Golden Tours London 2026 – Tickets, Routes, and Experiences
All the information about the Golden Tours hop-on, hop-off bus in London: 3 routes, 60+ stops, live guides, and current prices.
Golden Tours is a British company based in London that has specialized in sightseeing tours for over 30 years. With three routes and over 60 stops, Golden Tours offers the densest network of stops of any hop-on, hop-off tour operator in London.
What makes it special: Golden Tours is the only provider in London that offers live guides on board for select departures (in English). In addition, an audio guide is available in 12 languages on all tours.
Golden Tours Tickets and Prices
Golden Tours offers three ticket durations in London. The 24-hour ticket is for bus travel only; the longer-duration tickets also include a Thames river cruise.
| Ticket | Validity | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Bus-only | 24h | Hop-on Hop-off Bus (3 routes), audio guide, live guides (select departures) |
| Bus + Boat | 48h | Hop-on Hop-off Bus + Thames River Cruise, Audio Guide, Live Guides |
| Bus + Boat | 72h | Hop-on Hop-off Bus + Thames River Cruise, Audio Guide, Live Guides |
The 24-hour bus-only ticket is the most affordable option and is included in the price comparison on the home page. Children under 5 ride for free.
Routes and stops
Golden Tours operates three routes in London: the Blue Route (Classic Tour, 19 stops), the Red Route (Essential Tour, 34 stops including King’s Cross and Madame Tussauds), and the Orange Route (Museum Tour, 27+ stops via South Kensington and Notting Hill). With over 60 stops, Golden Tours has the densest network of all providers.
Equipment and extras
Live Guides (English)
Golden Tours is the only tour operator in London that provides a live guide on board select tours. The guides share stories and anecdotes that no audio guide can offer.
Audio guide in 12 languages
In addition to the live guides, an audio guide is available on all tours in 12 languages. Ideal for anyone who prefers to listen in their native language.
Thames River Cruise (48 hours or more)
Starting with the 48-hour ticket, a Thames river cruise is included. The combination tickets thus offer both bus and boat for a comprehensive London experience.
60+ stops
With over 60 stops on three routes, Golden Tours offers the most extensive network of stops. Especially convenient: The Red Route goes all the way to King’s Cross and Paddington, which is ideal for train travelers.
What Travelers Say About Golden Tours
Great tour of London! Easy to hop on and off, lots of sights, and well-organized. It was definitely worth it.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable tour. We had a great guide with us. We visited all the important sights. Great tour!
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Tours London
What are Live Guides, and how do they work?
Golden Tours provides a live guide on select runs, who offers live commentary in English and shares stories about the sights. Not every run has a live guide. In addition, an audio guide in 12 languages is available on all runs.
Why does the Golden Tours have so many stops?
Golden Tours operates three routes (Blue, Red, Orange), which together cover over 60 stops. The Red Route (Essential Tour) goes as far as King’s Cross and Paddington, while the Orange Route (Museum Tour) goes as far as Notting Hill and South Kensington. This means Golden Tours also serves neighborhoods that other providers do not cover.
How often do the buses run?
Buses run every 50 to 60 minutes on all three routes. While the frequency is slightly lower than that of the larger providers, the route coverage is significantly broader, with 60+ stops.
Is the river cruise included in the ticket?
The 24-hour bus-only ticket does not include a river cruise. Starting with the 48-hour ticket, a Thames river cruise is automatically included. On our homepage, you can also see the bus+boat combo tickets in the price comparison.
Is Golden Tours a British provider?
Yes, Golden Tours is based in London and has been in the sightseeing business for over 30 years. Unlike the international chains (Big Bus, City Sightseeing), Golden Tours is a local provider that operates exclusively in London.
Can I cancel my ticket?
When booking through GetYourGuide, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the booked date. You'll receive a full refund.