VERDICT: WE GAVE 4 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
This guide forms part of our complete UK Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across the United Kingdom.
This article is part of our London Guide series. See our 3 Days in London: Ultimate Guide and our 24 Hours in London Guide for lots of ideas on what to see and do in this capital city.
City Bus Tours – Hop on, Hop Off
A Smart Way to See the City. Hop-on hop-off buses are one of the most popular sightseeing options in London and other major cities worldwide. They combine transportation, guided commentary, and flexibility into one simple ticket, ideal for first-time visitors, short stays, or anyone who wants orientation before exploring deeper.
Why We Recommend a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
We’ve taken Hop-On Hop-Off buses in major cities around the world, from Rome and Lisbon to Paris and San Francisco, for one important reason: they give us a quick overview of the city. There’s no headache of driving, navigating unfamiliar streets or finding parking, and you can see more major sights in less time.
They’re especially useful on your first day, helping you get your bearings and decide which places you want to return to and explore in more detail. The only real limitation can be the weather, particularly if you’re hoping to sit on the open upper deck. For first-time visitors to any major city, we highly recommend giving one a try.
🚍 What Is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus? A hop-on hop-off bus operates on fixed sightseeing routes with stops at major attractions. You can: Get on at any stop, Rejoin later using the same ticket, Get off to explore. Buses run on a continuous loop, typically every 10–30 minutes depending on route and operator.
🏢 Major London Tour Operators
London has several well-established operators offering similar coverage. In other cities around the world there are likely to be many more.
- Big Bus London
- Golden Tours
- City Sightseeing London
- Tootbus
All provide multi-language audio guides and central London routes.
💷 Ticket Costs (Typical)
Prices vary slightly by operator and season:
- 24-hour ticket: £35–£40 (adult)
- 48-hour ticket: £45–£50
- 72-hour ticket: £55–£60
✔ Most tickets include:
- Audio commentary in 8–12 languages
- Free or discounted Thames River cruise
- Kids’ commentary on some routes
📍 Common Stops on London Routes
While routes differ slightly, most tours include:
- Buckingham Palace
- Westminster Abbey
- Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
- London Eye
- Trafalgar Square
- Piccadilly Circus
- Covent Garden
- British Museum
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Tower of London
- Tower Bridge
- Hyde Park
These stops align well with My Return Ticket walking itineraries.
🌍 Why Hop-On Hop-Off Works in Any Major City
This style of tour is especially effective in large, historic cities because it:
- Reduces navigation stress
- Provides context before exploration
- Helps visitors understand layout and distances
- Combines sightseeing and transport
- Works in rain or extreme heat
It’s a perfect Day 1 activity.
🛒 Buy Tickets Online or at a Kiosk?
Online is usually better.
Buying Online
✔ Often cheaper
✔ Skip queues
✔ Flexible activation (starts on first scan)
✔ Easier comparisons between operators
Buying at Kiosks
✔ Immediate purchase
✖ Usually higher price
✖ Limited availability in peak season
Tour-guide recommendation: Buy online in advance.
📸 Best Seats for Photography
- Upper deck = best views
- Front row (top deck) = forward cityscapes
- Side seats = landmarks and streets
- Morning rides = best light, fewer crowds
Avoid rush hour for clear shots.
🎯 Is It Worth It?
Yes, especially if:
- You’re visiting London for the first time
- You have 1–3 days
- You want overview + flexibility
- You prefer guided narration without walking all day
Hop-on hop-off tours are not about depth, they’re about orientation, efficiency, and comfort.
Continue exploring London
Nearby London attractions
Planning Your Trip?
Before you go, don’t forget to book the essentials:
- 🏨 Hotels & unique stays
- 🚗 Rental cars
- 🎟️ Top-rated tours & attractions
- 📶 eSIMs for easy connectivity
- 🛡️ Travel insurance
- 🎒 Packing Lists
- 🎒 Travel gear from The Venturio
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
Download our FREE Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Guide.