Looking for the cheapest open-top bus tour in London? You’re in the right place. If you want to see the city from a double-decker bus without spending a fortune, I’ve got you covered.
After researching countless options, I realized most online resources don’t give you the real picture, they just push whatever tours they’re affiliated with. That’s not my style. I’ve personally reviewed the best budget-friendly open-top bus experiences, so you can pick the one that offers the best value without wasting time or money.
Whether you're after a quick sightseeing loop, a hop-on hop-off experience, or a night tour, I’ll break down the cheapest options and help you find the best London bus tour for your budget.
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1. Affordable open top bus options
Let’s cut to the chase - if you’re looking for a cheap London sightseeing bus, these are your best bets:
Each of these options has tickets around £30 (sometimes less with discounts). So, which one should you pick?
Tootbus – The reliable choice
A rebrand of the legendary Original Tour, running London tours for over 60 years.
They are using eco-friendly buses.
Digital tickets (no need to print or worry about losing them).
A strong hop-on hop-off network with clear maps and a handy app.
Downsides? The audio commentary isn’t great, but they do have a special kid-friendly version.
Golden Tours – The safe middle ground
Generally reliable, but not always the most punctual.
Some buses have live guides, but it's hit or miss if you’ll get one.
A good pick if you’re doing a short tour without too much hopping on and off.
TopView – The newcomer with live guides
The newest player in the game, but they’re trying hard to impress.
The offer live English guides on some of their buses.
They have recorded commentary in multiple languages.
Their buses are fully red and they have the famous red line.
Out of the three options, Tootbus has been around the longest, which gives them a bit more credibility in my eyes. I trust them more than the others, especially when it comes to dealing with unforeseen situations like planned road closures or delays.Golden Tours follows closely as the second contender, while the most recent entrant to the market is TopView.
2. Let's take a closer look!
I can give you plenty of reasons why TootBus is a good choice. One of the main ones is that they are a rebranding of the Original Tour, which has been around London for 60 years, with a lot of history behind it.
Another important reason is that they using eco-friendly buses. Tickets are also digital, so you don't need to carry them and worry about losing them to get back onto the bus.
They also have an extensive route that covers all the major sites in London. The map is pretty clear, and you can also use the app to find your way or to check the next bus arrival.
The commentary is one of their biggest disadvantages, but if you happen to travel with kids, they are the only ones that have a special kids' commentary, so they would be the clear choice.
Golden Tours is a relatively secure choice. It takes the second spot because of its reliability, which sometimes falls short. If you only plan to take the tour for a short time and not hop-on and off too much, it won't be a problem.
A great advantage that Golden Tours has, is that some of their buses offer live guides. Now, it might not be easy to locate the buses that do have a guide, but with a bit of luck, you might stumble across one.
TopView is the newest player; they started operating less than a year ago, which is why it takes the last spot. But don't be shy in choosing them, especially if English is not a problem for you.
They provide live English guides on some of their buses, which is a huge advantage. The tour is so much better with a live guide; there is no comparison. If you are not comfortable with listening to the tour narrated by a guide in English, then go for the first two options. TootBus has five languages, while Golden Tours has five additional ones; scroll through their offers and see which one suits you best.
Another reason why TopView should be considered by you is the fact that they are really trying to stand out; they are making huge efforts in offering a high-quality tour, with their guides, staff, and drivers incentivized to offer great service. So, it might be the right time to give them a go.
3. Single trip or Hop-On Hop-Off?
If you just want a ride through London, all three companies offer similar routes. The difference? Commentary and frequency.
For hop-on hop-off, pick a company with frequent buses. Tootbus wins here, they stick to their schedule better than the others.
Short on time? You can do a 2-hour loop on any of these tours without hopping off.
4. Cheapest London Night Tours
A London night bus tour is often cheaper, and arguably even better than daytime tours. Here are your best affordable night tour options:
Tootbus
TopView
Golden Tours
See London by Night (Best pick!)
If I had to choose one, I’d go with See London by Night. They specialize in night tours, and their live guides are fantastic. The price difference is small, so if you’re doing only one bus tour, this might be the one to book.
5. Tips for booking Budget-Friendly Bus Tours
Want the cheapest hop-on hop-off London tour possible? Here’s how to save money:
Skip the extras – The cheapest tickets don’t include river cruises or extra perks. If you just want the bus, don’t pay for the add-ons.
Book online – Walk-up prices are usually higher. Get your ticket in advance.
Consider the London Pass – If you're hitting multiple attractions, the London Pass includes a one-day bus tour. Just check if it covers the places you want to visit.
6. How much does a double-decker bus tour cost?
Tootbus – London Discovery: £33.15 (Adult), £19.55 (Child), £85.85 (Family)
TopView – 24-Hour Tour: £32.00 (Adult), £17.00 (Child)
Golden Tours – £32.76 (Adult), £19.20 (Child)
See London by Night (Best pick!) – £29.00 (Adult), £16.00 (Child 5-15)
7. Final thoughts – What’s the best cheap London Bus Tour?
If you’re looking for the best value for money, here’s my recommendation:
Best Hop-On Hop-Off: Tootbus – Reliable, good routes, eco-friendly.
Best for Live Guides: TopView – Guaranteed live commentary.
Best for Short Sightseeing: Golden Tours – Cheapest single-loop ride.
Best Night Tour: See London by Night – Fantastic live guides.
I hope this guide makes your decision easier! If you have any questions, drop a comment, and I’ll do my best to help. Happy sightseeing!