
City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 1,271 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour worth booking?
City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a 1-hour experience in Oxford, United Kingdom, from $27 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 1,271 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (1,271)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $27 per person
Discover the beautiful Oxford on an unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour for 24 or 48 hours! At your own pace, see all of the history and architectural beauty this city has to offer, hopping on and off the double-decker bus whenever you please. From the open-top deck you'll experience panoramic views of Christ Church College, Brasenose College, The Plain, the Sheldonian Theatre, Trinity College and even The Eagle and Child pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis would meet up for a beverage! The on-board audio tour commentary will be sure to keep you fascinated, providing intriguing facts on the way round. Also enjoy an expertly guided walking tour, for a closer look at the local culture.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the beautiful Oxford on an unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour for 24 or 48 hours! At your own pace, see all of the history and architectural beauty this city has to offer, hopping on and off the double-decker bus whenever you please. From the open-top deck you'll experience panoramic views of Christ Church College, Brasenose College, The Plain, the Sheldonian Theatre, Trinity College and even The Eagle and Child pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis would meet up for a beverage! The on-board audio tour commentary will be sure to keep you fascinated, providing intriguing facts on the way round. Also enjoy an expertly guided walking tour, for a closer look at the local culture.
What's included
Included
- 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
- On-board audio commentary available 14 languages + free headphones
- 40-minute River Cruise (only if Bus + River Cruise ticket is selected)
- Mobile tickets accepted
- 60-minute Oxford Uncovered Walking Tour
- Vouchers are valid for 12 months from travel date selected at check-out
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Options you can book
24-Hour Bus + River Cruise
48-Hour Bus + River Cruise
24-Hour Bus Ticket
This ticket includes a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour and a 45-minute Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour (seasonal).
48-Hour Bus Ticket
This ticket includes a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour and a 45-minute Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour (seasonal).
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, pt, cmn, ja, en, it, pl, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Sightseeing Ltd - UK and Ireland
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Until 17th July: First departure from Stop 1 at 9:30am. Last departure from Stop 1 at 6pm. Frequency: every 15 minutes
- 18th July - 1st September: First departure from Stop 1 at 9:30am. Last departure from Stop 1 at 6:30pm. Frequency: every 15 minutes
- 2nd September - 23rd October: First departure from Stop 1 at 9:30am. Last departure from Stop 1 at 5pm. Frequency: every 15 minutes (Saturday & Sunday), every 20 minutes (Monday - Friday)
- 24th October - 1st November: First departure from Stop 1 at 9:30am. Last departure from Stop 1 at 5pm. Frequency: every 20 minutes
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Live Guided Bus Tour: Departs from Stop 9. Departure Times: 10:55am, 11:55am, 12:55pm, 1:55pm, 2:55pm and 3:55pm. Last tour concludes at approximately 4:55pm at Stop 9
- Oxford Uncovered Walking Tour: Duration: 60 minutes. Departure Point: Visitor Information Point, City Sightseeing Oxford, 44-45 High Street, OX1 4AP. Schedule: Daily, every hour from 11am - 4pm (subject to availability)
- Please note that the guided walking tour is seasonal, and customers should enquire upon arrival for more information.
- Mobile or paper vouchers accepted. Paper vouchers must be redeemed at City Sightseeing shop in Oxford Railway Station. Mobile vouchers can be redeemed at any of the bus stops along the route
- Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the travel date selected at check-out
- River Cruise (if Bus + River Cruise ticket is selected): Customers will get a code for the boat when they redeem their bus ticket. This can be used when boarding the boat. 40-minute return trips daily to Iffley Lock at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm. These cruises run from April to the end of September - subject to weather conditions. Children under 3 go free. 3 and 4 year olds can buy their boat tickets at the boat
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,271 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
5 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
1,271 verified traveler reviews for City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Disappointment
We arrived in Oxford on a coach tour, having travelled 3 hours from the Isle of Wight. On arrival in Oxford, we found several roads closed because there was a marathon event, of which we were not informed prior to booking the tickets. We had hoped to decide on our walking route based on a bus tour to see the places of interest. But I had no intention of paying for the tour when it was reduced considerably. We were advised that the roads would be open again at 4pm - this was useless to us, as we had to leave at 4.15pm. So I cannot give a good review, in this case. It is now 3 days since the visit and although TripAdvisor have said our ticket costs would be refunded, I have not seen it yet.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are very sorry that your visit to Oxford was affected by the marathon road closures and that the experience did not meet your expectations. We appreciate how disappointing this must have been, particularly after travelling a considerable distance from the Isle of Wight and having limited time in the city. While the road closures were outside of our control, Information about the event and its impact on our route was published on our website, and details were also made available through ticket sellers and our team on the day. This was intended to allow customers to make an informed decision before commencing their tour. We will however take on board the feedback with making Tripadvisor aware of these disruptions in the future. Despite the restrictions, we operated a partial service for much of the day and were advised by the event organisers that roads would begin reopening from 4:00pm as the marathon concluded and normal city access was restored. We fully understand, however, that this timing did not align with your departure schedule and therefore limited your ability to enjoy the tour as intended. Regarding your refund, as your booking was made through Tripadvisor, any refund processing is handled directly through their systems and can sometimes take several working days to appear, depending on the payment provider. If you have not received an update, we would recommend contacting Tripadvisor directly for further assistance. We genuinely regret that the circumstances on the day impacted your visit. Our sightseeing bus and walking tours are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year, and we hope that on a future visit to Oxford, under more favourable circumstances, we may have the opportunity to provide the experience for which we are known. Sam T - Retail and Tourism Supervisor
via Tripadvisor
Bus tour
Martin our guide was lovely really friendly and very knowledgeable. Great way to get your bearings ,and where to see first
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour and that Martin helped make your experience such a positive one. His friendly nature and extensive knowledge of Oxford's history and landmarks make him a fantastic guide, and we're thrilled that his commentary added so much to your visit. A hop-on hop-off tour is a great way to get your bearings and discover the city's highlights, so it's fantastic to know that it helped you decide where to explore first. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to Martin, who I'm sure will be delighted to hear them. Thank you for choosing City Sightseeing Oxford. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon for another enjoyable tour of our beautiful city. Sam T - Retail and Tourism Supervisor
via Tripadvisor
Great value for money
The hop-on hop-off service is very convenient with a highly informative bus guide. We also went for the optional walking tour around the city centre which was excellent. Our tour guide. Peter, was very friendly and told us many stories about the colleges' history and gave us recommendations on what to do in Oxford. Would highly recommend this experience for it's value for money and incredible guides
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic feedback. We're delighted to hear that you found our hop-on hop-off service convenient and great value for money. Exploring Oxford at your own pace is what the tour is all about, so it's wonderful to know that you enjoyed both the bus tour and the optional walking tour. We're especially pleased to hear your kind words about Peter. His friendly approach, wealth of knowledge, and passion for sharing the stories behind Oxford's historic colleges make him a real asset to the team. It's great to know that his recommendations and fascinating insights helped make your visit even more memorable. We're also thrilled that our live bus guide made such a positive impression with their informative commentary. Our guides work hard to bring Oxford's rich history and unique character to life, and feedback like yours means a great deal to them. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing City Sightseeing Oxford. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon for another memorable visit. Sam T - Retail and Tourism Supervisor
via Tripadvisor
Good value
Convenient service, and our bus also had ann energetic, friendly and knowledgeable live guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're delighted to hear that you found the tour to be good value and our hop-on hop-off service convenient for exploring Oxford. It's wonderful to know that your journey was made even more enjoyable by our live guide. Our team takes great pride in sharing Oxford's fascinating history and hidden stories, and we're thrilled that their energy, friendliness, and knowledge helped create such a positive experience. Thank you for choosing City Sightseeing Oxford. We hope to welcome you on board again soon for another great adventure around the city. Sam T - Retail and Tourism Supervisor
via Tripadvisor
Thank you driver "Linda"
My wife and I have used the Hop on Hop off bus service on other trips but this one was exceptional! On our first round we enjoyed a private guide who was very knowledgeable. Much better than the standard pre-recorded audio guide. On a subsequent round I mistakenly lefty backpack on the bus. A ticket sales person suggested that we call the Oxford office. I did and a message went out to all the drivers to look for the backpack. We boarded the next bus and the driver "Linda" brilliantly worked out the details for us to recover our backpack. She suggested that we walk to a nearby stop and the next bus will be the one with our bag. We did and we recovered it! Thank you driver Linda! And thank you City Sightseeing tours for having such an excellent system in place!
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback. We're absolutely delighted to hear that you and your wife had such an exceptional experience with City Sightseeing Oxford. It's fantastic that you were able to enjoy our live guided commentary and found it so engaging and informative. Our guides are passionate about bringing Oxford's rich history and stories to life, so it's great to know this helped make your tour even more memorable. We're especially pleased that your backpack was safely recovered. Losing a personal item while travelling can be stressful, and we're thrilled that Linda's quick thinking, excellent communication, and local knowledge helped reunite you with your belongings so smoothly. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to her, as we're certain she'll be delighted to receive the recognition. Thank you also for highlighting our team's efforts and the systems we have in place to assist guests when things don't go to plan. Providing outstanding customer service is something we take great pride in, and it's wonderful to hear that this made such a positive impression. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back on board next time you're in Oxford. Sam T - Retail and Tourism Supervisor
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Booked in 30 days
- 445
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by City Sightseeing Ltd - UK and Ireland, who run 7 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.3.
See everything City Sightseeing Ltd - UK and Ireland runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oxford.
How much does City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour cost?
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Prices start at $27 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oxford usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oxford is not rushed.
Is City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 1,271 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Oxford, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?
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Around 445 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oxford can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oxford and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oxford within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oxford?
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On Outty we rank every Oxford experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon, Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide, Oxford Official University & City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oxford?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oxford?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?
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Included: 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour; On-board audio commentary available 14 languages + free headphones; 40-minute River Cruise (only if Bus + River Cruise ticket is selected); Mobile tickets accepted; and 60-minute Oxford Uncovered Walking Tour. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop off; Food and drinks, unless specified; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, Polish, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Oxford. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?
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Across 1,271 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including 24-Hour Bus + River Cruise, 48-Hour Bus + River Cruise, 24-Hour Bus Ticket, 48-Hour Bus Ticket. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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