Exploring London by Bus: The Ultimate Sightseeing Guide for First-Time Visitors

Whether you opt for a guided tour or hop aboard a regular city bus, London’s streets offer panoramic views of its most iconic landmarks—all while giving your feet a well-deserved rest.

Here’s your complete guide to navigating London’s bus routes for sightseeing, from historic tours to budget-friendly options.

🏛️ A Brief History of London’s Iconic Buses

London’s bus system has been a vital part of city life since the early 19th century. Horse-drawn buses first appeared in 1829, but it was the introduction of the motorized double-decker in the early 1900s that cemented the red bus as a global icon.

The classic Routemaster bus, introduced in 1956, became synonymous with London’s streets. Although many have been retired, you’ll still spot a few on heritage routes and private tours.

🚍 Top Sightseeing Bus Tours in London

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours (Perfect for First-Time Visitors)

These flexible tours let you explore London at your own pace, hopping off at major landmarks and rejoining the tour whenever you like.

• Companies to Consider:

  • Big Bus Tours London

  • The Original London Sightseeing Tour

  • Golden Tours

• Highlights:

  • Stops at Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, and more.

  • Open-top buses for the best photo opportunities.

  • Onboard audio guides in multiple languages.

• 💷 Cost: £35–£50 for a 24-hour pass. Family and multi-day discounts available.

2. The Classic Red Routemaster Heritage Route (For the Nostalgic Traveler)

For a taste of old London, take a ride on the Heritage Route 15H, which runs between Tower Hill and Trafalgar Square. These vintage Routemasters maintain the charm of London’s transport history.

• 💷 Cost: £1.75 (standard fare with an Oyster card or contactless payment)

• 📅 Availability: Weekends and public holidays

3. Themed Sightseeing Tours (For Something a Bit Different)

• 🎃 The Ghost Bus Tour – A spooky, theatrical experience aboard a black double-decker.

• 🎬 Harry Potter Bus Tour – Visit famous filming locations across London.

• 🍸 Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – Enjoy scones and finger sandwiches while gliding past Big Ben.

• 💷 Cost: £25–£60 depending on the experience

💡 Budget-Friendly Sightseeing: Explore London by Regular Bus Routes

London can be expensive, but seeing its iconic landmarks doesn’t have to break the bank. While guided bus tours offer commentary and structured routes, the city’s regular public buses often pass right by the same famous sights—at a fraction of the cost.

For just £1.75 per ride, or £5.25 for unlimited daily bus journeys (thanks to London’s fare cap), you can create your very own sightseeing tour.

Here’s how to navigate London’s streets like a local while catching some of the best views the city has to offer:

🚏 Top Regular Bus Routes for Sightseeing

🏛️ Route 11 — The “Classic London” Tour

(Chelsea → Liverpool Street)
This is often dubbed the “poor man’s sightseeing tour” because it passes by so many key landmarks. Starting in the chic streets of Chelsea, this route takes you past:

• Sloane Square – Perfect for boutique shopping and cozy cafes

• Westminster Cathedral – A less-visited but stunning piece of architecture

• Westminster Abbey & Big Ben – Snap iconic London photos

• Trafalgar Square – Home to the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column

• St Paul’s Cathedral – One of London’s most famous skyline features

💡 Tip: Ride it from start to finish for a full city tour in under an hour.

🌿 Route 24 — From Parks to Parliament

(Hampstead Heath → Pimlico)
This is London’s oldest unchanged bus route, operating since 1910. It starts in the leafy expanse of Hampstead Heath and winds its way through the city’s cultural hotspots:

• Camden Town – A hub for street art, markets, and live music

• Euston & University College London – A glimpse into academic London

• Trafalgar Square – A must-stop for art lovers and history buffs

• Westminster Abbey & Big Ben – Get a double view of both iconic spots

• Horse Guards Parade – If you time it right, catch the Changing of the Guard

💡 Tip: Start in Camden for a morning market stroll, then hop on the bus for a scenic ride to Westminster.

🖼️ Route 9 — The Cultural Corridor

(Hammersmith → Aldwych)
This route offers a perfect blend of green spaces and cultural landmarks, all while passing through some of London’s most stylish neighborhoods:

• Kensington Palace & Gardens – The former home of Princess Diana

• Royal Albert Hall – London’s iconic music venue

• Hyde Park Corner – One of London’s largest green spaces

• Green Park & Buckingham Palace – Walk through Green Park to see the Palace gates

• Piccadilly Circus – London's answer to Times Square

💡 Tip: Look out for vintage Routemaster buses still occasionally running on this route for that classic London experience.

🎟️ Maximize Your Ride: Tips for Budget Bus Touring

1. Use the Daily Fare Cap: With a cap of £5.25, you can hop on and off as many buses as you like in one day.

2. Download the TfL Go App: It’s free and shows real-time bus arrivals, routes, and connections.

3. Go Contactless: Tap in with an Oyster card, contactless bank card, or mobile payment—no need for paper tickets.

4. Plan for Off-Peak: Avoid buses between 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM to skip the commuter crowds.

5. Top Deck, Front Row: Always head upstairs and sit at the very front for the best panoramic views.

6. Pack Snacks: Unlike guided tours, regular buses don’t make planned stops, so having water and light snacks is handy.

🛡️ Safety & Etiquette on London Buses

• Mind the Gap (and the Bell): Buses don’t automatically stop at every station—press the red stop button when your stop approaches.

• Hold On Tight: London buses can make quick stops and turns.

• Respect Quiet Areas: The top deck is perfect for sightseeing, but locals often use buses for commuting—keep noise levels considerate.

Using regular London buses for sightseeing is not just budget-friendly—it’s also a fantastic way to experience the city like a true Londoner. Whether you want a front-row view of Big Ben or a ride past Buckingham Palace for the cost of a coffee, the city’s iconic red buses have you covered.

So, grab your Oyster card, climb to the top deck, and let London’s streets unfold before you—because sometimes, the cheapest option offers the richest experience.

🗺️ Tip: Sit upstairs at the front for the best panoramic views!

🎟️ How to Pay for Buses in London

• Oyster Card or Contactless Payment: Tap in when you board. No need to tap out.

• Daily Fare Cap: Unlimited bus and tram rides for £5.25 in a single day.

• Visitor Oyster Card: Pre-loadable and perfect for tourists.

💡 Cash is NOT accepted on London buses, so make sure you have a contactless card or Oyster.

🚇 How to Get to the Sightseeing Buses

Most tour buses start at major tourist hubs like Trafalgar Square, Victoria Station, and London Eye Pier. These locations are easily accessible by London Underground or local buses.

Use TfL’s Journey Planner or apps like Citymapper for real-time directions.

🛡️ Pro Tips for a Smooth Ride

• 🌦️ Check the Weather: Many tours use open-top buses—pack an umbrella just in case.

• 📸 Get the Best Seat: Head upstairs and grab the front row for unobstructed views.

• 🕒 Avoid Rush Hour: Early mornings or late afternoons offer the most relaxed rides.

• 🗺️ Download the Bus Map: Available on the Transport for London (TfL) website for offline use.

Whether you’re snapping selfies atop an open-air double-decker or blending in with locals on a city route, London’s buses offer a window into the city’s history, energy, and charm. From budget travelers to tour enthusiasts, there’s a perfect route waiting for everyone.

So grab an Oyster card, climb to the top deck, and let London’s streets unfold before you—because sometimes, the journey is just as iconic as the destination.