A day in London using bus 15

This is a classic "budget hack" article. In the world of London tourism, Bus Route 15 is the legendary alternative to expensive sightseeing tours.

Here is the ultimate guide to seeing London using nothing but a £1.75 bus fare.

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The £1.75 Sightseeing Hack: A Day in London on Bus Route 15

If you want to see London’s most historic landmarks without paying £35+ for a tour bus, you need to know about Route 15. This bus line is essentially a "Greatest Hits" album of London history.

From the skyscrapers of the City to the lions of Trafalgar Square, here is how to spend a perfect day hopping along this iconic route.

The Route at a Glance

Route 15 runs between Blackwall (East London) and Trafalgar Square. While the full journey is great, the "sweet spot" for tourists is the stretch between Tower Hill and Trafalgar Square.

• Cost: £1.75 (Contactless/Oyster only—no cash!)

• The "Hopper" Perk: If you get off to see a sight and hop back on another bus within 60 minutes, the second ride is free. Don't sweat the 60-minute timer! If you want to spend two hours at St. Paul’s or have a long lunch on Fleet Street, you can. No matter how many buses you take in a day, the system will automatically stop charging you once you hit £5.25.

• Top Tip: Head straight for the top deck, front row.

Stop 1: Tower Hill (The Starting Line)

Start your day at the Tower of London. You’ve got the castle, the Crown Jewels, and Tower Bridge right there.

• Insider Tip: Walk 5 minutes to St. Katharine Docks for a coffee before you board. It’s a hidden marina that most tourists completely miss.

Stop 2: Monument

As the bus rolls toward the City, hop off at Monument.

• The Sight: This 202-foot tall column commemorates the Great Fire of London.

• The Challenge: If you’ve got the legs for it, climb the 311 steps to the top. It’s one of the cheapest views in the city, and you get a certificate at the end!

Stop 3: St. Paul’s Cathedral

This is the "Money Shot." As the bus turns the corner onto Ludgate Hill, Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral, fills the entire front window.

• The Move: Stay on the bus for this view, or hop off to walk around the churchyard. If you’re hungry, the Paternoster Square area nearby has great lunch spots.

Stop 4: Fleet Street & The Royal Courts of Justice

This is the historic heart of the British press and legal system.

• Look Out For: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a pub rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire. Charles Dickens used to drink here.

• The Architecture: The Royal Courts of Justice looks like a gothic cathedral, but it’s actually where the country's biggest legal battles happen.

Stop 5: The Strand & Aldwych

The bus enters the "Theatreland" vibe here. You'll pass the Somerset House (great for art and a massive courtyard) and the famous Savoy Hotel.

Stop 6: Trafalgar Square (The Grand Finale)

Your journey ends at the foot of Nelson's Column. You’re now perfectly placed for the National Gallery, a 10-minute walk to Buckingham Palace, or a quick stroll down to Big Ben.

The "Heritage Bus" Secret (Update for 2026)

You might have heard of the old Routemaster (the ones with the open back you can jump on).

• The Reality: The official TfL "Heritage" service on Route 15 was sadly retired in 2021.

• The Good News: Private companies like Londoner Buses often run "Heritage Weekends" on this exact route (T15). If you’re lucky enough to be in town during one, you can ride a vintage 1950s bus for a small fee or even for free on special "running days." Check their schedule before you go!

My "Real Traveler" Verdict

Is it better than a Hop-On Hop-Off tour?

• Pros: It costs £1.75 vs £35. It runs every 8–10 minutes. It’s an authentic London experience.

• Cons: No live guide telling you jokes. No open roof (though the front window is great) and no perks.

My Advice: If you're on a budget, Route 15 is the winner. Use the £30 you saved to buy a nice lunch or a ticket into the Tower of London.