Big Bus Tours
Open-top hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours of London with live guides, three routes, 40+ stops and an included Thames river cruise
Open-top hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours of London with live guides, three routes, 40+ stops and an included Thames river cruise
Big Bus Tours is London's most recognised open-top hop-on hop-off service, with over 40 stops across three colour-coded routes linking major landmarks from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London. Live guides on the upper deck point out details you would miss on foot.
Each ticket gives you 24 or 48 hours of unlimited access, a Thames river cruise and guided walking tours — one of the most efficient ways to cover the city when time is short. Commentary is available in 12 languages.
The Red Route is the flagship loop, departing from Green Park past Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London before circling back along Regent Street. The full circuit takes roughly two hours, with buses every ten to twenty minutes.
The Blue Route heads west through Knightsbridge, South Kensington's museum district, Kensington Palace and Notting Hill, returning via Marble Arch. The Green Route connects King's Cross St Pancras to Covent Garden, passing the British Museum. You can switch between all three at any shared stop.
Riding the upper deck is a fundamentally different way to see London. You sit above the traffic at eye level with first-floor balconies and treetop canopies, with an unobstructed 360-degree view no walking tour or taxi ride can match. Live guides deliver commentary mixing historical fact with London anecdotes — a defining feature that sets Big Bus apart.
Selected buses carry recorded multilingual commentary in up to 12 languages via headsets. The lower deck is enclosed and heated for cold or rainy days. Children love the top deck regardless of weather, and the hop-on hop-off format lets you bail out at any stop when energy levels dip — a practical family option for covering ground without exhausting small legs.
Every ticket includes a Thames river cruise between Westminster Pier and Greenwich, with stops at St Katharine's Pier near the Tower of London. The cruise offers stunning views of the South Bank, Canary Wharf and the Greenwich waterfront, and you can hop on and off at any pier.
The included walking tours, led by guides on foot, typically last sixty to ninety minutes, covering the Changing of the Guard, Royal London, Covent Garden and a historic pub walk. Check the Big Bus app for departure times. Between bus, boat and walks, a single ticket gives you three types of guided tour — one of the smartest ways for first-time visitors to see the city.
Book online in advance for up to 10% off walk-up prices — all tickets include the river cruise and walking tours at no extra charge
The first Red Route bus departs at 8:30am. Board early to secure a front-row seat on the open-top deck and enjoy the quieter morning streets before the crowds build.
When the bus crosses Westminster Bridge heading towards the South Bank, the left side gives you the best views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Download the Big Bus Tours app to see real-time bus locations and estimated arrival times at each stop. It saves standing at a stop wondering when the next bus will arrive.
Do the Thames cruise in the morning or early afternoon when boats are less crowded. The Greenwich leg is especially worthwhile if you want to visit the Cutty Sark or Royal Observatory.
Even on warm days, the wind chill on the open-top deck can be surprising. Bring a light jacket and sunscreen — you will be exposed to both wind and direct sun for extended periods.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: February 27, 2026
