London City Bus Tours
Rating
Family of 4
USD 110–150
Duration
2–4 hours depending on stops
Best Ages
3 and up
About
London City Bus Tours delivers the classic double-decker hop-on hop-off experience that has become a rite of passage for visitors to London. For families, the format is nearly perfect: you stay together, stay comfortable, and cover enormous ground without anyone's legs giving out. The buses run a circuit through London's most recognizable areas, passing Westminster, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, and the South Bank.
Hop off wherever looks interesting, spend as long as you like, and catch the next bus. Kids who are resistant to walking tours often warm up to the bus immediately because it feels more like a ride than a chore. The open top deck is the star attraction for most children — the wind in your hair, the sweeping views, and the thrill of being taller than everything around you make it genuinely exciting.
On cooler or rainy days, the fully enclosed lower deck keeps the experience comfortable. Audio commentary guides passengers through what they're seeing, available in several languages. The 24-hour ticket makes it easy to split the experience across a morning and afternoon if you want to break things up with a proper lunch or a museum visit in between.
Families with babies or toddlers will find the lower deck manageable with compact strollers, and bus frequency means you're never waiting long.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
Not on board; available at major stop attractions
Kid Meals
No food on board; plenty of food options at key stops
Setting
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings for smaller crowds on board
Wait Times
10–20 minutes between buses
Nearby Food
Borough Market, Covent Garden food stalls, South Bank street food, and countless cafes near each major stop
Why Kids Love It
There's something undeniably magical about riding on the upper deck of a red double-decker bus and watching London unfold around you. Kids love the elevated perspective, waving at pedestrians below, and spotting landmarks they recognize from books or movies. It's a low-effort, high-reward experience for the whole family.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Plan your hop-off stops in advance and have a rough priority list
- Upper deck front seats fill fast — board early in your journey to secure them
- Use the audio guide headphones to keep older kids engaged during the ride
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and hats for the open top deck
- Water and snacks for between stops
- A portable phone charger — you'll be taking a lot of photos
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 110–150
Tips to Save
- Buy tickets at the bus stop rather than through resellers to avoid markup fees
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM