Everyone dreams of visiting London at least once in their life to soak in the royal charm, savor the incredible food, and feel the pulse of its vibrant streets. But let’s be honest: if you’ve only got 3-4 days in this iconic city, especially as a first-time visitor, it’s nearly impossible to see it all. That’s exactly why we love the concept of hop-on, hop-off buses. These London bus tours take you to all the must-see attractions, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, without the stress of planning. Exploring London via a hop-on, hop-off bus offers flexibility and panoramic views while covering major landmarks. But choosing between Big?Bus and TootBus? Here’s an in-depth, well-researched breakdown of their routes, pricing, extras, sustainability, and user experiences to help you decide.
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Hop-on hop-off London Route Coverage
When choosing the best hop-on hop-off bus in London, one of the most important things to consider is how well the routes cover the city’s main attractions and how frequently buses run. Both Big Bus and TootBus offer extensive networks, but there are subtle differences that can make a big impact depending on your itinerary and preferences.
Big Bus London: Broad City Coverage with Classic Sightseeing
Big Bus operates on two routes that together cover nearly all the major sightseeing areas in London:
- Red Route (Central Loop) – Perfect for first-time visitors. It covers major landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- Blue Route (East–West Extended Loop) – Takes you from central London all the way out to Kensington, Hyde Park, Notting Hill, and Paddington.
Operating hours and frequency (Summer 2025):
- Red & Blue Routes: Buses run from approximately 08:30 to 17:00, with departures every 20–30 minutes.
Coverage:
With over 35 stops, Big Bus hits nearly every iconic location, making it ideal for classic sightseeing.
Why should you choose Big Bus:
If your goal is to see as much of London as possible in one or two days, Big Bus offers the most extensive geographic reach, covering both east and west London. The Red and Blue loops are particularly strong for sightseeing efficiency.
TootBus London: Efficient Loops with Longer Daily Hours
TootBus also operates on two primary routes, with a strong focus on frequency and convenience:
- Yellow Route (Core Central Loop) – Their most frequent and popular line, covering top attractions like Westminster, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, and Tower Bridge.
- Royal Blue Route (West London Loop) – Covers areas like Kensington Palace, Notting Hill, and Paddington Station.
Operating Hours and Frequency (Summer 2025):
- Yellow Route: Operates between 08:30 and 19:00, with buses arriving every 10–20 minutes.
- Blue Route: Operates from 08:30 to 18:20, every 20–30 minutes.
Loop Duration:
- Yellow Route: Approximately 90 minutes
- Blue Route: Approximately 120 minutes
Why should you choose TootBus:
TootBus shines with longer operating hours, faster bus frequency, and more evening availability, ideal if you’re sightseeing later in the day or want maximum flexibility between attractions. The Yellow route’s high frequency means you’ll rarely wait long at a stop.
Verdict: Route & Frequency Winner?
- Choose Big Bus if you want broader coverage, especially if you’re staying in West or East London or plan to visit more outlying attractions.
- Choose TootBus if you want faster buses, longer hours, and tighter city-center loops — ideal for squeezing in more sightseeing without wasting time.
Ticket Options & Pricing
Understanding what you get for your money is essential, especially when comparing two strong suppliers like Big Bus and TootBus. Both companies offer flexible passes, but the value you receive depends on how much time you have and what’s included in the ticket.
Big Bus London: More Coverage and Flexible Options
Big Bus offers tiered passes with increasing benefits:
- Discover Ticket (24 hours): Includes access to all routes, plus one-way Thames river cruise.
- Essential Ticket (48 hours): Adds a second day of unlimited use and a round-trip river cruise.
- Explore Ticket (48+ hours): Includes all of the above, plus an additional walking tour and sometimes an evening tour (seasonal availability).
Pricing (Summer 2025):
- Adults: From £45.99 (Discover)
- Children (5–15): From £36.99
- Family & online combo discounts available
Why should you choose Big Bus:
Big Bus offers better value for travelers planning to stay in the city for two full days, thanks to its bundled extras. The Essential and Explore options are competitively priced for families or those who want to take their time.
TootBus London: Flexible Options & Eco-Friendly
TootBus provides similar flexibility with a few added twists:
- 24 hours & 48 hours Sightseeing Passes: Cover all main routes, with river cruise included (depending on ticket type).
- TootBus Kids Tour: A 45-minute, specially designed, child-friendly route with live commentary.
Pricing (Summer 2025) (We’re running a crazy 30% off right now):
- Adults: From £30.80 (24h base pass)
- Children: From £16.80
- Eco-pass (100% electric bus access) available in select options
Why should you choose TootBus:
TootBus tickets are often more budget-friendly for shorter visits, and the eco-conscious traveler will appreciate their use of fully electric buses on select routes. Their Kids Tour is also a great bonus for families.
Verdict: Ticket & Pricing Winner?
- Choose Big Bus for longer stays and bundled attractions (river cruise, walking tours, night tours).
- Choose TootBus for affordability, eco-friendly options, and family-specific offerings like the Kids Tour.
Onboard Experience: Comfort, Commentary & Accessibility
The onboard experience plays a huge role in how enjoyable your day of sightseeing will be. From seat comfort and audio guides to accessibility and crowd control, here’s how Big Bus and TootBus stack up.
Big Bus London: Polished and Tour-Focused
- Vehicles: Modern double-decker buses with partially covered upper decks and open-air sections. Buses are well-maintained and have air conditioning on the lower decks.
- Audio Commentary: Available in 12+ languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin. Commentary is detailed and professional, ideal for history buffs.
- Wi-Fi & USB Charging: Free Wi-Fi and USB ports available on most buses.
- Accessibility: Step-free access on many vehicles and designated wheelchair areas.
Why should you choose Big Bus:
Big Bus is the better choice for travelers who want a classic tour feel in terms of in-depth narration, optional live guides, and smooth logistics. It’s designed for sightseeing, not just transport.
TootBus London: Contemporary, Clean, and Kid-Friendly
- Vehicles: All buses are low-emission or fully electric. Clean interiors with panoramic upper decks.
- Audio Commentary: Available in 10 languages with a special child-focused track that simplifies storytelling for younger passengers.
- Wi-Fi & USB Charging: Free Wi-Fi on all buses, USB charging available on newer models.
- Accessibility: Most buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps and dedicated space.
Why should you choose TootBus:
TootBus buses feel modern and environmentally conscious, with quiet electric rides and user-friendly onboard features. The kid-specific commentary is a thoughtful addition for families.
Verdict: Onboard Experience Winner?
- Choose Big Bus for more polished tour guidance, multilingual audio, and live guides on popular routes.
- Choose TootBus for a smoother, quieter ride and a more family-friendly atmosphere, especially for those with small children.
Sustainability & Eco Practices
Sustainability is becoming a deciding factor for many travelers, and both bus companies have made efforts to lower their environmental impact, but one stands out more than the other.
Big Bus London
- Fleet: Includes some low-emission vehicles, but not fully electric.
- Green Initiatives: Carbon offset programs in place; recycling and reduced-paper ticketing encouraged.
- Goals: The company is actively updating its fleet and participating in broader environmental reporting and compliance.
Why should you choose Big Bus:
Big Bus is making progress in sustainability but is still in the transition phase. It’s a solid option for traditional sightseeing but slightly behind in terms of eco-upgrades.
TootBus London
- Fleet: The first 100% electric sightseeing bus fleet in London. Their transition began in 2021 and is now nearly complete.
- Green Policies: Emissions-free rides, paperless ticketing, and a publicly stated mission to reduce carbon footprint across all operations.
- Certifications: Recognized for green practices by European transport authorities.
Why should you choose TootBus:
TootBus is the clear winner for eco-conscious travelers, offering fully electric buses and a strong environmental mission. You’ll be reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying the ride.
Verdict: Sustainability Winner?
- Choose TootBus if environmental responsibility is important to you.
- Choose Big Bus if you’re focused more on tour content than green practices (though they’re improving steadily).
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Final Take:
Go with Big Bus London if you want a comprehensive, traditional sightseeing experience, including guided narration, premium river cruises, and longer tours across wider areas of London. Best for first-time visitors staying two days or more. But if you’re looking for shorter, more frequent loops, a cheaper and sustainable option to travel with your young ones, consider TootBus. It’s also better suited for those with tighter timeframes or looking for a greener option.
