Here's a secret that tour operators don't want you to know: you can see virtually every major London attraction from the top deck of a regular red bus - for a fraction of the price. While hop-on hop-off tour buses charge £35-45 per adult, TfL buses cap at just £5.25 for unlimited daily travel. That's the same iconic double-decker experience, the same landmarks, and arguably a more authentic London adventure.
Family of four? That's £140+ back in your pocket for a nice dinner out.
The Real Cost Comparison
Let's break down exactly what you're paying for with each option. The numbers speak for themselves.
| Feature | Hop-On Hop-Off | TfL Buses |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Ticket | £35-45 | £5.25 (daily cap) |
| Child Ticket | £17-25 | Free (under 11 with adult) |
| Family of 4 (2+2) | £104-140 | £10.50 |
| Bus Frequency | Every 20-30 mins | Every 3-8 mins |
| Operating Hours | ~9am to 6-7pm | 5am to midnight+ |
| Live Commentary | Yes | No (use free apps) |
| Route Flexibility | Fixed loops only | 700+ routes citywide |
The Best TfL Bus Routes for Sightseeing
Not all bus routes are created equal. These are the routes that rival - and often surpass - what the tourist buses offer, passing London's most famous landmarks.
9 Hammersmith to Aldwych
The Royal Route: This is arguably London's best sightseeing bus. From the top deck, you'll see the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square. It runs every 6-8 minutes.
15 Blackwall to Trafalgar Square
The Historic Route: Passes the Tower of London, Tower Bridge views, Monument, St Paul's Cathedral, and Trafalgar Square. Perfect for the City of London and its history after the bus crosses Aldgate stop.
24 Hampstead Heath to Pimlico
The Westminster Route: Takes you past Camden Town, Regent's Park, Oxford Street, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. One of the most comprehensive routes for central London.
14 Putney Heath to Russell Square
The Museums Route: Connects the Natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert, Harrods, Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, and the British Museum area.
11 Fulham to Waterloo Station
The Royal & Government Route: Passes Chelsea, Sloane Square, Victoria and Westminster Abbey.
The Hopper Fare: Your Secret Weapon
TfL's Hopper fare lets you take unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of first tapping in - all for the price of a single fare (£1.75). Planning your route changes within this window means you can cover huge distances for almost nothing. This is something hop-on hop-off buses simply cannot match.
How to Pay: Contactless Makes It Simple
Forget buying tickets or Oyster cards. Simply tap your contactless bank card, phone, or smartwatch when boarding. TfL automatically calculates the cheapest fare and applies the daily cap. You'll never pay more than £5.25 on buses, no matter how many journeys you take.
For visitors, this means:
- No advance planning required – just tap and ride
- No tourist card queues – your regular bank card works
- Automatic best fare – TfL's system does the maths
- Works worldwide – any contactless Visa, Mastercard, or Amex
What About Commentary?
This is the one area where hop-on hop-off buses have an advantage - but it's easily solved. Several free options provide excellent London commentary:
- Citymapper – Free app showing exactly where you are and what's nearby
- Google Maps – Landmark identification as you travel
- Rick Steves Audio Europe – Free walking tour audio guides
- Wikipedia – Look up any building you spot
Many visitors find this self-guided approach more engaging than listening to recorded commentary. You set the pace and focus on what genuinely interests you.
The Authentic London Experience
There's something the hop-on hop-off buses can never offer: the feeling of being a Londoner, not a tourist. On a regular TfL bus, you're sitting alongside locals going about their day. You'll overhear conversations, see which stops are busy, and get a genuine sense of how the city works.
The red double-decker bus is an icon of London for a reason. Every TfL bus offers that same experience - the same views from the top deck front seats, the same classic design. The only difference is you're paying 80% less for it.
When Hop-On Hop-Off Might Still Make Sense
To be fair, there are specific situations where the tourist buses earn their price:
- You want structured commentary without using your phone
- First-time visitors who prefer a guided experience with zero planning
- Limited mobility – guaranteed seating on tourist buses
- Package deals – sometimes bundled with other attractions at a discount
But for most visitors? The TfL option delivers 90% of the experience at 15% of the cost.
Quick Start Guide
Step 1: Head to any bus stop near a major landmark
Step 2: Check which routes stop there using the TfL Go app or the stop display
Step 3: Board, tap your contactless card, and head upstairs to the front
Step 4: Enjoy London from the best seat in the house
Plan Your Last Journey Home
After a day of sightseeing, don't forget to check when your last bus or train home departs. That's exactly what Last Trip is built for - helping you find the final services so you never get stranded after a brilliant day exploring London.
The Bottom Line
London's regular buses cover every major tourist attraction, run far more frequently than tour buses, and cost a maximum of £5.25 per day. For a family of four, that's savings of over £100 - enough for a West End show, a nice meal, or entry to several paid attractions.
The hop-on hop-off buses have built a brilliant business selling tourists something they could get for almost free. Now you know the alternative. Grab a seat on the top deck of a number 9, 15, or 24, and see London like the locals do, but just with much better views.