5 Best Open Top Bus Tours in London (2026) — from a London Travel Blogger
Looking for the best open top bus tours in London? Look no further. Here’s the best ways to do London sightseeing by bus — from a London travel blogger.
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As a Londoner who loves playing tour guide, I can’t help but recommend open top bus tours in London.
From the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament to the timeless allure of the Tower Bridge, these bus tours offer a lovely ride through the city’s most iconic landmarks, often accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide to gIVE you a great introduction to the city.
With that said, here’s the best open top bus tours in London — from a London travel blogger.
The Best Open Top Bus Tours in London
P.S. – Coming to London? Have the perfect trip planned for you with our 3,5, or 7-Day London Tourist Itineraries 🇬🇧
Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise
If you want a comprehensive tour of London take a trip on the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise.
The journey lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes and costs £40.50 to feel the breeze as you cruise past the London Eye and hop off to explore the buzzing streets of Covent Garden or Piccadilly Circus.
It also comes with a free cancellation policy should your London travel plans change, ensuring a stress-ride booking either way! Check Reviews.
City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Alternatively, you can take the City Sightseeing London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
Priced at £37.00, this two and a half hour trip lets you soak in the sights of the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and the Tate Modern (+ free cancellation too). Check Reviews.
London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise
For a combined sightseeing deal check out The London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise.
For £42.00 you’ll take an incredible two-hour journey through the city by bus and a refreshing river cruise.
Savor the beauty of the Southbank, the Shard, and London Bridge from the comfort of your seat and the Thames. Check Reviews.
The Big Day Out – London Eye Ticket, London Hop-on Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise
If you’re in for an entire day of London sightseeing, the Big Day Out should be your go-to.
For £62.50, you get a two and a half hour bus tour, a London Eye ticket, and a River Cruise on the Thames. That’s one great three-for-one! Check Reviews.
London Hop On – Hop Off Bus with optional River Cruise
Similarly, you should also consider the London Hop On – Hop Off Bus with an optional River Cruise.
For £37.00, you get to spend three hours exploring the best of London alongside an optional River Cruise. Check Reviews.
The Pros of Open Top Bus Tours in London
Although open top bus tours in London can often be seen as a tourist trap, there’s tons of reasons they make a great add to your tourist itinerary (plus if you know me you’ll know we don’t tourist shame over here!).
Open Top Bus Tours in London History
Did you know open-top buses in London can be traced back to the early 20th century? In 1910, London General Omnibus Company (LGOC) introduced the first-ever open-top bus on the streets of the capital, providing passengers with an open-air view of the city’s landmarks. These early versions were modest in design, featuring a simple roofless upper deck, but they quickly became a hit among Londoners and visitors.
As the popularity of open-top buses soared, so did their design and capacity. In the 1920s and 1930s, newer models were built with more comfortable seating, enhanced safety measures, and extended routes. By the mid-20th century, open-top buses had become a quintessential sight on London’s streets, contributing to the city’s bustling tourism industry and distinctive urban landscape.
Panoramic Views
One of the primary advantages of riding an open-top bus is the unparalleled panoramic view it offers.
On an open top bus tour you can take in the city’s majestic architecture, historical landmarks, and scenic beauty without any obstructions whatsoever.
Immersive Experience
Open-top buses are also a super immersive experience, allowing you to do some ample people watching from above before taking in the sights by foot.
Being able to feel the essence of London’s energy and atmosphere makes the ride more than just a means of transportation, but a memorable part of any London visit.
Tourist-Friendly Routes
Open-top bus tours are carefully curated to cover the most popular tourist attractions and historical sites, which you’ll of course want to see if you’re a first-time visitor in London (or just like seeing the sights!).
These hop-on-hop-off tours enable you to explore the city at your own pace, with the flexibility to disembark and explore areas of interest further before rejoining the tour at your leisure.
Audio Guides
Most open-top buses provide audio guides in multiple languages, making learning about London’s fascinating historical and cultural insights accessible to all.
Photography Opportunities
For photography and Instagram enthusiasts, open-top buses offer excellent opportunities to capture stunning photographs from elevated vantage points in London — giving you the very best perspective of London’s iconic landmarks.
The absence of windows ensures unobstructed shots of London’s iconic landmarks, giving you cherished London memories for years to come.
Thanks for reading my London Open Top Bus Tours Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
CHECK OUT MORE TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS:
- The Best Bus Routes for Sightseeing in London
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- The Best Harry Potter Tours in London
- 10 Tips for Tourists in London (Tourist Mistakes and How to Avoid Them)
- London Tours & Experiences
- London Neighbourhood Guides
Happy Londoning,
