Big Bus Tours: London
Hop on and off at over 50 stops! Check the site for pick up and drop off points.
8am - 6pm
Check site
1 - 3 hours
Based on 26 reviews
I loved the Big Bus Tour. Such an easy way to see the best of London's sights
I am sitting currently on one of their busses and I am sincerely regretting going with this company. I am have been freezing for over 3 hours on this bus and still have not gotten to what I wanted to see. Not just are the busses very slow but they are also not heated which my 63 year old mother did not tolerate very well. I cannot believe how bad of a service this company has done so far. I wanted to see the London Eye and they have not gotten me there in time to see it during day light and good weather. I had asked the ground personnel which buss to take and they got me one wrong one. I am utterly disappointed!!!!
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About Big Bus Tours
Want to see the best of London without dragging tired little legs around the city? Big Bus Tours are your golden ticket. With open-top buses, family-friendly commentary and the freedom to hop on and off as you please, it’s sightseeing without the stress.
The Red Route is perfect for families, ticking off all the big hitters like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London and more. Onboard, there’s a live guide or pre-recorded audio with fun facts (and thankfully, no exam at the end).
Kids love sitting upstairs in the open air, and parents love the chance to rest their feet. Bring snacks, layer up, and make a day of it. The whole loop takes around 2.5 hours, but with unlimited hop-on-hop-off stops, you can stretch it across a day, or even a weekend.
Top tip from the KidRated team:
Sit upstairs if it’s sunny, downstairs if it’s soggy, and bring snacks either way.
Is Big Bus Tours a good way to explore London with kids?
Absolutely. It’s fun, flexible, and perfect for families who want to explore without the moaning and blisters. Jump off when energy’s high, cruise when it’s not.
Which Big Bus Tour route is best for families with kids?
Go for the Red Route – it covers all the major landmarks and comes with live commentary, making it fun, engaging, and surprisingly educational for kids and teens.
How long does the full Big Bus Tour take?
The full loop takes about 2.5 hours, but you can hop on and off all day, turning it into a relaxed and flexible family sightseeing adventure.
Is Big Bus Tours suitable for babies and toddlers?
Yes, it’s great for all ages. Bring a foldable buggy, sit on the lower deck if needed, and let your little ones enjoy the ride (and likely nap through half of it).
Can we bring a pram onboard the Big Bus?
You can. Just make sure it’s folded down before boarding. It’s pram-friendly, but space is limited – think of it as your arm-day workout.
Are there family tickets or deals available?
Yes, there’s a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 kids, and the second child goes free. More budget left for ice cream, snacks, or emergency souvenirs.
What are the best Big Bus stops for teenagers?
• Camden Market – cool vibes and great food
British Museum – mummies, treasures, and drama
Southbank – artsy selfies and people-watching gold
Can we eat on the Big Bus with kids?
Yes to light snacks like sandwiches or crisps. No to full-on picnics or anything smelly – keep it tidy and inoffensive (no one wants to inhale tuna near Trafalgar Square).
Is there a Harry Potter tour on the Big Bus?
Not officially, but it does pass Leadenhall Market (aka Diagon Alley) and Australia House (Gringotts Bank). Hardcore fans may want to add a dedicated Potter tour to their list too.
What happens if it rains during our Big Bus tour?
There’s a covered lower deck, so you’ll stay dry. Bring a raincoat just in case – it is London, after all.
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BEWARE! There was a parody disaster movie called “Big Bus,” but unfortunately, our experience was NOT a comedy. Too bad negative stars isn't an option... Big Bus continued to book tours when London was gridlocked and more than one of their buses were out of service. They "activated" our online purchase at what turned out to be a non-working bus at St. Pancras - in retrospect this smacks of bad faith. After wasting an hour (personnel walking us to alternate pickup locations while still selling tickets - again felt like bad faith) completely unable to get near a bus, we ended up taking the tube to other stops to try and "hop on;" unfortunately all were packed with no room to get on. After wasting yet more time we ended up taking the tube and were never able to use the service we paid for, yet afterwards, they keep claiming NON-REFUNDABLE. I'm filing a dispute with my credit card company, and contacting various UK and London authorities. Also notable were other buses (e.g. Toots) were not over-capacity, and even seemed to have room on their open upper decks.