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The best bus tours in London

A handpicked selection of the best bus and minivan tours that London has to offer.

Author
NorahAugust 31, 2024

London, a city where history whispers from every cobblestone and modernity pulses with vibrant energy. From the grand grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the bustling markets of Borough Market, each corner of this iconic metropolis holds a unique charm. The city’s rich tapestry of culture, art, and architecture unfolds before you, a dazzling array of sights and sounds waiting to be explored. But with so much to see, how do you navigate this captivating labyrinth and truly experience all that London has to offer?

The answer lies in hopping aboard one of London's best bus tours. These curated journeys are your key to unlocking the city's secrets, taking you from the well-trodden paths to hidden gems that most visitors miss. Prepare to be swept away by the city’s beauty and history, as knowledgeable guides reveal the stories behind its iconic landmarks and the magic that lies beyond. Buckle up and embark on a journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for this magnificent city.

How we do our research

Personal preferences among travelers can vary a lot. This is why our editorial team combines data from a range of trusted sources and databases, such as Viator or TripAdvisor. Based on factors like number of positive and negative reviews, recency of reviews, overall satisfaction, popularity, velocity of reviews, sentiment analysis and other information, we aim to provide unbiased recommendations that don’t rely on single experiences. Please note that if you choose to make a purchase through some of our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, helping to support our website.

Our top picks: Bus Tours in London

1. Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise - 50% off Kids

clock1 hour 10 minutes - 3 hours 30 minutes
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Offered in: English
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Operator: Big Bus London

About the bus tour

If you're looking for a comprehensive and flexible way to see the best of London, the Big Bus tour is a classic choice. You'll be cruising around the city in style on a double-decker bus, with the top open for those iconic London views. The 360-degree vistas are amazing, and you'll get to see all the big hitters like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. The audio commentary is engaging and informative, providing historical context and fun facts about each landmark.

The beauty of the Big Bus tour is its flexibility. You get a 24 or 48-hour ticket, allowing you to hop on and off at any of the stops along the three different routes. This means you can spend as much time as you want exploring a particular attraction, or simply relax and enjoy the ride. And, let's not forget the included Thames River cruise! You can hop on at either the Tower of London or Westminster Pier and enjoy a scenic journey along the river, taking in iconic sights from a different perspective.

This tour is perfect for those who want to see a lot in a short amount of time, and it's a great option for families with young children. The open-top buses offer a fun and breezy way to explore, and the hop-on hop-off format gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking if you plan on exploring the attractions in detail.

Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise - 50% off Kids
Operated byBig Bus London
via Viator

2. London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

clock1 hour 30 minutes - 3 hours
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Offered in: English
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Operator: Tootbus

About the bus tour

If you want to see the best of London in a short amount of time, the Must See London tour is a great option. This hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes you to all the major landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and St Paul's Cathedral. You can hop on and off the bus at any of the stops, giving you the flexibility to explore each destination at your own pace. The open-top deck offers stunning views of the city, allowing you to plan your itinerary with ease.

In addition to the bus tour, you'll also get a Thames River cruise from Westminster to Tower Pier. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and get some fantastic photos. The tour is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours from the first validation, so you can hop on and off the bus as many times as you want during that period. This gives you ample time to explore iconic neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Shoreditch, and Brick Lane, as well as take a relaxing walk in one of London's many beautiful parks.

This tour is a great value for money, especially if you're short on time. It's a convenient and fun way to see all the major sights of London. With the flexibility of the hop-on, hop-off system, you can choose to spend more time at the attractions that interest you the most. The river cruise is a nice bonus, offering a different perspective of the city.

London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise
Operated byTootbus
via Viator

3. London to Stonehenge Shuttle Bus and Independent Day Trip

clock6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English
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Operator: Premium Tours

About the bus tour

If you're looking to get a taste of Stonehenge without the hassle of a guided tour, then this independent day trip is the perfect option. You'll get to explore the iconic prehistoric monument at your own pace, with plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere and learn about its fascinating history.

The tour includes your Stonehenge entrance tickets, so you can skip the ticket line and head straight into the site. You'll have up to 2.5 hours to explore the monument, which is more than enough time to wander around, take photos, and learn about the mysteries surrounding this ancient site.

The tour also includes a convenient roundtrip bus transfer to and from Stonehenge, so you don't have to worry about navigating public transportation or finding parking. This makes it a stress-free and efficient way to experience one of Britain's most iconic landmarks.

The tour is great value for money, especially if you're traveling on a budget. You'll get to see Stonehenge, save on transportation costs, and have a hassle-free experience. It's the perfect option for independent travelers who want to explore Stonehenge at their own pace.

London to Stonehenge Shuttle Bus and Independent Day Trip
Operated byPremium Tours
via Viator

4. Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option

clock3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English
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Operator: Premium Tours

About the bus tour

If you're looking for a classic London experience, hopping on a vintage Routemaster bus is a must. This tour combines the charm of a traditional red double-decker with a comprehensive sightseeing experience. You'll get a great overview of the city's most iconic landmarks, including St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London, all while listening to engaging live commentary from a professional guide. The tour also includes a Thames River Cruise, which adds another dimension to your sightseeing and offers stunning views of the city from the water.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to London who want to get a feel for the city's layout and history. It's also a great option for return visitors who want to rediscover familiar sights and learn new facts and stories. The knowledgeable guides will bring the city to life with their insights and anecdotes, making the tour both informative and entertaining.

The vintage Routemaster buses are not only a nostalgic touch but also provide excellent views of the city from their open-top decks. You'll be able to snap photos of the iconic landmarks and soak in the atmosphere of London's vibrant streets. The Thames River Cruise offers a different perspective, allowing you to see the city from the water and admire its bridges and riverside attractions.

Vintage London Bus Tour Including Cruise with London Eye option
Operated byPremium Tours
via Viator

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