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Hop On Hop Off London - Bus Tours

Looking for ways to explore the city and see all its best bits? Hop-On Hop-Off London is the most fun way to explore the capital city of England and the UK. Pick the open-top Tootbus or City Sightseeing London Bus Tour to navigate around one of the world's busiest cities. Your bus will pass through all key attractions like London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Madam Tussauds, London Bridge, The Shard and allow you to get off and get on as you like. Visit and wave to Nelson standing tall on his Trafalgar Square column or marvel at the futuristic and expanding city skyline. What's more, all your tickets come with options to add on extras.

London Sightseeing Bus Tours

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City Tour London: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus

Top Customer Reviews

Carol holobinko.

So easy to see the sights without doing all of the driving!

Judelka Gumbs

Booked a last minute tour from the same day and it was worth it. The bus locations and stops were easy to find and there were members of staff in most locations ready to help and guide you. The bus seats were comfortable and the audio was informative, audible and comical making the experience enjoyable.

Anna Jenkins

Excellent tour! Great way to see the city.

About Paris

Experience London in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Get to ride the London Eye or visit Madame Tussauds to say 'hello' to the stars! You'll be saving some pennies if you do. Your ticket allows you to hop off the bus where you choose. You can always hop back on again later!

Nothing beats a good combo ticket. Check out all the options in the simple online booking process. All tickets offered by Golden Tours and Original Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus Tours come with options to add on the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and more. Options will be presented in the simple online booking process.

And those looking for some great deals may wish to pick up The London Pass, which provides access to the Tower of London, skip-the-line admission at St. Paul's Cathedral, and a lot more! A London Hop-On Hop-Off tour is the perfect accompaniment to your trip and also one of the best things to do in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is a hop-on hop-off london bus tour.

A Hop-on Hop-off London bus tour essentially works over a designated route that allows you to see London’s top attractions and set your own itinerary. With all the stops located strategically around all the major attractions, it is convenient to explore at your own pace. When you are ready to return, simply show your pass, hop back on the bus and onward toward your next attraction. You can do this as many times as you like within your ticket limit.

Q: What are the key attractions covered in the London Hop-On Hop-Off tour?

London Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour will take you through major attractions and landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Thames River, Westminster pier or Tower of London pier, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Downing Street, Piccadilly, Buckingham Palace, and more.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Hop-On Hop-Off London tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops and timings change frequently.

Q: Are these tours guided?

Depending on the London tour operator, bus tours can either have a live guide or an audio guide. You can enjoy an informative commentary on the bus as you pass famous attractions and neighborhoods.

Q: What is the validity of the tour?

You can choose from 24/36/48/72-hour or ½/3-day London tours depending on your travel plans. The vouchers are valid anywhere between 6 months to 12 months and can be used anytime during that period.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

  • New York City
  • San Francisco
  • Washington DC
  • Los Angeles
  • Johannesburg
  • San Antonio
  • Reykjavik Iceland
  • St-Petersburg
  • Benalmadena
  • Thessaloniki
  • Kristiansand
  • BUENOS AIRES
  • Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

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hop on hop off bus tour in london

London Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour

Home > Tours > London Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour

* See the best of London with our hop-on hop-off bus * Choose from 60 stops throughout central London * Hop on and hop off for a calendar day * Cruise through the Thames on a sightseeing boat ride

  • Hop-on hop-off service
  • Experience a sightseeing cruise like no other with your free 24-hour River Thames hop-on hop-off boat ride ticket
  • No need to print your tickets – E-tickets accepted on all hop on hop off services!
  • Buses depart every 20 mins from main tourist points.
  • Bus audio guides in: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic
  • River Thames Boat Ride*
  • Free cancellation**
  • Hop-on hop-off bus ticket
  • Audio guides available in 11 languages
  • Free Wi-Fi on all Open Top buses
  • Entrances to attractions

Please Note

  • Audioguides available in 11 languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic)
  • This is Hop-On Hop-Off bus service, you can join at any Golden Tours bus stop.
  • No restroom available on board.
  • Duration valid from when you first hop-on the bus. Unlimited usage within your chosen timeframe. Does not include London by Night service.
  • River cruise to be used between Westminster to Tower Millennium pier or vice versa.
  • Please view the Schedule tab for bus timetables and other helpful information.
  • **You can cancel your reservation for this product up to 24hrs before to get a refund in full.

When would you like to go?

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1 Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket

1 Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket

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Hop-on Hop-off Bus London

Why would you get on a crowded tube when you can hop on a sightseeing bus and enjoy the view while you’re exploring London at your own pace! Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses allow you to explore all the must-see London attractions, letting you discover the capital’s historic landmarks at your convenience.

Passengers in an hop-on hop-off bus taking a selfie.

What is a Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus?

Are you new to the concept of Hop-on Hop-off buses? 

Basically, these are sightseeing tours on a double-decker bus, where you can hop on and hop off at every stop. You can stop your trip whenever you want and resume it a little later, hence the name “Hop-on Hop-off”, which could be translated as “up, down”.

These sightseeing tours are usually taken by double-decker buses, with the upper deck uncovered, offering lovely views of London’s attractions. 

The buses are all equipped with headsets with audio commentary in numerous languages. Some London routes even include an onboard guide, who provides commentary on the progress of the route.

Is it worth it?

Hop-on hop-off buses are now standard among the tourist offerings of many metropolises. In London, three tourism companies are fighting to win the favour of the 30 million tourists who visit the English capital each year. 

But which should be preferred? And are these Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tours really worth it when conventional buses also have two floors? 

Hop-on Hop-off buses are a great choice if you want to:

  • Enjoy the ride with awesome views!
  • Travel at your own pace
  • Hop on and off as many times as you like
  • See the best of London with a single ticket
  • Avoid complicated routes and timetables

Hop-on Hop-off buses are not for you if you want to:

  • Get from A to B as quickly as possible
  • Are travelling on a shoestring budget

Bus Tickets

Each tour company offers several services with various add-on attractions. You can compare the ticket prices of each torus hour and day format tickets below. 

A 1-day ticket means your ticket will expire at the end of the calendar day and cannot be used the following day even if it’s still within a 24hr period. 

Tootbus London (formerly The Original London Tour)

The Original London Tour, as many may know it has since rebranded to Tootbus. They offer one route (the Yellow Original Route) which has 10 stops in front of and close to famous tourist sits in Central London.

When it comes to tickets, they currently only offer a 1 day London Discovery pass if you just want a Hop-on Hop-off tour. However, if you opt for their Must See London ticket (which includes both a Hop-on Hop-off tour and a Thames river cruise) you then have the option to choose a 1 or 2 day pass.

The London Discovery ticket is a good choice if you are only looking to travel from morning to night. It’s also more ideal if you are not interested in the river cruise and it’ll save you some money too.

Audio headsets are also provided, giving you key facts about London and the landmarks you pass (available in English and French).

Tickets are valid for redemption up to 12 months from the moment of purchase. This is great if you do not know exactly when you want to participate. This leaves a lot of flexibility, and therefore makes a great gift idea.

Big Bus Tours London

The Big Bus company offers sightseeing bus tours around the world, from Paris to New York. With one main route (the Red Tour), these dark red buses serve around 50 tourist sites in London. As with Tootbus London, you can take a guided city tour and enjoy a boat ride on the Thames.

You have a choice of 1, 2 and 3 day tickets. Depending on which option you choose, Big Bus tickets can also come with a panoramic night tour and fast-track entry to the London Eye.

Bus tickets are valid for six months, which is not as long as Tootbus tickets but still very useful.

As with the other operators, an audio commentary and the use of a headset are included in the price.

Golden Tours

Golden Tours has a service offer similar to Big Bus, with two different routes to choose from (for around 30 stops in total). Buses run to all famous sites, from the London Eye to the Tower of London . A guided walking tour through London and a boat ride on the Thames are also included in their ticket offerings.

Golden Tours offers the following packages to choose from, day ticket, 24 hours, 48 ​​hours and 72 hours. 

A slight drawback: the tickets are valid for a specific date, unlike Tootbus London and Big Bus. At the time of booking, you will have to decide on the day on which you will participate in the tour.

A guide is on board the buses that follow the main route. They will present the different sites crossed in English. You can also opt for an audio guide, available on all routes, which will provide you with a commentary in various languages.

All three companies offer different, yet very similar tour routes taking you around the heart of the city and passing London’s top landmarks. 

Tootbus London offers one route, the Yellow Original Route, which has 10 stops. Similarly, Big Bus Tours offer one route, the Red Tour, but has 22 stops at which you can get on and off.

Golden Tours offer two routes, the Classic Tour (Red route), which has 21 stops and covers the main sites in Central London and a Pick-Up/Drop Off Route (Yellow route) with 8 stops that travel through Londons popular hotel district.

Note, Golden Tours yellow route only operates in the morning. 

(insert maps)

Offerings 

*Please note: London pass holders can only choose between Big Bus Tours OR Golden Tours for the duration of your 1-Day pass – You can pick which of the two services you wish to use.

Best London Tour Companies

Can i use an oyster card on a hop-on hop-off bus.

No. You cannot use an Oyster card on Hop-on Hop-off buses or any tourist buses. Oyster cards can be used on public transport. 

What is the best Hop-on Hop-off bus in London?

Tootbus London, Big Bus Tours, and Golden Tours are the 3 best Hop-on Hop-off tour companies. 

How long does the Hop-on Hop-off bus take in London?

One complete lap of a Hop-on Hop-off bus will take around 2 to 3 hours. The length in time depends on how much you intend to get on and off and explore areas on foot. If you want to just see the sights without getting off, Golden Tours offers a one-lap ticket with no Hop-on Hop-off. 

Big Bus London

1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

  • Tours & cruises Most popular Family-friendly

What you'll do

Enjoy a 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with The London Pass®

  • With us, there are no entry fees on the day – all you've got to do is show your pass.
  • One calendar day Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour ticket to explore the capital at your leisure.
  • See some of London's best attractions .
  • Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Sit back, relax, and take in the views of London with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour and tick off Central London's top attractions and get to know the city a little better.

What to expect on your London bus tour

If you're ready to explore all that London has to offer, look no further than the Hop On Hop Off London tour. This London bus tour allows you to see all the iconic landmarks and attractions at your own pace. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace, the London Tour Bus ensures that you won't miss a thing. With award-winning live guides and multilingual audio commentary, you can learn more about London's rich history while taking in the sights. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see the city in a whole new way with The London Pass® .

Is hop-on hop-off London worth it?

It depends on what you're looking to get out of your trip! If you want a quick and easy way to see many of London's top spots without worrying about public transport, then yes, a hop-on hop-off tour is perfect.

Hop-on hop-off bus tour highlights

Tower of London  – a must-see London sight. Learn about the Tower’s wealth of history, dating back to the Norman Conquest. You’ll learn about the secrets and scandals of the court, and the role the Tower used to play as a palace, prison, armory, and menagerie. 

Westminster Abbey  – Hop off here and explore the country’s coronation church since the 11th century. See the kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows, old paintings, and pews and find out about the final resting spots of famous royals, writers, and intellectuals. 

Tower Bridge  – this bridge is one of the most iconic in the UK and when you hop off here, you’ll see why. Explore the Victorian engine room and ignore your fear of heights as you take to the elevated glass walkway above the river. 

Buckingham Palace  – home to King Charles III, this is one of the few working palaces left in the world and a must-see on any visit to the capital. Hop off here and catch the Changing of the Guard before escaping the hustle and bustle with a stroll through Green Park. 

Trafalgar Square  – this famed London landmark is one of the city's cultural hubs and hosts events, festival celebrations, rallies, and more. It’s also home to the National Gallery, one of the country's most important art museums. Trafalgar Square is also a stone’s throw away from the Embankment, which is great for epic views along the river. Enjoy the ride with the London Big Bus Tour!

When your time is up on the bus, you can always take the London Transport Network with a visitor Oyster card . To help you with your planning and budgeting, we've created an easy side-by-side chart to help you understand pricing for getting around .

1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour FAQs

Q. Can I get off and rejoin the bus tour at any stop? A. Yes, you can hop on and off at any designated stop throughout the day.

Q. How long does the bus tour take to complete without hopping off? A. The complete loop takes approximately two and a half hours, depending on traffic.

Q. Are the bus tours guided? A. Yes, the tours are accompanied by an informative audio guide available in multiple languages.

Q. Are the buses wheelchair accessible? A. Yes, all the buses are fully wheelchair accessible, with designated seating and wheelchair space available.

Q. What attractions and landmarks can I see on the bus tour? A. You will pass by and have the opportunity to hop off at top landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben.

The London Pass® is a better way to sightsee. Your pass includes 1-day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour tickets, plus admission to dozens of top   London attractions   for one money-saving price.

Know before you go

Just show your pass when boarding.

For details of the route, stopping points, and days of operation for Big Bus, please visit  bigbustours.com . 

Please note

A bus tour is a great way to see the top sights around London, however, we advise against using bus tours as a mode of transportation around the city. For more efficient transport - we'd suggest using London's public transport networks.

For more information and details of any impact on Hop-On Hop-Off bus services due to events in Central London please see the  Big Bus website .

Where you'll be

Map of location of attraction

Tourist Bus Stop Westminster Bridge Road (eastbound), London, GB

Operating hours

For details of the route, stopping points, and days of operation, please visit the  Big Bus website .

Details of any impact to Hop-On Hop-Off bus services as a result of events or activities in Central London can be found on the  Big Bus Website .

020 7808 6753

Buy with confidence

Free cancellation.

Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated credits packages are eligible for a refund within 90 days of your purchase date.

Got a question?

Check out our FAQs or live chat with our customer service agents now

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Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus Tours

hop on hop off bus tour in london

Our tour guides do their best to show you as many landmarks as possible in London, but some of the most popular attractions are spread out pretty far apart.

Most guides will recommend taking the tube from one point to the next, but hop-on hop-off tours are another option to consider as well.

In addition to including helpful details about each of the hop-on hop-off bus tours available in London, we will also include some tips and advice from locals and travelers who use our Facebook Group.

  • Companies + Routes
  • Night Bus Tours
  • Discounts & Deals
  • Pros and Cons
  • Tips From Locals
  • Other London Bus Tours
  • Things to Do in London

Disclosure:  We think you should consider  our free tours , but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOURS

This section will cover each of the 3 main London bus tour companies that allow you to jump off and explore each stop at your leisure.

We will provide details about ticket types, hours, prices, and other important factors.

And again, you also might consider our free, hop-on-hop-off tour on the public bus 11 route, which comes with GPS-enabled audio.

We actually recommend using these bus tours to get an idea for which attractions you'd like to visit, and then checking to see if one of our free London walking tours includes those locations.

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus London considers itself the premiere hop-on-hop-off tour bus company and the reviews appear to agree.

This company offers 3 routes with 38 bus stops.

The purchase of all tickets also includes a free Thames River cruise, which you could from Westminster Pier or London Tower Pier.

Each type of ticket also includes 3 guided walking tours .

  • Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
  • Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
  • City of London Past to Present Walking Tour

You will also enjoy free wifi onboard, as well as a booklet filled with vouchers for various London attractions.  

All ticket types, with the exception of the Classic Ticket, also include the Big Bus night tour.

You can also combine a Big Bus ticket with several popular attractions for a combo discount .

Ticket Prices (with a 10% online discount)

Discover Ticket (24 Hours)

  • Adult – £40.50
  • Child – £31.50
  • Family – £128.25
  • Includes free cruise on the Thames.

Purchase tickets or learn more .

NOTE: A 1-day ticket is included for free with the London Explorer Pass and the London Sightseeing Pass .

Essential Ticket (48 Hours)

  • Adult – £49.50
  • Child – £40.50
  • Family – £159.75
  • Includes a free cruise on the Thames.
  • Includes free guided walking tours.

Explore Ticket (48 Hours)

  • Adult – £58.50
  • Child – £49.50
  • Family – £191.25
  • Includes a free cruise along the Thames.
  • Includes the night bus tour for free.

TIP: If you want to save an extra 5% , consider using Tiqets !

NOTE: There is sometimes a multi-day ticket for a few pounds more that allows you to use your ticket on non-consecutive days.

Times: 8:10 am - 7:00 pm. Tours run every 10-20 minutes. Big Bus also offers a night tour .

Where to Purchase Tickets

Purchase tickets here . Tickets are cheaper when purchased online in advance.

Or you could get them from Central Departure Points.

These points are Marble Arch, Green Park, Victoria Station, Baker Street, and Trafalgar Square. Onsite tickets are a bit more expensive.

Commentary Languages and Type

Each ticket entitles you to an audio guide.

Recorded commentary in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, and English.

Red Route (2 hrs 30 min):

The best of London covers Central London, from Green Park to Victoria Station, including Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Big Ben, Mayfair, London Bridge, and much more.

The Big Bus red route starts from the Green Park Underground station next to the Ritz (first stop at 08:30 and last stop at 16:00)

Big Bus London Map

Click on the map for a larger view

Blue Route (1 hrs 15 min):

As above, plus Kensington Gardens, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Paddington, Notting Hill, Regents Park, and more.

The Big Bus blue route starts from 144 Regent Street (TfL Bus Stop "V", near the corner with Beak Street)

Green Route (1 hr 10 min):

Temple Church, The Mall, St James’s Park, British Museum, Kings Cross, Churchill Museum, Downing Street, National Portrait Gallery, and much more.

The Big Bus green route starts from

Holiday Routes

For the holidays, Big Bus offers a special route at night which will take you around London to see all of the best Christmas lights and displays.

They also have a Christmas Day bus tour , which might not seem like a big deal at first, but it's worth noting that none of the public buses will be running on this day.

In other words, you can expect far less traffic on Christmas day, and that might make the experience much more enjoyable.

Of course, a lot of places will also be closed on Christmas, and this route doesn't allow you to hop on or off at your own leisure.

Even so, if you're interested in seeing the city without too much traffic, this could be the best time to do it!

Reviews of Big Bus Tours London

With a 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Big Bus Tours has received quite a few respectable reviews from its customers.

Most passengers felt like this was a great way to learn about London and see many significant landmarks.

Unhappy reviews tend to increase during the early summer season as buses become more crowded, so be sure to temper your expectations.

The TootBus Sightseeing Tour

The TootBus Sightseeing Tour, also known as the Original London Sightseeing Tour company is almost identical to Big Bus Tours and their reviews are about equal.

As their name hints, they are the original hop-on-hop-off London sightseeing bus tour.

Original Bus Tour London

The Original Tour also offers opportunities to combine a bus ticket with tickets to popular attractions to save on both. 

Extras: 24-hour and 48-hour tickets include a free river cruise, 3 free walking tours, and a booklet filled with vouchers for various London attractions (not for The Original Tour).

Also for children, a free activity pack is included.

The 3 free walking tours are: Changing of the Guard, Rock N Roll London, and Jack the Ripper.

Original London also offers a nighttime bus tour as well as a bus tour specifically for families .

Ticket Prices (with 15% discount)

24-Hour London Discovery Ticket Price

  • Adult – £29.75
  • Child – £17.00
  • Family – £90.00

48-Hour London Discovery Ticket Price

  • Adult – £34.85
  • Child – £21.25
  • Family – £107.00

72-Hour Ticket Price

  • Adult – £39.95
  • Child – £25.50
  • Family – £124.00
  • Purchase tickets or learn more . (Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance)

Yellow Route

  • Buses run every 20-35 minutes.
  • Buses run every 15-30 minutes.
  • Daily: 9 am - 4 pm
  • Buses run every 20-30 minutes.

Yellow Route   – The Original Tour (T1 and T2)

  • Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge and Leicester Square.National Gallery, and more.
  • T1 – Live commentary in English.  T2 – Recorded commentary in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, Mandarin. PLUS special commentary specifically for children.
  • First bus: 8:30 am. Frequency: every 5-20 mins.

Original Tour Map

Blue Route – The Royal Borough Route (T4)

  • Harrods, Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum and Design Museum, and more. 
  • Multilingual commentary.
  • First bus:  8:30 am. Frequency: Every 15-20 mins.

Orange Route   – The British Museum Tour  (T5)

  • British Museum, British Library, Chinatown, Shaftesbury Avenue, and more.
  • First bus: 8:35 am. Frequency: Every 20-30 mins.

NOTE: This route is not currently available and we don't know when they will bring it back.

Reviews of Toot Bus London

Much like their competition, The Original London Sightseeing Tour has received a 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor.

Reviews for their hop-on-hop-off bus tours are mostly positive, but they have had some unhappy customers from time to time.

Some guests complained that they didn’t learn a lot and the trip took too long, but many others were pleasantly surprised by everything they experienced.

Several visitors were very impressed by their drivers and the additional walking tours that they offer for free.

City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-off Tours

This is one of the most popular bus tour companies in the world, and they offer a very similar level of service to their competitors.

City Sightseeing currently offers both a 24-hour and 48-hour ticket. Each ticket includes at least one additional activity, including free walking tours, cruises, and more.

There are a total of 25 stops spread across two routes.

The red route will take you to some of the most notable sites in London,

Here are the prices you can expect to pay for each ticket:

24-Hour Ticket

  • £37/Adults | £22/Children
  • £96/Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
  • 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
  • Self-Guided Royal London Tour.

24-Hour Ticket + Cruise

  • £42/Adults | £25/Children
  • £109/Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
  • Thames River Cruise.

48-Hour Ticket + Cruise

  • £49/Adults | £29/Children
  • £127/Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
  • 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
  • 6 Self-Guided London Tours.

City Sightseeing London Routes

City Sightseeing offers pretty much the same red and green route provided by Big Bus Tours.

The red route starts from the London Eye, Belvedere Road, Stand 3788, and follows a route that covers mostly Westminster and the City of London.

The green route also starts from the London Eye and travels north to sites such as Woburn Place and Southampton Row.

There aren't many differences to note, as they both follow pretty much the same path.

If you want to get a better idea of where the bus will take you, use the following map for more information.

hop on hop off bus tour in london

The Thames River cruise, the blue route, starts from Westminster Pier, across from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and has just one stop ending at Tower Pier, near the Tower of London .

You might have noticed that City Sightseeing offers better pricing than some of its competitors, but it should be noted that the quality of service might not be as great.

According to TripAdvisor, this company currently has a 3 out of 5 rating, which isn't terrible, but it's also not very good.

While some guests enjoyed their experience, others were disappointed with the amount of information given and the regularity of service.

Keep these factors in mind before deciding which ticket to buy.

Golden Tours

24-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Ticket Price

  • Adult – £41
  • Child – £25
  • Includes boat ride

48-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Ticket Price

  • Adult – £47
  • Child – £28

72-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Ticket Price

  • Adult – £54
  • Child – £34
  • Includes boat ride.

Purchase tickets or learn more . (Full refund up to 24 hours in advance)

NOTE: The 24-hour ticket is included for free with the London Explorer Pass .

Commentary Languages and Type: Live commentary in English. Recorded commentary in German, French, Spanish, Italian Japanese, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese.

Route Duration: 1 – 3 hours

Extras: FREE riverboat cruise.

  • Red Route – Standard Route – Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace.
  • Yellow Route – Standard Route plus Kensington --- Harrods, V&A Museum, Royal Albert Hall, etc.
  • 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Buses run every 10-20 minutes.

Although this service is worth mentioning, it’s important to note that Golden Tours has only been given a 3 ½ out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, but 4 out of 5 stars on Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ).

Reviews for their hop-on-hop-off bus tour are very mixed, and several customers have concluded that the service was not very good.

Some guests complained about their bus driver while others were displeased with how infrequently the buses ran.

Those who enjoyed their trip felt that it was a great value which made it a lot easier to explore London. 

LONDON NIGHT BUS TOURS

Many of the above-mentioned bus tour companies offer night bus tours, and we will detail those services below.

Most of these are not hop-on-hop-off tours, but they do take place in the same open-top double-decker buses that are used during the day.

Be sure to also check out our post on night tours of London for walking, bike, boat, and Segway tours.

There is also a Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes night bus tour.

London By Night

A double-decker bus tour of London after the sun goes down.

The tour route takes visitors through the most famous sites in London, all lit up, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, Harrods, and more!

This company has received an overall 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ).

An overwhelming majority of reviewers were very pleased with their service, some going so far as to say that this was an excellent experience.

Although they have been given a few negative reviews, none of them indicate any serious issues with the tour bus.

Ticket Prices

  • Adult – £29
  • Child – £16
  • Family – £78
  • Under 5 – FREE
  • Purchase tickets here . (Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance)
  • 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:15, 21:45, 22:15 in Summer (Apr-Sept).
  • 19:30, 21:20 in Winter (Oct-Mar)
  • Tours last around 1 hr 15 min.

Location: Tours begin from Green Park Underground Station next to the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly.

View the route map .

Commentary Type and Language: Live commentary in English.

This night tour will take you past notable and historic sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye after the sun sets.

The tour is offered three times per night and you can start the tour at one of three different stops. Hotel return service is provided at the end of your outing.

Pre-recorded commentary is available in 12 languages, as it is on their hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

  • Adult – £31.50
  • Child – £22.50
  • Family – £96.75
  • From the London Eye: 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 pm
  • From Victoria: 7:45 pm, 8:15 pm, 8:45 pm
  • From the Marble Arch: 8 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm

This night bus tour is only available for a limited time from April – September.

That said, you can purchase tickets ahead of time and use them on any day within 6 months of purchase.

The TootBus Night Tour (formerly the Original London Night Tour)

This company offers its yellow route as a night tour, and it includes a variety of popular landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and more.

Unlike other companies, this is essentially just an extension of their hop-on-hop-off bus tour during the day, but the night bus tickets are only valid after 6:30 pm.

Think of it as a discount ticket for the end of the day.

That said, this night bus tour does not include any of the additional activities that you can get with other services provided by the Original London Sightseeing Tour.

Regardless, being able to hop on and off at your own leisure will make this a much better option for anyone who wants to get some good pictures after the sun goes down.

  • Adult – £23.80
  • Child – £13.60
  • Family – £72.00
  • March - April: 7:30 pm
  • May: 8:00 pm
  • June - August: 8:30 pm
  • September: 7:30 pm
  • October: 7:00 pm
  • November: 5:30 pm
  • The tour lasts for up to 2 ½ hours

Toot Bus's night tour starts from Coventry Street, London W1D 6BH.

In addition to offering the opportunity to jump off and explore at your leisure, this is also the most affordable night bus tour in London and it’s available year-round!

Toot Bus also offers a bus tour specifically for families .

DISCOUNTS AND DEALS

The following section will cover all of the different ways you can save money on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

We include information about tourist passes, combo packages, and more.

Tourist Attraction Passes

Most of the tourist attraction discount passes available to you in London include free tickets to at least one hop-on-hop-off bus tour, but not all of these services are the same.

Each of these tourist passes includes a variety of attractions for one flat price, allowing you to save up to 55% depending on the card that you choose.

They can also save you time by allowing you to skip the ticket queue at select tours and attractions. 

With that in mind, this section will provide a breakdown of which bus tour is offered by each tourist pass.

Big Bus Tours (24-hour ticket)

  • London City Turbo Pass
  • London Sightseeing Pass

Golden Tours (24-hour ticket)

  • London Pass
  • London Explorer Pass

Make sure to read our full post about which London City Pass is best for you for more details about how to use these services.

Combo Packages

All the 3 major hop-on-hop-off companies offer tickets that combine various durations of their bus tickets with popular attractions in London.

The TootBus Sightseeing Tour (formerly the Original London Sightseeing Tour)

This company offers a combo deal that includes both their hop-on, hop-off bus tour and a cruise on the river Thames.

If you're interested in both of these activities, this is a great way to save money on tickets by paying one flat price instead of paying for tickets individually.

Prices (with 15% discount)

  • 24 Hour Tickets: £35.70/Adults | £20.40/Children
  • 48 Hour Tickets: £41.65/Adults | £24.65/Children

This service currently offers a variety of combo packages, and they also work with Madame Tussauds to provide discounts through a special London attraction package.

The following deals are available directly from Big Bus Tours:

  • £81/Adults | £67/Kids
  • £105/Adults | £92/Kids
  • £83/Adults | £69/Kids
  • £73/Adults | £48/Kids

Purchase combo packages or learn more .

Much like its competitors, this company also offers a plethora of different combo deals which include their hop-on-hop-off bus tour and at least one additional attraction.

Here are the deals they currently have available:

  • £66/Adults | £50/Kids
  • £66/Adults | £35/Kids
  • £64/Adults | £49/Kids
  • £59/Adults | £32/Kids
  • £46/Adults | £24/Kids
  • £58/Adults | £40/Kids
  • £101/Adults | £79/Kids
  • £104/Adults | £69/Kids
  • £58/Adults | £43/Kids

While some of these combo packages are excellent deals, you may want to compare prices for a few of them to the Madame Tussauds Attraction Package and other combination discounts.

PROS AND CONS OF A LONDON HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TOUR

If you’re looking for a great way to see all the major sites in London, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour can be a great option.

That said, there are a few things you may want to consider before purchasing tickets.

Here are a few reasons you may want to think about taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in London.

Commentary in Several Languages

These bus tours typically include recorded commentary about the most historic and notable landmarks in the city.

The audio guide is often offered in at least 5-10 different languages.

Which Are the Best London Bus Tours

Jump Off and Explore

In addition to the tour itself, you’ll also have the opportunity to jump off at any stop you want and take a closer look for yourself.

You can set your own pace for exploration. Once you’re done looking around, just hop back on and resume your guided trip!

Great Overview of the City

This is a great way for visitors to become more familiar with the city and where everything is located.

Each hop-on-hop-off bus tour includes a map that can make it even easier to find your way around town.

Additional Services

Depending on which type of ticket you purchase, you could also enjoy free walking tours, cruises, night tours, and other things to do.

This is a great way to save money on activities you may already be considering.

Reasonable Prices

Considering that you’ll receive transportation, a tour, live and recorded commentary, a map, and even additional activities, the ticket prices are pretty reasonable at an average price of £35-£50 per person.

TIP : We have a section on  discounts and deals below so you don't have to pay full price!

Although a hop-on-hop-off bus tour can be very useful for most travelers, there are some reasons that you may want to consider another service.

Best London Bus Tour

Simplistic Commentary

It’s nice that these tours typically include both live and recorded commentary about the city.

But, they don’t usually go into a lot of detail about all of the landmarks and historic locations you will see.

If you want more in-depth commentary, consider complementing a bus tour with one of our walking tours.

London Walking Tours

Or, consider our public bus hop-on-hop-off route.

In addition to audio on the bus, we also have clips for walking around at select stops ( learn more here ).

Not Very Efficient

Whether you don’t have a lot of time in London or you just want to save some time, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour isn’t very efficient.

This service is more about taking your time and exploring each location of interest.

Visitors who want a quicker, more efficient experience should consider a different kind of London bus tour.

No Assigned Seat

While you can get an assigned seat on other bus tours and assure that you’ll always have a place to sit, there is no such guarantee on these hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

All seats are first-come, first-served.

If you want to make sure you’ve got a good seat with great views of the city, another type of London bus tour will probably suit you better.

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Alright, enough trying to sell you on hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Here are some of the thoughts and opinions of both locals and travelers from our London Travel Tips group on Facebook who have taken these tours in London.

hop on hop off bus tour in london

Megan recommends a pretty good idea, which is to use your first circuit on the bus to note locations you'd like to visit.

Then, on your second trip around, use the hop-on hop-off bus to get to each of the attractions you want to see in closer detail!

hop on hop off bus tour in london

Thomas notes that they always do the hop-on hop-off tours in every city they visit just to get an overview of the area, and that is definitely one of the better uses of these services.

hop on hop off bus tour in london

Here's another excellent suggestion.

Whether or not you're trying to save money, it's worth noting that you can technically see all the major attractions included on a hop-on hop-off bus tour by using the TFL buses instead.

As a matter of fact, you can actually see a lot more this way, but it does require more effort to figure out the bus routes you'll want to take.

Most locals recommend lines 9 and 15 if you want to follow basically the same route as hop-on hop-off tours.

hop on hop off bus tour in london

Richard here actually used to work on the hop-on hop-off buses, so he's got a lot of experience with the services.

He advises to avoid Golden Tours, and from other comments we have seen, it seems that this company does have issues providing these tours.

He also notes that you can easily find which route a bus offers by looking at the colour coded signs on the windows.

hop on hop off bus tour in london

If you're wondering whether or not you need to purchase tickets in advance, it'll be nice to know that you can just walk right up to the bus and purchase tickets directly from the driver/guide.

The only real reason to buy tickets ahead of time is to save money, and that's why we offer so many discount opportunities in this post!

For more helpful advice, make sure to check our London Travel Tips group on Facebook.

RELATED POSTS: 

  • Where to Store Your Luggage
  • London Bus Tours
  • London Walking Tours
  • Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
  • What to Do in London

And much, much more

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hop on hop off bus tour in london

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' class=

Given that we have a draft plan of what we want to see and are going to be spending 5 whole days (and a couple partial days) in London I feel like giving the hop-on hop-off a pass.

Would I be regretting anything by giving the hop-on hop-off a wide berth? Is there anything that I haven't considered about the hop-on hop-off that truly makes it worth trying?

I appreciate your feedback.

3 replies to this topic

' class=

“ Would I be regretting anything ”

No. You have done well figuring out what a waste of time and money it is.

Use the Tube and regular buses instead.

https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/experience-london/bus-leisure-routes

Thanks. That's one less decision to make.

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hop on hop off bus tour in london

hop on hop off bus tour in london

Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .

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' class=

Given that we have a draft plan of what we want to see and are going to be spending 5 whole days (and a couple partial days) in London I feel like giving the hop-on hop-off a pass.

Would I be regretting anything by giving the hop-on hop-off a wide berth? Is there anything that I haven't considered about the hop-on hop-off that truly makes it worth trying?

I appreciate your feedback.

3 replies to this topic

' class=

“ Would I be regretting anything ”

No. You have done well figuring out what a waste of time and money it is.

Use the Tube and regular buses instead.

https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/experience-london/bus-leisure-routes

Thanks. That's one less decision to make.

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hop on hop off bus tour in london

IMAGES

  1. London city tour hop-on hop-off bus

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  2. Big Bus London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

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  3. The Original Tour London

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  4. The Original London Bus Tour

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  5. Hop On Hop Off London Bus Tour

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  6. The Best Hop on Hop off London Bus Tours

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COMMENTS

  1. THE 10 BEST London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

    Explore London with this ultimate sightseeing combo, including a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a Harry Potter walking tour and…. 10. London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise. Discover London at your own pace without following the rigid structure of a guided tour on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing …. 11.

  2. London Hop On Hop Off Bus Routes Map

    Our hop-on, hop-off London bus tour gets you closer to the city's best landmarks and attractions. Discover London's rich 2000-year history on our carefully designed sightseeing route. ... Discover central London on our hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tours. Operates: 08:15-18:00. Frequency: 10-20 mins. See Full Timetable. Blue Route. Hop on to ...

  3. London Hop on Hop off Bus Tours

    Family £153.00 From £140.50. Select. Selling Fast! 48 Hours What's included. 48h hop-on, hop-off ticket. 3 Guided walking tours: - The Royal Walk. - Hidden Gems of the City of London. - Hidden Gems of Westminster.

  4. 10 best London bus tours

    Explore London at your own pace with the Golden Tours hop-on hop-off bus tour. Choose between four routes and hop off at more than 60 stops, including Shakespeare's Globe and Westminster Abbey.As well as having your transport covered, you can enjoy added extras including a 24-hour Thames river pass.

  5. Big Bus Tours London

    Experience the best of London on a Hop-on, Hop-off London Big Bus Tour! Buy Tickets . Adult tickets from £44.00. Service: some stops closed Sun 7th April. Based on 6,041 reviews ... Our London bus tours provide the perfect introduction to the city and the best photo opportunities of iconic landmarks from the top deck

  6. London: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

    14 Bournemouth. 15 Blackpool. 16 Canterbury. 17 Windermere. 18 Chester. 19 Skipton. 20 Newcastle. Discover London's most iconic sights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour valid for either 1-day, 24, or 48-hours. Choose one of the multi-day passes and enjoy an optional Thames river cruise as well.

  7. London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Golden Tours

    Explore the heart of London with our hop-on hop-off bus tour as we take you to the main hotspots of the city. Providing you with the flexibility to hop on and off as you please and explore the city at your own pace, choose between the 1-day, 24hr, 48hr, and 72hr bus ticket. With four different bus routes and multiples stops along the way, we ...

  8. London: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour w/ Westminster Abbey Ticket

    Explore Westmister Abbey, one of London's most iconic buildings. Full description. Explore London from top to bottom with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Jump aboard an open-top bus and travel through London with a 24-hour ticket, stopping at iconic sights and landmarks along the way. Start the tour at any of our bus stops and visit the capital ...

  9. London: Tootbus London Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

    Includes. 24, 48, or 72-hour London hop-on hop-off ticket. Earphones (bringing your own is encouraged) Kids audio guide (available in English and French) Tootbus app (with real-time bus tracking, audio commentary, and self-guided walking tours) Audio commentary on the bus in 10 languages. Free thematic walks: Royal family, and Kensington Gardens.

  10. Hop On Hop Off London

    Golden Tours London: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus. from US$ 44.19. US$ 40.88 per person. Instant confirmation E-Voucher. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers River Roamer: Hop-On, Hop-Off. from. US$ 26.77 per person. Instant confirmation Saver Combos. Uber Boat by Thames Clipper Hop-On, Hop-Off & Tower of London.

  11. London Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour 2024

    Shared Shuttle Service from Gatwick to your Hotel in London. 9. from $57.70. Price varies by group size. London, England. London Tour Hop-on Hop-off Bus optional Thames River cruise. from $50.01. London, England. Southbank or Westminster Photography Tour at Night.

  12. London Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour

    This is Hop-On Hop-Off bus service, you can join at any Golden Tours bus stop. No restroom available on board. Duration valid from when you first hop-on the bus. Unlimited usage within your chosen timeframe. Does not include London by Night service. River cruise to be used between Westminster to Tower Millennium pier or vice versa.

  13. Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

    Your hop-on hop-off pass also includes a cruise along the River Thames or a night tour as a bonus. Green Route. 10 Stops. 4 Points of Interest. Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes. Operating Schedule: Buses depart every 30 - 60 mins. First Departure at 08:30 from Stop 44 - Woburn (Northbound) and the last bus departs at 17:45.

  14. Hop On Hop Off London

    Explore London's iconic landmarks, attractions and museums with a famous open top bus tour that offers unlimited hop-on hop-off fun across the capital. Choose from 1, 24, 48 or 72 hour tickets and enjoy a one-way river cruise, live guides, audio guides and free cancellations on selected routes.

  15. London Bus Tours

    Duration Approx.: 24 hours. Discover London with 3 different routes on our Hop-on Hop-off bus tour. See the city's most iconic landmarks from the open-top bus. Audio guide available in 5 different languages on the bus. Book Now. London. Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London. Duration Approx.: 1.5 hours.

  16. Hop On Hop Off Bus in London (3 Different Tours Compared)

    Tootbus London offers one route, the Yellow Original Route, which has 10 stops. Similarly, Big Bus Tours offer one route, the Red Tour, but has 22 stops at which you can get on and off. Golden Tours offer two routes, the Classic Tour (Red route), which has 21 stops and covers the main sites in Central London and a Pick-Up/Drop Off Route (Yellow ...

  17. London: Golden Tours Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus

    This remarkable bus tour of London provides you the opportunity to explore this fascinating city in all its grandeur. Your pass allows you to hop on and off the bus at any of its many stops. See the city from a different angle on a boat cruise along the Thames (if the 24, 48, or 72-hour option is selected).

  18. 4 Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in London

    Tickets for the Big Bus Tour in London. Along with the three route options, Big Bus tours in London offer three ticket types: The 24-Hour Classic Ticket includes hop-on hop-off access for 24 hours as well as a one-way river cruise.You can purchase the classic ticket alone for $44 (about 36 British pounds), or bundle it with a ticket to ride the London Eye for an additional $43.

  19. THE 10 BEST London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours (Updated 2024)

    See London by dusk …. 7. The Big Day out - London Eye Ticket, London Hop-on Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise. Discover London aboard an open-top, double-decker Big Bus on this hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour and enjoy a trip on the…. 8. London: Harry Potter Walking Tour + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.

  20. Comparison of Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in London

    The table highlights the cost for each tour, whether or not it includes a Thames River cruise and various other metrics that will help you decide whether to choose Golden Tours or Big Bus London. Big Bus Tours. Golden Tours. Price. £36.90 online, £41.00 in person.

  21. 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

    Enjoy a 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with The London Pass®. With us, there are no entry fees on the day - all you've got to do is show your pass. One calendar day Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour ticket to explore the capital at your leisure. See some of London's best attractions. Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian and ...

  22. Hop-on hop-off London Bus Tour

    A price of a one-day bus tour starts from £32.00, a 24-hour bus ticket starts from £39.00 and a 48-hour bus tour starts from £35.00 . Book your hop-on hop-off London tour tickets in advance online.

  23. Which Hop on Hop off London Bus Tour is Best?

    Big Bus London considers itself the premiere hop-on-hop-off tour bus company and the reviews appear to agree. This company offers 3 routes with 38 bus stops. The purchase of all tickets also includes a free Thames River cruise, which you could from Westminster Pier or London Tower Pier.

  24. Essential Ticket

    Price per Adult. £76.00. Price per Child. £51.00. View Details. Spend a little longer getting to know London with our 48-hour Essential Ticket and see the best of London's world-renowned landmarks on our hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Book now with Big Bus Tours!

  25. Hop-on Hop-off

    132 posts. 7 reviews. Hop-on Hop-off. Apr 6, 2024, 8:44 PM. Save. We will be travelling to London in May. We are a family of five with 3 kids aged 9-11. I have mixed feelings about the hop-on hop-off bus tour. On the one hand, it seems a convenient way to cover multiple places in one day without worrying about planning the stops.

  26. Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations ...

    Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus. While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in ...

  27. Hop-on Hop-off

    7 reviews. Hop-on Hop-off. 7 Apr 2024, 01:44. Save. We will be travelling to London in May. We are a family of five with 3 kids aged 9-11. I have mixed feelings about the hop-on hop-off bus tour. On the one hand, it seems a convenient way to cover multiple places in one day without worrying about planning the stops.