How Long Does the Original London Bus Tour Take?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning a trip to London, one of the must-do activities is taking the Original London Bus Tour. This hop-on-hop-off tour allows you to see all the iconic sights of the city in a single day, while offering you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

But how long does the Original London Bus Tour take? Let’s find out.

The Route

The Original London Bus Tour is divided into two main routes – the yellow route and the red route. The yellow route covers central London, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus. The red route covers west London, including Kensington Palace, Notting Hill, and Harrods.

The Duration

The duration of the Original London Bus Tour depends on which route you choose and how many times you get off and on. On average, each route takes about two and a half hours to complete if you stay on board without getting off. However, with 80 stops across both routes, there’s plenty to see and do along the way.

Yellow Route

If you choose to do just the yellow route without getting off at any stop, it will take approximately two hours and 20 minutes from start to finish. However, if you want to explore some of the attractions along the way like St Paul’s Cathedral or Tower Bridge, it can take up to five or six hours.

Red Route

The red route takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes from start to finish if you stay on board without getting off. However, there are plenty of attractions along this route as well such as Kensington Palace or Portobello Road Market so it can take longer if you decide to hop off.

Tips for making the most of your tour

  • Start early in the morning to avoid crowds and traffic.
  • Plan which attractions you want to see beforehand to save time.
  • Consider purchasing a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket so you can take your time and explore at your own pace.
  • Bring a camera to capture all the amazing sights along the way!

Conclusion

The Original London Bus Tour is an excellent way to see all the iconic sights of London in a single day. While the duration of the tour depends on which route you choose and how many times you get off and on, it’s important to plan ahead so that you can make the most of your time. With plenty of attractions to see and explore, this tour is definitely worth it!