Big Bus Tours London (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Big Bus Tours London?
What makes it 76% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 ride free or discounted, love open-top views and Harry Potter walk, and parents save with family ticket. Absence of onboard toilets and long sitting periods may cause restlessness.
Positives:
- Child-friendly commentary: Complimentary headphones provide fun facts in simple language for kids.
- Flexible pacing: Hop-on/off lets you adjust stops based on kids’ energy levels.
Challenges:
- No onboard toilets: Use public toilets at major stops before boarding.
- Weather exposure: Top deck is open-air; pack raincoats and warm layers.
What is Big Bus Tours London?
- A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus network operating open-top double-decker vehicles along multiple routes that connect key historic and cultural sites in London
- A tour service providing pre-recorded audio commentary in several languages alongside a companion mobile app offering live vehicle tracking and maps
- A transport operator bundling multi-line bus tours with optional one-way Thames river cruises under consolidated ticketing
What is so special about Big Bus Tours London for with kids?
- Flexible hop-on/off bus lets family pick child-friendly stops.
- Complimentary headphones keep kids engaged with easy commentary.
- See major landmarks and kid attractions like museums and river cruise.
- Children under 4 travel free and reward booklets add savings.
- Open-top deck offers memorable views and photo opportunities.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows enough time to hop on/off key stops without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Big Bus Tours London
Hop-on, Hop-off Red Line:
See Big Ben, London Eye and St Paul's Cathedral from the open top.
Tip: Board early to grab top-deck seats for unobstructed views.
Natural History & Science Museums stop:
Let kids explore dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits.
Tip: Use the reward booklet for discounts at museum cafés.
Thames River Cruise:
Enjoy a one-way boat ride included with Discover Ticket.
Tip: Sit on the side facing Tower Bridge for the best photos.
Harry Potter Walking Tour:
Follow film locations on a magic-themed live guide walk.
Tip: Book on your Essential Ticket to reserve spots in advance.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Big Bus Tours London
- Arrive early: Board at the start point to get seats on the top deck.
- Use the app: Check live bus times to reduce waiting with restless kids.
- Plan themed stops: Choose stops at the Natural History Museum or Covent Garden for kid fun.
Reviews of Big Bus Tours London
tiffany lin
We attended 2 tours guided by Emma yesterday (Royal Walk & Harry Potter) And she has done a fantastic job on both tours! She is very knowledgeable, friendly with great sense of humour and we enjoyed her company a lot! Thanks Emma for providing an excellent service and we highly recommend people to attend those tours if you are in London!
Bernadette Buckley
We done 2 tours with Alex today-the Royal walking tour and the jack the ripper tour. Both tours were completely different and we thoroughly enjoyed both. Alex was a great tour guide, he was very informative and he was able to answer most of the questions from the group, we had many laughs 😀
Mary Musa
The London Big Bus Tour is a fantastic way to see the city! 🏙️ The buses are comfortable, well-organized, and the hop-on hop-off system makes it easy to explore at your own pace. The live commentary and recorded guides are very informative, and we loved learning about London’s history while enjoying the views. 🚍✨ A great bonus is the free WiFi on board, which made it convenient to share picture...
Kimberly Cruz
While it was my son and I’s first time in London we joined the “Harry Potter walking tour” with Emma! She was very informative on the safety instructions, spoke very clear and answered all questions that we had. Loved the banter, jokes and how much she loves her job! I have to say I very much appreciated her personality as she connected with us as people and not tourists. She was open to personal ...
Heather Dominie
We travelled to London in late June 2025, and on the day before we had to travel back home to Canada (July 4, 2025), we knew we had to get a ride/tour on one of the double decker Big Bus Tours! We were able to stroll to a bus stop location just down the road from our hotel (The Royal Lancaster), scanned the QR code on the pole ad, and waited for our bus. I downloaded the app, which I do recommend...
When is the best time to visit Big Bus Tours London (London, United Kingdom)?
Summer offers sunny top-deck views—pack sunscreen. Winter is less crowded but colder—bring raincoats and warm layers. During Christmas, hop off at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to see lights.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) | GBP 132 |
| Hop-on/off day tickets (2 adults, 2 kids) | GBP 73 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 73 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Big Bus Tours London
Address: 110 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9SA, UK
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About Big Bus Tours London
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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