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Traveling to golden.

Golden can be accessed by car, trail or rail. There are five major highways (I-70, Hwy 6, Hwy 58, Hwy 93 and C-470) that lead to Golden. No matter if you are coming from the East or West, North or South, Golden is conveniently located at the foothills of the Rockies just 20 minutes from downtown Denver. Map your route to Golden using  Googlemaps .

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On this page, most popular sights, tickets & sightseeing passes, things to see and do, from our blog.

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OPEN TOP SIGHTSEEING BUSES

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Golden Tours (Gray Line) hop-on hop-off open top bus tour

Hop-on hop-off double deck open top sightseeing bus tour with tickets for 24, 48 or 72-hours.

Golden Tours London hop-on hop-off open top sightseeing bus

Cruise around London with Golden Tours hop-on buses

Golden Tours London hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour

The Golden Tours London hop-on hop-off service is one of the three main London hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours operating in London.

Unlike the other two London hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus operators, Golden Tours also offer a broad range of guided coach tours from London to places like Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford .

Golden Tours also combine their hop-on bus tours with popular attractions in London .

Two big popular combinations right now are Hop on & hop-off bus tour with London Bridge Experience as well as Hop on & hop-off bus tour with London Transport Museum.

Golden Tours are currently the only tour operator to consistently offer a fully live-guided tour on their 1.5-hr Express ticket (not hop-on, hop off).

BOOK GOLDEN TOURS HOP-ON BUS TICKETS   What's included   About Golden Tours ticket options   Routes and buses   With London Bridge Experience   With London Transport Museum   With Merlin attraction pass   River Cruise   Walking tours   Add-ons to Golden Tours tours & themed tours   Golden Tours included with London Pass   Golden Tours compared with Tootbus & Big Bus   Hop-on buses price comparison table  

Golden Tours hop on bus London tickets

GOLDEN TOURS HOP-ON BUS LONDON TICKETS

London Golden Tours hop on bus tours

Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus London

Choice of 1-day, 24, 48 or 72-hr tickets • Free one-way Thames river cruise (if selected) • Two walking tours • Free Wi-Fi on board • Audio in 11 languages • London in your Pocket app access

Golden Tours hop on bus London - what's included in your ticket

Golden Tours hop on bus - top deck

Unlimited travel for 24, 48 or 72-hours on the Golden Tours London sightseeing bus network that visits all major attractions in Central London

Free one-way river cruise included with ticket

Free walking tours - Coronation and/or Jack the Ripper

4 open top sightseeing routes with pre-recorded commentary in 11 languages

90-min open top bus tour featuring English speaking guide

Cancellation policy - up to 24 hours beforehand to get full refund

Free Wi-Fi on all buses

Comparison table of London's hop-on bus prices 2024

What you need to know about Golden Tours London tickets

Golden Tours hop on bus London

The basic format of the Golden Tours sightseeing bus is the same as for its two competitors, Big Bus London and Tootbus : a hop-on, hop-off bus service stopping at all the major tourist attractions supplemented by a one-way river cruise.

Golden Tours tickets

You can buy tickets for the Golden Tours service in 24, 48 and 72-hr durations. So, if you buy a 48-hr ticket, the ticket is valid 48 hours from the time you activate the ticket by boarding the bus.

Tickets can also either be purchased with or without the Thames river cruise.

There is a best price guarantee if you purchase direct from the Golden Tours website, see banner link above.

Golden Tours advance tickets - how it works

You pay for your tickets on the website in advance, by credit/debit card at the time of purchase.

A confirmation ticket is sent to you immediately by email which you need to print out.

You can join the tour from any Golden Tours bus stop, exchanging your email voucher for your tickets. Your tickets start from the time when you board the first bus.

Golden Tours routes and buses

Golden Tours view from top deck hop on bus

Golden Tours offer 4 routes that between them cover all the major sights in London. You can switch from one to another as you please if you buy the hop-on hop-off ticket.

The Classic Tour (Blue route) : Covers all the main Central London sights and visits London’s Museum Quarter.

The Essential Tour (Red route) : Passes Madame Tussauds and Kings Cross, as well as Hyde Park and Regents Park, two of the prettiest parks in London.

The Morning and Evening Drop off Service (Yellow and Green routes) : Operating in the morning and late afternoon, this route travels from the popular hotel districts to Central London.

Golden Tours route map London 2024

Frequencies are every 5-10 minutes at the main tourist points where routes overlap and 10-20 minutes at the outer reaches of the network. The main routes start up about 8.30am to 9am and start to wind down around 5pm.

Guides and audio guides

Golden Tours offer the most languages of all the hop on bus companies on their audio guides, currently 11. These are: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Indian, Japanese and Arabic.

No live guide is available currently on any of the hop on hop off bus routes, but there is a continuous 90-min route that does have an English speaking guide, called the Open Top London Bus Tour With Live Guide.

Golden Tours 24-hr hop on bus with London Bridge Experience

London Bridge Experience

Hop-on bus tour of London by Golden Tours

This incredible value London Hop on Hop off bus tour grants you the freedom and convenience to explore the city in depth in one day.

Enjoy a fabulous hop-on bus experience for a whole 24 hours, allowing you to see such London icons as the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe and spectacular Westminster Abbey, as well as, of course, the inimitable Buckingham Palace.

Thames River cruise

This 24-hr hop-on bus tour also gives you a free Thames River Cruise, where you travel from Westminster to either Tower Bridge Quay or Greenwich (or vice versa), and get to soak in panoramic views of the capital’s most iconic landmarks along the way.

Two walking tours

Plus all Golden Tours hop-on bus tours offer two different complimentary walking tours of London (currently Jack the Ripper or Coronation walking tour).

Entrance into London Bridge Experience

In addition with this fantastic package you get entry into The London Bridge Experience:

Travel back in time become part of London's gruesome history and travel back in time to an age of adventure, uncovering the dark secrets that lie beneath the world’s most famous and haunted bridge. Laugh, scream and cheer your way through 2000 years of history.

london bridge experience

GOLDEN TOURS 24-HR HOP ON BUS PLUS LONDON BRIDGE EXPERIENCE

Combine Big Bus hop on hop off bus tour with London attractions

Combine hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour with the London Bridge Experience

• 24-hr Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour • Entrance to The London Bridge Experience & The London Tombs • One way Thames river cruise ticket • 2 walking tours • Audio guide in 11 languages

Golden Tours 24-hr or 1-day hop on bus with London Transport Museum

Lonodn Transport Museum

Another great offer combining a Golden Tours hop on bus tour (choose form 24-hr or 1-day) with entrance to the memorable London Transport Museum.

Entrance into the London Transport Museum

Discover spectacular exhibits showcasing the 200-year history of London’s public transport network at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden.

From abandoned tube stations to historic vehicles, see how London’s transport has evolved over the years.

Discover rare photos, vintage posters and old tiles from derelict stations while you hear stories of travel in Victorian times, the first railway and underground lines and how Churchill took shelter underground during the Blitz. There’s also the only surviving steam engine from the 1860s to see!

london transport museum

GOLDEN TOURS 24-HR HOP ON BUS PLUS LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Combine hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour with the London Transport Museum

• 24-hr Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour • Entrance to The London Transport Museum • One way Thames river cruise ticket • 2 walking tours • Audio guide in 11 languages

Golden Tours 1 day or 24-hr hop on bus, river cruise + Merlin attraction pass

Merlin Magical London with hop on bus

The Ultimate London Experience

With this pass you can be fully flexible. Choose to combine a 1-day or a 24-hr hop on bus tour of London with a combination of three different Merlin attractions, or all five - it's up to you.

Plus - your hop on bus pass also comes with a FREE Thames river cruise.

A great bundle of top London attractions.

Big City Saver (aka Merlin's Magical London) pass - more details

5-in-1 Merlin's Magical London Pass

MERLIN'S LONDON ATTRACTION PASS 3 OR ALL 5 ATTRACTIONS - WITH HOP ON BUS

5-in-1 Merlin's Magical London Pass

HUGE SAVINGS: Buy a 3 or 5 attraction pass for top 5 London attractions plus hop-on bus & river cruise

• 1-day, 24, 48 or 72-hr hop-on bus tickets available • Thames river cruise • London Eye • Madame Tussauds London • London Dungeon • Shrek's Adventure! London • SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Adult from £106 for 3 attractions + 1-day hop-on bus. Child (age 5-15) £87

Adult from £165 for 5 attractions + 24-hr hop-on bus. Child (age 5-15) £140

Free river cruise with Golden Tours

Thames River Sightseeing cruise with Golden Tours hop on bus tour London

Free Thames river cruise with Thames River Cruising

Enjoy a complimentary river trip included in your Golden Tours hop-on, hop-off bus ticket. The river service that the Golden Tours ticket covers runs from the Westminster Pier by Big Ben to the Greenwich Pier in the east, with several stops along the way.

Cruises are for one-way only.

Frequencies are approximately every 20 minutes in the summer and every 30-40 minutes in the winter.

Note - the river cruise is not included in the one calendar day ticket.

Free walking tours with Golden Tours hop on buses

Golden tours hop on buses also include a free Jack The Ripper Walking Tour and/or the Coronation Walking Tour.

The Jack the Ripper tour offers you the chance to explore the locations where vital clues were found and play detective in trying to solve this morbid mystery.

Alternatively, you can choose the Coronation walking tour: a majestic 2-hour stroll through the capital uncovering spectacular Royal sites. Learn more about coronations past and present as well as quirky facts such as where The Queen Mother bought her cigarettes and Queen Elizabeth’s favourite off-licence.

Golden Tours hop on bus alternatives and top London attractions

Golden Tours 90-min non stop bus with live guide

As well as the traditional hop-on bus services from Golden Tours, there are also a range of other services to choose from.

Options include:

  • Night tours
  • Christmas lights tours
  • Add on The Gunpowder Plot Experience or Disney 100: The Exhibition
  • 90-min non stop open top bus ride with a live guide doing the commentary

Click on the banner below for more details.

In addition to these options, Golden Tours have also bundled many of their top London attractions with a hop on bus service.

Choose from:

Tower of London with hop-on bus

Westminster Abbey with hop-on bus

St Paul's with hop-on bus

SEA LIFE with hop-on bus

The London Dungeon with hop-on bus

Madame Tussauds with hop-on bus

London Eye with hop-on bus

Shrek's Adventure! London with hop-on bus

GOLDEN TOURS HOP-ON BUS LONDON ALTERNATIVE TOURS

London Golden Tours hop on bus tours

Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus London with add-ons

• 90-min bus tour with LIVE GUIDE option • Option to add on The Gunpowder Plot Experience or Disney 100: The Exhibition • Evening tours • Christmas lights tours

London Pass - Golden Tours included (or Big Bus)

Big Bus or Golden Tours hop on bus included with London Pass

The London Pass is a flat rate sightseeing pass to many (but not all) of London's main sightseeing attractions. You can buy a London Pass for 1, 2, 3, 6 or 10 day durations

The London Pass gives you entry into more than 60 London tourist attractions and a river cruise on the River Thames.

The London Pass also now includes use of either Golden Tours or Big Bus hop-on hop-off bus for one calendar day, whatever the duration of the London Pass.

Key points of the London Pass Ho Ho bus offer

You can choose to ride on the Golden Tours  or  Big Bus hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus for one calendar day. Tootbus (Original London Tour) is not covered.

The Ho Ho bus offer is for one calendar day  not  for 24 hours.

Most people use the Ho Ho facility on the first day of their London Pass, but there is nothing stopping using it on another day when the London Pass is valid.

The Ho Ho bus offer with London Pass doesn't include the walking tours and river cruises included in the standard tickets issued by the Ho Ho companies concerned, only the bus tour (but you do get a river cruise included in the London Pass separately anyway)

You show your London Pass to the driver or tour guide of the first bus you board. They will scan your London Pass and issue you with a separate ticket for the bus company concerned valid for the rest of the day. You cannot switch to the other bus company once you have made your first journey.

London Pass more details

Golden Tours v Big Bus v Tootbus

In terms of London coverage all three Ho Ho sightseeing bus operations visit the same areas and all the main London attractions.

Live guides

This is one area that has changed in recent years. Traditionally all three companies offered live guides on at least one of their hop-on tours.

Today you will find this is no longer the case. If having a live guide is important to you there are a couple of options, but none of them are hop-on, hop-off but rather 60 or 90-minute continuous sightseeing tours.

Golden Tours have a live guide on their 90 min non-stop tour.

Tootbus have a live guide on their London Kids Tour and London Christmas Tour.

Big Bus no longer offer a live guide service on any of their tours.

Otherwise all three companies use pre-recorded commentaries for their hop-on bus services (they vary on the number of languages offered).

All operators offer tickets with 24 and 48-hr validity periods; Tootbus and Golden Tours also offer 72-hr tickets.

In addition Tootbus offer a 60-min Bar Bus ticket, while Golden Tours offer a fully guided 1.5-hr Express ticket (see above).

Evening Tours

All three operators offer evening tours. Big Bus also include a separate evening tour with their Premium and Deluxe tickets.

See websites for more details.

Walking Tours

Both Golden Tours and Big Bus offer highly regarded professionally guided walking tours included with your ticket (selected tickets only).

With Golden Tours you can choose from a Jack The Ripper Walking Tour or Coronation Walking Tour.

Big Bus offer THREE FREE TOURS with their Essential and Explore tickets: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, City of London Walking Tour and a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour. Each tour is 1.5 hours long.

In addition Big Bus are currently offering a Royal themed hop on bus tour - 'A Big Royal Adventure'' together with a 45-min Royal Walking Tour.

Tootbus do not offer guided walking tours but instead give you the chance to download "Tootwalk" to your phone: a choice of three self-guided walks.

River cruises

Two different river cruise operators are used, City Cruises and Thames River Sightseeing.

Golden Tours and Tootbus both offer tickets which are cheaper because they do not offer the river cruise. River cruises come standard with all Big Bus tickets.

All river cruises are for one-way only.

Add-on attractions or alternative tours

Golden Tours offer a range of attractions as add-on to the basic 4-hr hop-on bus ticket .

Tootbus don't currently offer any add-on attractions but they do offer alternative tours such as an Evening Tour , Bar Bus and a very popular Kids tour .

Click through on the banner for a thorough discussion on the differences between companies.

London's hop-on buses - discussion comparison

LONDON'S OPEN TOP HOP-ON, HOP-OFF SIGHTSEEING TOUR PRICING 2024

All prices (except family prices) are those offered through Travel Compendium unless otherwise stated, using banners on this page. Travel Compendium aim to be price-competitive, offering you the best value price (against the hop-on bus company's own permanently discounted online prices, which are between 10 - 15% off their walk-up prices).

Prices are seasonal and variable and prices above are based on low season prices. During school holidays prices are typically higher.

To be sure you are getting the best possible price it is advisable to check our prices above against the hop-on bus companies' websites as they occasionally run sales throughout the year:

Tootbus official website

Big Bus official website

Golden Tours official website

* Golden Tours and Tootbus offer cheaper tickets, which are bus only, no river cruise. Tootbus offer this for a 24, 48 & 72-hr ticket and call theirs 'London Discovery'. Golden Tours offer the bus only option for either 24 hours or a 1-day period only.

All other Tootbus and Golden Tours tickets are for 24/48/72-hour periods, unless stated otherwise.

** Prices for Tootbus here use official Tootbus link, Big Bus and Golden Tours prices use our links.

Family hop on bus tickets and other tour options

Family prices for all companies can be found through the operator's own websites (above).

For a big range of Golden Tours hop on plus attraction tickets see: Golden Tours hop-on bus plus attractions

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POPULAR LONDON ATTRACTIONS - ADVANCE PURCHASE AND/OR FAST TRACK TICKETS

Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath tour from London for £89

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Golden Tours London: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus

Activity schedule, key highlights.

  • Inclusions & Exclusions

Your bus tickets are valid for 1 day, 24, 48 or 72 hours (you can take your pick!)

River Cruise: 30 minutes.

Hop-on, hop-off tour from 9am , Every 30 minutes

River Cruise: Please check USEFUL DOWNLOAD section.

You can hop on to the bus from any of the stops .

Circular Cruise Westminster boats depart from Westminster pier 

You can hop off the bus at any of the stops

Please check USEFUL DOWNLOADS.

  • Discover London on a fun-filled and flexible hop-on, hop-off bus tour
  • Hop on and off on 2 routes at well-placed stops to visit attractions of your choice
  • Covers major attractions including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, London Eye, Madame Tussauds and more
  • Choose from a validity of 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours to discover the city at your own pace
  • Enjoy a relaxing Thames Cruise included with the ticket
  • Both printed or smartphone vouchers accepted!

Enjoy the perfect introduction to the UK’s historic capital with this action-packed London hop-on, hop-off tour!  Ride past all the key attractions covered by strategically located stops. Enjoy a multilingual audio guide and learn fascinating facts about the things you see. 

FREE River Thames Cruise: Enjoy an enthralling hop-on, hop-off River Thames boat ride and admire London’s attractions and landmarks, between Westminster and St Katherine’s Pier. Valid for 24 hours, you hop on and off as many times as you wish. The cruise is operated by Circular Cruise Westminster.

ATTRACTIONS COVERED

  • Buckingham Palace 
  • Tower of London
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Madame Tussauds
  • London Eye.
  • Tower Bridge
  • Trafalgar Square
  • Parliament Square
  • Westminster Abbey
  • St James’ Palace

…. And more!

Route options Available:

  • Blue Route: (Classic Tour) You can explore all the main Central London sights and can visit London’s Museum Quarter.
  • Red Route: (Essential tour) Explore Madame Tussauds, Kings Cross, as well as Hyde Park, and Regents Park. They are two of the prettiest parks in London.
  • The Morning and Evening Drop off Service (Yellow and Green routes): Operating in the morning and late afternoon, the route travels from the popular hotel districts to Central London.

Please check the Useful Downloads section for the route map and cruise timetable.

  • 24 hour/48 hour/72 hour hop On, hop Off bus ticket
  • Complimentary river cruise with 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours ticket
  • Audio Guide available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic
  • Free Wi-Fi on open-top buses
  • Live English Guide available on the Blue Route
  • Entrances to attractions, unless specified
  • River Cruise with 1 Day ticket

Useful downloads

  • Hop-On, Hop-Off Map
  • Cruise Timetable

Please note

Voucher information: You can show your voucher on your smartphone (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes

No restroom available on board.

Each of our stops will be clearly signposted with the words Golden Tours sitting below the Transport for London bus stop logo. Each bus stop will also display its stop number.

Stops are subject to change and traffic can be disrupted on certain days. The updated map will be available on the bus.

The river cruise is not included in the 1 day bus ticket options. All 24, 48 and 72-hour ticket holders will receive a free one-way sightseeing river cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge Quay or Greenwich, or from Greenwich to Westminster or Tower Bridge Quay. You are free to use your river cruise on any date within 7 days of the start of your hop-on hop-off bus experience.

Customer Reviews

Jo rodriguez.

Easy to purchase online and the drivers were very kind and attentive.

Frank Frick

Great overview of London to see what we wanted to visit again

David Manyara

Great routes, and excellent personal guide!

travel inspiration from guidebook

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London – the dynamic and lively capital of England welcomes you! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this bustling metropolis has no… The post LONDON CALLING : Top London Attractions to Experience in England’s Capital in 2023 appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

The Best Way to Capture London – Take a Thames River Cruise

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Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Top Royal Tours to Take

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Hooray, it’s a celebration day! The post Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Top Royal Tours to Take appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

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golden tour map

How to Drive Iceland's Golden Circle: A Complete Guide with Maps

How to Drive Iceland's Golden Circle: A Complete Guide with Maps

Nanna Gunnarsdóttir

What Is the Golden Circle?

Renting a car in iceland to tour the golden circle, how long does it take to self-drive the golden circle.

  • Iceland's Golden Circle Map: The Classic Route

Golden Circle Routes and Itineraries

How to avoid the crowds, golden circle sights and attractions, 1. thingvellir national park, 2. geysir geothermal area, 3. gullfoss waterfall, get off the beaten path, where to eat on the golden circle, drive the golden circle like a local.

Northern Lights over Þingvellir National Park in Iceland

Learn everything you need to know about Iceland's Golden Circle, the most popular tourist route in Iceland. Explore the best Golden Circle attractions, like geysers, waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanic craters. Learn where to eat, where to say, and whether a self-drive tour or guided tour is better for you. Choose the best route for your visit with our Golden Circle itineraries and maps. 

  • Make the Golden Circle the first stop on your trip around the Ring Road with this 8 Day/7 Night Self-Drive
  • Find out even more by reading the Ultimate Guide to the Golden Circle

If you're traveling to Iceland for the first time, there's a good chance you'll visit the Golden Circle . Even if you've been on a Golden Circle tour before, you might want to drive it again by yourself to explore the secondary locations along the way that the tour buses often skip. If you're planning on stay along this iconic route, make sure to book accommodation in the Golden Circle .

Top Golden Circle Tours

3-day northern lights tour of iceland’s golden circle & south coast with ice caving & glacier hiking, 8-day guided northern lights winter tour of the complete ring road of iceland, 10-day self-drive tour of the complete ring road of iceland with top attractions & snaefellsnes.

The short answer is that the Golden Circle is a scenic route between three beautiful natural attractions in Iceland. The main Golden Circle attractions include:

  • Thingvellir National Park
  • Geysir geothermal area
  • Gullfoss waterfall

Instead of driving back and forth from Reykjavik the same way, people typically drive a short circle that's just under 140 miles (230 kilometers) in length.

The Golden Circle shouldn't be confused with the Ring Road , an 828-mile (1,332-kilometer) drive encompassing the entire island of Iceland. The latter can take several days to a week to complete.

Aerial view over Þingvellir National Park

There are hundreds of different Golden Circle tours to choose from, but if you'd rather drive this route yourself, then read on for tips on how to do it.

Self-driving the Golden Circle is a great way to see everything at your own pace. First, you'll need to find a rental car . You'll want to rent a four-wheel drive, jeep, or SUV if you plan on visiting during winter. 

A four-wheel drive is important to your safety on the road when there's heavy snow on the ground. However, the Golden Circle is the most popular route in the country, so if you were to find yourself stuck in a pile of snow, help wouldn't be far off.

In the summer, you might want to consider a camping car rental (a car with a tent on its roof) and spend a night at the campsite in Thingvellir National Park. 

  • See also: Camping in Iceland - all you need to know

Top Self Drive Tours in Iceland

Gullfoss waterfall in summertime

One of the benefits of driving the Golden Circle yourself is that you choose when to begin and how long you'll stay at each attraction. Since the Golden Circle is the most popular attraction in Iceland, hundreds of different tours go there every day. You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the best Golden Circle sights. 

With the flexibility of having your own car, you can choose exactly how long you spend exploring these attractions and which route to take. There are many possibilities.

If you want to rest, you can do the circle in the afternoon or evening. During the summer, nights don't get dark, so you could even go at night and visit the attractions under the midnight sun .

Iceland glows under the beauty of the Midnight Sun

Driving the 140 miles (230 kilometers) of the Golden Circle can take as little as three hours if you take the shortest route. So, you could do the whole circle in about five hours with stops, but most people prefer to spend a few days to a week to self-drive the Golden Circle. (Check out our Golden Circle map below.) 

To beat the crowds, get up at the crack of dawn and leave early so you can spend the full day exploring at a relaxed pace. Perhaps you'd like to visit these attractions like the locals, and then spend a night or two in the area. 

Thingvellir National Park has a great campsite and a modern and stylish hotel. The Geysir geothermal area also has a luxurious hotel and a campsite.

By Gullfoss , you can find another hotel and multiple summer cabins along the way that you can rent for a more private experience. Nothing beats being in the clean and quiet countryside while sitting in a private hot tub on the deck of a cabin.

You could also decide to add a hike to the warm river in Reykjadalur to your Golden Circle route, and then choose to stay at a lovely hotel in the village Hveragerdi or its beautiful campsite . 

  • See also:  Where to stay in Iceland

Iceland's Golden Circle Map: The Classic Route

Below is a map of the most popular Golden Circle route.

The Golden Circle route is extremely popular, and there are hundreds of ways to explore it. If you're looking for a good place to start, here are five of the most popular routes. 

5. 10 Hour Golden Circle ​Tour with Snowmobiling on Langjokull

This tour has all of the best Golden Circle attractions for travelers on a budget and looking for adventure. It includes a visit to the Langjokull Glacier - the second-largest glacier in Iceland - and an excellent spot for a snowmobile trip!

4. Three-Day Northern Lights Tour of Iceland's Golden Circle & South Coast with Ice Caving & Glacier Hiking

For travelers with more time to explore, a three-day tour will ensure you see all of the best Golden Circle stops. You'll also have the opportunity to do two of Iceland's most popular activities - exploring ice caves and taking a hike across glaciers. 

3. Small-Group Golden Circle Tour with a Visit to an Ice Cream Farm and Transfer from Reykjavik

Join this small-group tour to see all the most popular Golden Circle sights and attractions. This tour starts in Reykjavik and even includes a stop at an ice cream farm! 

2. Afternoon Six-Hour Golden Circle Tour to Gullfoss, Geysir & Thingvellir with Transfer from Reykjavik

With only half a day, can you see the Golden Circle? Yes! Participants on this short and affordable tour will make sure you see the top sights in just an afternoon. 

1. Four-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with the Golden Circle, South Coast & Blue Lagoon  

A four-day tour is an ideal option if you have time and want to enjoy everything the Golden Circle has to offer. Stops include the famous Blue Lagoon, geysers, Iceland's black sand beaches, towering waterfalls, and, if the stars align, the northern lights! 

Expect to see plenty of horses en route to the sites of the Golden Circle.

If you're driving the Golden Circle, you're more likely to avoid crowds and thereby enjoy greater privacy along the way. Most Golden Circle tours leave in the morning from Reykjavik , between 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with afternoon departures around noon and 2 p.m. Most of them are back in Reykjavik by 8 p.m. There are select midnight sun tours available in the summer.

The busiest times at the Golden Circle's major attractions of Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir are between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., although from October to February the long daylight hours in Iceland allow for longer viewing hours.

If you leave early in summer (or spend the night in the area), you can see the attractions in broad daylight before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. These are perfect times to capture sunrise and sunset photos in the spring or fall or admire the northern lights during wintertime.

Top Northern Lights Tours & Holidays

Öxarárfoss in Þingvellir National Park during nighttime

If you spend a night at one of the hotels or campsites in the summer, the midnight sun allows you to enjoy the area's natural attractions without too many other tourists around.

As we've mentioned, there are three main attractions on every Golden Circle itinerary. Let's look at each one more closely before sharing ways for you to go off the beaten path when visiting them.

Almannagja gorge Thngvellir National Park, one of the most popular Golden Circle attractions

The first stop on the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park, Iceland's first national park and the only one recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It's 29 miles (47 kilometers) northeast of Reykjavik.

The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and form a rift valley here. Within the park, it's possible to take turns standing on the North American and Eurasian continents. Movement between the plates is ongoing, resulting in earthquakes that separate the plates by about two inches per year. 

As a result of this ongoing activity, a fissure, Silfra , opened in the ground in 1789. It has since filled with purified glacial meltwater and has become a popular snorkeling and diving destination.

The Geysir Geothermal Area is renowned for its hot springs, fumaroles, mud pools, and geysers. A must visit on our Golden Circle road trip.

The second significant stop on Iceland's Golden Circle is the Geysir geothermal area, about 38 miles (61 kilometers) east of Thingvellir National Park on Route 37. This area of geothermal activity is named after the 59-foot-wide (18-meter-wide) Geysir, whose activity dates back to at least 1294, when an earthquake hit the region.

Today, Geysir, derived from the Icelandic word meaning "to erupt," is rarely active. However, you can still see where it used to spout off, as well as other, more active geysers in the area. 

Strokkur is a geyser that became active following an earthquake in 1789. It erupts about every eight minutes, shooting a water column 82 to 115 feet (25 to 35 meters) into the air.

Six miles (10 kilometers) east of the Geysir geothermal area on Route 35 will bring you to the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall . This is the third major stop on the Golden Circle in Iceland. 

If you only see one waterfall in Iceland, make it Gullfoss. This natural wonder is fed by glacial waters from the Hvita River, which flow over the two stages of the falls at about 459 cubic feet (140 cubic meters) per second in the summer, and 358 cubic feet (109 cubic meters) in the winter.

The first stage of the waterfall is about 36 feet (11 meters), and it's followed by a second, more significant waterfall with a drop of 69 feet (21 meters). Thanks to the amount of mist kicked up by Gullfoss, rainbows frequently appear at the falls. 

Gullfoss Waterfall is open year-round, but the path to the lower level observation area is closed in winter due to icy conditions. 

There are many detours to be taken from the Golden Circle.

Beyond the three main attractions, you can also visit other points of interest along the Golden Circle, such as: 

  • Reykjadalur's hot river
  • The Secret Lagoon
  • Nesjavellir geothermal plant
  • Kerid volcanic crater

It's always a joy to explore new corners of Thingvellir National Park. No matter how many times you visit, it's possible to see something new.

There's so much more to Thingvellir than just Almannagja , Peningagja (the Money Rift), Silfra, and Oxararfoss . 

Autumn is a favorite season to explore the park when the low shrubs covering the area turn multi-colored. The ground's red, yellow, and green colors contrast nicely with a fresh snow layer.

Þingvellir National Park in autumn

Tours will give you ample time at each location to see the main sights, but with your own car, you can choose to go for a short hike within the national park or perhaps bring a picnic and settle down in some mossy clearing with a view over the lake. 

Most people go to the same paths in only one section of the park, next to the information center. But the park is much larger and encompasses the entire lake of Thingvellir, which would take about an hour to drive around, or a one- to two-day hike (it's about 37 miles or 60 kilometers, but the route is almost flat).

Most restaurants on the Golden Circle are closest to Geysir.

When driving yourself, there are many options for where to eat. If you're a foodie, then you might want to stop at some of the great dining locations along the way and skip the overpriced sandwiches and road burgers commonly found in gas stations.

Some of the interesting options include the Frioheimar greenhouse for tomato soup with homemade bread and cucumber salsa. All the tomatoes and cucumbers are grown on the premises.

The Ethiopian restaurant Minilik in Fludir is also a fun find in the middle of the Icelandic countryside. It's an excellent example of how international cuisine has reached more remote areas of Iceland.

If you head to Solheimar Eco Village , you can get homemade cakes and delicious coffee at Graena Kannan cafe . 

Or, if you want to find local art or do some yoga, check out the ceramic studio and cafe Bragginn Clay & Coffee , an 8-mile (13-kilometer) drive from Fludir. They're only open during summertime. On weekends they offer yoga classes, and on Thursdays, they have Irish coffee evenings.

The traditional Icelandic meat soup served in Gullfoss cafe is also delicious, and they'll give you a free refill. There's also the ice-cream barn Efstidalur that's not to be missed.

There are plenty of places to dine around Gullfoss.

Some hotels along the way have fine dining restaurants, such as the Geysir Hotel  and the  Silfra restaurant in the Ion Hotel.

If you make an extended Golden Circle trip, you could drive to Stokkseyri and enjoy some fine langoustine at Fjorubordid or go to Rauda Husid in Eyrarbakki.

Above is an alternative one-day drive of the Golden Circle, as a local might do it. This suggestion is mainly for spring, summer, and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the days are long. 

If you want to make this a two-day trip, we suggest camping in Thingvellir National Park. Although, of course, you can also choose to spend the night in a hotel somewhere along the way.

First, have breakfast at a  restaurant in Reykjavik and grab some snacks for the road. Our suggestion is to try Braud & Co for some fresh sourdough bread or a couple of cinnamon buns. 

If you plan on making this a two-day trip, then also buy some food for breakfast the next day, or get something to put on a barbeque for the evening (if you like - you can also decide to do that later on in the trip). Grab a tent ( or rent a tent ) and leave Reykjavik around 9 a.m.

Head towards Hveragerdi, but turn left onto Route 431, which turns into Route 435. Parts of this road are gravel, so take your time and go slowly. 

The route is beautiful, and you likely won't meet many others on the way. When you get to Nesjavellir Geothermal Plant , you might want to check out their geothermal exhibition.

Þingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle

Continue along Route 360, a stunning gravel road that goes through the less-visited Grafningur area of Thingvellir. The road is winding with plenty of cute picnic clearings and great views of the lake. It's an excellent area to park your car at the side of the road to take some pictures or breathe in the fresh countryside air.

There are a lot of summer cabins in this area. If you are driving in autumn (late August or even early September), you can also look for wild berries to pick.

At the end of Route 360, there's another geothermal power station, Ljosafossstod , that has a free, fun, interactive exhibition daily; it's worth checking out for half an hour or so.

Then head towards Skalholt on Road 36 and then 35. On the way, make a stop by the crater Kerid, which takes about half an hour to walk around. 

You can also stop by Skalholt if you like and visit its historical church and learn about this important location in Iceland's history.

When it's time for lunch, stop at either Bragginn, Fridheimar , Kaffi Klettur, or Minilik for a delicious meal. 

After lunch, head to the Secret Lagoon in Fludir and relax for a couple of hours in hot water while checking out the small hot springs by the pool. Aim to be at the Secret Lagoon before 2 p.m. at the latest for privacy's sake, as large tour groups arrive between 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Secret Lagoon is open even in winter.

Following a soak in the Secret Lagoon, head towards Gullfoss waterfall. It would be best to arrive in the afternoon as most tour groups will have left the area.

After admiring the powerful waterfall and walking down the hiking path to its rim, it's time to head towards Geysir, which should also be relatively quiet in the late afternoon/early evening. If you've become hungry for dinner, you could check out the menu at Hotel Geysir.

Geysir is one of the Golden Circle's most striking sights.

For dessert (or an appetizer in case you'll have dinner later), We suggest trying locally made ice cream in Efstidalur . If you only want this to be a one-day trip, then head to Thingvellir and go for a stroll there in the evening sun before making your way back to Reykjavik.

If, on the other hand, you want to camp for the night and you haven't had dinner yet, then shop for charcoal and something to put on a barbeque in the small village of Laugarvatn . The Icelandic lamb is highly recommended. 

Continue to the campsite of Thingvellir National Park (where there are barbeques available), pitch your tent, and prepare your feast.

Geysir blasts steam against a backdrop of the winter sun.

After dinner, go for a stroll in the evening and listen to the local birds singing. The above picture was taken around midnight in June to give you an idea of how bright it's throughout the night.

The next day, you can get up early and enjoy the quiet morning before most people arrive or sleep in and go for an extended walk around the area in the afternoon. You could be back in Reykjavik in the early afternoon (from Thingvellir, it's only about a 29-mile or 47-kilometers drive to Reykjavik) or spend the whole day exploring Thingvellir National Park.

If you are looking for more activity, you could book a snorkeling tour in Silfra by Thingvellir or a horseback riding tour on the outskirts of Reykjavik and get back to the city in the late afternoon or early evening.

Grab a set of wheels, and you'll be on your way to exploring the Golden Circle firsthand!

Thingvellir National Park becomes a winter wonderland in the darkest season.

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The ultimate guide to Russia's Golden Ring

golden tour map

The famous Golden Ring tourist trail was first etched on the map by journalist Yuri Bychkov in 1967. He was the one who conceived the idea of traveling from Moscow to Yaroslavl and Kostroma, then on to Vladimir and Suzdal, and returning to the capital via Rostov Veliky and Pereslavl-Zalessky.

All these points on the map literally sparkle with the golden domes of ancient churches. Bychkov made the journey himself, and wrote about it in a series of essays in the newspaper   Soviet Culture , inventing the term “Golden Ring” in the process, which has since became a trademark.

Let’s follow in his footsteps as we make this fascinating journey for ourselves through the Ring’s most alluring cities, which preserve the oldest and deepest secrets of Russia’s centuries-old history. From princely feuds, the invasion of the Golden Horde, the Polish intervention, and the Time of Troubles to the Soviet campaign against religion. 

Moscow 

V V 70 km (45 miles) V

Sergiev Posad

Recommended time – one day

golden tour map

The main sight in this city in Moscow Region is the Trinity Lavra of St Sergius, an enormous monastery of incredible beauty. It was founded by one of the main Russian saints, Sergius of Radonezh. Some of its churches date back to the 14th century. You definitely need to visit the main Trinity Cathedral, whose walls were painted by legendary medieval icon painter Andrei Rublev.

Read more about what to see in the city  

Pereslavl-Zalessky

Recommended time – half a day

golden tour map

Originally built as the capital of ancient Rus, the city is a tourist attraction in itself (largely a wooden one), featuring more than 20 museums, churches, and monasteries — don’t even try to see all the sights at once. Select your preference: cozy museums full of Russian cookware, ancient Orthodox churches, or the place where Peter the Great trained his first flotilla and a ship he built himself still stands. Or maybe you want to ride a handcar?

Read more about  Pereslavl here

V V 60 km (37 miles) V

Rostov Veliky

Recommended time – a few hours

golden tour map

On the banks of the majestic Lake Nero stands a huge 17th-century kremlin, once the residence of the city’s metropolitan bishop. There is also the large, beautiful Assumption Cathedral, inside which a splendid 18th-century baroque iconostasis is preserved, not to mention ancient chambers full of church antiquities and icons, and a “heavenly” garden (modeled on one in Jerusalem) where you simply must try the local   sbiten   (mead).

Read more about what to see in the city

V V 90 km (55 miles) V

golden tour map

Slightly off the actual Golden Ring, on a bend on the Volga River, is a snug little town famous as the place where the last heir of Ivan the Terrible, 8-year-old Tsarevich Dimitry, was murdered.

You can find out about this episode and other key milestones of Russian history in the local kremlin, where all the town’s main sights are concentrated. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the Volga embankment, and admire the cruise ships and the imposing hydroelectric power station.

Read more about Uglich here

golden tour map

The “capital” of the Golden Ring, and the largest of all its cities. It was founded by Prince Yaroslav the Wise on a picturesque spit at the confluence of the Kotorosl and Volga rivers (it was in fact the first ancient Russian city to be built on the Volga).

The stunning churches and monasteries, antiquities museums, parks, and theaters will keep you busy. But start your day with a visit to the former Transfiguration of the Savior Monastery, or the Yaroslavl Museum Reserve.

Read more here

V V 85 km (52 miles) V

golden tour map

This city is famous for its historical flax production, as well as the place where the first Romanov tsar was crowned. Be sure to go to the Ipatiev Monastery, marvel at the Pozharnaya Kalancha building on Susaninskaya Square, walk through the shopping arcade (one of the largest in Russia), and, last but not least, feast your eyes on the mighty Mother Volga.

For the full Kostroma guide click here

V V 100 km (65 miles) V

Ivanovo and Plyos

golden tour map

From Kostroma it’s a short trip to Plyos, where you should definitely climb the hill from where painter Isaac Levitan created his famous landscapes. You can also admire the Volga once more, and buy a work by a local artist or a souvenir painted in the Palekh style.

And leave a few hours to explore Ivanovo — an industrial city, quite young compared to the other Golden Ringers. Here you will feel the spirit of Soviet constructivism.

Read more what to see in Ivanovo here - and find our guide for Plyos here

V V 80 km (50 miles) V

golden tour map

The most beautiful city on the Golden Ring, and hence its most touristy. Despite that, the spirit of old Russia is ever-present here. Don’t miss the chance to take part in a folk festival or learn first-mouth about Russian cuisine in one of the many restaurants. And be sure to visit the Suzdal Kremlin and the numerous churches and monasteries, as well as the Museum of Wooden Architecture. We advise that you book an overnight stay in advance.

V V 35 km (20 miles) V

golden tour map

On the approach to Vladimir, coming from Suzdal, it’s recommended to stop over in Bogolyubovo, home to one of the most beautiful churches in all Russia — the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, which stands in the middle of a meadow. Also visit the Svyato-Bogolyubsky Convent.

Vladimir was once the capital of North-Eastern Rus and the rich and powerful Vladimir-Suzdal principality. There are several sights dating back to the 12th century: the small Dmitrievsky Cathedral, famous for its bas-reliefs carved in the form of animals, saints, and fairytale characters, the awe-inspiring Dormition Cathedral, and the Golden Gate — the ceremonial entrance to the city and all that remains of the ancient fortress wall.

Find our guide for Vladimir here

V V 190 km (118 miles) V

(and here is 50 things you must do in Moscow )

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The Golden Circle of Iceland: a Detailed Guide and a Map of 22 Top-rated Attractions

  • Last Updated: November 2, 2022
  • Norbert Zohó

Although a fairly small island nation, Iceland is packed with stunning natural beauty and exciting adventures.

Think of traveling through spectacular countryside to admire multi-level cascades, powerful geysers, bubbling pools, lava fields, and rugged cliffs. Over time, locals and visitors alike have created the perfect route around some of Iceland’s natural highlights: The Golden Circle. The looped route takes in many of Iceland’s best bits, for a memorable experience in the Land of Fire and Ice.

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you on your exciting journey. You’ll find tons of recommendations and tips, covering famous attractions and thrilling activities, so you can really experience the best of Iceland.

What is the Golden Circle?

Map of the golden circle – attractions and detours, how long does it take to drive the golden circle, getting around the golden circle, when should you visit the golden circle, thingvellir national park, geysir geothermal area, gullfoss waterfall, thingvallakirkja church, gjabakkahellir cave, silfra fissure, laugarvatn fontana geothermal baths, sólheimar eco-village, faxi waterfall, kerid crater, slakki petting zoo and family park, the secret lagoon, helgufoss waterfall, brúarfoss waterfall, hvítá river and drumbó base camp, fridheimar tomato and horse farm, reykjadalur valley, the historical town of skálholt, thorufoss waterfall, efstidalur farm, bobby fischer center, langjokull glacier, thjorsardalur valley.

Iceland’s Golden Circle is one of the most famous and most popular routes for tourists. The circle reference is because it follows a loop, although you may also hear it referred to as the Golden Triangle. This stems from the fact that the route encompasses three particularly gorgeous destinations. You can visit a regularly spouting geyser, a thundering waterfall, and a UNESCO-listed site .

If you’re wondering about the golden part of the Golden Circle, it’s not just because the area is full of natural treasures. It actually takes its name from one of the main waterfalls along the loop: Gullfoss. In the Icelandic tongue, the name Gullfoss translates as Golden Falls.

There’s another cool driving loop in northern Iceland with a similar name: the Diamond Circle.

Unique features and dramatic landscapes are abundant throughout the region, and hotspots are so close to each other that it’s perfectly possible to hit them all up in just a day. Not to mention the fact that it’s tough to find such an area of geological wonder elsewhere across the globe.

Almost all travelers to Iceland want to experience the marvels along the Golden Circle. Combining natural splendor, picturesque scenes, traditional cuisine, and friendly local hospitality, it’s no wonder that the route is so popular. Within easy reach of Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is an ideal day-trip destination from the capital.

To simply drive the Golden Circle takes around four hours. This is, however, without stopping. The whole point of the loop is to experience a number of Iceland’s beautiful natural sites—so you would definitely want to plan at least a few stops and allot extra time to your adventure.

Many organized tours take a full day, around seven or eight hours, including a break for lunch. We would recommend you plan to spend the same amount of time exploring the Golden Circle, perhaps even longer if you have the independence and flexibility that comes with driving yourself.

golden tour map

There are two main options for enjoying a trip around the Golden Circle: hiring a car or joining a private- or bus tour.

There are no public transport connections between the major attractions. Many are fairly remote, so it looks unlikely that this situation will change in the future.

In our opinion, driving yourself around the Golden Circle is the best way to fully enjoy your day. There’s no need for 4WD or any modified or specialized vehicles; you can explore the route in a regular 2WD car or campervan. Driving yourself gives you all the flexibility to tailor your day to your tastes. You can spend as much or as little time at places as you wish, break for lunch and restroom stops at any time, follow interesting detours, and really make the day what you want it to be.

Top tip: Although you should have no problem finding gas stations along the route, always begin your adventures with a full tank of gas.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself around Iceland, or if you want to sit back and relax while somebody else does the driving, there are numerous Golden Circle tours to choose between. You can leave Reykjavik in the morning with a guide and hit the highlights before returning to the city in the evening.

golden tour map

You can visit Iceland at any time of the year, so the best time to visit the Golden Circle largely depends on your tastes and preferences.

In the summertime, you can enjoy longer hours of daylight and bright, sunny days. You can spend longer enjoying the sights without having to rush back to the city before darkness falls. In the winter, you can enjoy the icy landscapes and might even spot the wondrous Northern Lights. Each time of year offers a different, but amazing, experience.

golden tour map

Must-visit Attractions on the Golden Circle Route

Assuming you start the Golden Circle loop traveling clockwise, you’ll come to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park. Written in English as Thingvellir, it was the country’s first national park. It has cultural as well as geological significance.

The Althing, Iceland’s first parliament, was located at Thingvellir. The parliament first met here in the year 930 AD, some half a century after the country was first settled. Meetings took place during the warmer summer months with Icelandic people coming from all around the country.

Parliamentary sessions covered various matters, including judicial hearings and implementing legislation. The parliament played a huge role in shaping the cultural heritage that can be experienced in Iceland today.

Thingvellir was specifically chosen as the location for the Althing because it was fairly convenient to access from different parts of Iceland. Parliament continued to sit at Thingvellir up to the late 1790s.

Thingvellir isn’t just a special historic and cultural place though; it also has lots of fascinating geological aspects and nature.

The island of Iceland sits across two continental plates: the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate. As the two plates gradually move away from each other, a gaping rift is created on the Earth’s surface. Thingvellir is in the rift valley, and visitors can not only see the huge cracks, but it’s also possible to go walking in the unusual fissures. Some areas have water, and it’s possible to snorkel and dive in the chasms.

Don’t miss visiting Oxararfoss waterfall while in the national park. The pretty cascade is around a 10-minute walk from the carpark. A number of walking trails lead through the park if you have longer to spend here.

You may recognize some spots as you explore, especially if you’re a Game of Thrones fan. Several scenes were filmed around the national park. See the Bloody Gate from Season 4, marking the path to the Eyrie. If you want to discover even more GOT locations, check out our Game of Thrones guide for Iceland.

There are no entry charges for Thingvellir National Park, though small parking charges apply if you’re driving yourself. With so much to see and do, plan to spend at least an hour (perhaps longer) at the national park.

golden tour map

Continuing clockwise for about an hour from Thingvellir National Park, the next must-see attraction is Geysir Geothermal Area / Field.

The name Geysir means to gush, and it’s where the word geyser (a hot spring that sometimes spurts hot jets of water and steam) originates from. Indeed, the first written record of a geyser is the one at Geysir.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that you’ll find plenty of geothermal magic at Geysir Geothermal Area. There are hot springs, bubbling pools of heated water, warm mud pots, fissures that belch steam and gases (fumaroles), and, of course, geysers. You’ll find two of the most famous geysers in Iceland here, the namesake Geysir and the frequently erupting Strokkur.

Thought to have been erupting for some 10,000 years, Geysir is fairly inactive these days. If you are lucky enough to catch the famous geyser in action, though, you’re in for a real treat—boiling water shoots more than 120 meters into the air, surrounded by a cloud of steam.

Sitting close to Geysir is Strokkur, the area’s main star for most visitors today. Eruptions occur every five to ten minutes, with the reliable and frequent jets a marvelous sight to behold. Water and steam typically reach between 15 and 20 meters high, though they can sometimes be as high as 40 meters.

Do take care when exploring the area, as there’s lots of boiling water leaking from the ground in many places. Additionally, steam can be scalding too. Stick to the marked walking paths and don’t go beyond safety ropes; it’s for your own safety and wellbeing!

There are no charges to enter Geysir Geothermal Area, and there’s also free onsite parking.

golden tour map

The third major destination along the Golden Circle is Gullfoss Waterfall (golden falls), the beautiful falls after which the Golden Circle is named. One of the most spectacular cascades in the whole country, it’s definitely worthy of a place on any Iceland bucket list.

Just a short drive of around ten minutes from Geysir, Gullfoss sits on the Hvítá River. The falls are split into two levels. The first tier is around 11 meters high, while the second level is almost twice as high, at around 21 meters. The two stages are broken by wide steps that completely cross the river’s width. Around 138,753 liters of water gushes over the immense falls every single second during the summer.

The falls are truly amazing when viewed from any vantage point. You can see the cascades from two main areas, with higher and lower observation points. Follow the steps that link the two main areas for different views. With more time to enjoy the mighty falls, you can also follow the river at the top of the waterfall for yet another perspective.

Gullfoss is spectacular at all times of the year. In the summer, the falls are surrounded by verdant foliage and you may catch rainbows sparkling in the spray. Over the winter, snow-covered landscapes engulf the falls for as far as the eye can see.

The site has a visitor center, cafe, and shop. There are two parking areas, one at the top of the falls and one at the bottom. There’s no charge to park and it’s free to visit the stunning waterfall.

golden tour map

Other Recommended Attractions and Things to Do Near the Golden Circle

A church has stood at Thingvellir since Christianity arrived in the area. The present church dates back to 1859. It’s a quaint church with attractive interiors. Thingvallakirkja Church is open daily from 9 am to 5 am during the summer.

golden tour map

Another attraction to add to your list if spending more time in Thingvellir National Park is the fascinating Gjabakkahellir. It’s a 364-meter-long lava tube that was created during a volcanic eruption around 9,000 years ago. You can enter the lava tube from either end, and it’s just a short walk from the road. An unusual sight, the lava tube is especially enchanting in the winter when ice sculptures form in the darkness.

golden tour map

Silfra Fissure is a relatively new chasm between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. The fissure was formed after a large earthquake in the late 1780s. The gap in the Earth’s surface is filled with meltwater from one of Iceland’s biggest glaciers, Langjökull.

It takes around a century for the meltwater to travel 30 miles via a lava field to fill up the fissure. The water is, therefore, incredibly pure. It’s possible to see up to 100 meters under the clear water. Snorkeling and diving here is certainly unique and exciting.

golden tour map

There are numerous geothermal springs and pools around Iceland, including the renowned Blue Lagoon near the capital to warm rivers and hot pools in various parts of the country. Many visitors dream of soaking in Iceland’s hot springs.

There are several places where you can relax in geothermal waters around the Golden Circle, including the popular Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths. The naturally warm water at Laugarvatn Fontana has been attracting visitors since 1929.

You can soak up the glorious lake vistas while bathing in relaxingly warm pools, soak in hot tubs, and rejuvenate in steam rooms and the sauna. You can also brace yourself and take a dip in the shimmering cold waters of the lake.

Don’t miss trying the local lava bread too. The facility bakes its own bread, taking around 24 hours from start to finish using geothermal heat. The time is well worth it, though, as the bread is super tasty!

This tour takes you around the essential sights of the Golden Circle and includes admission to Fontana spa: The Golden Circle & Fontana Wellness

golden tour map

Established in 1930, Sólheimar is the oldest eco-village in Europe. It’s also among the oldest such villages across the globe.

With a permanent community of around 100 people, the village was created using a combination of Christian teachings and the musing of Rudolf Steiner, a famous philosopher.

The unique sustainable village is one of Iceland’s biggest suppliers of organic produce. Pop into the cafe, situated inside a greenhouse heated by geothermal energy, for healthy refreshments. You can also pick up locally grown organic vegetables and delectable baked goods in the shop. The shop also sells terrific souvenir items, such as artisan wooden toys, handmade soaps and candles, pottery, arts, and crafts.

Visit the exhibition area to learn more about sustainable living and eco-friendly architecture. There are regular events, including art workshops, music recitals, sporting events, and informative lectures. The village is also home to a couple of guesthouses if you fancy experiencing the eco-lifestyle for longer.

golden tour map

Located on the Tungufljót River, Faxi Waterfall is sometimes said to be a mini version of the more famous Gullfoss Waterfall. Although the water only falls around seven meters in total, the waterfall’s main beauty is in its 80-meter width. The flow of water is said to be like that of Gullfoss, although Faxi definitely isn’t as thunderous!

Sometimes also known as Vatnsleysufoss, Faxi Waterfall’s name is thought to come from the Icelandic word fax, which is a horse’s mane. The cascades do seem to take on a flow rather like that of a mane as the horse gallops through the wind.

Peaceful and scenic, Faxi Waterfall has another interesting aspect; there’s a man-made ladder for fish at the side! The ladder was constructed to assist salmon when trying to swim upstream. The river is teeming with salmon and is a popular spot for fishing.

golden tour map

The stunning Kerid Crater is a common stop on Golden Circle day trips. Located close to Selfoss, just off Route 5, the beautiful caldera was created around 6,500 years ago.

The water-filled crater shimmers in the sunlight, the aquamarine waters contrasting perfectly with the colorful rocks around the edges. The rocks are hues of deep orange and red, with green and black streaks breaking up the fiery tones.

The oval shape of the crater creates wonderful acoustics, and a number of performers have held concerts in this magical place.

There’s a small charge to enjoy the crater, and there’s a car park close by.

golden tour map

A terrific family-friendly stop along the Golden Circle, Slakki Petting Zoo and Family Park has plenty to keep little ones happy. Come face to face with a range of small creatures, including rabbits, dogs, cats, cows, and sheep. There are fish in the aquariums and birdlife includes chickens, ducks, and geese. Call into the restaurant for a tasty meal, and escape the weather with a game of indoor mini-golf.

golden tour map

Located in Fludir, the Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool. Built in the early 1890s, it is known locally as Gamla Laugin. Filled by the nearby hot springs, the pool’s water maintains a pleasant year-round temperature of 38-40°C (100-104°F).

After a period of disrepair and disuse, the pool opened to the public again in 2014. Facilities include bathrooms, changing rooms, and a cafe.

Feel your cares simply drifting away as you unwind in the warm waters and enjoy the views. You can also follow the walking trail around the pool for great views of the geothermal landscapes.

The Secret Lagoon isn’t so secret these days and is rapidly growing in popularity among tourists. It’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

golden tour map

While Gullfoss Waterfall is the most famous waterfall around the Golden Circle, the route boasts a number of other superb falls too. Tucked away from the main road, these hidden jewels are well worth a stop when driving yourself around the loop.

Helgufoss Waterfall is one such cascading beauty. Situated in the Mosfellsdalur Valley, it lies just a short distance from Route 36 between Reykjavik and Thingvellir. Water tumbles 12 meters down a moss-covered cliff, with pastoral scenes stretching into the distance.

golden tour map

This magnificent waterfall is like many other waterfalls in Iceland, something you should not miss. It is often called Iceland’s bluest waterfall. Brúarfoss is part of the Brúará river, which is composed of meltwater from Langjökull glacier. It runs wide above the waterfall and then the water falls into a narrow crack in the middle of the riverbed.

The waterfall is located between Geysir Geothermal Area and Laugarvatn on road no. 37.

The hiking trail starts from the carpark by the river and the distance to the waterfall is around 3 km one way. During this trail, you will also see two other beautiful waterfalls: Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss .

golden tour map

The Hvítá River is sourced from Hvítárvatn, a glacial lake created by meltwater from the large glacier of Langjökull. It is the Hvítá River that flows through Iceland’s famous Gullfoss Waterfall.

It’s one of the country’s most beloved rivers for rafting and tours by river jet, and locals often enjoy fishing for salmon in the beautiful milky-blue waters. River tours lead through eye-catching scenery, with soaring basalt columns and impressive rock formations surrounding the canyon.

Whitewater rafting in Hvíta river on Golden Cirlce

The family-operated Fridheimar Tomato and Horse Farm is situated around half an hour’s drive from Gullfoss Waterfall. Something of an unusual attraction in Iceland, tomatoes thrive in the greenhouses, with heat and light to replicate conditions in the Mediterranean region. It’s certainly rather strange to experience such a farm, especially when the weather outside is cold and wet.

The farm uses eco-friendly energy and modern technology, with naturally heated geothermal waters providing the necessary heat for the plants. Computerized climate-control systems monitor the temperature, lighting, humidity, and gas emissions inside the greenhouses to ensure the perfect growing conditions for the three varieties of tomatoes. The farm produces around 370 tons of tomatoes each year. Cucumbers are also grown here.

Learn more about the farm and taste the fruits of its labor in the restaurant. Set amid the plants in a toasty warm greenhouse, the eatery dishes up a variety of tomato-based dishes. From steaming bowls of tomato soup and mussels in a tomato seafood sauce to sweet treats like green tomato and apple pie and tomato-flavored ice cream, there’s something to suit any tomato-lover’s palate. You can even sip on tomato beer while dining!

Often a hit with younger visitors, the farm is also known for its horses. The farm breeds and shows horses, with several having proudly won first prize in events. Fridheimar Farm holds its own horse showing event each summer, called “A Meeting with the Icelandic Horse”. Attendees can learn all about the Icelandic horse, first brought to the island in the first century AD by early Scandinavian settlers.

golden tour map

The picturesque Reykjadalur, AKA the Valley of Steam, is a geothermal area near to the southern town of Hveragerði. A warm river flows through the area, perfect for bathing. Hot springs feed the river with boiling water, which is then cooled with rainwater and glacial meltwater. The result is a river that varies in temperature depending on the location—move up or down the flow to find your ideal temperature before plunging in.

Reykjadalur is also a popular spot for summertime hiking. Colorful wildflowers and lush greenery fill the valley and hills, and the natural chemicals from underground stain the soil in striking shades of red, yellow, green, and blue.

golden tour map

During the medieval era, Skálholt was one of Iceland’s major towns. Between the 1050s and 1780s, it was a significant hub for political matters, education, religion, and culture. In times gone by, it was the largest town in the whole of Iceland.

In the past, the area was surrounded by farms, smithies, and workshops, and there was also a monastery. In 1056, Iceland’s first official school was created in Skálholt, set up to provide an education for the clergy.

Tourists visit Skálholt today to learn more about the town’s important history and heritage. Over the summer months of July and August, the cathedral hosts a weekend music festival.

golden tour map

Thurufoss Waterfall is another attractive waterfall on the Golden Circle. Located on the Laxá í Kjós River, water flows over a few rocks and steps before crashing down a larger cascade. The final drop is wide and the waterfall has a rather unusual shape. Surrounded by raw, natural scenery, the offbeat waterfall is certainly worth a quick detour and photo stop if you’re driving yourself along the Golden Circle route. Follow Road 48 after Helgufoss Waterfall to reach a small parking area, from where you can enjoy Thorufoss.

golden tour map

The family-run Efstidalur Farm is a great stopping place on the Golden Circle. See the farm’s dairy cows and enjoy ice cream made using milk from the quaint farm. The homemade organic ice creams come in a variety of flavors. There’s also a restaurant where you can savor fresh, local tastes if you want something more substantial.

Situated in Selfoss, the Bobby Fischer Centre, known locally as Fischersetur, is one of just a few global museums in honor of a chess player. Learn all about the museum’s namesake—Bobby Fischer—who was a famous American chess player that spent three years living in Iceland.

In 1972, Bobby Fischer won the World Chess Championship. You can also visit the chess legend’s final resting place at the nearby Laugardaelir Church.

The museum opens from mid-May to mid-September. There’s a small admission cost.

golden tour map

If you’re looking to combine a thrilling activity with your Golden Circle tour, try exciting snowmobiling at the dazzling Langjokull Glacier. On clear days, the sweeping views are incredible. There’s plenty of beauty to enjoy through the windows simply driving to the starting point too!

You can book a snowmobile tour on its own or add on a visit to a spectacular ice cave for even more adventure. Tour organizers collect participants from the nearby Gullfoss Waterfall.

golden tour map

Fans of off-the-beaten-track explorations should consider taking a detour to the remote Thjorsardalur Valley. Part of the Southern Highlands, visiting the valley on your excursion will add on an extra couple of hours. With a myriad of stunning natural attractions, the extra drive is well worth it!

Marvel at superb waterfalls that see few visitors, and enjoy the tranquil ambiance far from the crowds. Haifoss, Hjalparfoss, and Granni are just a few of the splendid cascades to visit in the picturesque Thjorsardalur Valley.

You can also enjoy hiking in the expansive Burfells Wood, something of an Icelandic forest rarity for its large size. Spot an array of flora, such as vibrant wildflowers, verdant trees, and various species of grass and moss.

golden tour map

Which of these amazing spots would you love to visit for your holiday? Get in touch  with our travel experts to start planning your  tailor-made vacation in Iceland .

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More currencies, golden tours: london hop-on hop-off tour with optional cruise.

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With over 70 stops across 4 well-planned routes, explore London on a bus that departs every 5 - 10 minutes.

Enjoy hop-on-hop-off privilege for 1 Day/24/48 or 72-hrs, which allows you to set the course of your trip, giving you complete flexibility over your schedule and itinerary.

The double-decker buses come with an open-top, free Wi-Fi facility, and an onboard 3D treasure hunt game which will keep you engaged, should you choose for some fun and light-hearted entertainment.

The routes are designed to give you the best of London, taking you through key landmark areas like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and more.

Enjoy the services of a live English-speaking guide on board the bus, as well as an audio guide available in 12 languages.

If you choose to purchase a 24/48 or 72-hour ticket, you will get a complimentary walking tour and a free boat ride on the River Thames.

Click here and here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

1 Day/24hr/48hr/72hr Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Pass

Live English-speaking guide on the Blue Route

Audioguide in 12 languages

3D Treasure Hunt Game

One mobility impairment access seating per bus

Complimentary walking tour (as per option selected)

River Thames Cruise (as per option selected)

Entrance tickets to attractions

Additional Gratuities

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Ratings & Reviews

Maria Olvido Tejedor Huerta

Why You Should Get On Board

London is a fantastic city that you can observe from the top deck of a red double-decker bus. The deck offers amazing photo opportunities that can’t otherwise be captured from the city streets. It’s also one of the easiest ways of getting around, especially if you’re a new-timer and you’re hard-pressed for time! The city streets of London are all carefully constructed to reflect its years of tradition. The life, culture, and diversity of this iconic city are nothing short of breathtaking. From the very dense urban center to the retro streets of London, the city thrives on its multicultural roots. There is much to see and do here, and safe to say the atmosphere and energy emitted by London can truly be intoxicating and staggering!

Know Before You Go

The Pick Up/Drop Off Service | Yellow Route

  • Operating in the morning, this route travels from the popular hotel districts to Central London. (Bayswater Road, Notting Hill, and Holland Park)

The Essential Tour | Blue Route

Popular stops on the route are Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral & more

Duration to complete loop: 3 Hours

Frequency: Approx. 20 to 30 min

First bus at 09:00 AM from Victoria all year round and the last bus is at 5:00 PM (April to October) and 4:30 (November to March)

The Classic Tour | Red Route

Popular stops on the route are the Tower of London, The London Eye, and Tower Bridge as well as London’s museum district.

First bus from Hyde Park Corner at 10:00 AM and the last bus is at 5:00 PM all year round

The Grand Tour | Orange Route

Popular stops on this route Buckingham Palace, Marble Arch, Paddington, Madame Tussauds, Kings Cross/St Pancras International, Russell Square, Holborn, St Pauls Cathedral, Tower of London, the London Eye, and Lambeth Palace.

Duration to complete loop: 2hours 30 minutes

First bus from Lambeth Palace at 10:00 AM and the last bus is at 5:00 PM all year around

***Free Hop-on-Hop-off Thames Boat Tour | Lilac Route (Valid for 24/48/72 Hr Tickets)***

This route is currently not operating

Popular stops on this route Parliament Square and St James’s Palace

Duration: 30 min

Frequency: Every 30 min

The first boat departs from Westminster Pier at 11 AM

Complimentary Walking Tours (Valid for 24/48/72 Hr Tickets)

Royal Walking Tour

Departure Time and Day: 10:00 AM Daily (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time)

Duration: 2 Hours

Departure Location: Bus Stop outside The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Gate, SW1A 1AA

Return Point: Westminster Abbey

Jack The Ripper Walking Tour

Departure Time and Daye: 3:30 PM Daily (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time)

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Departure Location: Ice Cream Refreshments stand next to the Tower Hill Station exit

Return Point: Near Liverpool Street Underground Station

Important Information

The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese & Arabic.

The 1-day pass is valid for 1 calendar day, whereas the 24/48/72 hour pass is valid for said number of hours. For example, if you book for 12 PM today, your pass will be valid until 12 PM the next day, in the case of a 24-hour pass.

The hop-on-hop-off River Thames boat ride is valid for 24 hours and can be used unlimited number of times between Westminster Pier and St Katharine’s Pier.

Choose from the Royal Walking Tour or Beatles London Walking Tour for your free walking tour included in the 24/48/72 hr ticket.

Stop 67, Lancaster Terrace opposite Lancaster London Hotel is out of service.

Passengers for the Yellow route should instead use Stop 66, Lancaster Gate stop LE. Passengers using the Orange route should use either Stop 17 on Park Lane or Stop 68 on Praed Street.

  • Walking tours will only be available in English.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Carry a printout of your voucher and hop on to the bus from any stop on the route. The driver will exchange it for the bus ticket.

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Golden Tours

1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

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What you'll do

LIMITED-TIME SPECIAL OFFER: enjoy a FREE upgrade to a 2-day Hop-On Hop-Off ticket with Big Bus if you visit before March 21. Your pass must still be valid to redeem this offer.

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.

Please note: you can redeem your pass for a 1-day ticket on either  Golden Tours or Big Bus. Your bus ticket is then valid for the remainder of the date you redeem your pass on and is valid only on your selected service.

Sit back, relax, and take in the views of London with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. Choose from two different operators with your pass, both of which will allow you to 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. For the ultimate experience, consider Golden Tours or Big Bus. With their 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  either  a Golden Tours bus or a Big Bus.

  • For details of the route, stopping points, and days of operation for Golden Tours, please visit  goldentours.com .
  • 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  Golden Tours website  or 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  Golden Tours website  or 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 here for  Golden Tours  or   Big Bus .

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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Big savings, bucket-list experiences, all in one place, sign up now for an exclusive discount.

Join our mailing list and receive a 5% discount code straight away! Plus, you'll be the first to receive future offers, trip inspiration and so much more!

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Golden Tours London

London golden tours hop-on hop-off bus tours 2024.

The Golden Tours Company has been a legendary name in the travel industry in London and the UK. Started in 1984, it has decades of experience in running city tours, day trips, and open bus tours across London and the UK. They are also famous for their Hop-On Hop-Off tours .

The easily recognizable blue and white Golden Tours open-top buses can be seen across the city, stopping at over 70 bus stations near London’s major attractions and landmarks. 

The London Golden Tours are one of the best Hop-on Hop-off experiences in the city and offer over 70 stops, excellent routing, comfortable coaches, and an array of freebies and services. Golden Tours also has special partnerships with attractions in London to offer discounts on entrance tickets. 

A London Golden Tours HOHO ticket is one assured way of ensuring that you have a comfortable experience sightseeing while you save on money and time!

Buy London Golden Tour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour Tickets

Why choose london golden tours.

London Golden Tours

Visit Top Landmarks: The London Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off bus routes are designed to be within close walking distance to major landmarks with more than 70 stops.

Easy to Use: One of the best ways to avoid the stress of planning your transportation in a new city is by taking the Golden Tours HOHO bus tours. Their well-planned fixed routes make it easy to plan an itinerary.

Multiple Routes: The London Golden Tours operates along the Classic Tour (Blue Route), the Essential Tour (Red Route), and morning pick-up and evening drop-off bus routes.

Audio Guides: With London Golden Tours you can save money on transportation while listening to pre-recorded commentary in 11 languages to learn about the attractions as you pass them.

Your London Golden Tour Ticket Options Explained

london golden tours

  • Valid for 1 calendar day
  • Open-top buses
  • Live English-speaking Guide
  • Audioguide in 11 languages
  • 3D Treasure Hunt Game

london golden tours

  • Valid for 24 hrs
  • River Thames cruise
  • Complimentary walking tour

golden tour map

  • Valid for 48 hrs

golden tour map

  • Valid for 72 hrs

Audio guide languages are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic.

Flexible Cancelation Policy: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours in advance.

Discounted Ticket: Get tickets for children aged 5-15 and family tickets (for 2 adults and 2 children) at a reduced price.

London Golden Tours Timetable

  • Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Frequency: Every 20 minutes
  • Loop: 3 Hours

Blue Routes

Orange route.

  • Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Loop: 2 Hours

Yellow Route

  • Timing: 8 AM to 10 AM
  • Loop: 1.5 Hours

Green Route

  • Timing: 6 PM to 10 PM
  • Timing:  9 AM to 5 PM
  • Frequency:  Every 30 minutes
  • Duration:  Approx. 30 minutes

London Golden Tours Routes

golden tour map

Classic Tour (Blue Route)

The Classic Tour/Blue Route takes you to all the main Central London landmarks, including Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, 10 Downing Street, the London Eye, the London Eye, Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, Madame Tussauds and many more

The first bus starts at 9:30 AM from Victoria all year round and the last bus is at 6:30 PM.

Essential Tour (Red Route)

The Essential Tour/Red Route is perfect for visitors that want to see the best of Central and North of London. It covers Hyde Park, Regents Park, London Zoo, Madame Tussauds, the British Museum, and Kings Cross, as well as many of Central London, highlights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye.

The first bus departs from Hyde Park Corner at 9 AM and the last bus is at 5:30 PM all year round. The entire loop takes approximately 3 hours to finish.

The Museum Tour (Orange Route)

Discover London's top museums such as the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum as well as the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Buckingham Palace. 

The first bus departs from Hyde Park Corner at 10:22 AM and the last bus is at 5 PM all year round. The entire loop takes approximately 3 hours to finish.

The Morning Pick-Up Service (Yellow) is a way for you to conveniently travel from the hotel region of West London, including Bayswater Road, Notting Hill, and Holland Park, into Central London. There are two main pick-up services, one in Kensington and one in Bayswater.

In the morning, the first bus leaves Holland Park at 7:45 AM, and the last bus is at 9:30 AM.

The Evening Drop-off Service (Green) is a way for visitors to return to the hotel region of West London, including Bayswater Road, Notting Hill, and Holland Park, into Central London. 

In the evening the first bus leaves from Lancaster Gate at 6 PM and the last bus is at 10:15 PM.

This complimentary one-way River Tour takes you down the River Thames. It departs from Westminster Pier near The Houses of Parliament and stops at Tower Bridge Quay near The Tower of London, and at Greenwich Quay.

The first boat departs from Westminster Pier at 11 AM the last one leaves at 6:30 PM. The entire cruise takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Download Map of All Routes >

Suggested London Big Bus Itineraries

Here are some suggested Big Bus HOHO routes you can follow in London:

golden tour map

Choose the 1 day/24-hour ticket and opt for the complimentary river cruise. Start your day by taking the Essential Tour or the Red Route which will take you through all the iconic sights in London. You can take time and explore Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. You can also see the British Museum, Madame Tussauds, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and the London Zoo. End the day with a cruise down the Thames and stop at the Tower of London to see its sights.

golden tour map

Day 1 – You should start your day by taking the Classic Tour or the Blue Route. Visit Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the other attraction in central London. Then head to the museum district including Victoria & Albert Hall, Kensington Palace, and Gardens.

Day 2 – Use the day to spend time on the Essential Tour or the Red Route. Head to Madame Tussauds or the Sherlock Holmes Museum and then take the long route towards British Museum. Later on, spend the afternoon at London’s attractions like the London Eye, and the SeLife Aquarium. End the day with a relaxing cruise on the Thames and watch the sunset over London’s skyline.

golden tour map

Day 1  – Start by going on the Classic Tour or the Blue Route which will take you to Buckingham Palace and through the museum quarter. You can visit the Victoria & Albert Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and Kensington Palace and stroll through Hyde Park to end your day.

Day 2  – Use this day to go on the complimentary River Cruise and start exploring all the sights along the Thames. Start at Westminster Abbey and the nearby Downstreet and Churchill War Museum before hopping on the boat at Westminster Pier and heading to the Tower of London. Finally, spend time at iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and go up to the observation deck at the London Eye. Don't miss the SEA LIFE Aquarium and London Dungeon.

Day 3  – Spend the last day in London by taking the Essential Tour or the Red Route. You can visit attractions like the British Museum, Regent's Park, the London Zoo, Madame Tussauds, and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. End your day by heading to Oxford Circus and browsing the shops and restaurants around Oxford Street and Regent Street.

Highlights of the London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

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Westminster Abbey

One of the UK’s most important religious buildings, Westminster Abbey the burial and memorial site of writers, actors, scientists, thinkers, and other famous historical significant figures.

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Parliament Square

Parliament Square has some of the capital’s most iconic buildings including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and statues of famous leaders and historical figures.

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Experience a breathtaking view of London from atop the 443-feet high London Eye observation wheel located near the River Thames,  for a unique perspective of London.

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London Bridge

Just off the banks of River Thames, the London Bridge area is famous for its restaurants and the Tower Bridge. Often confused with the London Bridge, the Tower Bridge has stunning river views.

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River Thames

Explore the beautiful River Thames on a  River Cruise . Travel under the London Bridge, see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and admire the Festival Hall and the London Eye.

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Buckingham Palace

Visit the Queen’s residence at Buckingham Palace . Stroll through the vast palatial gardens and witness the Change of Guards ceremony, at this treasure trove of royal experiences.

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St. Paul's Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of Europe’s largest cathedrals Listen to the haunting acoustics in the Whispering Gallery and soaking in the breathtaking views offered by the cathedral's galleries.

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Madame Tussauds

Home to lifelike wax figures of over 250 celebrities, at  Madame Tussauds you can see the Royal Family, Benedict Cumberbatch, James Bond, and more.

London Big Bus Visitor Tips and Guidelines

  • Golden Tours is the only operator which offers both variants – 1 Day and 24 Hours, be mindful of which variant you are purchasing. The 1 Day variant is valid for a calendar day, which means if you activate it on 10 AM Monday it will work only until 11:59 PM Monday. The 24 Hours variant is valid for 24 hours, which means if you activate it on 10 AM Monday it will be valid till 10 AM on Tuesday.
  • Audio Guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese and Arabic.
  • Each bus has space for one fold-away pushchair and a wheelchair on the lower deck.
  • Children under 5 years of age travel free.
  • Golden Tours offers a river cruise pass which is valid for 24 hours. When you plan your itinerary make sure to activate it according to when you might use it to the maximum. The best thing about the pass is that it works like a hop-on and hop-off pass, you can get on and off as many times you want.
  • Make sure to pre-book tickets and check the holiday schedule for the attractions. Golden Tours has online maps that will help you plan your journey in advance.
  • If you are short on time, the best way to soak in all the sights is to take a round loop of the Grand Tour or the Orange Tour. It covers all the main tourist attractions in London except for the museum quarter.
  • Golden Tours HOHO has an exclusive treasure hunt app that will allow you to collect points as you travel across the city. At the end of your journey, you can redeem the points for discounts, freebies, and other gifts.
  • The top deck seats are much in demand and if you are looking forward to completing a loop it is best to board the bus at the first point of departure, as you can get the seat of your choice. Also, remember that buses drive on the right side of the road and you will get better views if you seat on the right side of the bus.
  • There is no predicting London weather; while there is enough covered space on the bus it is best to carry rainproof gear. Umbrellas are usually not allowed to be opened on board for the safety of other passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions About London Golden Tours

A. Golden Tours is one of the top hop-on hop-off tours in London.

A. Hop-on hop-off buses are tourist buses that allow you to board and leave whenever you like and sightsee at your own convenience.

A. You can purchase London Golden Tours hop on hop off bus tour tickets online .

A. Yes, you can buy London Golden Tours hop-on-hop-off tickets online here .

A. There are multiple hop-on hop-off bus tours, most of which begin from £28.80.

A. London Golden Tours hop-on hop-off bus tours run at a frequency of 30 to 60 minutes.

A. There are four Golden Tours tour routes in London - the red, blue, and the yellow & green links.

A. Yes, you will get access to audio guides available in up to 11 languages to learn more about the city.

A. Yes, the London Golden Tours hop-on hop-off tours are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.

golden tour map

The Golden Ring of Russia: Best Towns to Visit

What is the golden ring of russia, how to visit the golden ring.

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Top 5 Towns Worth Visiting in the Golden Ring

#1 suzdal & vladimir the great (best choice), #2 sergiyev posad, #3 pereslavl-zalesskiy, #4 yaroslavl, #5 rostov velikiy.

Golden Ring, off the beaten paths: Yuriev Polsky town

Golden Ring Itineraries

Golden Ring Itinerary

The most popular towns of the Golden Ring

Vladimir and suzdal.

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Rostov Velikiy

Golden Ring Tour: Yaroslavl

Photo by AirPano.ru

You may also like other r eal r ussia tours:.

<span style="font-weight: bold;">Vladimir and Suzdal tour<br></span>

Perhaps you already know, but there is a great difference between Moscow, St. Petersburg, and all other towns and cities in Russia. Visiting the countryside is a great opportunity to travel the real Russia and to see the common life of ordinary people. The best choice for a one-day Russian countryside experience is the Vladimir and Suzdal tour.

Vladimir and Suzdal are small towns that are famous worldwide because of their great history and picturesque architecture with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the 12th century. Aside from golden cupolas of stunning churches and monasteries, you will experience a very rural real Russian outlook with bubbling streams and grassy meadows, chickens and livestock, and interesting and authentic local residents. All are a common sight on the streets, some of which remain unpaved. Be ready for a full-day trip and many unforgettable experiences during your Russian holidays!

<span style="font-weight: bold;">From Moscow to St. Petersburg for 5 days<br></span>

•Road-tripping from Moscow to St. Petersburg

•Ecotour along the Volga River with visiting limestone quarries

•Real Russian countryside

•One day in a traditional Russian village

There is a great difference between Moscow, St. Petersburg, and all other Russia... The concept of this tour is to show you the real Russia with numerous small towns, pristine nature, abandoned churches and the life of people.

This tour does not include Golden Ring towns! Instead, you will see Staritsa town and Novgorod the Great, beautiful places to visit in Russia!

We will also visit an elderly couple living in a traditional Russia village. We will help them with their daily work - plowing the land (not by tractors, but by horses), caring for the livestock and cooking food in a traditional Russian oven… And surely we will taste some real fresh milk and eggs while they will be telling us about their common life, their habits, and the households.

The itinerary is perfect for those who are going to St. Petersburg. It takes only 4 hours to get there from Novgorod by a cheap local train.

Home

The Golden Ring Trip Introduction

golden tour map

Why Travel Along the Golden Ring?

Russian History & Architecture. The 'Golden Ring' route is known for the famous old cities and towns along the way, so one of the reasons to go there is to see Russian architecture, old churches made of white stone, hear the church bell rings, see old fortifications, fortresses, beautiful monasteries, and learn more about history of Russia. For such trip, the 'classical' route (Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy, Sergiev Posad) will be the most interesting. Just be careful: there are so many churches and monasteries, that it can become too much. Russian Countryside. If you're staying a few weeks in the busy Moscow, you might feel like taking a little break from the pollution, the cars and the noise of the capital after a moment. In the trip to the smallest towns of the 'Golden Ring' you will get to see calmer, slower, more peaceful life, walk around hilly countryside, and just rest. For such trip Suzdal and Rostov Veliky (both 3-4 hours by train or by bus from Moscow) are the best. Provincial Russia. Also, you'll be interested in going to the biggest towns of the Golden Ring, if you want to experience another, provincial way of life in Russia. Such towns as Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl can get you a pick of the Russian province: more traditional way of life, not yet as much westernized, fancy, and hectic as the big cities, with some relics of the Soviet times.

THE CITIES ALONG THE GOLDEN RING. The cities and towns of the Golden Ring counterclockwise direction:

VLADIMIR: The first town of the Golden Ring, 179 kilometers to the east of Moscow with 378 thousand people living there. It is located on the railway to Nizhniy Novgorod, and it is the first stop along the Trans-Siberian route. Vladimir is an old Russian town, it used to be capital of Russia in the 12th century. There are many interesting sights, like old churches, monasteries and museums, but the interest in the city is in its provincial atmosphere and its contrast with the big cities. [ read more about Vladimir ] SUZDAL: A calm ancient Russian town 38 kilometers north of Vladimir with around 13 thousand inhabitants. Suzdal is officially protected from the industries, and the old architecture and buildings are kept intact. The hilly green town is very seducing, walking around is a pleasure, the monasteries and old beautiful churches offer dreaming views. You can even camp freely along the small river 'Kamenka' that goes through the town, or next to the Kremlin or next to a monastery. Suzdal is the most similar to Rostov-Velikiy of all the towns along the Golden Ring, and the two towns are located almost the same distance from Moscow (though in different directions). [ read more about Suzdal ] IVANOVO: It is quite a big city (450 thousand inhabitants), located between Suzdal (70 kilometers to the south) and Kostroma. Ivanovo is a real Russian industrial city: grey residential buildings, dirty streets, polluted atmosphere, relics of the Soviet times kept intact. Perhaps, you will be happy just to go through this city, but it will be the most interesting stop along the Golden Ring if you want to get the taste of 'industrial' Russian province. [ read more about Ivanovo ] KOSTROMA: A surprisingly calm and inviting town, located on Volga river, 120 kilometers north of Ivanovo. The interest is to walk around the town, especially early morning, or late evening, and see the Ipatiev's Monastery on the other side of Volga. [ read more about Kostroma ] YAROSLAVL: Yaroslavl got its name from Yaroslav Mudry, who founded the town in the beginning of 11th century, at the place where Volga river meets Kotorosl. Now it is a large industrial city, the biggest along the Golden Ring (630 inhabitants), nevertheless very interesting because of its history, architecture, and city life. [ read more about Yaroslavl ] ROSTOV VELIKIY: An ancient Russian town located on the 'Nero' lake. The history of this place started 4 thousand years BC, when the first tribes stayed next to the lake. Until the 11th century the territory of Rostov was inhabited by the Finn-Ugors 'Meryans' people, and the city of Rostov was founded by them (it is known since the 9th century). Slowly they assimilated with the Slavs, who came from the south. Now it is a small town (32 thousand inhabitants), old buildings, the Kremlin, and authentic Russian architecture. Rostov is the most similar to Suzdal of all the towns along the Golden Ring, and the two towns are located almost the same distance from Moscow (though in different directions). [ read more about Rostov ] PERESLAVL-ZALESSKIY: An old Russian provincial town, famous for its many monasteries, old churches, the first boat build by little Peter the Great, and Pleshcheevo Lake (which has the status of national park from 1988). [ read more about Pereslavl ]

SUGGESTED ITINERARY. All the 7 main cities of the Golden Ring can be visited in 6-8 days. You can go in the counterclockwise or clockwise direction. We prefer the counterclockwise direction: 1st day, morning: Moscow. Take one of many daily trains or buses to Vladimir 1st day, late morning: Vladimir . Can be an interesting stop during the day trip to / from Suzdal, if you want to walk around this old town rich with history, see the old and impressive Assumtion Cathedral, Dmitri's Cathedral, and visit the local history and archelology museum. In this case, you can come to Vladimir in the morning (there are many daily trains and buses from Moscow) and then take an evening bus to Suzdal. If you want a pick of Russian province, it's better to come to Vladimir friday or saturday night, when the main street of the city rocks. You can party in a typical provincial cafe with Karaoke music and lots of vodka, play in one of many city's casinos, take a Soviet style room in Zarya hotel, make the sightseeing the next day, and then take an afternoon bus to Suzdal. 1st day, evening: Suzdal. Visit Suzdal's Kremlin, see the monasteries, have 'bliny' (russian pancakes) in a local cafe. Camp next to the Kremlin or anywhere else in this green, calm town and get woken up by the music of the church bells early in the morning. Walk in the green hilly village from one fairy tale dome monastery to another. In the afternoon you can take a bus to Kostroma. 2nd or 3rd day, afternoon: Ivanovo. Go through Ivanovo – a typical Russian industrial town, see the grey buildings with faded mosaics to the glory of Soviet heros. 3rd day, evening: Kostroma. Just walk around this pretty calm town on Volga river, sleep in a simple pier-hotel on the Volga river, or in an inviting 'Maash" guesthouse. The next day you can travel by hydrofoil on Volga river from Kostroma to Yaroslavl or take a daily morning elektrichka (train). 4th day, late morning: Yaroslavl. See one the biggest city in the northern part of Russia – the ancient and at the same time modern Yaroslavl. In the evening you can take a train or a bus to Rostov (1.5 hours). 4th day, evening: Rostov-Velikiy. Stay in an artist's house just on the shore of the lake 'Nero'. Visit the archeological museum in Rostov Kremlin, feel Russia's origins and learn more about history. Rent a boat and row on 'Nero' lake (just next to Rostov's Kremlin) to the shore where there is a nice beach to swim. Get dizzy in a cafe with the honey alcohol Miedavuka. Take an afternoon bus to Pereslavl-Zalesskiy. 5th day, late afternoon: Pereslavl-Zalesskiy. See old monasteries, churches, walk around this calm provincial town. Take an evening bus to Moscow. 5th day, late evening: Moscow.

The whole trip is approx. 678 kilometers (420 miles) long, the total time spent in the buses and trains: 15h30m

HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST. If you want to spend as little as you can, a trip to the Golden Ring will actually cost you less than living in Moscow or St Petersburg. It's cheaper to travel with someone, but even if you travel alone around the Golden Ring cities, you can spend in a day: around $10-$15 US on accomodation (cheapest doubles are also $10-$15 US for a room), around $4 US on food (day and evening meals in local reastaurants), $1-$2 US on a morning snack (yogourt for $0,5 US and a whole bread for $0.25 US and a fruit for $0.25 US), around $8 for all museums you'll want to visit (if you decide to pay), around $20 US for transport (the whole way from Moscow counterclockwise back to Moscow, suggested in the itinerary above), the city transport costs around $0.1 US for a trip, so not more than $5 US a day. So, for the 5-day itinerary suggested above the whole trip will cost around $40 + $20 + $5 + $6 + $20 = $85 US. If you're a camper, well, it will be a nice experience and it'll make the trip even cheaper.

Your Comments & Questions: If you have something to say (or ask) and you want it to be posted on this page, please, leave your message below. We will put on this page the most interesting comments and questions. You can also leave a message in the "All Russia" section of our Talk Lounge forum.

THE DISTANCES AND TIMES BETWEEN THE CITIES. If you want to know the distance and the time (by train and by bus) between the cities of the Golden Ring, look at the crossing of the corresponding row and column. 'MOS' is Moscow, 'VLA' - Vladimir, 'SUZ' - Suzdal, 'IVA' - Ivanovo, 'KOS' - Kostroma, 'YAR' - Yaroslavl, 'ROS' - Rostov Velikiy, 'P-Z' - Pereslavl-Zalesskiy. The first number is the distance (in kilometers), 'T' is for the time it takes by train, 'B' is for the time it takes by bus. Times are given only if there's a direct connection between two cities. For example, the distance between Vladimir and Suzdal is 38 kilometers, it takes 1 hour 10 minutes to get from Vladimir to Suzdal by bus, and there are no trains between the two cities.

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