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Big Bus London hop-on hop-off routes & stops

Big Bus London's hop-on hop-off routes are built for easy access to the city's top landmarks. Stops sit near key transit hubs like Victoria Station and Marble Arch, and buses run frequently across all three routes — Red, Blue, and Green — at intervals of 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the route. This guide covers all you need to know about its route details for you to plan your hop-on hop-off tour with ease. 

Big Bus London map and stops

Red Route

Ride through London's postcard heart on the Red Route, gliding past Buckingham Palace's gilded gates and Big Ben's iconic clock face before rolling on to the ancient stone walls of the Tower of London. With live commentary painting the history behind every landmark, this route delivers the city's greatest hits in one essential loop.

  • Best suited for: Newcomers and classic city visitors seeking a deep, essential experience of London's traditions and famous landmarks.
  • Major sights: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye.
  • Timings: 8:30 am - 5:45 pm (from Green Park Underground).
  • Frequency: Every 15 to 20 minutes.
  • No. of stops: 28.
  • Full loop duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Blue Route

Trade double-decker crowds for elegant boulevards on the Blue Route, weaving from South Kensington's museum quarter to the boutique-lined streets of Notting Hill. Pass Harrods' iconic awnings, Kensington Palace's royal gardens, and Baker Street's Madame Tussauds, with commentary revealing West London's quieter, more refined side.

  • Best suited for: Culture lovers, families, and repeat visitors interested in art, history, and elegant neighbourhoods beyond the typical tourist trail.
  • Major sights: Harrods, Kensington Palace & Gardens, Notting Hill, Baker Street (Madame Tussauds), and Marble Arch.
  • Timings: 8:40 am - 4 pm (from Victoria, Nova Complex)
  • Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
  • No. of stops: 43.
  • Full loop duration: 3 hours 35 minutes.
Green Route

Skip the Red and Blue crowds on the Green Route, a quick link connecting King's Cross and St Pancras's soaring Victorian architecture to the treasure-filled halls of the British Museum. It's the fastest way to bridge north London's transit hub with the heart of the city centre.

  • Best suited for: Museum seekers and travellers using north London's major transit points.
  • Major sights: British Museum, King's Cross Station, St Pancras Station, Euston Station, Temple Church.
  • Timings: 8:30 am - 6 pm (from Woburn Northbound).
  • Frequency: Every 45 minutes.
  • No. of stops: 10.
  • Full loop duration: 1 hour 10 minutes.

Big Bus London tour maps, routes & Stops

Red route

Stop 1 to 10
Stop 1: Green Park Underground | Stop 2: Hard Rock Cafe | Stop 3: Queen Mother Gates | Stop 4: Marble Arch (westbound) | Stop 5: Regent Street | Stop 6: Piccadilly Circus | Stop 7: Haymarket | Stop 8: Trafalgar Square | Stop 9: Craig’s Court | Stop 10: Horseguards

Stop 11 to 20
Stop 11: Whitehall | Stop 12: London Eye (Eastbound) | Stop 13: Waterloo (Eastbound) | Stop 14: Covent Garden | Stop 15: St Paul’s Cathedral | Stop 16: Monument | Stop 17: London Bridge | Stop 18: Southwark | Stop 19: Tower of London | Stop 20: Temple Underground Station

Stop 21 to 28
Stop 21: Westminster Pier | Stop 22: London Eye (Westbound) | Stop 23: Lambeth Palace | Stop 24: College Green | Stop 25: Tothill Street | Stop 26: Buckingham Palace | Stop 27: Victoria, Nova Complex | Stop 28: Victoria Station

Blue route

Stop 27 to 33
Stop 27: Victoria, Nova Complex | Stop 28: Victoria Station | Stop 29: Queen Mother Gates | Stop 30: Marble Arch (westbound) | Stop 31: Green Park | Stop 32: Hard Rock Cafe | Stop 33: Hyde Park Corner

Stop 37 to 43
Stop 37: Kensington Palace | Stop 38: Notting Hill | Stop 39: Kensington Gardens | Stop 40: Thistle Hotel Kensington Gardens | Stop 42: Lancaster Gate | Stop 41: Peter Pan | Stop 43: Paddington Station

Stop 14 to 21
Stop 14: Covent Garden | Stop 15: St Paul’s Cathedral | Stop 16: Monument | Stop 17: London Bridge | Stop 18: Southwark | Stop 19: Tower of London | Stop 20: Temple Underground Station | Stop 21: Westminster Pier

Green Link

Stop 48 to 55
Stop 48: Woburn (Northbound) | Stop 49: Euston Station | Stop 50: King’s Cross Station | Stop 51: St. Pancras Station | Stop 52: Euston Road | Stop 53: Woburn (Southbound) | Stop 54: British Museum (Southbound) | Stop 20: Temple Underground Station | Stop 14: Covent Garden | Stop 55: British Museum (Northbound)

Curious to know how to plan your Big Bus London tour?

Explore our 1-, 2-, and 3-day itineraries to discover the best landmarks, routes, and stops to include in your sightseeing plans. You can also check Big Bus London’s timetable to plan your journey and minimise waiting time.

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Book your Big Bus London tickets

Big Bus: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise & Evening Tour
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration
Guided tour
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Combo (Save 20%): Big Bus 24/48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + London Eye Tickets
Free cancellation
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Flexible duration
Guided tour
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Big Bus: London Evening Bus Tour
Free cancellation
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2 hr
2 hr
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from
£29.99
Combo (Save 10%): Heathrow Express Transfers + London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
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Audio guide
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£65.69
Combo (Save 7%): Stansted Express Transfers + London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Audio guide
Transfers available
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£64.16
Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Tower of London Tickets
Free cancellation
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£67.49
Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets
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Audio guide
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£54
Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets
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Guided tour
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from
£66.59

Landmarks you’ll see on Big Bus London routes

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace became the official London residence of the British monarch in 1837, during Queen Victoria’s reign. Look out for the balcony above the central façade, which has been used for major royal appearances and celebrations.

Big Ben

Big Ben is technically the name of the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, not the tower itself. The original bell cracked during testing and was replaced; its distinctive sound has become one of the most recognisable audio symbols of London.

Houses of Parliament

The Palace of Westminster was once a medieval royal residence before becoming the political centre of the United Kingdom. The present building dates largely from the 19th century, after a fire destroyed much of the old palace in 1834.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has been the setting for British coronations since William the Conqueror’s coronation in 1066. Its Poets’ Corner also commemorates writers including Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare.

London Eye

Each of the London Eye’s 32 capsules represents one of London’s 32 boroughs, while the wheel itself rises 135 metres above the Thames. A complete rotation takes about 30 minutes, giving passengers time to spot landmarks across the capital.

Tower of London

The Tower of London began as a Norman fortress commissioned by William the Conqueror and later became a royal palace, prison, and execution site. Its ravens are part of a long-standing tradition: legend says the kingdom will fall if they ever leave the Tower.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge still opens for river traffic, despite being more than a century old. Its high-level walkways once lost popularity after opening but were later restored and now feature glass floor panels overlooking the Thames.

St Paul’s Cathedral

The dome of St Paul’s Cathedral was inspired partly by Michelangelo’s dome at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Visitors who climb to the Whispering Gallery can hear quiet words carried across the curve of the dome.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square commemorates Britain’s naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The square’s fourth plinth was originally intended for a statue of William IV but remained empty for more than a century before becoming a platform for contemporary artworks.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus was designed as a traffic junction, but its illuminated advertising displays gradually turned it into a landmark in their own right. The winged figure commonly called Eros is actually a statue of Anteros, the god of requited love.

Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House occupies the site of the third theatre to stand there. Its amphitheatre has long been associated with opera and ballet, while the building’s backstage operations include some of the largest production workshops in the UK.

The Shard

The Shard was designed as a “vertical city,” with offices, homes, restaurants, a hotel and an observation deck stacked within the tower. Its pointed glass form was inspired by the masts and spires visible in Canaletto’s paintings of London.

Borough Market

Borough Market stands near the historic crossing point of London Bridge and has traded in the area for centuries. Its present market buildings date mainly from the Victorian period, although the site’s food-trading history is much older.

Frequently asked questions about Big Bus London hop-on hop-off tours

How many routes does Big Bus London offer?

Big Bus London plies along three routes - red, blue, and green. These routes cater to different parts of the city and have many stops near all major London attractions.

Are there any stops where I can switch between different Big Bus London routes?

All the three Big Bus London routes are linked to each other at certain points. Use the interactive Big Bus London map and stops to easily figure out where and plan accordingly. 

Can I hop on the Big Bus London route directly from London railway stations?

All major railway stations including tube stations are linked to the various Big Bus London routes. You can see that Victoria Station, King’s Cross Station, and St Pancras Station are all stops on these routes.

Where can I buy a Big Bus London Hop-on Hop-off ticket?

You can purchase Big Bus London tour tickets online and enjoy good deals, combo tickets, and a seamless ticketing experience. However, you can also get the tickets offline from a member of Big Bus Tours staff at one of the stops, on the bus, and from most London hotel concierges.

Does the Big Bus London route include entrance to any of the attractions?

Big Bus tours do not include entry to attractions unless explicitly stated on the ticket. However, you can see there are many additional tours like Royal Walk, cruise, and more that come included with the Hop-on Hop-off pass. You may also find valuable combo tickets while purchasing online. Additionally, you can purchase tickets from our London page. 

Can I use my Big Bus London Hop-on Hop-off pass to cover all routes?

Yes, with a single Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off pass you can cover the red, blue and green Big Bus London routes.

Can I see the Big Bus London route, maps, and stops before purchasing a ticket?

Yes, you can see the Big Bus London map, routes, and stops before purchasing the ticket. You can use the interactive maps to navigate easily or download this Big Bus London route map to get a detailed understanding of the Big Bus London routes. Additionally, you can download the Big Bus app to live-track buses.

Are there any specific dining or shopping areas near the Big Bus London stops?

Big Bus London stops are strategically located next to attractions, transit points, hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas. So finding a dining or shopping place near the bus stops will be easy. Harrods is a popular shopping destination on the Big Bus blue route.

How do I know which Big Bus London stop to get off at for a particular attraction?

Play around with the interactive Big Bus London map to easily find the attractions near each stop. Furthermore, we have listed some popular attractions near each stop on the Big Bus London timetable.

Which Big Bus London route is best for first-time visitors?

The Red Route is usually the best choice for first-time visitors because it passes London’s most recognisable landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and the Tower of London.

Which Big Bus London route covers the most attractions?

The Red Route offers the most concentrated sightseeing experience, covering central London’s royal, historic and cultural landmarks. The Blue Route takes longer and is better for exploring Kensington, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, Baker Street, and the museums.

Do I need a separate ticket for each Big Bus London route?

No. A valid Big Bus London hop-on hop-off ticket generally allows you to use the included routes during its validity period. Check your selected ticket before booking, as route access may vary between ticket types and packages.

How long does each Big Bus London route take?

The Red Route takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes for a complete circuit. The Blue Route takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes, while the Green Link takes about 1 hour without getting off.