Hop On Hop Off London Bus Tours Explained
A Hop On Hop Off London bus tour is one of the most popular ways for visitors to see the city’s main attractions. These sightseeing buses follow fixed routes around central London and stop at major landmarks, allowing you to get on and off the bus at any stop as many times as you want while your ticket is valid.
Most routes pass famous attractions such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. This means the buses work both as a sightseeing tour and a way to travel between attractions without needing to use the Underground.
The buses are usually open-top double-decker buses, which provide great views of the city as you travel between landmarks. All buses include audio commentary, which explains the history of London, the landmarks you pass and interesting facts about the city. Many visitors use the bus on their first day in London to understand the layout of the city before visiting attractions in more detail later in their trip.
For first-time visitors, a hop-on hop-off bus can be a simple and stress-free way to see a lot of London in a short period of time.
How Hop On Hop Off London Buses Work
The concept of hop-on hop-off buses is very simple. You buy a ticket that is valid for a certain period of time, usually 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours, and during that time you can get on and off the bus at any official stop along the route as many times as you like.
In London, there are three main hop-on hop-off bus companies:
Big Bus London, Tootbus London, and City Sightseeing London. All three companies operate similar routes around central London and stop at the main tourist attractions, but they differ in price, ticket options, extras and included tours.
Many people use the buses to move between attractions rather than staying on for the entire route. For example, you might start near Westminster, travel to the Tower of London, get off and explore, then later get back on the bus and continue towards St Paul’s Cathedral or Buckingham Palace. This flexibility is what makes hop-on hop-off buses popular with visitors who want to explore the city at their own pace.
Most companies operate several routes across London, usually including a central London route covering the main landmarks, a West London route covering museums and Kensington, and a connector route linking major train stations such as King’s Cross and Euston with the main sightseeing routes. Buses normally run every 20 to 30 minutes, so if you miss one bus, the next one usually arrives fairly soon.
Tickets are activated when you first use them, and the time starts from the first scan, not when you buy the ticket, which is important when planning your trip.
London Bus Tour Routes and Stops Explained
One thing many visitors don’t realise is that most hop-on hop-off London bus companies cover almost the same attractions and areas. The routes may have different names and colours depending on the company, but they usually stop at the same major landmarks across central London.
Most routes include stops around Westminster, the London Eye and South Bank, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Hyde Park, Kensington, Covent Garden and sometimes King’s Cross or the British Museum on connector routes.
Because all companies visit very similar attractions, the main differences between operators are usually ticket price, whether a river cruise is included, whether walking tours or night tours are included, and how long tickets are valid for. This is why it is usually best to compare operators before booking, rather than simply choosing the first hop-on hop-off bus you see advertised.
For most visitors, the choice of operator is more about price and included extras rather than routes, because all companies cover the main tourist areas.
Big Bus London Hop On Hop Off Routes
Big Bus London is one of the largest and most popular hop-on hop-off bus operators in London and operates multiple routes that cover central London, West London and major train station areas. This makes it one of the most comprehensive sightseeing bus options in the city.
The main routes include:
- Red Route – Central London landmarks such as Westminster, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
- Blue Route – Kensington, Harrods, South Kensington museums, Notting Hill, Paddington and shopping areas
- Green Link – Connects King’s Cross, St Pancras, Euston and the British Museum to the main sightseeing routes
Together, these routes cover most major tourist attractions and many popular areas of London, which is why Big Bus is often considered one of the most complete hop-on hop-off bus networks in London.
Big Bus tickets are available as 1-day, 24-hour and 48-hour tickets, and some tickets include extras such as a River Thames cruise, walking tours and an evening panoramic bus tour. This makes Big Bus one of the more expensive options, but it also usually includes more extras than other operators, which can make it better value depending on what you want to do in London.
Big Bus is best for first-time visitors, visitors who want walking tours included, visitors who want a river cruise included, visitors staying in London for two days, and visitors who want the most complete route network. than other operators, which can make it better value depending on what you want to do in London.
Big Bus London Tickets
Big Bus London offers several different ticket types, usually including 1-day tickets, 24-hour tickets and 48-hour tickets, and many of the tickets include extras such as a River Thames cruise, walking tours and an evening panoramic bus tour.
The main difference between the tickets is how long they are valid and what extras are included. The 24-hour and 48-hour tickets are usually the most popular because they allow you to use the buses across multiple days and include additional experiences like the river cruise. The 48-hour ticket is often the best value if you plan to use the bus on more than one day.
Some tickets also include guided walking tours around areas such as Westminster, the City of London or Jack the Ripper locations, which can add extra value if you enjoy guided tours. The evening panoramic tour is different from the hop-on hop-off service because it is a continuous sightseeing tour without stops.
Big Bus is usually more expensive than other hop-on hop-off operators, but the included extras can make it good value depending on what you want to do during your trip.
Who Big Bus London Is Best For
Big Bus London is usually best for first-time visitors to London who want a full sightseeing experience rather than just transport around the city.
It is a good option if you want walking tours included, if you want a river cruise included, or if you want to do an evening bus tour as well as the daytime hop-on hop-off routes. Because Big Bus has multiple routes and frequent buses, it is also a good option if you want to use the bus to move between attractions over two days.
Big Bus is also important to consider if you are buying a London attraction pass, because some attraction passes include a 2-day Big Bus ticket, which means you may not need to buy a separate hop-on hop-off ticket at all.
Overall, Big Bus is usually best for visitors who want the most complete sightseeing package and don’t mind paying slightly more for extra tours and experiences.
Tootbus London Hop On Hop Off Routes
Tootbus London is another hop-on hop-off bus operator that covers most of the main tourist attractions in central London and West London. The routes are very similar to the other operators and include stops at major landmarks and tourist areas.
The main routes include:
- Yellow Route – Central London landmarks including Westminster, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
- Royal Blue Route – Kensington, Harrods, museums, Notting Hill, Marble Arch and shopping areas
- Green Route – Connects King’s Cross, St Pancras, Euston and the British Museum to central London
These routes cover most of the main tourist areas and attractions across central and West London, which means you can visit most major sights using only the hop-on hop-off buses.
Tootbus tickets are usually available as 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour tickets, and some ticket options include a Thames River cruise. The longer tickets are often very competitively priced, especially the 48-hour and 72-hour options.
Tootbus London Tickets
Tootbus London usually offers 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour hop-on hop-off tickets, which makes it one of the more flexible operators for visitors staying in London for more than a day or two.
The cheapest option is usually the 24-hour bus ticket, which is designed for visitors who want a simple sightseeing day using the bus routes only. Tootbus also sells 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour tickets with a Thames cruise included, which can offer better value if you already plan to see London from the river as well as from the road.
One of the biggest strengths of Tootbus is that the 48-hour and 72-hour tickets are often priced very competitively, sometimes making them cheaper than shorter or less flexible tickets offered by other operators. That can make Tootbus a strong option for travellers who want to spread sightseeing across several days rather than trying to do everything in one day.
Unlike Big Bus, Tootbus generally focuses more on the core bus and cruise experience rather than including extras such as multiple walking tours or panoramic evening tours. For many visitors, that simpler structure is actually easier to understand and compa
Who Tootbus London Is Best For
Tootbus London is usually best for visitors on a budget who still want to use a hop-on hop-off bus to see the main attractions in London.
Because Tootbus tickets are often cheaper than Big Bus, they can be a good option if you mainly want the bus for transport between attractions and don’t need extras such as walking tours. The longer 48-hour and 72-hour tickets are often very good value, especially if you plan to use the buses across multiple days.
Tootbus is usually a good choice for visitors staying in London for two or three days, visitors who want a cheaper hop-on hop-off option, and visitors who mainly want the bus routes rather than additional tours.
Even though it is usually cheaper, Tootbus still covers most major London attractions, so for many visitors it can be a very good value option.
City Sightseeing London Hop On Hop Off Routes
City Sightseeing London operates several hop-on hop-off routes that cover most of the main tourist attractions across central London and West London. Like the other operators, the routes focus on the areas that most visitors want to see, including Westminster, the City of London, the South Bank and Kensington.
The main routes include:
- Red Route – Central London landmarks including the London Eye, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
- Blue Route – Kensington, Harrods, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, museums and West London attractions
- Green Route – Connects King’s Cross, St Pancras, Euston and the British Museum area with central London
Across these routes there are over 50 stops, which means you can reach most major tourist attractions using only the hop-on hop-off buses. The routes are very similar to the other operators, so the main differences between companies are usually price, ticket duration and included extras rather than the actual routes.
City Sightseeing London Tickets
City Sightseeing London offers several ticket options, usually including 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour hop-on hop-off tickets. Many of their tickets include additional extras, which can make them good value depending on how long you are staying in London.
Some tickets include a River Thames cruise between Westminster Pier and Tower Pier, and longer tickets may also include extras such as a night bus tour or a classic Routemaster bus ride, depending on the ticket type. The longer 48-hour and 72-hour tickets often include the most extras and are usually better value than shorter tickets.
City Sightseeing also offers a panoramic bus tour option, which is different from the hop-on hop-off service because it is a continuous sightseeing tour without stops. This is usually cheaper but does not allow you to get on and off the bus.
Overall, City Sightseeing tickets are usually mid-range in price, often cheaper than Big Bus but sometimes slightly more expensive than Tootbus depending on the ticket and included extras.
Who City Sightseeing London Is Best For
City Sightseeing London is usually best for visitors who want a good value bundle that includes multiple extras, such as a river cruise or a night tour, especially if you are staying in London for two or three days.
It can be a good option if you want a hop-on hop-off bus plus additional experiences included in one ticket, rather than buying everything separately. The longer duration tickets often include the most extras, which can make them good value if you plan to use them fully.
City Sightseeing is often a good choice for visitors staying in London for multiple days, visitors who want a river cruise included, visitors who want a night bus tour, and visitors who want a mid-price option between Big Bus and Tootbus.
Because all operators cover similar attractions, many visitors choose City Sightseeing based on the included extras and ticket value rather than the routes themselves.
Hop On Hop Off London Comparison Table
Choosing between Big Bus London, Tootbus London and City Sightseeing London can be confusing because the routes are very similar. The main differences are usually price, ticket duration and included extras such as river cruises, walking tours or night tours.
Here is a simple comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Big Bus London | Tootbus London | City Sightseeing London |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Routes | Red, Blue, Green | Yellow, Royal Blue, Green | Red, Blue, Green |
| Central London Stops | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| West London / Museums | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connector Route (King’s Cross etc.) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| River Cruise Included | Some tickets | Some tickets | Some tickets |
| Walking Tours | Yes | No | No |
| Night Tour | Yes | No | Some tickets |
| Ticket Length | 1-day, 24h, 48h | 24h, 48h, 72h | 24h, 48h, 72h |
| Price | Highest | Usually cheapest | Mid-range |
| Best For | Full sightseeing experience | Budget option | Value bundles |
For most visitors, the decision usually comes down to price and what extras are included, because all companies visit very similar attractions.
Which Hop On Hop Off London Bus Should You Choose?
If you are not sure which operator to choose, the best option usually depends on your budget, how long you are staying in London and whether you want extras like a river cruise or night tour.
If you want the most complete sightseeing experience with walking tours and additional extras, Big Bus London is usually the best option. This is often the most popular choice for first-time visitors who want a full sightseeing experience.
If you want the cheapest hop-on hop-off option and mainly just want the bus routes to move between attractions, Tootbus London is often the best value, especially for 48-hour or 72-hour tickets.
If you want a bundle that includes a river cruise or night tour, City Sightseeing London can often be a good middle option between the other two operators.
Many visitors also choose based on ticket price at the time of booking, because prices and discounts can change throughout the year.
Is Hop On Hop Off London Worth It?
Whether a Hop On Hop Off London bus is worth it depends on how you like to travel and how much time you have in London.
Hop-on hop-off buses are usually worth it if:
- It is your first time in London
- You want to see many attractions in a short time
- You prefer not to use the Underground
- You want audio commentary and sightseeing while travelling
- You want to include a river cruise
- You only have 1 or 2 days in London
However, hop-on hop-off buses may not be worth it if:
- You are comfortable using the London Underground and buses
- You are staying in London for many days
- You plan to walk between attractions
- You are travelling on a tight budget
Many experienced travellers use the hop-on hop-off bus on their first day to see the city and understand the layout, and then use public transport for the rest of their trip.
Pros and Cons of Hop On Hop Off London Buses
One of the main advantages of hop-on hop-off buses is that they make sightseeing very easy, especially for first-time visitors. You don’t need to plan transport routes or navigate the Underground, and you can simply get on and off near major attractions.
Another advantage is the audio commentary, which turns the bus into a guided tour as well as transport. The open-top buses also provide great views of London that you would not see from the Underground.
However, there are also some disadvantages. London traffic can be slow, especially in central London, so sometimes the buses can take longer than public transport. They are also more expensive than using normal London buses or the Underground.
Overall, hop-on hop-off buses are best seen as a sightseeing experience rather than just transport, and for many visitors they are a convenient and enjoyable way to explore London.
Alternatives to Hop On Hop Off London Buses
Although hop-on hop-off buses are popular, they are not the only way to see London. Depending on your budget and travel style, there are other options that can sometimes be cheaper or faster.
One alternative is using London public buses, especially routes that pass major landmarks. For example, some central London bus routes pass Westminster, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, and you can use them with an Oyster card or contactless payment for much less than a sightseeing bus ticket.
Another alternative is the London Underground, which is the fastest way to travel between attractions, although you will not see the city while travelling because most of the Underground is below ground.
Many visitors also choose to take a Thames River Cruise, which provides great views of landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London from the river. Some hop-on hop-off tickets already include a river cruise, so it is worth checking before booking separately.
Walking is also a very good option in central London because many attractions are closer together than people expect, especially around Westminster, the South Bank and Covent Garden.
Tips for Using Hop On Hop Off London Buses
If you decide to use a Hop On Hop Off London bus, there are a few tips that can make your experience much better.
One of the most important tips is to start early in the morning on the first day of your ticket, so you get the maximum value from a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket. If you start using a 24-hour ticket at 3pm, you will lose most of the first day.
It is also a good idea to use the full route once without getting off, especially at the start of your trip. This gives you a good overview of London and helps you decide which attractions you want to visit later.
Try to sit on the top deck if the weather is good, because the views are much better, but if it is raining or cold, the lower deck is more comfortable.
Remember that London traffic can be slow, especially around Westminster and the City of London, so the buses are not always the fastest way to travel. They are best used as a sightseeing experience rather than just transport.
If your ticket includes a river cruise or walking tours, make sure you plan time to use them, otherwise you are not getting full value from your ticket.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
If you are planning to use a Hop On Hop Off London bus, these tips will help you get the most value from your ticket:
- Start early on day one: Activate your ticket in the morning so you get the maximum value from a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket.
- Ride the full loop first: Do one full loop without getting off to see the city and plan where you want to stop later.
- Sit on the top deck: The views are much better for photos, especially along the Thames and around Westminster.
- Use included extras: If your ticket includes a river cruise, walking tour or night tour, make sure you actually use them.
- Check attraction passes: Some London attraction passes include hop-on hop-off bus tickets, which can save money.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Hop On Hop Off London FAQs
Are hop-on hop-off London buses worth it?
They are usually worth it for first-time visitors who want an easy way to see the main attractions and learn about the city. They are less useful for visitors who are comfortable using public transport.
Which hop-on hop-off London bus is best?
Big Bus is usually best for extras and tours, Tootbus is usually the cheapest option, and City Sightseeing is often a good mid-price option with bundled extras.
How long do hop-on hop-off London tickets last?
Most tickets last 24, 48 or 72 hours from the first time you use the ticket, not from when you buy it.
Do hop-on hop-off London buses include a river cruise?
Some tickets include a Thames River cruise, but not all tickets do, so you should check before booking.
Can you use hop-on hop-off buses as transport?
Yes, many people use them to travel between attractions, but they are slower than the Underground because of traffic.
Further Reading & Related Guides
If you are planning your trip to London, you should also read our London Attractions Guide, which covers the main attractions across the city and helps you decide what to prioritise during your visit.
You may also find our London Itinerary Guide useful, especially if you are visiting London for a short trip and want to plan your days efficiently and group attractions together by area.
If you are trying to decide whether to buy attraction tickets individually or use a pass, read our London Attraction Pass Comparison, which explains whether the passes are worth it and which one offers the best value.
You should also read our Getting Around London Guide, which explains how to use the Underground, buses, Oyster cards and contactless payment, as this can often be cheaper than sightseeing buses.
Reading these guides together will help you plan your London trip more efficiently, save money and avoid wasting time travelling across the city unnecessarily.
Last Updated
April 2026
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