Top Frequently Asked Questions
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Is there a commentary available in my language?
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Where can I start the tour?
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What time do tours start and how often do the buses run?
Where can I buy a ticket for the tour?
You can purchase tickets on this website, from a member of Big Bus Tours staff at one of our stops or on our buses, and from most London hotel concierges.
Is there a commentary available in my language?
All tours feature a pre-recorded commentary in your choice of the following languages:
- English
- French
- German
- Italian
- Spanish
The commentary is available via complimentary earphones that you will receive when you board the bus.
Where can I start the tour?
You can begin the tour from any stop. Please visit our Find a Bus Stop page to find your nearest stop.
What time do tours start and how often do the buses run?
Please visit our Service Information page for up-to-date information on tour start times and frequency.
More Questions & Answers
Do I need to choose a date for my tour?
Yes – when you book, you will need to select the date you’d like to hop on the bus. If you’re touring with us for more than one day, your ticket must be used across consecutive days, and the date you select at time of booking should be the first day of your tour. Some tours also require you to select a time of travel, to secure your seat. If your ticket has extra inclusions, you may also need to book dates and times for these inclusions after your purchase is complete via our Booking Portal. For more information, please see the instructions on your booking confirmation email.
Tell me about the Big Bus Tour of London
Big Bus Tours operates sightseeing tours of London on open-top double-decker buses. See all the top sights, and enjoy an entertaining and informative recorded commentary, available i a choice of 5 languages. You can hop on and hop off the bus at any Big Bus stop to visit London’s key landmarks and attractions.
What can I see and visit?
Bus stops are conveniently located near popular landmarks and attractions so that you can hop off to explore with ease. You'll see iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London while on board the bus, and Buckingham Palace is a very short walk away from our Royal Mews stop. Visit our Discover London page to learn more about what you can see and visit on our tours, and see our Attractions page to buy tickets for famous London landmarks and attractions.
You're free to hop on and off the bus at any stop as many times as you wish during your tour, or you can choose to stay on board for the entire route.
You're free to hop on and off the bus at any stop as many times as you wish during your tour, or you can choose to stay on board for the entire route.
On which days does the tour operate?
Our London bus tours operate daily. For more information about our current service, please visit our Service Information page.
How long does the tour take?
Red Route: 2 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)
Blue Route: 3 hours, 35 minutes (approx.)
Green Link: 1 hour, 10 minutes (approx.)
Please allow for more time if you plan to hop on and off at any of our stops.
Blue Route: 3 hours, 35 minutes (approx.)
Green Link: 1 hour, 10 minutes (approx.)
Please allow for more time if you plan to hop on and off at any of our stops.
Do the tours stop in front of Buckingham Palace?
No. Public transport and sightseeing buses are not allowed to stop in front of Buckingham Palace.
We do, however, stop a short distance away, 5 minutes' walk from the front of the palace. Hop off here to take pictures, watch the changing of the guard, and perhaps even spot a royal.
We do, however, stop a short distance away, 5 minutes' walk from the front of the palace. Hop off here to take pictures, watch the changing of the guard, and perhaps even spot a royal.
Does the Big Bus tour include entrance to any of the attractions?
Entrance to attractions is not included with your ticket unless explicitly stated in the ticket description.
If you'd like to buy a Big Bus Tours ticket that includes entry to one of our partnered attractions please see our great range of attraction packages. Once you've added any ticket to your basket, you can also choose to add further attraction tickets during the checkout process.
If you'd like to buy a Big Bus Tours ticket that includes entry to one of our partnered attractions please see our great range of attraction packages. Once you've added any ticket to your basket, you can also choose to add further attraction tickets during the checkout process.
How do I redeem my ticket?
Show your ticket (printed or on a device) to a member of staff at one of our stops or aboard the bus. They'll issue you a receipt that you'll be able to use to hop on the bus throughout the validity period of your ticket.
Is there a discount available for groups?
Yes, discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. To find out more, submit an enquiry using our group booking information page.
Is it possible to hire one of the open-top buses for a private event?
Yes, buses are available for private hires and charters. For more information please or to receive a quote, submit an enquiry using our private hires and charters page.
What is the child ticketing policy?
A child ticket is available for children between the ages of 4–15. Children under 4 may travel free of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
To avoid any disappointment on your day of travel, we will need to confirm in advance whether your wheelchair can be accommodated on board. Please contact us in advance with information about your wheelchair, including an indication of the width and weight of the chair. Please note that mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on board our buses at present due to size and weight. If you have any questions, please contact us for further information.
Where does the river cruise depart from and how long does the trip take?
The westbound river cruise departs from Tower Pier (near Stop 16) and concludes at Waterloo Pier and Westminster Pier.
The eastbound river cruise departs Westminster Pier (near Stop 18) and concludes at Tower Pier.
Cruise duration in either direction is approximately 40 minutes.
For further information, please visit our River Cruises page.
The eastbound river cruise departs Westminster Pier (near Stop 18) and concludes at Tower Pier.
Cruise duration in either direction is approximately 40 minutes.
For further information, please visit our River Cruises page.
Can I take the river cruise before getting on the bus?
Yes. After purchasing your Big Bus Tours ticket, please visit our booking portal and download your City Cruises ticket. On the day, validate this ticket (printed or on your device) with staff at a City Cruises booth before boarding the boat.
Can I change the date (and time) of my bus tour?
Yes. If you have a ticket that's 'fully flexible' you can change the date (and time) of your bus tour booking without charge. To make the change, please contact us.
If you don't have a 'fully flexible' ticket, we can still change the date of your bus tour, but please be aware that charges may apply.
If you don't have a 'fully flexible' ticket, we can still change the date of your bus tour, but please be aware that charges may apply.
Contact us
For general enquiries, please get in touch using our contact form. For more specific answers please select one of the options below.