Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in London: 2026 Comparison

Hop-on hop-off bus tours use open-top double-decker buses that follow set routes through central London, stopping at or near all major landmarks. You buy a pass (usually 24 or 48 hours) and can get on and off at any stop as many times as you like during that period. Each bus has live or recorded commentary explaining what you are seeing. The buses run on a loop, so you can ride the whole circuit for an overview or use them as transport between attractions. Most routes start between 8:30am and 9am and the last buses depart around 5pm to 5:30pm.

Big Bus Tours is the largest operator with the most frequent service and the widest route coverage. They offer live English-speaking guides on every bus, which gives a more engaging experience than recorded commentary. The Original Tour has been running since 1951 and offers recorded commentary in 11 languages, making it the best choice for non-English speakers. Golden Tours is the budget option, with lower prices and partnerships with major attractions for combination deals. All three cover the same core landmarks, but their routes, frequency, and extras differ.

Big Bus runs three colour-coded routes (Red, Blue, and Green) covering Westminster, the City, and Kensington. Their red route passes the most landmarks and is the one most visitors choose. The Original Tour has five routes including a dedicated kids' route with a Horrible Histories-themed commentary. Golden Tours runs two main routes with a focus on the central sightseeing core. All three companies include a free Thames river cruise with their tickets, though the boat operators and departure points vary. Big Bus and The Original Tour both stop near the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye.

Golden Tours is consistently the cheapest, with 24-hour tickets from around £30 and 48-hour tickets from £36. The Original Tour charges around £37 for 24 hours and £45 for 48 hours. Big Bus is the most expensive at approximately £40 for 24 hours and £50 for 48 hours, but includes live guides on every bus. All three offer online discounts of 10 to 15% when booked in advance. Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) are available from all operators. Children under 5 travel free on all services. The included Thames cruise is worth £12 to £15 on its own, so factor that into the value comparison.

For families with children under 10, The Original Tour edges ahead thanks to its dedicated kids' commentary route, which uses Horrible Histories characters to make sightseeing fun. Big Bus is the best choice for families who want a live guide, as children can ask questions and the energy of a real person keeps younger passengers engaged. Golden Tours works well for budget-conscious families who want to save money for other attractions. All three allow pushchairs to be folded and stored on the lower deck. Sitting on the top deck at the front is the most exciting spot for children.

Start early in the morning to make the most of your time window. Ride the full loop first without getting off, then use the rest of your pass to hop on and off at the stops that interest you most. Sit on the top deck for the best views and photo opportunities, but be prepared for wind and occasional rain (bring a light jacket even in summer). The front seats on the top deck fill up first, so boarding at quieter stops gives you the best chance of getting them. Combine your bus ticket with the included Thames cruise for variety. Avoid the buses during school holidays and weekends between 11am and 2pm, when they are busiest.