London Big Bus Tours
The open-top double-decker brown and yellow Big Bus is your ticket to convenient and comfortable sightseeing in London. The Big Bus Tour company offers London hop-on hop-off tours with 30+ bus stops located near the city’s top attractions and landmarks.
Big Bus is one of the largest Hop-on Hop-off bus tour companies in the world, running in over 20 cities across 4 continents. They allow you to explore all of the city’s exciting offerings hassle-free. Hop onto one of their buses and hop off at any of the numerous stops to take a closer look at desired attractions.
London Big Bus Tours are known for their incredible reputation, being rated highly for their exceptional customer service, quality of buses, well-planned routes, and the additional perks on offer.
Why Choose London Big Bus Tours?
The Big Bus London HOHO routes are designed in a manner that ensures they give you a complete overview of the city. Even if you do not hop on and hop off, you can sit on the bus and still enjoy the sights.
London Big Bus tours are an excellent way to see all the major landmarks without the stress of organizing your own itinerary and saving money on transportation
The London Big Bus Tours operate along four routes. They cover all the major tourist destinations in Central London, the City of London, and West London like the London Eye, Kensington Palace, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey.
Enjoy discounts on tickets to popular sites like the Tower of London, The London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Madame Tussauds.
You can also learn some interesting facts as you listen to commentary in 12 languages on the tour’s audio guides and enjoy free walking tours and a river cruise!
Your London Big Bus Ticket Options Explained
Classic Ticket: 1 Day
- Get a 1-Day ticket and see the best of London from a double-decker open-top bus along the 4 Big Bus London routes.
- Enjoy a one-way river cruise on the Thames from Westminster Pier to the Tower of London.
- A daily Royal Walking Tour starts at 10 AM from Trafalgar Square
- Listen to pre-recorded commentary in 12 languages on the bus.
Flexible Cancelation Policy: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours in advance.
Discounted Ticket: Children aged 5-15 enjoy reduced ticket pricing.
Premium Ticket: 2 Days
- A 2-Day ticket that will let you see London’s highlights from a double-decker
- Go on a Thames river cruise where you can hop on and hop off at Westminster Pier, the Tower of London, or Greenwich
- Enjoy a Royal Walking Tour that starts daily at 10 AM from Trafalgar Square, and an Evening Tour
- Listen to an audio guide in 12 languages and learn more about the city’s landmarks.
Flexible Cancelation Policy: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours in advance.
Discounted Ticket: Children aged 5-15 enjoy reduced ticket pricing.
Deluxe Ticket: 3 Days
- The 3-Day ticket that will let you see London along the 4 routes of the Big Bus tours.
- Enjoy a complimentary river cruise on the Thames starting at either Westminster Pier, the Tower of London, or Greenwich.
- Go on a Royal Walking Tour that starts daily at 10 AM from Trafalgar Square, and an Evening Tour
- Listen to pre-recorded commentary in 12 languages.
Flexible Cancelation Policy: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours in advance.
Discounted Ticket: Children aged 5-15 enjoy reduced ticket pricing.
Audio guide languages are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian.
London Big Bus Tour Timetable
Red Route
- Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- Loop: 2 hours 30 minutes
Blue Route
- Timing: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes
- Loop: 1 hr 20 minutes
Green Link Route
- Timing: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes
River Thames Cruise
- Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Frequency: Every 50 minutes
- Stops: Tower Pier, Greenwich Pier, Westminster Pier, or London Eye Pier
Royal Walking Tour
- Timing: Starts at 10 AM from Trafalgar Square
- Duration: 1.5 hrs
London Big Bus Tour Routes
Red Route (Classic Red Tour)
The Red Route/Classic Red Tour travels around best of Central London. The route starts in the exclusive Belgravia neighbourhood in the west to Tower Bridge and the London Eye in the east across 22 stops. Highlights are Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral.
It's perfect for those looking to see London’s best landmarks and attractions from its rich 2000-year history, entertainment areas, historic monuments, and more.
This route lasts for around 90 minutes. The first bus starts from Green Park Underground at 9 AM.
Blue Route (Big Blue Tour)
The Blue Route/Big Blue Tour is perfect for visitors that want to see the best of West London, from Kensington Palace and Harrods to Notting Hill. It starts near Piccadilly and travels to the ritzy shopping areas near Park Lane, Regent Street, Oxford Circus, and Hyde Park.
The tour progresses throughout the city to Bayswater and Paddington Station, . Highlights of this route are St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the South Kensington Museums, Kensington Palace, and Notting Hill.
This route lasts around 150 minutes. The first bus starts from the Green Park Underground at 8:30 AM.
Green Link Route
This route is primarily a transport link that connects Euston Station and King’s Cross Station to Central London. It starts at Covent Garden and has 10 stations that cover attractions like British Museum, Russel Square, and Holborn.
The first bus leaves from King’s Cross Station at 8:50 AM and the last bus at 5:40 PM, while the first bus leaves from Covent Garden at 8:45 AM and the last bus at 6:20 PM.
River Thames Cruise
This free one-way River Cruise takes you down the River Thames from Westminster to Greenwich. You can hop on and hop off at Westminster Pier, the London Eye Pier, Waterloo Pier, Tower Bridge Pier, and the Greenwich Pier (for those with a Premium or Deluxe ticket).
The first river cruise leaves at 8:50 AM and the last one leaves at 6:35 PM, and the entire cruise takes approximately 30 minutes.
Suggested London Big Bus Itineraries
Here are some suggested Big Bus HOHO routes you can follow in London:
If you have just one day in London then pick the Red Route of the London Big Bus Tours and explore all the top attractions in West London and Central London London. Here is a sample itinerary you can use:
- Start off at the Green Park Underground Station and take in the sights of West London, stopping at Mayfair.
- Get back on the bus and stop at Trafalgar Square and enjoy the free Royal Walking Tour at 10 AM and explore the area around Buckingham Palace.
- Take the Big Bus from Trafalgar Square to the Tower of London. Explore the landmark, then take the free River Cruise from the Tower of London Pier to Westminster Pier.
- After a stop for lunch, explore Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
- Finally, get back on the Big Bus and do the complete Red Route loop (1 hour 15 minutes), and get down at Covent Garden. Walk around the district and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants.
If you have 2 days, you can explore the attractions in London at a more leisurely pace. Here is a sample itinerary to use:
Day 1 – Blue Route: Set out from Green Park Underground and get down and explore the South Kensington Museums. Visit Kensington Palace and have lunch in the area, or at nearby Notting Hill. Get on the bus and stop at Baker Street for the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds. Stop at the London Eye to ride the London Eye, and visit the London Dungeons and SeaLife Aquarium. Finally walk down to Westminster Pier and take the free river cruise.
Day 2 – Red Route: Start your day at Trafalgar Square for the free ‘Royal Walk’ walking tour at 10 AM. After the tour head to Westminster Abbey. Get on the Red Route and get off at St Paul’s Cathedral. Then head to the City Hall stop to explore the H.M.S. Belfast. Finally, cross Tower Bridge, or take the bus again and get down at the Tower of London and spend time exploring the attraction.
If you have 3 days to explore London fully, you can use all 3 routes of the London Big Bus. Here is a sample itinerary you can use –
Day 1 – Blue Route: Take the bus to the South Kensington Museums to explore the Museum of Natural History, Victoria & Albert Museum, and Science Museum. Take the bus to explore Kensington Palace and Gardens. Get down Baker Street for the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds. Finish your day exploring the shops on Oxford Street.
Day 2 – Red Route & Green Link: Start your day at Trafalgar Square for the free ‘Royal Walk’ walking tour. Then head to Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, and Churchill Museum. Then change to Green Route at Covent Garden and get down at the British Museum. Return to Covent Garden and explore the area of West End.
Day 3 – Red Route: Start your trip at the London Eye and explore the nearby SeaLife Aquarium and London Dungeons. Get on the Red Bus route and get off at the Tower of London and explore the landmarks around it, including H.M.S Belfast. Take the free river cruise from the Tower of London and alight at Westminster Pier.
Buy London Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour Tickets
Highlights of the London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
Buckingham Palace
Visit the Queen’s residence at Buckingham Palace. Stroll through the vast palatial gardens and witness the Change of Guards ceremony, at this treasure trove of royal experiences.
London Eye
Experience a breathtaking view of London from atop the 443-feet high London Eye observation wheel located near the River Thames, for a unique perspective of London.
Westminster Abbey
One of the UK’s most important religious buildings, Westminster Abbey the burial and memorial site of writers, actors, scientists, thinkers, and other famous historical significant figures.
London Bridge
Just off the banks of River Thames, the London Bridge area is famous for its restaurants and the Tower Bridge. Often confused with the London Bridge, the Tower Bridge has stunning river views.
St. Paul's Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of Europe’s largest cathedrals Listen to the haunting acoustics in the Whispering Gallery and soaking in the breathtaking views offered by the cathedral's galleries.
River Thames
Explore the beautiful River Thames on a River Cruise. Travel under the London Bridge, see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and admire the Festival Hall and the London Eye.
Parliament Square
Parliament Square has some of the capital’s most iconic buildings including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and statues of famous leaders and historical figures.
Madame Tussauds
Home to lifelike wax figures of over 250 celebrities, at Madame Tussauds you can see the Royal Family, Benedict Cumberbatch, James Bond, and more.
London Big Bus Visitor Tips and Guidelines
- Download the Big Bus Tours app as it is a convenient way to plan your itinerary and ensure you have the bus timings and route ready at your fingertips.
- Plan your day ahead in advance as the bus routes are in a loop and there are a few points where you can change over to other routes. Make sure you consider the timings of the attractions and the days of closing as you don’t want to waste time alighting at the wrong stops!
- As much as possible pre-book your tickets as you can avoid spending time in the queues outside attractions. You can purchase skip-the-line tickets for London attractions on Headout.
- The Big Bus ticket is valid for calendar days which means it is advisable to activate your pass as early in the day as possible. You cannot use the 1-day Big Bus ticket for 24 hours over 2 days!
- The top deck is comfortable during summer but ensure you pack protective sun gear, like sunscreen and a hat, just in case it gets too hot.
- Remember that London follows the right-hand side driving system and if you want the best close-up views of the sights as you are passing by it’s best to use the seats on the right-hand side of the bus.
- It is advisable to carry snacks and water in a small backpack while on the Big Bus Tour. This is ideal if you wish to take a route loop and don’t wish to get down in between.
- London is great for walking and a few of the neighbourhoods are best experienced while walking like Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Street. Make sure you visit these areas before or after the Bus tour timings so that you can make the best of using the bus to get around.
Frequently Asked Questions About London Big Bus Tours
A. Big Bus is one of the top hop-on hop-off tours in London.
A. Hop-on hop-off buses are tourist buses that allow you to board and leave whenever you like and sightsee at your own convenience.
A. You can purchase London Big Bus hop on hop off bus tour tickets online.
A. Yes, you can buy London Big Bus hop-on-hop-off tickets online here.
A. There are multiple hop-on hop-off bus tours, most of which begin from £36.90.
A. London Big Bus hop-on hop-off bus tours run at a frequency of 30 to 60 minutes.
A. There are three Big Bus tour routes in London - the red, blue, and green link.
A. Yes, you will get access to audio guides available in up to 12 languages to learn more about the city.
A. Yes, the London Big Bus hop-on hop-off tours are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.