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Which Hop-on Hop-off operator to choose in London?

London is a sprawling metropolis where royal history, world-class art, and modern vibrancy collide. From the Tower of London to the West End, the city's iconic sights are spread far and wide. However, while London's grandeur is undeniable, its scale can sometimes be daunting, especially if it's your first time. A Hop-on Hop-off London bus tour is the perfect solution, transforming a complex city into a navigable adventure. Yet, the choice between the four main operators – Big Bus, City Sightseeing, Tootbus, and Golden Tours – is anything but simple. Does premium pricing equal a better experience? Which pass includes the must-do Thames cruise? Which operator is the best sightseeing bus in London? This guide cuts through the noise to deliver a clear, feature-by-feature comparison, helping you decide the best Hop-on Hop-off bus in London for your specific travel style, budget, and itinerary.

Is a London Hop-on Hop-off tour right for you?

Millennium Bridge over River Thames with St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Easy city orientation: Get a lay of the land from a double-decker's vantage point. Understanding the distance between Covent Garden and the Tower of London becomes effortless, helping you plan the rest of your trip smarter.
Expansive bus routes: Each London Hop-on Hop-off operator covers the city’s length and breadth with three expansive London Hop-on Hop-off bus routes that hit iconic attractions in one seamless loop. This means, you don’t even need to hop off the bus to see the landmarks that London is popularly known for.
Maximum flexibility: Ditch the rigid schedule of a guided tour. Create your own agenda, spending an hour at the British Museum or three at the Southbank, all on your own terms, with a London Hop-on Hop-off timetable that is just as flexible.
Multiple reputable operators: With four trusted companies – Tootbus London, Big Bus London, City Sightseeing London, Golden Tours London – you can select a service that aligns with your budget and desired perks, from live guides to kid-friendly commentary.
Scenic, open-top views: Capture postcard-perfect photos of Big Ben and St. Paul's Cathedral without fighting through crowds. The elevated view offers unique perspectives and the best sightseeing bus experience in London, you can't get from street level.
Informative commentary: Turn travel time into learning time. Engaging audio or live guides reveal the stories behind the sights, from Shakespeare's London to the Great Fire, in multiple languages. And if you’re bringing your little one along, there are kids' audio guides on some buses too!
Frequent departures: While frequency varies by operators, most buses arrive every 15-45 minutes at key stops, so you're never stranded. This reliability gives you the confidence to explore an attraction without constantly checking the clock.
Weather-friendly sightseeing: London's drizzle is no match for a Hop-on Hop-off bus. Simply move to the covered lower deck to stay dry while continuing your sightseeing without interruption.
Excellent value with inclusions: Many operators bundle extras like a Thames River cruise, evening tours, or walking tours, offering a more comprehensive and cost-effective experience than purchasing each separately.

London Hop-on Hop-off operator types

Big Bus Tours:

Renowned for its polished service, Big Bus London offers an extensive network with three core routes across London. Their signature red buses feature multi-language audio commentary, and premium tickets include a Thames River cruise, evening tour, or guided walking tours. The real-time bus tracking app ensures a seamless, wait-free experience for those seeking a top-tier sightseeing adventure.

City Sightseeing:

Instantly recognizable by their vibrant red livery, City Sightseeing London provides a solid and reliable service across London. They offer three routes with comprehensive coverage, including a dedicated Museum Route. With frequent departures and audio commentary in several languages, they strike a great balance between extensive sightseeing and value for money.

Tootbus:

Formerly known as The Original Tour, Tootbus London brings a focus on tech and sustainability to transportation. They run an eco-friendly fleet of buses and an app that offers live tracking and interactive storytelling. A key differentiator is the dedicated kids' channel and family-focused content. Many of their passes combine a Thames river cruise, making them a strong contender for families and younger travelers.

Golden Tours:

Golden Tours London, known for being the city’s oldest tour operator, offers competitive pricing with three comprehensive bus routes offering a whopping 104 stops! Their Hop-on Hop-off tickets often bundle 2 free walking tours, a Thames River cruise, and also feature a live guide on select routes. Operating three routes, they provide thorough city coverage, making them an excellent budget-friendly option without significant compromise on the core experience.

Comparison of London Hop-on Hop-off tour operators: An overview

Categories/Operators

City Sightseeing London

Big Bus London

Tootbus London

Golden Tours London

Ticket validity

24, 48, & 72 hours

1 day, 24 or 48 hours

24, 48 & 72 hours

1 day, 24, 48 & 72 hours

Perks

Access to Red, Blue & Green routes

Access to Blue, Green & Yellow routes, 4 self-guided walking tours

Access to Blue, Yellow & Orange routes, English-speaking guide (on the Blue Route)

Upgrades

One-way Thames cruise, Two-way Thames cruise on the same day, Classic Routemaster bus ride from Trafalgar Square, 90-minute night bus tour with an English-speaking live guide

40-minute Thames River cruise, 2-hour evening bus tour, 3 guided walking tours

Thames River cruise, 90-minute evening bus tour

Thames River cruise, 2 complimentary walking tours

Audio guides

Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Polish & Arabic (on the bus), Free activity booklet and kids' audio guide in English (only on the Blue route)

Pre-recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin & Brazilian Portuguese

Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, Russian & Arabic, Kids' audio guide in English & French (only on the Yellow route & evening bus tour)

Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Hindi, Japanese & Arabic

Amenities

Free Wi-Fi & headphones onboard, Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Free earphones onboard, Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking, Discounted family tickets

Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Routes and stops

3 routes, 54 stops

3 routes, 84 stops

3 routes, 50 stops

3 routes, 104 stops

Frequency

Every 30 minutes

Every 20 to 60 minutes

Every 15 minutes to an hour

Every 20-30 minutes

Full loop

1 hour to 2 hour 30 minutes(depending on the route)

1 hour to 3 hour 30 minutes(depending on the route)

1 hour to 2 hour 30 minutes(depending on the route)

Timings

8:30am to 6pm (varies by route)

8:30am to 5pm (varies by route)

8:30am to 5:20pm (varies by route)

9am to 8:06pm (varies by route)

24-hour ticket price

€42

€39

€26.40

€26.25

London Hop-on Hop-off tours compared: A detailed look at your experience

Choosing the right Hop-on Hop-off operator can define your London experience. While all four services cover the iconic sights, the nuances in their routes, inclusions, and overall vibe cater to different traveler priorities. This detailed breakdown will help you match your specific needs, be it luxury, family fun, or maximum value, with the operator that delivers it best.

For the premium, all-inclusive experience: Big Bus stands out for travelers who want a seamless, high-end experience. Their tickets often bundle a Thames River cruise and three guided walking tours, creating a comprehensive sightseeing package that stretches beyond the London bus tour. The availability of engaging audio guides on the buses, a robust real-time tracking app, and their reputation for well-maintained vehicles justify the premium price tag for those who value polish and convenience above all else.
Best for budget-conscious travelers: If you're seeking the core Hop-on Hop-off experience without the hefty price tag, Golden Tours London delivers exceptional value. The extensive route coverage (a massive 104 stops!), the only operator to feature a live guide, and great inclusions make them the best Hop-on Hop-off bus in London for budget-aware explorers.
Best for families with young children: Tootbus London is the clear winner for families. Their dedicated kids' channel on the audio commentary and interactive, family-focused content on their app are designed to keep younger travelers engaged. Families also get discounted tickets, which is a huge plus if you’re bringing two kids. Your sightseeing can also go beyond the buses with their four free self-guided walks. This thoughtful approach to family and solo entertainment makes the tour enjoyable for both parents, children, and youth alike.
Best for a Thames sightseeing tour: A Thames cruise is something one can’t miss when in London, and all operators get it! If you want to experience the city’s sights as you lazily sail past the London Eye, the London Bridge, and all other top spots, then a Thames River cruise by any operator will give you the best value!
Best for comprehensive museum & gallery coverage: Art and history buffs should look to City Sightseeing London. Their unique Museum Route is specifically designed to connect you with London's world-class cultural institutions, including the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Natural History Museum. This focused route saves significant walking time and is a major advantage for anyone planning a culturally rich itinerary.
Best for real-time navigation and tech: For travelers who rely on their smartphones, both Big Bus London and Tootbus excel. Big Bus' app provides reliable live bus tracking, minimizing wait times at stops. Tootbus goes a step further with interactive content and storytelling. If avoiding uncertainty is your priority, these two operators leverage technology most effectively to enhance your touring day.
Best for additional tours and inclusions: For the most all-inclusive experience, Big Bus, City Sightseeing, and Tootbus lead the pack. All frequently bundle a Thames River cruise with guided walking tours, and even add an exclusive evening tour. This means more activities for a single ticket price, maximizing your sightseeing efficiency.
Best for accessibility & mobility-friendly Features: For travelers with mobility challenges, Big Bus and Tootbus are the most reliable choices. Both operators provide a number of wheelchair-accessible buses on their routes. It is essential to contact them directly in advance to confirm availability and arrange boarding. Note that pets, except for assistance dogs, are generally not permitted on any of the operators' buses.
Best for walking tours: If you want to explore on foot, at no extra cost, Tootbus is the best Hop-on Hop-off bus in London. While other operators also offer walking tours, Tootbus gives four free self-guided walking tours without needing to upgrade, which means you get a detailed, ground-level perspective of your panoramic London bus tour without spending more.
Best for an evening sightseeing tour: To see London's iconic landmarks illuminated after dark, all operators, excluding Golden Tours, offer a night tour upgrade option. This added experience allows you to extend your sightseeing day and witness the city transform as the sun sets, all without purchasing a separate tour.

More city tours by London Hop-on Hop-off operators

Thames river cruise: Offered by Big Bus, Tootbus, and Golden Tours, this scenic boat ride provides a unique perspective of London from the water, passing under famous bridges and by Shakespeare's Globe.
Evening tours: Experience the city illuminated after dark. Tootbus: London Evening Bus Tour offers a dedicated night tour that showcases London's glittering landmarks, a magical way to end the day.

Recommended tours:

Tootbus: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
Big Bus: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise & Evening Tour
City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
Golden Tours: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise

Frequently asked questions about London Hop-on Hop-off

Which is the best Hop-on Hop-off bus in London offering the best value for money?

Golden Tours consistently provides the best value, with competitively priced tickets that often offer upgrade options, such as a river cruise and walking tours, offering more inclusions for your budget.

Which Hop-on Hop-off bus in London offers the most expansive bus routes?

Golden Tours London offers 104 stops along three routes, making its routes the most extensive and comprehensive to reach every corner of the city.

What is the main difference between the London Hop-on Hop-off operators?

The key differences lie in price, included perks, and tone. Big Bus is premium and a globally popular brand, Tootbus is family-focused, City Sightseeing is a classic mid-range choice, and Golden Tours is a legacy tour operator and the best value option.

Are the Thames River cruise and walking tours included in the London Hop-on Hop-off ticket price?

This varies by operator and ticket type. The operators often provide upgrade options for the Thames cruise, while walking tours are typically free or require an upgrade. Always check your specific ticket inclusions.

How long does a full loop of the London Hop-on Hop-off route take?

A full circuit without hopping off typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. It's a great way to get an initial overview of the city.

What happens if it rains when taking the London Hop-on Hop-off tour?

All buses have covered lower decks, so you can move downstairs to stay dry. Most services continue to operate in the rain, though open-top viewing will be limited.

Where is the best place to start the London Hop-on Hop-off tour?

Popular starting points include stops near major transport hubs like Baker Street or Victoria Station, which are easily accessible and often less crowded than stops at attractions like Buckingham Palace.

Is the commentary available in languages other than English?

Yes, all major operators provide pre-recorded audio commentary in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin. Tootbus also features a dedicated kids' channel.

Can I use my ticket over non-consecutive days?

No, the ticket validity is for consecutive 24, 48, or 72-hour periods from the time you first activate it by boarding a bus. It must be used on back-to-back days.