Big Bus: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise & Evening Tour at London
Explore London at your own pace with a Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off tour, and enjoy a scenic Thames River cruise for an unforgettable experience!
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Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
The Big Bus London hop-on hop-off tour gives you complete freedom to explore the capital's most famous attractions at your own pace. This comprehensive sightseeing experience covers two carefully planned routes that connect over 30 stops across central London, allowing you to jump off wherever catches your interest and board the next bus when you're ready to continue.
The Red Route takes you to London's essential landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, London Eye, and Westminster Abbey. The complete circuit takes approximately two and a half hours, but you can spend as long as you like at each attraction. The Blue Route focuses on the cultural quarter, stopping at the British Museum, Covent Garden, and Oxford Street's shopping district. Both routes feature live English commentary and multilingual audio guides in over eight languages.
Your ticket options include 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour passes, giving you plenty of flexibility to see London thoroughly. The modern double-decker buses feature convertible roofs for weather protection, free WiFi, and panoramic upper-deck views perfect for photography. Buses run every 10-20 minutes during peak hours, so you'll never wait long for your next ride. If you're planning to explore more of London's riverside attractions, consider adding a London Eye experience to your itinerary.
What is Included
- Access to both Red Route and Blue Route hop-on hop-off buses
- Live English commentary and multilingual audio guides in 8+ languages
- Free WiFi on all buses
- Weather protection with convertible roofs
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour ticket validity (depending on option selected)
- Optional Thames River cruise (if selected)
- Optional evening tour (if selected)
- Access to bonus walking tours
- Discounts at selected London attractions and restaurants
Good to Know
Duration: Red Route takes 2.5 hours complete, Blue Route takes 2 hours. Use your ticket for multiple journeys over 24, 48, or 72 hours depending on your selection.
Meeting Points: Multiple pickup locations including Victoria, King's Cross, and Marble Arch. Your tickadoo voucher specifies available starting points.
Operating Hours: Services run from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM in winter, extending to 7:00 PM in summer months.
Accessibility: Lower deck is wheelchair accessible with designated spaces and proper securing facilities.
What to Bring: Mobile ticket (no printing required), appropriate weather clothing, and comfortable walking shoes for attraction visits.
Family-Friendly: Children aged 5-15 receive discounted rates, while under-5s travel free. The tour suits all ages with educational commentary and comfortable seating.
For those wanting to explore London's royal heritage further after the bus tour, the Tower of London tickets make an excellent addition. The hop-on hop-off format also connects perfectly with a Westminster Abbey visit, letting you explore these historic sites at your leisure while maintaining the flexibility to continue your sightseeing journey.
Good to know
- Age suitability
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- Know before you go
Meeting Point: Tours start from multiple locations including Victoria, King's Cross, and Marble Arch. Your tickadoo voucher will specify available pickup points.
Operating Hours: Services typically run from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM in winter and until 7:00 PM in summer. Check current schedules when booking.
Weather Preparation: London weather can change quickly. Bring appropriate clothing and consider the convertible roof feature for comfort.
Mobile Tickets: tickadoo provides mobile tickets that can be scanned directly from your smartphone, eliminating the need for printed vouchers.
Best Seating: For optimal views and photos, choose seats on the left side of the upper deck when heading towards Tower Bridge and the right side when returning.
Additional Inclusions: Many tickets include bonus walking tours and Thames cruise options. Check your specific ticket benefits in the tickadoo confirmation email.
Peak Times: Buses can be busier during summer months and school holidays. Earlier morning departures typically offer more comfortable touring conditions.
- Visitor guidelines
No pets allowed except for service animals.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on buses.
Respect fellow passengers and maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.
Keep your ticket on hand for hop-on-hop-off entry and the Thames cruise.
Follow safety instructions provided by staff on both the bus and the river cruise.
Frequently asked
How long is the Big Bus London tour?
The full Red Route takes approximately 2.5 hours without stops, while the Blue Route takes about 2 hours. With tickadoo tickets, you can hop on and off as many times as you wish during your ticket validity period.
How often do the buses run?
Buses run every 10-20 minutes during peak hours and every 20-30 minutes during quieter periods. Exact frequencies vary by route and season.
Are there audio guides available?
Yes, multilingual audio commentary is available in over 8 languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Japanese.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
All buses feature convertible roofs and weather protection. The upper deck can be covered during inclement weather while maintaining great views.
Can I buy tickets on the bus?
While possible, booking through tickadoo in advance guarantees availability and often provides better prices plus instant confirmation.
Do children receive discounted tickets?
Yes, children aged 5-15 receive discounted rates. Children under 5 travel free with a paying adult. Family tickets are also available.
Is the bus wheelchair accessible?
The lower deck of all buses is wheelchair accessible, with designated spaces and proper securing facilities for wheelchair users.
Can I use my ticket over multiple days?
Yes, depending on your ticket type. Options include 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour passes, all activated from first use.
Where you'll be
London, London, England
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