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Best Rated New York Bus Tours and Sightseeing Packages

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• Included Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Downtown
• Hop-On Hop-Off Uptown
• Statue of Liberty Cruise
• Central Park Bike Rental
• Brooklyn Tour (Open Top Bus)
• Museum of the City of New York
• Skyscraper Museum
• Night Tour with Entertaining Host
• Harry Potter Store - Free Tankard of Butterbeer
• Extra Features
• Mobile boarding
• Movies & Celebrities audio channel

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Our tours are created by a team of local experts who know NYC inside out. We’ve got New York City covered: Downtown, Uptown, as well as The Night Tour–If it’s worth seeing–our hop-on hop-off NYC bus tours go there!

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New York Bus City Tours and Manhattan Sightseeing Guided by Local Experts

TopView ® offers the best New York sightseeing bus tours led by local experts so you won't miss the most important attractions. On our NYC bus tours, hop on, hop off, and take time to enjoy all of the different places to visit in New York City. We have dozens of hop-on hop-off bus tour stops near all major points of interest. Our New York sightseeing bus will take you by all of the biggest NYC attractions!

5 Best Routes for Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tours in NYC

We have five New York tours that allow you to experience the best of New York City, including two hop-on hop-off NYC bus tours, Downtown and Uptown, along with Brooklyn, and an exciting Night Tour route! While enjoying our NYC bus tours, hop on or hop off to take part in the excitement, explore the sights, and make the most of your visit. We'll make sure you hit every stop on your list of NYC attractions to see and give you plenty of Instagram-worthy views from atop our NYC sightseeing bus!

What Is There to Do in New York? Top Manhattan Attractions

Our hop-on hop-off NYC tours can take you to the top of Manhattan and back again, stopping at some of the most famous sites in New York City, NY. Here are a few examples of city locations you can see on an NYC sightseeing bus around Manhattan:

• Rockefeller Center
• Times Square
• Empire State Building
• Flatiron Building
• Union Square
• Washington Square Park
• Battery Park
• Garment District

Our New York tours and sightseeing packages include multi-day passes and 24-hour passes as well as individual hop-on hop-off and nonstop double-decker tours. We offer plenty of choices so you can customize your New York City tours any way you want, and our flexible ticketing means that you can buy your tickets online now without having to plan a set schedule: Once you book your tour or package, you'll have twelve months to exchange your online booking confirmation for a boarding ticket. And our buses run seven days a week, 365 days a year, in any kind of weather, so no matter when you choose to visit New York City, we can help you make the most of your trip. Whether you want a day trip or simply to see the city sights at nighttime, you will find a TopView ® sightseeing pass that fits your needs.

Rain or Shine Manhattan Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours

Learn more about the history, culture, and architecture of this one-of-a-kind city with our audio narration. Our big bus tour is available in 11 languages, with free earphones provided. And this isn't the only perk we offer! Our New York tours also provide free ponchos for rainy days.

Two Million and Counting Passengers on the Best Sightseeing Double-Decker Bus Tour in NYC

No matter your travel style, an adventure with TopView Sightseeing ® will add convenience and comfort to your trip. More than two million people have already discovered why TopView ® is the best choice for Big Apple sightseeing. For the best NYC bus tours at the best prices, book with us today!

Bike Rentals and Other Popular New York City Attractions

When you book our New York City tours as part of a complete All City package, we also include a 2-hour extension to any bike rental purchase, so you can cruise Central Park the way it was meant to be enjoyed, as well as free admission to the Museum of the City of New York . You can also enjoy a Liberty Cruise of New York Harbor and get close-up views of the Statue of Liberty. You know you want a selfie with Lady Liberty!

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Hop On Hop Off in NYC

The efficient way to see the city.

Taking a taxi or the subway around the city to get every attraction you want to visit, is not only expensive but you don’t end up seeing much of New York City itself. Hop-on Hop-off bus tours are great for exactly this reason, you can jump on or off whenever you want to. This way you discover the city from a completely new perspective while getting where you want to go. 

You'll also love this:

• The 3 Absolute Best Night Bus Tours in NYC
• Fun Things to Do in New York at Night

Table of Contents

Hop-on Hop-off Providers and Routes

There are four different operators of Hop-on Hop-off tours in New York. The two most popular providers are TopView Sightseeing (operate the red&white buses) and Big Bus (which use the dark red buses). These two providers have the largest fleet of buses and drive the routes at regular intervals. While these two operators do have slightly more busses meaning that you won’t have to wait as long at the stops, all of the hop on hop off bus tours on offer drive similar routes along with the same attractions.

IMPORTANT: Even though the hop on hop off buses pass most major attractions along their routes, they are not suited for regular transportation within the city. For simply getting from A to B, the subway is a much better choice.

Hop-on Hop off Buses are great if you want to see a lot in little time

Overview of all Hop-on-Hop-off Loops

Both of the operators of the Hop-on-Hop-off tours are fairly comparable, the only difference being the higher popularity of the Big Bus tours. All hop-on-hop-off tours providers offer the same loops: Downtown, Uptown, Brooklyn, and the evening/night tour.

• Downtown Loop (2 hours)

The most popular tour is the Downtown loop. This tour includes sights such as Times Square, Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, SoHo , Battery Park, Radio City Music Hall, Little Italy, Wall Street, the Financial District, Lower East Side, the United Nations Building, Rockefeller Center, Carnegie Hall and many more.

• Uptown Loop (2 hours)

The Uptown loop takes you to the north of Manhattan. You will cross famous 5th Avenue, drive along Central Park in the direction of Harlem , and will see many other attractions on this tour including Lincoln Center, American Museum of Natural History, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Grant’s Tomb, Apollo Theater, Harlem Market, The Museum Mile, the Guggenheim, and the Metropolitan Museum.

You can check out the Uptown and Downtown loops plotted on the map below. This way you can check what attractions along the way you want to see along with where you might want to stop to explore.

• Brooklyn Loop (2 hours)

The third option is the Brooklyn Loop. On this route, you will see the best spots of this beloved borough, for example, the Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Antique Furniture District, Fulton Mall, the Brooklyn Museum, and many others. The new departure point for the tour is Old Fulton Street by Prospect Street in Brooklyn. It no longer connects to any loops in Manhattan.

• Night Tour (2.5 hours)

The fourth tour is the Evening/Night Tour. This hop-on-hop-off bus tour through NYC is also very popular because seeing New York at twilight and at night is truly something special. You will drive by all relevant attractions: you will have a chance to see Times Square and its nighttime glow, the Empire State Building, Central Park,  Greenwich Village , SoHo, Chinatown, and Little Italy.

• Harlem Tour (1.5 hours)

You can also take the Harlem/Bronx Tour. This tour will take you way up to the northern part of New York City and covers such great sights as the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market, Sylvia’s & Red Rooster Lenox Lounge, the Harlem neighborhoods, and the Yankee Stadium.

Tickets for Hop-on Hop-off in NYC

Before purchasing your hop-on-hop-off tickets, you should first find out whether your sightseeing pass already includes tickets. Here’s an overview of what sightseeing pass includes what loops, for how long and by which provider:

Compare Passes

Should you not want to make use of a sightseeing pass, you can find all ticket options by the two major providers, Big Bus and TopView Sightseeing. Note that all tours are offered in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese!

1. Big Bus Ticket Options

• Classic (1 day) : Uptown, Downtown
• Premium (2 days) : Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn, Harlem, Night Tour
• Deluxe (2 days) : Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn, Harlem, Night Tour, Sightseeing Cruise, Empire State Building Admission

2. TopView Ticket Options

• 1 Day: Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn, Night Tour, Cruise
• 2 Days: Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn, Night Tour, Cruise
• 3 Days: Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn, Night Tour, Cruise
• New York Sightseeing Ferry: Hop-on Hop-off ferry
• Night Tour only: Hop-on Hop-off bus tour at night

You can even add attractions to those ticket options!

Bus tickets with attractions

Where can I get a good deal on hop-on-hop-off bus tickets?

It is best to buy tickets online . They are cheaper if you buy them online in comparison to at the ticket counter (this is due to the fact that if you buy in advance, the operator can plan ahead). Buying tickets online is secure and fast. First, you choose the date you want to take a tour, and how many people will be on the tour. Then you choose which route you would like to book. You will be sent a voucher that you can redeem at any of the bus stops to hop on the bus!

The Absolute Best Night Bus Tours in NYC

Fun Things To Do in New York At Night

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour

• Get around bustling and congested NYC easily
• Explore New York City at your own pace and create your own itinerary 
• Choose from multiple ticket options to fit your wants and needs
• See many of the city's top attractions, all in one accessible tour
• Hop-on hop-off, open-top, sightseeing bus tour
• Live bus tracking through Big Bus app
• 2 Routes - Uptown (red route) and Downtown (blue route)
• Audio-guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and German
• On selected tickets 1-hr free bike rental with a purchase of 1-hr from Unlimited Biking
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• 1 day tickets will be valid for same day use. Tickets with multiple days must be used consecutively.
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Getaway43773157137 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Ripped off $60.00 I purchased the tickets for the bus and for the city line cruise to the statue. By the time we got down to the cruise, they were sold out and we could not get our tickets. The big bus tour will not give us a refund for that cost, which cost me over $60.00. I feel I was scammed as they did not tell us this could happen. We waited over 30 min to get on a bus at each stop because the buses were full. We were not able to see very much and could of gone on the subway cheaper and faster and saw everything. I would not recommend. Read more Written April 3, 2024
• jaimee647 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Ise another provider Hear me out, sight seeing busses, with covered windows. Yes, they wrapped the busses with movie advertising and you can’t see outside. Packed busses, so we had no option but to go below deck. Horrible idea Read more Written March 30, 2024
• OnAir51042744549 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Not the best Recommend not booking in advance unless you are certain you can use the service. If something happens and you can't use it on your day/days, all you get is a raincheck...next time your on a town they offer service in. Subways are faster and cheaper by far... Read more Written March 28, 2024
• Cruiser674036 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Wrong address given to us We booked the big bus tour through trip advisor. Trip advisor gave us the wrong address for meeting point, so we missed the tour. The bus left from 7th avenue outside M&Ms store - we were given the address 1600 Broadway. We were very disappointed as we’d been looking forward to the tour We did get a full refund Read more Written March 4, 2024
• Q5684RGjohnp 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Night tour So only thing was the guys trying to bug you to buy tickets all the time and say its only 19 dollars then to find out they add 10 dollars on top of the price 😆. So we done the night tour which left at times square you book your time we 20:30 it's a 90 minute trip around new york and across the bridge. I can't fault it it surprise me really enough it. Especially at night yes it was cold but what to expect in February. It was a non stop by the way no you can't hop on and off which I thought was a good idea for a night special. The lady doing the chatting on the mic was really down to eath explaining everything to us and telling us history of the city I didn't know, because we sat at top right at the back she always made sure we was ok due to it being cold. Read more Written February 11, 2024
• vanesacN8543YW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sightseeing tour guide Sean H was great! Learned a lot on this tour. It was very cold but the views were absolutely amazing. Would do it again. Read more Written February 5, 2024
• ignasioc2023 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles The tour was mid The trip was okay. The tour took you around many places in nyc and Brooklyn but unfortunately the guide didn’t speak much on the landmarks. Read more Written January 15, 2024
• 4TravelApps 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Holiday Lights Tour We did this tour to see the holiday lights in NYC. It was a great way to get around the city in a short amount of time. My parents are older, so they would not have been able to walk to see everything. It was great! Read more Written January 6, 2024
• mem78 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Not a Great Service The commentary was stupid did not tell you what was at each stop. Had map but each stop was not marked on street sign We and many other people missed there stops and I noticed other buses had people telling them about the trip they were on I have been on this service in many countries and even New York before but is not the same service maybe result of Covid Read more Written December 31, 2023
• 601lannyn 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Stay away from this company! Biggest con This company is a rip-off! Paid usd144 per person for hop-on, hop-off, choice of over 100 sightseeing for 1 day. Long waits to get on bus, traffic slow and by the time you want to go to statue of liberty, waiting in line we were told, due to being so busy we were not allowed to use our voucher ( which the company knew about) then to world Trade Center tower to find out we can only use our voucher at 7.30pm, or pay more if we want to go at 5.30pm, still almost 3 hours away. Same drama at Empire State Building. This company should not sell this ticket during busy times as you are not able to see all the popular sightseeings. With all the traffic delays and getting to places we run out of time to see anything. So we only were able to do 3 trips with this bus for usd144 per person, which is the biggest con ever. We tried to talk to them but no refund! I will advise all my clients at travel agency in Australia not to use this bus company! Read more Written December 31, 2023
• Kingsroute_team 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip with Santana I think I was pretty lucky I got on a bus driven by Santana, she made the experience special. She did her job great. She shared a lot of local know how while placing safety of the passangers to the first place. Read more Written December 21, 2023
• candicern2011 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Santana is the bomb! 💣 Santana was the best driver that we had. We got on her bus multiple times and she went above and beyond to make sure we knew what was around us and the history of NYC! She also was funny and had a great personality. Your other drivers were not as friendly and did not speak! Santana was the bomb!!! Read more Written December 18, 2023
• Edward M 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Tour for ten year olds - sadly cr*p. Had good experiences elsewhere but this was, sadly, cr*p. Earphone guide talked as if for a ten year old. It was mostly really bad music and occasionally voices would intervene to give more childish banter, usually after we’d gone past the site. Really awful - sorry. If you’re in NY, look elsewhere…. Read more Written December 7, 2023
• Mobile47145887373 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointed Organisation was terrible nobody to explain where and when to get off the bus or which bus was needed we didn't get to any of our intended stops due to poor organisation and the lack of communication, the so called commentary about where and when attractions are was none existent, altogether very poor show and would not recommend to anybody it ends up being an expensive bus ride.... Read more Written December 6, 2023
• Suzanne B 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Our driver Santana made this trip memorable Our driver Santana went above and beyond to explain, help and entertain! She kept us smiling despite the dreadful traffic and rain. Read more Written December 4, 2023

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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Explore NYC with our top-rated New York bus tours. Our hop on hop off bus tours are designed to take you on a journey through some of the most iconic spots in New York while allowing you to see the sights at your own pace. Each tour is designed to showcase the best of New York City, from its bustling streets to its towering skyscrapers. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our NYC tours provide a unique perspective of the Big Apple. Get ready to experience New York like never before! From Times Square and the Empire State Building to Central Park, our hop on hop off bus tours in New York offer an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

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The 5 Best NYC Bus Tours for 2024

Let a trained driver worry about the traffic while you enjoy the Big Apple's best sights.

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As one of the largest cities in the world, New York City has so much to see and do. That's why many visitors start their trip off with a bus tour to see iconic sights and neighborhoods and get the lay of the land. To help you find the tour that's best for you, U.S. News reviewed traveler sentiment and expert input to determine the top New York bus tours. Read our suggestions below for some of the best bus tours you can book for your next trip to the City That Never Sleeps.

Big Bus Tours

Price: Adults from $80; kids from $70 Duration: 75 to 90 minutes

Big Bus New York offers a hop-on, hop-off tour that features 18 stops at major attractions like Bryant Park, Broadway and St. Patrick's Cathedral, with prerecorded commentary provided along the way. Double-decker buses frequent stops every 20 minutes on the Red Line (which runs through downtown) and every 30 minutes on uptown's Blue Line. The Essential Ticket, which is valid for one day, grants you access to the 90-minute downtown and 75-minute uptown routes and lets you add on extras like tickets for Madame Tussauds, the Empire State Building or a harbor cruise. Big Bus New York is a hit with travelers who appreciate the ability to tailor tours to their interests. Others bemoaned the overcrowded buses and long wait times.

You can also book a Discover Ticket, which explores famous landmarks downtown, or an Explore Ticket, which is a two-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour experience. Big Bus Tours also operates a seasonal night tour.

Check prices & availability on:

A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours – The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $95 Duration: 4.5 hours

Brooklyn has so much to see and do – and eat! The Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour, which reviewers describe as a great experience with even better pizza, lasts 4.5 hours and takes travelers throughout the borough to sample delicious slices from places like Grimaldi's and L&B Spumoni Gardens. You'll also see filming locations for movies like "Saturday Night Fever" and "Goodfellas."

Ticket prices include lunch. Tours are available Friday through Monday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. A Slice of Brooklyn also leads a seasonal tour exploring Dyker Heights' Christmas lights , among other options.

On Location Tours – "Sex and the City" Hotspots Tour

Price: From $66 Duration: 3.5 hours

Fans of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda can relive all their favorite "Sex and the City" moments during this New York bus tour, which features more than 40 popular locations from the show and movies. During the tour, you'll view iconic filming locations, walk past Carrie Bradshaw's brownstone apartment, sample cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery, drink a cosmopolitan (if you wish) and shop in Greenwich Village. Plus, you'll visit stops from the reboot "And Just Like That," including Bergdorf Goodman and Chelsea Market. Reviewers peg this tour as fun and fabulous.

Tourgoers can pay another $10 for priority seating. Participants must be 18 or older. Tours generally depart Thursday to Sunday at 2 p.m., though additional days may be available during the summer months. On Location Tours operates other filming locations tours for shows and movies, including "Gossip Girl," "The Sopranos" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," among others.

USA Guided Tours – Discover NY Tour

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $89 Duration: 6 hours

On this full-day tour, you'll drive through some of the city's most famous neighborhoods and most-visited areas. You'll have your choice of a traditional bus or a bus with either a glass top or a convertible top. Regardless of the vehicle, enjoy the expert commentary and a history lesson from your tour guide as you cruise past Times Square, Madison Square Park, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and more. A 15-minute stroll through each of the main stops is included, as is a boat cruise that takes you to see the famous NYC skyline. Many travelers call this tour fantastic and a must-do in New York.

Tours depart at 9 and 10 a.m. daily. USA Guided Tours also offers a night tour of the Big Apple.

Hush Hip Hop Tours – Birthplace of Hip Hop

Price: Adults from $79.99; kids from $58 Duration: 3 hours

Travelers routinely praise the Birthplace of Hip Hop tour not only for its cultural lessons about Harlem, but also for the informative guides who explain the history of hip-hop music. During this tour, you'll see famous clubs, murals dedicated to artists and the Apollo Theater. Plus, you'll get to observe a dance session and show off your moves.

Outings run Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Hush Hip Hop Tours also operates walking tours of Harlem and Brooklyn, among others.

Check prices & availability on:  

Interested in more New York City tours? Check out the:

• Best New York City Tours
• Best New York City Food Tours
• Best Statue of Liberty Tours
• Best New York City Boat Tours
• Best New York City Walking Tours

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3 Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in NYC

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 3 Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in NYC

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There are several hop-on-hop-off bus tours in New York City that maximize your time and help you see dozens of attractions in one day. These bus rides are among the best tours in NYC because they allow you to take the bus all over the city as well as get on and off at your own pace. It may seem as a more expensive way of transportation in NYC , but will save you a lot of time while exploring the city, what it’s crucial if you have just 2 days in New York City .

These hop-on hop-off New York Big Bus tours also include narrated commentary in several languages, so you can listen to interesting facts about key landmarks while you ride past them. When you see something you’d like to explore, hop off and check it out. The bus will come around again, and you can hop back on to continue the route.

This type of bus tour is especially helpful for families with kids since they can do lots of sightseeing while saving time and money. Kids get tired and bored easily, so don’t waste money paying for admission to an attraction you’ll only spend a few minutes at!

In a nutshell, these are the top three sightseeing bus tours in Manhattan :

• Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Tour
• NYC Sightseeing Bus (Grayline bus tour)
• TopView NYC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Before we dive in, I want to tell you that several New York city passes , like the NY Sightseeing Pass and the New York Pass , include New York Big Bus tickets .

1. Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, the best hop-on hop-off bus tour in NYC

First, the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is one of the most popular tours in the city. I recommend it, especially during 3-day NYC itineraries , since it will allow you to see most landmarks in a short period of time. These daily tours offer commentary in several languages, as well as a Downtown and Uptown route. Your ticket includes access to both routes, although you can choose a 1, 2, or 3-day pass, or a Downtown-only or Uptown-only ticket.

There is also a mobile app where you can keep track of bus arrivals, view New York Big Bus maps , and get sightseeing recommendations. Enjoy the ride through NYC and hop off at any stop that interests you. The bus goes past the Brooklyn Bridge, Chinatown, the Empire State Building, and other popular places in Manhattan .

Big Bus NYC ticket prices

Big Bus New York tic kets  are included in the  New York Pass , but if you’re not interested in this city pass, here are the price breakdowns:

• Classic ticket  (1 day): $54 for adults, $45 for children
• Premium ticket  (2 days): $72 for adults, $63 for children
• Deluxe ticket  (3 days): $90 for adults, $81 for children
• Downtown-only ticket : $45
• Uptown-only ticket : $45

The Premium and Deluxe tickets include a bike rental discount so you can use one of your days to bike around the city.

You can also get combo  Big Bus New York passes  that include the hop-on hop-off bus and admission to a premium attraction, like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, or the 9/11 Museum. These range from $69 to $109.

Big Bus NYC tour schedule

NYC’s Big Bus hours  depend on which route you take. The Red (Downtown) Route runs from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with departures every 15-20 minutes. The full circuit takes about 90 minutes.

The Blue (Uptown) Route runs from 10 am to 4 pm, with departures every hour. The full circuit takes about 75 minutes.

Big Bus New York stops

The  New York Big Bus sightseeing tour  offers two routes past NYC’s top attractions. Both the Downtown Loop and the Uptown Loop are included in your ticket.

Red (Downtown) Route :

• M&M’s World
• Times Square East
• Empire State Building/Koreatown
• Flatiron District
• Chinatown/Little Italy
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Wall Street/Charging Bull
• Battery Park
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum/Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Blue (Uptown) Route :

• Times Square North
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Central Park/Strawberry Fields
• Columbus Circle

Big Bus New York map

You can see a  map of New York’s Big Bus  tour stops below:

2. NYC City Sightseeing Bus (Grayline bus tour), a great NYC hop-on hop-off bus tour

NYC’s Grayline Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is another worthwhile tour that goes through Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Harlem. This is one of the best open-top buses in New York because it grants you panoramic views of top attractions like the Rockefeller Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. It also goes past some of the best museums in NYC , like The Met, the Guggenheim, and the 9/11 Museum.

New York City’s Grayline tours include audio narration in 11 languages, including English, Spanish, and French. The company also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour, as well as an accompanying mobile app with updates and bus routes. Also, the bus stops by several hotels, so it can be a convenient option if you’re staying in the heart of the city.

NYC City Sightseeing ticket prices

This New York City hop-on hop-off bus tour has two ticket options, both of which are valid for one day. The Essential ticket includes the Downtown and Uptown routes, while the Iconic ticket only includes the Downtown route.

• Iconic ticket (Downtown-only): $49
• Essential ticket (Downtown & Uptown): $59

NYC City Sightseeing schedule

New York’s Grayline hop-on hop-off bus runs every day from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with departures occurring every hour. The Downtown Loop takes about 2 hours, while the Downtown/Uptown Loop takes around 3 hours.

NYC bus hop-on hop-off stops

This New York sightseeing bus covers a lot of ground, so check out the Downtown and Uptown Loop routes below.

Downtown Loop :

• Times Square South
• Empire State Building
• Union Square
• Greenwich Village
• City Hall (One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge)
• South Street Seaport
• Lower East Side
• East Village
• United Nations
• Waldorf Astoria Hotel
• Rockefeller Center/Radio City Music Hall
• Winter Garden Theatre
• Central Park
• Park Central Hotel

Uptown Loop :

• Hell’s Kitchen
• Restaurant Row
• Theatre District South
• Theatre District North
• Lincoln Center
• The Dakota/Strawberry Fields
• American Museum of Natural History
• Hotel Newton
• Upper West Side
• Cathedral of St. John the Divine
• Grant’s Tomb
• Apollo Theater
• Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market
• Museum of the City of New York
• Smithsonian Museum of Design/Jewish Museum
• Frick Collection
• Central Park Zoo
• Central Park South

City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off New York map

Here is a Grayline Bus Tours NYC map showing both the Downtown and Uptown stops:

3. TopView NYC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, another good hop-on hop-off bus tour in NYC

A third option is this TopView NYC bus tour, which offers routes through Downtown, Uptown, Harlem, and Brooklyn. You can even book a Statue of Liberty cruise or take the tour at night. The multi-day passes are a great deal since they include the cruise and discounts at several attractions.

This is one of the best hop-on-hop-off bus tours in NYC if you want to see a wide variety of attractions across the city’s different neighborhoods. Among the sites you’ll visit, you can stop at the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, and some of NYC’s top parks , including Union Square and Columbus Circle.

These New York City hop-on hop-off bus tours operate daily and include free onboard Wi-Fi and audio narration in 11 languages. Once you book, you can use your ticket any time in the next 12 months. I also recommend downloading the accompanying app to see a live map with up-to-date arrivals and departures.

TopView NYC hop-on hop-off bus ticket prices

The TopView New York City shuttle bus has 1, 2, and 3-day passes that include the Downtown Loop and the Uptown/Harlem Loop. The 2 and 3-day passes also include the Statue of Liberty cruise, the Brooklyn route, admission to the Museum of the City of New York, and a Central Park bike rental discount.

You can also purchase a night tour pass if you’d like to explore downtown NYC after dark. Below are the ticket prices for the night tour, the 1-day pass, and the multi-day passes:

• 1-day pass : $49 for adults, $39 for children
• 2-day pass : $55 for adults, $21 for children
• 3-day pass : $65 for adults, $28 for children
• Night tour pass : $29

TopView NYC hop-on hop-off bus schedule

The TopView New York double-decker bus runs every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The loop takes 2-2.5 hours to complete.

TopView NYC bus stops

This is one of the best bus tours in New York because you can choose from several loops around the city. Below are the different routes and their respective stops:

Downtown Route :

• Times Square
• Rockefeller Center
• Flatiron Building
• Madison Square Garden
• Washington Square Park
• Little Italy
• Charging Bull
• One World Trade Center

Uptown/Harlem Route :

• Carnegie Hall
• Jose de San Martin Monument
• Guggenheim Museum
• The Plaza Hotel
• General William Tecumseh Sherman Monument

Night Tour Route :

• 5th Avenue/City Hall
• Manhattan Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal

Brooklyn Route :

• Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Antique Furniture District
• Grand Army Plaza
• Barclays Center
• Brooklyn Museum

NYC bus hop-on hop-off map

You can see this tour’s routes and stops on this hop-on-hop-off New York map :

New York bus hop-on hop-off map

Which NYC hop-on hop-off bus tour is best?

Now that you’ve read about the 3 best double-decker bus tours in New York , you have a better idea of which one suits your preferences. If you’re still unsure, here is a comparison chart with the NYC bus tour prices , ticket options, and stops.

For the price comparison, we have used the basic ticket including the downtown and uptown routes.

* Included only in 2-day and 3-day tickets

I hope you found a hop-on hop-off bus tour in NYC you’d like to do! One last thing I’ll mention is that we have a complete guide with tourist maps of NYC , so you can see the locations of all the attractions you’re most interested in.

Of course, don’t hesitate to leave me any questions or comments below. I’ll be happy to answer you! Until then, have a great time exploring New York City!

Don't miss a 5% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

Ascen Aynat

22 replies on “ 3 Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in NYC ”

Hi, Are we able to get off the buss and then catch the next one if we want to go and view something or have lunch etc.

Hi Erich, Yes! The hop-on hop-off buses in NYC repeat the same route all day, so you can hop off at any stop, go sightseeing, then hop on the next bus. Ascen

I appreciate all the information you posted. It’s really helpful, just curious on the different issues I’ve heard about the buses always being late or un-organized. Is this true or just some disappointed people?

Hi Travis, Thanks for reading! Hop-on/hop-off buses are always a bit tricky because some tour guides let you linger at certain stops for a bit longer. But, in general, I’ve found them to be pretty reliable in terms of following the posted schedule.

Hi, does any of the buses makes a stop in Harlem?

Hi Carla, Yes! The Big Bus Tour has a route that goes into Harlem. The Grayline Bus Tour and the Topview Bus Tour both have a loop that goes through Upper Manhattan, including Harlem, as well as a route goes through Harlem and a bit of The Bronx. I hope this helps! 🙂

I want to visit the garment district wheee is that located

Hi Lynn, The Garment District is in Midtown, specifically between 6th and 9th Avenues and 34th and 42nd Streets. So, it’s conveniently located near some of Manhattan’s best attractions ! 🙂

Do any of the hop on hop off bus tours in NYC offer a person giving live commentary or does everyone use digital?

Hi there, All of the hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC that are mentioned in this guide use informative audio recordings.

I’ll be traveling with my SIL in October 2023. Do all the Hop On-Hop Off buses include uptown and downtown routes with a ticket, or does each route have to be purchased separately? We’re interested in seeing the Met museum and Union Square Park, among other things. Thanks!

Yes, typically they have an Uptown route and a Downtown route, with tickets sold separately. If you want to see the most popular attractions in Manhattan , then the New York Big Bus tour is a good option. It has a route that goes through Lower Manhattan and Midtown, so you’ll hit many of the hotspots. –

Thank you for this information. This is the only site I found that shows a comparison of the TOP 3 Bus Tours. Are these prices up to date and could you provide a link to these offers?

Hi Hugo, Thanks for reading! Yes, the prices are up-to-date. To see the NYC bus tour prices, just click the button links in the article.

Good evening, Which bus do you recommend for Statue of Liberty, Harlem, Vanderbilt, 9/11, Brooklynn & SoHo?

Hi Tam, Each of these hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC have bus loops that go to these locations. The only exception is Harlem, which is usually on a different loop. So, I would look at each bus company’s route map (in this article) and compare prices to help you decide which one to go with. There’s no wrong choice. 🙂

Hi Ascen, I can’t find the website of Sightseeing Greyline NYC doubledeckers. Do they still operate?

Hi Elena, Yes, Grayline still operates as one of the best sightseeing buses in Manhattan. You should be able to see ticket prices here .

New York trip in September, when should I purchase tickets for 4 adults? I want to wait until the latest possible date but still be sure of availability.

Hi Brenda, You should be fine waiting until a couple of weeks before your travel dates!

If it is raining/pouring or snowing will they still travel? I thought I saw on one post that it said in inclement weather it would not run.

Thank you for your blog!

Hi Robin, they still run. You can get into the cover area. However, if it’s unsafe to drive, they will cancel the tours.

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Big Bus 1-Day Downtown & Uptown Hop-on Hop-off Tour

• Most popular Tours & cruises Indoors Outdoors

What you'll do

LIMITED-TIME SPECIAL OFFER: enjoy a FREE upgrade to a consecutive 2-day Hop-On Hop-Off ticket with Big Bus if you visit before April 30. Your pass must still be valid to redeem this offer.

See it all and get to know the city on the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off. A complete NYC sightseeing experience from a comfortable vantage point.

Enjoy a Big Bus 1-Day Downtown & Uptown Hop-on Hop-off Tour with The New York Pass®

• See all the top sights and get to know the city.
• Ride two bus routes: the Downtown and/or Uptown loop.
• Commentary in a pre-recorded guide.
• Ask a Big Bus agent about upgrading your ticket to include additional days and tours.

What could be better than cruising around NYC with the wind in your hair? This hop-on hop-off New York bus tour offered by Big Bus allows you to discover the city's attractions, with a few extra benefits.

About the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off in NYC: 1-Day Ticket

If you're looking to explore the wonders of New York City without the stress, one of the best ways to get around is with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. The Big Bus New York is a popular tour company offering hop-on hop-hop-off bus tours of the city. These tours are a convenient and affordable way to see all of the major attractions throughout New York City, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

The hop-on hop-off feature allows you to jump off the bus to explore a specific sight, and then hop back on the next bus to continue your journey. This gives you the flexibility to organize your sightseeing schedule, customize your experience, and enjoy total freedom during your visit.

Big Bus New York offers two main loops – the Downtown Loop and the Uptown Loop – as well as the Brooklyn Loop which takes you over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Each loop offers a different perspective on the city and its landmarks. With continuous commentary onboard from knowledgeable guides, you'll learn about the city's history, culture, and attractions as you make your way through the city.

Why People Prefer Bus Tours in New York

The tours run year-round and are perfect for visitors who want to maximize their time exploring the city. Instead of navigating the city on your own, the Big Bus New York's Hop-on Hop-off bus tours allow you to relax while you sightsee. Plus, with the convenience of the bus, you can see more attractions in less time compared to a self-guided tour.

Overall, the Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus New York tours are a fantastic way to see the city and its sights at your own pace. They offer you the freedom to customize your sightseeing experience while also providing you with the knowledge and information to fully appreciate everything that the city has to offer. So, hop on the Big Bus and explore all of the magic, sights and culture that New York City has to offer !

As the highest-rated bus tour on Tripadvisor, Big Bus New York offers access to 15 bus stops throughout the city so you can get on and off whenever you want.

Popular stops

• Times Square
• Brooklyn Bridge
• The Statue of Liberty and Battery Park
• Central Park
• Grand Central Station
• W 42nd Street and Broadway
• Empire State Building: 5th Avenue and 32nd Street
• Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall: Park Row & Beekman
• Battery Park: State Street between Battery Place and Bridge Street
• 7th Avenue and W 48th Street
• W 42nd Street and 8th Avenue

Get the Big Bus Hop on Hop off Route Map .

Two Bus Routes

Uptown Loop  –  Times Square M&M Store:  explore the Upper East Side, home to some of New York's most popular museums. Get lost in history and the arts by exploring the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The loop also takes you through Midtown, passing by the Grand Central Terminal and the famous Chrysler Building.  

Downtown Loop  –  Times Square M&M Store:  take in the lower part of Manhattan while passing through the Flatiron District as well as Union Square, Greenwich Village, and Chinatown before the bus tour heads back toward Times Square along the Hudson River, stopping at Pier 84, where you can hop off to the take the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise

Please note:  the Big Bus tour ticket offered on The New York Pass® remains subject to change.

Know before you go

Getting in: guests must visit a Big Bus agent in front of the M&M Store in Times Square to redeem your pass. 

Tips for taking the Big Bus Tour

• Download the free Big Bus Tours mobile app and get access to all the New York landmarks , routes and bus times right in your pocket. Plan which stops to hop on and off at to see all the landmarks, museums and attractions you want to visit with its customizable map feature. Plus, it includes fascinating facts about the city’s top sites.
• Big Bus buses are fully wheelchair accessible. Please note, customers with mobility issues may not be able to access the upper deck.
• Both the Uptown and Downtown routes last approximately 90 minutes.

For more information visit the Big Bus Tours website.

Q. What is a hop-on hop-off bus tour? A: Hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC are the most convenient and efficient way to sightsee in the city. With a designated route, you can hop on and hop off at any of the stops throughout the day, allowing you to customize your itinerary and explore the sights and attractions at your own pace.

Q. Which is the most popular company for hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC? A: Several companies offer hop-on and hop-off tours, but the most popular is Big Bus Tours. They offer a variety of tour options, including downtown loop, uptown loop, and Brooklyn tours, with multilingual narration and knowledgeable guides.

Q. Are hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC wheelchair accessible? A: Yes, most hop-on hop-off buses in NYC are wheelchair accessible. However, it is recommended that you request special accommodations from the tour operator ahead of time.

Q. What sceneries can I expect to see on hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC? A: Hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC offer a variety of scenic routes showcasing the city’s famous landmarks including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Wall Street, SoHo, the Brooklyn Bridge, and many more. Have your camera ready to capture the iconic views of New York City from a comfortable vantage point on the bus.

Where you'll be

Times Square M&M Store - 7th Ave & W 48th St, New York, US

Operating hours

Downtown Loop Starting location:  Times Square M&M Store Departs:  9AM – 5PM,  every 10 - 15 minutes

Uptown Loop Starting location:  Times Square M&M Store Departs:  10:00AM – 5PM,  every 30 minutes

Tip : this attraction is less busy in the afternoons.

We recommend checking directly with Big Bus for the most up-to-date opening hours.

Closings & holidays

Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Eve

(212) 685-8687

Buy with confidence

Free cancellation.

Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated passes are eligible for a refund within 365 days of your purchase date.

Got a question?

Check out our FAQs or live chat with our customer service agents now

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Why Hop-Off When You Can Hop-On?

Get 25% off your ticket.

Edinburgh Bus Tours launch new service connecting all major city attractions

Edinburgh Bus Tours launched its brand-new Regal Tour over the weekend.

Joining the existing live guide-led Edinburgh Tour, and CitySightseeing Edinburgh Tour on March 24, the Regal Tour brings to life the city’s royal connections, taking in key attractions such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse , The Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

The tour also takes in the bustling communities of Leith and Newhaven, where visitors can hop off to explore the independent shops, bars and restaurants lining Leith Shore and Newhaven Harbour.

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A multilingual audio commentary will also highlight all the key sights across the city.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Edinburgh Bus Tours, said: “We’re delighted to welcome visitors on board our new Regal Tour, which adds another dimension to our already fantastic five- star tour portfolio. We hope visitors to the city will take advantage of our ‘hop-on-hop-off’ tours and take the opportunity to explore our stunning capital city from the top deck. All of our tickets include excellent added value offers from key partners across the capital.

“The launch of the Regal Tour marks an exciting moment in our long history in the city of Edinburgh and we look forward to welcoming visitors on board.

“With Edinburgh Bus Tours, visitors can be confident of quality, reliability and value for money”.

Neil Christison, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said: “It’s great to see Edinburgh Bus Tours investing in the visitor experience in the city and expanding their exceptional tour offering. Edinburgh is steeped in the history of Scotland’s monarchs, and recent events have shown there remains a keen fascination from visitors to our royal connections. Bus tours are a fantastic way to get around Edinburgh and help encourage visitors to explore beyond the city centre and into the bustling communities of Leith and Newhaven.”

Edinburgh Bus Tours’ visitors can enjoy exclusive discounts and offers to other city attractions, such as Lind and Lime Gin Distillery, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and the Real Mary King’s Close. Customers can also buy tickets for the following attractions directly from its ticket sellers and drivers:

• Edinburgh Castle
• Edinburgh Zoo
• Edinburgh Dungeon
• Dynamic Earth