Big Bus Tours London (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Big Bus Tours London?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: Solo visitors can cover many landmarks quickly, use audio commentary in 7 languages, and feel safe on staffed buses and walking tours. Lack of toilets and weather exposure are minor drawbacks.
Positives:
- Flexible Pace: Hop-on, hop-off format lets you explore London landmarks at your own speed.
- Free Commentary: Earphones provide insider stories in 7 languages without extra cost.
- Social Walks: Live guided tours attract small groups—easy way to meet other solo travelers.
Challenges:
- Weather Exposure: Upper deck is open, so wind and rain can affect comfort.
- Bus Frequency: Buses run every 15–30 minutes; waits can be longer off-peak.
- No Onboard Restrooms: Open-top buses have no toilets; plan stops at attractions with facilities.
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 solo trip?
- Freedom to explore four routes with hop-on, hop-off flexibility
- Open-top deck views of major landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge
- Audio commentary in seven languages included
- Live walking tours to join small groups and meet fellow travelers
- Mobile app for live bus times and route planning
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: A single loop on the main routes plus one short hop-off stop fits well into a half-day outing without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Big Bus Tours London
Ride the Red Route:
Hop on at Westminster to view Big Ben, the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral from the open-top deck.
Tip: Sit on the upper-deck front row for clear sightlines and use the app to time your next bus.
Join a Guided Walking Tour:
Upgrade to the Essential Ticket to join live tours like the Royal Walk or Harry Potter Walk.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point to secure your spot and chat with fellow travelers.
Take the Thames River Cruise:
Board the one-way cruise included with the Discover Ticket to see Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament from the water.
Tip: Stand at the bow rail on the upper deck for solo photo opportunities and check the app for departure times.
Hop off at Covent Garden:
Explore street performers, boutique shops, and market stalls near the Leicester Square stop on the Green Route.
Tip: Look up performance times in the app and grab a coffee before reboarding to reserve your seat.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Big Bus Tours London
- Use the Mobile App: Download the Big Bus Tours app to track buses in real time and plan transfers.
- Start Early: Begin at a major hub like Victoria when routes open to secure a top-deck seat.
- Combine Tickets: Opt for the Discover Ticket to include a river cruise and skip separate bookings.
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)?
In summer, sit on the lower deck midday to stay shaded. In winter, layer up—the top deck is exposed to wind. On rainy days, buy a poncho at major stops.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| One-day hop-on, hop-off bus ticket | GBP 29 |
| Big Bus Tours mobile app | GBP 0 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 29 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
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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