Hop On Hop Off Tickets
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    Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tours

    All top attractions covered
    All top attractions covered
    Regular Schedule. Unlimited rides
    Regular Schedule. Unlimited rides
    Last minute availability. Instant confirmation.
    Last minute availability. Instant confirmation.
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    San Francisco Big Bus tour passing Golden Gate Bridge with tourists on open-top deck.
    Double-decker bus on San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour passing by the Golden Gate Bridge.
    Passengers on Big Bus San Francisco
    San Francisco Ferry Building
    San Francisco Big Bus tour with live guide passing Golden Gate Bridge.
    Open-top bus tour passing through San Francisco's Union Square with city buildings in the background.
    San Francisco City Hall viewed from a Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour.
    Alamo Square in San Francisco
    Golden Gate Park San Francisco
    Open-top bus tour passing through Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
    San Francisco Big Bus tour passing Golden Gate Bridge with tourists on open-top deck.
    Double-decker bus on San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour passing by the Golden Gate Bridge.
    Passengers on Big Bus San Francisco
    San Francisco Ferry Building
    San Francisco Big Bus tour with live guide passing Golden Gate Bridge.
    Open-top bus tour passing through San Francisco's Union Square with city buildings in the background.
    San Francisco City Hall viewed from a Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour.
    Alamo Square in San Francisco
    Golden Gate Park San Francisco
    Open-top bus tour passing through Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
    San Francisco Big Bus tour passing Golden Gate Bridge with tourists on open-top deck.
    Double-decker bus on San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour passing by the Golden Gate Bridge.
    Passengers on Big Bus San Francisco
    San Francisco Ferry Building
    San Francisco Big Bus tour with live guide passing Golden Gate Bridge.
    Open-top bus tour passing through San Francisco's Union Square with city buildings in the background.
    San Francisco City Hall viewed from a Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour.
    Alamo Square in San Francisco
    Golden Gate Park San Francisco
    Open-top bus tour passing through Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
    4.2(125)

    Big Bus: San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

    from
    $66
    Free cancellation

    You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

    Instant confirmation
    Mobile ticket
    Flexible duration
    Audio guide
    Routes
    TOTAL DURATION60 minutes
    FREQUENCYEvery 15 minutes
    MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
    FIRST DEPARTUREBig Bus Tours Visitors' Center at 10:00 AM
    LAST DEPARTUREBig Bus Tours Visitors' Center at 6:00 PM
    Timeline
    Map

    1

    Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center
    passby-image
    Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround
    16 min walk

    2

    Columbus/Ghirardelli Square

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    Columbus Avenue
    Ghirardelli Square
    3 min walk

    3

    North Beach / Chinatown

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    North Beach / Chinatown
    1 min walk
    passby-image
    City Lights Bookstore

    4

    Embarcadero Center

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Embarcadero Center
    passby-image
    Rincon Park
    7 min walk

    5

    Ferry Building

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Ferry Building
    3 min walk
    passby-image
    Alcatraz Ferry Landing
    15 min walk

    6

    Union Square South

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Union Square South
    2 min walk
    passby-image
    Maiden Lane
    2 min walk

    7

    Hilton Hotel

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Hilton Hotel
    10 min walk
    passby-image
    Glide Memorial Church
    1 min walk

    8

    Civic Center

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Civic Center
    1 min walk
    passby-image
    Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
    2 min walk

    9

    Alamo Square

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Alamo Square
    1 min walk
    passby-image
    Painted Ladies
    2 min walk

    10

    Haight Ashbury

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Haight Ashbury
    2 min walk
    passby-image
    Amoeba Music

    11

    Golden Gate Park

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Golden Gate Park
    3 min walk
    passby-image
    Conservatory of Flowers
    10 min walk

    12

    Golden Gate Park 2

    Get direction

    13

    North Vista Point / Golden Gate Bridge

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Golden Gate Bridge
    4 min walk
    passby-image
    Battery Spencer
    4 min walk

    14

    Palace of Fine Arts

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Palace of Fine Arts
    2 min walk
    passby-image
    Fort Mason Center
    8 min walk

    15

    Marina / Cow Hollow

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Marina / Cow Hollow
    3 min walk
    passby-image
    Lyon Street Steps
    6 min walk

    16

    Lombard Street

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Lombard Street
    3 min walk
    passby-image
    Russian Hill
    4 min walk

    17

    Pier 35 / Cruise Terminal

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Pier 35
    passby-image
    Pier 7
    7 min walk

    18

    Pier 39

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Pier 39
    passby-image
    Musical Stairs
    2 min walk

    Grab a 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass and explore San Francisco at your own pace. Want more? Add a sunset cruise or a Chinatown walk.

    • Wanna see San Francisco like a boss? Grab a hop-on hop-off ticket and get ready to explore the city for 24 or 48 hours.
    • With buses swooping in every 15 mins, you can explore the 16 stops along the Red Route.
    • For more adventure, upgrade to a 2-day pass and go on a 60-minute sunset tour,1-hour Guided Chinatown walking tour, and claim your free bike rental offer.
    • As you roll through the city on the open-top buses, let the audio guide available in seven languages whisper sweet nothings about San Fran's history.
    • From the majestic Golden Gate to the funky Haight-Ashbury, you'll see it all. Washington Square, Alamo Square – the gang's all here.

    Grab a 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass and explore San Francisco at your own pace. Want more? Add a sunset cruise or a Chinatown walk.

    • Wanna see San Francisco like a boss? Grab a hop-on hop-off ticket and get ready to explore the city for 24 or 48 hours.
    • With buses swooping in every 15 mins, you can explore the 16 stops along the Red Route.
    • For more adventure, upgrade to a 2-day pass and go on a 60-minute sunset tour,1-hour Guided Chinatown walking tour, and claim your free bike rental offer.
    • As you roll through the city on the open-top buses, let the audio guide available in seven languages whisper sweet nothings about San Fran's history.
    • From the majestic Golden Gate to the funky Haight-Ashbury, you'll see it all. Washington Square, Alamo Square – the gang's all here.

    Inclusions

    • 24 or 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
    • Access to Red Route
    • Guided Chinatown walking tour (based on option selected)
    • 60-min sunset tour (based on option selected)
    • Bike rental offer: book 1 hour, get 1 free (based on option selected)
    • Audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese & Korean (on the bus)
    • Complimentary headphones
    • Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

    Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points and here for sunset tour route.

    You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

    Red Route

    • First bus: 10am from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
    • Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
    • Frequency: Every 15 mins
    • Popular stops: Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Pier 39

    Sunset tour

    • Departure: 6:30pm from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
    • Frequency: Once every evening
    • Duration: 60 mins
    • Keep in mind food & alcohol (except non-alcoholic drinks in screw-top bottles), and luggage are not allowed on the buses. Pack wisely!
    • Not all buses are wheelchair accessible. You can contact the service operator 48 hours before your trip and they'll try to assist you.
    • Your safety comes first so visitors with mobility impairments may be restricted from accessing the upper decks.
    • Your guide dogs (except pets) are welcome onboard.
    • Booking information, operating hours, and meeting point details for the Chinatown walking tour and the bike rental offer will be shared in the ticket post-booking.
    • The sunset tour is closed on the 4th of July, Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving and New Years Eve.
    • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
    Reviews
    How do we collect reviews?
    Snapshots from our guests
    4.2
    125 ratings
    57
    42
    18
    5
    3
    • Australia
    • Canada
    • United Kingdom
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Switzerland
    • Ireland
    • Germany
    • Netherlands
    • Lithuania
    Guests from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and over 17 countries have loved this experience
    What our guests say
    reviewer
    Joseph
    May 2025Verified booking
    3/5

    We were told we could be picked up anywhere on the route. That eventually became true but we were told two different starting times and got no help from the app.

    reviewer
    Ross
    May 2025Verified booking
    5/5

    Online ticketing worked well. Would be better if you could continue using your electronic ticket all day instead of trying to hang on to the little paper one the first driver gives you.

    reviewer
    Kim
    Apr 2025Verified booking
    3/5

    Saturday April 19th you did not have enough buses running. They would stop and be full so nobody could get on. Tha audio and stops were good.

    reviewer
    Desiree
    Apr 2025Verified booking
    3/5

    I booked the hoo on and Alcatraz tour the website pushed me to order for 4/7 which was a day I won't even be in SF. I realized it soon after and called to try and correct the error and no one could help me. They asked me to rebook another trip and gave me a menial discount. This is really disappointing... I now wasn't able to do half the tour and I also am out of pocket over $100.

    reviewer
    Jennifer
    Apr 2025Verified booking
    4/5

    I didn't love the cheesy recorded audio portions of the tour. The information was just okay. The value of the 2 day ticket was great. The sunset tour with Rocky (?) was fabulous. The walking tour of Chinatown with Blake was full of great information. He was excellent. A warning of the cold and wind on the upper deck when going at higher speeds over the bridges would be good. We learned our lesson on the sunset tour so went downstairs before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge for the daytime tour. I love the app to see where the stops are and when the busses are coming.

    reviewer
    KALYANARAMAN
    May 2025Verified booking
    4/5

    Instructive and entertaining experience

    reviewer
    Sharad
    Mar 2025Verified booking
    5/5

    Was great experience and must do thing if you are new in the city and wants to explore everything in one go.

    reviewer
    Laura
    Jun 2025Verified booking
    4/5

    reviewer
    Osmond
    May 2025Verified booking
    5/5

    reviewer
    Catherine
    May 2025Verified booking
    4/5

    reviewer
    ELSA
    May 2025Verified booking
    5/5

    reviewer
    Douglas
    May 2025Verified booking
    4/5

    reviewer
    Marius
    May 2025Verified booking
    4/5

    reviewer
    Sujit
    Apr 2025Verified booking
    4/5

    reviewer
    Louges
    Apr 2025Verified booking
    4/5

    reviewer
    PEREIRA
    Apr 2025Verified booking
    5/5

    reviewer
    Oliel
    Apr 2025Verified booking
    4/5

    reviewer
    Jennifer
    Apr 2025Verified booking
    5/5

    reviewer
    Susan
    Mar 2025Verified booking
    5/5

    reviewer
    Kurt
    May 2025Verified booking
    2/5

    I was really looking forward to exploring San Francisco via the hop-on hop-off bus, but overall, the experience fell short. While the concept is great, the actual execution left a lot to be desired. One of the biggest issues is that the route doesn’t get you close to several of the city’s most popular attractions. In some cases, you’re dropped off quite a distance away and expected to walk a lot, which isn’t ideal—especially for those with limited mobility or tight schedules. Even more surprising, some major landmarks aren’t even on the route at all. For a city with so much to see, this was really disappointing. If you’re hoping to use this as your main way to get around and see the highlights, you might end up frustrated. It might be better to use public transportation or rideshares to get closer to the sights you want to see.

    reviewer
    Vanessa
    May 2025Verified booking
    2/5

    The Hop-On Hop-Off was great for getting around town & seeing things and the Sunset tour very nice even though we couldn't see a sunset because of clouds; however, no one showed up for the walking tour of Chinatown. We believe we were at the right location for the tour, but no one else showed up. Very annoying!

    reviewer
    bruce
    May 2025Verified booking
    1/5

    Says 24 hr ticket but first bus at 10 and last at 6 so 8 hr ticket. Bought at 1 pm thinking it was good until 1 pm next day. That's 24 hrs.

    reviewer
    Christina
    Feb 2025Verified booking
    4/5

    Being able to see so much of San Francisco in a short amount of time was wonderful. I loved the audio tour, and that it changed slightly with a second ride. Finding how and where to buy tickets was confusing. I had to download a separate app to access the QR code.

    reviewer
    Maria
    Jan 2025Verified booking
    5/5

    It was such a fun tour. We got a 2-day pass that was just right for our 4-day stay in SFO. It was a great tour going around as we went to all the places to see - that's our first day. The second day, we just went to specific places that we went down and took pictures and ate too. Job well done HeadOut Big Bus SFO Tour!!! :-)

    reviewer
    Marsha
    Jan 2025Verified booking
    5/5

    It's a great way to see the layout of a new destination. I wish we would have done it the first day of our visit rather than the last. Drivers were all very courteous which is difficult when loading and unloading a pack of tourists !! We thought it was money well spent.

    Tourists enjoying the Big Bus: San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Bay Cruise, passing by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
    Big Bus at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with tourists boarding for hop-on hop-off tour.
    Big Bus San Francisco tour crossing Golden Gate Bridge with live guide.
    1 hour Bay Cruise in San Francisco
    San Francisco Bay with boats during a 1-hour cruise, Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
    San Francisco Big Bus tour with view of Alcatraz Island in the background.
    PEople getting on Alcatraz island, San Francisco
    Tourists enjoying the Big Bus: San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Bay Cruise, passing by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
    Big Bus at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with tourists boarding for hop-on hop-off tour.
    Big Bus San Francisco tour crossing Golden Gate Bridge with live guide.
    1 hour Bay Cruise in San Francisco
    San Francisco Bay with boats during a 1-hour cruise, Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
    San Francisco Big Bus tour with view of Alcatraz Island in the background.
    PEople getting on Alcatraz island, San Francisco
    Tourists enjoying the Big Bus: San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Bay Cruise, passing by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
    Big Bus at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with tourists boarding for hop-on hop-off tour.
    Big Bus San Francisco tour crossing Golden Gate Bridge with live guide.
    1 hour Bay Cruise in San Francisco
    San Francisco Bay with boats during a 1-hour cruise, Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
    San Francisco Big Bus tour with view of Alcatraz Island in the background.
    PEople getting on Alcatraz island, San Francisco
    NEW

    Combo: San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Red & White Bay Cruise Tickets

    from
    $99
    Instant confirmation
    Mobile ticket
    Flexible duration
    Audio guide
    • Score big savings with this combo! Enjoy two days of San Francisco sightseeing on an unlimited hop-on hop-off tour and a scenic 1-hour bay cruise.
    • On a 2-day hop-on hop-off bus tour, see 17 spots like North Beach’s bustling streets, the Palace of Fine Arts’ architecture, and more!
    • Learn about sights with a 6-language audio guide and headphones, and explore the city on two wheels with a bike rental for 1 hour plus 1 hour free!
    • Soak up the sea breeze on a 1-hour Red & White Bay cruise, sail beneath the Golden Gate’s orange arches, see the Alcatraz island, and spot seagulls.
    • Chill on the boat with outdoor decks, cosy AC cabins, big windows for sweeping views, and 16-language audio commentary on San Francisco’s maritime past.
    • Score big savings with this combo! Enjoy two days of San Francisco sightseeing on an unlimited hop-on hop-off tour and a scenic 1-hour bay cruise.
    • On a 2-day hop-on hop-off bus tour, see 17 spots like North Beach’s bustling streets, the Palace of Fine Arts’ architecture, and more!
    • Learn about sights with a 6-language audio guide and headphones, and explore the city on two wheels with a bike rental for 1 hour plus 1 hour free!
    • Soak up the sea breeze on a 1-hour Red & White Bay cruise, sail beneath the Golden Gate’s orange arches, see the Alcatraz island, and spot seagulls.
    • Chill on the boat with outdoor decks, cosy AC cabins, big windows for sweeping views, and 16-language audio commentary on San Francisco’s maritime past.

    Inclusions

    San Francisco HOHO

    • 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
    • Access to Red Route
    • Pre-recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian & Portuguese
    • Bike rental offer (rent 1 hour, get 1 hour free)
    • Free headphones

    Red & White Bay Cruise

    • 1-hour Red & White Bay cruise
    • Audio guide in English, Español, Français, Deutsch, Português, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Thai, Hindi, Italian, Hebrew, Vietnamese, Arabic & Bahasa Indonesian
    • AC onboard
    • Heated indoors

    Exclusions

    Red & White Bay Cruise

    • On-cruise cafe with snacks, cold & hot drinks & alcoholic beverages (at your own expense)

    San Francisco HOHO

    Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

    You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

    Red route

    • First bus: 10am from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
    • Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
    • Frequency: Every 15 mins
    • Popular stops: Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Pier 39

    Red & White Bay Cruise

    • First cruise: 9:15am from Pier 43 1/2 (10am during winter months)
    • Last cruise: 6pm from Pier 43 1/2
    • Frequency: 8 to 12 daily departures

    San Francisco HOHO

    • Not all buses are wheelchair accessible. You can contact the service operator 48 hours before your trip and they'll try to assist you.
    • Your safety comes first so visitors with mobility impairments may be restricted from accessing the upper decks.
    • Your guide dogs (except pets) are welcome onboard.
    • Heads up! The time slot selected is for the bay cruise and not the hop-on hop-off tour.
    • Booking information about the bike rental offer and boarding information for the cruise will be shared in the ticket post-booking.
    • Children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by an adult.

    Red & White Bay Cruise

    • The enclosed main decks are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
    • Service animals and other dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.
    • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
    Big bus near the Ferry Building
    Coit tower San Francisco
    Child enjoying a scenic view from a double-decker bus during a San Francisco sunset tour.
    Grace Cathedral
    Grace Cathedral
    Golden Gate Bridge at sunset
    San Francisco bay bridge
    Downtown San Francisco during Sunset
    Big bus near the Ferry Building
    Coit tower San Francisco
    Child enjoying a scenic view from a double-decker bus during a San Francisco sunset tour.
    Grace Cathedral
    Grace Cathedral
    Golden Gate Bridge at sunset
    San Francisco bay bridge
    Downtown San Francisco during Sunset
    Big bus near the Ferry Building
    Coit tower San Francisco
    Child enjoying a scenic view from a double-decker bus during a San Francisco sunset tour.
    Grace Cathedral
    Grace Cathedral
    Golden Gate Bridge at sunset
    San Francisco bay bridge
    Downtown San Francisco during Sunset
    NEW

    Big Bus: San Francisco Sunset Tour

    from
    $53
    Free cancellation

    You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

    Instant confirmation
    Mobile ticket
    Flexible duration
    Audio guide
    Transfers included
    • Tick tock, it's San Francisco o'clock! Hop aboard for a whimsical sunset tour and in just 60 mins, you'll see iconic landmarks bathed in golden light.
    • Evenings are for exploring and this non-stop tour takes you on the Blue Route, dotted with bustling streets, modern museums, and more.
    • Return transfers? Check! Get a free shuttle to Union Square after the tour ends for maximum convenience.
    • Prepare for mind-blowing fun facts as the open-top bus is equipped with an audio guide in 6 languages.
    • Nob Hill, Bay Bridge, Embarcadero – watch the sky light up like a disco ball as you zip through the city. It's like being in a real-life postcard, only way more fun.
    • Tick tock, it's San Francisco o'clock! Hop aboard for a whimsical sunset tour and in just 60 mins, you'll see iconic landmarks bathed in golden light.
    • Evenings are for exploring and this non-stop tour takes you on the Blue Route, dotted with bustling streets, modern museums, and more.
    • Return transfers? Check! Get a free shuttle to Union Square after the tour ends for maximum convenience.
    • Prepare for mind-blowing fun facts as the open-top bus is equipped with an audio guide in 6 languages.
    • Nob Hill, Bay Bridge, Embarcadero – watch the sky light up like a disco ball as you zip through the city. It's like being in a real-life postcard, only way more fun.

    Inclusions

    • 60-min non-stop sunset tour
    • Audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian & Portuguese (on the bus)
    • Complimentary headphones
    • Return shuttle transfer to Union Square

    Exclusions

    • Hop-on hop-off service

    Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

    Blue Route (sunset tour)

    • Departure: 6.30pm from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
    • Duration: 60 mins
    • Frequency: once every evening
    • Keep in mind food & alcohol (except non-alcoholic drinks in screw-top bottles), and luggage are not allowed on the buses. Pack wisely!
    • Not all buses are wheelchair accessible. You can contact the service operator 48 hours before your trip and they'll try to assist you.
    • Your safety comes first so visitors with mobility impairments may be restricted from accessing the upper decks.
    • Your guide dogs (except pets) are welcome onboard.
    • The tour does not operate on Jul 4, Nov 23 (Thanksgiving), Dec 24 (Christmas Eve), and Dec 31 (New Year's Eve).
    • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
    View of the Alcatraz Island
    Inside view of the Alcatraz Prison during Alcatraz Tour with San Francisco Bay Cruise
    Inside view of the Alcatraz Prison during Alcatraz Tour with San Francisco Bay Cruise
    San Francisco HOHO tour bus near Alcatraz Island with city skyline in background.
    San Francisco hop-on hop-off tour bus near Alcatraz Island with city skyline in background.
    San Francisco Big Bus tour with view of Alcatraz Island in the background.
    View of the Alcatraz Island
    Inside view of the Alcatraz Prison during Alcatraz Tour with San Francisco Bay Cruise
    Inside view of the Alcatraz Prison during Alcatraz Tour with San Francisco Bay Cruise
    San Francisco HOHO tour bus near Alcatraz Island with city skyline in background.
    San Francisco hop-on hop-off tour bus near Alcatraz Island with city skyline in background.
    San Francisco Big Bus tour with view of Alcatraz Island in the background.
    View of the Alcatraz Island
    Inside view of the Alcatraz Prison during Alcatraz Tour with San Francisco Bay Cruise
    Inside view of the Alcatraz Prison during Alcatraz Tour with San Francisco Bay Cruise
    San Francisco HOHO tour bus near Alcatraz Island with city skyline in background.
    San Francisco hop-on hop-off tour bus near Alcatraz Island with city skyline in background.
    San Francisco Big Bus tour with view of Alcatraz Island in the background.
    NEW

    Combo: Alcatraz Tour + San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

    from
    $120
    Mobile ticket
    Flexible duration
    Audio guide
    Transfers included
    Routes
    TOTAL DURATION60 minutes
    FREQUENCYEvery 15 minutes
    MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
    FIRST DEPARTUREBig Bus Tours Visitors' Center at 10:00 AM
    LAST DEPARTUREBig Bus Tours Visitors' Center at 6:00 PM
    Timeline
    Map

    1

    Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center
    passby-image
    Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround
    16 min walk

    2

    Columbus/Ghirardelli Square

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    Columbus Avenue
    Ghirardelli Square
    3 min walk

    3

    North Beach / Chinatown

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    North Beach / Chinatown
    1 min walk
    passby-image
    City Lights Bookstore

    4

    Embarcadero Center

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Embarcadero Center
    passby-image
    Rincon Park
    7 min walk

    5

    Ferry Building

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Ferry Building
    3 min walk
    passby-image
    Alcatraz Ferry Landing
    15 min walk

    6

    Union Square South

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Union Square South
    2 min walk
    passby-image
    Maiden Lane
    2 min walk

    7

    Hilton Hotel

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Hilton Hotel
    10 min walk
    passby-image
    Glide Memorial Church
    1 min walk

    8

    Civic Center

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Civic Center
    1 min walk
    passby-image
    Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
    2 min walk

    9

    Alamo Square

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Alamo Square
    1 min walk
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    Painted Ladies
    2 min walk

    10

    Haight Ashbury

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

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    Haight Ashbury
    2 min walk
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    Amoeba Music

    11

    Golden Gate Park

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Golden Gate Park
    3 min walk
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    Conservatory of Flowers
    10 min walk

    12

    Golden Gate Park 2

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    13

    North Vista Point / Golden Gate Bridge

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    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Golden Gate Bridge
    4 min walk
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    Battery Spencer
    4 min walk

    14

    Palace of Fine Arts

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Palace of Fine Arts
    2 min walk
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    Fort Mason Center
    8 min walk

    15

    Marina / Cow Hollow

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Marina / Cow Hollow
    3 min walk
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    Lyon Street Steps
    6 min walk

    16

    Lombard Street

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Lombard Street
    3 min walk
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    Russian Hill
    4 min walk

    17

    Pier 35 / Cruise Terminal

    Get direction

    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

    passby-image
    Pier 35
    passby-image
    Pier 7
    7 min walk

    18

    Pier 39

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    2 attractions

    Nearby things to do

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    Pier 39
    passby-image
    Musical Stairs
    2 min walk

    San Francisco is calling, and you're about to answer with this combo offering a 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass and entry to Alcatraz.

    • Forget picking just one spot – this HOHO pass lets you hop off at 16 popular stops like Golden Gate Park and Chinatown with buses running every 15 mins.
    • Benefit from the multilingual audio guide on the open-top buses and snag perks like a Chinatown tour and an interactive experience at The Flyer or 7D Experience.
    • Step into Alcatraz prison, where the most infamous criminals were imprisoned, roam notorious cellblocks, and see where Al Capone practiced his banjo.
    • With the audio guide uncover escape attempts, guard secrets, and why Alcatraz's library was the most popular spot.

    San Francisco is calling, and you're about to answer with this combo offering a 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass and entry to Alcatraz.

    • Forget picking just one spot – this HOHO pass lets you hop off at 16 popular stops like Golden Gate Park and Chinatown with buses running every 15 mins.
    • Benefit from the multilingual audio guide on the open-top buses and snag perks like a Chinatown tour and an interactive experience at The Flyer or 7D Experience.
    • Step into Alcatraz prison, where the most infamous criminals were imprisoned, roam notorious cellblocks, and see where Al Capone practiced his banjo.
    • With the audio guide uncover escape attempts, guard secrets, and why Alcatraz's library was the most popular spot.

    Inclusions

    San Francisco HOHO pass

    • 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
    • Access to Red Route
    • Access to The Flyer or 7D Experience (choose one)
    • Chinatown guided walking tour
    • Free 2-hour bike rental offer
    • Audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian & Portuguese (on the bus)
    • Free Headphones
    • Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

    Alcatraz

    • Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
    • Personal audio guide
    • Return ferry transfers from Pier 33

    Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

    You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

    Red Route

    • First bus: 10am from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
    • Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
    • Frequency: Every 15 mins
    • Popular stops: Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Pier 39

    San Francisco HOHO pass

    • Not all buses are wheelchair accessible. You can contact the service operator 48 hours before your trip and they'll try to assist you.
    • Your safety comes first so guests with mobility impairments may be restricted from accessing the upper decks.
    • Your guide dogs (except pets) are welcome onboard.
    • Booking information, operating hours, and meeting point details for the Chinatown walking tour, The Flyer, and 7D Experience, and the bike rental offer will be shared in the ticket post-booking.

    Alcatraz

    • Tip: Walk the yard where inmates once exercised and plotted their next move. It's a great spot to stretch your legs and soak in the history.
    • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
    San Francisco Sightseeing Flex Pass
    Escape game, San Francisco
    Couple biking near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
    Lady at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, San Francisco
    Aquarium at the Bay, San Francisco
    San Francisco Sightseeing Flex Pass
    Escape game, San Francisco
    Couple biking near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
    Lady at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, San Francisco
    Aquarium at the Bay, San Francisco
    San Francisco Sightseeing Flex Pass
    Escape game, San Francisco
    Couple biking near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
    Lady at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, San Francisco
    Aquarium at the Bay, San Francisco
    NEW

    San Francisco Sightseeing Flex Pass: Choose 2 to 6 Attractions

    from
    $79
    Extended validity
    Instant confirmation
    Mobile ticket
    Flexible duration
    • Explore up to 6 popular attractions in San Francisco with this flex pass that offers free entry for up to 60 days (9 weekends) after activation.
    • Experience the speed and convenience of hassle-free access to your favorite attractions with a single digital pass on your phone.
    • Confused about what to see? Choose between 2 to 6 places from a list of 10+ attractions, including popular places like the Asian Art Museum and Madame Tussauds.
    • Enjoy your San Francisco trip more when you save 35% on costs, after buying a bus pass and visiting 2 attractions like Madame Tussauds and Aquarium of the Bay.
    • Get the thrill of an adrenaline rush as you zoom through the streets of San Francisco on your bike that you can rent for free for 1 hour with the flex pass.
    • Explore up to 6 popular attractions in San Francisco with this flex pass that offers free entry for up to 60 days (9 weekends) after activation.
    • Experience the speed and convenience of hassle-free access to your favorite attractions with a single digital pass on your phone.
    • Confused about what to see? Choose between 2 to 6 places from a list of 10+ attractions, including popular places like the Asian Art Museum and Madame Tussauds.
    • Enjoy your San Francisco trip more when you save 35% on costs, after buying a bus pass and visiting 2 attractions like Madame Tussauds and Aquarium of the Bay.
    • Get the thrill of an adrenaline rush as you zoom through the streets of San Francisco on your bike that you can rent for free for 1 hour with the flex pass.

    Inclusions

    • Access to 2/4/5/6 attractions
    • Hop-on hop-off tours
    • Museums: Asian Art Museum, Madame Tussauds San Francisco
    • Attractions: Aquarium of the Bay
    • Tours: GoCar 1-Hour Tour, San Francisco Ghost Hunting Tour
    • Activities: Escape Game San Francisco Downtown, Scavenger Hunts San Francisco
    • Get complete details here
    • You can enter any attraction only once.
    • After the date of purchase but before activation, the pass remains valid for 1 year.
    • The pass gets activated once you visit the 1st attraction.
    • First, download the Sightseeing Pass App. Use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated!
    • Feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
    • Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for 60 days post the activation date.
    • These tickets can’t be cancelled. However, you can use them any time within the next 12 months.
    • These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

    From happy customers

    Jennifer Smith
    US

    Jennifer

    United States
    Apr, 2025
    I didn't love the cheesy recorded audio portions of the tour. The information was just okay. The value of the 2 day ticket was great. The sunset tour with Rocky (?) was fabulous. The walking tour of Chinatown with Blake was full of great information. He was excellent. A warning of the cold and wind on the upper deck when going at higher speeds over the bridges would be good. We learned our lesson on the sunset tour so went downstairs before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge for the daytime tour. I love the app to see where the stops are and when the busses are coming.
    Big Bus: San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
    Maria Teresira R. Dean

    Maria

    Jan, 2025
    It was such a fun tour. We got a 2-day pass that was just right for our 4-day stay in SFO. It was a great tour going around as we went to all the places to see - that's our first day. The second day, we just went to specific places that we went down and took pictures and ate too. Job well done HeadOut Big Bus SFO Tour!!! :-)
    Big Bus: San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
    Rafael Dall'Anese de Campos
    BR

    Rafael

    Brazil
    Jun, 2024
    The combination of the tour, places with the narration and explanation of the sights. And being able to stop for a visit and take photos.
    View original review in Portuguese
    Big Bus: San Francisco Sunset Tour
    Reesa Artz
    US

    Reesa

    United States
    Dec, 2024
    Joseph on the 6:30 12/25 tour was the best tour guide we ever had! Please give him a raise!! The added touch of a free small hot chocolate was amazing too. Loved the detail and length, please no shorter.
    Big Bus: San Francisco Holiday Lights Tour

    Hop-on Hop-off tours: All you need to know

    Hop-on, Hop-off tours make it easy to customize your itinerary while navigating San Francisco’s steep hills and busy streets. Equipped with informative audio guides for local insights, tour popular landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown while enjoying panoramic city views.

    Why choose Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco bus tours

    Tourists enjoying the San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour on a sunny day with iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the background
    • Covering the city extensively: Hop-on Hop-off bus tours in San Francisco cover over 15+ stops on the Red Route, which includes the city’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, such as Union Square and Marina District.
    • Seamless access to waterfront attractions: San Francisco’s Hop-on Hop-off tours pass by bustling waterfront areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, or the Exploratorium.
    • Easy city navigation: San Francisco’s winding streets and inclined terrain can make walking or driving difficult. Hop-on Hop-off tours provide a cost-effective way to skip dealing with the city’s traffic and parking hassles.
    • Take the unmissable Sunset Tour: No trip to San Francisco is complete without basking in the golden hues of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the nonstop 60-minute sunset tour add-on ensures a memorable experience at this world-famous landmark.
    • Enjoy different perks: Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco tours often include complimentary earphones, guided walking tours, bike rental offers, and live bus tracking.

    Hop-on Hop-off buses are the perfect choice for

    San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with a view of Alcatraz Island in the background

    First-time visitors

    If you’re new to San Francisco, Hop-on Hop-off bus tours provide a structured way to familiarize yourself with city highlights. You can opt to take one full loop and then decide what stops interest you the most.

    Family enjoying a city tour on an open-top bus, child pointing at landmarks.

    Families

    With a mix of flexibility and comfort, Hop-on Hop-off buses are designed for families, kids, and elderly visitors, as they are wheelchair accessible.

    San Francisco City Hall

    Time-savers

    For those with limited time in the city, Hop-on Hop-off bus tours maximize sightseeing efficiency. Visit multiple locations in one day across cosmopolitan San Francisco.

    Tourist enjoying city tour on open-top bus

    Solo travelers

    Hop-on Hop-off tours provide a safe, easy, and pre-planned way to explore for solo travelers in any new city.

    Couple on open-top San Francisco bus

    Photography enthusiasts

    Hop-on Hop-off tours in San Francisco provide dreamy opportunities to snap the city skyline and panoramic vistas from the open-air top-deck of the bus.

    Discovering San Francisco through Big Bus tours

    The Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tours in San Francisco offer an efficient way to explore the city’s top attractions with flexibility and comfort. Ideal for first-time visitors, Big Bus covers all major city highlights with its Red Route. The audio guides in 7 languages provide historical facts and fun anecdotes as you pass by 16 key stops, with buses conveniently arriving every 15 minutes.

    Finding the perfect Hop-on Hop-off pass duration

    • 1-day pass: An ideal way to tour the city without having to worry about any of the logistics. You have the flexibility to choose between popular landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and hidden gems based on your interests.
    • 2-day pass: The 2-day pass allows for deeper exploration of San Francisco along the Red Route and beyond. Additionally, perks include pre-recorded multilingual commentary and a bike rental offer. It is also more cost-effective than purchasing two 1-day passes.
    • 2-day pass + Sunset tour: The ultimate tour combo that includes a Chinatown guided walking tour, a 7D experience, a 60-minute non-stop sunset tour, in addition to all of the benefits mentioned in the other passes with a very minimal price difference.

    How to book tickets

    Step 1: Choose your route

    Each tour follows a unique route. Review the routes and stops and pick the tour that covers your must-see attractions.

    Step 2: Book your tickets

    Purchase your Hop-on Hop-off tickets easily using PayPal, credit/debit card, or iDEAL.

    Step 3: Check your email

    Receive your ticket voucher instantly in your inbox. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder.

    Step 4: Download the operator’s app

    Track the bus in real-time, plan your journey, and explore routes with an interactive map.

    Step 5: Hop-on & explore!

    Head to any designated stop, show your mobile voucher to the driver or staff, and start your adventure!

    Top San Francisco landmarks on the Hop-on Hop-off tour

    Exploratorium entrance with view of The Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco.
    Aquarium of the Bay
    Visitors viewing artwork at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
    Giraffes eating leaves, San Francisco Zoo
    Fisherman’s Wharf
    San Francisco Union Square
    Golden Gate Park
    Lombard Street
    Aerial daytime view of Coit Tower, San Francisco, California, USA
    Palace of Fine Arts
    1/10

    Exploratorium

    A world-renowned science and art museum with over 600 interactive exhibits blending science, technology, and art in innovative ways.

    Read more

    Aquarium of the Bay

    A captivating marine attraction on Pier 39, whose main highlight is an underwater tunnel that lets visitors walk through a giant tank filled with sharks, stingrays, and schools of fish.

    Read more

    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

    Also known as SFMOMA, it boasts an impressive collection of over 33,000 works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and Jackson Pollock.

    Read more

    San Francisco Zoo

    Nestled along the Pacific coastline, the zoo is dedicated to conservation efforts housing over 1,000 animals from around the world.

    Read more

    Fisherman’s Wharf

    A bustling waterfront district which is home to seafood restaurants, shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the famous sea lions.

    Union Square

    Known for its shopping, theaters, eateries, and art galleries, it is the cultural and commercial hub of San Francisco.

    Golden Gate Park

    Spanning over 1,000 acres, it is a lush urban oasis with gardens, museums, and recreational areas like the California Academy of Sciences and Japanese Tea Garden.

    Lombard Street

    Often referred to as the crookedest street in the world, it features eight sharp turns on a steep hill, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and historic homes.

    Coit Tower

    Perched atop Telegraph Hill, the tower provides 360-degree panoramic views of San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline.

    Palace of Fine Arts

    One of San Francisco's most photographed landmarks, it is a stunning architectural masterpiece with a grand rotunda, tranquil lagoon, and picturesque surroundings.

    Tips to make the most of your Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco tour

    • Ride the morning route for clearer skies and lesser crowds, while the late afternoon is ideal for the golden hour experience.
    • San Francisco is synonymous with bright sunlight, carry a hat and sunglasses to stay comfortable.
    • Check out hidden gems like the colorful murals at The Mission District or hidden hiking trails in the Presidio.
    • Keep an eye out for street performers and musicians at the city’s iconic attractions.
    • Combo tickets add great monetary value. You can club your Hop-on Hop-off pass with an Alcatraz tour or a Red & White Bay Cruise.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco tours

    What is the frequency of Hop-on Hop-off buses in San Francisco?

    Hop-on Hop-off buses in San Francisco arrive every 15 minutes between 10am-6pm.

    What languages are the audio guides available in?

    Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese & Korean.

    Is the sunset tour available throughout the year?

    The sunset tour is closed on July 4, Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving and New Years Eve.

    Are Hop-on Hop-off tours child-friendly?

    Yes, make sure to purchase tickets for children 3 years and above.

    Is the Hop-on Hop-off bus accessible for people with mobility issues?

    Yes, all Hop-on Hop-off buses are wheelchair-accessible.

    What should I bring for the Hop-on Hop-off tour?

    It’s recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, a camera, and comfortable shoes for walking.

    Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
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