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All top attractions covered
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Golden Tours: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
4.4(2,066)
Golden Tours: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames Rive...
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£25.20
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City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
4.2(388)
City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames...
from
£25
Big Bus: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise & Evening Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
4.3(1,987)
Big Bus: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cru...
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£32
Combo (Save 20%): Big Bus 24/48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + London Eye Tickets
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4.5(500)
Combo (Save 20%): Big Bus 24/48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Tham...
from £70
£63
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Big Bus: London Evening Bus Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
4.8(31)
Big Bus: London Evening Bus Tour
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£29.99
Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets
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Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cru...
from £73.99
£66.59
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Tootbus: London Night Bus Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
4.3(1,122)
Tootbus: London Night Bus Tour
from
£35
Golden Tours: Central London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
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Golden Tours: Central London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
from
£49
The London Pass® by Go City: Access to 100+ Attractions
City Cards
4.5(579)
The London Pass® by Go City: Access to 100+ Attractions
from
£99
Thames River Uber Boat Trip
Sightseeing Cruises
4.3(1,489)
Thames River Uber Boat Trip
from
£11.40
Headout Pass London: Save up to 40% at All Top Attractions
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4.4(302)
Headout Pass London: Save up to 40% at All Top Attractions
from £90
£54
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Combo (Save 5%): Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car
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Combo (Save 5%): Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car
from £24.90
£23.65
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London Explorer Pass by Go City: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
City Cards
4.3(343)
London Explorer Pass by Go City: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
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£64
Golden Tours: London Christmas Lights Night Bus Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
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Golden Tours: London Christmas Lights Night Bus Tour
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£25
Combo (Save 3%): London IFS Cloud Cable Car & Thames River Uber Boat Hop-on Hop-off Day Pass
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£40.16
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PAW Patrol Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
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PAW Patrol Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
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£47.70
Combo (Save 10%): Heathrow Express Transfers + London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
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from £72.99
£65.69
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Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Tower of London Tickets
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Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Tower of London Tic...
from £74.99
£67.49
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London Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
London Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
from
£49
Thames River Uber Boat Hop-On-Hop-Off Pass
Dinner Cruises
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Thames River Uber Boat Hop-On-Hop-Off Pass
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Combo (Save 15%): 24/48-Hr London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Thames River Cruise
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 Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets
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From London: Paris Explorer Day Trip by Rail with Sightseeing Bus
Day Trips
From London: Paris Explorer Day Trip by Rail with Sightseeing Bus
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£299
The Original Tour: London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & River Cruise
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
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The Original Tour: London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & River Cruise
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£24.99
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City Sightseeing: London Christmas Lights Bus Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
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City Sightseeing: London Christmas Lights Bus Tour
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Combo (Save 7%): Stansted Express Transfers + London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
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from £68.99
£64.16
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London Hop-on, Hop-off: Hear what others think

Explore London with hop-on hop-off tours

A hop-on hop-off tour is the easiest way to see London without wrestling with the Tube map. With unlimited hops across multiple routes, your 24, 48, or 72-hour pass lets you explore at your own pace, with options for multilingual audio guides, live English commentary, and even night tours. It's the simplest way to tick off icons like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

  • How it works: Choose a 1-day, 24, 48, or 72-hour pass and activate your ticket the moment you board at any stop on the route.
  • What's included: Every pass covers unlimited hops, open-top seating, and multilingual audio commentary, with most operators throwing in a Thames River cruise or walking tours as add-ons.
  • Operator: Choose from trusted names like Golden Tours, City Sightseeing, Big Bus, and Tootbus, each running its own fleet and route network.
  • Routes: Pick from 3 dedicated routes per operator, colour-coded (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, or Orange) to cover different pockets of the city, from royal London to the museum district.
  • Stops: With 40 to 80+ stops on offer, you're never far from a bus, whether you're at Trafalgar Square or Kensington Palace.
  • Timings & frequency: Buses run every 15 to 45 minutes, with first departures around 8:30am and last buses as late as 8pm.
  • Flexibility: Ride a full loop for an overview, or hop off wherever catches your eye and rejoin later on the same pass.

Hop-on hop-off tours are a great choice for

First-time visitors

If it's your first trip to London, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is the fastest way to get your bearings. Ride past Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London, then decide which sights deserve a proper visit later, all from the top deck of an open-top bus.

Budget travellers

A hop-on hop-off London ticket packs in unlimited hops, audio guides, and river cruise options for one flat price. With operators like Tootbus and City Sightseeing offering deals from under £25, it's an easy way to see the city without blowing your budget on individual tickets.

Families with kids

Traveling with children makes a hop-on hop-off bus tour in London even more useful. Kid-friendly audio channels, dedicated family tours like Tootbus's Kids Tour, and the freedom to hop off whenever little legs need a break make sightseeing far less stressful.

History and royal enthusiasts

London's royal residences and centuries-old landmarks are practically built for a hop-on hop-off route. Pass Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London on a single loop, then step off wherever history catches your attention.

Travelers on a tight schedule

Short on time in London? A hop-on hop-off tour lets you cover 40 to 80+ stops without wasting hours on the Tube. Climb aboard, hit the highlights, and still leave room in your itinerary for a proper sit-down meal or shopping detour.

Hop-on hop-off operators in London compared

Operators
Big Bus
Tootbus
City Sightseeing
Golden Tours
Ticket types
1-day, 24 or 48-hour passes available
24, 48, or 72-hour flexible passes
1-day, 24, 48, or 72-hour tickets
1-day, 24, 48, or 72-hour passes
Timings
Red: 8:15am–5pm | Blue: 8am–5pm | Green: 8:30am–5pm
Yellow & Blue: 8:30am–5pm | Green: 8:20am–5:20pm
Red: 8:50am–5pm | Blue: 9:15am–4:35pm | Green: 9:20am–4:18pm
Red: 10:36am–8:06pm | Orange: 10:10am–6:40pm | Blue: 9am–6:40pm
Frequency
Every 15–30 minutes on main routes
Every 10–30 minutes during peak hours
Every 20–30 minutes on the Red route
Every 20–30 minutes on the main routes
Routes & stops
3 Routes; 50+ strategically located stops
3 Routes; 40+ central London stops
3 Routes; 50+ stops across London
3 Routes; 50+ stops across the city
Unique attractions
Little Venice and the Regent’s Canal
Shoreditch Street Art and Brick Lane
Lambeth Palace and the Imperial War Museum
Lord’s Cricket Ground and Paddington Station
Add-on tours
Kids' tours, themed walking tours, evening bus tours, and Thames cruises
Kids' tours, themed walking tours, evening bus tours, and Thames cruises
Thames River cruise, walking tours, Routemaster rides, and guided night tours
Thames cruise and walking tours
Other inclusions
Free guided walking tours included
Royal London and Harry Potter walks
-
Free walking tours (Royal and Beatles)
Commentary
Audio in 7 languages
Audio in 10 languages | Kids' channel
Pre-recorded audio in 11 languages
Audio in 12 languages | Live English (Blue Route)
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, headphones, and a tracking app
Electric buses, a tracking app, and headphones
Onboard Wi-Fi and real-time bus tracking
Free Wi-Fi, headphones, and GPS tracking
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible with ramps
Wheelchair ramps | Guide dogs are welcome
Wheelchair accessible buses on all routes
Wheelchair accessible with fold-out ramps
Best suited for
Classic sightseers and first-time London visitors
Families with kids and eco-conscious travellers
Budget-conscious travelers and independent explorers
Travellers who hate waiting at bus stops
Price starting from
£29
£24.99
£32
£42

Choosing the right hop-on hop-off pass for your London trip

With four operators running similar routes across the city, picking the right hop-on hop-off bus tour in London can shape how smoothly your trip goes. This section breaks down the key factors, from budget to route coverage, to help you choose the pass that best matches your travel style.

  • Budget considerations: If you're after the cheapest hop-on hop-off London option, Tootbus starts from £24, edging out City Sightseeing's £25. Both operators deliver the essentials, unlimited hops, audio guides, and multiple routes, without the premium price tag attached to some competitors.
  • Persona type: Traveling with kids? Tootbus's dedicated Kids Tour and discounted family tickets make it the strongest pick for a London hop-on-hop-off bus family ticket, while Golden Tours' Afternoon Tea Bus Tour suits couples or groups after a more indulgent, sit-down experience over sightseeing.
  • Route coverage: For the widest network, Golden Tours and City Sightseeing both run 3 routes with 50+ stops, covering everything from Buckingham Palace to Kensington Palace. Pull up the London hop-on-hop-off map for either operator, and you'll find routes designed to string together the city's major sights with minimal backtracking.
  • Add-on tours: City Sightseeing offers the broadest extras menu, layering in classic Routemaster heritage bus rides and a 90-minute guided night tour on top of its optional Thames cruise. Big Bus follows close behind, bundling its own Thames River cruise, a 2-hour evening bus tour, and up to 3 guided walking tours, depending on the pass selected.
  • Premium experience: For travelers wanting fewer crowds and a calmer ride, Big Bus positions itself as the more polished option, with live tracking, free Wi-Fi, and a smoother overall service. It's a solid pick if you'd rather trade a slightly higher price for comfort.
  • Language & commentary: Golden Tours offers audio guides in 12 languages, edging out the competition, while Tootbus adds a kids' channel and access to an AI city guide for extra context on the go. Both are strong choices if commentary variety matters to you.

Finding the perfect hop-on hop-off pass duration

Choosing the right ticket depends on your pace and how much ground you want to cover. With multiple routes running past everything from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, here's how to decide:

  • 24-hour/1-day pass: Perfect for a high-energy 'best of' tour. This is ideal if you have a short layover or a tight schedule and want to see heavy hitters like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace without navigating the Tube. Golden Tours, City Sightseeing, and Big Bus offer both 24-hour and 1-day options, while Tootbus offers a 24-hour pass only.
  • 48-hour pass: Best for a classic weekend break. London is too vast to see in one go, so this duration lets you dedicate one day to central icons and another to exploring further along the routes at a relaxed pace. City Sightseeing sweetens this tier with a two-way cruise all the way to Greenwich, in place of the standard one-way ride included on shorter passes. Golden Tours, Big Bus, and Tootbus also offer 48-hour validity.
  • 72-hour pass: The ultimate choice for immersive travellers who want to explore without feeling rushed, hopping on and off across multiple days while adding on extras like a Thames River cruise or guided walking tours. It's also the most economical per-day option compared to buying shorter passes repeatedly. Golden Tours, City Sightseeing, and Tootbus all offer 72-hour validity; Big Bus does not offer this duration.

Note: A 24-hour pass is valid for a full 24 hours from the exact time you first board (e.g., 2pm Tuesday to 2pm Wednesday), whereas a 1-day pass is valid only for the duration of the specific calendar date it is first used.

London hop-on hop-off route overview

Big Bus
Tootbus
Golden Tours
City Sightseeing
Buckingham Palace

Red Route

  • Popular sights: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London
  • Timings: 8:15am–5pm
  • Full loop duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 10–20 minutes
  • Number of stops: 25+
  • Best suited for: First-timers wanting the quintessential London experience
Kensington Palace

Blue Route

  • Popular sights: Kensington Palace, Harrods, Notting Hill
  • Timings: 8am–5pm
  • Full loop duration: 3 hours 35 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes
  • Number of stops: 40+
  • Best suited for: Culture seekers and shopping enthusiasts
Covent Garden

Green Route

  • Popular sights: British Museum, Covent Garden, St. Pancras Station
  • Timings: 8:30am–5pm
  • Full loop duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes
  • Number of stops: 10
  • Best suited for: Travellers connecting from major rail hubs to the city centre
Piccadilly Circus

Yellow Route

  • Popular sights: Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Timings: 8:30am–5pm
  • Full loop duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 10–30 minutes
  • Number of stops: 15+
  • Best suited for: History buffs looking for iconic architectural landmarks
Hyde Park

Blue Route

  • Popular sights: Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum, Hyde Park
  • Timings: 8:30am–5pm
  • Full loop duration: 2 hours
  • Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes
  • Number of stops: 20+
  • Best suited for: Families and museum lovers visiting South Kensington
Royal Opera House London

Green Route

  • Popular sights: National Portrait Gallery, Royal Opera House, British Museum
  • Timings: 8:20am–5:20pm
  • Full loop duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 60 minutes
  • Number of stops: 9
  • Best suited for: Art enthusiasts and culture seekers looking to explore premier galleries, world-class museums, and the West End theatre district.
Westminster Abbey

Blue Route

  • Popular sights: Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Tower Bridge
  • Timings: 9am–6:40pm
  • Full loop duration: 50 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 20 minutes
  • Number of stops: 20+
  • Best suited for: Sightseers who prioritise high frequency and minimal wait times
Baker Street

Red Route

  • Popular sights: Madame Tussauds, Regent’s Park, Baker Street
  • Timings: 10:36am–8:06pm
  • Full loop duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Number of stops: 35
  • Best suited for: Fans of celebrity culture and North London highlights
Harrods

Orange Route

  • Popular sights: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace, Harrods
  • Timings: 10:10am–6:40pm
  • Full loop duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Number of stops: 35
  • Best suited for: Royalty fans and high-end shoppers
Tower of London

Red Route

  • Popular sights: Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market
  • Timings: 8:30am–6pm
  • Full loop duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes
  • Number of stops: 20+
  • Best suited for: Foodies and literature fans exploring the South Bank
Marble Arch

Blue Route

  • Popular sights: Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensington Palace and Gardens
  • Timings: 9:15am–4:35pm
  • Full loop duration: 80 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Number of stops: 15+
  • Best suited for: Families and museum lovers
Somerset House

Green Route

  • Popular sights: British Museum, Somerset House, SEA LIFE London Aquarium
  • Timings: 9:20am–4:18pm
  • Full loop duration: 90 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 90 minutes
  • Number of stops: 10+
  • Best suited for: Families and curious explorers looking to combine world-class history with riverside attractions 

How to book & use your hop-on hop-off pass

Step 1: Choose your route

Each tour follows a unique route. Review the routes and stops, and pick the tour that covers your must-see attractions.

Step 2: Book your tickets

Purchase your Hop-on Hop-off tickets easily using PayPal, credit/debit card, or iDEAL for a secure and quick transaction.

Step 3: Check your email

Receive your ticket voucher instantly in your inbox. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder for confirmation.

Step 4: Download the operator’s app

Track the bus in real-time, plan your journey, and explore routes with an interactive map on your smartphone.

Step 5: Hop on & explore!

Head to any designated stop, show your mobile voucher to the driver or staff, and start your city adventure.

How hop-on hop-off tours compare with other London tours

No.
Parameters
Hop-on Hop-off tours
Guided walking tours
Private landmarks tours
1
Flexibility & pacing
Ultimate freedom: You decide when to hop off and how long to stay at each landmark.
Fixed: You must keep up with the group and follow a set path.
Strict: Operates on tight schedules with pre-booked time slots.
2
City coverage
Extensive: Crosses the Thames to cover everything from Royal Parks to the Tower.
Localised: Limited to a single area like Soho or the South Bank.
Specific: Focuses deeply on just one or two major sites.
3
Physical effort
Minimal: Relax on a double-decker; perfect for saving your energy for attractions.
High: Expect plenty of steps and standing on London’s busy pavements.
Moderate: Involves significant walking through large museum galleries.
4
Travel comfort
Weather-proof: Offers covered seating for rain and open-tops for sunny days.
Exposed: You are at the mercy of London’s unpredictable weather.
Varies: Usually involves public transport or private cars between sites.
5
Value for money
Excellent: Functions as both an informative tour and your primary transport.
Budget: Low cost, but only covers a small fraction of the city.
Premium: High price point due to exclusivity and expert guides.
6
Best suited for
All-rounders: Families, first-timers, and those wanting a stress-free overview.
Story-seekers: Those looking for niche history and hidden alleyways.
Deep-divers: Travellers wanting one-on-one expert educational insights.

Tips to make the most of your hop-on hop-off London tour

  • Start early for a full loop: Board one of the first buses of the day and ride a complete circuit before hopping off anywhere. This gives you a clear overview of London's layout and helps you prioritise which stops on your hop on hop off London route to revisit later.
  • Leverage combo tickets for savings: Stretch your budget further with a combo pass, like the Big Bus tour paired with London Eye entry, or a hop-on hop-off ticket bundled with Madame Tussauds. These work out cheaper than booking each experience separately.
  • Use the river cruise inclusion: Most 24-hour and 48-hour passes come with a Thames River cruise built in. Use it to travel between Westminster and the Tower of London, seeing the city's skyline from the water instead of the top deck.
  • Track your bus before you wait: Live bus tracking, via an app or the operator's website depending on which you choose, helps you time your stops instead of standing at a corner wondering when the next hop-on hop-off London bus will show up.
  • Dine like a local at Borough Market: Hop off near London Bridge to browse this historic food market, a far better bet for a proper lunch than a tourist-priced café near the main attractions.
  • Dress for all-season weather: London genuinely can shift through four seasons in a single afternoon. Even with covered seating on your bus, pack a light waterproof layer so a sudden shower doesn't cut your sightseeing short.
  • Save the West End for after dark: Daytime is for ticking off landmarks; evening is for atmosphere. Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square come alive after sunset, when neon signs and theatre marquees give the area a different kind of energy.

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

How often do the buses run, and what are the operational hours?

Buses generally depart every 10–20 minutes, though this varies by route and operator. Most services start around 8:30am and conclude by 6pm, with the exception of specific non-stop evening tours.

Are the London bus tours wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Yes, most operators like Big Bus and Tootbus use low-floor vehicles equipped with ramps. While strollers are permitted, you may be asked to fold them if the bus is reaching maximum capacity.

Can I bring my pet or a service dog on the bus?

Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcomed by all major operators. Small, well-behaved pets are typically allowed at the driver's discretion, provided they are kept in a carrier or on a lead.

Do children require a ticket for the tour?

It depends on the operator. Tootbus lets children aged 4 and under travel free if they don't need a separate seat, while City Sightseeing and other operators offer discounted family tickets. Check the terms for your chosen operator before booking.

What happens if it rains during my tour?

Tours operate in all weather conditions, and London is no stranger to rain! Most buses feature a covered front section on the top deck or a full lower deck to keep you dry.

Are there hotel pick-ups or drop-offs available?

Operators do not offer private hotel pick-ups. However, with over 50 stops across the city, you are likely to find a designated stop within a short walking distance of most central London hotels.

Do I need to start my tour at a specific stop?

You can board the bus at any designated stop along the route. Simply show your mobile or printed voucher to the staff at your chosen stop to begin your adventure.

Is there a restroom available on the bus?

Restrooms are not available on board the buses. We recommend using the facilities at major attractions or public transport hubs located near the main stops during your journey.

Can I bring food and drinks on board?

Eating is generally discouraged to keep the buses clean, but drinks in spill-proof containers or bottles with lids are permitted. It is the perfect way to stay hydrated while sightseeing!

What should I do if I miss the bus at a stop?

There is no need to worry. Simply wait at the designated stop for the next bus to arrive. You can use the operator's mobile app to track the next bus in real-time.