Best London Bus Tours
Why Use a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in London?
London is big, busy and full of sights spread across different neighbourhoods. A hop-on hop-off (HOHO) bus pass gives you an easy way to see the main landmarks without constantly changing Tube lines or working out new routes. From an open-top deck you can tick off Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and more while listening to live or recorded commentary.
On this page Tripindicator compares the main HOHO operators in London – including Big Bus, Golden Tours and Tootbus – so you can see which route, ticket length and extras suit your plans best.
How London Hop-On Hop-Off Buses Work
- Flexible routes: multiple lines cover the West End, Westminster, the City, South Bank and sometimes Greenwich or Notting Hill.
- Frequent services: buses typically run every 10–20 minutes during the day.
- Ticket durations: choose 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour passes.
- Extras: many passes include walking tours and a short Thames river cruise.
Key Stops & Landmarks
Most hop-on hop-off routes stop near:
- Trafalgar Square & Piccadilly Circus
- Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
- London Eye & South Bank
- St Paul’s Cathedral & the City
- Tower of London & Tower Bridge
- Buckingham Palace & royal parks
Planning Tips
- Start early to make the most of your pass and avoid the busiest times at major stops.
- Use a bus loop for your first morning to get an overview, then decide where to hop off later.
- Consider a 48-hour ticket if you want to combine the bus with museum visits and a river cruise at a relaxed pace.
- Check whether your chosen ticket includes a Thames cruise or walking tour before you book.
Below you can compare each operator’s routes, inclusions and prices. For more ways to explore the city, see our Thames River cruises and London walking tours.
This multicultural city bursting with so much history in every corner is the capital of the United Kingdom. A vibrant cosmopolitan that attracts millions of tourists every year. Explore the Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster, London Eye, the River Thames and a lot more.
Read More See Less
1. Original London Bus Tour
Duration:
Flexible
- Make most of your time with an unlimited hop-on-hop-off bus tour pass with 24-, 48- or 72-hours validity.
- Discover the capital on foot with 3 walking tours.
- There are 7 routes and a total of more than 100 stops.
- Enjoy a free cruise along the River Thames.
- Explore the Buckingham Palace,
Compare Ticket Prices:
2. Golden Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Duration:
Flexible
- Discover London’s famous sights aboard a hop-on-hop-off bus tour valid for 24 hours.
- Disembark any time you want and get back on the bus again at any of the 70 different stops.
- Choose from 3 routes and 1 feeder route covering most of the City’s landmarks like the Buckingham Palace, London Eye,
Compare Ticket Prices:
3. London Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Duration:
Flexible
- Feast your eyes to London’s sights in a 360-degree view perspective, aboard the open bus tour.
- Disembark any time you want and get back on the bus again at any of the 40 different stops.
- See London’s top attractions like the Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster, London Eye, and the River
Compare Ticket Prices:
4. London Ghost Bus Tour
Duration:
Flexible
- Uncover London’s spooky past on this 75-minute ghost sightseeing bus tour.
- View London’s famous landmarks aboard the historic Necrobus like the Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, and Westminster.
- Enjoy a thrilling sightseeing show recounted by your creepy guide.
Compare Ticket Prices:
5. Vintage Bus Tour with London Eye + Cruise + Bus Tour
Duration:
Flexible
- Tour around London on board an open bus tour.
- Travel back in time and see some of the historic attractions such as the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. What the Bus Tour Includes:
- Admission to the London Eye to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
- Stopover
Compare Ticket Prices:
6. Full Day London Pick & Mix Customized Tour
Duration:
8 hours
- This is the London tour program that you desire. Your choices with no hassle and no time wasted and simply for the person who is tired of comparing agency tours only to find you always have to give up one thing for something else. Just pick the highlights you wish to see & visit from the list below and we will create your very private and bespoke... read more
