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London Hop-on Hop-off Routes, Stops, and Maps

A London Hop-on Hop-off bus route is one of the most convenient ways to enjoy the city’s iconic sights, from Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to the vibrant West End. These routes add real value by combining well-placed stops and flexible travel, with the chance to see London’s history, culture, and hidden gems at your own pace.

Several operators run these tours across the city, each offering different routes that highlight unique aspects of London’s charm; whether it’s historic sites, cultural districts, or riverside views. With the help of a handy London Hop-on Hop-off map, you can easily plan your journey, choosing when to linger at world-famous London landmarks or relax while taking in panoramic views from the comfort of the London open-top bus. This guide covers all the key operators and their routes, letting you decide which suits your needs best!

City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off stops, routes, and maps

City Sightseeing London, known for lively commentary and value, provides popular routes with multilingual audio guides, perfect for tourists who prefer a classic experience and flexible schedules to visit London’s top landmarks.

Red route
Blue route
Green route
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London during daytime.
  • Best suited for: Perfect for first-time visitors, families, and those who want to see London’s most iconic sights in one day.
  • Major sights: Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, London Eye
  • First bus: 8:30am (from Belvedere Road)
  • Last bus: 6pm (from Belvedere Road)
  • No. of stops: 25
  • Frequency: Every 15 minutes
  • Full loop duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, London, surrounded by trees and visitors.
  • Best suited for: Culture fans and art lovers, this route is ideal for travelers who enjoy world-class museums, shopping districts, and a leisurely journey through London’s elegant neighborhoods.
  • Major sights: Kensington Palace, Harrods, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall
  • First bus: 8:15am (from Hyde Park, Queen Elizabeth Gate)
  • Last bus: 5:30pm (from Hyde Park, Queen Elizabeth Gate)
  • No. of stops: 16
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Full loop duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Interior of the Royal Opera House in London with red velvet curtains and ornate balconies.
  • Best suited for: Independent explorers, frequent train travelers, or those seeking a local London experience.
  • Major sights: The British Museum, The Foundling Museum, Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum
  • First bus: 9am (from Belvedere Road)
  • Last bus: 6pm (from Belvedere Road)
  • No. of stops: 13
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Full loop duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Recommended tours:

City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise

Big Bus London Hop-on Hop-off stops, routes, and map

Big Bus London offers broad city center coverage and frequent service, ideal for first-timers wanting major sights like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge, along with add-ons like walking tours and river cruises.

Red route
Blue route
Green route
St Paul's Cathedral in London with red double-decker bus passing by.
  • Best suited for: Newcomers and classic city visitors, those seeking a deep, essential experience of London’s traditions and famous landmarks.
  • Major sights: London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace
  • First bus: 8:30am (from Green Park Underground)
  • Last bus: 5:10pm (from Green Park Underground)
  • No. of stops: 28
  • Frequency: Every 20 to 30 minutes
  • Full loop duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Marble Arch in London with detailed carvings and surrounding trees.
  • Best suited for: Culture lovers, families, and repeat visitors interested in art, history, and elegant neighborhoods beyond the typical tourist trail.
  • Major sights: Kensington Palace and Garden, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, Marble Arch
  • First bus: 8:40am (from Victoria, Nova Complex)
  • Last bus: 4pm (from Victoria, Nova Complex)
  • No. of stops: 46
  • Frequency: Every 20 to 30 minutes
  • Full loop duration: 3 hours 35 minutes
British Museum entrance with visitors
  • Best suited for: Independent travelers, commuters, and those arriving by train.
  • Major sights: British Museum, Temple Church, King's Cross Station, Euston Station, St Pancras Station
  • First bus: 9am (from Woburn - Northbound) 
  • Last bus: 5pm (from Woburn - Northbound)
  • No. of stops: 10
  • Frequency: Every 45 to 60 minutes
  • Full loop duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Recommended tours:

Big Bus London Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Optional Cruise

Big Bus London maps, routes, and stops

Tootbus London Hop-on Hop-off stops, routes, and maps

Tootbus London features eco-friendly electric buses, kid-friendly narration, and themed tours, including night rides, making it ideal for families and visitors seeking sustainable travel and shorter, frequent loops around London’s landmarks.

Yellow route
Royal blue route
Green route
Tootbus London night bus tour
Tootbus kids bus tour
Visitors inside a London Eye capsule with city views in the background.
  • Best suited for: First-time visitors and classic tourists who want to see London’s most famous landmarks.
  • Major sights: London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace
  • First bus: 8:30am (from Coventry Street)
  • Last bus: 5pm (from Coventry Street), 6pm (Sat & Sun)
  • No. of stops: 17
  • Frequency: Every 15 to 25 minutes
  • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Buckingham Palace with vibrant flower gardens and Victoria Memorial in London.
  • Best suited for: Travelers wishing to explore central & west London; parks, museums & shopping lovers
  • Major sights: Parliament Street, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, Notting Hill
  • First bus: 8:30am (from Grosvenor Gardens)
  • Last bus: 5pm (from Grosvenor Gardens) 6pm (Sat & Sun)
  • No. of stops: 24
  • Frequency: Every 20 to 30 minutes
  • Duration: 2 hours
British Library courtyard with Newton statue, London.
  • Best suited for: Independent explorers, walkers, and repeat visitors; those who want to discover more local life and unique corners.
  • Major sights: British Museum, British Library, Covent Garden, Royal Opera House
  • First bus: 8:20am (from Wyndham's Theatre)
  • Last bus: 5:20pm (from Wyndham's Theatre)
  • No. of stops: 9
  • Frequency: Every hour (no service between 11:20am - 3:20pm)
  • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Tootbus London night tours offer a 90-minute panoramic open-top bus journey through the city’s dazzling illuminated landmarks. These tours are ideal for those wishing to experience London’s magical evening atmosphere while seeing highlights like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and Southbank all lit up.

  • Timings: 7:30pm (Apr & Sep), 5:30pm (Jan, Feb & Nov), 6pm (Mar), 8pm (May), 9pm (Jun), 8:30pm (Jul & Aug) & 7pm (Oct)
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Starting point: Coventry Street, London W1D 6BH
  • Recommended tour: Tootbus: 90 Mins London Night Bus Tour

The Tootbus kids tour is a 45-minute live-guided open-top bus experience, delivering fun stories and fascinating London facts while showcasing major landmarks, specially designed to entertain and educate families and children of all ages.

Recommended tours:

Tootbus Evening Tour

Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Tour of London with Thames River Cruise

Golden Tours London Hop-on Hop-off stops, routes, and maps

Golden Tours London runs extensive routes to many sights, including Madame Tussauds and Oxford Street, with handy mobile maps for flexible planning.

Blue route - Classic tour
Red route - Essential tour
Orange route - Museum tour
Palace of Westminster with Big Ben and tourists on Westminster Bridge, London.
  • Best suited for: Ideal for first-time tourists and those who want to see central London’s highlights.
  • Major sights: Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Tower of London, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament
  • First bus: 9am (from London Eye)
  • Last bus: 6:40pm (from London Eye)
  • No. of stops: 23
  • Frequency: Every 20 minutes
  • Duration: 50 minutes
Hyde Park lake with trees and historic building in the background, London.
  • Best suited for: Return visitors, families, and those keen to mix iconic locations with green spaces and neighborhoods.
  • Major sights: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Madame Tussauds, and King’s Cross
  • First bus: 10:36am (from Victoria, Buckingham Palace Road)
  • Last bus: 8:06pm (from Victoria, Buckingham Palace Road)
  • No. of stops: 41
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Duration: 2 hour 30 minutes
Whale skeleton in the grand hall of the Natural History Museum, London, with visitors exploring.
  • Best suited for: Want to immerse themselves in London’s educational and cultural heritage.
  • Major sights: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A Museum, Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Buckingham Palace
  • First bus: 10:10am (from Victoria, Buckingham Palace Road)
  • Last bus: 6:40pm (from Victoria, Buckingham Palace Road)
  • No. of stops: 41
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Duration: 2 hour 20 minutes

Recommended tours:

Golden Tours: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise

























Book London Hop-on Hop-off tickets

Tootbus: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
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Flexible duration
Audio guide
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£26.40
Big Bus: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise & Evening Tour
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Flexible duration
Guided tour
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City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
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Flexible duration
Audio guide
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Golden Tours: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
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Flexible duration
Audio guide
Guided tour
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£26.25
Combo: London Eye Tickets + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Thames River Cruise
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Flexible duration
Guided tour
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Combo (Save 21%): London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets
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Guided tour
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£62.09
Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets
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Audio guide
Guided tour
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£51.30
Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Tower of London Tickets
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£63.71
Combo (Save 25%): London Kids Bus Tour + Paddington Bear Experience London Tickets
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£43.56
The London Pass® by Go City: Choose 1 to 10 Days
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Guided tour
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Frequently asked questions about London Hop-on Hop-off bus route

How do the main Hop-on Hop-off London routes differ?

Red/Classic covers landmarks (Buckingham Palace, Tower of London). Blue often covers museums and cultural sites. Green links major train stations and parks.

Can I connect to the Hop-on Hop-off London route directly from the train stations?

Most operators design their Hop-on Hop-off London route to link major train hubs like King’s Cross, St Pancras, and Euston with key attractions and Underground stations.

What does full loop duration mean on a London Hop-on Hop-off bus route?

A full loop is the time taken to complete the entire Hop-on Hop-off London route map. Do one full ride first for orientation, then hop off at your chosen stops.

How can I keep track of the London Hop-on Hop-off map, bus' location, and upcoming stops?

A printed or digital London Hop-on Hop-off bus map to track your journey. Upcoming stops are also announced on board.

Can I get off at any stop on the London Hop-on Hop-off bus route and explore, then catch the next bus?

Yes. Simply hop off at any stop, explore nearby sights, and rejoin using the same pass. The London Hop-on Hop-off map makes it easy to plan your next stop.

Which areas of London does the Hop-on Hop-off route cover?

Buses cover central, west, and north London, connecting attractions and transit hubs. Always check the specific London Hop-on Hop-off bus map of your operator before traveling.

Are specialized London Hop-on Hop-off bus routes available?

Yes, some operators offer themed routes like night tours and kids tours tailored to interests.

What should I keep in mind when planning my trip with the London hop-on hop-off buses?

Factor in city traffic when planning your journey. Allow buffer time if you’re booking timed tickets, as travel between stops can take longer than expected.

Is the London Hop-on Hop-off tour worth it?

Exploring London solo can be overwhelming. With structured routes, frequent services, and flexible hopping, Hop-on Hop-off tours are perfect for short stays to see the city’s highlights.