
London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 11,381 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise worth booking?
London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise is a 1.2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $43 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 11,381 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (11,381)
- Duration
- 1.2 hours
- From
- $43 per person
Discover London your way with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, plus a Thames River cruise included with selected tickets. Pass iconic sights including the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben while enjoying entertaining commentary on London’s history and culture. Your ticket gives access to three routes. The Red Route covers major landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral. The Blue Route travels from Kensington Palace to the Tower of London, stopping near Harrods, the Natural History Museum and Notting Hill. The Green Route connects King’s Cross and St Pancras with Covent Garden via the British Museum. Choose a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket to enjoy the Thames River cruise. 48-hour tickets also include live guided walking tours in English: the Royal Walk, Jack the Ripper Walk and Harry Potter Walking Tour. Upgrade to include the Panoramic Evening Tour for stunning night-time views of London.
What you get
About this experience
Discover London your way with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, plus a Thames River cruise included with selected tickets. Pass iconic sights including the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben while enjoying entertaining commentary on London’s history and culture. Your ticket gives access to three routes. The Red Route covers major landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral. The Blue Route travels from Kensington Palace to the Tower of London, stopping near Harrods, the Natural History Museum and Notting Hill. The Green Route connects King’s Cross and St Pancras with Covent Garden via the British Museum. Choose a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket to enjoy the Thames River cruise. 48-hour tickets also include live guided walking tours in English: the Royal Walk, Jack the Ripper Walk and Harry Potter Walking Tour. Upgrade to include the Panoramic Evening Tour for stunning night-time views of London.
What's included
Included
- Recorded Commentary Available in 7 Languages
- One-day, 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket (depending on option selected)
- Royal Walk, Harry Potter, and Jack the Ripper
- 2-Hour Non-Stop Panoramic Evening Tour (Available With Selected Ticket Option)
- Headphones
- Free Wi-Fi On Board
- One-Way Thames River Cruise (Included With 24- and 48-Hour Tickets Only)
- 3 guided walking tours (with 48-hour options)
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
Options you can book
One day Hop-on Hop-off
Duration: 1 day: Unlimited use valid for 1 Day from time of first use. 3 Hop-on, Hop-off Routes: Unlimited Hop-on, Hop-off access for the duration of your ticket.
48-Hour Ticket & Night Tour
Themed Walking Tours: Choose from 3 different themed live guided walking tours. Speak with a member of staff on the day to arrange these tours Duration: 2 days: Unlimited use valid for 48 hours from time of first use. 3 Hop-on, Hop-off Routes: Unlimited Hop-on, Hop-off access for the duration of your ticket. 7:30 PM Panoramic Evening Tour: Departure at London Eye (Stop 11). Full tour lasts 2 hours and is non-stop. With pre-recorded commentary. One-Way River Cruise: Starting at either Tower Pier or Westminster Pier.
24-Hour Ticket & River Cruise
Duration: 1 day: Unlimited use valid for 24 hours from time of first use. 3 Hop-on, Hop-off Routes: Unlimited Hop-on, Hop-off access for the duration of your ticket. One-Way River Cruise: Starting at either Tower Pier or Westminster Pier.
48-Hour Ticket & River Cruise
Duration: 2 days: Unlimited use valid for 48 hours from time of first use. 3 Hop-on, Hop-off Routes: Unlimited Hop-on, Hop-off access for the duration of your ticket. Themed Walking Tours: Choose from 3 different themed walking tours, please speak to a member of staff on the day. One-Way River Cruise: Starting at either Tower Pier or Westminster Pier.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, cmn, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Big Bus London
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Your ticket’s validity period begins from the date and time it is activated.
- Buses are all equipped with ramps for wheelchairs or strollers
- Activate your mobile voucher or QR at any of the designated Big Bus stops
- Infants aged 3 and under travel free of charge and do not require a ticket
- 1-Day Ticket does NOT include a River Cruise.
- Please note that Stop 1 – Green Park is currently affected by a long-term closure of the main bus stand. While the Blue and Red Tours will continue to pass through this stop, boarding is impacted. As a result, the Red Tour now starts and ends at Stop 2 – Hard Rock. Customers are advised to board from this location.
- If you purchased a 48-hour ticket, 3 walking tours are included. Meet your guide at the Big Bus Stop listed below and have your printed or digital ticket ready. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. All tours are live guided and conducted in English only. Tours last approximately 1.5–2 hours. Royal Walk – 10:00 | Stop #8 Trafalgar Square Jack the Ripper Walk – 13:00 | Stop #19 Tower of London Harry Potter Walking Tour – 16:00 | Stop #21 Westminster Pier
- Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11,375 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
11,375 verified traveler reviews for London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun tour
This was a fun and traditional way to see London, who wouldn't wanna ride the double decker! So fun
via Tripadvisor
Disappointed
I never used the pass. Was going to use today and it’s not there. Thought had access for 24hrs once the pass was scanned.
Response from the operator: Hi Jaimi! Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear you were unable to use your pass as expected. We understand how frustrating it can be when there is confusion about ticket validity and access. Please reach out to our Customer Service team with your booking details so we can review your case and assist further. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
via Viator
Didn't realize the end...
Didn't realize the end time for the last bus and had to use alternate transportation. Also, a couple of the audio ports on one of the buses were completely broken.
Response from the operator: Hi Lisa! Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear you were unaware of the last bus departure time and had to arrange alternative transportation. We also apologize for the inconvenience caused by the faulty audio ports. Your comments have been shared with our team as we work to improve both our service information and onboard experience. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know. Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
via Viator
This is a great option to...
This is a great option to see a lot of London in one tour. Love the hop on and hop off option to be able to stay longer at the sites we wanted. Also really like that there’s an app to follow where the various buses are to gauge your timing. And some stops are staffed which is super helpful.
Response from the operator: Hi Susan_P, thank you for the amazing review. We are happy that you enjoyed your recent experience with us. We look forward to having you on board again one day soon! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours.
via Viator
A great day out
A great way to see the sights! We had a one-day hop on and off tour imwith a river cruise included and managed to pack so much in to our one day in London. The audio guide has loads of great insight into the city (not to mention a great soundtrack to go with the tour) and hopping on and off couldn't be easier with the app, which ekts you see where the nearest stop is and live views of wait times. I've done Big Bus Tours before and they are still my favourite way to see the city.
Response from the operator: Hi Elizabeth_M, we really appreciate your feedback and business with us. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the tour. We hope to have the chance to welcome you aboard again one day soon! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $43 to $64
- Booked in 30 days
- 3,983
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Big Bus London, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.5.
See everything Big Bus London runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $43 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise take?
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Plan for about 1.2 hours 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 London is not rushed.
Is London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 11,381 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise?
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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 London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise?
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Around 3,983 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 London 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 London and add a light layer if any part of the 1.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise 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 London 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 London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. 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 London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. 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 London?
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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 London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise?
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Included: Recorded Commentary Available in 7 Languages; One-day, 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket (depending on option selected); Royal Walk, Harry Potter, and Jack the Ripper; 2-Hour Non-Stop Panoramic Evening Tour (Available With Selected Ticket Option); and Headphones. Not included: Food and drinks; and Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, Chinese, English, Italian, 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 London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise?
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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 London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Buses are all equipped with ramps for wheelchairs or strollers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise?
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Across 11,381 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including One day Hop-on Hop-off, 48-Hour Ticket & Night Tour, 24-Hour Ticket & River Cruise, 48-Hour Ticket & River Cruise. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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