Big Bus SF: Hop-on Hop-off Tour with 17 Stops and Sunset Option
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
See San Francisco’s top sights the easy way with Big Bus Tours. We offer the most comprehensive tour with over 17 hop-on hop-off locations spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge for panoramic views of the Bay, to Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy fresh clam chowder and watch sea lions at Pier 39.
Explore Chinatown’s bustling streets, admire the Painted Ladies’ Victorian charm, and experience the counterculture history of Haight-Ashbury. Stop at Union Square for shopping or unwind in the green spaces of Golden Gate Park.
With one full route covering all major attractions, you won’t need to change buses or worry about directions. Hop on and off at your own pace, while onboard commentary provides stories and tips to bring the city to life.
Highlights:
Unlimited hop-on hop-off access at 17 stops across San Francisco
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge on an open-top bus for unbeatable views
Learn about the city with engaging onboard commentary
Flexible tickets that let you explore at your own pace
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Aquarium by the Bay is located on the San Francisco waterfront on PIER 39
Half-Day Wine Tour visits 2 wineries and the town of Sausalito; transportation by comfortable, a/c motorcoach
Hop-on Hop-off tour ticket is valid for use during operating hours for 24 or 48 hours after first use.
Wheelchair accessible, please call ahead for arrangements
Two ways to activate tickets: 1. Download and open the Big Bus app. Tap "Add Booking" and enter your booking reference. On the day of travel, open your ticket and press "Activate" then show your activated ticket to the driver at any stop along the route. Plus, use the app for route information and live bus tracking. 2. Redeem voucher and activate with Big Bus staff at Stop #1 - Big Bus Tours Visitors Center at 99 Jefferson St (corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets, or with any driver at any stop along the route.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Duration:2 hours
Operating Schedule:Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tour Duration: 2.5 hours to complete the full route without exiting Bus Frequency: Every 15 Minutes Download the free Big Bus app for city information and live bus tracking.
Stop 1 - Big Bus Tours Visitors Center
Stop 2 - Columbus/Ghirardelli Square (North Point between Jones and Columbus)
Stop 3 - North Beach / Chinatown
Stop 4 - Embarcadero Center - Clay St (between Battery & Front Streets)
Stop 5 - Ferry Building - 30 Steuart St (Between Steuart & Market Streets)
Stop 6 - 280 Geary St (opposite Macy's entrance, next to steps)
Stop 7 - Hilton Hotel - Mason Street, between O'Farrell and Ellis Streets (outside Hilton Hotel entrance)
Stop 8 - Civic Center - 350 McCallister Street (White Zone outside Earl Warren Building)
Stop 9 - Alamo Square - 944 Fell Street (next to Mosaic wall near corner with Pierce St)
Stop 10 - Haight Ashbury - 1816 Haight Street (opposite Cha Cha Cha restaurant)
Stop 11 - Golden Gate Park - (Monday-Saturday only) outside California Academy of Sciences
Sundays and Public Holidays - Bus stop on Lincoln Way at 9th Avenue
Stop 12 - North Vista Point / Golden Gate Bridge - North Vista Point (lookout parking area off highway)
Stop 13 - Palace of Fine Arts - 1105 Gorgas Avenue (Corner of Gorgas Ave and Richardson Ave)
Stop 14 - Lombard Street - 2101 Lombard Street (SW corner of Lombard and Fillmore Sts)
Stop 15 - Lombard Street - 1599 Lombard St (outside Buena Vista Motor Inn near corner with Gough St)
Stop 16 - Pier 35 / Cruise Terminal - 1454 The Embarcadero (outside Pier 35 cruise terminal entrance)
Stop 17 - Pier 39 - The Embarcadero, bus stop outside the entrance to Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf
What‘s Included
Open-top double decker bus
No additional fees
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, 24 or 48-hour ticket
Aquarium of the Bay admission (if option selected)
Downloadable app with route information and live bus tracking
1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour (if option selected)
1-hour Digital Chinatown Walking Tour (if option selected)
Digital audio commentary with souvenir earbuds provided
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
48hr, Aquarium, & Sunset Tour
48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at 16 convenient stops around San Francisco and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.
Aquarium by the Bay: Get up close and personal with marine animals
1-Hour Panoramic Sunset Tour
Duration: 2 days
Digital Chinatown Walking Tour: 1-hour guided tour of historic Chinatown
24-hour & Half-Day Wine Tour
24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Explore SF with 17 convenient stops
Half-Day Wine Tour: Visit 2 wineries plus Sausalito. Departs at 12:30PM.
24-Hour Ticket Only
24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at 16 convenient stops around San Francisco and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.
Duration: 1 day: Unlimited use valid for 24 hours from first scan
Digital Audio Commentary
24hr, Chinatown, & Sunset Tour
24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at 17 convenient stops around San Francisco and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.
Duration: 1 day
Panoramic Sunset Tour: 1-hour Sunset Tour of SF in the golden light
Digital Chinatown Walking Tour: 1-Hour walking tour of historic Chinatown
Reviews
4,532 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Overall good experience!
Alyssa M,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Staff was super nice and the audio was very informative. Some of the stops were a little far from the advertised landmark - Lombard St and Ghirardelli Square. We had to take the bus in between some stops to supplement. Overall it was a great tour!
Proceed with caution
Joseph B,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The tour was never taken. After receiving an email the original scheduled tour was cancelled due to weather, this company advised me the day of it was in error. There was a massive protest in SF disrupting all stops/scheduled tour pick ups. I finally managed to get to Union Square, a 3 hour journey, and was told the last trip was boarding. This meant an additional outbound trip of 2.5 hours. This would have been after dark and the weather was not desirable. I asked for a refund, and of course, all signs point to Viator as the bus tour company wouldn’t help.
Simple efficient
Daniel B,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Simple process, easy to contact. Never had a problem with them here or in New York my go to trip provider
Useful tour, on the right day.
andrewjohnegan,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We bought a two day pass with the evening tour for our short stay in SF. The evening tour, despite some mechanical issues, was a terrific experience and helped us get our bearing and plan for the next day. A replacement bus picked us up in no time and we were all wrapped up, just a little over the time allocated. The stops took in the main spots we wanted to see, though I think it was an especially busy day for the service and traffic wise which caused some heartache with long queues and longer than advertised waits later in the day. We were fortunate that our day was not impacted too much, others on the bus were expressing frustration. We opted not to get off at a few stops, worried that we'd have to wait too long for space on the following buses. Still, we saw what we absolutely deemed essential sightseeing. Staff were considerate, helpful with the pre bookings and managed a challenging day respectfully. I would give them another go, here and in other cities and anticipate 4-5 stars instead.
Starr 50th Birthday trip
Melissa D,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome views of San Franscisco, audio was not working on left side of bus, safe driver, learned a lot about the city.
I recommend it! 👍🏾
poemar2026,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An easy way to visit the city! Definitely something to do when you don't have a lot of time. Un bon moyen de voir tous les lieux d'intérêts en une journée. Gracias a Oscar por su atención al cliente. Thank you very much 🙏🏾
Great service!
J7011JNelenat,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour trip! Oscar was efficient, knowledgeable and super helpful. Our tour day in San Francisco was fun! The earphones worked well. Driver was courteous. Information was always available
History on wheels
Kathy M,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I love the fact that there was ear buds to hear to your guide because I’m sure I would not have been able to hear a live person if they were talking…. Also, it was very informative.
Best way to see San...
Marcel P,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best way to see San Francisco. Price is perfect! No long waits for busses to show up at stops. Being able to get on and off at stops is awesome. Loved every bit of this tour. Friendly staff and drives.
Twins tour
Kim T,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sister experience. The ride allowed us to enjoy the scenery and not be distracted while driving ourselves. Highly recommend.
From US$56.10
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA