London by Night Open Top Bus Tour- Review (2025)
- DDL
- Jul 8, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Exploring London at night is a completely different experience from during the day. The city lights up, the landmarks glow, and the atmosphere feels almost theatrical. And what better way to soak it all in than on a London by night open top bus tour?
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Summary:
Highly rated live guides
Longest route among night tour providers
Affordable tour
Experienced tour operator
Table of contents
1. Why take a London night bus tour?
A London bus tour by night gives you a front-row seat to the city's most famous landmarks, beautifully illuminated after dark. With fewer crowds and less traffic, it's a smooth, relaxed way to experience the city’s charm in a short amount of time. And let's be honest, some places just look better at night.
2. What makes a London night bus tour worth it?
Unbeatable Views: London’s skyline at night is something else, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s, and the London Eye all lit up? Stunning.
Less Traffic, More Fun: Unlike the daytime tours, these avoid the worst of London’s congestion.
Live Commentary: You’ll actually learn something instead of just staring out the window.
Ideal for Short Trips: If you only have a limited time in London, this tour squeezes in all the major sights efficiently.
Pro tip: Make sure you arrive early and snag the uncovered seats, especially on dry evenings.
3. Things you see while on the bus
As you cruise through the city, you'll pass by the famous London landmarks like:
The Tower Bridge
Tower of London
St Paul's Cathedral
The Shard, Trafalgar Square
Piccadilly Circus
The London Eye
Harrods
Big Ben
Pro tip: For the best snapshots of The London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower of London, choose a seat on the left side of the bus
If you are seeking tours that offer a more immersive London experience and can be enjoyed late into the night, be sure to explore our dedicated blog post!
4. Route and Timetable
Tour Length: The London By Night tour lasts 90 minutes, but London is unpredictable, sometimes traffic or roadworks can cause slight delays. It’s always a good idea to allow some extra time, just in case
Departure times Daily departures during the winter (October to March) are at 19.30 and 21.20 and during the summer (April to September) are 19.30, 20.00, 20.30, 21.15, 21.45 and 22.15 from the Green Park stop next to The Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly.
Pro tip: If you're a big fan of sunsets like I am, I highly recommend checking the sunset times and booking your tour accordingly. There's nothing more spectacular than experiencing the transition from day to night from the top of an open-top bus.
5. Things to consider
Weather forecast
The weather in London can be unpredictable, make sure you check the forecast before hopping on your tour and prepare accordingly. Keep in mind that London nights can get chilly and windy.
Availability
Since the See London by night is incredibly popular, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. If your preferred date is fully booked, don’t worry, you still have options! Check out this alternative night tour, which offers a similar route and experience.
If you opt for the 2-for-1 offer, make sure you arrive at the stop well in advance, as passengers with tickets receive priority. If possible, consider visiting the stop a day before to check if you can redeem your tickets.
6. Ticket Options
Keeping things straightforward, they offer a single, budget-friendly ticket option. These prices are only available when you book online:
Adult £29.00
Child (5-15) £16.00
Family (2Ad +2Ch) £78.00
7. Conclusion of our See London By Night review
This is the only company solely dedicated to night tours, and they do it well. With extensive experience, more departures than other companies, and renowned guides offering entertaining commentaries, booking their tour is a worry-free decision.
If our See London By Night review captivated your interest, be sure to explore our assessment of other tours here and discover valuable travel tips here.