Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and is one of the largest cities in Australia. The metropolitan area contains countless landmarks such as the Opera House, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay Port. Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Sydney to see all the major attractions in one easy ride.

Learn about the history of the city as you enjoy an open-top excursion through Sydney and to the world-famous Bondi Beach.

Here's all you need to know about hop-on hop-off bus tours, one of the most marvelous sightseeing experiences in Sydney.

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

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours is considered the largest open-top sightseeing bus company in the world with locations in more than 20 cities and across four continents. With a fleet of hundreds of buses, the double-deckers are able to serve millions of travelers a year.

Route

Big Bus Tours offers two different routes for visitors — the City Tour or the red route, and the Bondi & Bays Tour or the blue route. Although the tours overlap, the blue route covers a much larger area and hits the Bondi Beach.

The red route includes 23 stops, including the world-famous Sydney Opera House, the Botanical Gardens, Sydney Fish Market and Chinatown. The blue route visits 10 stops along the beaches and bays of East Sydney with both lines sharing stops at Sydney Central Station, William Street and the Australian Museum.

Timetable

The hop-on hop-off bus tour runs Thursday through Monday with no service on Tuesday and Wednesday. The City Tour or red route begins a 9:30 AM from stop 1 with the last bus of the day departing at 2:45 PM. The entire circuit lasts 1.5 hours from start to finish and buses arrive every 45 minutes.

The Bondi Beach & Bays tour begins at 9:30 AM from stop 24 and the last bus departs from the same location at 1:30 PM. The entire circuit lasts 1.5 hours and buses leave once every 2 hours.

Tickets

Classic ticket: The Classic Ticket includes 1-day access to both the red and blue lines along with pre-recorded commentary along the way. The tour is redeemable for 24 hours and costs US$37 for adults and US$25 for kids.
Premium ticket: The Premium Ticket is a 2-day pass that includes both the red and blue lines with a pre-recorded commentary. Tickets can be redeemed within a 48-hour period and cost US$50 for adults and US$30 for kids.
Deluxe Ticket: The Deluxe Ticket includes 2-day access to both the red and blue lines, as well as admission to the Fantasea hop-on hop-off cruise. The pass offers entry into both the double-decker buses and the Manly Fast Ferry to glide across the harbor. Tickets cost US$56 for adults and US$37 for kids.
The ‘Big 5’ Ticket: This ticket includes a 1-day bus tour pass on both the red and blue lines, as well as entry into four of Sydney’s top landmarks. Enjoy access to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and the Sydney Tower Eye. Tickets for the ‘Big 5’ cost US$67 per adult and US$50 per child.

How does it work? What is included?

Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Sydney can begin at any of the 30 stops along the red and blue routes with a valid ticket. A complimentary audio guide is provided in eight different languages and a headset and route map will be provided upon arrival.

Most buses provide free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, as well as an open-air top deck for better viewing. Upon boarding, you will have the option to ride the entire 1.5-hour blue route or red route, or you can disembark at any of the stops to take a look at the city’s most popular landmarks or switch lines.

Deluxe tickets that include the hop-on hop off cruise will allow access to a relaxing boat ride through the Sydney Harbour National Park. You’ll see fantastic views of the city skyline, Opera House, beaches, national parks and more, while cruising through the port.

Deluxe hop-on hop-off bus tickets also provide entry to the Fast Ferry to explore the beach town of Manly. The ferry ride takes just 20 minutes from the Circular Quay stop and features stunning surf spots, restaurants and shops.

Travel tips

Purchase tickets ahead of your arrival to secure your tour and add ease to your travels.
Make sure to pack layers of clothing such as sweaters and light jackets, as the weather can reach highs and lows depending on the season.
Bring a camera to snap shots of world-renown landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Sydney