The best london bus routes to see the sights

Seeing London with children can be an exciting adventure—but navigating busy streets and crowded Tube stations with little ones isn’t always easy. That’s where London’s iconic red buses come to the rescue! Affordable, stroller-friendly, and offering unbeatable views from the top deck, buses are one of the best ways to explore the city at a relaxed pace.

From spotting Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to riding past London Zoo and over the Tower of London, bus routes pass by some of the city’s most famous landmarks—often for much less than the cost of a sightseeing tour. Plus, kids under five travel for free, making it an even better deal for families.

In this guide, we’ll share the best bus routes for sightseeing with children, top tips for stress-free journeys, and fun stops along the way to keep little explorers entertained. So, grab a front-row seat on the top deck and get ready for an unforgettable London adventure—one bus ride at a time!

Why travel on a public bus rather than a tourist bus?

With the daily cap at £5.25 with an Oyster or contactless bank card, its an affordable option for families to see the sights. There are regular stops so you can hop on and hop off at your own pace!

So which bus route is the best for you? Lets take a look…

Route 274 – Zoo and Park Fun

Spending a day at the zoo and park is an exciting adventure that the whole family can enjoy together! From the moment you step through the entrance of the zoo, your senses will come alive with the sounds of exotic animals and the sight of colorful exhibits. Imagine the joy on your kids’ faces as they get up close to lions, elephants, and playful monkeys. After exploring the wonders of the zoo, head over to the nearby park for a delightful picnic, where everyone can recharge with tasty snacks and laughter while surrounded by nature. With the combination of adorable animals and the great outdoors, your family will create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!

Sights Along the Way: London Zoo, Regent’s Park, Camden Market, Madame Tussauds

From: Lancaster Gate → Islington
Why it’s great: A perfect ride for animal lovers, with a stop at London Zoo and open green spaces for kids to play.

Route 12 – The Royal Landmarks

Sights Along the Way: Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square
From: Dulwich Library → Oxford Circus
Why it’s great: Kids love spotting royal guards and seeing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Route 26 – London’s Skyscraper Route

Sights Along the Way: The Gherkin, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Tower of London
From: Hackney Wick → Waterloo
Why it’s great: The best modern-meets-historic views, passing some of London’s most famous skyscrapers.

Route 4 – The Classic London Views

London is a city rich in history and charm, and its iconic views are a feast for the eyes and the imagination. From the majestic silhouette of the Tower Bridge arching gracefully over the River Thames to the stately grandeur of Buckingham Palace, there’s something truly magical about taking in these classic sights. As you wander through the bustling streets, you can feel the vibrant energy of the city surrounding you, each corner revealing a new and delightful perspective. Whether you're peering at the bustling market stalls of Covent Garden or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Thames, the classic views of London are sure to leave you enchanted and yearning for more adventures!

Sights Along the Way: Waterloo Bridge (best skyline view!), St. Paul’s Cathedral, Blackfriars
From: Archway → Blackfriars
Why it’s great: The view from Waterloo Bridge is unmatched, with the London Eye, Big Ben, and The Shard all in sight.

Route 139 – The Market-Hopper

Sights Along the Way: Portobello Road Market, Covent Garden, Oxford Street
From: Golders Green → Waterloo
Why it’s great: A must for market lovers, with stops at London’s best shopping hubs.

Route 390 – The Fashionista’s Ride

Sights Along the Way: Selfridges, Regent Street, Bond Street
From: Victoria → Archway
Why it’s great: A chic shopping route featuring high-end designer stores and famous department stores.

Route 14 – The Museum Explorer

Are you a family that just can’t get enough of fascinating artifacts and captivating exhibits? If so, then the world of museums is truly a dream waiting to be explored! Imagine wandering through vast halls filled with everything from ancient relics and breathtaking paintings to interactive displays that bring history to life. Each corner turned reveals a new treasure, sparking creativity and inspiring curious minds of all ages. Yes, indeed, every visit is not just an outing, but an exciting adventure that opens up a treasure trove of learning experiences for the entire family!

Stops: British Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A Museum, Covent Garden
From: Russell Square → Putney Heath
Why it’s great: Visit London’s top museums for free!

Route 87 – For the Theatre Lover’s

Sights Along the Way: Tate Britain, The National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, West End theatres
From: Aldwych → Wandsworth
Why it’s great: A dream for theatre fans, with easy access to London’s world-famous West End and cultural hotspots.

Route 19 – The Secret London Route

Sights Along the Way: Battersea Park, Chelsea, Mayfair, Sadler’s Wells Theatre
From: Battersea Bridge → Finsbury Park
Why it’s great: A mix of historic streets, high-end boutiques, and peaceful parks—perfect for a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Route 31 – For the Cool Kids

Sights Along the Way: Notting Hill, Little Venice, Abbey Road Studios
From: Camden Town → White City
Why it’s great: Notting Hill’s pastel houses, the canals of Little Venice, and the Beatles’ famous Abbey Road crossing make this a hidden gem ride.

Route 139 – The Ultimate Christmas Lights

This experience is a fantastic adventure that your whole family will cherish. Imagine climbing aboard a festively decorated vehicle, all aglow with twinkling lights, as you embark on a magical journey through neighborhoods brilliantly adorned with dazzling holiday displays. It's the perfect way to soak in the festive spirit, sip on some warm cocoa, and enjoy a delightful evening surrounded by loved ones. So, gather your family and get ready for an unforgettable ride that captures the heartwarming essence of Christmas!

From: Golders Green → Waterloo
Best Sights Along the Way:
Oxford Street – Famous for its dazzling overhead Christmas lights
Regent Street – Home to the spectacular ‘Spirits of Christmas’ display
Piccadilly Circus – A festive glow from giant billboards and decorations
Trafalgar Square – See London’s iconic Christmas tree from Norway
Covent Garden – Beautiful decorations and the giant Christmas tree

Sit on the top deck, front row for the best views! Travel after 4:30 PM when the lights are fully illuminated.

Route 9 – Luxury Christmas Magic

From: Aldwych → Hammersmith
Best Sights Along the Way:
Trafalgar Square – See the famous Norwegian Christmas tree
St James’s & Piccadilly – Elegant light displays outside Fortnum & Mason
Knightsbridge – Harrods & Harvey Nichols’ sparkling window displays

Best for: A more sophisticated Christmas light experience, passing luxury shopping districts and historic areas.

Route 11 – London’s Historic Christmas Charm

From: Fulham Broadway → Liverpool Street
Best Sights Along the Way:
Westminster & Big Ben – Festive lighting around Parliament
Trafalgar Square – London’s main Christmas tree
Bank of England & City of London – Classy Christmas decorations

Best for: A mix of historic and modern London, with festive touches in less obvious but equally beautiful locations.