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.
























Big Bus San Francisco at viewpoint with city skyline and bay in background.
Open-top bus tour crossing Golden Gate Bridge with live guide in San Francisco.
Tourists on a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus enjoying city views.
Big Bus San Francisco tour at Fisherman's Wharf with passengers on the open-top deck.
Tour guide speaking on a Big Bus in San Francisco with city buildings in the background.
Open-top bus tour with view of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.
Open-top Big Bus tour in San Francisco passing through a city street.
Tourist photographing group near Fisherman’s Wharf sign, San Francisco.
Big Bus San Francisco at viewpoint with city skyline and bay in background.
Open-top bus tour crossing Golden Gate Bridge with live guide in San Francisco.
Tourists on a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus enjoying city views.
Big Bus San Francisco tour at Fisherman's Wharf with passengers on the open-top deck.
Tour guide speaking on a Big Bus in San Francisco with city buildings in the background.
Open-top bus tour with view of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.
Open-top Big Bus tour in San Francisco passing through a city street.
Tourist photographing group near Fisherman’s Wharf sign, San Francisco.
Big Bus San Francisco at viewpoint with city skyline and bay in background.
Open-top bus tour crossing Golden Gate Bridge with live guide in San Francisco.
Tourists on a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus enjoying city views.
Big Bus San Francisco tour at Fisherman's Wharf with passengers on the open-top deck.
Tour guide speaking on a Big Bus in San Francisco with city buildings in the background.
Open-top bus tour with view of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.
Open-top Big Bus tour in San Francisco passing through a city street.
Tourist photographing group near Fisherman’s Wharf sign, San Francisco.
4.2(129)

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

from
$44
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

2

Columbus/Ghirardelli Square

Get direction

2 attractions

3

North Beach / Chinatown

Get direction

2 attractions

4

Embarcadero Center

Get direction

2 attractions

5

Ferry Building

Get direction

2 attractions

6

Union Square South

Get direction

2 attractions

7

Hilton Hotel

Get direction

2 attractions

8

Civic Center

Get direction

2 attractions

9

Alamo Square

Get direction

2 attractions

10

Haight Ashbury

Get direction

2 attractions

11

Golden Gate Park

Get direction

2 attractions

12

Golden Gate Park 2

13

North Vista Point / Golden Gate Bridge

Get direction

2 attractions

14

Palace of Fine Arts

Get direction

2 attractions

15

Marina / Cow Hollow

Get direction

2 attractions

16

Lombard Street

Get direction

2 attractions

17

Pier 35 / Cruise Terminal

Get direction

2 attractions

18

Pier 39

Get direction

2 attractions

Explore San Francisco's top sights aided by exciting upgrades and multilingual audio guides.

  • Wanna see San Francisco like a boss? Grab a hop-on hop-off ticket and get ready to explore the city for a quick 3 hours or 24/48 hours.
  • With buses swooping in every 15 mins, you can explore the 16 stops along the Red Route.
  • For more adventure, upgrade to a 60-minute sunset tour, get a 2-day pass, and go on a 1-hour Chinatown digital 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.

Explore San Francisco's top sights aided by exciting upgrades and multilingual audio guides.

  • Wanna see San Francisco like a boss? Grab a hop-on hop-off ticket and get ready to explore the city for a quick 3 hours or 24/48 hours.
  • With buses swooping in every 15 mins, you can explore the 16 stops along the Red Route.
  • For more adventure, upgrade to a 60-minute sunset tour, get a 2-day pass, and go on a 1-hour Chinatown digital 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

  • 3-hour or 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
  • Access to Red Route
  • 1-hour Chinatown digital 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)
  • Audio guide English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese (on the walking tour)
  • 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

Digital walking tour

  • Departure: Scan the QR Code at Stop 1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center) and head to Stop 3 (North Beach / Chinatown) for departure
  • Duration: 1-hour
  • Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese
  • 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 digital 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
129 ratings
61
42
18
5
3
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • Switzerland
  • Mexico
  • Germany
  • Lithuania
  • Belgium
  • Israel
Guests from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and over 17 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Mark
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

The audio commentary was great , help in knowing more as we travelled the route

review media 0
review media 1
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
Ruth
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Easy to book online. Great tour with descriptions and history of so many areas and neighborhoods

reviewer
KALYANARAMAN
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

Instructive and entertaining experience

reviewer
Harshini
Jul 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Melvi
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

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
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
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
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
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
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

Open-top tour bus near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.
Tourists on open-top bus near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.
Red double-decker sightseeing bus in San Francisco with tourists on top deck.
Open-top bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with tourists enjoying the view.
Tourists enjoying a sunny day at Union Square, San Francisco during a hop-on hop-off tour.
Open-top sightseeing bus in San Francisco with tourists on board.
Open-top bus tour in San Francisco's Chinatown with tourists taking photos.
Tourists on a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus photographing colorful Haight-Ashbury murals.
Open-top sightseeing bus in San Francisco with tourists on board.
Open-top tour bus near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.
Tourists on open-top bus near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.
Red double-decker sightseeing bus in San Francisco with tourists on top deck.
Open-top bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with tourists enjoying the view.
Tourists enjoying a sunny day at Union Square, San Francisco during a hop-on hop-off tour.
Open-top sightseeing bus in San Francisco with tourists on board.
Open-top bus tour in San Francisco's Chinatown with tourists taking photos.
Tourists on a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus photographing colorful Haight-Ashbury murals.
Open-top sightseeing bus in San Francisco with tourists on board.
Open-top tour bus near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.
Tourists on open-top bus near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.
Red double-decker sightseeing bus in San Francisco with tourists on top deck.
Open-top bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with tourists enjoying the view.
Tourists enjoying a sunny day at Union Square, San Francisco during a hop-on hop-off tour.
Open-top sightseeing bus in San Francisco with tourists on board.
Open-top bus tour in San Francisco's Chinatown with tourists taking photos.
Tourists on a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus photographing colorful Haight-Ashbury murals.
Open-top sightseeing bus in San Francisco with tourists on board.
NEW

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

from
$60
Free cancellation

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

Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
Routes
TOTAL DURATION2 hours
FREQUENCYEvery 40 minutes
FIRST DEPARTUREUnion Square at 10:15 AM
LAST DEPARTUREUnion Square at 5:30 PM
Timeline
Map

1

Union Square

Get direction

1 attractions

2

Chinatown San Francisco

Get direction

2 attractions

3

Financial District

Get direction

2 attractions

4

North Beach

Get direction

2 attractions

5

Pier 35 (1914)

Get direction

2 attractions

6

PIER 39

Get direction

1 attractions

7

Fisherman's Wharf

Get direction

1 attractions

8

Ghirardelli Square

2 attractions

9

Fort Mason

Get direction

2 attractions

10

Palace of Fine Arts

Get direction

1 attractions

11

Golden Gate Bridge

Get direction

2 attractions

12

Lombard Street

Get direction

1 attractions

13

Civic Center

Get direction

2 attractions

14

Golden Gate Park

Get direction

2 attractions

15

Haight-Ashbury

Get direction

2 attractions

16

Alamo Square

Get direction

2 attractions

17

Civic - Center

Get direction

1 attractions

18

Ferry Building

Get direction

2 attractions

Skip parking nightmares and planning chaos! All city landmarks covered with expert commentary.

  • Conquer San Francisco's iconic hills, neighborhoods, and landmarks with flexible 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off passes that let you explore at your own pace.
  • Cruise the Red route with 18 stops and buses every 40 minutes, giving you time to dive into San Fransico’s charm one scenic stop at a time.
  • Feel the wind in your hair aboard open-top double-decker buses where tour guides and your handy audio app deliver city secrets in 13 languages.
  • Glide past the towering Golden Gate Bridge, the buzzing Mission District, and Chinatown bursting with culture, cuisine, and personality.

Skip parking nightmares and planning chaos! All city landmarks covered with expert commentary.

  • Conquer San Francisco's iconic hills, neighborhoods, and landmarks with flexible 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off passes that let you explore at your own pace.
  • Cruise the Red route with 18 stops and buses every 40 minutes, giving you time to dive into San Fransico’s charm one scenic stop at a time.
  • Feel the wind in your hair aboard open-top double-decker buses where tour guides and your handy audio app deliver city secrets in 13 languages.
  • Glide past the towering Golden Gate Bridge, the buzzing Mission District, and Chinatown bursting with culture, cuisine, and personality.

Inclusions

  • 1 or 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour
  • Access to the Red route
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Audio guide app in English, German, Spanish, French, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Punjabi, Portuguese, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese

Red route
This route captures the wild, wonderful spirit of San Francisco, from sweeping bridges to mural-covered neighborhoods and twisty hillside streets. Ride through the city’s ever-changing skyline, buzzing cultural districts, and oceanside escapes, all while hearing the stories that shaped this one-of-a-kind American icon.
Popular stops: Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Lombard Street

  • The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • The bus tour remains closed on December 25th.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
  • These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Big Bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with iconic sign in background.
Alcatraz Island with historic prison buildings in San Francisco Bay, California.
Alcatraz Prison cell block interior during San Francisco Bay cruise tour.
Alcatraz prison cell interior, San Francisco.
San Francisco hop-on hop-off tour bus driving through city streets.
San Francisco City Hall with flags and trees in Civic Center, California.
Open-top tour bus in San Francisco with city skyline and bay in the background.
Sea lions resting on docks at Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California.
Tourists on San Francisco Big Bus tour with Alcatraz view.
Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco with people by the lagoon.
Big Bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with iconic sign in background.
Alcatraz Island with historic prison buildings in San Francisco Bay, California.
Alcatraz Prison cell block interior during San Francisco Bay cruise tour.
Alcatraz prison cell interior, San Francisco.
San Francisco hop-on hop-off tour bus driving through city streets.
San Francisco City Hall with flags and trees in Civic Center, California.
Open-top tour bus in San Francisco with city skyline and bay in the background.
Sea lions resting on docks at Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California.
Tourists on San Francisco Big Bus tour with Alcatraz view.
Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco with people by the lagoon.
Big Bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with iconic sign in background.
Alcatraz Island with historic prison buildings in San Francisco Bay, California.
Alcatraz Prison cell block interior during San Francisco Bay cruise tour.
Alcatraz prison cell interior, San Francisco.
San Francisco hop-on hop-off tour bus driving through city streets.
San Francisco City Hall with flags and trees in Civic Center, California.
Open-top tour bus in San Francisco with city skyline and bay in the background.
Sea lions resting on docks at Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California.
Tourists on San Francisco Big Bus tour with Alcatraz view.
Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco with people by the lagoon.
NEW

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

from
$120
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

2

Columbus/Ghirardelli Square

Get direction

2 attractions

3

North Beach / Chinatown

Get direction

2 attractions

4

Embarcadero Center

Get direction

2 attractions

5

Ferry Building

Get direction

2 attractions

6

Union Square South

Get direction

2 attractions

7

Hilton Hotel

Get direction

2 attractions

8

Civic Center

Get direction

2 attractions

9

Alamo Square

Get direction

2 attractions

10

Haight Ashbury

Get direction

2 attractions

11

Golden Gate Park

Get direction

2 attractions

12

Golden Gate Park 2

13

North Vista Point / Golden Gate Bridge

Get direction

2 attractions

14

Palace of Fine Arts

Get direction

2 attractions

15

Marina / Cow Hollow

Get direction

2 attractions

16

Lombard Street

Get direction

2 attractions

17

Pier 35 / Cruise Terminal

Get direction

2 attractions

18

Pier 39

Get direction

2 attractions

Explore top sights in San Francisco from two unique perspectives, from land and sea.

  • Everything you get: Ride through San Francisco on a 48-hour hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour with engaging audio commentary. Pass iconic landmarks, then take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island. Walk through eerie corridors and cell blocks and learn about the prison’s history through a gripping audio guide narrated by former inmates and guards.
  • Why choose this: Enjoy the flexibility to hop on and off the bus at your convenience and gain access to the infamous Alcatraz Island—all in a single, convenient pass you won’t want to miss.

Explore top sights in San Francisco from two unique perspectives, from land and sea.

  • Everything you get: Ride through San Francisco on a 48-hour hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour with engaging audio commentary. Pass iconic landmarks, then take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island. Walk through eerie corridors and cell blocks and learn about the prison’s history through a gripping audio guide narrated by former inmates and guards.
  • Why choose this: Enjoy the flexibility to hop on and off the bus at your convenience and gain access to the infamous Alcatraz Island—all in a single, convenient pass you won’t want to miss.

Inclusions

HOHO pass:

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

Alcatraz Island:

  • Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
  • Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
  • Multilingual audio guide

Exclusions

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Food and beverages
  • Tips

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

Sunset tour

  • Departure: 6:30pm from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
  • Frequency: Once every evening
  • Duration: 60 mins

Digital walking tour

  • Departure: Scan the QR Code at Stop 1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center) and head to Stop 3 (North Beach / Chinatown) for departure
  • Duration: 1-hour
  • Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese

HOHO pass:

  • Luggage, food, and beverages are not permitted.
  • The hop-on hop-off pass is flexible, and you can start the bus tour at any time.
  • The pre-recorded audio commentary is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
  • Not all buses are wheelchair accessible. If you require it, contact the company at least 48 hours in advance of your tour.
  • No pets are allowed on board the bus except service animals.

Alcatraz Island:

  • The ferry and the island are wheelchair accessible.
  • You can explore the island for as long as you like.
  • Dress in layers—the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Wear comfortable shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with Go City Explorer Pass logo.
Open-top tour bus in San Francisco with passengers exploring city streets.
Person riding a San Francisco cable car on a sunny street.
Ferry approaching Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, part of the San Francisco Explorer Pass.
Cyclists ride past the Painted Ladies in San Francisco.
California Academy of Sciences with green roof in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
Visitors exploring San Francisco Giants memorabilia at Oracle Park museum.
Roller coaster ride at California's Great America, part of San Francisco Explorer Pass attractions.
Group enjoying a water ride on a raft, part of San Francisco Explorer Pass attractions.
Underwater tunnel at San Francisco aquarium with diverse marine life.
Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with Go City Explorer Pass logo.
Open-top tour bus in San Francisco with passengers exploring city streets.
Person riding a San Francisco cable car on a sunny street.
Ferry approaching Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, part of the San Francisco Explorer Pass.
Cyclists ride past the Painted Ladies in San Francisco.
California Academy of Sciences with green roof in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
Visitors exploring San Francisco Giants memorabilia at Oracle Park museum.
Roller coaster ride at California's Great America, part of San Francisco Explorer Pass attractions.
Group enjoying a water ride on a raft, part of San Francisco Explorer Pass attractions.
Underwater tunnel at San Francisco aquarium with diverse marine life.
Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with Go City Explorer Pass logo.
Open-top tour bus in San Francisco with passengers exploring city streets.
Person riding a San Francisco cable car on a sunny street.
Ferry approaching Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, part of the San Francisco Explorer Pass.
Cyclists ride past the Painted Ladies in San Francisco.
California Academy of Sciences with green roof in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
Visitors exploring San Francisco Giants memorabilia at Oracle Park museum.
Roller coaster ride at California's Great America, part of San Francisco Explorer Pass attractions.
Group enjoying a water ride on a raft, part of San Francisco Explorer Pass attractions.
Underwater tunnel at San Francisco aquarium with diverse marine life.
4.5(1,702)

San Franciso Explorer Pass By Go City

from
$79
Free cancellation

Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience

Extended validity
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration

Save up to 45% and explore up to 5 top sights with this cost-saving pass!

  • Everything you get: Choose 2/3/4/5 sights from a list of 25+ attractions, including the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, the Walt Disney Museum, and more. You can also make the most of your pass by availing discounts at restaurants, gift shops, and pubs.
  • Why choose this: Want to visit a few attractions on your list and explore flexibly, while saving up to 45%? This Explorer Pass is the perfect option for you.

Save up to 45% and explore up to 5 top sights with this cost-saving pass!

  • Everything you get: Choose 2/3/4/5 sights from a list of 25+ attractions, including the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, the Walt Disney Museum, and more. You can also make the most of your pass by availing discounts at restaurants, gift shops, and pubs.
  • Why choose this: Want to visit a few attractions on your list and explore flexibly, while saving up to 45%? This Explorer Pass is the perfect option for you.

Inclusions

  • San Francisco Explorer Pass: 2/3/4/5 Attraction Pass
  • Valid for 30 days from the first use
  • Skip-the-line into San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, Walt Disney Museum, and the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
  • Additional discounts & offers
  • Digital guidebook

Exclusions

  • Transport
  • Hotel transfers
  • Food and drinks
  • Note that each attraction can only be visited once per pass. Plan your itinerary accordingly to maximize your experience.
  • While you don't need to pre-select your attractions when purchasing the pass, some locations require advance reservations. To avoid missing out, it is recommended to check the attraction's official website before your planned visit.
  • In rare cases, some attractions may be closed for scheduled maintenance. We recommend checking their official websites and planning ahead to avoid closure dates.
  • Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
  • These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
1,702 ratings
1.3K
170
51
51
119
What our guests say
reviewer
Franz
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

EBike rental, hop-on/off bus tour and bridge boat tour were an excellent choice to see the most importantant parts of SF.

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
3/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

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Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

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Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
3/5

reviewer
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
5/5

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Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
1/5

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Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
1/5

reviewer
Andrew
Jan 2020Verified booking
4/5

User friendly and reliable

reviewer
Glennie
Jan 2020Verified booking
5/5

Reliable and good communication. Thank you!

reviewer
Lærke
Jan 2020Verified booking
4/5

Was great service and very easy to book cheap tickets!

reviewer
Hélène
Jan 2020Verified booking
4/5

Excellent service. Keep the Good work

reviewer
Ronan
Jan 2020Verified booking
4/5

Prices were good and the service was solid.

Big Bus San Francisco tour bus and Bay Cruise ferry on the water.
Big Bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with iconic sign in background.
Open-top bus tour crossing Golden Gate Bridge with live guide in San Francisco.
Bay cruise boat near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, part of Big Bus tour.
Boats docked at San Francisco Bay with cityscape and Coit Tower in the background.
Tourists on San Francisco Big Bus tour with Alcatraz view.
Visitors walking up a ramp to Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, with historic buildings in view.
Big Bus San Francisco tour bus and Bay Cruise ferry on the water.
Big Bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with iconic sign in background.
Open-top bus tour crossing Golden Gate Bridge with live guide in San Francisco.
Bay cruise boat near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, part of Big Bus tour.
Boats docked at San Francisco Bay with cityscape and Coit Tower in the background.
Tourists on San Francisco Big Bus tour with Alcatraz view.
Visitors walking up a ramp to Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, with historic buildings in view.
Big Bus San Francisco tour bus and Bay Cruise ferry on the water.
Big Bus tour at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with iconic sign in background.
Open-top bus tour crossing Golden Gate Bridge with live guide in San Francisco.
Bay cruise boat near Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, part of Big Bus tour.
Boats docked at San Francisco Bay with cityscape and Coit Tower in the background.
Tourists on San Francisco Big Bus tour with Alcatraz view.
Visitors walking up a ramp to Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, with historic buildings in view.
NEW

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

from $167
$99

41% off

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
  • 1-hour Chinatown digital walking tour
  • 60-min sunset tour
  • Bike rental offer: book 1 hour, get 1 free
  • 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

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

Sunset tour

  • Departure: 6:30pm from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
  • Frequency: Once every evening
  • Duration: 60 mins

Digital walking tour

  • Departure: Scan the QR Code at Stop 1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center) and head to Stop 3 (North Beach / Chinatown) for departure
  • Duration: 1-hour
  • Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese

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, sunset toue, digital walking tour, 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 passing San Francisco Ferry Building during sunset tour.
San Francisco skyline with Coit Tower illuminated at sunset.
Child wearing a hat looking out of a bus window at night city lights.
Grace Cathedral illuminated at sunset during Big Bus 1-Hr Sunset Tour in San Francisco.
San Francisco skyline at sunset with Grace Cathedral and city lights.
Golden Gate Bridge at sunset viewed between city buildings.
Bay Bridge at sunset with San Francisco skyline, Big Bus 1-Hr Sunset Tour.
San Francisco skyline with Transamerica Pyramid at sunset during Big Bus tour.
Big Bus passing San Francisco Ferry Building during sunset tour.
San Francisco skyline with Coit Tower illuminated at sunset.
Child wearing a hat looking out of a bus window at night city lights.
Grace Cathedral illuminated at sunset during Big Bus 1-Hr Sunset Tour in San Francisco.
San Francisco skyline at sunset with Grace Cathedral and city lights.
Golden Gate Bridge at sunset viewed between city buildings.
Bay Bridge at sunset with San Francisco skyline, Big Bus 1-Hr Sunset Tour.
San Francisco skyline with Transamerica Pyramid at sunset during Big Bus tour.
Big Bus passing San Francisco Ferry Building during sunset tour.
San Francisco skyline with Coit Tower illuminated at sunset.
Child wearing a hat looking out of a bus window at night city lights.
Grace Cathedral illuminated at sunset during Big Bus 1-Hr Sunset Tour in San Francisco.
San Francisco skyline at sunset with Grace Cathedral and city lights.
Golden Gate Bridge at sunset viewed between city buildings.
Bay Bridge at sunset with San Francisco skyline, Big Bus 1-Hr Sunset Tour.
San Francisco skyline with Transamerica Pyramid at sunset during Big Bus tour.
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.

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!

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.