London's Top 3 Sightseeing Bus Routes

London sightseeing bus

Explore London by Bus with the 3 Best Sightseeing Bus Routes in London

Visiting London can be expensive, but there’s one affordable way to see the city’s top landmarks without breaking the bank – exploring London by bus. Whether you’re on a budget (it’s only £1.75 a ride with your Visitor Oyster card) or looking to experience the city like a local, hop on one of the best bus routes in London to enjoy iconic sights and hidden gems from the comfort of your seat. 

Here’s how to make the most of London’s iconic red double decker buses with three unmissable London sightseeing bus routes.

Bus Route 24: Pimlico to Hampstead Heath

24 bus
A Scenic Journey Through Central and North London

Start your journey in Pimlico or hop on from Victoria. Bus route 24 passes two architectural marvels – Westminster Cathedral and Westminster Abbey – before heading down Whitehall, past 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Next, the bus rolls into Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column and its famous lion statues, before brushing the edge of London’s historic West End theatre district. You’ll ride past Denmark Street, also known as Tin Pan Alley, famed for its music heritage.

The route then heads to vibrant Camden Town, a hotspot for live music, quirky street markets, and alternative fashion. From vintage finds to street food and souvenirs, Camden is a must – stop.

End your journey at Hampstead Heath, one of London’s largest and most picturesque green spaces. Hike up to Parliament Hill for sweeping panoramic views of the city – an unforgettable way to conclude your London sightseeing bus tour.
 

Bus Route 11: Fulham to Liverpool Street

Bus in front of Big Ben
Historic Sights and Iconic Landmarks

Bus route 11 is ideal for those wanting to tick off some of London’s most famous landmarks by bus. It starts in Fulham and cruises along the King’s Road in Chelsea, past the elegant streets of Belgravia and into Westminster.

You’ll pass Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament in quick succession – perfect photo ops from your seat on the upper deck. 

Turning onto Whitehall, the route heads through Trafalgar Square, along the Strand, and past the Royal Courts of Justice and Fleet Street, the historic heart of London’s press.

Keep an eye out for the disused Strand Tube station, a hidden film location featured in Sherlock and 28 Days Later. As the bus rolls into the City of London, you’ll see the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Exchange, the Bank of England, and Mansion House.

The journey ends at Liverpool Street Station, gateway to East London’s trendiest neighbourhoods like Shoreditch, Brick Lane, and Spitalfields Market, where street art, vintage boutiques, and hip coffee shops await.

Bus Route 9: Aldwych to Hammersmith

Royal Albert Hall
Royal Sights and Luxury Landmarks

One of the oldest and most scenic bus routes in London, bus 9 begins in Aldwych, near cultural institutions like Somerset House, then continues along the Strand to Trafalgar Square.

As you cruise down Piccadilly, you’ll pass Green Park, the elegant Ritz Hotel, and Knightsbridge, home of luxury shopping mecca Harrods. This route also features stunning views of the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Gardens, home to Kensington Palace, once the residence of Princess Diana.

You’ll also pass Kensington High Street, a more relaxed alternative to Oxford Street for retail therapy, and end your journey in Hammersmith, after a ride past beautiful Holland Park, known for its Kyoto Garden, peacocks, and serene charm. 

Getting around London by bus: Our tips

  • There are hundreds of bus routes in London. Most bus stops display a full route map of every bus that stops there
  • You can only catch a bus from designated bus stops. Only the numbered buses listed on the bus stop will stop there
  • There are downloadable bus maps grouped by area on the Transport for London website, which also links them with nearby tube stations
  • You can use Transport for London’s journey planner to find your way around by bus – just select ‘bus only’ as the mode of transport
  • The 3 routes we’ve picked are all new Routemaster buses.

How do I pay? 

  • You can pay for your bus journey in London with a Visitor Oyster card as cash is not accepted on London buses. Simply touch your card on the reader beside the driver as you get on the bus. The fee is always the same, £1.75 per journey.
  • If you travel only on buses, a Visitor Oyster card will limit your daily spend at £5.25 per day. If you also travel on the tube on the same day, the price limit will be higher (depending on zones and time of day – see more detailed information here).
  • You can also pay for your bus journey with a Day Travelcard. If you have a Travelcard, you can just show it to the driver as you get on the bus. Buses are not zone-specific so you can travel in any area of London with your Travelcard; it will not cost you any extra.
  • You can take unlimited buses within 1 hour for just £1.75 thank to the Hopper fare – great for changing routes!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out all our London sightseeing bus tours.

How much is a bus ride in London?

Paying for the bus in London is quick and easy. Here are the main ways to pay:

  • Visitor Oyster card:
    Simply tap your card on the yellow reader next to the driver when you board the bus.
    • Each bus ride costs £1.75.
    • If you only travel by bus all day, your fare is capped at £5.25 per day, no matter how many buses you take.
    • If you also use the London Underground (Tube) on the same day, your daily cap will be higher depending on the zones and time.
  • Contactless Payment:
    • You can also tap a contactless bank card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay just like an Oyster card. Prices and caps are the same.

  • Day Travelcard:

    • If you have a Travelcard, simply show it to the driver when you get on.
    • Travelcards work across all London bus routes – there are no zones for buses, so you can travel across the city without paying extra.

     

How to use the bus in London?

  • Have a valid card
  • Use a Visitor Oyster card, contactless bank card or a Travelcard
  • Check the bus number and destination. Look at the front display of the bus or use the TfL Go app for live updates.
  • Tap in when boarding. Get on through the front door and tap your card or phone on the yellow reader (no need to tap out).
  • Press STOP to get off

  • Press the red “STOP” button when your stop is coming up – it will be shown on a screen and announced.


     

What’s the best time of day to take a sightseeing bus ride in London?

For the best experience, try riding in the morning or early afternoon to avoid peak commute hours. 

On clear days, sitting on the top deck near the front provides the best panoramic views of London’s attractions.

How to take the bus as a family/group?

Taking the bus in London as a family or group is generally straightforward, and there are a few key things to know about payment and child fares:

Visitor Oyster card

This is a smartcard you can top up with “pay as you go” credit or a Travelcard. You can purchase an Oyster card at Tube stations, Oyster Ticket Stops, and Visitor Centres. Like contactless cards, you tap it on the yellow reader when boarding the bus.

If you’re visiting from outside the UK, you can buy a Visitor Oyster card online in advance and have it delivered to your home. It costs £7 (non-refundable) plus postage.

Contactless Card/Device

Each adult taps their own card or phone on the yellow reader when boarding. The system caps your daily spend. Note: You can’t tap one card multiple times for different people.

Children’s Fares

Transport for London offers great discounts for kids:

  • Ages 0 -10: Travel free on buses (with or without an adult). They also travel free on the Tube/trains if accompanied by a fare-paying adult (up to four children per adult).
  • Ages 11-15: For visitors, you can get a Young Visitor discount set up on a standard Oyster card at any Tube station. This gives them 50% off adult fares for up to 14 days. The child must be with you when you ask for this. Otherwise, they pay adult fares.
  • Ages 16-17: Pay half adult rate on Tube/trains with a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard. Otherwise, they pay adult fares.

Family/Group Tips

  • Have everyone’s payment ready to tap when you get on.
  • Just walk free-travelling kids through with you.
  • Use the TfL Go app or their online Journey Planner to find routes and times.
  • Enjoy the view, buses are a fantastic way to see London’s sights from street level!

How to take the bus as a disabled individual in London?

Fully Accessible Buses
  • All London buses are low-floor with an automatic ramp at the middle door. They also have a dedicated wheelchair space and can “kneel” to reduce the boarding step.
Free Travel for Wheelchair Users
  • If you’re a wheelchair or mobility scooter user, you travel free on all London buses and trams. No ticket or pass is needed. Companions or carers generally pay standard fares.
Audio-Visual Announcements
  • Buses are equipped with “next stop” announcements (both audio and visual) to help you know exactly where you are on your journey.
Driver Assistance
  • Bus drivers are trained to help with deploying the ramp and ensuring a smooth boarding process. They will not, however, assist with securing your wheelchair inside the bus.
Plan with TfL Tools
  • Use the TfL Go app or the TfL Journey Planner online to plan your routes. The TfL website also has detailed accessibility information and you can download a Travel Support Card if you need to communicate specific needs to staff.

Still wondering what ticket is best for you?

Explore our London transport tickets page

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