Introduction
A red double-decker bus versus a blue one? Who's the winner? Well, this is not an equal battle, to be honest, even if one of them has way more experience in the city than the other. Let's find out!
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Check ticket deals for City Sightseeing or Golden Tours
Table of contents
1. Brief overview of the open-top bus tours
City Sightseeing is a world-recognized brand with beautifully designed red buses that are present in every major city of the world. While they are relatively new in London compared to other well-established companies, they’ve done a fantastic job catching up, even overtaking most of them in certain aspects.
Golden Tours has been around for a long time. They started with out-of-town tours, which they are still doing - and quite well, I might add. About 15 years ago, they added hop-on hop-off tours to their portfolio. They’ve maintained a budget-friendly profile without making major changes to their route or adding significant perks. That said, they do offer some cool themed tours, which I definitely recommend checking out.
2. Head-to-head comparison of City Sightseeing vs Golden Tours
City Sightseeing
✅ Red buses – A strong, recognizable brand
✅ Bus tracking app
✅ Single Routemaster ride from Trafalgar Square to the Tower(48-hour ticket)
✅ Free trip to Greenwich with a 48-hour ticket
✅ Discounts for other City Sightseeing locations
✅ More frequent buses
Golden Tours
✅ Live guides on certain buses
✅ Covers Notting Hill, Bayswater, and Paddington
✅ More budget-friendly
✅ Stops at Regent’s Park for London Zoo
Let’s Dive Deeper
Service & Frequency – City Sightseeing Wins
City Sightseeing has more buses running at regular intervals, so you won’t be waiting around too long. Golden Tours has made improvements, but if you want a reliable and frequent service, City Sightseeing is the better choice
Route Coverage – City Sightseeing Has the Edge
Both services cover all the major London landmarks, but City Sightseeing’s route is more intuitive and easier to follow. Their red route loops through key areas , while Golden Tours’ multiple routes can be a bit more confusing to navigate.
That said, Golden Tours has an advantage if you’re staying in Notting Hill, Bayswater, or Paddington, as they cover these areas, while City Sightseeing does not.
Attraction Tickets & Discounts – City Sightseeing Wins
City Sightseeing offers some great extras with their 48-hour ticket, including a free river cruise to Greenwich and a ride on a classic Routemaster bus – You get to experience a single ride from Trafalgar Square to the Tower of London, which is a nice nostalgic touch.
Golden Tours doesn’t offer these perks, but they do excel in out-of-town trips, so if you’re planning an excursion to places like Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, or Oxford, they’re a great option.
Commentary & Languages – Golden Tours Wins
If you love live commentary, Golden Tours is the winner. Some of their buses feature live guides, making for a more interactive experience.
For pre-recorded audio commentary, they both offer pretty much the same languages.
Price – Golden Tours Is Cheaper
Golden Tours 1-day ticket: £32
City Sightseeing 1-day ticket: £39
If price is your main concern, Golden Tours is the more budget-friendly option. But for just £7 more, City Sightseeing offers better service, better coverage, and stronger attraction perks.
3. User reviews
To get a fair idea of customer feedback, I checked out recent TripAdvisor reviews for both City Sightseeing and Golden Tours. Here’s what I found:
Pros:
Reliable and frequent buses
Well-organized routes with clear maps
Bus tracking app is a big plus
Cons:
Occasional complaints about audio guides not working properly
Some buses can get crowded, especially in peak season
Pros:
Enthusiastic and knowledgeable live guides
More affordable than most competitors
Cons:
Bus frequency can be hit or miss, especially during busy times
Some travelers find their route maps and stops a bit unclear
4. Summary
If you want a solid hop-on hop-off experience with better service, more frequent buses, and great attraction perks, City Sightseeing is the clear winner. The bus tracking app, free river cruise to Greenwich, and international discounts make it an excellent value.
However, if you're looking for a cheaper option, prefer live guides, or want a route that covers places like Regent’s Park, Notting Hill, Bayswater, Paddington , Golden Tours is a great alternative.