Top Los Angeles Bus Tours

You’ll find lots of highly rated Los Angeles bus tours to choose from. These are the current top picks as reviewed and rated by prior customers: 

• Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
• Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air Bus
• Grand Beach Tour: LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
• Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles
• Hollywood Open Bus Tours

Yes, bus tours are a cost-effective way to see several top LA attractions—without having to plan, park, or drive through the notorious traffic on your own. Most bus tours take you to iconic spots such as Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Sunset Strip, pointing out celebrity homes along the way.

LA bus tours typically cost US$30–US$50 for a 2-hour ride around Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Expect to pay at least US$60 for hop-on hop-off options that let you see more of the city; prices vary depending on whether you book a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass or add-ons such as walking tours. Half- and full-day bus tours start at US$90.

On average, LA bus tours last from 2-8 hours. Longer tours may include a stop for lunch and opportunities for shopping and sightseeing along the way. Be aware that shorter tours just drive past landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, while others let you get out and take photos.

The typical itinerary for a Los Angeles bus tour includes the Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Griffith Park. You’re also likely to see the Beverly Hills Hotel, Sunset Strip, and Rodeo Drive. Consult your tour’s information for details on the specific itinerary, as some tours only drive by these locations without stopping.

Tipping is optional, but it’s customary to give a small sum to your bus driver and tour guide at the end of the ride, especially when they go above and beyond to show you unique sights along the way. This is a sign of appreciation for their knowledge and service.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Los Angeles aside from bus tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Surfing Lessons 
• Architecture Tours
• Movie Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Buses
• Helicopter Tours

Los Angeles bus tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Celebrity and Lifestyle Hollywood Bus Tour
• Fun Movie Star Homes Tour
• Hollywood and Beverly Hills Tour
• Hollywood Open Bus Tours

Yes, many LA bus tours are in the hop-on hop-off style. You’ll hear audio commentary about landmarks along the drive, but you’ll also have the flexibility to stop and explore at your own pace. Ticket prices start at US$60 and come in 24-, 48-, and 72-hour packages, with the option to add walking tours, celebrity-homes tours, and other extras. Choose from hop-on hop-off routes around Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Venice Beach, or Downtown LA.

This Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More excursion is one of the top-rated all-day bus tours in LA, starting at US$99 per person and running about eight hours. While some tours focus on one or two neighborhoods, this one shows you more of the city, from Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach to Hollywood and Rodeo Drive, with a stop for lunch at the Los Angeles Original Farmers Market. Start at one of two provided meeting points, or add optional hotel pickup.

Los Angeles is a year-round destination, and bus tours offer a great way to see the city in every season. In the hotter summer months of June–August, tours in air-conditioned buses are an ideal way to stay cool. March–May offers pleasant weather, fewer crowds at top attractions, and the chance to get accommodation, flight, and tour discounts.

Sometimes. Shared LA bus tours typically have a central meeting point, usually along Hollywood Boulevard or near the Santa Monica Pier, and they may offer pickup and drop-off at area hotels for an extra fee. Opt for door-to-door transportation if you don’t mind the additional cost, but note that you’ll need to be ready earlier and spend more time in the bus to pick up other passengers before the start time.

Yes, most bus tours accommodate a dozen or more passengers, so it’s easy to find a vehicle with space for a family or large group. Choose hop-on hop-off bus passes so everyone in your group can sightsee at their own pace, or buy out an open-top bus tour of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and celebrity homes—these typically seat 10–18 people.