SF: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour with Optional Sunset Tour
San Francisco, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a hop-on hop-off bus pass valid for 24 or 48 hours. Visit big-name attractions such as Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Union Square. Explore at your own pace, hopping off at any of 17 stops. Add-on options include Aquarium by the Bay admission, a digital Chinatown walking tour, a panoramic sunset tour, and a half-day wine tour
- Flexible, fun, and family-friendly way of exploring San Francisco
- Learn more about the city via recorded commentary, earbuds included
- Enjoy the fresh air from the open top deck, if you like
- Use the downloadable app for live bus tracking and route info
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
See San Francisco your way with a flexible 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket.
What's Included
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, 24 or 48-hour ticket
- 1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour (if option selected)
- Blazing Saddles Bike Rental Perk - Buy 1 hour, Get 1 hour free with selected tickets
- 1-hour Digital Chinatown Walking Tour (if option selected)
- Digital audio commentary with souvenir earbuds provided
- Open-top double decker bus
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- No additional fees
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
- You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
Itinerary
Embark on a seamless San Francisco adventure with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, eliminating the need for car rental. Choose from a 24-hour or 48-hour pass and start from any of the 17 conveniently located bus stops on the route.
The double-decker sightseeing bus follows the Red Route, offering 17 stops at significant points of interest. Highlights include Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and Golden Gate Park, along with attractions such as Madame Tussauds and Aquarium of the Bay. Choose to hop off to explore these sites at your leisure and then hop back on, or simply enjoy the full route from the comfort of the bus.
Conclude your hop-on hop-off experience with the freedom to further explore San Francisco independently.
Upgrade to include a digital Chinatown and panoramic sunset tour or half-day wine tour with the 24-hour pass or admission to Aquarium of the Bay and a panoramic sunset tour with the 48-hour pass.
The double-decker sightseeing bus follows the Red Route, offering 17 stops at significant points of interest. Highlights include Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and Golden Gate Park, along with attractions such as Madame Tussauds and Aquarium of the Bay. Choose to hop off to explore these sites at your leisure and then hop back on, or simply enjoy the full route from the comfort of the bus.
Conclude your hop-on hop-off experience with the freedom to further explore San Francisco independently.
Upgrade to include a digital Chinatown and panoramic sunset tour or half-day wine tour with the 24-hour pass or admission to Aquarium of the Bay and a panoramic sunset tour with the 48-hour pass.
Day Tour - Red Route
18 Stops
28 Points of Interest
Duration: 2 hours
Operating Schedule: Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tour Duration: 2.5 hours to complete the full route without exiting Bus Frequency: Every 15 Minutes. Download the Big Bus Tours app to track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
1
Big Bus Tours San Francisco
2
Ghirardelli Square
3
329 Columbus Ave
4
Embarcadero
5
Ferry Building
6
Union Square
7
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
8
Civic Center
9
Alamo Square
10
Haight-Ashbury
11
Golden Gate Park
12
Golden Gate Park
13
Golden Gate Bridge
14
Palace of Fine Arts
15
Cow Hollow
16
Lombard Street
17
1454 The Embarcadero
18
PIER 39
Points of interest passed by on this route
Pier 39
The Embarcadero
Haight-Ashbury
Union Square
Civic Center
SS Jeremiah O'Brien
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
Golden Gate Bridge
Washington Square
Lombard Street
Chinatown
Alamo Square
Golden Gate Park
Big Bus Tours
California Academy of Sciences
Madame Tussauds
Aquarium of the Bay
Ferry Building Marketplace
San Francisco City Hall
USS Pampanito
Ripley s Believe It or Not! San Francisco
Cartoon Art Museum
SkyStar Wheel Fisherman’s Wharf
Coit Tower
San Francisco Railway Museum
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Asian Art Museum
Painted Ladies
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
- Blazing Saddles Offer: Big Bus Tours customers get 1 free hour with a 1-hour bike rental from Blazing Saddles, including gear and route tips for exploring San Francisco and cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
- Half-Day Wine Tour visits 2 wineries and the town of Sausalito; transportation by comfortable, a/c motorcoach
- Hop-on Hop-off tour ticket is valid for use during operating hours for 24 or 48 hours after first use.
- Wheelchair accessible, please call ahead for arrangements
- Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q:Do I have to go to a central location to redeem my ticket for the Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour?
A:For the day tour, you can simply show a printed or electronic version of your ticket at any of the stops to board the bus. For the night tour, you must redeem your ticket at 99 Jefferson Street, San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf.
Mar 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.1
based on 4,653 reviews
Daniel_R, Jun 2026
Convenient Hop-on/Hop-Off locations to San Francisco major tourist attractions. Great audio explanations of the area & local History.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi Daniel_R. We sincerely appreciate your generous feedback! It brings us great joy to know that you had a wonderful experience on your tour with us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Best regards, Razvan B @Big Bus Tours
Patricia_G, Jun 2026
It was very exciting and fun and will be back with my family to give them the experience me and my husband had
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi Patricia! Thank you so much for your review. We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great time with us and that you’ll be bringing your family along to share in the fun. Can’t wait to see you again soon. Cheers, Ana from Big Bus Tours.
Claudia_V, Jun 2026
Tour says is an all day and you can only access the coach from 10am to 6 pm the same day, only a few buses were running so we had to wait over an hour to hop on the bus. We were only able to visit 2 sites and wasted the whole day and money
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi, Claudia!
I'm sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We understand how disappointing it must have been to spend so much time waiting for buses and feel that you were unable to make the most of your ticket.
Your comments regarding the operating hours and service frequency are important to us, and we will ensure they are shared with the local team for review.
If there is anything we can do to assist further, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.
Madalina@BigBusTours
Beatrice_F, Jun 2026
The bus driver was really nice, the stops were too far away from the attractions. I was upset they did not include the pink ladies. It was not worth the money.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We’re pleased to hear that you found the bus driver friendly and welcoming. At the same time, we’re very sorry to learn that the stop locations did not meet your expectations and felt too far from the main attractions. We understand how important convenience is when planning your sightseeing, and we regret that this aspect impacted your experience.
We’re also sorry to hear about your disappointment regarding the inclusions you were expecting, as well as your overall impression of the value of the tour. Your feedback is very important to us and will be shared with our team as we continue reviewing route planning, communication, and overall experience.
Thank you again for your honest comments and for bringing this to our attention.
Flavius@BigBusTours
Debora_S, Jun 2026
This is a wonderful way to see the city and get an overview. We enjoyed being able to circle back around to places we wanted to spend more time at.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello! Thank you for your amazing feedback! We are very glad to hear that you have had a wonderful experience with us being able to see so many places you always wanted. We are looking forward to welcoming you back! Razvan@BigBusTours
Seshaiah_K, Jun 2026
They close at 5:30pm. Anything after is extra charge in the name of sunset package. Hardly travelled in the bus. Since when is sunset time 5:30pm in sfo in mid-june. They did not mention timings anywhere. Not worth it. Got fleeced by these tricksters.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello! Thank you for your feedback. We are very sorry to hear about your experience and we want to make things right. Please accept our sincere apologies and feel free to contact us via email or chat to discuss the issue further and find suitable solutions right away. Razvan@BigBusTours
TINA_P, Jun 2026
A hop on hop off bus tour is a great way to see the city and figure out where you want to go next. Just make sure you sit close to the front if you’re upstairs to avoid the cold San Francisco breeze!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your great tip! We’re glad you enjoyed the tour and found it a helpful way to explore the city. Sitting at the front upstairs is definitely a smart choice to make the most of the views while staying comfortable—especially with that famous San Francisco breeze!
Florin @ BigBusTours
Susan_A, Jun 2026
Windows were clean inside and outside, Good for taking pictures! Driver was very safety. Good for touring .
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you appreciated the clean windows, making it great for photos, and that you felt safe with the driver. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the tour experience!
Florin @ BigBusTours
michael_z, Jun 2026
The route taken by the bus was not the same as posted on their website. In addition, the audio tour was not accessible on many seats on the bus. Aside from that, the tour was very enjoyable.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the route did not match the one shown online and that some audio points were not working properly, as we understand how important these are to the experience. We’re glad you still found the tour enjoyable overall, and your comments will be shared with our team to help improve accuracy and onboard functionality.
Florin @ BigBusTours
Helen_G, Jun 2026
Great tour, frequent service, mostly friendly and helpful staff, easy to follow commentary, comfortable bus
Leanne_S, Jun 2026
The Hop On Hop Off is a good way to get a quick view of the city area including the Golden Gate Bridge. The stop for Lombard Street was 4 very steep blocks away from the actual part of the street everyone wants to see. Not really suitable for those with mobility issues. So be prepared to walk some distances from the bus stops to the attractions themselves. The bus was clean, the commentary was good and driver experienced.
However, if you want to see more of the city including The Painted Ladies, Golden Gate Park and specific areas like the Castro, then I would recommend during a half day bus/private tour that includes those areas.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback!
We’re glad you enjoyed the overall tour, commentary, and experienced driver. We appreciate you highlighting the walking distance to certain stops, as this can be useful for guests planning their visit. We’re also pleased you mentioned exploring more of the city, and we’d like to add that we do offer shorter buses and private tour options. Adrian @BigBusTours
Ayman_I, Jun 2026
We had a fantastic experience with Big Bus Tours San Francisco! The hop-on, hop-off service made it easy to explore the city's top attractions at our own pace. The views from the open-top bus were amazing, especially crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. The staff was friendly, the buses were clean, and the audio commentary was informative and entertaining. A great way to see San Francisco for both first-time visitors and returning travelers!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We’re delighted you enjoyed the flexibility of the hop-on hop-off service and the chance to explore at your own pace. It’s great to hear you loved the views from the open-top bus, especially crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. We truly appreciate your kind words about our staff, buses, and audio commentary, and your recommendation means a lot to us. Adrian @BigBusTours
David_T, May 2026
This was our second time using Big Bus Tours to see SF and we enjoyed it both times. The hop on hop off option and audio descriptions provided are great and most important sites are on the routes covered. I'd recommend this option to take in the sites of this beautiful city.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience with us again and made great use of the hop-on hop-off flexibility and audio commentary. It’s wonderful to know you were able to see the main highlights of San Francisco, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. Adrian @BigBusTours
Tracy_r, May 2026
I lived here 40 years ago and the tour was great to be able to everything without driving great for first timers also bring a jacket and hood if you plan to ride on the top visited end of May from Texas very chilly
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted you enjoyed revisiting the city and found the tour a great way to see everything without driving. It’s great to hear you’d recommend it for first-time visitors, and we appreciate your helpful tip about bringing a jacket for the top deck. Adrian @BigBusTours
Ayman_A, May 2026
My visit to Filoli was truly unforgettable. The tour was wonderful, and the breathtaking landscapes made every moment special. The beautifully maintained gardens, vibrant flowers, and stunning estate grounds created a peaceful and elegant atmosphere. Every turn offered a picture-perfect view, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. I highly recommend visiting Filoli for anyone looking to enjoy spectacular scenery, rich history, and a relaxing escape from the everyday hustle, an a perfect location for taking photos
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re delighted you enjoyed the beautiful gardens, breathtaking scenery, and peaceful atmosphere at Filoli. It’s great to hear you appreciated the photo opportunities and the overall tour experience. We truly value your recommendation and hope to welcome you again for another memorable visit. Adrian @BigBusTours
Luis_S, May 2026
Easy to Hop on and Hop off while tracking where the buses were going to be through the app. The headphones they provided for listening to the people speaking on where you were was nice, it seems that is the only true guidance you get on the tour so if you are expecting a human tour guide talking, this is not for you. We did hit majority of the best spots San Francisco had to offer.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi Luis! We are glad to hear you found it easy to hop on and hop off, and that the app helped you track the buses. The audio commentary is a key part of the experience, and we appreciate your feedback. It’s great that you were able to enjoy your tour in San Francisco with us. Adrian @BigBusTours
Anne_R, May 2026
Don’t expect to seeyour favorite sites. If you miss the garbled guides, and are upstairs you will be disappointed. Rude operators, little interaction or patience. Need customer service training. One guide actually got into an argument with me insisting that he opened the door, no one exited and he drove on. Missed Ghirardelli square and Chinatown because I did not hear his garbled announcements.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello Anne! We’re sorry to hear about your experience and the issues you encountered with the guides and missed sites. We take customer feedback seriously and would appreciate the opportunity to review the situation further. Please contact us at info@bigbustours.com so we can discuss your concerns directly and work towards a resolution. Thank you for sharing your feedback. Adrian @BigBusTours
SABRINA_N, May 2026
If you want to explore San Francisco, the hop on hop off tour is the way to do it. You can see most of the landmarks and famous spots on this tour.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your recommendation! We’re glad to hear you found the hop-on hop-off tour a great way to explore San Francisco and see its most iconic landmarks. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of your time in the city!
Florin @ BigBusTours
Kate_F, May 2026
Drivers were a bit rude and route changed removing one of the main areas we wanted to visit (haight and Golden gate park).
Would have gotten one day instead of two had all this information been correct
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the route change impacted your plans, especially missing areas you were hoping to visit such as Haight and Golden Gate Park. We understand how important accurate route information is when planning your time.
We also regret that your experience with our drivers did not meet expectations, as courteous and helpful service is very important to us. Your comments have been shared with our team as we continue working to improve communication and overall service.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Connie_R, May 2026
Something was wrong with the audio devices, so we could not see the panel to select a language for the audio tour. The driver did not check to see or give instructions regarding the audio devices. The staff only concern was to fill the bus with passengers.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear that the audio devices were not working properly and that you did not receive clear guidance on how to use them. We understand how important the audio commentary is to the overall experience.
We also appreciate your comments regarding onboard support, as ensuring guests feel assisted and informed is very important to us. Your feedback has been shared with our team so we can improve both equipment checks and communication with our guests.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Wendy_C, May 2026
Whenever we visit a new place, we book a Hop On, Hop Off tour to get a feel for the scope and scenery of the city. This SF experience was a perfect first day in this beautiful place.
We feel it’s best to start at Stop 1 so we can get an outdoor seat and experience the entirety of the tour. (The wind over the Golden Gate is incredible and quite cold—bundle up ahead of time!)
On our second round (the first takes about 2 1/4 hours), we hopped off at Stop 3 to have lunch at The Stinking Rose, tour City Lights bookstore and walk through Chinatown.
Then, we hopped off at the Golden Gate and walked the area without crossing the bridge. Many people hop off at the first bridge stop and walk over. What an incredible experience seeing it up close and reading the NPS information boards about the process for building this incredible suspension bridge.
Our final hop off was Pier 39 so we could eat at Fog Harbor and see the sea lions. Highly recommend this!!
Great Big Bus tour experience—can’t imagine starting our SF journey any other way!!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for such a fantastic and detailed review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that the tour was the perfect way to start your visit to San Francisco and helped you get a great overview of the city. It’s wonderful to know you made the most of the hop on hop off flexibility to explore places like Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Pier 39.
We also really appreciate your helpful tips about starting at Stop 1 and dressing warmly for the bridge, great advice for future guests. It sounds like you had an amazing experience, and we’re so pleased Big Bus Tours could be part of such a memorable trip. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Leigh_N, May 2026
This is a perfect way to get your bearings in a new city on day one so you can decide what you want to go back and spend more time on. We never had to wait more than 10 mins at a stop for the next bus to come so it was super convenient. They give earbuds for you to listen to the audio tour so if you have kids that don’t like earbuds, I’d recommend packing different headphones for them. It’s just a standard audio jack.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you found the tour a perfect way to get your bearings in a new city and plan what to explore next. It’s great to know you experienced short wait times and found the service convenient.
We also appreciate your helpful tip regarding headphones, as this is very useful for families traveling with children. We’re so glad you had such a positive experience and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Lyla_K, May 2026
Very fun, we traveled with our kids and grandkids. The bus drivers are very entertaining! We road on the top over the bridge.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a fun experience traveling with your family across generations. It’s wonderful to know our drivers kept everyone entertained and that you enjoyed the views from the top, especially while crossing the bridge. We’re so glad you created great memories together and hope to welcome you all on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Chandrika_P, May 2026
Great way to explore main attractions. Like hop on and hop off service but wish it lasts longer later on the day.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback!
We’re glad you enjoyed exploring the main attractions with the hop-on, hop-off service. We appreciate your suggestion regarding longer operating hours and will share it with the team for consideration.
Florin @ Big Bus Tours
ana_s, May 2026
The driver/ guide was so nice Randy was amazing, very knowledgeable and professional. Despite I reserved the wrong tour . We spent a good time
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback!
We’re delighted to hear you still had a great time, even after reserving a different tour than planned. Randy will be very pleased to know his knowledge and professionalism made your experience enjoyable.
Florin @ Big Bus Tours
Srijan_M, May 2026
It’s always a pleasure riding Big Bus and getting to explore all the must-do spots in and around the city.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear it’s always a pleasure exploring the city with Big Bus Tours and discovering all the must-see spots along the way. We truly appreciate your continued support and look forward to welcoming you on board again soon!
Denis @Big Bus Tours
Diane_W, May 2026
Wear enough layers- it was windy and sitting on the top deck got cold when the bus went across the Golden Gate Bridge! What an experience though!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a memorable experience crossing the Golden Gate Bridge with us. The top deck certainly comes with some fresh breezes, but we’re so pleased the incredible views made it worthwhile. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Denis @Big Bus Tours
Ken_W, May 2026
Wonderful tour. First driver was exceptional. Bus did not stop at Ghirardelli Square so big disappointment about this.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had a wonderful tour and that the first driver made such a great impression. We’re sorry to hear that the bus did not stop at Ghirardelli Square and understand how disappointing that must have been. Your comments have been shared with our team as we continue working to improve route consistency and communication. We appreciate you riding with us and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Beth_S, May 2026
This was a great way to see the city. There was plenty of time to hop off and explore. I loved San Francisco!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and had plenty of time to hop off and explore at your own pace. It’s wonderful to know you loved San Francisco, and we’re so glad Big Bus Tours could be part of your experience. We hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Colleen_C, May 2026
It’s a great way to see interesting areas in San Francisco and have the option of hopping off to visit parks, museums and shop.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed exploring San Francisco and found the tour a great way to discover different areas of the city. It’s fantastic that you made the most of the flexibility to hop off and visit parks, museums, and shops along the way. We hope you had an amazing time and look forward to welcoming you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
From $59.40
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
SF: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour with Optional Sunset Tour
4,653
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$59.40
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Audio Guides
- Walking Tours
- Historical Tours
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- On the Ground
- Cultural Tours
- San Francisco
- Audio Guides - Sausalito
- Walking Tours - Sausalito
- Historical Tours - Sausalito
- Audio Guides - Oakland
- Walking Tours - Oakland
- Historical Tours - Oakland
- Audio Guides - Napa & Sonoma
- Walking Tours - Napa & Sonoma
- Historical Tours - Napa & Sonoma
Attractions in San Francisco, USA
- Marin Headlands Tours & Tickets
- San Francisco Treasure Island Tours & Tickets
- Embarcadero Tours & Tickets
- Angel Island State Park Tours & Tickets
- Market Street Tours & Tickets
- San Francisco Bay Tours & Tickets
- Sausalito Vista Point Tours & Tickets
- San Francisco Chinatown Tours & Tickets
- Japanese Tea Garden Tours & Tickets
- Mission Dolores Park Tours & Tickets
- Hyde Street Pier Tours & Tickets
- Fort Point National Historic Site Tours & Tickets