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Big Bus Tours: San Francisco Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

The Big Bus Hop on Hop off tour of San Francisco provide the ideal way to get to know this vibrant city and the greatest chances to take pictures of famous sites from the upper deck.

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Highlights

  • Get Extra 24 Hrs ticket with Essential & Explore Ticket! Offer is available for a limited period.
  • Unlimited Hop‑on Hop‑off access on the Red Route and Yellow Route, covering San Francisco’s top landmarks at your own pace
  • Includes the 60‑minute Blue & Gold Bay Cruise, offering stunning waterfront views around Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Convenient stops across Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Embarcadero and more
  • Engaging audio commentary in 8 languages, packed with stories, history and fun facts
  • A complete land + water sightseeing combo, perfect for first‑time visitors wanting a full city experience in one ticket
  • Smartphone Voucher Accepted, no need to print the tickets!

Overview

San Francisco is a city surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Famous for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, colorful Victorian houses, cable cars, and throughout the year fogging, the city becomes the must visit the spot at a point. It has the large structures that tell about the success heights of San Francisco and the brilliant museum featuring its history and creativity. Viewing the city without Alcatraz Island and Muir woods will not be enough. The San Francisco Hop On Hop Off Big bus tour holds the specialty to offer a fantastic package that covers every remarkable place of the city.

Itinerary

Discover the amazing San Francisco with this hop-on hop-off tour. The tour has strategically designed hop on hop off spots ranging from Fisherman’s Wharf to the popular Golden Gate Bridge. You can get on the one full city loop and enjoy the popular attractions and neighborhoods.

Day Tour (Red Route)
Hop on with Big Bus Tours and uncover the very best of San Francisco in the most effortless and scenic way. Our Red Route takes you through the city’s most famous neighbourhoods and landmarks, from the bustling energy of Union Square to the waterfront charm of Fisherman’s Wharf, and from the historic Embarcadero to the vibrant streets of Chinatown. The highlight of the journey is an unforgettable ride across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, where you’ll enjoy sweeping top‑deck views of one of the most breathtaking vistas in the United States. Feel the ocean breeze, admire the dramatic skyline and capture postcard‑perfect moments as you glide over this world‑renowned landmark. Throughout the tour, guests can enjoy engaging pre‑recorded digital commentary available in 8 languages, offering stories, insights and fun facts that bring San Francisco’s history and culture to life. It’s the perfect way to experience the city’s charm, character and world‑famous sights—all from the comfort of an open‑top bus.

NEW: Painted Ladies + Haight Ashbury Tour (Yellow Loop)  
The Yellow Loop offers a vibrant journey through some of San Francisco’s most iconic and picturesque neighbourhoods. This route features the famous Painted Ladies—San Francisco’s beloved row of Victorian homes—along with the historic and counter‑culture district of Haight Ashbury. Travellers also enjoy scenic views around Golden Gate Park, one of the city’s largest and most beautiful green spaces. Guests can sit back and enjoy insightful pre‑recorded commentary available in 8 languages, ensuring a rich and informative experience for visitors from around the world. This new loop is the perfect way to explore San Francisco’s colourful history, charming architecture and laid‑back neighbourhood vibes—all in one panoramic ride.

Discover Ticket
Discover the most iconic sights of San Francisco on our 24 Hours hop-on, hop-off tour. Sit back and relax in the comfort of one of our open-top buses, as our entertaining guides tell you about the city’s unique history.

Essential Ticket
The Essential ticket includes all the popular landmarks of San Francisco. This 24 Hours tour has strategically located stops that are nearby the points of interest. You can experience the beautiful views and witness the captivating parks and architecture all over the city. With the open-top bus, you can see all these interesting places and capture the moments. You can create a customized itinerary and explore the places at your leisure around the city. Enjoy add-ons and discover San Francisco via a bike rental offer that is included in the tour. You can get off at Union Square and meet up for the walking tour to Chinatown. 

Explore Ticket
The 48 Hours Ticket gives the opportunity to discover the best of San Francisco. Stops are located in proximity to attractions so you can easily hop on and hop off the buses when you want. Enjoy mesmerizing views and capture photos of the popular Golden Gate Bridge and make this trip memorable.

NEW: 60‑minute Blue & Gold Bay Cruise  
This scenic 60‑minute cruise departs from Pier 41 at Fisherman’s Wharf and offers a breathtaking journey across San Francisco Bay. Guests sail beneath the world‑famous Golden Gate Bridge, glide past the lively waterfront of PIER 39, and circle the historic Alcatraz Island for unbeatable photo opportunities. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of San Francisco’s skyline, waterfront neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks, making it a perfect addition to any itinerary. The experience is relaxing, informative and ideal for travellers who want to see the city from a fresh perspective on the water. The cruise is also included in the Explore + Alcatraz ticket, giving visitors even more value and convenience in one seamless package.

Sunset Tour
With the San Francisco Night Tour, take in the city's splendor as it comes to life at night. Before crossing the Bay Bridge for pictures at Treasure Island, the Night Tour travels through the bustling Financial District, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, and Embarcadero. Please try to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the trip departs, as seats are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that this excursion is not hop-on, hop-off. Ath the end of the tour you will get shuttle back to the Union Sqaure.

Walking Tour
A complimentary Chinatown Walking Tour which is included with the Essential and Explore Tickets will show you more of San Francisco. Take a stroll around this famous historic district. See the bustling marketplace, the stunning Chinatown gates, and the lively fusion of modern and old culture. A knowledgeable tour guide will provide you with an overview of the history and must-see sites in the area. The Chinatown Walk begins at Stop 2 (North Beach/Chinatown).

Blazing Saddles (Bike Rental)
Customers of Big Bus Tours who purchase the Essential or Explore Tickets will get a one-hour bike rental from Blazing Saddles receive an additional hour gratis. Blazing Saddles, located at Pier 41 or 2715 Hyde Street, is offering this bargain. The staff will provide you with all the equipment you need and teach you how to get the most out of your cycling experience in San Francisco.

With the help of the handy map, which shows your location in relation to neighboring Big Bus stations, museums, landmarks, eateries, shops, and more, you can navigate around San Francisco's well-known attractions.

Schedule

Day Tour (Red Route):
  • First Bus: 10:00am; Last Bus: 05:00pm
  • Full Loop Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (approx.)
  • Bus Frequency: Every 15 Minutes
  • Departure: Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center (99 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133)

 

Painted Ladies and Haight Ashbury Tour (Yellow Route):
  • First Bus: 11:00am; Last Bus: 05:00pm 
  • Full Loop: 85 Minutes (Approx.)
  • Frequency: Every 2 Hours
  • First Stop: Stop#1 Union Square


Sunset Panoramic Tour (Blue Route):

  • Start Time: 06:30pm (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time)
  • Departure Point: Stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Fisherman's Wharf Visitor Center, 99 Jefferson Street)
  • Full Loop: 1 Hour 15 mins (approx.)

 

Blue & Gold Bay Cruise:
  • Start Time: Multiple Timings (Kindly check the Timetable under Useful Download section)
  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the time slot selected
  • Duration: 60-minute Approx.
  • Starting Point: Pier 41 at Fisherman's Wharf

Chinatown Digital Walking Tour:
  • Start Time: 01:00pm (Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time)
  • Duration: 1 hour Approx
  • Departure: You can join the Chinatown Walk from Stop 3 (North Beach / Chinatown)

Inclusions

Discover Ticket:

  • 24 Hours San Francisco Hop-On, Hop-Off
  • Audio commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean and Portuguese
  • Access to Red Line
     

Essential Ticket:

  • 24 Hours San Francisco Hop-On, Hop-Off 
  • Free extra 24-hrs Ticket
  • Access to Red & Yellow Line
  • Audio commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean and Portuguese
  • 1 Hr Sunset Bus Tour
  • A courtesy shuttle transfers back to Union Square at the end of the Sunset Tour
  • Digital Walking Tour
  • Blazing Saddles Bike Rental Offer
  • Painted Ladies + Haight Ashbury Tour (Yellow Line)
     

Explore Ticket:

  • 48 Hours San Francisco Hop-On, Hop-Off
  • Free extra 24-hrs Ticket
  • Access to Red & Yellow Line
  • Audio commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean and Portuguese
  • Digital Walking Tour
  • 1 Hr Sunset Bus Tour
  • A courtesy shuttle transfers back to Union Square at the end of the Sunset Tour
  • Blazing Saddles Bike Rental Offer
  • Audio commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean and Portuguese
  • 60- Minutes Blue and Gold Bay Cruise

Exclusions

  • Hotel Transfers
  • Lunch
  • Entrance Fees (Unless Specified)

Redemption Info

  • Download the "Big Bus Tours APP" to see the most up to date bus stop locations, timings, live bus tracking and ticket redemption.
  • Activate your HOHO Bus Booking in one of the two ways :
    1. Download Big Bus App and use your booking confirmation number mentioned on your booking voucher to activate your HOHO Bus ticket when you're ready to travel. You can then board the bus from any of the stops.
    2. Present your paper or mobile voucher to a Big Bus staff member at any stop during operating hours.
  • All vouchers will now be valid for 06 months from the date of purchase.
  • Important Notes
    - Each group ticket must be used on a single device, and all travellers must stay together.
    - If you wish to travel separately, please print individual tickets before activation or contact us to split the booking.
    - Keep your phone charged. You’ll need to show your active ticket to board, and it will continue to work offline once activated.
  • The Rental Bike 1 Hour tour can be taken from 2715 Hyde Street or Pier 41, near Bus Stop#1
  • Redemption Instructions for Digital Chinal Town Walking Tour: Scan the QR Code at Stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center) and head to Stop # 3 (North Beach / Chinatown) to begin your tour.
  • Redemption instructions for the Bay Cruise: Before boarding your Blue & Gold Bay Cruise, please download your cruise ticket from our Booking Portal. If you do not download your entry pass, please redeem your booking confirmation with a Big Bus Tours staff member before your cruise. Head to the Blue & Gold Fleet Box Office located at Pier 39 to redeem and scan your ticket, arriving 30 minutes prior to your desired departure time.

Know Before You Go

  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Onboard Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Pets Allowed: No
  • Multiday tickets can only be used on consecutive days.
  • Complimentary ear phones are provided, or you are welcome to use your own wired earphones with a jack connector
  • Tours operate in all weather, rain or shine. Refunds due to weather will not be granted unless the service is suspended as a result of weather.
  • Disclaimer: Due to traffic issues, public holidays, weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances, there might be sudden changes in the route or in the schedule. Traffic congestion and road closures - may cause delays and changes to the route. We’ll do all we can to provide a smooth and frequent service! No refund will be offered for any changes or cancelations due to any unforeseen circumstances.
  • Important Instructions: We recommend our all passengers please try to board the bus at first stop if possible. During high season, specially on weekends, buses can be full, we advise you must wait for the next buses. NO REFUND possible in such conditions.
  • Free Bike Rental: Blazing Saddles offers Big Bus Tours customers 1 hour free with the purchase of a 1-hour bike rental. Cycle across San Francisco's stunning waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito. This deal is available from Blazing Saddles at any of their locations, including 2715 Hyde Street or Pier 41 near our Big Bus Stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center), where the team will equip you with all the necessary gear and explain how to make the most of cycling in San Francisco.

 

Redemption Instructions for Digital Chinal Town Walking Tour:
  • Scan the QR Code at Stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center) and head to Stop # 3 (North Beach / Chinatown) to begin your tour. You can start and pause your tour at any time! You can use it on your iPhone or Andriod device.
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
  • Languages Included: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese and Chinese.

Useful Downloads

Cancellation Policy

  • You must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
  • If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
  • Any modifications made less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
  • The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
  • This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.

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Overall rating

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Happy Customer Happy Customer Happy Customer Happy Customer

It was fun, to drive with the busses, use the stops for exploration of the city, the harbour, the golden gate.......

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D
Devingtel Sandra

Tourist

29 Sep 24

Good commentary and music ...

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J
Jose

Tourist

07 Jun 24

Muy buena. Quedamos satisfechos ...

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G
Gabriela Repiso

Tourist

04 Jun 24

It was a good experience, the bus frequency was really good, just the first boarding station has a longer wait, rest all...

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V
Vishesh Sardana

Tourist

05 May 24

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. On what days does the San Fransisco Big Bus tour operates?

Ans: San Fransisco Big Bus tours operates daily.

Q. How does the San Fransisco Big Bus tour work ?

Ans: When you make a purchase through our website, you will receive a confirmed booking voucher. Show the printed or smart voucher to staff at our bus stops. Your voucher will be exchanged for a ticket which must be kept until the end of the tour. As long as your ticket is still valid you can get on and off the bus as often as you like at any station along the route.

Q. From where can I board the San Fransisco Big Bus?

Ans: You have flexibility to Hop on or Hop off to any of the stop. To check the first stop please go through the information provided under each product.

Q. Are the Big Bus San Fransisco buses wheelchair / stroller accessible?

Ans: Yes, all of the Big Bus San Fransisco buses are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Every bus has a dedicated space for wheelchair and stroller on its lower deck. The upper deck on entire fleet is not accessible to the wheelchair or stroller.

Q. How many stops are there and what is their location ?

Ans: Big Bus San Fransisco stops are mentioned on the maps available under Useful Download section.

Q. What is the validity of San Fransisco Big Bus Hop-on-Hop-off?

Ans: San Fransisco Hop-On-Hop-Off buses are valid for 1 or 2 days, depending on your travel plan and length of your tour.

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