Exploring London: A Bus Tour Guide

how to tour london by bus

London is a bustling city with a lot of history and many iconic landmarks. One of the best ways to see the city is by bus. There are several bus tour options available, including hop-on hop-off tours, night tours, movie tours, and afternoon tea tours. Many of these tours cover the top landmarks in London, such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. With a variety of routes and ticket options, you can explore London at your own pace and discover the city's rich history and architecture.

Characteristics Values
Tour company Golden Tours, Big Bus Tours, Tootbus, Bustronome, The Ghost Bus Tours, and more
Tour type Hop-on hop-off, night tours, movie tours, afternoon tea tours, and more
Duration 1.5–8 hours, or 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour tickets
Price Starting from £24 for adults and £12 for children
Route Up to four routes with 60+ stops, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and more
Extras Thames River cruise, walking tours, and more

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Hop-on, Hop-off

A full loop on a Hop-on, Hop-off bus usually takes around 2 hours, but with 24-, 48- and 72-hour tickets available, you can take your time and explore London over several days. The buses operate from 8:30 or 8:40 am to 5:00 or 5:10 pm, with a frequency of 20-30 minutes.

Tickets for Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours typically start from £32 for adults, with family tickets also available. Some tickets include added extras, such as a Thames River Pass or a walking tour. You can book your tickets online, from a tour staff member at the stops, or on the bus.

There are several operators offering Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours in London, including Golden Tours, Big Bus Tours, and Tootbus. These tours often feature pre-recorded commentary in multiple languages, so you can learn about the city as you travel.

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Thames Cruise

A Thames River Cruise is a fantastic way to see London's iconic landmarks and experience the city from a different perspective. There are various cruise options available, from sightseeing tours to dining experiences. Here's a detailed guide to help you plan your Thames Cruise:

Sightseeing Cruises:

  • City Cruises: They offer a hop-on hop-off river cruise that allows you to explore at your own pace. You can visit tourist hotspots like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. Their boats have comfortable seating, toilets, and a fully stocked bar.
  • Thames River Sightseeing: This family-owned company provides cruises from Westminster to Greenwich or Tower Bridge (Butler's Wharf Pier). Their boats feature open-air upper decks, enclosed lower decks, and licensed bars. The experienced crew and local skippers offer informative and entertaining commentary.
  • London Eye River Cruise: This 40-minute circular cruise offers incredible views of iconic landmarks. It departs from the London Eye Pier and includes expert commentary. Foreign language audio guides and British Sign Language tours are also available.

Dining Cruises:

  • City Cruises Thames Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a night of dancing and delicious food on this "London Showboat" cruise, which includes a free glass of bubbly.
  • City Cruises Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise: Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea with stunning views of London.
  • Thames Lunch Cruise with City Cruises: Take a relaxing voyage while enjoying a two-course lunch and listening to audio commentary.

Special Cruises:

  • Thames Speedboat Tours: For an adrenaline-pumping experience, try a Thames speedboat tour. Thamesjet, Thames Rockets, and Thames RIB Experience offer thrilling rides with fantastic views.
  • Thames River Jazz and Dinner Cruise: A romantic way to experience London, this cruise combines dinner with live jazz music.
  • Evening Cruise on the River Thames: Enjoy canapes and bubbly while admiring London's twinkling skyline from the upper deck on this two-hour evening cruise.

Practical Information:

  • Most Thames River Cruises depart from Westminster Pier, Tower Pier, London Eye Waterloo Pier, or Greenwich Pier.
  • It is recommended to pre-book your cruise tickets to guarantee a spot.
  • Dress casually and bring something warm, as it can get chilly on the water.
  • Many boats offer facilities like toilets, baby changing tables, and disabled access.
  • Some cruises allow you to bring your pets on board.

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Night Tour

London is a magical and unique place to visit at night. The city's top attractions are illuminated, and the hustle and bustle of the daytime calm down, making it a perfect time to explore. A night tour of London by bus is a great way to see the city's beautifully lit sights.

The See London By Night bus tour offers a distinct yellow, open-top, double-decker bus experience. This 90-minute tour takes you through the city's most memorable locations, including vibrant Trafalgar Square, the famous London Eye, and the neon lights of Piccadilly Circus. As you pass these landmarks, you will see them spring vividly to life against the night sky. The tour route also includes Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London, all gloriously illuminated after dark.

The Tootbus London by Night Tour offers a similar 90-minute panoramic experience, with departures from Coventry Street, London. This tour also takes you past iconic landmarks, including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower of London. The Tootbus tour provides an audio guide in 11 languages, accessible through their app or on bus devices, with free earphones provided.

The London by Night Open Top Bus Tour starts and ends at the London Eye, near Waterloo, with daily departures at 7 pm and 8 pm. This tour also offers a live English-speaking guide and takes you through central London, including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye, and St Paul's Cathedral. Tickets for this tour start at £13 for children and £24 for adults, with family tickets available.

With so many options, a night tour of London by bus is a must-have experience. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the vibrant, illuminated sights of this magical city from the comfort of an open-top bus.

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Walking Tours

Walking is a great way to explore London, one of the most walkable cities in the world. Its iconic landmarks are easily accessible on foot. However, if you're looking for a more structured exploration of the city, you can opt for a walking tour.

Hidden Gems of the City of London and Westminster

This guided walking tour is included in the Big Bus Tour package. It will take you off the beaten path to discover the hidden gems and lesser-known spots in the City of London and Westminster. From secret gardens to quirky shops, this tour offers a unique perspective on the city.

The "Harry Potter" Walking Tour

London is famous for its connection to the "Harry Potter" series, and this walking tour will take you to some of the magical locations featured in the books and films. See the real-life inspirations for Diagon Alley, Platform 9 3/4, and more. This tour is perfect for fans of the series and those looking for a touch of magic during their visit.

The Royal Walking Tour

Explore London's royal history with a walking tour that takes you through the city's regal past and present. Visit Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and other royal residences. Learn about the traditions and ceremonies of the monarchy and get a glimpse into the lives of the royal family.

The London Street Art Tour

London is known for its vibrant street art scene, and this walking tour will introduce you to some of the city's best graffiti and murals. See works by famous street artists, learn about the history of street art in London, and discover hidden gems in the city's creative corners.

The Historical Pub Walking Tour

Combine your love of history and London's famous pubs on this walking tour. Visit some of the city's oldest and most historic pubs, hear tales of famous patrons, and sample a variety of local beers. This tour offers a unique insight into London's drinking culture and its historical significance.

These walking tours offer a more intimate and active way to explore London, allowing you to discover hidden gems and gain a deeper understanding of the city's rich history and culture.

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Themed Tours

London is a city full of character and charm, and its themed bus tours are a great way to explore and experience the city. Here are some of the best themed tours London has to offer:

The Beatles Evening Tour

Trace the history of the Beatles from 1962 to 1970 on this magical mystery tour. With over 35 locations related to the band and its members, you'll get to see a different side of London, all while enjoying music and film footage of the Beatles. A must-do for any music lover!

Ghost Bus Tour

For those who enjoy a good scare, the Ghost Bus Tour is a chilling experience. Step aboard a classic 1960s Routemaster bus and prepare to be spooked as you visit sites of murder, torture and execution. With spine-chilling facts and stories from London's dark past, it's a unique way to discover the city's haunted history.

Harry Potter Bus Tour

London is full of magical experiences for Harry Potter fans, and this bus tour is no exception. Starting at Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross, you'll get to visit some of the locations that inspired J.K. Rowling's books and see the film locations that brought the wizarding world to life. A perfect tour for muggles and wizards alike!

James Bond Bus Tour

Step into the world of 007 and explore London through the eyes of Britain's most famous spy. Visit filming locations and sites frequented by Ian Fleming, all while enjoying the company of your fellow agents (or enemies?). It's the perfect way to channel your inner Bond and see the city in style.

London at Night Tour

See the city come alive after dark on this 1.5-hour night tour. With iconic landmarks lit up and sparkling, you'll get a different perspective of London's beauty. From Big Ben to Westminster Abbey, it's a chance to see the capital's top attractions in a whole new light, with fascinating facts and insights from your guide.

London's themed bus tours offer something for everyone, whether you're a history buff, a movie lover or just looking for a unique way to explore the city. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as you discover London's secrets and charm.

Frequently asked questions

Golden Tours has been providing open-top bus tours in London for 12 years and is passionate about customer care.

A full loop takes approximately 2 hours, but with 1 day, 24-, 48- and 72-hour tickets available, you can explore the city at your leisure.

The best option for families is the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour. Visitors can enjoy access to three exciting routes that drop right outside all the best kid-friendly attractions, and it even includes a free walking tour.

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