San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Bus Tour (Essential) 24Hour
San Francisco, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Avoid crowded bus tours and combine the flexibility of a self-guided experience with the convenience of an organized tour by booking a hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Get unlimited bus access for 24 hours on the city's Red Loop, which has numerous stops; buses leave every half hour, so you are never waiting too long.
- Save time by prebooking your bus ticket
- Hop on and off as much as you please in 24 hours
- Listen to audio-recorded commentary while you ride
- Don't worry about waiting around, buses leave every half hour
What's Included
- Flexible ticket
- 1-day pass for unlimited use
- Audio tour in multiple languages
- Free mobile tracking app
Meeting and Pickup
Operating hours
- 04/04/2023 - 12/05/2027
Monday - Sunday : 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Departure Point
- You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
Itinerary
Hop-on Hop-off (Red Loop) San Francisco City Tour
17 Stops
11 Points of Interest
Duration: 2 hours
Operating Schedule: First Bus: 10:00am from Stop #1 (Jefferson st). Last Bus: 5:00pm at Stop #1 (Jefferson st) Full Circuit Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes (approx.) Bus Frequency: every 30 minutes.
1
99 Jefferson St
2
North Beach
3
Embarcadero Center
4
Ferry Building
5
Union Square
6
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
7
Civic Center
8
Alamo Square
9
Haight-Ashbury
10
Golden Gate Park
11
Vista Point
12
Palace of Fine Arts
13
Cow Hollow
14
Lombard Street
15
Ferry Plaza
16
Pier 39
17
Golden Gate Park
Points of interest passed by on this route
Golden Gate Bridge
Fisherman’s Wharf
Golden Gate Park
Alamo Square
Haight-Ashbury
Civic Center
Union Square
Chinatown
Washington Square
Little Italy
Ferry Building Marketplace
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.1
based on 193 reviews
Ron_U, Aug 2025
This bus company offered so many iconic SF spots! We live locally and took family on this hop on hop off so they could see what’s happening we’ve come to know and love in SF. We EVEN went across the Golden Gate Bridge!
You won’t be sorry…
Rick_M, Jul 2025
Although the bus ride and tour was very good we had an issue with the Big Bus company to accept the Viator pass. No idea why but thankfully we were there early enough to get it sorted. Lesson - it’s easier, cheaper and more reliable to buy direct than to use Viator.
sherlinanne_y, Jun 2025
it was a great way to see the city in 1 day. the stops were the major sights it’s so accessible. the arrival of the bus gives you time to go around.
Lori_D, Jul 2024
The fact that we can see all the great wonders of SF so easily
Getting off and on the bus at our own time schedule worked for us.
Bus drivers were friendly and helpful
Michelle_L, Apr 2024
Disappointed that the stops weren't really near anything that we were interested in. Would have liked to have been be able to get off at the Lowell cable cars but the nearest stop was quite a trek. Also the crooked road at Lombard was a long way from the stop and in the opposite direction. Have been on other hop ons in other cities and they have been much better 😕
stefaniehyde_h, Dec 2023
Doug was a fabulous tour guide. He was very informative and funny. Took easy to walk routes too. Got to sample freshly made fortune cookies too. I'd definitely recommend this tour in San Francisco.
Jonathan_A, Oct 2023
Driving through the Golden Gate Bridge was amazing especially in an open top bus. One thing I recommend is bring gear for the weather.
Claudia_P, Sept 2023
Easy to navigate the city ! Open to the outside so no motion sickness. Easy on and off. Could easily see all the sights. We have adults and small children
Elizabeth_S, Aug 2023
Great! It hits the main attractions in SF with 16 stops where you can Hop off at any of them. if you want to spend some time there and Hop back on whenever you’re ready bc they have buses coming through every 15 - 30 minutes. I Would strongly advise you to start the day as early as possible because time flies and you may not have time to spend at the next attraction. AND wear layers! Going over the Golden Gate Bridge and getting off at the lookout on the North side of the bridge to see and take photos of the fantastic views was quite windy and cold!
JoAnn_M, Aug 2023
Since we booked our tickets through Viator rather than directly through Big Bus tours, the lady at Hilton big bus ticket office told us we had booked a different bus tour. She wasn’t able to verify the booking number. We eventually were given our tickets.
Gretchen_C, Aug 2023
You hit all the neighborhoods! And learn a lot in a short time. Highlight was going across Golden Gate!
Jerry_D, Jul 2023
This ride is absolutely necessary for the big picture. The narration was icing on the cake. You'll learn a lot!
Florabelle_G, Jul 2023
So far so good. The hop on hop off bus was easy and convenient and it went to the most historical places
Julee_F, Jul 2023
So MUCH FUN!!!! My husband and I always do the BIG BUS tour everywhere we travel and this one didn’t disappoint! We love the history and the fun! Great for everyone!!!
Charlotte_W, Jul 2023
The top level was fine but the inside was like an oven.
The drivers were all very nice but did not turn on the AC.
Audrey_T, Jun 2023
The audio was great in that it was time perfectly. Even the elevator music was enjoyable! Staff were helpful especially those at the depot. And the tour itself was really enjoyable
Susan_K, Jun 2023
The fact that I got to go after I purchased two non-refundable tickets.
I called the help line and left messages twice with no response and the online chat also said they didn't have the information regarding where to go to a hub to start the tour. Only my hotel clerk was able to help me. Then my email and links wouldn't work even when the employee at the hub tried to open them. Only the reference # allowed me to get the passes. Very frustrating on something that should have been relaxing and fun. The hop-on-hop-offs in other major cities have worked well
fabiolaunazoi, May 2023
For me a great guide for visiting San Francisco for the first time. Informative and friendly. With free walking tour of China Town.
John_R, May 2023
Hopping off and on at North Beach, City Hall, and Pier 39. Frequency of busses was a plus. The audio tour was also enjoyable.
Cynthia_R, May 2023
It was very informative and interesting learned many many things about San Francisco wish they would’ve had the little heaters at your feet on for the people on the top of the gas. It is extremely cold.
Michael_C, May 2023
Going across the Golden Gate Bridge, Haight-Ashbury, knowing my brother was here in the 70s. The fact that Janis Joplin been here..
Tina_B, Apr 2023
taking the hop on hop off bus for the day was a great way to see the city of SF. We stayed on the bus the 1st go round to see everything, then hopped off/on the 2nd go round. It was a great day of sightseeing.
Robert_M, Apr 2023
I was so disappointed in the tour. Having taken the tour 10 years ago, I had some moderate level of expectation. First, the ear buds didn't work. Second, the driver was unresponsive and even rude. A women approached the driver to ask a question. His response was "are you getting off the bus?" She said no. He responded "then sit down and shut up!" I was shocked. So was she! What has happened to this organization?
Delia_R, Apr 2023
It was a great way to see the city and many of the sights. Even a someone who has lived close by my whole life it was relaxing way to see the special views in SF and learn about the city with the audio part of the tour. Viewing from the top of the double decker bus was incredible.
Hannah_T, Mar 2023
The guest service agent was rude, aggressive and awful, they didn’t listen to me when I was talking, the GSA always talked over my mother and I and showed little to no respect. No, I didn’t book NY and no my name isn’t the one that was shown on the system. If only they had spent a few seconds listening to me….
Yvonne_M, Feb 2023
Half of the routes were closed. I had even asked the person at the front desk where he suggested I stop. He is suggested stops where the routes were close and never once told me they were closed. Also, I was not advised that we were supposed to use the headsets. The driver did not tell us the stops. I was confused and had no idea where we were. When I asked the driver when will we arrive at the painted ladies stop he said we passed it along time ago, although we never stopped because the routes were closed. I asked the driver how I was supposed to know where we were at. He said I should have the headsets. I told him I don’t have them, and all he did was shrug his shoulders. There were actual headsets in the bus, but he did not tell me about them.. when I arrived to the first stop I spoke to the manager Isaac and he told me he could not do anything for me because I purchase through Viator. Essentially I paid $170 for a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge. I am very disappointed and would like someone to contact me for a refund.
Raini_M, Dec 2022
Fun winter exoerience with Viator hop on hop off bus. Thank you! Will recommend it to friends and family
Maria_Y, Dec 2022
Awesome tour! My family and I had a great time, especially at the Golden Gate Bridge. The view was amazing!! I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to tour the city.
Vania_D, Dec 2022
I had some difficulty with decisions to hop off as stops are mainly UNMARKED! If you decide to use it, best is not to come off (wasn't that the whole point?) unless at Union main stop where Big Bus people assist -and just loop
around. Buses are old and worn out, commentary is ok. It could have been better if intersections are marked on the maps we are given out. They are useless if you dont know where stop is. I spent two hours walking and trying to find the stop on Haight Ashburry, and almost missed the last bus.
It is still nice to see SF this way, but experience could be improved, a lot.
Brad_M, Dec 2022
The whole tour was fun. It was nice to be able to spend as much time as you wanted at each stop. It got a little chilly over the bridge but a great experiance.
From $78.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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