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The Ultimate Guide to Exploring London on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see all the major sights and attractions, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is the perfect way to do it. This comprehensive guide will provide you all the information you need to make the most of your trip, including tips on which bus tour to choose, the best routes to take, and the top attractions to visit along the way. Get ready to explore the vibrant city of London at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

We offer 4 different Hop on Hop off bus ticket options which you can see here >>>

How does a hop-on hop-off bus tour work?

A hop-on hop-off bus tour allows you to explore London at your own pace. The concept is simple – you board the bus at any designated stop, and then you have the freedom to hop off at any attraction or landmark that catches your interest. Once you’re done exploring, you can simply hop back on the bus at the same or next designated stop and continue your journey. The buses run on a regular schedule, so you never have to wait too long for the next one to arrive. It’s a convenient and flexible way to see all the major sights and attractions in London without the hassle of navigating public transportation or dealing with traffic.

Benefits of taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour in London.

There are several benefits to taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour in London. Firstly, it offers convenience and flexibility. You can choose where you want to go and how long you want to spend at each stop. This allows you to customize your itinerary and see the sights that interest you the most. Secondly, the buses run on a regular schedule, so you don’t have to worry about waiting for public transportation or dealing with traffic. You can simply hop on the next bus when you’re ready to move on to the next attraction. Additionally, the buses often have informative audio guides or live commentary, providing you with interesting facts and stories about the city as you travel. This adds an educational element to your sightseeing experience. Finally, the hop-on hop-off bus tour allows you to see a wide range of attractions and landmarks in a short amount of time. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city and decide which places you want to explore further.

Top attractions and landmarks to visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

When taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour in London, there are several top attractions and landmarks that you should consider visiting. One popular stop is the Tower of London , where you can explore the historic castle and see the Crown Jewels. Another must-see is Buckingham Palace , the official residence of the King. You can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and admire the stunning architecture. The British Museum is also worth a visit, with its vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world. For a panoramic view of the city, make sure to hop off at the London Eye , a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. Other notable stops include St. Paul’s Cathedral , the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and the iconic Tower Bridge . With a hop-on hop-off bus tour, you can easily explore these top attractions and landmarks at your own pace.

Tips for maximizing your experience on a hop-on hop-off bus tour in London.

To make the most of your hop-on hop-off bus tour in London, here are some tips to maximize your experience. First, plan your route in advance and prioritize the attractions you want to visit. This will help you make the most efficient use of your time. Consider purchasing a multi-day ticket so you have more flexibility to explore at your own pace. There are 24, 48 or 72 hour tickets to choose from. When on the bus, take advantage of the multi-lingual audio commentary to learn about the history and significance of each stop. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and a raincoat as you may be doing a lot of walking between attractions. Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the iconic sights of London along the way. With these tips, you’ll have a memorable and enjoyable experience on your hop-on hop-off bus tour in London. Even if you have just one day in London, this can be a great option.

One final piece of advice is to purchase a combination ticket with a hop on hop off bus. These are discounted tickets where you can make considerable savings. Our 3-in-1 ticket with hop on hop off bus is a popular choice, combining the London Eye with Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Aquarium.

You can see our 4 different Hop on Hop off bus ticket options  here >>>

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Hidden London , London , London Travel Tips & Inspiration · June 10, 2024

The Best Bus Routes for Sightseeing in London 2024 (for £1.75!)

Looking for the best routes for sightseeing in London? Skip the on-and-off bus tours and see London like a local with the best bus routes to take in the city sights, all for £1.75 .

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my  Disclosure & Privacy Policy  for more information.

If you’re visiting London for any amount of time you’re bound to want to see the city by bus. And I can’t blame you. I mean, what’s more iconic than cruising past Big Ben and Westminster Abbey on a big red double-decker bus…I’ll wait.

But, I’ll let you in on a little secret. There’s tons of bus routes across London that don’t require a fancy tour guide and pre-booked tickets.

All you need is an Oyster card, a little speed (to run to the top deck seat) and you’re on your merry way to gorging on some of the best views of the city , all for £1.75.

Now of course, if you’re keen for a proper tour guide and sightseeing experience, there’s nothing wrong with hopping on a bus tour ( just make sure it’s a cool one ). But for the rest of us, here’s the 5 best bus routes in London for sightseeing, Candace approved.

The Best London Bus Routes for Sightseeing

P.S. – Coming to London? Have the perfect trip planned for you with our 3,5, or 7-Day London Tourist Itineraries 🇬🇧

1. Bus Route Number 11: Tamed Fulham to Buzzing Liverpool Street

Click for the latest bus timetable.

Bus 11 has gained a reputation for being the closest you can get to a sightseeing tour, all for the price of £1.75. So I checked in out. Hopping on at Fulham Broadway and whizzing through the city until I ended up in the heart of Liverpool Street.

For this journey, start at Fulham Town Hall (Stop R) . On route, you’ll see the famously beautiful Chelsea road and glide through Belgravia until you end up in Westminster, and it’s pretty much all eye candy from there.

The St.Paul’s Cathedral view is breathtaking, but you’ve equally got Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament to soak up along the way. You’ll also pass the Royal Courts of Justice ( hey Bridget Jones ) as you continue through the historic Strand and London’s financial district.

Once you’ve watched the city go by, you’ll realize you’ve suddenly landed right plop at Liverpool Street station. Reward yourself with a visit to Spitalfields market or a jaunt to Shoreditch .

2. Bus Route 24: Chic Pimlico to Leafy Hampstead Heath

I’ve always loved Pimlico and adored Hampstead Heath, so imagine my surprise when I found out you could see both in one route…and snag amazing views along the way — heaven.

Wait for your carriage to arrive at Victoria Station (Stop J) and take in the grandeur of Westminster and Downing Street before saying hey to the friendly lions at Trafalgar Square.

You’ll also get a great glimpse of the theatre district from here before making the trek into the belly of Camden (I would suggest hopping off here to explore before continuing on your journey).

Before you know it, you’ll realize you’ve made it all the way to leafy Hampstead. And can proceed to give yourself the city break you deserve after all that sightseeing.

3. Bus Route Number 9: Beating Aldwych to Rocking Hammersmith

Bus number 9 is one of the oldest routes in London, with impossibly charming views.

Beginning at Aldwych Bus House (Stop H) you’ll pass one of London’s most affluent neighbourhoods before you’re flung into views of the Somerset House. After which, you’ll find yourself along the Strand going all the way to Trafalgar Square.

If you keep your eyes winced, you’ll also catch a full glimpse of the famous Hyde Park (and Green Park) along Piccadilly.

Just like that it’s time for the crème de la crème of London — Knightsbridge. The luxurious London neighbourhood will leave you with plenty to gawk at — from the world-renown Harrods to just about every designer shop you can imagine on every corner.

You’ll also make your way past Kensington Gardens and High Street (worth the pit stop) as well as Holland Park before ending up in Hammersmith.

4. Bus Route Number 74: Posh Baker Street to Charming West Brompton

To enjoy a bit of the finer London life (well, by bus) you’ll definitely want to head onto bus 74, taking you from Baker Street Station (Stop A) . Passing through all the high street shops, dazzling Park Lane and the charm South Kensington, it’s absolutely lovely.

After you’ve finished all your ‘ooing and ahhing’ you’ll have centre stage views to the liveliness of Earls Court.

You can stop off here for a little jaunt or happily continue onto West Brompton. There’s a gorgeous cemetery here that’s also worth visiting at the end of your journey ( especially in autumn! ).

5. Bus Route 139: Historic Waterloo to Whimsical West Hampstead

And lastly, the ever enjoyable bus 139. The good news is if you’re already sightseeing, you’ll be at a great starting point from Waterloo Station / Tenison Way (Stop J).

Once you’ve hopped on you’ll instantly be met with striking views of the Somerset House before you mosey along to Covent Garden .

You’ll probably get FOMO of all the action going on in the area (I mean…it is Covent Garden ) so consider having a little peak around ( or a quick walking tour ) before continuing onward.

A short but sweet ride along will lead you to Trafalgar Square, before taking you into the heart of Picadilly Circus (you’re gonna wanna get your camera out for this).

Bond Street and Selfridges & Co. will come up next, followed by Abbey Road — get out and get your Beatles pictures!!

Tips for taking the Best Bus Routes in London for Sightseeing

• Thanks to the Hopper Fare , you can ride London’s buses as many times as you like within one hour of tapping in

• If you’re touring London, you can choose bus routes according to your travel itinerary for the day, (kill two birds with one stone kinda thing)

• If possible, try to start your journey during off-peak hours (9:30am-4:00pm and 7:00pm-6:30am) to make sure you can snag a seat at the front of the top deck

• Snag a seat at the front of the top deck 😉

Map of the Best Bus Routes in London for Sightseeing

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17 Best London Bus Tours in 2023 (ranked!)

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Ready to tour London by bus?

You’ve come to the right place. I live in London, and have spent a lot of time figuring out the best London bus tours so that you can make the most of your trip to this incredible city.

In this guide, we’re going to explore the best 17 London bus tours – all led by expert guides who want to share their knowledge and help you have a memorable time.

If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, then don’t worry.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best London bus tour is this Hop-On and Hop-Off bus tour .

Click here to check prices and availability.

The best London bus tour if you want the classic sightseeing experience is this Big Bus Hop-On and Hop-Off Bus Tour and the best bus tour in London if you want something a bit different is this Spooky London Ghost Vintage bus tour.

They both have hundreds of amazing reviews, so there’s no going wrong.

London is a massive city that can be much easier to explore by bus, and there are plenty of London bus tours that will cater to your specific interests, whether that be music history, architecture, filming locations in London , or something else entirely!

If you want to see what your other options are, here are the best London bus tours that are definitely worth your time.

PS – booking in advance is highly, highly recommended so you don’t miss out.

Easy Guide: Best London Bus Tour Picks

Best classic bus tours in london, 1. big bus hop-on hop-off classic london tour.

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 7,300+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1-3 day pass | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Big Bus is the most iconic London bus tour and one of my favorite of the sightseeing tours that are hop-on/hop-off style.

Choose the red route if you have less time, or the blue route if you want to see more of London, and enjoy being whizzed around the city with information at each stop about what you’re looking at (the worst kind of bus tour is one where they don’t even tell you!).

Big Bus operate in multiple cities around the world, so the formula isn’t new in London, but it’s a tried-and-tested hop-on and hop-off tour, and that’s why it makes my list as the best one if you’re just going to do one bus tour in London.

2. Vintage London Bus Tour with Optional London Eye

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 370+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

The difference between this bus tour and a normal sightseeing tour is that you get to travel in style on a vintage London bus, not one of the ugly themed hop-on and hop-off bus styles.

The London Eye can also be included in your sightseeing ticket, which is a fantastic way to cover both at once as you’ll finish at the London Eye and not waste any time in traveling there (because the bus will take you!).

This is not a hop-on and hop-off variation, so this is also great if you don’t really need to get on or off and just want to sit and enjoy the views.

3. London Tootbus Must-See Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 3,500+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 – 2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW!

Tootbus is newer on the scene in London when it comes to bus tours, but they’re doing amazing and have fantastic reviews and lots of repeat customers.

There are three different circuits to choose from to customize your London bus experience, and the upper deck is obviously the best place to sit (particularly when you’re going over the bridges!).

Tootbus is a great option for families with kids in London , as it has a little bit more of a casual vibe than the Big Bus options.

4. London Vintage Bus Tour with Thames Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Want to combine your London sightseeing bus tour with a Thames river cruise?

This is your best bet!

So many people want to do both during their time in London, and this is a great option for that, combining land and river for an epic sightseeing day out.

For the record, I prefer doing a sightseeing cruise with sightseeing bus in the warmer months, and a sightseeing bus with the London Eye (a previously listed tour – scroll up a bit) during the colder months just for comfort.

5. Golden Tours Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 600+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 day | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Golden Tours offer a hop-on and hop-off sightseeing tour around London that rivals the other big companies, and they are easy to spot with their blue and orange coloring.

I love that the front of the upper deck is covered in case the weather is bad, while the back of the top is open to the elements in case the sun is shining (or you just want to brave it!).

They do audio tours instead of live guides on their buses, so it’s better if you want that pre-recorded experience or have already tried Big Bus or Tootbus.

Best Night Bus Tours in London

6. london by night open top sightseeing tour.

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 540+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

London is completely different at night , and even if you’ve done a London sightseeing tour during the daytime, a London bus tour at night is such a memorable experience that I recommend to all visitors.

This tour takes you all around the most iconic London attractions to see them lit up and sparkling in the dark, including the bright lights of the London Eye, the Tower of London , and the iconic Westminster Abbey.

You’ll get to see a side of the city that many people never see, and it can be a great thing to do on your first night in London to try and beat that jet lag.

7. London Christmas Lights at Night Bus Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 130+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 45 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Deck the halls in London with a beautiful Christmas lights bus tour during the winter season.

There is something so insanely magical about London in winter when the Christmas lights are on, and this tour will take you right down some of the most important streets like Oxford Street and Regent’s Street.

The best part is that on the upper deck, you’ll be right under and right up close to the lights, as well as have a great vantage point to lights on the sides of the street lighting up the shops.

It’s a really wonderful tour to take in London in the winter if you’re visiting around the holiday season, and one I recommend to my friends and family often.

Best Music Bus Tours in London

8. rock music bohemian soho and north london tour.

⭐️  RATING:  5 of 5 Stars, 12+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3.5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

From Pink Floyd’s studio to the former home of Rod Stewart, the Rock Music Bohemian tour will take you through some of London’s most boho neighborhoods to let you into the world of rock music legends like The Clash, the Beatles, Sting, and so much more.

You’ll get to take a bus around town, meaning you can hit more places than if you go on a walking tour, and along the way you’ll also get to enjoy the architecture and charm of Camden, Islington, and of course the iconic Abbey Road.

Listen to the music blasting from your bus as you tour around the city, perfectly timed with the stops, and enjoy this wonderful world of London rock music with an expert (and hilarious) guide.

9. London Rock Legends Bus Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 350+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Another fantastic option for music fans, the London Rock Legends bus tour is a great choice if you’re wanting to see Notting Hill, Soho, Chelsea, and more – and if those don’t ring a bell to you, think: Ringo’s House, Jimmy Page’s house, and tons of Queen-related locations.

You’ll zip around the city with your guide and leave feeling like you’ve truly learned something new about the musical history of London – this tour is similar to the one mentioned above, so choose which one works best for your schedule.

10. A Ticket to Ride: Beatles in London Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.6 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Join the Beatles’ vibe on a chill evening bus tour through London, catching the city all lit up.

Cruise through the ‘Beatlemania’ era, from 1962 to 1969, and beyond, hitting up Mayfair, Marylebone, St John’s Wood, and the edge of Soho. Celebrate the ‘Fab Four’ spanning over 50 years.

Swing by cool spots like the Scotch of St James Club and other joints where the Beatles hung out.

Check out the pads and offices of the band members and their manager Brian Epstein, where they partied, met their significant others, and did their thing.

And, of course, take a casual stroll across the iconic Abbey Road crossing near the legendary recording studio.

11. London Rock Music Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 830+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Wanna dive into London’s rock history?

From where the Rolling Stones rocked their first record at ‘Tin Pan Alley’ to the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing, this tour has got it all covered.

Take your pick between morning, afternoon, or go all-in with the full-day London Rock Music Tour.

Check out Abbey Road, swing by Apple HQ, drop by Paul’s House, Ringo’s place, and Jimmy Page’s crib, plus a bunch more.

Your rock-savvy guide will dish out insider stories about your favorite musicians while giving you the lowdown on all things music.

Best Ghost Bus Tours in London

12. spooky london ghost vintage bus tour.

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 480+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Join your spooky guide as you hit up notorious local haunts, hearing tales of restless spirits and passing by places with a dark history—St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the infamous Fleet Street.

As you roll through the city, keep an eye out for top attractions like Tower Bridge while your guide spills the beans on London’s haunted past.

The cherry on top?

You’ll be cruising in a retro 1960s Routemaster with a Gothic twist.

Get set for a laid-back, eerie adventure through the spookier side of London!

13. Comedy London Ghost Bus Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.3 out of 5 Stars, 1300+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Get ready to hop on the Necrobus for a ride on the creepy side of London! It’s like the city’s spooky history comes to life.

With on-board actors and tech tricks, this tour is all about giving you the heebie-jeebies while checking out London’s coolest and eeriest spots.

Picture this: a creepy conductor sharing all the ghostly deets, from haunted palaces to secret burial grounds.

The Ghost Bus Tour takes you all around town, hitting up the West End and cruising south of the river.

You’ll get the lowdown on Westminster Abbey, Fleet Street, The Tower of London, and London Bridge—all while soaking in the eerie vibes of the city’s oldest and most historic places.

Best Afternoon Tea Bus Tours in London

14. english afternoon tea bus with panoramic tour of london.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 150+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Ditch the crowds and hop on a double-decker bus to check out the coolest London landmarks without any obstructions.

Cruise around, see way more stuff than you would on foot, and to top it off, indulge in some classic British afternoon tea while you ride.

There’s even a bunch of menu options, so you can munch on what you love. It’s like soaking up the vibes of London while enjoying good eats and drinks on the upper deck.

Perfect for newbies trying to figure out the city!

15. Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 900+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 25 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Brigit’s is one of the most iconic afternoon tea buses in London, and you can’t go wrong with one of their afternoon tea bus tours .

In addition to the regular sightseeing tour, they also offer specialty afternoon tea London bus tours like ones for kids featuring Paddington, as well as ones during the holiday season where everything gets a good dose of Christmas as you look at the lights while enjoying tea.

They’re absolute professionals at making sure that you have the best time seeing the city with your pinkies up, and visitors to the city always rate this as one of their favorite things to do in London.

Best London Movie Bus Tours

16. magical harry potter london bus tour.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 130+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Harry Potter fans, all aboard!

Not the Hogwarts Express, sadly, but the Magical Harry Potter London Bus tour, where you’ll zip past so many Harry Potter filming locations while on tour.

London was where many of the scenes of the “muggle” world were filmed, and you can recognize important attractions like the Millennium Bridge featuring heavily in the movie franchise as the bridge the dementors destroy in the 6th film.

But it doesn’t stop there.

From the origins of Diagon Alley to other Harry Potter filming locations throughout the city, this is the perfect Harry Potter tour in London to pair with the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford to make sure you’ve truly followed in the footsteps of the Boy who Lived.

17. James Bond Bus Tour of London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Dive into the awesome world of 007 with this super cool 4-hour James Bond tour around London!

Follow the footsteps of your favorite spy as you hit up filming spots from classics like ‘GoldenEye,’ ‘The World is Not Enough,’ and ‘Die Another Day,’ as well as recent hits like ‘Spectre,’ ‘Skyfall,’ and ‘No Time to Die.’

Get the lowdown on Bond trivia, from Sean Connery to Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.

Feel the spy vibes for real as you cruise past MI6, the actual spy headquarters in London.

Kick back in a comfy mini-coach with live commentary, and soak up the cinematic thrill of Bond’s adventures all over the city!

Want more London tours? Check these out!

• 15 Best London History Tours
• 5 Best London Speedboat Tours
• 5 Best Tower of London Tours
• 5 Best Westminster Tours in London
• 5 Best Winston Churchill Tours in London
• 7 Best Borough Market Tours
• 7 Best James Bond Tours
• 7 Best Black Cab Tours of London
• 11 Best Royal Tours in London for Visitors
• 11 Best London Art Tours
• 5 Best Graffiti Tours in London
• 11 Best Full Day London Tours
• 9 Best Tours of London’s East End
• 11 Best Private Tours in London
• 17 Best London Food Tours
• 17 Best London Harry Potter Tours
• 11 Best London Bus Tours
• 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
• 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
• 9 Best London Literary Tours for Bookworms
• 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
• 11 Best London Bike Tours
• 11 Best Beatles Tours in London
• 11 Best London Museum Tours
• 21 Best London Walking Tours
• 11 Best London Rock N Roll Tours
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 19 Unique London Tours
• 5 Best Open Top Bus Tours in London
• 7 Best London Helicopter Tours

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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The 9 best bus tours in London from 007 to fine dining

Anyone call for a bright red double-decker? See the capital in all its glory on one of these brilliant London bus tours

Whether you’re after a whirlwind tour of London’s attractions  for the first time or you want a little refresher of your favourite spots in London, we’ve rounded up the best London bus tours for you to take your pick. Our choice selection includes open-top classics that enable you to tick off your favourite landmarks one by one and some sinister tours that take place after dark... And don’t worry Harry Potter fans – we’ve included a London bus tour that takes in all the bespectacled boy wizard’s trips around the capital, from King’s Cross to Number 12 Grimmauld Place. 

Time Out tip:  Wherever you're headed while you're visiting London always have two things to hand: a brolly and Citymapper. 

Want more? 🚲Try a London bike tour instead 💂‍♀️Check out  the best London tours   🛏Stay in the best Airbnbs in London

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best London bus tours

1.  the beatles evening tour.

Trace the years from 1962 to 1970, when Beatlemania was at its peak, as you visit more than 35 Beatles-related landmarks on this evening tour of central London. You’ll also see some of the sites surrounding the band members’ individual music careers, while your expert local guide entertains you with Beatles history through music and film footage - don't worry, there are plenty of photo stops.

Time Out tip: If you're a Beatles fan, you might also enjoy Music of The Mind, an exhibition exploring the works of artist and activist Yoko Ono. It runs until 1st September. 

2.  Ghost bus tour

Set aside an hour of your time to get well and truly spooked. On this ghost bus tour you’ll cruise the city’s historic streets in an old Routemaster (painted black, of course), learning all about London’s gruesome past with a hefty helping on chilling tales and the most haunted sites in the capital.

Time Out tip: For even more gore, why not check out the Sweeny Todd experience at the London Dungeon ?

3.  Big Bus London hop-on hop-off tour

Hop on and off at London's best landmarks and attractions on this classic open-top tour bus. Soak up the sights with over 40 stops around the capital, listen to captivating commentary about your surroundings and experience it all at your own pace.

Time Out tip: With a city this widespread, you'll need some flexibility. For that, you can grab a ticket valid for up to three days, that way you can take your time getting to know London.

4.  Harry Potter bus tour

We may all be muggles, but London contains a wealth of fun Harry Potter experiences that are more than magical. Hop onboard this tour and you’ll journey from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross to Number 12 Grimmauld Place – a trip that takes three hours (aka just enough time to get  really  into the Potterverse). You’ll get to learn about locations that inspired JK Rowling’s awesome books and discover the tales behind some of wizarding wonders. And the best thing? You’ll also be shown some of the most famous Harry Potter film locations.

Time Out tip: Once you head back to Kings Cross, you grab a slice and enjoy the sun (providing there is any) at Happy Face Pizza. It's Neapolitan style, so you know it's good. 

5.  James Bond bus tour

Sure, James Bond drives fancy cars, like a classic Aston Martin, but can he fit all his mates in there for a jolly around London? Not likely. Especially if you want to throw a guide in for good measure, too. Luckily, you can fit all those people and more on this Bond bus tour. Delve into 007’s world of espionage and late-night wanderings to discover filming locations as well as sites frequented by Ian Fleming.

Time Out tip: Want even more British novelty? Just a 14-minute tube stop away you'll find Rules, London's oldest restaurant serving traditional British fare. It's pretty fancy, so Bond would approve.

6.  London at night tour

Giving lucky riders a taste of the lit-up London skyline, this 1.5-hour night tour hits all of the top tourist spots. Naturally, you’ll be travelling on-board a classic double-decker, and it’s the perfect way get views of famous attractions, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye after hours. Plus, learn fascinating facts about these legendary landmarks from your expert guide and hear insider tips on exciting places to visit in the capital at night.

Time Out tip : If you're looking for more lates the National Gallery is open until 9 pm every Friday, while Sir John Soane's Museum hosts a themed late each month.

7.  Open-top tour on a vintage bus

A vintage double-decker bus has been transformed into an open-top sightseeing experience. From Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London via the Houses of Parliament, The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral, see London without any of those annoying panes of glass in the way. Aboard the bus, you'll also have screens with historical footage of London through the decades. 

Time Out tip: If you're feeling peckish after the tour, head to the vibrant, colourful Carnaby Street (a 15-minute stroll) for lots of great food options. 

8.  Bustronome London

A bus tour for gourmands. The Bustronome team combine fine views with fine dining, across a series of lunch, afternoon tea and dinner services. As you pass a sequence of landmarks including Nelson’s Column, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s and the Tower of London, you’ll also enjoy a seasonal menu with an optional paired wine. Bon appetit!

Time Out tip: While this tour is on the pricier end of the scale, it makes a great gift. Not to mention you get to site-see while you dine.

9.  Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour

Fancy a quintessentially British afternoon tea on a classic London bus? Get involved on one of Golden Tours' afternoon tea buses  – as you sit down to a brew and a spread of sandwiches, cakes and pastries, you’ll be driven past Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall and all the usual suspects. Splendid!

Time Out tip: This tour is an excellent choice if you're looking for wholesome hen-do ideas. 

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Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour in London + River Cruise

Jumping on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour in London is definitely one of the best ways to explore such a big city like London. These sightseeing bus tours are suitable for all the family, and you can just sit back and relax and let it take you to London’s most important landmarks.

One of London´s most important sightseeing bus tour is the one offered by Big Bus Tours. You can hop-on and hop-off any of their three fascinating routes, and with more than 30 stops, you won´t miss any of London´s most important must-sees.

Hop on and hop off all the times you want and wherever you want during the day and see London in one of the most effective ways, on the topless upper deck of a double decker sightseeing bus. But don’t worry if the weather isn’t great as you’ll be able to avoid the cold or rain at the front of the upper deck which is covered, just in case!

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour in London: Advantages

There are a few reasons why we recommend a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tour in London:

• Discover all of London´s must sees:  The streets, the famous squares, the monuments and the important attractions and the best thing is that you don´t have to worry about looking at a map and getting lost. Just enjoy the ride.
• You can hop on and off as many times as you want during the day on all the different routes, so you will spend less time on public transport during your trip. Let´s be honest, you get to see much more on the top deck of a bus than on the London Underground!
• The ticket includes a River Cruise on the Thames.
• The ticket also includes a free guided walking tour  in London (See more details below).
• Enjoy the live commentary or listen to the recorded commentary (multi-lingual if English is not your preferred choice!) and discover all the interesting things you didn´t know about London.
• You also get a free discount book  which includes discounts to other attractions and restaurants in London such as the Hard Rock Café.
• They have the largest fleet of open top buses in London , so they run a lot more frequently than other sightseeing tour buses.
• Sightseeing bus tour tickets are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase, so you do not have to redeem them on a particular day. This is great because you can do the tour any day that suits you.

Big Bus London Hop-on Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour Prices

There are 3 different ticket types for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing Bus Tour in London: Classic , Premium and Deluxe .

Each one of these tickets has 3 different prices: Adults, Children (5 – 15) and Family (2 adults + 2 children under 15).

These are the different tickets available and their respective prices:

Classic: 1 Day Ticket

With this ticket you will be able to hop-on and hop-off Big Bus sightseeing bus tour as many times as you like during one day. It also includes a one way Thames River Cruise ticket (London Eye – Tower of London) and the Guided Walking Tour .

Classic Ticket Prices: Adults: £35 Children (5 – 15): £26 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £106.60

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Classic Ticket

Premium: 2 Day Ticket

The Premium ticket is valid for two consecutive days . You can hop on and hop off as many times as you like on any of the big bus routes for two days. This ticket also includes a round trip ticket on a Thames River Cruise and a free Guided Walking Tour , as well as the Night Tour during the summer months.

Premium Ticket Prices: Adult ticket: £40.40 Child ticket (5 – 15): £31.40 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £124.60

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Premium Ticket

Deluxe: 3 Day Ticket

The Deluxe ticket is valid for three consecutive days . You can hop on and hop off as many times as you like on any of the bug bus routes for three days. This ticket also includes a round trip ticket on a Thames River Cruise and the free Guided Walking Tour , as well as the Night Tour during the summer months.

Deluxe Ticket Prices: Adult ticket: £44.90 Child ticket (5 – 15): £35.90 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £139.60

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tours Deluxe Ticket

Night Tour and Hotel Return Service

During the summer months there is also the possibility of hopping on a sightseeing bus tour to see London at night. This night tour runs until the end of September. This night tour is also included when you buy deluxe (2 day) and premium (3 day) tickets, but you can also buy tickets for the night tour only.

There are three night tours per evening that depart from the London Eye, Victoria Station and Marble Arch. The pick-up times are:

• London Eye (stop 7) at 19:30, 20:00 & 20:30
• Victoria (stop 29) at 19:45, 20:15 & 20:45
• Marble Arch (stop 4) at 20:00, 20:30 & 21:00.  From Marble Arch, which is the last stop of the tour, there is a free hotel return service that goes to Paddington, Bayswater, Notting Hill & Kensington at the end of the tour.

Night Tour only Prices: Adult ticket: £24.90 Child ticket (5 – 15): £15.00 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children): £64.80

Combined tickets: Big Bus Sightseeing Tour + Attraction

There is also the possibility of buying combined tickets   for Big Bus HO-HO sightseeing bus tour in London with tickets to one of London’s Top Attractions , resulting in great savings.

Once you have bought tickets, the driver or a member of staff from Big Bus Tours (at any Big Bus Tours stop) will exchange your tickets, giving you the tickets for the sightseeing bus tour as well as the tickets to your chosen attraction.

Combo tickets:  > Big Bus Tours + London Eye > Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds > Big Bus Tour + Tower of London > Big Bus Tour + St Paul’s Cathedral

Big Bus Tour + London Eye

This ticket includes a 1 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic ticket) and entry to the London Eye . This ticket also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour . Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 90 days to use your London Eye tickets.

You can buy normal entry tickets to the London Eye or fast track tickets. With fast track tickets you won’t have to queue at all.

Prices with Normal London Eye entry: Adult ticket: £64.80 Child ticket: £47.90 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £227.30

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour + London Eye Tickets

Prices with Fast Track London Eye entry: Adult ticket: £67.80 Child ticket: £58.80 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £189.00

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour + London Eye Fast-Track Tickets

Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds

This ticket includes a 1 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic ticket) and entry to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum . This ticket also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour .

You can redeem your tickets at any Big Bus Stop. Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 90 days to use your Madame Tussauds tickets.

Prices for 1 day bus tour + Madame Tussauds Adult ticket:  £65.80 Child ticket: £52.80 Family ticket: £211.40

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour + Madame Tussauds Tickets

Big Bus Tour + Tower of London

You can choose a 1, 2 or 3 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic, premium or deluxe ticket) and entry to the Tower of London. These tickets also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour .

You can redeem your tickets at any Big Bus Stop. Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 3 days to use your Tower of London tickets.

Prices for 1 day bus tour (Classic ticket) + Tower of London Adult ticket: £61.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £38.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Classic + Tower of London

Prices for 2 day bus tour (Premium ticket) + Tower of London Adult ticket: £67.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £43.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Premium + Tower of London

Prices for 3 day bus tour (Deluxe ticket) + Tower of London Adult ticket: £71.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £48.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Deluxe + Tower of London

Big Bus Tour + St. Paul’s Cathedral

You can choose a 1, 2 or 3 day ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (classic, premium or deluxe ticket) and entry to St Paul’s Cathedral. These tickets also includes a free river cruise and a free guided walking tour .

Online tickets can be redeemed at any Big Bus Stop. You will need to use your tickets for the sightseeing bus tour and the river cruise that same day, and you will have 90 days to use your St Paul’s Cathedral tickets.

Prices for 1 day bus tour (Classic ticket) + St Paul’s Cathedral Adult ticket: £61.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £38.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Classic + St Paul’s Cathedral

Prices for 2 day bus tour (Premium ticket) + St Paul’s Cathedral Adult ticket: £67.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £43.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Premium + St Paul’s Cathedral

Prices for 3 day bus tour (Deluxe ticket) + St Paul’s Cathedral Adult ticket: £71.80 Child ticket (5 – 15): £48.90

⇒ Find out more: Big Bus Tour Deluxe + St Paul’s Cathedral

Routes and Timetable for London’s Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

There are 4 different routes which will take you to see London’s top landmarks. You can hop-on and hop-off of any of the routes as many times as  you like, and change routes whenever you want. This just makes sightseeing in London very easy, and it saves you having to use public transport in London to get from one place to another.

It’s also good to know that you can start your journey on the sightseeing bus tour at any bus stop, on any route, so you can start your journey at the bus stop that suits you best.

⇒ Here you will find a map with the routes and timetables: London Sightseeing Bus Tour Map .

1. Classic Red Tour

The first bus of this route departs at 8.10 am from the stop located just in front of Green Park underground station, on Piccadilly Street and there are buses approximately every 5 minutes. This route is the Classic Tour, a route that passes through 15 of the most important tourist places in London, including Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Big Ben, Covent Garden, the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral among others. The red route has a live commentary in English, and there are also recorded commentaries in several languages.

The red route takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and has several stops in common with the blue route: stops from 2 to 5, from 7 to 11 and stop 15. It also coincides with the green route at stop 9.

2. Big Blue Tour

The first bus of the blue route departs at 8.36 am from stop number 2, which is located at Hyde Park Corner, and there are buses approximately every 5 or 10 minutes. The nearest underground stop is Green Park. The blue route is a slightly longer route, and coincides in almost all the stops with the red route, but also goes round Hyde Park, passing through the South Kensington area, where the natural history museum, the science museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are located. It also goes past Harrods and towards Regent’s Park stopping at Baker Street, where the Sherlock Holmes museum and Madame Tussauds wax museum are located. The blue route has recorded commentaries.

The blue route takes almost 3 hours and coincides with the red route at stops 2 to 5, from 7 to 11 and stop 15. It also connects with the green route at stop 9 .

3. Green Link

The green link is very short and connects the famous Trafalgar Square with King’s Cross and St Pancras underground and train stations, going past the British museum. If you are going to spend a day in London and arrive at the King’s Cross – St Pancras station, we recommend that you use the tourist bus, since you can start the route here, change at Trafalgar Square to another route and see London easily before returning to King’s Cross with the green link again if you need to.

The first bus on the green route leaves from Covent Garden at 8.20 am, where it also links to the blue and red routes.

4. Night tour: Hotel Return Service 

The purple route is the hotel return service. It covers the areas from Marble Arch to Gloucester Road, so it’s ideal if your hotel is anywhere in between – such as Paddington, Bayswater, Notting Hill or Kensington. It runs up to 2 hours later than the other routes mentioned above.

Bus stops and timetables

Here you can find a list of the bus stops from the RED and BLUE routes, and the time of departure of the first bus at each one of them. After that, buses run every 5 – 10 minutes. Guide: Red Route ( RR ), Blue Route ( BR ) and Green Link ( GL ).

⇒ See Sightseeing Bus Tour Route Map Here

1. GREEN PARK ( RR ) – Green Park Underground Station, next to the Ritz Hotel 2. HYDE PARK CORNER ( RR , BR )  – Opposite Hard Rock Cafe 3. QUEEN MOTHER GATES ( RR , BR ) – Opposite Hilton Hotel 4. MARBLE ARCH ( RR , BR ) – Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park 5. MAYFAIR ( RR , BR ) – Park Lane Big Bus Stop 6. ROYAL MEWS ( RR ) – 31 Buckingham Palace Road Bus Stop 7. LONDON EYE ( RR , BR ) – Westminster Bridge Road Bus Stop 8. WATERLOO ( RR , BR ) – York Road Bus Stop 9. COVENT GARDEN ( RR , BR , RV) – Big Bus Stop at No.1 Aldwych 10. ST PAUL´S CATHEDRAL ( RR , BR ) – 26 Ludgate Hill Bus Stop 11. TOWER OF LONDON ( RR , BR ) – 362 Tower Hill Bus Stop 12. YORK ROAD ( RR )– Westminster Bridge Road Bus Stop 14. WHITEHALL ( RR ) – Big Bus Stop opposite Horse Guards 15. TRAFALGAR SQUARE   ( RR , BR ) –  Pall Mall East Bus Stop Z 16. BAKER STREET ( RR ) – Big Bus Stop at 9 Marylebone Road 17. OXFORD STREET ( BR ) – Bus Stop RF on Regent Street 18. REGENT STREET ( BR )– Bus Stop V on Regent Street 19. PICCADILLY CIRCUS ( BR )– Bus Stop G on Regent Street 20. HAYMARKET ( BR )– Big Bus Stop at No.11 Haymarket  **The blue route after stopping at stop number 20 stops at stop 15 at Trafalgar Square, where it coincides with the red route** 21. CRAIG´S COURT ( BR ) – Bus Stop at Craig’s Court and Whitehall Corner 22. WHITEHALL ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No.61 Whitehall **The blue route after stopping at stop number 22 stops at stops number 7, 8, 9, 10 and  11 coinciding with the red route** 23. WESTMINSTER PIER ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No.30-35 Victoria Embankment 24. LAMBETH PLACE ( BR ) – Lambeth Palace Road Bus Stop 25. COLLEGE GREEN ( BR ) – Abingdon Street Bus Stop 26. TOTHILL STREET ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 43-45 Tothill Street 27. BUCKINGHAM PALACE ( BR ) – Bus Stop  at No.1 Buckingham Gate 28. RUBEN´S HOTEL ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 39 Buckingham Palace Road 29. VICTORIA ( BR ) – Bus Stop opposite The Bag of Nails Pub 30. VICTORIA STATION  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 111 Buckingham Palace Road **The blue route after stopping at stop number 30 stops at stops number 3, 4 and 5 coinciding with the red route ** 31. GREEN PARK ( BR ) – Green Park Underground Station Bus Stop **The blue route after stopping at stop number 31 stops at stop number 2 coinciding with the red route** 32. HYDE PARK CORNER ( BR ) –  Bus Stop at No. 1 Knightsbridge 33. HARRODS ( BR ) – Bus Stop at Harrods, No. 87-135 Brompton Road 34. SOUTH KENSIGNTON MUSEUMS  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 6 Thurloe Place 35. GLOUCESTER ROAD  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 128 Gloucester Road 36. KENSINGTON PALACE  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 5 Kensington High Street 37. NOTTING HILL GATE  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 14 Notting Hill Gate 38. KENSINGTON GARDENS  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 150 Bayswater Road 39. THISTLE HOTEL  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 104 Bayswater Road 40. BAYSWATER ( BR ) – Bayswater Road Bus Stop 41. PADDINGTON STATION  ( BR ) – Bus Stop at No. 25 London St 42. WOBURN ( GL ) – Bus Stop opposite Royal National Hotel 43. EUSTON STATION  ( GL ) – Bus Stop L, Upper Woburn Place 44. KING´S CROSS STATION  ( GL ) – Pancras Way Bus Stop 45. ST. PANCRAS STATION  ( GL ) – Midland Road Bus Stop 46. EUSTON ROAD ( GL ) – Bus Stop M, Upper Woburn Place 47. WOBURN (SOUTHBOUND) ( GL ) – Bus Stop J, in front of Russel Court 48. BRITISH MUSEUM (SOUTHBOUND) ( GL ) – Bus Stop X, Southampton Row 49. DUNCANNON STREET ( GL ) – Bus Stop G, Duncannon Street.

FREE River Cruise when you buy Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour tickets

A Thames River Cruise is honestly one of the best things you can  do when visiting London, this is something that I always recommend friends and family do when they come to visit us. If it’s your first time in London I can guarantee that a cruise on the Thames will leave you speechless, as you can see many famous landmarks from the river. And the best thing is: You get a free river cruise with the London hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour tickets. Boom!

The river cruise included is a one way ticket if you’re buying a one day sightseeing bus tour ticket, or a return ticket if you’re buying a 2 or 3 day bus tour ticket. The cruise runs from Westminster Pier to Tower of London. If you have a one day bus tour ticket you need to do the river cruise on that same day, but don’t worry as there is plenty of time do both, you would even have time to go on the London Eye on the same day.

Free Guided Walking Tour

You will also be able to make the most of your sightseeing bus tour tickets by joining the free walking tour that’s included in your ticket. The tour starts at the Big Bus Tours Bus Stop in Trafalgar Square at 10.20 am, and you will be able to enjoy the Changing of the Guard at 11.00 am at Buckingham Palace and learn all about St James’ Palace.

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15 Best Bus Tours of London Reviewed (Ultimate guide)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2023

Are you considering a bus tour of London? Not sure what is available or which one is the best for you? We have you covered in our complete guide to the best bus tours of London

Are you planning to visit London and want to take one of the many bus tours of the capital that are on offer? With so many to choose from you may be wondering which one is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we compare some of the best available bus tours of London to provide you with a detailed breakdown and help you pick the right one for you.

A bus tour is a perfect introduction to London and is a great way to get oriented with the city without being too tiring. One option is to walk between all the main sights, landmarks and attractions but this can be hard work if you are not used to so much walking. The Tube is another great way to get around London but as you will be underground you won’t see anything!

An added bonus on many of the available tours is the live guides or audio commentaries on board. These help you to learn about the city’s history, culture, and architecture as you travel around. Many are multilingual too.

Some of the bus tours include a free cruise too which is an added bonus if you would like to see London from the comfort of a boat. (You can find my comparison guide to the best London boat trips and cruises here !

We have included the best hop-on hop-off London bus tours, Christmas bus tours, night bus tours, afternoon tea London bus tours and even a comedy ghost-themed bus tour and a Bar Bus! Plenty of choices and I am sure you will find at least one bus tour for your London visit.

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour

Big bus open-top hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour, london panoramic bus tour, london tootbus kids tour, tootbus london discovery hop-on hop-off bus tour, london tootbus bar bus, big london ticket: london eye, big bus & thames river cruise, london by night sightseeing open-top bus tour, afternoon tea bus with panoramic tour of london, afternoon tea bus tour.

• Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour

London christmas lights tour by vintage open top bus, tootbus christmas lights tour, christmas lights bus tour, the london pass free hop-on hop-off bus, plan your visit to london, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

🏆 Summary of the best bus tours of London

🚏 Best hop-on hop-off bus tour – Choose between the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour or the Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

👭 Best bus tour for children – London Tootbus Kids Tour

🎄 Best bus tour for Christmas lights – London Christmas Lights Tour by Vintage Open Top Bus

🫖 Best bus tour for afternoon tea – Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

💵 Best value bus tour – The London Pass is great value if you plan to see lots of sights as it is included for free!

*When you purchase a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour ticket

Discover London’s most iconic sights on this hop-on hop-off city tour. An onboard audio commentary will get you up to speed on the city’s history and culture as you enjoy panoramic views.

Good to know

• First departure is at 9am the last departure at 5:10pm.
• Buses are every 30 mins
• Take the full loop over 2.5 hours (without stopping off)

Click to book the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour

See London’s famous landmarks and listen to the audio commentary (available in 5 languages) as you go. Hop off and explore at leisure before hopping back on for your next stop. This tour includes a choice of 3 tickets with the Premium and Premium Plus tickets including a panoramic evening tour and return river cruises.

• Includes 2 bus routes but one (the blue route) is seasonal so do check at booking.

Click to book the Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Panoramic 2 hours tour of London’s famous landmarks . This is not a hop-on hop-off bus so you will need to stay on the bus for the duration of the tour.

• Multilingual audio guide in 11 languages.
• Live tour guide (English)

Click to book the London Panoramic Bus Tour

The BEST bus tour for children aged 6 – 12. Introduce them to the history of London on this 45-minute bus tour. Listen to the live kid-friendly guided commentary on this tour designed especially for them!

• Free access to the Tootbus app so you can prepare children for the visit ahead.
• Arrive early for the best seats!
• Meeting point at Charles II Street, St James’s.

Click to book the London Tootbus Kids Tour

Board the bus at one of 8 conveniently located stops in central London and enjoy the views of London’s most famous sights and landmarks as you travel around the city.

• Audio commentary on bus devices for adults and kids
• Free earphones
• Wi-fi on board the bus
• Access to app including bus tracking, points of interest, adults and kids commentary, and self-guided walking tours

Click to book the Tootbus London Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Fancy a rooftop terrace over London? Why not try the Bar Bus and enjoy the most original of them all!

• Don’t forget your ID if you look like you are under 25!

Click to book the London Tootbus Bar Bus

Enjoy the top sights and landmarks of London plus some additional extras including a free London river cruise, tickets for the London Eye and a Panoramic evening tour. *

* Premium and Premium Plus tickets only

• Recorded commentary in 5 different languages
• Free wifi on-board every bus

Click to book the Big London Ticket: London Eye, Big Bus & Thames River Cruise

Explore the city of London at night on this 90-minute bus tour. Your guide will provide historical information as you pass St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, sharing fun stories about the city along the way! This tour is perfect for families or groups of friends looking to have a great time.

• Meet at the bus stop next to the Ritz Hotel by Green Park Tube station
• Note that during the months of May, June and July for the earlier tours it may still be daylight and not entirely dark

Click to book the London by Night Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Tour

Take a tour of the best of London whilst enjoying an afternoon tea ! Includes an assortment of savoury and sweet treats.

• Enjoy a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink
• Seating on the lower or upper deck depending on the option selected
• Contact the supplier 72 hours prior to travel to confirm your choice of menu
• Meeting point varies depending on whether you choose upper or lower deck option

Click to book the Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea whilst viewing some of London’s famous landmarks including Big Ben, the House of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

• Note that there are no toilets on board.
• Submit dietary requirements when booking
• Meeting point at Victoria Coach Station

Click to book the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea on a traditional London bus while you tour the sights and landmarks of the city. Onboard commentary is provided.

• Note that there are no toilets on board
• Non refundable
• Meeting point at a Victoria Coach Station or 8 Northumberland Avenue

Click to book Brigit’s Bakery Afte rnoon Tea Bus in London

Enjoy the scariest tour in town on the Ghost bus! You’ll get to see all of the spooky and haunted places in town with the creepy conductor who is your guide along the way. But be warned: he might tell you some things that are better left hidden.

• Meet at Northumberland Avenue o utside the Grand Hotel
• Smoking, eating and drinks other than bottled water are not permitted on the bus.

London Comedy Horror Show: London Ghost Bus Tour

Avoid the crowds and get the best views on this wonderful open-top vintage bus tour of London’s spectacular Christmas lights including Oxford Street and Harrod’s Christmas window displays.

Enjoy the commentary by your tour guide as you enjoy the tour.

• Meet outside the Grand Hotel at 8 Northumberland Avenue
• Arrive early to choose your seat
• Don’t forget to wrap up warmly!

Click to book the London Christmas Lights Tour on a vintage London bus

Take this 45-minute bus tour of London’s festive lights and enjoy free access to the Tootbus app, Tootbus Christmas playlist and a Santa Hat.

This is a great trip for children and if they are under 5 they can even travel for free on their parent’s lap.

• Meet at 13 Coventry Street

Click to book the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour

Avoid the festive crowds and enjoy the views on this bus tour of London’s spectacular Christmas lights including Oxford Street, Regents Street and Knightsbridge.

Enjoy an entertaining commentary by your tour guide.

• Meet your guide at Gate 0 located inside Victoria Coach Station.
• Check-in starts 15 minutes before the departure time selected.
• Arrive early to choose your seat and don’t forget to wrap up warmly!

Click to book the London Christmas Lights Bus Tour

The London Pass also includes a free 24 hour hop-on hop-ff bus ticket (plus Thames cruise) which makes this an excellent option if you are planning to visit some of London’s top attractions during your visit.

Read our guide to the London Pass to decide if this is a cost-effective option for you!

• London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip
• Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
• First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
• How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s manin trains stations.
• What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions
• How to purchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions
• London Eye – Complete guide, tips and ticket options compared
• Visiting on a budget? Read out budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
• Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
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• Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London

London sightseeing bus tours : places to visit in London

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London Sightseeing Bus Map: Find Out Which Bus Goes to The Top Spots

Need to know which busses go to the places you want to visit in London?  These London sightseeing bus map options will help you find the best routes.

There are a lot of bus tours in London, but have you thought about using public buses as personal sightseeing tours? You won’t have access to live tour guides or commentators, but it can save you a lot of money over group tours. London’s bus routes are so easy to explore online that it doesn’t make sense not to at least consider this idea. Keep reading for all of the information you need to make it happen.

Best London Sightseeing Bus Map Routes

The public buses in London aren’t what you may expect. They’re bright red double decker buses that allow you to cruise through the city, enjoying the fresh air as you watch the biggest attractions float by. The extensive routes and ease of boarding makes them perfect substitutes for organized city tours.

You just need to know the best routes to take to see attractions that interest your group. The following list will introduce you to our top picks.

1.   Bus 24  – Grosvenor Road to Royal Free Hospital

London’s 24 bus starts near Churchill Gardens on the banks of the River Thames. It goes north to Royal Free Hospital, passing through Victoria, Westminster, Central London and Camden Town along the way. You don’t have to take the full route to see some well-known London attractions. Some of the stops along the way include: 

• Churchill Gardens
• George’s Square
• Westminster Cathedral
• Westminster City Hall
• Westminster Abbey
• Horse Guards Parade
• Trafalgar Square
• Cambridge Circus
• Camden Market

Some of the attractions you’ll see include the Thames River, Battersea Power Station, and Parliament Square.

2.   Bus 15  – Blackwall Station to Charing Cross Station

London’s Bus 15 travels straight through Central London and will deliver views of the following attractions:

• The Monument
• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
• Paul’s Cathedral
• Fleet Street
• Waterloo Bridge

If you visit Brick Lane, that’s a great place to get on this bus and ride the line as a mini tour of Central London. The route will take you to the London Zoo as well as stops convenient to many other popular attractions.

3.   Bus 14  – Putney Heath/Green Man to Russell Square

This is the best bus route in London if you want to visit or just ride past some of the city’s elite museums. The route will take you by the following attractions:

• Mary’s Church
• British Museum
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Brompton Square
• Science Museum
• Hard Rock Café
• Natural History Museum
• Piccadilly Circus
• Royal Institution
• Royal Geographical Society

Ways to Create Custom London Bus Tours for Free

Now that you see a few of the best bust routes in London for sightseeing, it’s time to discuss how you use these lines and others to create your own sightseeing bus tour through the city. There are a few options, including:

• Pick a bus route and follow it start to finish. You can either ride it back in reverse to get back to your starting point or plan another form of transportation from the end point.
• Pick a bus route and ride a portion of the route, using it as transportation to attractions you want to visit. You’ll enjoy a bit of sightseeing as you get from point A to point B while in London.
• Find more extensive London bus maps online and create a larger sightseeing tour connecting multiple bus lines.

If you choose that last option, you need to know where to find bus maps for London. We’ll give you some resources for that next.

Where to London Sightseeing Bus Map Options Online

Transport for London  is the official resource for bus lines in London. Search for the bus route of interest from the homepage to view a complete list of the stops. You can also  view bus maps  that will deliver a visual of each bus route and  London top attractions on a map. The spider maps may help you see how different routes connect together, helping you create more extensive free bus tours of London from home.

The  Live London Bus Map  at TrainTimes.org is another great resource for trip planning. Select the route number from the dropdown menu in the bottom left-hand corner and the route will appear on the map instantly. The focus is only on bus routes, so you won’t get travel tips or information about attractions on this map. It may still help if you’re interested in learning the routes or figuring out how to connect between them.

Finally, you can copycat from official London bus tours. Find their websites online and check for their route lists. Many tour groups now post at least a skeleton view of the route to help sell seats on their upcoming tours. You can use that information when planning custom walking tours of London, but they won’t correspond to official London bus routes.

Related Articles:

• Tips for London Vacations with Kids
• London Family-Friendly Tours and Fun Things to Do with Kids

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Things to do in London

While Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye are iconic, London has so much more to offer. A visit to the capital unveils a whole host of surprises waiting to be explored.

Where to eat

Munch on Pie and Mash

When you're in London, don't miss out on one of its classic delights: pie and mash. Whether you're at the charming Rules in Covent Garden or the bustling Pieminister in Farringdon, London offers a range of spots to satisfy your taste buds. Be sure to save room for the traditional liquor—it's a local favourite that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Sip on Afternoon Tea at the British Museum

A visit to London isn't complete without experiencing traditional afternoon tea. Head to the Great Court Restaurant at the British Museum, nestled under its iconic glass roof, for a delightful spread of scones, jam, and clotted cream. It’s a truly memorable way to immerse yourself in British culinary tradition in one of the city's most iconic settings. - But what will go first on your scone ? Jam or Cream?

Enjoy Family Time at the Rainforest Café

Treat your family to an adventure at the Rainforest Café, where London meets the jungle. With mesmerising waterfalls, captivating special effects, and animated wildlife, you’ll be transported to another world. Ideal for a family outing, the menu features a delightful mix of American and international dishes, from hearty steaks and ribs to tempting burgers and fresh salads, all topped off with irresistible desserts, what more could you want!

Where to drink

The Trendy Bars of East London

Discover the pulse of East London's nightlife, a favourite among locals. Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes is not just a bar—it's a vibrant mix of art gallery, event space, and nightclub. 

Sip on quirky cocktails and indulge in specialty food nights that fuel the party spirit. If board games are your vibe, head to Draughts in Haggerston—a quirky board game café by day that transforms into a lively bar by night. For those seeking a fun atmosphere, hotspots like The Book Club and Queen of Hoxton always buzz with East London's trendy crowd.

The Edgy Underground Bars of Soho

Soho's streets are buzzing, but its underground scene is where the real excitement unfolds. Dive into Cahoots, a retro Tube-themed bar offering an extensive drink selection and unforgettable vibes. Explore the speakeasy-style charm of the Experimental Cocktail Club tucked away in Chinatown, or soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Soho’s diverse gay pubs and bars, where every night is a celebration of fun and camaraderie.

The Big Names in London Clubbing

If you love to party with the best sounds till the early hours, you need to  experience the legends of London’s club scene. Following its revival, Fabric remains the city’s premier venue for electronic music, hosting unforgettable nights. South of the river, Ministry of Sound in Vauxhall and Corsica Studios in Elephant and Castle offer intimate settings with exciting line-ups of emerging DJs and live music performances, ensuring every night is filled with electrifying beats and vibrant energy.

Where to shop

Camden Passage, Islington

Camden Passage is overflowing with cute cafés, independent boutiques and vintage shops. Discover unique treasures from one-of-a-kind pieces to stylish party outfits. Be sure not to miss the antiques market, perfect for finding affordable furniture, quirky curios, and fascinating bric-a-brac.

Spitalfields Market

Fashion and food lovers  will adore Spitalfields Market. Located in a historic trading area, Spitalfields is renowned for its vibrant mix of fashion stalls and delectable food options. Whether you're browsing, haggling, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Spitalfields offers a perfect day out.

Westfield Stratford

For the ultimate shopping experience, head to Westfield Stratford or White City. With a lineup that rivals Oxford and Regent Street, these two London shopping centres cater to every taste with a blend of high street favourites and luxury brands. Plus, don't forget to check their packed events calendar for entertainment that suits every interest.

London Designer Outlet

Located next to Wembley Stadium, the London Designer Outlet is a shopper's paradise offering top global brands at discounted prices. Discover hidden treasures and fashionable finds while enjoying an additional 10% discount if you book your event travel to Wembley with us. See we can help you save before you even arrive!

Other tourist attractions

Buckingham Palace

Just a short stroll from Victoria Coach Station, Buckingham Palace stands as one of London’s most iconic landmarks and the official residence of the Royals. It's also the perfect spot to snap a winning photo. Make sure to arrive in time for the daily Changing of the Guard, a must-see spectacle in the capital. The ceremony begins around 11:30am and lasts about 45 minutes.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is home to a host of famous landmarks, including Nelson’s Column, the statue of King George IV, St. Martins-in-the-Fields church, and the beautiful fountains. Curious minds should pop into the nearby National Gallery to explore its vast array of exhibits. If you're walking from the station, there are plenty of delightful places to grab a bite along the way. Stop by a cosy café or a trendy eatery to refuel before continuing your adventure.

Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and More

In under half an hour, you can walk from Victoria Coach Station to the iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. You'll also be right next to the London Eye, offering breathtaking views of the city. Don't miss the chance to visit Westminster Abbey, see Winston Churchill’s statue, stroll past Downing Street, and relax in St James’s Park—all within a short walking distance you’ll have ticked off so many sights.

Things to do for kids

Take them deer spotting in Richmond Park

Anyone who thinks of London as an urban jungle hasn’t explored the range of beautiful parks dotted around the city. Full of stunning wildlife, Richmond Park is a perfect example. If the weather’s on your side, take your little ones for a day out in this serene green space. Just a 16-minute train ride from Waterloo, Richmond Park offers the chance to spot a deer or three in their natural habitat.

Let them loose in an interactive indoor city

The perfect rainy day activity, KidZania is like stepping into a whole new world – a world run by children. Blending learning and fun, this indoor city in Westfield London lets kids try their hand at more than 60 real-life activities. One minute they could be mastering the art of chocolate-making in the factory, and the next assembling a car at the engineering centre. It's an unforgettable experience that keeps the little ones engaged and entertained. 

Culture them with a range of family-friendly exhibitions

For a mix of education and fun, London’s museums are hard to beat. In under half an hour’s walk from Victoria Station, you can introduce your kids to the world’s greatest art and design collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, enjoy high-tech interactive displays and games at the Natural History Museum, or get lost in a wealth of exhibits at the Science Museum. Each museum offers a unique experience sure to excite and inspire all ages. Don’t forget to check out the special family-friendly events and interactive sessions that often run during school holidays!

Hidden gems

St Dunstan in the East

Tucked away in the City of London, St Dunstan in the East is a hidden gem with a unique history. Bombed during The Blitz, the church ruins have been transformed into a serene public garden. Open daily, it's the perfect spot for a quiet picnic and some fantastic photos. Wander through this tranquil space and soak up the peaceful atmosphere amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

Kyoto Garden

Holland Park is already a lovely destination, but the real treasure lies within the enchanting Kyoto Garden. This Japanese-style garden is packed full with exotic flowers, peaceful waterfalls, and traditional lanterns. It’s an ideal retreat for those seeking a serene weekend escape. Whether you’re strolling along the winding paths or simply sitting and enjoying the scenery, Kyoto Garden offers a slice of peace in the heart of London.

Wilton’s Music Hall

Step into history at Wilton’s Music Hall, the oldest surviving music hall in London that still hosts performances today. Its slightly worn and weathered appearance only adds to its unique charm and character. Whether you're a music enthusiast or a history nut, Wilton’s is a must-visit. Enjoy a show in this historic venue and experience the vibrant cultural heritage that it embodies. From plays and concerts to cabarets, the atmosphere at Wilton’s is sure to captivate and delight you.

Don't take our word for it

Discover London in a day (and the best way to get there!) in Kenny's blog .

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Sightseeing on the Number 11 London Bus

Gautier Houba / TripSavvy

We do enjoy a sightseeing hop-on/hop-off bus, and the expert 'on location' commentary they can provide is worth it, so we're not trying to dismiss the great service they offer - the Big Bus Tours is particularly good. But if you're looking for a more budget way of seeing the sights or feel more confident exploring independently, then there are some London public transport bus routes that take in quite a few of the big landmarks along the way.

An Oyster card or a one-day travel card makes all buses (and tubes and London trains) a hop-on/hop-off service.

• Time needed: 1 hour approx.
• Start: Liverpool Street station
• Finish: Victoria station

This is a great, cheap sightseeing route. You want to try and get an upstairs front row seat for the best views and, if possible, sit on the right-hand side for this route.

What You'll See

The journey starts in the City of London, and within minutes, you are at the 'Bank' station area, so have the Bank of England on your right, Royal Exchange on your left, and Mansion House straight ahead. Do note that most of the City of London is closed on weekends.

The Bank of England is the second oldest central bank in the world (established in 1694). The building's architect was Sir John Soane, and the site is spread over three acres. The bank's nickname is the 'Old Lady of Threadneedle Street' because of a 1797 cartoon showing the Prime Minister (William Pitt the Younger) trying to woo the Bank, which was shown as an older woman wearing a dress made of banknotes. There is a free Bank of England Museum where you can try to lift a gold bar.

The Royal Exchange site has been a trading center since the 1500s but this building only dates back to the 1800s. It reopened in 2001 as a luxury shopping and restaurant complex. There's Gucci, Hermes, and Tiffany & Co. inside, but don't be intimidated, as you can just stop for tea or coffee at the Grand Cafe and enjoy the surroundings.

Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. (That's not the same person who is the Mayor of London who works at City Hall.) The Lord Mayor is the one who gets to have a major parade for their inauguration in November annually called the Lord Mayor's Show .

Around 5 minutes further along the route, you reach St Paul's Cathedral. The bus stop announcement is for 'St Paul's Churchyard,' but you can't miss the huge building on your right.

Shortly after the bus stop, by the traffic lights, do take a quick look to your left to see the Millennium Bridge and across the Thames to Tate Modern .

St Paul's Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren over 300 years ago. It stands 365 feet high, and there are 528 steps from the cathedral floor to the Golden Gallery.

Even with all the construction that is constantly going on in the City of London - seriously, you'll never get a photo of the skyline without a crane - there are some protected views in London, and most relate to St Paul's Cathedral, so architects have to plan their new tall office blocks in unusual shapes. If you get stuck in traffic here then do admire the contrasting architectural styles in the area.

Do note that the statue in front of the cathedral is not Queen Victoria as most people think but is, in fact, Queen Anne, as she was the ruling monarch when St. Paul's Cathedral was completed.

After the junction at Ludgate Circus, the bus goes straight on and along Fleet Street. This used to be the home of the national newspapers, but they have all moved further east. Do look out for the old Daily Express building on the right as it's a wonderful example of Art Deco architecture in London.

You'll also pass the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub on your right, which was popular with Dr. Samuel Johnson, Charles Dickens, W.B. Yeats, and, of course, the journalists who used to work on the street. It now serves an excellent pub pie .

And look on the left side of the street too to see The Tipperary - London's oldest Irish pub, almost opposite the Cheshire Cheese.

When you spot a church on your right (it's St Dunstan's in the West), just before it is a building with large lettering on the front: Sunday Post / People's Friend / People's Journal / Dundee Courier, which is supposed to be the site of Sweeney Todd's Barber Shop.

Shortly after, you reach the Royal Courts of Justice on your right, which is an incredibly grand Victorian building.

Don't forget to do a quick look to your left, too, to see the Twinings Tea Shop & Museum opposite.

The church on your right is St Clement Danes, and its church bells play the Oranges and Lemons nursery rhyme at regular times throughout the day; usually, 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm.

As you move towards Aldwych look out on your left for the closed London Underground station with the sign Strand Station. You won't find this on any tube map as it has been closed for many years. It is better known as Aldwych Station and is used as a TV and movie filming location. It can be seen in the Patriot Games , V for Vendetta , Atonement , 28 Days Later, and many more.

And look on your right for Australia House , which was used as Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the Harry Potter movies.

The next junction goes past Waterloo Bridge on your left, and the bus continues straight ahead on the Strand.

Look out for the Savoy Hotel on the left, which is set back, but you will spot it by the huge topiary cats at the entrance.

Looking ahead, you should be able to see the top of Nelson's Column as you will reach Trafalgar Square in a few minutes. Once you hear the bus announcement for 'Charing Cross Station' (it's on your left), get ready to look right for Trafalgar Square. You'll see Admiralty Arch straight ahead before the bus turns left onto Whitehall, and it's straight down to see 'Big Ben.'

Look to the right for Horse Guard's Parade to see the mounted cavalry, as this is the official entrance to Buckingham Palace , even though the palace is on the other side of St James's Park behind here.

Almost opposite on the left-hand side is Banqueting House, which is the only remaining building of the once enormous Whitehall Palace. The ceiling has incredible paintings by Rubens, and the building is also well-known as Charles I was beheaded on a platform outside.

You'll pass 10 Downing Street, where the Prime Minister lives, but you can't see the famous black door as there are large security gates, you'll know it's on your right when you see the policemen on duty with firearms.

Ahead is Parliament Square, with the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to your left, Westminster Abbey to the diagonal right and the Supreme Court opposite the Houses of Parliament. You can't get a great view of Big Ben, unfortunately, but the bus goes around the Square, and you do get great views of Westminster Abbey.

Additional Options

The bus route continues along Victoria Street, and you'll pass New Scotland Yard on your right and Westminster Cathedral on your left before reaching Victoria Station.

This journey takes about an hour, and we suggest getting off here, although the bus does continue to Fulham in southwest London. If you stay on, you will see the King's Road in Chelsea, which is now an upmarket shopping area but was once the cutting edge of subversive culture with Mary Quant and miniskirts in the 1960s and punks in the 1970s.

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