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BigBus vs TopView: Which hop-on hop-off operator to choose in NYC?

Exploring New York City is easy with hop-on hop-off bus tours. Various operators cover different parts of the city, offering unique experiences. Smaller operators like Gray Line and The Ride provide special features such as theatrical tours and multilingual audio guides, perfect for exploring beyond the usual sights. However, BigBus and TopView are the most popular and reputable operators, offering numerous tour options that cover all the top NYC attractions.

When choosing a hop-on hop-off operator in NYC, you need to consider the routes and stops covered by each operator, the frequency of the buses, and the amenities they offer and make sure that they align with your budget, travel goals, and the needs of your group. For example, BigBus runs at a higher frequency and offers combo deals to maximize your daytime visits, while TopView includes night tours and ferry rides, adding another dimension to your experience. This guide will help you compare the best hop-on hop-off bus tours to find the perfect fit for your interests and budget.

A detailed comparison of BigBus and TopView tours

Operator
BigBus
TopView
Number of routes
2 (Downtown Loop and Uptown Loop)
5 (Downtown Loop, Uptown Loop, Brooklyn Tour, Liberty Cruise, and NYC Skyline Night tour)
Number of stops
13 (Downtown Loop), 7 (Uptown Loop)
14 (Downtown Loop), 9 (Uptown Loop), 1 (Brooklyn Tour), 1 (Liberty Cruise), 3 (NYC Skyline Night tour)
Validity
Half day, 1 day, 2 days
1 day, 2 days
Circuit time
90 minutes (Downtown Loop), 75 minutes (Uptown Loop)
2.5 hours (Downtown Loop), 2 hours (Uptown Loop), 1 hour (Brooklyn Tour), 2 hours (NYC Skyline Night tour)
Facilities
WiFi, single-use earphones, Wheelchair accessible, open air decks
WiFi, single-use earphones, Wheelchair accessible, open air decks
Audio guides
Yes
Yes

Which NYC hop-on hop-off tour should you choose

If you’re short on time

Opt for the 1/2 Day BigBus Tour or 2-Hour Night Tour if your schedule is tight but you still want a taste of NYC's iconic sights. This tour packs in major landmarks like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park in just a few hours. Keep in mind that to be able to cover all the attractions, you’ll need to stay on the bus for the entire loop.

  • BigBus: New York City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
  • BigBus: 2-Hour Night Tour of New York

For the best value for money

BigBus Combo Tickets offer fantastic value by bundling multiple experiences into one ticket. You get to combine your bus tour with a ferry round trip to Ellis Island, Liberty Island, and the Statue of Liberty. This is ideal if you want to see more while spending less, giving you a well-rounded NYC experience with both land and water views of the city's iconic landmarks.

  • Combo (Save 10%): New York City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tickets

To explore beyond Manhattan

TopView's specialty tours, like the Brooklyn Tour and Liberty Cruise which are perfect if you’re looking to venture beyond Manhattan. The Brooklyn Tour lets you explore the borough's unique neighborhoods and vibrant culture. The Liberty Cruise offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from the Hudson River. Unlike other hop-on hop-off tours, these specific tours don’t allow you to get off and explore at different stops, so plan to stay on board for the entire duration.

If you’re looking for themed tours

For an interactive and entertaining experience, choose The Ride. This tour transforms the city streets into a stage, with live performances and multimedia presentations along the way. The Ride focuses on Midtown Manhattan, and the seats are arranged to face the windows, turning the streets into a theater show. Just remember, this tour follows a set route and schedule, so be prepared to sit through the entire experience for the full effect. It’s a fantastic option if you’re a repeat visitor or looking for a unique twist on sightseeing.

Other factors to consider while picking your tour operator

  • Accessibility: If you're a wheelchair user, both BigBus and TopView offer accessible buses with designated wheelchair spaces and ramps. However,  there is usually only one such spot per bus, so you might have to wait if it's already occupied. The upper decks of these buses will not be accessible.
  • Family with kids: If you're traveling with children, consider opting for the Uptown Loop offered by TopView. They have stops at kid friendly attractions like the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park Zoo.
  • Flexible itineraries: If your travel plans are uncertain, BigBus offers a wider range of validity options for their tickets, that is, half day, one day and two day passes that let you decide to pick one to fit your schedule.
  • More languages: For those needing audio guides in multiple languages, both BigBus (up to 12 languages) and TopView (up to 11 languages) offer multilingual options.
  • App: Both BigBus and TopView have user-friendly apps with live tracking and stop information. These apps make it easy to plan your journey, check bus arrival times, and find nearby stops.
  • Boat cruises: TopView offers packages that include ferry rides, to view the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from the Hudson River.
  • Pets: If you're traveling with pets, be aware that BigBus permits only service animals. Unfortunately, other small pets or non-service animals are not allowed, so plan accordingly if you’re bringing your furry friend along.



Book NYC hop-on Hop-off tickets

Big Bus: New York City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
More details
TopView: New York City Hop-On Hop-Of Bus Tour
Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
More details
Combo (Save 10%): New York City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Empire State Building + Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tickets
Audio guide
Transfers included
More details
from
$141.04
Big Bus: New York Night Bus Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr.
Guided tour
More details
Combo (Save 10%): New York City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tickets
Audio guide
Transfers included
More details
from
$80.82
Combo (Save 10%): New York City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Empire State Building Tickets
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
More details
from
$112.42
New York Explorer Pass by Go City: Choose 2 to 10 Attractions
Free cancellation
Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
More details
New York All-Inclusive Pass by Go City: Choose 1 to 10 Days
Free cancellation
Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
More details
Big Bus: New York Holiday Lights Bus Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr.
Guided tour
More details

Frequently asked questions

Are NYC Hop-on Hop-off tours worth it?

Absolutely! NYC Hop-on Hop-off tours offer a hassle-free way to see the city’s top attractions with defined routes and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. You won’t need to worry about navigating the subway or spending extra on cabs.

Can I use my 2-day ticket on any two random calendar days?

No, 2-day (or 48-hour) passes must be used on consecutive days from the first day of use.

What should I keep in mind when choosing a Hop-on Hop-off operator in Paris?

You must check the routes and stops covered, the frequencies of the buses, amenities onboard, and see if they match your budget, travel intent, and the needs of the people traveling with you. In Paris, you should also see if Seine River cruises can be added to your ticket as it vastly enhances your Paris experience.

Are mobile tickets accepted?

Yes, mobile tickets are accepted. You can simply show your ticket voucher or QR code on your phone to board the bus without needing to print the ticket.

Do the buses run year-round?

Yes, hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC typically run year-round. However, the frequency and operating hours may vary depending on the season. Check the schedule online before booking your tickets.