Which London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is Most Likely to Have Empty Seats Upstairs?

It’s the nightmare scenario: You’ve got your camera ready, your sunblock on, and your ticket in hand. The bus pulls up, you climb the stairs, and… full. You’re forced to sit downstairs in the "greenhouse" while someone else enjoys the breeze and the views.

If you want to guarantee a seat on the top deck, you need to pick your company and your timing wisely. Here is the honest truth about which buses are "sardine cans" and which ones have breathing room.

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1. The "Crowded Giants": Big Bus Tours

The Verdict: Almost always full upstairs. Big Bus is the "victim" of its own success. In 2026, they have two massive advantages that make them the busiest fleet on the road:

• The Merlin Connection: They are partners with Merlin Attractions. This means thousands of tourists buying tickets for the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, or the London Dungeon are up-sold a "combo ticket" that includes Big Bus.

• The London Pass: Big Bus is the primary partner for the London Pass. Since almost every first-time visitor has this pass, they all flock to the Big Bus stops.

• The Result: During peak hours (10 AM – 4 PM), finding a seat upstairs is a battle.

Pro tip: Don’t worry, it’s rarely a total disaster if the top deck looks full at first. These are 'hop-on, hop-off' buses for a reason - people are constantly getting off at major landmarks. Unless there is a massive queue already waiting downstairs, you can usually snag an upstairs seat within 2 or 3 stops.

2. The "Short Bus" Problem: City Sightseeing

The Verdict: High chance of crowding due to global fame. It’s impossible to ignore the bright red buses. City Sightseeing is the most popular bus tour brand worldwide, operating in over 100 cities across six continents. This gives them a massive "brand edge" in London:

• The Recognition Factor: Tourists see those synonymous red and yellow buses and go after them without thinking twice. Because they’ve seen the same bus in New York, Dubai, or Barcelona, it’s the brand they trust instinctively.

  
  

• The Result: This global fame means they are often the first choice for "walk-up" customers who haven't done their research. Combined with their slightly shorter buses, it means the top deck fills up very quickly during busy times.

While they are a very popular choice, City Sightseeing actually does a great job of supplementing their fleet during busy periods. If you see a packed bus pull away, don’t get discouraged, they often have another bus on the way.

3. My Top Recommendation: Tootbus

The Verdict: A reliable, safe bet for a seat. Tootbus might not have the sheer volume of buses that Big Bus does, but they are a fantastic option for those who want a bit more breathing room.

• The World’s Oldest Tour (Rebranded): Don't let the new name fool you. Tootbus is actually the rebrand of The Original Tour, which was the first sightseeing bus company in the world (dating back to 1951!). They know London better than almost anyone, and that experience shows in their route planning.

  
  

• The Seat Advantage: Because they aren't the "default" choice for the massive London Pass or Merlin crowds, their buses are much less likely to be packed to the rafters.

• My Recommendation: I’d call this the "Safe Choice." If you want to be relatively sure you’ll get an upstairs seat without a fight, go here.

• The Strategy: Even though I love the space on Tootbus, I would still personally choose Big Bus if you are visiting on a regular Tuesday or Wednesday outside of school holidays. In those quieter times, the extra frequency of Big Bus wins. But if it’s a weekend, a bank holiday, or a school break? Go Tootbus.

4. The New Player: TopView

The Verdict: Great availability, but check the frequency. TopView is still the "new kid on the block" in London.

• The Upside: Because they aren't as famous yet, their buses are rarely full. You can almost always snag a front-row seat.

• The Downside: They don't have as many buses on the road as Big Bus or City Sightseeing. You might wait a few minutes longer at the stop, but you’ll be much more comfortable once you’re on.

5. The Local Veteran: Golden Tours

The Verdict: Generally quiet, but spread out. Golden Tours has a massive network (over 80 stops!). Because their routes are so spread out, the "tourist density" on each bus is lower.

• The Result: It’s a very safe bet for an empty seat, though it feels a bit more "old school" than the tech-heavy Tootbus.

The "Double Decker London" Cheat Sheet:

Most of the time, I suggest sticking with the "Big Two"- Big Bus or City Sightseeing. They have the most buses on the road, the most frequent service, and the best connectivity between the different routes (Red, Blue, and Green).

HOWEVER...

If you know you are visiting during a peak "Sardine Season," you should pivot. I’m talking about the times when hordes of people flock to the capital and take over the hop-on hop-off fleets:

• Bank Holiday Weekends (The big ones in May and August).

• Easter Holidays (Expect crowds from late March through mid-April).

• Summer Holidays (Late July through the end of August).

During these peak windows, Big Bus and City Sightseeing become victim to their own popularity. If you're visiting then, save yourself the stress and go with Tootbus or TopView. You’ll have a much higher chance of snagging that upper-deck seat without having to wait for three full buses to pass you by first.