There is no better way to see the sights and sounds of the "City by the Bay" than by taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour in San Francisco.

On these open-air double-decker buses, you can choose between sitting on the top for a sky view or in the air-conditioned bottom while on your ride. Either way, you’ll catch unbeatable views of landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Madame Tussauds and more.

Below you’ll find everything you need to prepare for a hop-on hop-off bus experience, one of the most comfortable and extensive sightseeing tours in San Francisco.

What are the best hop-on hop-off San Francisco bus tours? What are their prices?

Skyline Sightseeing

Skyline Sightseeing has been operating in San Francisco since 1997 and has carried over 3 million passengers since. The company has mastered the hop-on hop-off bus ride, so choose their orange double-deckers for an exciting jaunt through San Francisco.

Route

There is one main route on the Skyline Sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour, though the company offers the option for a nighttime tour as well. Some tickets include both excursions, which offer slightly different views of the Bay Area.

The daytime route hits 20 major stops in San Francisco including important landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. You will begin downtown and travel the city’s almost 50 square miles before ending at Pier 39.

The nighttime Skyline Sightseeing tour is a great way to see San Francisco in a new dim light. This 60 to 90-minute bus ride will hit all the major stops that are better seen in the dark, including Nob Hill and the Bay Bridge.

Timetable

The Skyline Sightseeing tour runs every day of the week between 10 AM and 5 PM. Buses arrive at the stops every 30 to 60 minutes, allowing constant opportunities to catch a ride.

The entire hop-on hop-off tour takes approximately 2 hours if you choose to remain on the ride throughout the entire trip. The journey time will increase with however many stops you decide to take.

The nighttime tour begins every evening at 6:30 PM and lasts for 1 hour, not including stops.

Tickets

1-Day hop-on hop-off tour: This pass includes 20 stops and is valid for 24 hours. Adult tickets can be purchased for US$58.99 and for children US$48.99.
1-Day hop-on hop-off plus night tour: This ticket includes the 20 daytime stops as well as the nighttime tour. The pass will be valid for 24 hours and will cost US$66.99 per adult and US$58.99 per child.
2-Day hop-on hop-off plus night tour: This combination ticket includes 2 full days of bus access plus the nighttime tour. The pass is valid for 48 hours and is priced at US$78.99 per adult and US$68.99 per child.

Big Bus Tour

The Big Bus tour is the largest operator of hop-on hop-off bus tours in the world, with a presence in over 20 cities. These maroon and tan buses offer stunning views of San Francisco from either the top open deck or below.

Route

This hop-on hop-off tour also runs on two different routes, one for daytime and one for nighttime. The daytime route includes a journey across the Golden Gate Bridge, whereas the night route crosses over to Treasure Island for a breathtaking view of the West Coast city.

Timetable

The daytime Big Bus tour departs every day beginning at 10 AM and finishes at 5 PM. Buses arrive at each stop every 15 minutes which is really convenient if you wish to make plenty of quick stops for sightseeing or taking pictures.

The nighttime route begins at 6:30 PM and the ride lasts 1 hour from start to finish.

Tickets

1-Day hop-on hop-off tour: A classic ticket costs US$59 per adult and US$49 per child.
1-Day hop-on hop-off plus night tour: 1-day tour plus the night route cost US$67 per adult and US$59 per child.
2-Day hop-on hop-off plus night tour: A deluxe ticket that also incorporates the night tour will be priced at US$79 per adult and US$69 per child.
2-Day hop-on hop-off plus Alcatraz Island: For a premium ticket that includes a 2-day bus tour plus a stop at Alcatraz Island, you can expect to pay US$160 per adult.

San Francisco Deluxe Sightseeing Tours

San Francisco Deluxe Sightseeing Tours is a local company that was founded in 2007 and provides city excursions in a bright red double-decker bus.

Route

The Deluxe Sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour follows a similar route as its competitors, hitting 20 stops in the Bay Area. The company offers the Red Line that tours downtown and crosses the Golden Gate Bridge into Golden Gate Park, and the Purple Line which covers the same stops but also includes an evening tour.

Timetable

The Red Line runs every day from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM with the complete tour lasting 2 hours. The Purple Line runs from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM during the day and at night from 5:30 PM. The nighttime bus route lasts 1 hour from start to finish.

Tickets

Red Line: This excursion costs US$50 per adult and US$30 per child.
Purple Line plus night ride: This option costs US$45 per adult and US$25 per child.
Unlimited 2-day pass: A 2-day sightseeing ticket costs US$60 per adult and US$40 per child.

How do SF hop-on hop-off bus tours in San Francisco? What do they included?

Hop-on hop-off tours in San Francisco allow travelers to board and disembark at any stop along the route. After boarding, you have the option to ride the entire route or exit the bus at any stop that piques your interest.

Buses depart from all stops every 15 to 60 minutes depending on which company you choose. Most tours will include a detailed bus schedule to help on your adventure. A majority of bus companies will allow you to redeem your ticket at any date within a year of purchase.

Hop-on hop-off tours include a ticket to board the bus from any and all stops, a multi-lingual guide and headphones for your journey. You will also be provided a route map upon boarding.

Most buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning to make your ride more enjoyable. Tours in San Francisco specifically will also include a free city bike rental that is available for redemption after your bus ticket has been purchased.

Are there any combined tickets including hop-on hop-off bus tours?

Day tour or 2-Day tour plus Alcatraz

Big Bus offers a one or 2-day tour that includes a trip to Alcatraz Island. The infamous prison has appeared in film and literature for years as over 30 prisoners have attempted to escape. These excursions will include a tour of the penitentiary's harrowing halls.

Day tour or 2-Day tour plus Muir Woods

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to explore the ancient redwood forest of Muir Woods. You’ll enjoy a 3.5-hour tour of the beautiful woodland before returning to San Francisco for a hop-on hop-off adventure of the city sights. Some excursions also include a visit to the charming town of Sausalito.

Day tour plus bay cruise

Some hop-on hop-off bus tours will include a boat tour of the San Francisco bay where you’ll sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge for unbeatable views of the city skyline. The 60-minute boat tour will also coast by famous stops such as the sea lions at Pier 39.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in San Francisco?

Walking tours in San Francisco
City tours in San Francisco
Free walking tours in San Francisco
Segway tours in San Francisco
Ghost tours in San Francisco

Travel tips

Summer weather in San Francisco is breezy and not too hot, but winters can be cold and rainy. If you visit in the wet season, make sure to bring along an umbrella and raincoat.
Purchase your hop-on hop-off bus tickets ahead of time to ensure an easy and expedited boarding process.
Choose a seat on the top deck for incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in San Francisco