- Winter: Earlier darkness makes evening departures feel more atmospheric, while colder weather can make the tour’s brief walking section less comfortable.
- Spring: Longer evenings gradually bring more daylight to earlier departures, making them convenient if you want to dine or sightsee afterwards.
- Summer: Later sunsets mean early departures may begin before full darkness, so choose a later slot for a darker route.
- Autumn: Earlier sunsets make evening departures feel distinctly nighttime, while earlier slots work well alongside dinner or other evening plans.
- Year-round: Ghost Bus Tours operate throughout the year, with departure availability varying by date rather than following separate seasonal schedules.
London Ghost Bus Tour timings
London ghost bus tour timings are built around evening departures, making the tour easy to add after a day of sightseeing. The standard tour lasts around 75 minutes, although central London traffic can affect the actual journey time. Departures currently run from 6pm to 9:15pm, with the exact time shown on your ticket. Arrive 15 minutes early, especially if you want a particular seat, as seating is first come, first served.
Ghost Bus Tours operational timings
| Schedule | Information | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Daily London tours | 6pm to 9:15pm | Multiple evening departures | Exact departure times vary by date. Check the time printed on your ticket before travelling. |
Tour duration | Approx. 75 minutes | One continuous route | Traffic and road conditions can make the actual journey longer than the advertised duration. |
Arrival time | 15 minutes before departure | Applies to every departure | Arriving at least 15 minutes early, so you get to choose the seat you want. |
Operating pattern | Daily | Evening service | - |
Timing notes & visitor warnings
- Traffic delays: The 75-minute duration can increase because of central London traffic and road closures.
- Late arrivals: The bus cannot wait for latecomers. A missed departure may mean a transfer to another tour only if space is available.
- Seat choice: Arriving 15 minutes early gives you a better chance of getting the seat you want, as seating is first come, first served.
- Landmark visibility: Traffic or road closures can occasionally prevent the bus from passing every advertised landmark.
- Exact departure: Treat the time on your ticket as the authoritative departure for your booking rather than relying only on the general 6pm to 9:15pm window.
Best time to take the Ghost Bus Tour
By season
By day of the week
- Monday to Thursday: These weekdays can suit visitors seeking a quieter London evening, especially after spending the daytime at major attractions.
- Friday: Friday works well for a first evening in London, but leave enough time between the tour and dinner or theatre bookings.
- Saturday: A Saturday evening tour leaves the day free for sightseeing, though central London traffic can make journeys take longer.
- Sunday: Sunday makes a relaxed evening choice, particularly if you want to finish your London itinerary before an early Monday start.
By time of day
- 6pm to 7pm departures: Best when the Ghost Bus is one part of a longer evening. You have more time afterwards for dinner, theatre or another activity.
- 7pm to 8pm departures: A useful middle ground, particularly if you want a full day of sightseeing without finishing the evening too late.
- 8pm to 9:15pm departures: Better suited to an itinerary where the Ghost Bus is the main evening activity or the final scheduled stop.
- For the darkest atmosphere: Choose a later departure, particularly outside the summer months when sunset occurs later.
Frequently asked questions about London Ghost Bus Tour timings
The tours start from 6pm, with multiple evening departures available. The exact start time depends on your selected date and ticket, so check your booking before travelling.
The last departure is at 9:15pm. Departure availability varies by date, so use the exact time shown on your ticket rather than relying on the general schedule.
The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. Central London traffic and road closures can make the actual journey longer, so leave a buffer before any subsequent timed booking.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. This also gives you a better chance of choosing your preferred seat because seating is first come, first served.
Yes, this tour operates daily. Individual departure availability can vary by date, so check the booking calendar for your chosen day.
It is better to leave a buffer. The advertised tour lasts 75 minutes, but traffic can extend the journey, and you also need time to reach your next attraction.
Yes, if you want the route to feel darker and more atmospheric. Later departures also give you more of London after dark, while earlier slots leave more time for other evening plans.
The bus departs from 8 Northumberland Avenue, outside the Grand Hotel and opposite the Sherlock Holmes pub. Embankment and Charing Cross are nearby transport connections.
These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled under any circumstances.
