A different way to move through London
Anyone who has explored a big city with children knows that the journey between places can take up as much energy as the places themselves. There are stations to find, stairs to climb, train changes to remember and the quiet calculation of whether everyone is ready to walk a bit further. London is full of things to see, but its transport can become the main event.
Over half term, we tried The Original Tour. We took the full Red Route and all really loved it. Sitting together on the bus gave us a welcome break from the Tube, while London kept unfolding around us: grand buildings, familiar landmarks and busy streets we might otherwise have rushed past. It felt like a day out in its own right, rather than simply a way of getting to the next attraction.
That slower pace is one of the pleasures of a sightseeing bus. You can stay on board and take in the whole loop, or hop off when somewhere catches your family’s attention. Children can spot landmarks from the top deck, while adults get a chance to look around instead of navigating. Traffic means it is not always the quickest way across town, but speed is not the only measure of a good family day.
Choosing a route
The standard hop-on hop-off ticket includes unlimited travel on four bus routes, as well as a Thames river cruise. That makes it possible to shape the day around what your family is interested in, whether that means historic London, museums, royal landmarks or a change of view from the river. The routes cover more than 200 sights, and you can board or get off at designated stops.
The Red Route is the central London circuit. It passes Trafalgar Square, Westminster, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge and the Tower of London. The full loop takes around two hours and 15 minutes, with buses generally every 15 to 30 minutes. This is the route we travelled over half term, and completing the whole circuit gave us a satisfying overview of the city.
The Blue Route takes in west London and some of its best-known museums. It passes Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Harrods and Kensington Palace, as well as the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A. Its full circuit takes about two hours, with buses every 20 to 30 minutes, making it useful if you want to spend time around South Kensington.
The Green Route connects central London with Covent Garden, Russell Square, Euston, King’s Cross, St Pancras and the British Museum. The loop takes around an hour, although buses run roughly once an hour, so it is sensible to check the timetable before planning a tight connection. The Pink Route is a shorter loop through north-west central London, passing Marble Arch, Paddington, Baker Street and Madame Tussauds, with access to Regent’s Park and London Zoo. It takes about 55 minutes, and buses also run hourly.
The river cruise we missed
The included river cruise offers a different perspective on the city, with landmarks viewed from the Thames. Unfortunately, there were lots of cancellations on the river route the day we visited, so we did not get to try it. It is something for another time, and a useful reminder to check service updates before setting out if the cruise is an important part of your plans. The boat is operated by City Cruises, and journey times and departures depend on the day’s timetable.
Families with younger children might also want to look at the separate Kids Bus Tour. It is a 45-minute, non-stop trip with live commentary designed to keep younger passengers interested. The Night Tour and Christmas Lights Tour are other specialist options at certain times of year, with their own routes and booking details.
Ticket options and prices
The main hop-on hop-off tickets are available for half a day, one, two or three days, and seven days. When we checked in October 2026, advertised adult prices started at around £24.99 for a half-day pass, £34.99 for a one-, two- or three-day pass, and £53.99 for a seven-day pass. Fares vary with date, availability and online offers, so check the booking page for the cost on the day you plan to travel.
Under-fives travel free on the hop-on hop-off tour, while child fares apply for ages five to 15. The two- and three-day passes can be used on separate days within a two-week period, rather than on consecutive days. There are also packages that combine the bus with experiences such as the cable car or London attractions. These can be useful if you were already planning to visit those places, but it is worth checking the separate prices before deciding what represents the best value for your family.
Letting the journey be part of the day
What stayed with us from the Red Route was the ease of it. We did not have to keep checking directions or hurry everyone down to another platform. We could sit together, listen to the commentary, take in the views and let the children notice London at their own pace.
A sightseeing bus will not suit every itinerary, especially if you need to be somewhere quickly. For us, though, it changed the rhythm of the day. The Tube is brilliant for getting around; the bus gave us space to pause and enjoy the city between stops. Sometimes seeing London with children is less about fitting in one more attraction and more about making the time together feel easier.
A practical note: The top deck is open to the weather, so bring layers or waterproofs. Check current route times, service updates and ticket prices before you travel.
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