The £5 London Tour: How to Hack the Red Route Using Public Buses

This is honestly the best way to see the city if you don't want to break the bank. You get the same views as the big tour buses, but you’re sitting with actual Londoners, and you’ve saved enough money to buy a proper lunch at the market. Plus, there's something satisfying about mastering the local "red bus" system like a pro.

If you are looking for a hop-on hop-off alternative, this is it. Here is the famous Red Route budget alternative for a self-guided London tour.

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Route summary: London Sightseeing by Public Bus

• Start at London Bridge (walk to Borough Market for delicious snacks)

• Take Bus 343 → Tower of London (via Tower Bridge views)

• Switch to Bus 15 → St. Paul’s → Fleet Street → Trafalgar Square

• Take Bus 453 or 12 → Westminster → London Eye

• Then Bus 148 → Buckingham Palace → Hyde Park

• Optional: Bus 94 → Oxford Street / Piccadilly

You’ll need 4–5 bus changes, but you’ll cover 80–90% of the main sightseeing route.

Phase 1: Snacks, Coffee, and The Big Bridge

Start your morning at London Bridge Station around 10:00 AM. In my opinion, you can’t visit London without hitting Borough Market. It’s a bit of a sensory overload, but grab a coffee and maybe one of those famous doughnuts before you head out. Walk toward the river and catch the 343 bus toward Tower Gateway. I love this specific bus because it actually drives across Tower Bridge. Most people pay a fortune to sit on a tour bus for this view, but you’re getting those massive blue girders right outside your window for a fraction of the price - it's the ultimate cheap London bus tour hack.

Phase 2: The Historic Heart & The Giant Dome

Hop off at the Tower of London and take a second to look at the fortress - it’s pretty imposing. When you're ready, find a stop for Bus 15. This is a classic for a reason. It rolls right past the Monument (the huge pillar for the Great Fire) and then gives you a stunning, head-on view of St. Paul’s Cathedral. I always try to sit on the right side of the top deck here. You’ll rumble down Fleet Street and past the Royal Courts of Justice, which looks more like a palace than a courthouse, before ending up at Trafalgar Square.

Phase 3: Politics, Big Ben, and The Eye

At Trafalgar, you’ll want to switch to the 453 or 12 heading south. This part is "Power London." You’ll cruise down Whitehall, past the guards at Horse Guards Parade and the entrance to 10 Downing Street. The bus then makes a grand turn around Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square. This is your moment for the perfect Big Ben photo. The bus then crosses Westminster Bridge, putting you right at the foot of the London Eye. It’s usually busy here, so just soak in the energy of the Southbank for a bit.

Phase 4: The Royal Finale & The Bright Lights

Once you’ve finished by the river, find the 148 toward Marble Arch. It skims the edge of the Buckingham Palace grounds - if you want to see the gates, jump off at Westminster City Hall and it's a 5-minute stroll. The bus then runs along the side of Hyde Park up to Marble Arch. If you’re not tired yet and want that classic "big city" shopping vibe, swap to the 94 at Marble Arch. It’ll take you straight down Oxford Street and drop you right in the middle of the neon screens at Piccadilly Circus.

If you want some hidden gems along the route, check out this article: 10 Hidden gems on the london bus tour route.

A Couple of Personal Tips for 2026

• The "Hopper" Rule: If you switch buses within 60 minutes of your first tap, the next one is free. Since fares are frozen at £1.75 until July 2026, you might not even hit that £5.25 cap if you move fast!

• The Front Row: Do whatever it takes to snag the front-row seats on the top deck. L

• Oxford Street Changes: London is making Oxford Street a lot more pedestrian-friendly lately, so if the bus takes a tiny detour, don't sweat it - it’s usually just one street over and you’ll see some cool backstreets you’d otherwise miss.

  
  
  
  

If you decide this is all a bit too much for you and you’d rather just be carried around by a dedicated tour, check out my other article: The Best Hop-On Hop-Off in London.