Big Bus London 2026 – Tickets, Routes, and Experiences
All the details about the Big Bus hop-on, hop-off bus in London: 3 routes, 40+ stops, river cruise included, and current prices.
Big Bus is a world-renowned hop-on, hop-off brand offering tours in over 25 cities. In London, the distinctive red double-decker buses operate on three routes with over 40 stops at all the major attractions.
What makes Big Bus London special: Every ticket automatically includes a Thames river cruise. It also comes with an audio guide in 12 languages, free Wi-Fi on board, and access to the Big Bus app with real-time bus location tracking.
Big Bus tickets and prices
Big Bus offers various ticket tiers in London. All tickets include the Thames River cruise and an audio guide in 12 languages.
| Ticket | Validity | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Discover | 1 day | Hop-on, Hop-off Bus (3 routes), Thames River Cruise, Audio Guide |
| Essential | 1 day | Everything from Discover + Walking Tour + Additional Extras |
| Explore | 2 days | The Essential Tour: 2 Days + Night Tour |
| Night Tour | Evening | Panoramic Night Tour of Illuminated London |
The Discover Ticket is the most affordable option and is included in the price comparison on the homepage. Essential and Explore are premium packages with additional perks. Children under 5 ride for free.
Routes and stops
Big Bus operates three routes in London: the Red Route (28 stops, major attractions), the Blue Route (43 stops, expanded coverage), and the Green Link, which connects the two. Buses run every 15 to 20 minutes on the main route.
Equipment and extras
Thames River Cruise Included
Every Big Bus ticket automatically includes a Thames River cruise. This sets Big Bus apart from all other providers in London, where the river cruise can only be booked as an add-on.
Audio guide in 12 languages
The recorded audio commentary accompanies you throughout the entire tour and is included with every ticket.
Free WLAN
All Big Bus buses offer free Wi-Fi on board. It's perfect for sharing photos right from the upper deck or looking up the next stop.
Big Bus App
The free app shows bus stops and bus locations in real time. With Essential and Explore tickets, additional walking tours are included through the app.
What Travelers Say About Big Bus
At the start, I arrived shortly after the previous bus had left. Another bus took me back to where the previous bus had left off—I was the only passenger on board. The driver was really nice. There’s a schedule for the day’s route, and small headphones are available so you can listen to information about the tour.
The audio tour was entertaining and informative, and the buses ran regularly and looked clean and well-maintained! For me, it was the perfect way to see as much of London as possible in a single day.
I enjoyed the audiobook. It was entertaining and informative. No long waits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Bus London
Is the river cruise really included with every ticket?
Yes. With Big Bus London, a Thames River cruise is included with every ticket, even the most affordable Discover ticket. This is a unique selling point of Big Bus. With all other providers in London, the river cruise can only be booked as an optional extra.
What is the difference between Discover, Essential, and Explore?
Discover is the basic ticket (1-day bus pass + river cruise + audio guide). Essential adds walking tours and additional extras. Explore is the premium 2-day package, which includes a night tour of London’s illuminated sights. The Discover ticket is the most affordable option and is included in the price comparison on our homepage.
How many routes does Big Bus operate in London?
Big Bus operates three routes in London: the Red Route (28 stops) through the city center, the Blue Route (43 stops) with extended coverage to Kensington and Camden, and the Green Link, which connects the two routes. You can use all three routes with a single ticket.
How often do the buses run?
Buses run every 15 to 20 minutes on the main route. Service hours are generally from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., which is slightly longer than most other providers. You can use the Big Bus app to see when the next bus is coming in real time.
Is there Wi-Fi on the bus?
Yes, all Big Bus buses in London offer free Wi-Fi on board. You can connect right away without having to register.
Can I cancel my Big Bus ticket?
When booking through Headout, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the booked date. You'll receive a full refund.