Are you considering a bus tour of London? Not sure what is available or which one is the best for you? We have you covered in our complete guide to the best bus tours of London
Are you planning to visit London and want to take one of the many bus tours of the capital that are on offer? With so many to choose from you may be wondering which one is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we compare some of the best available bus tours of London to provide you with a detailed breakdown and help you pick the right one for you.
A bus tour is a perfect introduction to London and is a great way to get oriented with the city without being too tiring. One option is to walk between all the main sights, landmarks and attractions but this can be hard work if you are not used to so much walking. The Tube is another great way to get around London but as you will be underground you won’t see anything!
An added bonus on many of the available tours is the live guides or audio commentaries on board. These help you to learn about the city’s history, culture, and architecture as you travel around. Many are multilingual too.
Some of the bus tours include a free cruise too which is an added bonus if you would like to see London from the comfort of a boat. (You can find my comparison guide to the best London boat trips and cruises here!
We have included the best hop-on hop-off London bus tours, Christmas bus tours, night bus tours, afternoon tea London bus tours and even a comedy ghost-themed bus tour and a Bar Bus! Plenty of choices and I am sure you will find at least one bus tour for your London visit.
- 🏆 Summary of the best bus tours of London
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour
- Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
- London Panoramic Bus Tour
- London Tootbus Kids Tour
- Tootbus London Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- London Tootbus Bar Bus
- Big London Ticket: London Eye, Big Bus & Thames River Cruise
- London by Night Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour
- Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London
- Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
- Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus in London
- Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour
- London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Open Top Bus
- Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour
- Christmas Lights Bus Tour
- The London Pass free hop-on hop-off bus
- Plan your visit to London
- London Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks)
🏆 Summary of the best bus tours of London
🚏 Best hop-on hop-off bus tour – Choose between the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour or the Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
👭 Best bus tour for children – London Tootbus Kids Tour
🎄 Best bus tour for Christmas lights – London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Open Top Bus
🫖 Best bus tour for afternoon tea – Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
💵 Best value bus tour – The London Pass is great value if you plan to see lots of sights as it is included for free!
| NAME | DURATION? | INCLUDES CRUISE? | ACCESSIBLE FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS? | BEST FOR? | COST | MAKE A BOOKING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour | 24, 48 or 72 hours | YES | YES | First-time visitors to London | From £30pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour | 24, 48 or 72 hours | YES | YES | First-time visitors to London | From £39pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| London Panoramic Bus Tour | 2 hours | NO | NO | First-time visitors to London | From £26.50pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| London Tootbus Kids Tour | 45 mins | NO | YES | Kids! | From £16pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| Tootbus London Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour | 24 hours | NO | YES | See essential sights. Child-friendly audio guide. | From £29pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| London Tootbus Bar Bus | 90 mins | NO | NO | Over 18 only | From £29.75pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| Big London Ticket: London Eye, Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus & Thames River Cruise | 24, 48 or 72 hours | YES | YES | Includes evening tour (Premium and Premium+ tickets only) | From £39pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| London by Night Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour | 90 mins | NO | YES | Enjoy the sights of London at night with a live guide | From £24pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London | 90 mins | NO | NO | Those seeking an alternative afternoon tea experience | From £45pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| Afternoon Tea Bus Tour | 90 mins | NO | NO | Afternoon tea with tour guide | From £55pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus | 85 mins | NO | NO | Variety of afternoon teas available! | From £60pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour | 75 mins | NO | NO | Those looking for something a little different! | From £27pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Bus Open Top | 75 mins | NO | NO | Getting in the festive spirit (and avoiding the crowds) | From £27pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour | 45 mins | NO | YES | Great festive tour for kids | From £25pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
| Christmas Lights Bus Tour | 100 mins | NO | NO | Getting in the festive spirit (and avoiding the crowds) | From £22pp | CLICK TO BOOK |
Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour
| Double-decker bus? | Duration | Audio commentary? | Free river cruise? | Wheelchair accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 24/48/72 hours | ✅ | ✅* | ✅ |
*When you purchase a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour ticket
Discover London’s most iconic sights on this hop-on hop-off city tour. An onboard audio commentary will get you up to speed on the city’s history and culture as you enjoy panoramic views.
Good to know
- First departure is at 9am the last departure at 5:10pm.
- Buses are every 30 mins
- Take the full loop over 2.5 hours (without stopping off)
Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
| Double-decker bus? | Duration | Audio commentary | Free river cruise? | Wheelchair accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 24/48/72 hours | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
See London’s famous landmarks and listen to the audio commentary (available in 5 languages) as you go. Hop off and explore at leisure before hopping back on for your next stop. This tour includes a choice of 3 tickets with the Premium and Premium Plus tickets including a panoramic evening tour and return river cruises.
Good to know
- Includes 2 bus routes but one (the blue route) is seasonal so do check at booking.
Click to book the Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
London Panoramic Bus Tour
| Double-decker bus? | Length of tour | Live commentary | Wheelchair accessible |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 2 hours | ✅ | ❌ |
Panoramic 2 hours tour of London’s famous landmarks. This is not a hop-on hop-off bus so you will need to stay on the bus for the duration of the tour.
Good to know
- Multilingual audio guide in 11 languages.
- Live tour guide (English)
London Tootbus Kids Tour
| Double-decker bus? | Length of tour | Live commentary | Wheelchair accessible |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 45 mins | ✅ | ✅ |
The BEST bus tour for children aged 6 – 12. Introduce them to the history of London on this 45-minute bus tour. Listen to the live kid-friendly guided commentary on this tour designed especially for them!
Good to know
- Free access to the Tootbus app so you can prepare children for the visit ahead.
- Arrive early for the best seats!
- Meeting point at Charles II Street, St James’s.
Tootbus London Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
| Double-decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Audio commentary? | London cruise included? | Wheelchair accessible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 24 hours | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Board the bus at one of 8 conveniently located stops in central London and enjoy the views of London’s most famous sights and landmarks as you travel around the city.
Good to know
- Audio commentary on bus devices for adults and kids
- Free earphones
- Wi-fi on board the bus
- Access to app including bus tracking, points of interest, adults and kids commentary, and self-guided walking tours
Click to book the Tootbus London Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
London Tootbus Bar Bus
| Double-decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Included? |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 90 mins | The choice between 2 cans of Gin&Tonic, 2 Meantime London Lagers or Soft Drinks |
Fancy a rooftop terrace over London? Why not try the Bar Bus and enjoy the most original of them all!
Good to know
- Don’t forget your ID if you look like you are under 25!
Big London Ticket: London Eye, Big Bus & Thames River Cruise
| Double-decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Audio commentary? | London cruise included? | Extras included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 24/48/72 hours | ✅ | ✅ | London Eye/ Panoramic Evening tour* |
Enjoy the top sights and landmarks of London plus some additional extras including a free London river cruise, tickets for the London Eye and a Panoramic evening tour. *
*Premium and Premium Plus tickets only
Good to know
- Recorded commentary in 5 different languages
- Free wifi on-board every bus
Click to book the Big London Ticket: London Eye, Big Bus & Thames River Cruise
London by Night Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour
| Double-decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Live guide? | London cruise included? | Wheelchair accessible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 90 mins | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Explore the city of London at night on this 90-minute bus tour. Your guide will provide historical information as you pass St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, sharing fun stories about the city along the way! This tour is perfect for families or groups of friends looking to have a great time.
Good to know
- Meet at the bus stop next to the Ritz Hotel by Green Park Tube station
- Note that during the months of May, June and July for the earlier tours it may still be daylight and not entirely dark
Click to book the London by Night Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour
Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London
| Double-decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Audio commentary? | Food and drink? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 90 mins | ❌ | ✅ |
Take a tour of the best of London whilst enjoying an afternoon tea! Includes an assortment of savoury and sweet treats.
Good to know
- Enjoy a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink
- Seating on the lower or upper deck depending on the option selected
- Contact the supplier 72 hours prior to travel to confirm your choice of menu
- Meeting point varies depending on whether you choose upper or lower deck option
Click to book the Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London
Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
| Double-decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Live guide? | Food and drink? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 90 mins | ✅ | ✅ |
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea whilst viewing some of London’s famous landmarks including Big Ben, the House of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
Good to know
- Note that there are no toilets on board.
- Submit dietary requirements when booking
- Meeting point at Victoria Coach Station
Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus in London
| Double Decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Live guide? | Food and drink? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 85 mins | ❌ | ✅ |
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea on a traditional London bus while you tour the sights and landmarks of the city. Onboard commentary is provided.
Good to know
- Note that there are no toilets on board
- Non refundable
- Meeting point at a Victoria Coach Station or 8 Northumberland Avenue
Click to book Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus in London
Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour
| Double-decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Audio commentary? |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 75 mins | ✅ |
Enjoy the scariest tour in town on the Ghost bus! You’ll get to see all of the spooky and haunted places in town with the creepy conductor who is your guide along the way. But be warned: he might tell you some things that are better left hidden.
Good to know
- Meet at Northumberland Avenue outside the Grand Hotel
- Smoking, eating and drinks other than bottled water are not permitted on the bus.
London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Open Top Bus
| Double-decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Audio commentary? |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 75 mins | ✅ |
Avoid the crowds and get the best views on this wonderful open-top vintage bus tour of London’s spectacular Christmas lights including Oxford Street and Harrod’s Christmas window displays.
Enjoy the commentary by your tour guide as you enjoy the tour.
Good to know
- Meet outside the Grand Hotel at 8 Northumberland Avenue
- Arrive early to choose your seat
- Don’t forget to wrap up warmly!
Click to book the London Christmas Lights Tour on a vintage London bus
Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour
| Double-decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Audio commentary? |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 45 mins | ✅ |
Take this 45-minute bus tour of London’s festive lights and enjoy free access to the Tootbus app, Tootbus Christmas playlist and a Santa Hat.
This is a great trip for children and if they are under 5 they can even travel for free on their parent’s lap.
Good to know
- Meet at 13 Coventry Street
Christmas Lights Bus Tour
| Double-decker bus? | Length of the tour? | Audio commentary? | Food and drink? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 100 minutes | ✅ | ❌ |
Avoid the festive crowds and enjoy the views on this bus tour of London’s spectacular Christmas lights including Oxford Street, Regents Street and Knightsbridge.
Enjoy an entertaining commentary by your tour guide.
Good to know
- Meet your guide at Gate 0 located inside Victoria Coach Station.
- Check-in starts 15 minutes before the departure time selected.
- Arrive early to choose your seat and don’t forget to wrap up warmly!
The London Pass free hop-on hop-off bus
The London Pass also includes a free 24 hour hop-on hop-ff bus ticket (plus Thames cruise) which makes this an excellent option if you are planning to visit some of London’s top attractions during your visit.
Read our guide to the London Pass to decide if this is a cost-effective option for you!
Plan your visit to London
- London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip
- Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
- First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
- How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s manin trains stations.
- What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions
- How to purchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions
- London Eye – Complete guide, tips and ticket options compared
- Visiting on a budget? Read out budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
- Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
- Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and our guide to the best tours from London
London Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks)
