big bus tour san francisco reviews

Big Bus Tours

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Big Bus San Francisco: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Big Bus San Francisco: Guided Muir Woods Tour

Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus

San Francisco: 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Alcatraz Entry/Ferry

Big Bus San Francisco: Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Big Bus Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Big Bus Tours

• See all photos

Big Bus San Francisco: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Big Bus San Francisco: Guided Muir Woods Tour

Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus

San Francisco: 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Alcatraz Entry/Ferry

Big Bus San Francisco: Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Big Bus Tours Guide - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Big Bus Tours

• See all photos

Big Bus San Francisco: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Big Bus San Francisco: Guided Muir Woods Tour

Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus

San Francisco: 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Alcatraz Entry/Ferry

Big Bus San Francisco: Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Big Bus Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Big Bus San Francisco: Your Ultimate Hop-on Hop-off Guide

San Francisco, a city renowned for its iconic landmarks, stunning vistas, and diverse neighborhoods, begs to be explored. Yet, navigating its rich tapestry of attractions can be a daunting task. The solution? The Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour. This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the heart of San Francisco with Big Bus, ensuring you make the most of every moment in this vibrant city.

Big Bus San Francisco: Introduction

Hop-on hop-off tours in san francisco.

San Francisco’s charm lies in its eclectic mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. To fully experience this, Hop-on Hop-off (HoHo) Tours offer an ideal way to explore. These tours, operating in a loop, provide the flexibility to get off at various stops, immerse yourself in the local scene, and then hop back on the next bus to continue your adventure.

Why Choose Big Bus San Francisco?

In a city brimming with tour options, Big Bus stands tall as one of the premier HoHo tour providers in San Francisco. Renowned for its reliability, informative commentary, and exceptional service, Big Bus has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. To help you decide if it’s the right choice for you, you can always check out reviews on Google to hear the voices of fellow travelers. Taking the time to read these reviews can offer valuable insights into what each tour offers and help you make an informed decision.

Big Bus San Francisco: Route Overview

Before we delve into the details, let’s get a bird’s-eye view of the Big Bus route. Visualize your journey with this interactive map: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/san-francisco/san-francisco-routes-and-tour-maps

Recommended Stops and Activities

San Francisco’s list of must-see attractions is extensive, and Big Bus provides access to many of them. Here are some of the key stops we highly recommend for you to hop off at:

Golden Gate Bridge

Witnessing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is an essential part of any visit to San Francisco. The bridge’s distinctive red-orange hue against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and Marin Headlands is a sight to behold.

Activities:

• Walk or Bike Across: For a memorable experience, consider walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge. The pedestrian walkway offers breathtaking views and ample photo opportunities.
• Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center: Stop by the welcome center to learn about the history and engineering marvel of the bridge through informative exhibits.

Insider Tip: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to capture the bridge in different lighting conditions, and be sure to dress in layers as the weather can change rapidly.

Fisherman’s Wharf

View Stop: Fisherman’s Wharf is a lively waterfront district filled with activities and attractions.

• Pier 39: This bustling pier is home to the famous sea lions, a variety of shops, restaurants, and the Aquarium of the Bay.
• U.S.S. Pampanito Submarine: Step aboard this World War II submarine and experience life beneath the waves.
• Red and White – 1-Hour Bay Cruise: Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island for stunning views of the city.

Insider Tip: Try the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from one of the many seafood vendors for a taste of San Francisco’s culinary heritage.

Union Square

View Stop: Union Square is the heart of San Francisco’s shopping and cultural district.

• Shopping: Explore the numerous high-end boutiques, department stores, and designer shops surrounding the square.
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): Delve into contemporary art at SFMOMA, featuring an impressive collection of works from renowned artists.
• Theater District: Catch a Broadway show or a performance at one of the nearby theaters.

Insider Tip: Visit during the holiday season when Union Square transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink and festive decorations.

North Beach / Chinatown

View Stop: This stop offers stunning views and access to two distinct neighborhoods, North Beach and Chinatown.

• Coit Tower: Ascend Coit Tower for panoramic views of the city and the bay. The tower’s murals and history are equally captivating.
• North Beach: Explore the Italian charm of North Beach, known for its cafes, bakeries, and vibrant arts scene.
• Chinatown: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of one of the oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America.

Insider Tip: Stroll along Grant Avenue in Chinatown to discover hidden alleyways, herbal and tea shops, and authentic dim sum restaurants.

These are just a few of the remarkable stops along the Big Bus San Francisco route, each offering a unique and enriching experience. Whether you’re captivated by the architectural wonder of the Golden Gate Bridge, the maritime heritage of Fisherman’s Wharf, the cultural vibrancy of Union Square, or the diverse neighborhoods of North Beach and Chinatown, your journey with Big Bus will be filled with memorable moments.

Ready to embark on your San Francisco adventure with Big Bus? Don’t miss out on exploring the city’s iconic landmarks at your own pace. Book your tickets now and secure your spot on the ultimate Hop-on Hop-off experience!

Where to Sit for the Best Views

Part of the allure of the Big Bus tour is the panoramic views it offers. Here are some insider tips on where to sit for the best vantage points:

• Top Deck: Opt for the top deck for unobstructed, 360-degree views of the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods. It’s an excellent choice for photographers and anyone who wants the most immersive experience.
• Front Seats: For an up-close and personal view, choose front-row seats. You’ll feel like you’re driving the bus and have the chance to interact with the driver, who often shares fascinating tidbits about the city.

Big Bus San Francisco: Picking Up Your Bus

Convenience is a hallmark of Hop-on Hop-off tours, and Big Bus makes it effortless for you to join the adventure. Here’s the essential information you need on where and how to board your Big Bus:

Main Starting Point: The main starting point for Big Bus tours in San Francisco is typically at Fisherman’s Wharf, near the corner of Jefferson Street and Powell Street. Keep an eye out for the distinctive red double-decker buses.

Ticket Redemption: If you’ve purchased your tickets online, make sure to bring your confirmation or voucher to the ticket redemption point to exchange it for your physical tickets.

Frequency: Big Bus tours typically run at regular intervals throughout the day, making it convenient for you to join at your preferred time.

Ready to hop aboard? Plan your San Francisco adventure with Big Bus today. Click here to book your tickets and start your journey through the city’s iconic sights. Seize the moment and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Big Bus San Francisco: Day Tour vs. Night Tour

Big Bus offers two distinct tour options, each with its unique appeal:

• Ample Daylight: The day tour allows for excellent visibility and perfect photography conditions, ensuring you don’t miss a single landmark.
• Informative Commentary: Day tours are accompanied by informative commentary that provides fascinating insights into the city’s history and attractions.
• Stops at Major Attractions: The day tour route includes stops at major attractions, neighborhoods, and points of interest, giving you a well-rounded San Francisco experience.
• A Different Perspective: The night tour offers a unique perspective of San Francisco, as the city comes alive with a kaleidoscope of lights and vibrant nightlife.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: With a more relaxed pace compared to the day tour, the night tour allows you to savor the city’s beauty at your own leisure.
• Special Routes: The night tour often includes special routes designed to showcase San Francisco’s nighttime charm, making it an enchanting experience.

Big Bus San Francisco: Conclusion

In conclusion, the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour is your passport to explore San Francisco’s iconic landmarks at your own pace. With our recommended stops, seating tips, and insights into day and night tours, you’re well-equipped to plan an unforgettable adventure.

Don’t let the treasures of San Francisco remain undiscovered. Book your Big Bus adventure today and embark on a journey that will etch unforgettable memories in your heart.

With Big Bus, San Francisco is just a hop away: Book Now

In this guide, we’ve gone the extra mile to ensure your San Francisco adventure with Big Bus is not just memorable but also deeply enriching. With Big Bus as your guide, your San Francisco odyssey awaits. Safe travels, intrepid explorer!

Ready to explore San Francisco further? Join our Explore San Francisco Facebook Group to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share your experiences, and discover hidden gems in the city. Be a part of our vibrant community by joining here .

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Big Bus Tours San Francisco   Reviews

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Great option

We enjoy our experience during the day tours and also had a lot of fun with Blake during the night tour!

Date of experience : May 28, 2018

Good idea, but bottom level unventilated

This was a fun ride, but the bottom level of the bus was warm and not ventilated. Also, the seats were a little small. I visited San Francisco on an unusually warm day.

Date of experience : June 09, 2018

I recommend to anybody do this tour bus…

I recommend to anybody do this tour bus . You can cover all the tourist spots easily, Me and my sister had great time.

Date of experience : June 29, 2018

The guide was very rude to my 3 years…

The guide was very rude to my 3 years old autistic son he said to my son shut that f...CK of he was called Doug and I have his picture and I will report him

Date of experience : September 18, 2018

We have been on your Big Bus tours in…San Francisco

We have been on your Big Bus tours in New York and had a great experience...repeatedly. So, we thought we'd do the same thing in San Francisco as we only had a few days in the city and it's a great way to get a good overview. That was not to be...initially. We hopped on our first red line tour only to be driven around. There was no guide and no audio except for an endless loop of 30-second music over and over. The tour was a complete waste of time. We were so annoyed (as were the people in front of us) that we got off. We'd bought for the evening tour as well, but it was not clear that it had to be used within the same 24-hour period, which was not the case in NYC. When we inquired the next day, we were told that we could pay another $10 to extend our period by a further 24 hours, which we did as the previous day's tour was a waste of time and, now, we were potentially losing out on the night tour too. Given this, we redid the red line tour and had a guide this time. Greg was informative, but very dry and told French tourist kids on the bus to stop talking. Again, not like our previous experiences. Finally, that evening, we took the night tour and had a guide, Morgan, who was fantastic. He was informative, funny and very friendly. So, thanks to Morgan, we were left with a better feeling, but the other two tours were dismal at best.

Date of experience : May 17, 2018

ANTHONY and ALLIE were fantastic

ANTHONY and ALLIE were fantastic! Great tour, great driving through crazy streets, and they did not rush us, which was very nice :)

Date of experience : July 01, 2018

Covid & other rules not reinforced Dirty, Dirty!

We purchased Deluxe tickets paying approximately $150 for 2 for San Francisco CA. Upon arrival noticed that every single one of the kiosks or windows marked for big bus tours were closed and was early afternoon...then per the map and instructions received from an agent we were told the start time for the tour was 9 am but to arrive at 8 to start the line as it gets busy and that since it was the first day we had to get out tickets from a specific location (2 miles away from us) ...which we did to then find out early AM that they don't start until 10 am and we could've started at the location closest to our hotel.WOW!!! The tours were fine but not impressed with how the buses do not stop closer to each other in case you want to hop off and skip part of the tour (like in other cities) so you are always stuck taking the entire tour. MY MAIN CONCERN HAS TO DO WITH COVID PRECAUTIONS... Great job posting instructions about ALWAYS wearing a mask however the drivers did nothing to make sure the rule is enforced... you also do not provide disinfecting wipes for the headphone channel/volume base EVERYONE has to touch to start the pre recorded tour or make sure that everyone is sitting. Long story short we had a group of people STANDING behind us for an entire tour without masks and I even got into an argument with one of them when I finally got fed up of being touched/hit every time the bus stopped and this person hit me and my seat not to mentioned the fact that she was talking loudly over my head WITHOUT A MASK!!! We even went over very low areas that seemed very dangerous for anyone standing (not that I was worried about their safety at this point) but my point is that the driver did absolutely nothing to reinforce the supposed rules of no standing and always wearing a mask....I paid way too much to have someone basically spitting on me (until I moved) and not enjoy the night tour. Not impressed with Big Bus and even though I have used them in other cities I can honestly say I am done...

Date of experience : September 04, 2021

If there is a 0 star I will rate this…

If there is a 0 star I will rate this bus a 0. The whole ride was miserable! The employees were rude. First of all, people have to wait for 30 mins to 1 hr or more to hop on. For popular sites like Golden Gate bridge, expect to wait a little longer. They have a very disorganized system. They don't show a signboard to indicate where they are heading to nor a sign to areas where it indicates where people can wait for the next bus. If you are lucky , you will be able to wait in line for the right bus or right destination, There's a young woman employee with European accent who works in the area where bus originates at Jefferson and Mason Streets who was extremely rude. Also, there is an old man who is a tour guide named Bob, he was very rude. He should not be allowed to work there. If he is a tour guide , he should know how to interact properly with people of all ages. He was very rude to my family, he even rudely stopped a little girl who was just happily singing ( singing softly ) while in the bus. I wonder if he has kids or grand children , because he did not looked like he knew how to interact properly with children. I was disappointed that day we rode with big bus. There should be a better system and they should hire people who knows how to provide good customer service. I don't think I will ride this bus again .It will be better to ride an Uber or Lyft to avoid any misery. The big bus ride is not worth it. The price of $50-55 is a total rip off! Hire pleasant people to work because you are making a bad impression for San Francisco.

Date of experience : July 24, 2019

Big Bus Night/Day Tour

We had the night and day tour and it was great. The staffs that gave the tour was very knowledgable and very cheerful. We had alot of fun. All of the staffs on Big Bus Tours were super friendly and welcoming. The bus condition was also great. Comfy ;)

Date of experience : May 21, 2018

Excellent Tour Guide ,as we did the…

Excellent Tour Guide ,as we did the night tour it was very Chilly on upper deck but we enjoyed the tour.

Date of experience : October 01, 2019

Our hop on hop off tour of San Fran

Our hop on hop off tour of San Francisco was great. The tour guide offered a lot of information about the city, it’s history and sights to see.

Date of experience : March 28, 2019

The best way to explore SF

The best way to explore SF. Hop on and off with regular service made me explore the city the way i wanted to. I recommend this to everybody.

Big Bus was the best way to see San…great service

Big Bus was the best way to see San Francisco. I bought a 2 day ticket and used it to learn about the city as well as get around. Thanks for an excellent value! Purchased the ticket on line and got a discount. Well worth it.

Date of experience : September 11, 2019

You guys are the BEST!!

You guys are the BEST!!! Me and my friend had an Amazing vacation thanks to you very well organized always on time. Thank you Big bus

Date of experience : October 28, 2018

Once we got started everything was…

Once we got started everything was great.. We had to change buses in the beginning. The tour guide was great, bus driver was friendly, we enjoyed the tour. Yes I recommend Big Bus Tour!!

Date of experience : September 27, 2019

I would have given 5 stars if it was…

I would have given 5 stars if it was not for the problem with the bus. We went across the Golden Gate Bridge and then got on another bus. When we took off my wife comments is this bus going to make it back? We barley made it over the bridge and had to stop multiple times as it just didn’t want to go. At this point everyone was worried we would break down. When we got to the hills it was done. It took a whole green light just to make it through our last intersection and then when she tried to go again it just rolled backwards. Everyone one the bus was pretty worried about rolling back into traffic. And people where yelling to stop and let them off the bus. And it really didn’t help the panic that some people had. They finally gave up and told us another bus would pick us up. In about 5 more mins we got off the bus and onto another, it was kind of crowded but we didn’t leave anyone behind. We got back to the starting spot, but probably added 45mins to the trip. I know busses have problems but seemed they knew it was a clunker and I was a bit surprised they ran it that day. Otherwise a good trip around the city, but still not sure why they take you through the tenderloin district. It freaked out about as many people as the bus breaking down.

Date of experience : May 15, 2018

tour was not as advertised

tour was not as advertised, hope on hop off...buses too far apart...we waited over a hour at the big bus stop at the aquarium...wasted time

Date of experience : February 20, 2019

Bought the 2-day pass in early May

Bought the 2-day pass. Morning first day did the full circuit (red route) to get acquainted with the main sites. Note that if you board the bus at a point after the start of the route you need to get off bus at stop 1 and reboard another bus (at stop 1). I get the rationale for this but wasn’t expecting to have to change. Luckily there wasn’t a queue and we were able to board bus#2 and continue without waiting. Only disappointment was that we only had the pre-recorded commentary rather than a ‘live’ person, which is usually much more entertaining and informative (and up to date). And the quality of the audio was pretty poor (crackly and broken up lots of the time) After lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf got the bus again, this time with the intention of hopping on-and-off at places of interest. This time we did have a ‘live’ commentary on the first hop and he was very good - can’t remember his name (but he had lip piercings if that helps!) Entertaining and informative. Excellent. On the down side, don’t rely too much on the bus every 15-20 mins claim. We had that sometimes; but on others had to wait 30+ mins. Second day we did both the Sausalito tour and the night tour. The guy on the Sausalito tram was a bit of a character- good fun as well as informative. And takes a mean photo of you and yours with Golden Gate Bridge in background from the Sausalito side! The night tour was disappointing. It was cold in early May (don’t sit upstairs in early May is my advice!!) and the stop point to take photos across the bay to SF pretty uninspiring, but the biggest disappointment was the ‘live’ commentary. OK, I know I said earlier that live is better than pre-recorded- well, this is the exception to the rule- the young lady in this case (again, can’t remember the name) seemed more interested in polishing her improv act than imparting much of interest to us tourists from around the world. English is my first language so I ‘got it’ - but ‘it’ wasn’t very good and heaven knows what non native English speakers made of it all. So, a mixed bag really- get a good live commentary and it’s a 5 star; get the crackly pre-recorded one and have to wait 30 mins for a bus and it’s a 1. Get someone practicing for the Comedy Club when you’re upstairs on a cold SF May night and it’s 0.

Fun bus tour

It was a great bus tour. We went all over the place and the history was excellent. I got to take in the lot of nice pictures and enjoy the ride. The hop on hop off is great. Thank you I enjoyed my stay in San Francisco.

Date of experience : May 27, 2019

Very disorganized and unhelpful

Due to an event at the civic centre the closest stop to my hotel was not in use. However there was no sign at the stop to tell me this and I see on the bus GPS that the bus i was planning to catch had passed me. I called the head office and was told the bus would stop just around the corner and I was provided the cross street. I wait at the cross street and watch the buses on the GPS. Sure enough the next bus goes around me without coming anyway near the cross street I was told to wait at. At thIs point I decided to walk to the next stop. I phone again to verify that this would work and was told that that stop was also closed that day. Realizing the bus company wad completely disorganized I decided to go to the next stop anyway. I see on the GPS that a bus is heading to the next stop so I run to get there first. I arrive just before the bus and contrast to what I was told on the phone that stop was in operation. I get on about 3 hours after I arrived at the initial bus stop. I am only able to ride the bus for a short time before I have to go to my next appointment. The next day I go to the head office and ask for my money back. I fill out a form explaining the above and that I had very little time on the bus due to the miss information I was given. I get a refund a few weeks later but for only half the price I paid. Considering I lost almost the whole of my available time I think the least they could do was give me a full refund. I am very disappointed.

Date of experience : June 03, 2018