If you think all London bus tours are the same, they’re not.

Most people go straight for a hop-on hop-off bus, and that’s fine, but there’s a whole other side to London’s double-decker scene that’s a lot more interesting.

I’ve tried a few of these, and the difference comes down to one thing: some are just transport with commentary, while others are actual experiences you remember.

Here are the ones that stand out.

DoubleDeckerLondon is reader supported. If you make a purchase through some of the links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Afternoon Tea Bus Tour (Most “London” Experience)

This is the one I usually recommend first, especially if it’s your first time in London.

You’re on a vintage-style double-decker, sitting down with a full afternoon tea while rolling past the main landmarks. Think sandwiches, cakes, tea - the full setup - but with views of Big Ben and the London Eye out the window.

Yes, it’s touristy, but it works. It feels like a proper London experience rather than just another tour. If you want something classic and easy to enjoy, this is a safe choice.

The Essentials

• Departure Place: Most tours depart from Victoria Coach Station (Gate 0) or Trafalgar Square (near 8 Northumberland Avenue). Double-check your booking, as they often have two different start points depending on the time!

• Price: Expect to pay between £45 and £65 per person. Prices vary depending on whether you choose the lower deck (cheaper) or the upper deck (better views).

• Duration: Roughly 90 minutes, depending on that lovely London traffic.

  
  

Pro Tips for the Best Experience

• The "Captain’s Seat": If you can, book the Front Row Upper Deck seats. They are the most expensive, but you get a completely unobstructed 180-degree view of the city. They sell out weeks in advance, so plan ahead!

• Themed Choices: In 2026, Brigit’s Bakery runs themes like Paddington Bear or Peppa Pig for families. If you’re a group of adults, look for the Gin Lovers afternoon tea - it swaps the Earl Grey for gin cocktails.

• Dietary Needs: They are surprisingly good with dietary requirements. You can usually request Vegan, Gluten-Free, or Halal menus at the time of booking for no extra charge.

• The "To-Go" Cup: You get a cute plastic "B-Bakery" travel mug to keep your tea from spilling. It makes for a great souvenir, so don't leave it behind!

Bustronome (Best Premium Experience)

This is on a completely different level.

You’re inside a glass-roof bus, moving slowly through central London while being served a multi-course meal. The focus here isn’t really the sightseeing, it’s the overall experience.

It’s quiet, comfortable, and a lot more relaxed than most tours. No rushing, no crowded top deck, just good food and a steady route past the main sights.

If you’re celebrating something or just want something memorable, this is probably the the ultimate luxury London dining bus experience.

The Essentials

• Departure Place: Typically departs from Embankment (specifically on Victoria Embankment, near the underground station). It’s a very central, easy-to-find spot right by the river.

• Price: This is a splurge. Lunch starts around £70–£80, while the full 6-course dinner with wine pairings can go up to £120–£150 per person.

• Duration: Lunch is about 1 hour 45 minutes, and dinner stretches to a leisurely 2 hours 45 minutes.

Pro Tips for the Best Experience

• The Glass Roof: The entire upper deck is encased in glass. This makes it the absolute best "rain-proof" tour in London.

• The "Magic" Tables: People always worry about their wine sliding off the table. Don't. The tables are designed with clever magnetic recesses and non-slip mats that keep your cutlery and glasses perfectly still, even when the bus navigates a roundabout.

• Audio Guides: They provide "audiopen" guides. You point the pen at the map on your table, and it tells you the history of the landmark you’re currently passing.

• Dress Code: While there isn't a strict "suit and tie" rule, most people dress Smart-Casual. It’s a high-end environment, so leave the muddy sightseeing trainers at the hotel for this one.

Ghost Bus Tour (Most Unique)

This one is hard to compare to anything else.

The bus is styled like an old black Routemaster, and the whole experience is built around dark humour and storytelling. It’s part tour, part performance.

The guides stay in character and take you through London’s darker history, but it’s done in a way that doesn’t feel heavy - more entertaining than educational.

If you want something different, this is a hilarious alternative London bus tour for those who like the dark side.

The Essentials

• Departure Place: It always starts and ends at 8 Northumberland Avenue (right off Trafalgar Square, outside the Grand Hotel).

• Price: Usually around £25–£30 per adult and £18–£23 per child. It’s one of the more affordable themed tours.

• Duration: Approximately 75 minutes.

  
  

Pro Tips for the Best Experience

• The Special Effects:  The bus is rigged with "technical trickery" - expect flickering lights, vibrating seats, and hidden cameras that make the experience feel immersive.

• The Late Slot: While they run tours in the afternoon, book the latest slot possible. Seeing the dark corners of the City of London and the Tower at night makes the stories feel much more real.

• Not for Tiny Ones: While it’s a comedy, some of the jump scares and stories might be a bit much for very young children (under 5).

Want to see if this is the right pick for you? Read my full 'The Ghost bus tour review'.

Harry Potter Bus Tours (Best Themed Option)

This is the "bucket list" one. It’s technically a transfer, but the branded double-decker bus makes it feel like part of the attraction. You’ll see kids (and adults) in full robes boarding these buses at 8:00 AM, and the excitement is contagious.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Bus

This is the easiest way to get to the "Making of Harry Potter" studios without having to navigate trains to Watford Junction. You board a custom-branded Harry Potter bus, and as soon as you sit down, they start playing one of the movies. By the time you reach the studios 60–90 minutes later, you’re fully immersed in the Wizarding World.

The Essentials

• Departure Place: There are three main hubs: Victoria (Bulleid Way), Baker Street (Gloucester Place), and King’s Cross Station (Pancras Road).

  
  

• Price:

  • Package (Bus + Ticket): Usually around £110–£140. This is the best way to get tickets if the official site is sold out.

  
  

  • Transport Only: About £45 return if you already have your studio entry booked.

• Duration: The total experience is about 7–7.5 hours (roughly 3 hours of travel round-trip and 4 hours inside the studio).

  
  

Pro Tips for the Best Experience

• The King’s Cross Hack: If you can, choose the King’s Cross departure. You can visit the "real" Platform 9 ¾ inside the station for a photo before boarding your bus. It makes the day feel complete.

• Early Bird Gets the Snitch: Always book the earliest possible departure (usually 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM). The studio gets incredibly crowded by midday; being in that first wave of visitors is a game-changer for photos of the Great Hall.

• Flexible Returns: Some operators (like Golden Tours) have started offering "flexible returns" in 2026. This means if you finish early or want to spend an extra hour in the gift shop, you can sometimes hop on a different return bus if there's space.

  
  

Night Bus Tours (Best Atmosphere)

London at night feels completely different.

The crowds drop, the traffic is lighter, and the landmarks are lit up in a way you don’t really notice during the day. A night bus tour takes advantage of that without you having to plan anything.

It’s a good option if you’ve already seen the city once or just want something more relaxed.

The Essentials

• Departure Place: Most night tours leave from Green Park (near the Ritz Hotel) or London Eye (Belvedere Road). In 2026, many operators have moved their main night hub to Coventry Street (near Piccadilly Circus) to catch the theater crowds.

• Price: Usually £25–£30 per person. It’s one of the best-value premium tours because of the quality of the live guides.

• Duration: Approximately 90 to 100 minutes.

Pro Tips for the Best Experience

• The "Summer Sun" Trap: Remember that in London’s peak summer (June/July), it doesn’t get truly dark until 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM. If you book the 7:30 PM "Night Tour," you’ll basically just be doing a daytime tour in golden hour. Book the latest slot available to get the full neon effect.

• Dress for the Wind: Even on a warm day, the top of an open-top bus moving at 20mph feels cold. Bring a jacket or a scarf, especially for the stretch where you cross the river - the wind off the Thames is no joke on this London night bus tour.

If you’re leaning toward this one, I’ve put together an in-depth review of the 'See London by Night' tour here with more photos and route details.

Final Thoughts

If you just want to see London, a standard bus tour will do the job.

But if you want something you’ll actually remember, it’s worth choosing one of the more unique options.

The Afternoon Tea Bus and Bustronome are the easiest to recommend for most people. The Ghost Bus is the most different. And The Night Tours are probably the most underrated.

It really depends on what kind of experience you’re after.