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Liverpool bus tours are the perfect solution if you want a crash course on Liverpool’s top attractions, facts and things to do.
Not all bus tours in Liverpool are created equally, but I do believe that there’s a bus tour to suit everybody.
In a hurry, and just want to know what the best bus tour in Liverpool is? No worries – it’s this one:
Top Pick: Best Liverpool Bus Tour
> Liverpool City Sights Hop On Hop Off
Includes: 14 stops, live commentary & glass of bubbly 🚌 BOOK NOW!
Whether you’re looking to learn more about Liverpool overall, delve deep into the Beatles’ connections to the city, or check out the most iconic Peaky Blinders filming locations, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve used my friends and readers’ recommendations, as well as my own knowledge of the various Liverpool tourist bus routes gained from over 30 trips to the city to pick out the very best for you!
I’ve split this post out into the best Liverpool city bus tours, best Beatles Liverpool bus tours, best Liverpool Peaky Blinders bus tours, and the best bus and ferry tour in Liverpool, so feel free to skip to the section that interests you most.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Liverpool City Bus Tours
1. Liverpool City Sights 24hr Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Bus Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: Hop On Hop Off | 🚌 BOOK NOW!
This is the classic all-rounder when it comes to Liverpool bus tours. If you’ve never been to the city, this open top bus tour is the place to start.
This is the most popular overall bus tour in Liverpool, so you can’t go wrong with that!
What’s more, you have the option to hop on and hop off, so you’re able to explore any areas of Liverpool’s history that interest you.
Kicking off at the Royal Albert Dock, you’ll sail along Liverpool’s most famous streets, checking out the Cavern Club, the World Museum, both Liverpool Cathedrals, the Chinese Arch and a whole lot more.
The entire ride takes around 50 minutes, but, with all the hopping on and off you can do, you could make this journey last all day! At the end, you’ll get dropped off back at the Albert Dock with way more knowledge about the city than before.
I’m sure I don’t need to sweeten the deal, but just in case – your ticket includes a free glass of bubbly at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms, one of Liverpool’s most famous pubs!
“Absolutely first class. The driver and guide were superb at making the experience the best that it could be with a mine full of local knowledge and the typical scouse banter and humour.” - Colin (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
2. Liverpool City Explorer 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: Hop On Hop Off | 🚌 BOOK NOW!
A close contender for the best open top bus tour of Liverpool is the Liverpool City Explorer bus.
Let’s be real here – there isn’t a whole lot of difference between this bus tour and the other hop on hop off tour we just discussed. They both make 14 stops, and I’m pretty sure the stops are the same.
They’re both open top buses, and they both last 50 minutes, although you can hop on and hop off at any stop.
The only difference is that the departure for this tour is near the Beatles Statue, instead of at the Albert Dock, and the ticket for this tour doesn’t include a free drink at the Philharmonic. That’s why its competitor got the #1 spot!
If you’re not able to book my #1 recommendation, though, this is another solid choice for a Liverpool open top bus tour.
“Excellent, we stayed on the bus to enjoy an uninterrupted tour then we hopped on and off at the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cavern which were both wonderful” - Kate (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
Beatles Bus Tours in Liverpool
3. Beatles Magical Mystery Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | 🚌 BOOK NOW!
This is the absolute best Beatles bus tour of Liverpool, and that is the hill I will die on!
I have personally taken this tour (you can read about my experience here) and truly believe that, for the price and duration, it cannot be beaten.
Instead of the Liverpool city centre bus tours, the Magical Mystery Tour takes you out to the suburbs to check out the most iconic Beatles sights.
We’re talking Penny Lane, all four Beatles’ childhood homes, Strawberry Field, and Paul and Georges’ former school, before ending up at the Cavern Club.
Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by Beatles tunes and the commentary of your local Beatles expert.
It’s a whistle-stop tour, packing in a tonne of sights into just two hours, but if you’re short on time or just want an overview of the Beatles’ main sights, this is my go-to recommendation.
Oh – and did I mention that your ticket includes free entry to the legendary Cavern Club? If you’re a Beatlemaniac, it doesn’t get better than that!
If you want to go more in-depth, your best bet is to join this Beatles taxi tour where you can go inside John and Paul’s old homes. Trust me – it’s worth it!
“This really proved to be one of the best ticketed events I’ve done! Such good value for money including entry into the Cavern club!” - Helen (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
4. Liverpool City and Beatles Tour with Hop On Hop Off Ticket
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | 🚌 BOOK NOW!
This is the perfect combo if you want to combine your Beatles tour bus in Liverpool with checking out Liverpool’s overall top landmarks, all with a hearty dose of fascinating facts.
Why’s that? Well, remember the #1 recommendation I made for a hop on hop off Liverpool bus tour? This ticket includes a ride on that bus tour and then an additional Beatles-themed hop on hop off Liverpool sightseeing bus tour.
That’s right – you’ll get the best of both worlds!
As well as the city’s top sights you’ll make photo stops at Penny Lane and Strawberry Field before moving on to drive past Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s childhood homes (P.S. – you can’t go inside the houses on this tour – you’d need to join this one).
And, of course, you’ll get to round off your jam-packed day of city and Beatles sightseeing with a free glass of bubbly at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms. It was one of John Lennon’s favourite Liverpool pubs!
“Our City & Beatles Tour was the absolute BEST!!! Our tour guide was a wealth of knowledge about both the city of Liverpool and the history of the Beatles. We stopped for photos while singing and laughing our way through beautiful Liverpool.” - Susan (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
5. Liverpool: Beatles Bus Tour with Strawberry Field Entry
⭐️ RATING: 4.2 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: Hop On Hop Off | 🚌 BOOK NOW!
This is the only Liverpool Beatles bus tour that includes entry to (or even the opportunity to enter) Strawberry Field – famous thanks to the Lennon-written song Strawberry Fields Forever!
This Beatles bus tour is actually operated by Strawberry Field, who’ll pick you up on your tour bus at the Albert Dock, passing some of the city’s top sights as you make your way to Strawberry Field.
John Lennon grew up just around the corner from this former orphanage, which has now turned into a Beatles exhibition! As a child, he used to play in the grounds of Strawberry Field, which became the inspiration for his hit song!
As well as a stop for photos at Penny Lane, you’ll get to hop off at Strawberry Field to explore their Beatles exhibition, lovely gardens, and cafe, before heading back to the city centre.
A BIG WORD OF WARNING: many reviewers noted that they didn’t actually get to go inside Strawberry Field due to lack of time… That’s, obviously, not great. Although this only happened to a minority of reviewers, it’s clearly a risk.
For this reason, if you’re desperate to go inside Strawberry Field, I have a few alternative recommendations.
You can either take a private Beatles Taxi tour and specifically tell the guide that you want time to enter Strawberry Field, or simply head out to Strawberry Field from the city centre on the public bus (which is very easy to do).
“Amazing! Very emotional exhibition, made me cry twice! Beautifully done, Strawberry Field was just stunning and the cafe was wonderful too, 5 stars all the way” - Maxine (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
Liverpool Peaky Blinders Bus Tours
6. Liverpool Peaky Blinders Full-Day Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8.5 hours | 🚌 BOOK NOW!
Did you know that Peaky Blinders was filmed in Liverpool? Well, you do now!
If you’re a fan of the series you’ll find this full-day Peaky Blinders Liverpool bus tour the perfect deep dive into everything Peaky Blinders related in the city. The guides are well-known for their almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the series!
Since this is the in-depth, no-holds-barred Peaky Blinders bus tour of Liverpool, you won’t limit your exploration to just this city.
Nope!
You’ll also make stops in Port Ellesmere, Cheshire, and Manchester, to see even more iconic Peaky Blinders filming locations.
You’ll get to check out Mosley’s rally, where Tommy and Luca had their showdown, the canal location used as “Camden Town”, the street where the car bomb exploded in season 5, the church where Tommy married Grace in season 3, and the Garrison from season 6, amongst other destinations.
Phew, that’s a lot!
Even if you’re not a Peaky Blinders fan, but you’re accompanying one on this tour, you’re in safe hands.
Plenty of reviewers have mentioned that, despite not being massive fans of the show, they had a great time and learned a lot about Liverpool as a whole.
“It was great from start to finish, the guide Gary and the driver Chris were exceptional. Gary had a vast knowledge of everything about Peaky Blinders. We didn't want the day to end.” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
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7. Half-Day Peaky Blinders Tour of Liverpool
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🚌 BOOK NOW!
Interested in Peaky Blinders, but short on time? Or maybe you’re just a casual fan and don’t want to dedicate an entire day to Peaky Blinders tourism? No worries – this half-day option is perfect for you.
Instead of visiting filming locations in Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire like the full-day tour, the half-day tour is limited to the Liverpool sights, including 10 locations from the show!
Boarding your tour bus in the city centre, you’ll learn all about the experience of filming the show in Liverpool, as well as the real life people Peaky Blinders was based on.
Your Peaky Blinders superfan guide has a stash of photos from the series to show when you’re in each location, bringing what you’re seeing to life and putting it into the context of the show.
Oh, and to pass the time whilst you’re driving you’ll get to watch clips of the show on the bus. Win!
“Simply excellent from beginning to end. Gary, our guide, was and is simply too good for his job. A very engaging individual who tells not only the secrets of Peaky Blinders but also Liverpool itself.” - Nathaniel (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
Bus and Ferry Tours Liverpool
8. Liverpool River Cruise and Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 40 | 🚌 BOOK NOW!
Explore Liverpool from land and from the water on this bus and ferry tour combo ticket!
The Ferry Across the Mersey (famous thanks to the Gerry and the Pacemakers song) is one of the best things to do in Liverpool. It also allows you to explore far more of Liverpool’s docks, river and surroundings than you ever would on land.
Combine that with the Liverpool City Explorer hop on hop off bus, and you’ve pretty much got your Liverpool sightseeing needs covered from all angles!
As I mentioned earlier, the open top bus tour lasts 50 minutes if you were to stay on it for the entire tour (but, of course, you won’t be able to resist doing so!). Then, the Mersey Ferry tour lasts for 50 minutes too.
On the ferry, you’ll get pre-recorded (not live, unfortunately) commentary of what you’re looking at as you sail. You’d be surprised by just how many interesting buildings and landmarks surround Liverpool’s city centre along the river!
“Could not fault the experience. We were showing a first time visitor to Liverpool the sites. Having very limited time the bus tour was an excellent introduction to the city” - Anne (Read More Reviews)
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Liverpool Tour Bus Route – Common Stops
Royal Albert Dock
The Royal Albert Dock is Liverpool’s former UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute must visit on any trip to Liverpool. Luckily, on most of these Liverpool bus tours, the Albert Dock is included as a stop.
I recommend spending time walking the circumference of the dock, checking out the lovely scenery and snapping a bunch of photos. You won’t be able to resist!
Pier Head
Pier Head, where you’ll find the Royal Liver Building, Museum of Liverpool, the Beatles Statue, and the Mersey Ferry office, is a treasure trove of Liverpool attractions, and one of the most scenic points in the city. The old buildings here are just gorgeous!
Cavern Quarter
The Cavern Quarter, with Mathew Street as its centrepiece, is, you guessed it, named after the legendary Cavern Club. This is where The Beatles first became famous and grew a following, and now, this entire area of the city is full of live music venues and bars.
If you want to learn more about the Cavern Quarter, I recommend joining one of the city’s many guided walking tours, so that you can give it the deep dive it deserves!
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
Liverpool has two famous cathedrals which are both, funnily enough, located on “Hope Street” (that’s my favourite bit of Liverpool trivia!). The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is the real showstopper.
It’s the largest cathedral in the UK, the fifth-largest in Europe, and it took over 70 years to build!
Philharmonic Dining Rooms
This old-fashioned pub is downright gorgeous, and you can’t miss having a drink there!
It was one of John Lennon’s favourite pubs in Liverpool. Luckily, a free glass of bubbly here is included in your ticket to the Liverpool City Sights tour bus, which is what makes it my top pick for the best Liverpool bus tour!
Chinese Arch
Built in 2000, the Liverpool Chinese Arch marks the spot of the city’s Chinatown, home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe. It’s well worth a photo and feels like a small slice of China in the heart of Liverpool.
Penny Lane
Made famous by the Beatles song “Penny Lane”, this is one of the most iconic Beatles sights in the city. If you’re a Beatles fan, you can’t miss taking a selfie with the Penny Lane street sign!
John Lennon’s Childhood Home
John Lennon’s childhood home, also called Mendips, is located in the suburbs of Liverpool, and it’s surprisingly large and fancy for a so-called “working class hero”. John lived here with his Aunt Mimi in the 1950s.
Many Beatles Liverpool bus tours will make a stop at John Lennon’s house, but you’re not able to go inside the home unless you join a special Beatles homes tour.
Paul McCartney’s Childhood Home
Paul McCartney’s childhood home, like John’s, is located in the suburbs of Liverpool and feels far more working class than his bandmates’. That’s because, at the time Paul lived there, it was a council house.
Just like John’s house, most Liverpool Beatles tours will drop you off outside the house for photos, but you’re not allowed to enter. You’ll need to join the Beatles homes tour to take a look around inside.
FAQs on Liverpool Tour Buses
Does Liverpool have a tour bus?
Yes! Liverpool has many tour buses, including Beatles-themed and Peaky Blinders tours of Liverpool. Of course, if you’re just looking for a traditional open top or a Liverpool hop on hop off bus tour, you’re also spoilt for choice – there are plenty of options to choose from.
Does Liverpool have a hop on hop off bus?
Yes – Liverpool currently has two hop on hop off bus companies operating in the city, which both make 14 stops at some of the city’s very top attractions and last 50 minutes if you were to ride the entire route in one go. The best is the Liverpool City Sights bus tour as it includes a free glass of prosecco.
How much is the hop on hop off bus in Liverpool?
There are numerous hop on hop off buses in Liverpool, but you can expect to pay between £12 and £15 for a ticket for a hop on hop off bus tour of Liverpool’s classic city centre sights.
How long is the Beatles bus tour in Liverpool?
The Magical Mystery Tour, the most famous and popular Beatles bus tour in Liverpool, lasts for 2 hours. Other Beatles bus tours in Liverpool offer hop on hop off options and would last 50 minutes if you were to ride the entire route without getting off at any stops, but will obviously last far longer if you make a few stops.
Final Thoughts: Best Bus Tours in Liverpool
There we have it – I’ve shared absolutely everything I know about the best bus tours in Liverpool with you today and, hopefully, I’ve helped you to pick the perfect bus tour for you.
Need a refresher? No worries. This is my top pick for Liverpool city sightseeing, and this is my favourite Liverpool Beatles bus tour.
There’s no need to leave just yet, though!
Liverpool is definitely worth an extended visit, and I have a whole host of other Liverpool, (and Beatles) posts on this site, all aimed at helping you to plan your dream trip to Liverpool.
I recommend starting by checking out my bite-sized day trip itinerary for Liverpool, and my guide to where to find the best 2 for 1 cocktails in the city (because who doesn’t love a bargain?!).
Are you a newbie Beatlemaniac? Then you’ll love my crash-course guides to how long the band were really together, and who the original Beatles members were.
Have fun in Liverpool!
