About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I've spent enough time tracking RevPAR and worrying about occupancy rates to know that "hop-on, hop-off" is often the industry's favorite punchline. We love to act like we're too cool for the big red bus, but let’s be real—trying to navigate the Tube during peak hours with a suitcase is a special kind of hell. If you're looking for a high-volume lead on how to see the city without losing your mind, this is it. It’s predictable, sure, but it’s also remarkably efficient for a city that’s basically a giant maze built on ancient Roman foundations. Is it a bit "touristy"? Absolutely. But there's a reason Big Bus stays at the top of the food chain while smaller operators struggle with their bottom lines. Sometimes, the beaten path is beaten for a reason, and if you want to see the Shard without getting blisters, just take the seat on the top deck and shut up about the "authenticity" for an hour.
About the Tour
London is a city of layers, and frankly, trying to peel them back on foot is a Herculean task. The Big Bus London tour simplifies the chaos by offering a structured way to hit every major landmark without the stress of London's labyrinthine public transport. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned traveler who just wants a breezy refresher, this tour covers the ground that matters.
The Routes: Choose Your Flavor
The service is divided into three distinct loops, allowing you to customize your itinerary based on what actually interests you:
- The Red Route: This is the "Greatest Hits" album. It hits the heavy hitters—Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St Paul’s Cathedral. If you want that classic London postcard view, this is your line.
- The Blue Route: This one stretches its legs a bit more. It covers the posh West End, from Kensington Palace and Harrods all the way to the Tower of London in the east. It's great for shoppers and museum buffs.
- The Green Route: A vital link for those arriving via rail, connecting King’s Cross and St Pancras stations to the heart of Covent Garden.
Level Up Your Ticket
The basic ticket gets you on the bus, but the real value is in the upgrades. If you opt for the 24-hour or 48-hour tickets, you get a Thames River Cruise thrown in. Seeing Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast from the water provides a perspective you just can't get from the pavement.
For those who want to dive deeper into the city’s darker or more regal history, the 48-hour ticket includes guided walking tours. You can choose from The Royal Walk, Tales of the City, or the ever-popular (and slightly gruesome) Jack the Ripper tour. If you’re a fan of the city lights, the Panoramic Evening Tour is also available to show you London all lit up like a Christmas tree.
Key Highlights at a Glance
The beauty of this tour is the sheer volume of stops. You can hop off at:
- Buckingham Palace (Time it right for the Changing of the Guard)
- The London Eye & London Dungeon
- The British Museum & Natural History Museum
- Piccadilly Circus & Trafalgar Square
- The Shard & Tower Bridge
Whether you're here for the history, the shopping on Oxford Street, or the quirky vibes of Notting Hill, the bus goes there. It's about convenience, pure and simple.
Highlights
- Explore iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye
- Hop on and off 3 unique routes, exploring over 50 stops across London
- Enjoy a Thames River Cruise with live commentary and stunning riverside views
- Discover hidden gems on guided walking tours, including Jack the Ripper
- Experience the magic of London lit up at night onboard a Panoramic Evening Tour
Know before you go
- With 24- or 48-hour tickets, enjoy a one-way Thames river cruise with live commentary between Westminster and Tower Pier (approx. 40 minutes). Cruises run every 15–40 minutes in summer, and every 30–40 minutes in winter. After booking, download your City Cruises ticket from our portal and show it to City Cruises staff before boarding.
- Walking tours are included only with 48-hour tickets. Join our expert guides for the Royal Walk (10:00, Stop 8), Jack the Ripper Walk (13:00, Stop 19), or Harry Potter Tour (16:00, Stop 21).
- If selected, the Evening Tour departs at 19:30 from Stop 12 (London Eye), lasts 2 hours, and is not hop-on, hop-off.
- Buses run every 10–20 minutes in summer and every 15–30 minutes in winter.
- All buses are wheelchair accessible.
- Children aged 3 and under travel free of charge and do not require a ticket.
- Download the Big Bus app to track buses and find stop locations.