Why should I do a Big Bus tour?
Let’s be honest: hop-on hop-off tours get a bit of a reputation for being “touristy” – but that’s not always a bad thing. Sometimes being a tourist is exactly what you need to be. I did this tour using a London Pass Plus and honestly? It was one of the most fun and efficient ways to tick off so many major landmarks, all without wrecking my feet.
The Big Bus gives you a brilliant overview of the city. Whether you're in London for a day or a week, it helps you get your bearings, plan where to go next and snap some pretty glorious photos from the top deck. It's especially perfect if you're travelling with family, aren’t keen on the Tube, or just fancy a relaxed way to soak in the sights.
How does the Big Bus work, exactly?
If you’ve never done a hop-on, hop-off tour before, here’s the deal: it’s a sightseeing bus service that lets you… well, hop on and hop off. You can join the tour at any designated Big Bus stop, ride as long as you like, then jump off to explore a particular area. When you’re ready to move on, just hop back on the next bus.
When you board, you’ll be issued a paper Big Bus ticket either at the stop or on board. Don’t lose it! You’ll need to show it each time to reboard a bus. Your ticket will be valid on any route, you don’t need to pick a specific one.
You can ride any of the routes as much as you like within your ticket window (usually one day). Want to loop the Red Route in the morning and then cruise the Blue Route in the afternoon? Go for it. Just keep your paper ticket handy, listen out for your stop, and you’re good to go.
If only London skies were always this blue
Guide to the routes: which colour covers what?
The Big Bus Tour offers three main routes in London. Here’s how they break down:
Red Route – the classic London tour
Think of this as the greatest hits album of London. You’ll cruise past Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, and more. Ideal for first-time visitors or anyone wanting that “wow, I’m really in London” feeling, but not wanting to spend the whole day on the bus.
It’s busy and popular for good reason.
The details:
Full route: 2.5 hours (traffic depending)
Buses run: every 15 – 30 minutes
Last bus departs: 5PM from Stop 1, Green Park Station.
(Last bus is 4:30PM during November, December, January and February.)
Blue Route – the expanded tour
This one’s a bit longer and more relaxed and takes you west towards the cultural heart of Kensington and Knightsbridge.
You’ll glide past Harrods, the V&A, the Natural History Museum, Kensington Palace and Notting Hill – as well as all the main sights covered on the Red Route more centrally.
If you’re keen on art, science, royal history, or colourful houses that look great on Instagram, this is your route. This one really does give you a wide overview of the city as it visits a few popular areas that are slightly less central, think old school English terraced streets and pretty squares – but if you’re short on time and just want the top highlights, go for the Red Tour.
The details:
Full route: 3.5 - 4 hours (traffic depending)
Buses run: every 20 – 30 minutes
Last bus departs: 5PM from Stop 24, Victoria.
(Last bus is 4:30PM during November, December, January and February.)
Green Route – the connector
Less about the sights, more about connecting hotels and transport hubs to the main routes. Handy if you're staying in outer zones, or getting the train to Euston, Kings Cross or St Pancras, but not essential otherwise.
Top tip: you can switch between routes at key points like Marble Arch, Victoria Station, or Hyde Park Corner. Just check the Big Bus map (or app) to see the changeover stops.
The details:
Full route: 1 hour (traffic depending)
Buses run: every 45 - 60 minutes
Last bus departs: 5PM from Stop 44, Woburn, Northbound.
(Last bus is 4:30PM during November, December, January and February.)
How often do the buses run?
Buses on different routes run at different frequencies:
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Red Route: every 15 – 30 minutes
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Blue Route: every 20 – 30 minutes
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Green Route: every 45 – 60 minutes
For the Red and Blue routes, during quieter hours you’ll barely wait at all – but when the roads get busy (looking at you, Oxford Street), expect a longer gap.
What will really save you time is the Big Bus app, which tracks the buses in real time. No more standing at a random stop wondering if you’ve been forgotten – just check the map to see where your nearest stop is, and when the next ride will arrive, perfect for timing your snack breaks accordingly.
Don't worry, even the top deck has some shelter if it rains!
Top stops to hop off at
The real magic of Big Bus is hopping off to explore. Here are the best places to stretch your legs:
Stops 10 or 21 for Westminster & Big Ben
A London must. Get off to visit Westminster Abbey, and snap pics outside the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and that classic London Eye across-the-river shot. You can also walk across the bridge and explore the South Bank from here.
Stop 16 for Tower of London
The Tower of London is absolutely worth a stop, especially if you want to check out the Crown Jewels or soak in 1,000 years of very dramatic history. Tower Bridge is right here too, and you can get some great views along the Thames.
Stop 32 for South Kensington Museums (Blue Route only)
Three museums in one stop! The Natural History Museum (with its epic dinosaur exhibition), the V&A (fashion and art lovers, rejoice), and the Science Museum are all next to each other. A full afternoon, easily and all absolutely free.
Stop 42 for Baker Street (Blue Route only)
Hop off for Madame Tussauds and Sherlock Holmes’ old stomping ground, 221B Baker Street. This stop is also your best gateway to Regent’s Park and London Zoo. It’s a 15–20 minute stroll through the park to reach the zoo, and honestly, it’s a lovely walk. You’ll pass rose gardens, open lawns, and even a little lake.
Stop 35 for Notting Hill Gate (Blue Route only)
Perfect for a browse around Portobello Road Market (especially on weekends). Charming houses, vintage shops, and great little cafes line the streets, making it one of the prettiest pit-stops on the tour. And yes, you can find the famous blue door from Notting Hill if you’re up for a little movie moment of your own.
Stops 2, 3, 26 or 29 for Hyde Park Corner
Get off here for a peaceful walk through Green Park, a peek at the Wellington Arch, and a straight walk up to Buckingham Palace.
The Tower of London in all its glory
What to expect from the commentary
The commentary is genuinely enjoyable. It’s a mix of London trivia, historic facts, legends, and cheeky humour. It’s available in a selection of languages, and you listen via headphone jacks at your seat. Free earphones are provided, or you can bring your own for comfort.
My fave facts I picked up on the way – see, even a London local can pick up a thing or two!
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There’s a house in Mayfair (No.50 Berkeley Square) considered the most haunted in London.
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The Ritz has a certified tea sommelier. Yes, that’s a real job, and yes, that’s about as British as it gets.
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More people died falling off the Monument to the Great Fire of London than in the actual fire itself. Grim, but fascinating.
You’ll hear these quirky titbits between major sights, making even slow traffic feel like part of the experience.
A greener way to get around!
Big Bus is committed to adding more and more 100% electric vehicles to their fleet. Investing in greener tech year by year, they’re committed to becoming a net-zero company and reducing their environmental impact.
If you’re worried about your carbon footprint, the Big Bus is definitely a more sustainable way to tour the city than dozens of individual taxi rides or Ubers.
Bonus: the newer buses also tend to be smoother, quieter, and come with USB charging ports – perfect for keeping your phone alive for all those skyline snaps.
Big Bus hacks for savvy explorers
- Start early (pre-10AM) – less traffic and more time for stops, simple.
- Front row, top deck, left side – best spot for uninterrupted city views. Bring a windproof jacket though, it can get breezy.
- Check closing times – plan your hop-offs early in the day so you don’t miss entry to places like Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London.
- Bring snacks and a drink – there’s no food or drink available to buy on board, so remember to carry those with you, water especially on a hot day.
A warm drink is perfect for a chilly day to keep the hands warm!
Let’s get real about traffic
London traffic has a sense of humour, and you’re not always in on the joke.
Where it slows down most:
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Oxford Street
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Park Lane
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Parliament Square
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Waterloo and Strand
If time is tight, consider hopping off at a slow spot, taking the Tube to your next planned hop-on point (e.g. Victoria, Tower Hill, or Baker Street), and resuming the tour from there.
You’ll miss some of the commentary but make up for it in efficiency, and you can always do a second loop if you’re keen.
Where to grab a bite
You won’t be short of food and drink options wherever you hop-on or off, but here are two London local faves.
Near Victoria Station (Stop 25)
Market Halls Victoria – loads of food options, from bao buns to burgers. Perfect for fuelling up before (or after) your loop, and finding something for even the fussiest of eaters.
Near Tower of London (Stop 15)
Borough Market – for street food glory. Sandwiches, pasta, paella, and pastries. Honestly, whatever you fancy, you’ll find it here, and it’ll probably be the best version you’ve ever had.
All aboard!
A Big Bus Tour is one of those experiences that gives you maximum sightseeing with minimum effort. You can cover so much ground in a day, get fun insights into the city’s quirks and characters, and take a well-deserved sit-down between stops.
Just pack your sense of adventure (and a snack),and get ready to see London from one of its best angles – the top deck of a Big Bus.
Enjoyed this?
Check out how to do all of London in one day or discover why Londoners secretly love an open-top bus ride.
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