The Ghost Bus Tour is part sightseeing, part comedy-horror theatre, and a 100% unique experience. If you love ghost stories, dark history, and a touch of theatrical fun, this tour is definitely worth considering.
DoubleDeckerLondon is reader supported. If you make a purchase through some of our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking your seat on this haunted adventure.
Summary:
Vintage double-decker bus experience
Theatrical performances
Affordable tour
Convenient departure point
1. Why choose the Ghost Bus Tour?
One of the things that makes the London Ghost Bus Tour so special is the bus itself. This isn’t just any old sightseeing bus, it’s a 1960s Routemaster, painted black and rumored to have a haunted past. According to the onboard actors, this very bus has a dark and chilling history… but I won’t spoil the details. You’ll have to experience it for yourself!
Live Theatrical Performances: The tour isn’t just a history lesson, it’s a full comedy-horror show with professional actors playing ghostly characters, keeping you entertained from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of the supernatural, eerie stories, or just want something different from the usual sightseeing tours, this one is for you.
2. Is it worth the price?
When you compare it to other sightseeing tours in London, the Ghost Bus Tour is actually one of the more affordable options. With tickets around £28 per adult, it’s a great budget-friendly activity, especially considering you’re getting a guided tour + live performance + London’s dark history all in one.
Ghost Bus Tour London Prices Compared to Other Tours:
Standard London bus tours: £35+
Walking ghost tours: £20-£30 (without the bus experience)
The Ghost Bus Tour: £28
3. Things you see while on the bus
The tour lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on the traffic. Your adventure begins at Trafalgar Square, right in the heart of London. From there, you'll embark on a meticulously planned route that will lead you to the most famous attractions, buildings, and landmarks in the city. The bus will go past Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace (weekend only or as traffic permits), the London Eye, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and many more.
Pro Tip : During summer, booking the 9pm tour can be a good choice. As the days are longer, the 9pm tour provides the advantage of taking place during the evening when it's generally darker outside.
4. Route and Timetable
Departure Point: Northumberland Avenue, near Trafalgar Square (right outside The Grand Hotel, opposite the Sherlock Holmes Pub).
Daily Departure Times:
6:00 PM
7:30 PM
9:00 PM (Best for an eerie nighttime experience!)
The route is similar to other London sightseeing bus tours
5. Things to consider
Traffic disruptions
The time and day you choose can really affect how things go because of traffic. To dodge any jams, I'd recommend going for later tours instead of during rush hour when the roads get crazy busy.
Route
The route can suffer significant changes due to road closures so it's best to double check the service updates before you book the tour. You can usually find great service updates on any of the hop-on hop-off buses pages. Their route is almost identical.
Live guides
Speaking from my own experience and what I've heard from other customers, I have to mention that the tour isn't super scary, it's more about entertainment. So, it's good to keep your expectations in check and just go along for the ride. Plus, cruising through London on a 60-year-old Routemaster bus is pretty awesome all on its own!
Pro tip: Capture the best shots of The London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower of London by securing a seat on the left side of the bus.
6. Ghost Bus Tour prices and ticket options
Ghost Bus Tour London Price:
Adults: £28
Children (Under 16): £19
Concessions (Students/Seniors): £21
Private Ghost Bus Tours are available for birthdays, corporate events, and special occasions.
7. Conclusion of this Ghost Bus Tour review
I really believe this experience has its own unique charm. Sure, you might get stuck in traffic at times, or maybe the way the guides share stories isn't exactly your cup of tea. But overall, it's a one-of-a-kind and worthwhile adventure. Just being on that themed vintage bus alone is like stepping back in time, stirring up some powerful emotions and creating nice memories.
If our Ghost Bus Tour review captivated your interest, be sure to explore our assessment of other tours here and discover valuable travel tips here.