London, a city steeped in history and brimming with iconic landmarks, offers numerous cheap bus tours for budget-conscious travelers. These tours provide an excellent way to explore the city’s major attractions without breaking the bank. From hop-on-hop-off services to guided tours, visitors can choose from a variety of options that cater to different preferences and schedules. This article delves into the most affordable bus tour options in London, their routes, prices, and the attractions they cover.
What Are the Best Budget-Friendly Bus Tour Options in London?
When it comes to cheap bus tours around London, several companies offer competitive prices and comprehensive packages. Here are some of the top options:
- Big Bus Tours
- Golden Tours
- Discount London
Big Bus Tours
Big Bus Tours is one of the most popular choices for budget-conscious travelers. They offer three main ticket types:
- Discover Ticket: A 24-hour hop-on, hop-off ticket that includes a river cruise, three guided walking tours, and a London Evening Tour.
- Essential Ticket: A 48-hour hop-on, hop-off ticket with the same inclusions as the Discover Ticket.
- Explore Ticket: Similar to the Essential Ticket but with additional perks.
| Ticket Type | Adult Price | Child Price | Family Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover | £40.50 | £31.50 | £128.25 |
| Essential | £49.50 | £40.50 | £159.75 |
| Explore | £58.50 | £49.50 | £191.25 |
Golden Tours
Golden Tours offers flexible ticket options:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours with tickets available for 1 day, 24, 48, or 72 hours.
- Prices start from around £20-£30 for a 24-hour ticket.
- Package deals combining bus tours with popular attractions are available for additional savings.
Discount London
Discount London provides a budget-friendly option:
- 24hr Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing tour starting from £24.50.
- 18% discount available on certain bookings.
- Deals for booking multiple tickets.
How Do the Schedules of These Affordable London Bus Tours Work?
Understanding the schedules is crucial for planning your sightseeing adventure. Here’s what you need to know:
Big Bus Tours Schedule
- First departures typically around 8:00 AM
- Last departures around 6:00 PM
- Buses run at intervals of 10-20 minutes
- Schedule may vary depending on the route and time of year
Golden Tours Schedule
- Similar to Big Bus Tours, with departures from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Buses run every 10-20 minutes across four different routes
- It’s advisable to check the website for the most up-to-date schedule
What Amenities and Facilities Are Included in These Cheap Bus Tours?
Despite their affordable prices, these bus tours offer various amenities to enhance your experience:
Big Bus Tours Amenities
- Audio guides in multiple languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish)
- Complimentary earphones for audio commentary
- Three guided walking tours included with most tickets
- One-way river cruise included with most tickets
- Wheelchair-accessible buses (subject to availability)
Golden Tours Amenities
- Both live guides and audio guides available
- Hop-on hop-off flexibility allows for rest stops at any location
- While onboard refreshments are not typically included, passengers can purchase them during stops
Which Routes and Major Attractions Are Covered by These Affordable Tours?
The cheap bus tours around London cover an extensive array of iconic landmarks and attractions:
Big Bus Tours Routes
- Three main routes: Red, Blue, and Green
- Covers central London’s key areas including:
- Trafalgar Square
- Westminster
- Tower of London
- London Eye
- Buckingham Palace
- Big Ben
- Houses of Parliament
- Westminster Abbey
- St Paul’s Cathedral
Golden Tours Routes
- Four routes with over 60 stops
- Major attractions include:
- Thames River
- Westminster Pier
- Tower of London Pier
- Various historic landmarks and modern attractions
How Can I Get the Best Value from These Cheap Bus Tours Around London?
To maximize your savings and experience, consider these tips:
- Book in advance: Many tour operators offer discounts for early reservations.
- Look for package deals: Combining bus tours with attraction tickets can lead to significant savings.
- Choose multi-day tickets: If you plan to explore for more than a day, 48 or 72-hour tickets often provide better value.
- Check for seasonal promotions: Tour companies may offer special deals during off-peak seasons.
- Utilize the hop-on hop-off feature: Make the most of your ticket by exploring attractions at your own pace.
Are There Any Additional Costs I Should Be Aware Of?
While the base ticket prices for cheap bus tours around London are affordable, keep in mind:
- Entrance fees to attractions are typically not included unless specified in a package deal.
- Some tours may charge extra for ‘premium’ routes or special seasonal tours.
- Audio guide headphones might have a small rental fee with some operators.
- Always check if there are any booking fees or taxes not included in the advertised price.
By choosing one of these affordable bus tour options, you can explore the best of London without overspending. Whether you opt for Big Bus Tours, Golden Tours, or Discount London, you’re sure to find a tour that fits your budget and sightseeing preferences. Remember to book in advance, look for package deals, and make the most of the hop-on hop-off feature to get the best value from your cheap bus tour around London.
Reference:
1. London Tickets & Passes – Big Bus Tours
2. London Sightseeing Open-top Bus Tours – Big Bus Tours
3. London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours – Golden Tours
