Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tours are a great way to see as much as possible in a short period of time. If you take one at the start of your trip, you’ll get your bearings and find out which attractions you might want to visit on your own.
The tours are on double decker buses. The top decks are usually open in the summer and covered in winter or when it rains.
Tour bus companies
There are several tour bus companies in London. We recommend Tootbus (formerly The Original London Sightseeing Tour).
The open top bus route passing all the major sights in central London. You can get off at various bus stops, have a look around or visit an attraction and then take the next bus that comes along.
Or, if you prefer, you can do a 2 hour non-stop tour.
Tour Map & Departure points
There are 10 stops where you can join the bus. The main departure point is Coventry St, near Piccadilly Circus.
View a route map.
Tour length
There are three tour tickets;
2-hour London Express
If you prefer to stay on the bus without hopping on and off, it’s slightly cheaper.
London Discovery 24 Hours
Hop on and off the route for a 24-hour period.
Must See London 1 or 2 days
The main hop on hop off tour plus a Thames river trip, valid for 24 or 48 hours.
You can ride the buses as many times as you like.
Departure times
Buses depart every 20-40 minutes between 10am-4.40pm Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm Saturday-Sunday.
Ticket prices
Senior discounts are available with proof of age from the driver or ticket sellers. Cash or credit/debit cards accepted (not American Express).
| Tootbus ticket prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Child | |
| 2-Hour London Express | £25 | £15 |
| London Discovery 24-Hours | £29 | £17.50 |
| Must See London 1 Day | £31.50 | £18.90 |
| Must See London 2 Days | £36 | £21.60 |
Guides and recorded commentary
There is no live commentary. The tour route has recorded commentary in English or French.
Free WiFi and app
All London Tootbuses have free Wifi. Download the app to get the most of the tour
Thames riverboat trip
A hop-onhop off Thames river cruise ticket between Westminster & the Tower of London is included in the price of the Must See London ticket
When not to do a sightseeing tour
It’s best to avoid doing a tour when there’s a major event or protests in central London. Road closures and diversions might mean you miss some of the main sights.