iconic sights while enjoying the flexibility to explore at your own pace ? A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a perfect choice.

In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about the best London bus tours along with some amazing alternatives, to ensure your experience is both unforgettable and enjoyable.

Are Hop on Hop off Tours Worth It? – Our Opinion

If you are looking for a quick way to get the best overview of London then yes. You can also make the pass really work for you and use it to save on transport. The onboard audio – or live guide – is an added bonus. And, on a rainy day, you can still experience the capital at its best without getting soaked! So, yes! The open top sightseeing bus London is worth it!

3 Best Hop-On Hop-Off Buses in London

When it comes to exploring London on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, the choices are plentiful. So, you might be asking yourself: Which hop on hop off bus is best in London?

After extensive research and firsthand experience with various open top bus London operators, I’ve compiled a list of the best deals for hop on off bus London that travelers frequently recommend. This guide will help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

• 🚌 Short on Time? If you’re pressed for time, a straightforward 1-day hop-on-hop-off tour is your best bet. The City Sightseeing tour covers all the key sights in a single day, allowing you to efficiently explore London’s highlights. 🎫 Check it out here >>
• 🚢 Short on Time but Want to Experience the Cruise? If you’d like to combine an open top bus London tour with a river cruise, the Big Bus Tour offers a package that includes both. This option is perfect if you want to see London from both land and water, maximizing your short visit. 🎫 Explore this option here >>
• 🚍 Staying 3 or More Days? For those planning a longer stay, consider the 3-day hop-on-hop-off tour, which includes an optional 90-minute evening London bus tour. This choice lets you experience London by day and night, offering a comprehensive view of the city’s beauty. 🎫 Check out the details here >>. If you’re interested in just an evening tour, get this one here >>.

To make your decision even easier, I’ve created a table that lays out the three options, allowing you to quickly scan and decide which hop on and off bus London tour is right for you.

No matter your plans, these are the top Best Hop on hop off Bus London tickets available for booking right now. >>

At the moment, you have four main operators to choose from: Tootbus, Golden Tours, City Sightseeing, and Big Bus. If you’re looking for high reliability, simple booking, and additional perks like free cancellation and instant confirmation, Headout is a great platform to consider.

Whatever hop on and off bus London ticket you choose, you’re in for a fantastic London experience. In the article below, you’ll find detailed information about each operator, including booking details, routes, perks, and options. Everything is presented clearly so you can easily find what suits you best. Whether you have a little or a lot of time in this incredible city, there’s a perfect hop-on-hop-off tour waiting for you to book.

What I Liked/Disliked about Best London Bus Tour

If you choose the best London bus tour, then you have access to a flexible and original way to see the city’s landmarks. But like any experience, it comes with its pros and cons.

My Experience with Hop on Hop off Bus Tour London

Many of my readers asked me what’s the best hop on hop off bus in London. During my recent trip to London, I opted for the Tootbus 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass (see here on this page), which included the evening tour—a decision I highly recommend. The flexibility of hopping on and off at over 40 stops allowed me to visit Buckingham Palace and the London Eye at my own pace. The evening tour was a highlight.

It came with breathtaking views of illuminated Big Ben and Tower Bridge. If you’re considering the evening tour, I’d recommend you book well in advance as it sells out quickly. If you’re just looking for the evening experience, the Tootbus 90-minute London by Night tour is another great option. With so many London hop on hop off deals available, this tour really is a must.

Hop on Hop off Bus tours – How it works

Available from a number of providers across London, a Hop on Hop off Bus tour brings the first time visitor a number of advantages. At times overwhelming,  this huge city has a vast number of attractions. And they’re pretty spread out.

A London bus tour will help you get your bearings. You’ll usually get an audio guide in a range of languages, and a map to help you decide where to get off. It’s an excellent way to explore the city on a first visit.

Your pass will usually be valid for 24 hours (although some tours offer longer passes) and you simply present it to the driver. Then, sit back and take in the sights.

Let’s check out some of the top providers below ….

1. Tootbus (The Original London Sightseeing Tour)

The London Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise (available on this page) offers 24, 48 or 72 hour passes and includes a spin on a Thames River Cruise!

With an open-air, 4-meter-high bus, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of Big Ben and the Tower of London. The tour also comes with an informative audio guide available in multiple languages. Clearly one of the best hop on hop off bus London!

What’s Included in the Tour ?

6 different routes are on offer, covering a whopping 80 attractions throughout the capital city. You also have the opportunity to add on bolt-on tickets, such as Madame Tussauds.

The tour includes a Thames River Cruise and three self-guided walking tours. A great way to enrich your visit with different perspectives. Enjoy multilingual audio guides and eco-friendly buses, as well as free Wi-Fi and recyclable earphones.

What Routes are Included ?

The Tootbus London Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the city through its different routes.

• Yellow Route: this route takes you past iconic landmarks: the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. You’ll benefit from live commentary and enjoy unlimited hop-on, hop-off access throughout central London. Buses run every 10-15 minutes from 8:30 am from Coventry Street, and the last bus departs at 8 pm (7 pm from September 7 to 27, Monday to Thursday).
• Royal Blue Route: this route highlights royal sites like Kensington Palace and the Queen’s Gallery. Buses operate every 15-20 minutes from 8:30 am from Grosvenor Gardens (9 am from September 7 to 27, Monday to Thursday), and the last bus is at 6:20 pm (5 pm from September 7 to 27, Monday to Thursday). You’ll stop at Parliament Street and Harrods.
• Green Route: experience London’s authentic vibe with stops at Notting Hill and Spitalfields Market. Buses run every 30 minutes from 8:35 am from Wyndham’s Theatre and the last bus is at 7:30 pm (5:30 pm until September 27). You’ll stop at the British Museum and Bedford Place.
• Thames River Cruise: this cruise will allow you to access a beautiful view of the city from the water. Boats depart every 40 minutes from Tower Pier from 10 am and the last is at 5:15 pm. From Westminster Pier, the first boat is at 10 am and the last at 6 pm. You’ll stop at the London Eye and Tower Pier. Here, you can find more information about how to book the standalone Hop-on Hop-off London boat cruise experience.

Tour Tickets & Validity

Choose between 1, 2 or 3 days. Once you board and 🎫 validate your ticket, it remains active for the selected duration. You’ll then have unlimited access to the Yellow, Blue and Green routes.

This flexibility is great to enlighten your sightseeing experience, no matter if you have a short visit or an extended stay. The tour might also include a Thames River Cruise and three self-guided walking tours.

Extra Tips

Make sure you take advantage of the free Thames River Cruise included in the price for a different view to the city.

Also it is perfect for kids! On the yellow route there is an audio guide specially dedicated to children!

Tip – No matter which tour you choose, be sure to check the operating schedule for each ticket. This will give you a clear idea of exactly what you’ll see on the tour.

How to Book Your Ticket ?

Book your ticket (24 hour tickets start at about €43 per adult) 🎫 online here >>

• First you have to select your preferred ticket duration—24, 48, or 72 hours—on the booking page. Prices for a 24-hour ticket start at around 43 euros per adult. After choosing your date and ticket type, proceed to checkout.
• You’ll receive instant confirmation and a mobile ticket. It’s a great way to access your pass on the go. The tour comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Great news for any changes in your plans!

2. Big Bus Tour London

Big Bus Tours London is the best hop-on hop-off bus London. This company offers a range of tickets that you can tailor to your needs. Big Bus Tours London tickets are available for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

The tour includes access to three routes with over 50 stops. This way you’re sure you see all the major landmarks. Enjoy a Thames River cruise and optional evening bus tour, all enhanced by pre-recorded audio commentary in multiple languages. This tour is the best deal for hop on off bus London as it provides excellent value and convenience.

What’s included in the Tour ?

Big Bus Tours London is divided into three ticket options so you can choose what exactly suits you.

• The Discover ticket provides a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass along with a one-hour Thames River Cruise. It’s the best choice for a quick yet comprehensive city tour.
• The Essential ticket extends your exploration with a 48-hour bus pass and the same river cruise. It allows more time to enjoy London’s attractions.
• For a more enriched experience, the Explore ticket includes a 48-hour bus pass, the river cruise and an evening bus tour. You’ll get a unique perspective of the city’s illuminated landmarks. For the latest prices check here >>

All three options provide access to three routes with over 50 stops, pre-recorded audio commentary in multiple languages and complimentary headphones.

What Routes are Included ?

Big Bus Tours London are divided in three different routes:

1. Red Route: this route covers Central London. You’ll be able to see Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge and Big Ben. Buses start at 8 am from Green Park Underground and run every 10 to 20 minutes. The last bus is at 6 pm.
2. Blue Route: this route spans from East to West London and takes you past renowned sites: Kensington Palace, Harrods, Notting Hill, Paddington Station… Buses operate from 8 am and start at Green Park Underground. They ride every 20 minutes and conclude at 6 pm from Marble Arch.
3. Green Route: this route connects King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations to central London. You’ll get easy access to the Red and Blue routes. It begins at 8:45 am from Covent Garden, with buses every 20 minutes, and ends at 7 pm from Woburn. It stops at Kings Cross Station, the British Museum and Temple Underground Station.

Tour Tickets & Validity

Choose from a classic 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket, which includes a one-way river cruise and a walking tour, or opt for a more extended experience with 48-hour or 72-hour tickets.

These passes grant unlimited access to three routes, over 50 stops, and additional perks like a Thames River cruise and guided walking tours.

Extra Tips

Before you ride on your Big Bus Tour, note that the experience is not accessible by mobility scooters.

If you need special accommodations for wheelchairs, contact the service provider for assistance. Public transport and sightseeing buses can’t stop directly at Buckingham Palace, but there’s a convenient stop just a five-minute walk away.

Details about add-ons like cruises and walking tours will be shared in your ticket post-booking.

How to Book Your Tour Ticket ?

• To book your Big Bus Tour ticket, visit this link and select your date.
• You then have to choose between the three different options: Discover, Essential or Explore.
• Choose the number of tickets you need then proceed to the checkout where you’ll enter your payment details. Once your purchase is complete, you’ll receive an instant confirmation email with a mobile voucher.

There’s no need to print the ticket; simply show your mobile voucher to the driver to collect your bus ticket.

3. Golden Bus Tours London

Golden Tours London provides a comprehensive hop on and off bus London experience. You have the choice between 1-day or 24/48/72-hour passes 🎫 (check prices here).

Enjoy panoramic views from double-decker buses and explore key landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. The tour includes optional Thames River cruises and walking tours, so it clearly is one of the best sightseeing bus London tours. Buses run every 20 minutes across three routes.

What’s included in the Tour ?

Golden Tours include access to Blue, Yellow and Orange routes. You’ll also enjoy a multilingual audio guide and an English-speaking guide on the Blue Route.

The package also features an optional River Thames cruise and two complimentary walking tours, including a Jack the Ripper tour and a Royal Walking Tour. You’ll also get access to Free Wi-Fi and a mobile app with live bus tracking.

What Routes are included ?

Golden Tours give you access to three different routes to explore London’s attractions:

• Classic Tour (Blue Route): this route takes you through Central London and showcases London Bridge, Parliament Square and Buckingham Palace. Buses begin at 9:20 am from the London Eye and run every 20 minutes. The last bus is at 6:30 pm.
• Essential Tour (Red Route): journey through the heart and north of London with stops at Madame Tussauds, London Zoo and the Tower of London. The first bus departs at 9 am from Victoria and they run every 20 minutes until 7:22 pm.
• Museum Tour (Orange Route): discover London’s cultural scene with stops at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Buses start at 9:30 am from Hyde Park Corner and the last bus is at 7:20 pm.

Tour Tickets & Validity

Standard tickets offer a basic 24 hour hop on hop off bus experience on the Blue, Yellow & Orange routes, but there are plenty of upgrade options available.

The tour also includes options for a Thames River cruise and guided walking tours. These ticket options cater to both short visits and extended stays. 🎫 Check the latest ticket price here >>

Extra Tips

These London bus tours accommodate one fold-away pushchair and a wheelchair on the lower decks. Your Thames River cruise ticket is valid for any day within seven days from the start of your hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Note that bus stops 22, 24, 38 and 39 near Buckingham Palace are closed from 10 am to 12 pm during the Changing of the Guard ceremony; use stops 16 or 23 instead during this time.

How to Book Your Tour Ticket ?

Book your ticket and 🎫 download your pass here.

• Make sure your desired date is available and choose your ticket duration: 1 day, 24, 48 or 72 hours.
• Choose the number of tickets and proceed to checkout to enter your payment details. Upon completion, you’ll receive an instant confirmation email with a voucher.
• Print this voucher and present it to the driver at any bus stop to exchange it for your bus ticket.

4. City Sightseeing

City Sightseeing hop on hop off bus London sightseeing is a familiar brand. The company offers a standard hop on hop off bus tour for 24 hours (check price here). They also offer a whole load of bolt on extras, detailed below.

Their open top buses in London allow for panoramic views of major landmarks such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. In addition to the standard tour, you can enhance your experience with optional extras like a Thames River cruise and different walking tours.

What’s Included in the Tour ?

The City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus Tour includes a 1-day, 24-hour or 48-hour bus pass. It grants access to the Red, Blue and Green routes with over 39 stops.

The tour features a Thames River cruise with 24-hour and 48-hour tickets to access a different perspective of London Eye and Tower of London, amongst others.

You’ll also enjoy multilingual audio commentary and free WiFi on board, with a mobile app for live bus tracking. Amongst popular stops, you’ll find London Bridge, Westminster Bridge and Harrods.

What Routes are Included ?

City Sightseeing’s hop-on hop-off London bus tour features three different routes:

• Red Route: this route covers the city’s most iconic spots and comes with great panoramic views from open-top buses. It starts at 8:30 am from Belvedere Road and runs every 15 minutes until 6 pm. Key stops include Grosvenor Gardens, London Bridge and Westminster Bridge.
• Blue Route: an unmissable for history and art enthusiasts! This route takes you past popular museums and halls. Buses begin at 8:40 am from Marble Arch (Park Lane) and operate every 30 minutes until 5 pm. You’ll be able to stop at the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
• Green Route: this shuttle route connects major hotel areas like Bloomsbury to the Red Route. It starts at 9:18 am from Waterloo Road and runs every 30 minutes until 4:43 pm. It’s a great way to explore London in another way and see Lancaster Place and Southampton Row.

Tour Tickets & Validity

• 1-Day HOHO Pass: valid for one calendar day, this pass allows unlimited access to the Red, Blue and Green routes. It includes a multilingual audio guide and a mobile app for live bus tracking. It’s a great way to explore London without breaking the bank.
• 24-Hour HOHO Pass + Thames River Cruise: this pass is valid for 24 hours from the time of first use. It grants access to all routes and a one-way boat ride on the Thames River. You’ll also enjoy multilingual audio commentary and bus journey tracking in real-time using the mobile app.
• 48-Hour HOHO Pass + Thames River Cruise: valid for 48 hours, this essential ticket includes unlimited bus access and a return Thames River cruise to/from Greenwich Pier. It features an audio guide in multiple languages and a mobile app to ease your discovery of London famous attractions. 🎫 For the latest prices check here >>

Extra Tips

City Sightseeing buses are wheelchair accessible. They can accommodate one wheelchair per bus but there are some size restrictions. If a wheelchair space is occupied, you’ll have to wait for the next bus. Dogs are welcome on board. Note that a 1-day London pass is valid for a calendar day, while a 24-hour ticket is valid for 24 hours from first use.

How to Book Your Ticket

To book your London bus tour, go on 🎫 this page and click on the right part to select your date.

• Click on Check availability then select your bus ride from the available options—1-Day HOHO Pass, 24-Hour HOHO Pass + Thames River Cruise, or 48-Hour HOHO Pass + Thames River Cruise.
• Click on “Next” then enter the number of big bus tours you want and your personal details. You’ll then have to proceed to the checkout to receive your reservation by mail.

Hop on Hop off London Map

Each provider offers a hop-on hop-off bus London route map PDF to help you easily navigate the city and plan your journey.

But to make things even simpler, in this section, I’ve created a comprehensive list that includes all the stops from each route.

These maps will be a huge help as you explore and learn more about London—after all, that’s the whole point of these exciting tours!

Tootbus Original London Maps

Big Bus Tours Maps

Golden Bus Tours

City Sightseeing London

Hop on Hop off London Opening and Circulation Hours

Most of the tour companies begin between 8am, operating on average every 10-20 minutes in peak season, and finishing at around 8-9pm. Check with each individual bus company for specific route times. Many publish a very detailed bus timetable. Note some routes operate reduced times in low season.

London Bus Tours Extras

Here are some of the extras you can enjoy with some of the companies on this list:

• live English speaking guide
• free walking tours or thames tour
• connecting busses to the main routes
• audio guides in a wide variety of languages
• wifi available from a number of providers
• bolt on extras for minimum costs
• feeder busses from outlying hotels to the main routes
• buses at frequent intervals
• open top buses for the (sometimes) nice weather

Hop on Hop off London Visit + Attractions

Look out for providers that provide discounted combo tickets. As mentioned above you can bolt on London Eye or Madame Tussauds passes. You can also benefit from some of the providers from a free walking tour or Thames River cruise.

Tip – If you plan to sightsee hard then why not try a city pass that INCLUDES a hop on hop off bus tour instead, such as the London TurboPass (we highly recommend) or the London Pass. Then, you can cover a whole range of the top attractions as well as the HOHO tour. This sometimes works out cheaper than just the Bus ticket plus a few bolt ons.

Hop on hop off London FAQs

Which hop on hop off is best in London?

I can only recommend you to book the Big Bus Tours London and Tootbus. They’re a great way to save money and enjoy different bus routes depending on the famous attractions you wish to see. Tootbus offers the most stops and routes, along with a real-time bus tracking app.

How much is the hop on hop off in London?

Hop on Hop off bus tours in London are on average about $45 per adult for a 24 hour pass. Pricing increases depending on your preference, including longer duration or bolt on offers.

Where can I buy hop on hop off tickets in London?

It’s recommended to get your tickets online for the best deals. However, the top bus companies also have ticket offices across London. Some also have promotional teams on the street from whom you can get tickets on a whim!

What London Attractions will I see?

No matter which company you choose, you can be guaranteed to see the main attractions in London. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, the Tower of London. They will all be featured by any of the reputable tour agencies mentioned here

Can we plan a group tour / private tour?

Big Bus London for example offers private tours for those in smaller groups or who want to celebrate a special occasion. Buses can cater for up to 43 guests and even incorporate your special wishes.

Can I use an Oyster card on hop on hop off?

No. Oyster Card is a special pay as you go service for the public transport network and does not include private bus companies

Tours to do in london

Stick to the main standard tours if you are visiting London for the first time. All of the bus companies mentioned here, and many more, will cover all the main sights in London. If you have been to London before, then a hop on hop off bus tour might not be for you. Perhaps you’d rather check out how to use the Oyster Card to explore the city in more depth

Conclusion

A hop on hop off bus tour isn’t for everyone, but it can give you a great overview of the top sights. It’s definitely one trip experience to consider for the first time visitor to London. See all of the main sights and not worry about getting lost with one of the HOHO tours! 🎫 Book your tickets today here >>