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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bike Rentals and Other Popular New York City Attractions

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

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The 10 best bus tours in NYC

From superhero movie sets to a Sex and the City excursion, these are the best NYC bus tours for sightseeing

Want to take in all that NYC has to offer but with maximum comfort and convenience? Book yourself an NYC bus tour — these stellar sightseeing options are a visitor's best friend. While you could get your steps in on a walking tour or eat your way through NYC on a foodie jaunt, you’ll see more sights in a smaller amount of time on one of the city’s top bus tours. Whether you’re looking for the classic hop-on hop-off experience that stops at all the major attractions, a themed TV and movie route spotlighting popular filming locations or a spirited excursion to the outer boroughs, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best bus tours in NYC. Read on, then hop on!

RECOMMENDED: Find more New York City tours .

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

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Best NYC bus tours

1.  Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

First time exploring the wonderful city that is New York? This comprehensive, fully narrated tour allows you to customize your itinerary to just how you want it, boarding and leaving whenever it’s convenient for you. Vouchers can be redeemed in Times Square, where the tour begins. Choose from two circuits: the 90-minute Downtown Loop, which visits neighborhoods such as Little Italy and Chinatown and attractions like the Stock Exchange and the World Trade Center; and the 75-minute Uptown Loop, which includes classic New York spots like Lincoln Center, Rockefeller Center and the Apollo Theatre. Think of it as a handy little passport to discovering all the best of this fascinating city. 

2.  THE RIDE New York City

Double-decker bus tour not your thing? Amp up your usual sightseeing excursion with this dynamic part-show, part-city tour. Yes, it’s as wild and wonderful as it sounds. The multi-million-dollar bus (yep, you heard that right) offers outward-facing stadium seating with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Billed as a “traveling theater,” the uniquely designed bus allows riders to take photos of top attractions ( the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal) and interact with street performers during the 75-minute ride. It's a blast.

3.  New York Bus Night Tour

If New York is the city that never sleeps (which it totally is, btw), it makes sense to experience it in all its nighttime glory. This after-hours tour starts in midtown Manhattan, then drives past iconic and illuminated landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square and Chinatown, with expert commentary on the city’s history and celebrity residents along the way. There will also be time to stretch your legs during the four-hour excursion, with guided walks in High Line Park and Grand Central Station. And trust us, all those glittering, gleaming views of Manhattan at night are just as glorious as billed. 

4.  Sex and the City Hotspots Tour

Has there been a better unofficial NYC spokesperson than Carrie Bradshaw herself? This bus tour pays homage to the New York-loving sex columnist by spotlighting all of the hotspots from the original stint of the hit HBO show. (Alas, locations from the  And Just Like That  reboot aren’t featured, so no Che Diaz sightings here!) B oard the bus and get reacquainted with some of your favorite Sex and the City settings, like Steve and Aidan's bar Scout — where you can stop to sip a Cosmo, of course — the Pleasure Chest, where Charlotte bought her 'Rabbit' vibrator, and Carrie’s iconic stoop. Jimmy Choos optional!

5.  Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens Coach Tour

Manhattan may get a lot of the glory, but this comprehensive tour (it lasts for four-and-a-half hours) takes you through three equally deserving boroughs that made New York, well, New York. (Sorry, Staten Island!) Board in midtown and drive north through the Upper East Side to Spanish Harlem and the Bronx. Check out Yankee Stadium and the Italian enclave on Arthur Avenue before crossing into Queens. You’ll drive through Astoria and Long Island City before entering Brooklyn, where you’ll explore trendy ‘hoods including Greenpoint and Williamsburg. There’s just enough time left to drive over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for one last look at the New York City skyline. Lush .

6.  Birthplace of Hip Hop Tour - Harlem & The Bronx

Like R euben sandwiches, eggs Benedict and Martin Scorsese, hip-hop was born right here in New York City. Discover the origins of the groundbreaking musical genre on this bus tour of Manhattan, Harlem and the Boogie Down Bronx . Led by a grandmaster —no, not Flash, but similarly legendary emcees like Kurtis Blow, Johnny Famous, Roxanne Shante and Reggie Reg — the excursion starts at the location of the first hip-hop party in Manhattan before heading uptown to iconic spots like the Apollo Theater, the Graffiti Hall of Fame and Yankee Stadium. You’ll get to watch a real b-boy and b-girl dance session, snap photos in front of famous murals dedicated to Big L and Kool Herc, and even learn how to freestyle!

7.  Superhero Film Tour of New York

From Spider-Man to Batman to Jessica Jones , New York City has played home to many a superhero. On this sightseeing tour, you’ll see around 40 locations featured in your favorite super-powered TV shows and movies, from the setting of the Battle of New York in The Avengers to The Daily Planet building from the Superman franchise to the exact spot where Danny Rand flips over a cab in Iron Fist . This is one fascinating exploration that will make superhero fans and comic-book buffs very happy indeed.

8.  Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour

Explore the culture of Harlem, one of the meccas of Black-American identity, on this guided tour. The tour visits both iconic and lesser-known attractions, such as  Columbia University, the Cotton Club and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. After visiting the Apollo Theater, where Michael Jackson once performed, and the famous stretch of 125th Street, where Duke Ellington lived, guests will be welcomed by a local congregation to participate in a Gospel mass. 

9.  Gossip Girl Bus Sites Tour

“Spotted at Grand Central, bags in hand” is the opening line of the New York-centric hit show Gossip Girl . And this is a big “XOXO” to the city and its super-elite, showcasing a number of memorable locations from the hit teen drama. Follow in the footsteps of Blair Waldorf , Serena van der Woodsen and the rest of the Constance Billard crew and explore many of the show’s glamorous locations on this three-hour bus tour, including The Empire Hotel (where Chuck Bass lived and worked), the Vera Wang boutique where Blair tried on her wedding gown and, of course, those iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you can take a photo op.

10.  The Sopranos Filming Locations Bus Tour

First thing’s first: yes, we know that The Sopranos largely takes place in New Jersey. But just like Jersey residents proudly tout “NJ/NYC” in their Instagram bios, we’re going to lovingly co-opt the crime drama as our own. Starting in midtown Manhattan and crossing over into the Garden State, this Jersey-set tour will feature key locations from the Mafia-inspired HBO series, including the diner where Chris was shot, the spot where Big Pussy spoke with the FBI and the booth in Tony’s restaurant where the final episode was filmed. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Satin Dolls (the Bada Bing bar).

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Which New York Bus Tours Are Best?

This post reviews and compares the various bus tour options available to you in NYC, including hop-on-hop-off, fully guided, themed, and night tours. 

If you are like many visitors, you are struggling to decide which of the many bus tour companies to choose, or if to choose one at all.

There are hop-on-hop-off buses, fully-guided bus tours, themed tours, night tours, and the list goes on.

Well, we are here to help make sense of it all.

In this post, we explain the pros and cons of each option and compare the different options.

We are a group of local tour guides, and many of us lead or have led tours on the city's buses, so we know a thing or two about them.

These are two questions that we locals get asked all of the time, and the following tips come from our own experiences.

And we also got inspiration from the contributions of the roughly 200k members of our popular NYC Travel Tips Facebook group. At the bottom of this you can see what group members thought about bus tours.

Our group consists of locals, like our guides, veteran visitors to NYC and newbies.

There's no need to become a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations, so check us out once you finish reading this post.

So, without further ado, let's get moving.

• Double Decker Bus Hop-on-Hop-Off
• Hop-on Hop-off Tours Compared
• Fully Guided Bus Tours
• Movie + Themed Bus Tours
• Night Bus Tours
• Combo Deals
• Brooklyn Bus Tours

NEW YORK HOP ON HOP OFF SIGHTSEEING BUS TOURS

Traditional hop-on-hop-off bus companies provide transport to major sites all over the city, which can be appealing if the New York subway system seems daunting.  

Typically guests purchase 1, 2, or 3-day access passes and can then get on/off the bus at any of the company's designated stops at any time, or they get tickets through a tourist pass .

Most multiple-day tickets include more than one route to explore, a free bike rental, and sometimes even a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty!

Depending on the service you use, tickets might also include admission to more than one museum, popular attractions like the Empire State Building, and freebies at nearby businesses.

Prices for these combination tickets are sometimes too good to pass up.

All offer audio headsets with commentary in multiple languages.

Unfortunately, no hop-on-hop-off company offers live tour guides at this time. For live guides, check out the next section .

The market is very competitive with companies outdoing each other's prices regularly.

Be sure to check for any deals by clicking the links.

However, no information is provided when you are off the bus, and commentary on board occasionally consists of a recording.

For that reason, these tours are best for those looking for an informational shuttle service between attractions rather than detailed information about the city.  

Leave the detailed touring to our pay-what-you-wish walking tours  or our audio tours , many of which start and end near popular bus stops.

Likewise, during the busy season, guests may have to wait for multiple buses to pass through a stop as seat availability is not guaranteed.

Also, keep in mind that though bus tours guarantee easy transportation around the city, they are not always the quickest as all bus tours are subject to NYC traffic!

BIG BUS TOURS

If we were ranking these buses, Big Bus would be at the top of the list.

Big Bus Tours consist of 35+ stops around New York City on 5 routes, including Downtown, Uptown, and Midtown Manhattan routes, Harlem Routes, and one route in Brooklyn ( see map detail ).  

You can also download their app, which has maps to help you plan your route.

Guests listen to an audio recording in one of 10 languages while on the bus and they are free to wander around on their own at each stop.  

They also offer a  night tour , which is not a hop-on-hop-off tour as well as  combo packages .  

All of the Big Bus routes are included for free with the Sightseeing Pass , GoCity Explorer Pass , and the New York Pass .

UPDATE: Big Bus has actually added a new feature for kids: Peppa Pig ears!

All children who climb onboard will receive a pair of Peppa Pig ears to wear and an activity sheet.

There is also an audio commentary channel just for kids which focuses on the history of this character and includes music from the latest album.

Big Bus Tickets

Here are just a few of their most popular tickets. Prices are for tickets purchased online. It's slightly more expensive on-site.

All prices below reflect an additional 10% off pricing that you can only get when purchasing tickets directly from the official Big Bus website.

Essential Ticket 1 Day

• 1 Day Hop-on, Hop-off w/ 2 extensive routes
• The ticket includes 50% on a 2-hour bike rental.
• Price: $72/Adults | $63/Children

Premium Ticket 2 Day

• 2-Day Hop-on, Hop-off Tour w/ 2 extensive routes
• Price: $90/Adults | $81/Children

Deluxe Ticket 3 Day

• 3-Day Hop-on, Hop-off Tour w/ 2 extensive routes
• The ticket includes a 2-hour bike rental
• Price: $100/Adults | $90/Children

Discover Ticket 1 Day

• 1-Day Hop-on, Hop-off Tour covering Downtown route
• Price: $54/Adults | $45/Children

Learn more and/or purchase tickets here .

TIP: Save an additional 5% off tickets by using Tiqets !

Big Bus also offers even more combinations where you can add on attractions (see below ), which could include access to the Empire State Building,  Madame Tussauds, and much more.

Be sure to read our post comparing all the different tourist pass options in NYC .

Review of Big Bus New York

Big Bus is the best-reviewed hop-on-hop-off bus tour in NYC and the company regards itself as the premium hop-on-hop-off bus service in New York City.

This company sports an overall 4 out of 5-star  rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide. Reading their reviews will help set proper expectations.

Most negative comments focus on the amount of time that it can take to get onto a bus and the audio systems not working properly. Negative reviews are more likely in high seasons.

Even those who didn’t enjoy their experience typically reported that this bus service was worth considering. 

TopView NYC

This is a relatively new company offering hop-on-hop-off bus tours, but they’re giving the competition a run for their money.

Not only are their prices much cheaper, but they also offer a lot of additional activities and attractions for free with each ticket.

In addition to their main Downtown tour, they also provide hop-on-hop-off routes of Uptown & Harlem, Brooklyn, and even a Night tour.

Depending on which ticket option you choose, you can also get access to a Statue of Liberty Cruise, a Central Park Bike Rental, and the Museum of the City of New York.

This hop-on-hop-off bus tour ticket can be used at any time within 6 months of the original purchase date.

That means you are free to buy tickets when they are on sale and wait until you plan to visit NYC to use them. 

Reviews of TopView NYC

Ratings for this company have suffered in recent years.

While some of this might be due to issues that all companies had during the pandemic, there is no mistaking the fact that their reviews are not very good anymore.

TopView has an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars , and most guests feel that they don't provide accurate instructions on how to use their service.

Whatever is going on behind the scenes, one thing is for sure: many reviewers are displeased with this company.

Their prices might be some of the lowest in NYC, but sometimes when it seems too good to be true, it actually is.

Same Day Downtown Pass

• 24-hour Hop-on-Hop-off Downtown Bus Tour
• $45/Adults | $35/Children

Same Day Downtown & Uptown Pass

• 24-hour Hop-on-Hop-off Downtown & Uptown Bus Tour
• $61/Adults | $51/Children

All City Pass (2-Day)

• 48-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Downtown Bus Tour
• Uptown Tour
• 2-Hour Central Park Bike Rental
• $81/Adults | $71/Kids

All City Pass (3-Day)

• 72-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Downtown Bus Tour
• Brooklyn Tour
• Statue of Liberty Cruise
• Museum of the City of New York
• Free Butterbeer at the Harry Potter Store
• Skyscraper Museum
• $115/Adults | $101/Kids

All City Pass (5-Day)

• 120-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Downtown Bus Tour
• $131/Adults | $115/Kids
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

TIP: We highly recommend choosing a more reliable and better-rated service, but if you're really looking to save some money, this is the most affordable hop-on hop-off bus tour currently available in NYC.

CITYSIGHTSEEING NYC BUS TOURS

NOTE: Big Bus has officially taken over every aspect of operation for City Sightseeing in New York City, so this service is no longer available.

The following information is kept here only for those who have not yet been informed of this change.

CitySightseeing NYC offers a similar open-top, double-decker hop-on-hop-off service as Big Bus.

Like Big Bus, CitySightseeing is a global company and you most likely have seen their red double-decker buses in other cities.  

Reviews of CitySightseeing NYC

When it comes to their hop-on-hop-off service, the reviews are mixed.

CitySightseeing has earned an overall rating of 3 ½ out of 5 stars.

As with most bus services in New York, the negative comments focused mostly on long wait times and audio systems not working properly.

Those who were pleased with their experience reported that the bus drivers/guides were both helpful and knowledgeable.

( NOTE - there are no longer live tour guides).  

Previous guests have complained about experiencing a lot of pressure to tip the guide/driver at each stop.

So, either be prepared to ignore these pleas or carry $1 bills to distribute at each stop.

• Downtown Tour (Midtown south to the Financial District)
• Uptown Tour (Midtown north to Harlem)
• Brooklyn Tour (Currently unavailable)
• Bronx Tour (Currently unavailable)
• Night Tour/Holiday Lights (Currently unavailable)
• Downtown: $59/Adults | $49/Children

NEW YORK CITY HOP ON HOP OFF TOURS COMPARED

If you're having trouble deciding which hop on hop off company to work with and figuring out how much tickets cost, this section will directly compare all the most pertinent details about each service.

As you can see, there are a few main differences you'll want to keep in mind when deciding which service to choose:

• No matter how you do the math, Big Bus is the bigger name in hop-on hop-off tours, and they do charge a bit more.
• Although they aren't as popular as Big Bus, they do have 3 day and 5 day tickets, and they also include additional activities that aren't offered by their competitors.
• If you read the reviews for each service, you'll find a lot more negative experiences being reported about TopView NYC than Big Bus.

HOP ON HOP OFF WITH A TOUR GUIDE 

As a company that primarily offers walking tours, we prefer these types of bus tours as they include all the benefits of a bus tour without most of the cons!

The guide accompanies you on and off of the bus at each stop so you get detailed information about all the major sites, rather than just wandering around on your own.

You are also with the same bus, driver, and guide for the entire duration of the tour, so you never have to worry about getting a seat and can enjoy the tour in a more intimate setting.  

These are premium tours run in climate-controlled buses, therefore they are more expensive than the traditional hop-on-hop-off variety.

However, you will see a lot more, more in-depth, in a much shorter amount of time. 

USA GUIDED TOURS

Visiting New York can be an exciting and bewildering experience.

If you’re looking for a nice overview of the entire city, you might want to consider the NYC Day Bus Tour .

In addition to a fully guided trip throughout the Big Apple, you’ll also enjoy a walking tour and usually a boat cruise (Apr 1 till Dec 31)  around Manhattan.

The full trip will take roughly 5 hours to complete and you will see a lot of significant landmarks along the way.

Your tour guides hop off at each stop to help show you around!  

Available daily from 10 AM – 3 PM.

TIP: If you are planning on visiting Washington, DC, you will get 30% off the Discover DC Tour  (normally $69) if you purchase it at the same time as your Discover DC Tour.  

You will need to call USA Guided Tours to confirm your NYC tour date.

• $99 for Adults
• $89 for Children
• $10 off for members of the Military
• Duration: 5 hours
• More info or to book online .

Reviews for USA Guided Tours NYC

All of the reviews for USA Guided Tours are positive.

With a full 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and Viator, it’s safe to say that this is one of the highest-rated tour companies in NYC.

One happy customer went so far as to exclaim that this is a must for any first-timers in New York. This seems to be a common sentiment, as several visitors left similarly positive comments. 

ONBOARD NYC

OnBoard offers day and nighttime tours, including an 8-hour Premium See-It-All Tour, which covers the length of Manhattan and comprises a visit past or to the Statue of Liberty. 

• Cost : $69.99 and up depending on type/length of tour and which day of the week
• Duration : Tours vary from 3.5-8 hours
• Tour with Staten Island Ferry Ride
• Tour with a ticket to the Statue of Liberty
• Not currently available

Reviews of OnBoard NYC Tours

Reviews for this company are very good, resulting in an overall 4 ½ star rating on TripAdvisor and Viator. 

Some went so far as to indicate that they visited locations you wouldn’t typically see on a tour of New York City. 

SPECIALTY AND THEMED BUS TOURS

• NYC Street Theater
• Movie and TV Tours
• Scott's Pizza Tour
• Hip Hop Tours
• Kenny Kramer's Seinfeld Tour

The Ride is Broadway on a bus!

A unique experience that, according to their website is "equal parts theatrical show and immersive tour."

It's designed to be fun and entertaining, with street performers scattered throughout the tour route.  

The information about the city is rather limited and the route is confined to the area around Times Square, so guests looking for a comprehensive city tour should look at "The Tour" or elsewhere.

Tickets and Reviews of The Ride

This service has received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ). 

Most guests enjoyed their experience on The Ride, but some have said that the quality of this tour has decreased over time.

It would appear that this trip does not appeal to all audiences, but it’s worth noting that hundreds of customers have left positive feedback about their adventures.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, many passengers have suggested that this is one of the most original and unique bus tours in New York!

• Price: $79 per person
• Duration : 75 minutes
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour time.
• Purchase tickets here .

TIP: The Ride is free for those who purchase the New York Pass  or  the Explorer Pass .

Read our post comparing NYC tourist passes . 

This fun and educational trip is from the same company that brought you The Ride.

The Tour is less about the performance (there are no singers or dancers along the route) than it is about the city itself. 

Clocking in at 15 minutes longer than The Ride, this service is more affordable and it covers a slightly larger area.

TIP: Both the RIDE and the TOUR are free for those who purchase the New York Pass  or  the Explorer Pass .

Reviews of The Tour

Much like the other services from this company, The Tour has an overall 4 out of 5-stars rating on TripAdvisor.

There are a few negative comments, but the overwhelming majority of their ratings are positive.

Some passengers suggest that this is a great option for anyone who might be short on time, while others say it’s the best tour they’ve ever taken.

Several of the negative reviews indicate that they were expecting the same experience that is offered on The Ride, but that simply isn’t the case.

Please make sure to select the right bus tour from this company to avoid any confusion.

• Cost: $39 per person
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Not currently available.

TIP: Both the RIDE and the TOUR are usually free for those who purchase the New York Pass  or  the Explorer Pass .

ON LOCATION TOURS

If you’re a major movie buff, then this is the tour for you!

On Location Tours specializes in showing guests where all their favorite movies and TV shows were filmed.

Some of their most popular tours include:

• NYC TV & Movie Tour
• Sex and the City Hotspots Tour
• Gossip Girl Sites Tour
• Sopranos Sites Tour
• TCM Classic Film Tour
• When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour
• Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Sites Tour
• Superhero Film Locations Tour
• Manhattan TV & Movie Sites Tour
• East Village TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour
• and the Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour .

Guides also pepper the tours with history about the neighborhoods you drive through.

Reviews of On Location NYC Tours

With a 4 ½ out of 5-star  rating and over 1,500 positive reviews on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide, it’s safe to say that On Location Tours has impressed a lot of customers.

That being said, about 10% of their reviews are from unhappy passengers, who complain that the tour wasn’t as long as they were promised, while others simply found it uninteresting.

Although these comments may be troubling, it’s worth remembering that there are ten times as many people who absolutely loved their experience with this company.

Several guests recommend this tour for film buffs of all ages, stating that it is both informative and fun for movie lovers.

• Cost: Varies with tours, but most are between $30-$70.
• Duration:  Tour times vary, but most run between 2-4 hours

HUSH HIP-HOP TOURS

Whether you are looking to bust a move or bust a rhyme, Hush Hip Hop Tours has the perfect tour for fans of the genre.

It claims to be the only hip-hop tour company in the world with pioneers of hip-hop, DJs, and professional break-dancers leading its tours.

As you travel from one location to the next, some of the people who helped make the movement possible will explain how this art form was born in the streets of NYC.

Their tours will take you to Harlem, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.

Reviews of Hush Hip Hop Tours

This may be one of the highest-rated experiences on the list, as Hush Hip Hop Tours have earned an overall 5 out of 5-stars rating from most 

An overwhelming majority of customers have reported that their trip around New York was not only memorable but historically accurate as well.

Some have even said that this tour is great for all audiences, suggesting that you need not be a fan of hip-hop to learn a lot about the city while on your trip.

There are only a handful of negative comments, and few of them seem to have anything in common that would suggest any major issues with their service.

• Bus Tours: from $75
• Free cancellation with 24 hours notice.

TIP: Hush tours are also available for free with The Sightseeing Pass .

SCOTT'S PIZZA TOUR

Scott's Pizza Tours are the premier pizza tours of New York City.  

Scott's offerings are primarily walking tours. However, on Sundays, Scott offers a pizza bus tour that reaches the outer boroughs of NYC.  

• $85 per person
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Includes stops at 4 pizzerias
• Proof of vaccination is required
• Stops change weekly

Reviews of Scott's Pizza Tours

Everyone loves pizza, and according to reviewers on TripAdvisor, learning about the dish can be pretty fun.

An overwhelming majority of the reviews for their bus tour are positive.

This tour takes place on a yellow school bus, so it might not be the most comfortable seating you’ll ever experience.

That said, almost everyone who has experienced the trip has had an absolute blast.

Positive reviews suggest that the entire journey is entertaining, and you’ll even have the opportunity to eat a few slices!

Scott also offers pizza walking tours, including:

• Greenwich Village Pizza Walk
• Crosstown Pizza Walk
• Lower East Side Pizza Walk
• Brooklyn Pizza Walk

KENNY KRAMER'S SEINFELD TOUR

Fans of Seinfeld will definitely want to consider taking this tour.

According to Larry David, Kenny Kramer was the actual person who inspired the hilarious character of Cosmo Kramer.

Believe it or not, Kenny still lives in New York and he provides a fabulous tour of the city to give fans a better idea of what life was like for the people that inspired the characters in everyone’s favorite show about nothing.

Visit a lot of the locations you’ve seen in the series and hear about the creation of this concept from Kramer himself!

With the exception of just one negative review, every rating on TripAdvisor is positive. 

Some fans report waiting years to take a tour with Kenny only to have their expectations exceeded in the end.

According to many reviewers, this might be one of the more entertaining bus tours in the city, and it’s perfect for any fan of Seinfeld.

• Cost: $47.50 (plus $2 service charge)
• Available Saturdays at 12 PM
• Duration: 2-3 hours

DO-IT-YOURSELF NYC BUS TOUR

If all of the above sounds out of your price range, then you could always take advantage of the public bus system and tour around the city on your own!

The New York Times published a great article a few years back about the best bus lines and routes to see all the major sites in the city.  

For under $10, the public bus system offers visitors a great way to explore the city on their own for a minimal cost.  

Don't forget that you can also take our free walking tours in combination with this option.

Another option is to download our audio tour app and use it for the neighborhoods that take the bus or subway to get to.

COMBINE BUS, BOAT, HELICOPTER TOURS AND MORE

If you are interested in taking both a boat and bus tour while visiting New York, it's often cheapest to purchase those two tickets as part of a combo deal.

Many companies offer a variety of combinations, including helicopter tours and museum tickets as well.  

Child prices are even less, but they vary. Click the company links for more details.  

Be sure to also read our post comparing the various tourist passes , such as the New York Pass, CityPass and the Explorer Pass, which may be an even better fit for you. 

All passes include some form of bus tour.

In addition to their hop-on hop-off bus tours, this company also offers a variety of additional activities you can combine with their tours to save money.

These combo packages include tickets to some of the most popular attractions in New York City, so there's a pretty good chance you're already planning to see them anyway.

• $100/Adults | $90/Children
• $80/Adults | $70/Children
• $130/Adults | $120/Children

Purchase combo tickets here .

Some of these deals are better than others, and in the case of packages that include the Statue of Liberty or the 9/11 Memorial Museum , we recommend reading more about these to find out if you can get tickets for even cheaper another way.

It's also worth noting that most of these attractions are also included alongside the Big Bus tours with the New York Pass , the  New York Sightseeing Pass  or  the Explorer Pass .

CITY SIGHTS

City Sights also offers several different combo packages at a low rate. Use the promo phrase SAVE10 to get an extra 10% off each package.

Big Bus Classic Tour + 1 Attraction

• 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Both Downtown and Uptown Loops
• Empire State Building
• Top of the Rock
• Intrepid, Sea, Air, and Space Museum
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Madame Tussauds
• 9/11 Tribute Museum
• New York Historical Society
• The Cloisters Museum
• Central Park Sightseeing Guided Bike Tour
• Central Park Sightseeing Walking Tour
• $79/Adults | $69/Children
• Purchase this combo deal .

Big Bus Classic Tour + 3 Attractions

• $139/Adults | $129/Children

The Sightseeing Pass

• NYC Bus Tour for 1-10 days
• One World Observatory
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Night Bus Tour
• American Museum of Natural History
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Guggenheim Museum
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• On Location Tours - When Harry Met Seinfeld
• Prices from $149/Adults | $139/Children

New York Tour Shuttle

This bus tour is perfect for those who only have limited time in New York.

Over 9 hours, you'll see several different landmarks and enjoy access to sites such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

Additionally, you'll also make a special stop in Little Italy for lunch.

This is a fairly comprehensive day trip that covers most of the bases in NYC.

Tickets are a bit expensive, but ratings indicate that the service may be worth its higher price tag.

• Ticket Prices: $99 per person
• Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Availability: Thursday – Monday at 9:00 AM
• Statue of Liberty (w/ access to the Pedestal)
• Wall Street Walking Tour
• St. Patrick's Cathedral
• Little Italy

Reviews for this service are quite good, as a majority of customers have given the trip a 5-star rating.

Several visitors mentioned their tour guides by name, indicating that they were very friendly and provided a lot of useful information about the city.

Although they enjoyed the experience, some reviewers felt it important to note that you will need a lot of stamina for this all-day outing.

If you are interested in day trips such as this, consider checking out our comparison of NYC in a day tours .

This company is currently offering their night bus tour in a combo package which includes tickets to the Edge Observatory.

If you're planning to visit this attraction and you're interested in taking a bus tour at night, this is an excellent opportunity to save some money.

The bus tour itself begins at 5:30 pm and lasts for 4 hours, so you'll want to visit the Edge Observatory before taking the tour.

This combo tour is available 3 days a week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

• $94/Adults | $84/Children

NIGHT BUS TOURS OF NYC

Many of the companies listed above also offer evening bus tours.

The New York skyline is breathtaking when illuminated after dark, and a bus tour is a great way to see many different areas of the city in a short amount of time.

Night tours do not typically operate as hop-on-hop-off tours, even though many are operated by hop-on-hop-off companies in double-decker buses.

There are also small group shuttle bus night tours.  

NOTE: Some of these night tours are included in the multiple-day tickets offered by each company.

In addition to its highly-rated daily tour, this company also provides one of the longest and most detailed night tours in New York.

Clocking in at 4 ½ hours in length, the NYC Night Bus Tour will take you past some of the most popular destinations in the entire city, including locations such as Times Square, Chelsea Market, Chinatown, and Greenwich Village.

This excursion also includes at least one short walking tour. Discover how New York City changes when the sun goes down! Available Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 5:30 PM to 10 PM.

• $59 for Adults
• $49 for Children
• $6 off w/ Military ID
• Duration: 4 hours
• Availability: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
• More information and to book .

Every single review for this particular night tour is 5 stars . Most guests report that this company is very professional and reliable, describing their tour guides as entertaining and knowledgeable. 

TOP VIEW NYC

In addition to their hop-on hop-off bus tours, this company also offers a night tour which allows you to see what the city looks like after dark.

This outing doesn't include any of their other bus tours, nor does it provide access to the Museum of the City of New York or a free Central Park bike rental.

Even so, it is one of the few options for a night bus tour as of March 2024.

If you're interested in seeing the city lights after the sun sets, this is an excellent option you might want to consider.

• Not Hop-on Hop-off
• No additional activities or routes
• $51 per person

NOTE: Don't forget that this night tour is included with their 2, 3, and 5-day hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket.

TIP: We recommend considering another service, as this company routinely receives negative reviews indicating they aren't the best option on our list.

BIG BUS NIGHT TOUR

Big Bus offers nightly bus tours that depart between 6-7 pm every 15-20 minutes from Times Square (6 pm - 8 pm in winter months).

Sites include Radio City Music Hall, 5th Avenue, the Empire State Building, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn waterfront.

You can view their night tour route map (yellow).  

• Price: $62.10 per person
• Duration : 2 hours.
• Included in the price of all multi-day Big Bus tickets.
• It is not included in the New York Pass.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

We hope that this post provides you with enough information to decide which, if any, NYC bus tour is right for you.

To help you get a sense from others about the various tours, we've included these opinions and suggestions from members of our popular New York Travel Tips Facebook group.

Here, Lindsey asks the question that anyone considering these tours wants to know.

Among those who have taken and enjoyed a bus tour, one of the most common reasons they gave is to become oriented to the city.

Rather than hop on and hop off, many people found it helpful to do a full loop first and note what sites you’d like to go back to.

This can be a great way to narrow down your itinerary to only places you know you will like.

These tours are more than just a way to orient yourself, you’ll learn things about NYC as well and see a lot!

Plus, on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover new places that intrigue you enough to go back and visit them.

This group member liked learning about the city’s neighborhoods and then deciding where to go back to.

She also loved the fact that the bus gives her feet a rest while she still discovers more of the city.

Like the others, this group member recommends them but feels that the tours are best used as sightseeing tours, rather than a means of getting from attraction to attraction as that can eat into one’s time.

For those who have never done a bus tour, don’t worry as they are pretty easy to use.

For example, Big Bus has an app that shows you in real time where buses are so you know when to be at the stop.

You may have noticed that two members above were able to take the Big Bus tour for free by purchasing a New York Pass. You can read more about this pass here .

Need help planning your bus tour itinerary? This member has organized one for you!

As for taking the unusual tour, The Ride, it really depends on what you are looking for. 

If you are looking for an informative tour that takes you around the city, The Ride isn't the best choice. That isn't to say you won't enjoy it.

If you want to be entertained in a one-of-a-kind manner, then it could be just what you are looking for, especially after a long day and you want to sit back and relax.

If you have any more questions about NYC bus tours (or anything else about NYC) that we haven't covered here, check out our New York Travel Tips Facebook group !

And much, much more

About the author.

Stephen Pickhardt

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

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The 5 Best NYC Bus Tours for 2024

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

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

Big Bus Tours

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

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

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

Check prices & availability on:

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

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

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

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

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

Price: From $66 Duration: 3.5 hours

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

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

USA Guided Tours – Discover NY Tour

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

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

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

Hush Hip Hop Tours – Birthplace of Hip Hop

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

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

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

Check prices & availability on:  

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

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

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , New York City , New York Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations , US Vacations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Bus NYC ticket prices

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

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

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

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

Big Bus NYC tour schedule

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

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

Big Bus New York stops

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

Red (Downtown) Route :

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

Blue (Uptown) Route :

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

Big Bus New York map

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

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

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

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

NYC City Sightseeing ticket prices

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

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

NYC City Sightseeing schedule

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

NYC bus hop-on hop-off stops

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

Downtown Loop :

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

Uptown Loop :

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

City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off New York map

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

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

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

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

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

TopView NYC hop-on hop-off bus ticket prices

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

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

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

TopView NYC hop-on hop-off bus schedule

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

TopView NYC bus stops

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

Downtown Route :

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

Uptown/Harlem Route :

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

Night Tour Route :

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

Brooklyn Route :

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

NYC bus hop-on hop-off map

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

New York bus hop-on hop-off map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I want to visit the garment district wheee is that located

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your blog!

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

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The Absolute Best Night Bus Tours in NYC

Are you ready to explore New York City? The city that never sleeps has so many sights that it would take a lifetime to see everything. So, while you won’t be able to see the entire city during one trip to NYC, we do suggest that you sign up for a nighttime bus tour. You’ll love experiencing the glamour of New York illuminated by night, where you’ll see many famous attractions and be entertained by the live guides. But how do you know which one to choose? Today we’ll look at the best night bus tour NYC to make it easier.

You'll also love this:

• Fun Things You Can Do in New York at Night
• Hop-on-Hop-off in NYC

We have already done several of the tours and were positively surprised. Therefore, when planning your trip, you should seriously consider taking a night tour by bus – seeing New York at night is simply amazing!

In a rush? Further down, I’ll answer your question about 👉 which night bus tour in NYC is the best and I’ll tell you how you can even 👉 do it for free !

Table of Contents

What Is The Night Bus Tour?

As the name would suggest, a night bus tour takes visitors on a sightseeing adventure around NYC after dark. The landmarks you see will depend on which bus tour you choose, and we consider the two we’ll discuss here today to be the best, which are provided by Big Bus and Top View .

It’s important to note that while most NYC bus tours are hop-on-hop-off, the night tours are not!

There are no scheduled stops, and you cannot get off the bus in the middle of the route. With that being said, let’s take a detailed look at each of these.

Quick Comparison

Here you can compare the different providers and routes and find the best night bus tour for you!

#1 Big Bus Night Bus Tour NYC

Ranked among the best night bus tours in NYC, Big Bus is a famous tour company in the city. This company is the largest operator of sightseeing bus tours in the world. They began with just three buses and have grown to operate in over 20 cities across four continents with hundreds of buses.

Big Bus Night Bus Tour NYC Information

• Price: from $62 for children / $62 for adults
• Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
• Departure/Arrival Location: 7th Ave & W 48th, Outside the M&M Store
• Departure Time: Tours begin at 7:00 pm and run through 9:00 pm

As you make your way to the departure area, consider that seats are first-come, first-served on the bottom or top deck. Once aboard the open-top double-decker, you’ll want to plug in your recorded audio commentary that’s available in 10 languages ranging from English and Spanish to German, Japanese, and more. Listening to this during the duration of your trip is the best way to learn lesser-known facts about each attraction you see.

Big Bus Night Bus Tour NYC Route And Attractions

You will start at the M&M World Stop and make your way through Times Square. The first attractions you’ll see are Bryant Park, stores along 5th Ave in Midtown, and the infamous Empire State Building .

You will then travel through NYC’s Flatiron district, where you’ll see the famed Flatiron Building and Union Square before heading through Noho and Soho . The bus then travels through Little Italy and Chinatown before heading over the historic Manhattan Bridge toward Brooklyn. At this point, the bus will circle back over the bridge and continue toward the Avenue Of The Americas, where you’ll get an up-close look at Hudson Square, Greenwich Village , and the garment district before arriving back at your final destination.

Big Bus Night Bus Tour Tickets

Here you can buy tickets for the night tour. Note: these are not available separately, but only as an upgrade in combination with the regular hop-on hop-off bus tour.

GET TICKETS

#3 Top View Night Bus Tour NYC

Top View buses are among the most famous and easiest to spot in NYC. They operate a large fleet of double-deckers that are equipped with the latest in GPS triggered audio technology that’s available in 11 languages. Top View operates over 40 bus stops and offers rides all day, making it easy for visitors to explore the city on their own terms.

Top View Night Bus Tour NYC Information

• Price: $49 for children / $59 for adults
• Duration: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
• Departure/Arrival Location: 46th St between 7th Ave & 8th Ave, off of 8th Ave
• Departure Time: Tours begin at 7:00 pm and run through 11:00 pm

Top View offers one of the best night bus tours in NYC, as it’s comprehensive and passes many of the most famed attractions the Big Apple has to offer. Aboard one of the open-top double-decker buses, you will be delighted by the sights and sounds of the city that never sleeps. Between the flashing lights and stunning architecture, it will provide you a new view of the city that you can’t see during the day.

Top View Night Bus Tour NYC Route And Attractions

The Top View night bus tour begins in Times Square and travels down 5th Avenue past Bryant Park and the Empire State Building . It then travels past some of the city’s most famous areas, including the Flatiron District , Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown, and Little Italy .

The bus will then head toward the harbor, where you will cross the Manhattan Bridge into Brooklyn . This is usually a fan-favorite as the splendor of the Manhattan Bridge at night is unbeatable, as are the breathtaking views of Manhattan’s towering skyline .

You will then head back toward Manhattan, where you’ll enjoy other famous sights such as the United Nations Building, Chrysler Building , and the Grand Central Terminal . Finally, you’ll travel through Times Square once again before arriving at your departure point.

In the end, if you’re looking for a fun night experience in New York City , then you don’t want to miss out on one of these unique encounters. Regardless of which night bus tour NYC that you choose, the views are unmatched, and you’ll have plenty of lasting memories to take back home.

Top View Night Bus Tour Tickets

Here you can buy tickets for the night tour.

Get Tickets

My Recommandation

Which Night Bus Tour is the Best?

The routes of the night tours are pretty much the same and will take you to the most beautiful and impressive places in New York.

Nevertheless, there is one clear recommendation for me: Big Bus. Why? They have the most modern buses compared to the other providers and the guides were always in a good mood.

BIG BUS TICKETS

Do the night tour for free

Do you already know the attractions passes for New York? With these you can visit many attractions and tours for a very reasonable fixed price (this includes the night tour).

You can learn more about them here:

• New York Pass Comparison – Which New York Pass is the Best?
• Complete List of Attractions and Tours included in the New York City Passes

Fun Things To Do in New York At Night

Hop On Hop Off in NYC

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

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Travels & Treasures

Review: I Took the Big Bus Tour in New York City and Found this Secret

I absolutely loved the Big Bus Tour in New York City. It’s the best way to go sightseeing in an open-top, hop-on hop-off, top-rated tour and explore the best New York attractions !

If this is your first-time visiting New York and you want to see all the top landmarks, this double-decker tour bus will take you there.

Table of Contents

The Big Bus Tour in New York

You may be wondering if a hop on hop off New York bus is worth it. Absolutely, yes!

Taking the downtown loop of the New York tour bus is a convenient way to see many of New York’s top attractions on your sightseeing date.

The Big Bus Tour’s downtown loop service provides an efficient tour of lower Manhattan’s iconic sites without having to navigate the city’s hectic downtown on foot.

If you consider the time and money spent on transportation costs, waiting for buses, navigating the subway (which can be confusing for visitors), and getting from one point of interest to another, it is worth every dollar!

I had a great visit on the NY bus tour. My goal was to show the city to some friends from Italy who were visiting the US for the first time.

Since we only had about two days to spend together, the hop-on hop-off was undoubtedly the best decision.

From our experience, I’ll answer commonly asked questions about the Hop-on Hop-off bus while visiting New York City.

Big Bus Tour NYC Reviews from Google

TL;DR – Get discounts for the best Hop On Hop Off Bus NYC here .

Why Take the Big Bus Tour in New York

While seeing New York from the open-top deck of the double-decker bus, the city unfolded block by block with panoramic views from every angle.

As we traveled through the streets, the sights were unobstructed and new visual backdrops were revealed.

The towering skyscrapers and colorful billboards filled the air with excitement and as the cityscape continued to change, it gave a grand feeling to the experience.

I especially enjoyed being able to relax from the upper deck of the bus while taking in the energy of city scenes.

Because I also live in a large city, the rhythm felt familiar from the elevated vantage point .

Car horns were honking, crowds traversed through the streets and there was an endless hum of activity.

Fortunately, an online account is not needed for the Big Bus Tour. Be sure to select the downtown loop option if you want to focus sightseeing on the downtown area.

Best of all, the tour gave me the chance to interact with other travelers who were seeing New York while waiting for the tour to began.

While in line, we struck up conversations and exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations for our stay in New York.

How Much is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The regular price of an adult and child ticket is $60.00 and $50.00, respectively. However, you can use the link below for discounted fares.

Get discounts for the Hop on Hop Off New York City tour here .

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The round-trip NYC bus tours take about two hours from start to finish.

The bus is the perfect solution for visitors worldwide because they offer pre-recorded audio narratives and translations in five languages — French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English.

Are There Toilets on the Big Bus

No. Unlike charter buses, you won’t travel long between stops. So the best thing to do is exit at a stop, find a public restroom, see an attraction, if desired, and then catch the next bus.

If you are not sure where to find one, ask a Big Bus guide on the street. The driver may also have some suggestions.

Charter buses come equipped with a bathroom because travel is expected to be for a much longer period.

How Does the Big Bus Tour Work in New York City

The tour offers three options for purchase — 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day.

When you decide the number of days of your tour and purchase your ticket, the clock starts when your ticket is scanned while boarding the bus for the first time.

The ticket is good for 24, 48, or 72 hours. So, if you have a 1-day ticket and board the bus at 11:00 AM on Monday, it can still be used until 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

We found a ton of touring options for sightseeing in New York.

Aside from the extended period, the 2 and 3-day tickets also offer discounted bike rentals.

The buses run every 20 minutes on average. However, the first stop at the M&M store can be a long wait during peak season.

You can exit or board at any of the designated stops as much as you want.

The only exclusion is the one-loop tour Night Tour which is a panoramic non-stop tour.

Where to Catch the NYC Tourist Bus

On the New York tourist bus, they only stop at designated places along the route.

Your ticket is good for as long as the buses operate during the day and it may be used on both the red and blue routes.

When you board, make sure you get a Big Bus New York bus route map!

Big Bus NYC Red Route

The red route sightseeing tour covers lower Manhattan and you’ll see many landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Wall Street, the Chrysler Building, and General Grant’s Tomb.

Riding the downtown loop is a great way to maximize your time in New York by touring key downtown attractions like the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, and the Brooklyn Bridge on the double-decker bus.

You can catch a tour at any one of the following Big Bus New York stops and you can get your tickets in advance of boarding.

1 – M&M’s World – 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&M World & Majestic Deli)

2 – Times Square East – W 42nd St & Broadway (at Knickerbocker Hotel)

3 – Empire State Building / Korea Town – 5th Ave & W 32nd St (at CVS Pharmacy)

4 – Flatiron District – 5th Ave & W 23rd St (at Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop)

5 – SoHo – Broadway and Spring Street (at Nike Store)

6 – Chinatown / Little Italy – 100 Lafayette Street (near the corner at Walker St)

7 – Brooklyn Bridge – Park Row & Beekman St (across from 33 Park Row)

8 – Wall Street / Charging Bull – Broadway & Wall St (Southwest corner near Rector St)

9 – Statue of Liberty / Battery Park – State St and Bridge St (at Subway Entrance)

10 – Circle Line Sightseeing – 12th Ave & 40th St (opposite Pier 81)

11 – Times Square North – 7th Ave & W 50th St (at Majestic Deli)

Big Bus NYC Blue Route

The blue route covers upper Manhattan, and half of the ride is mostly views of Central Park. You can switch to the blue route at red stop #2.

We recommend changing routes at stop #11 (the Majestic Deli) where you can take a break and have a nice lunch.

12 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art – 5th Ave & E 83rd St (near 83rd St)

13 – Central Park Zoo – 5th Ave & E 66th St (opposite 845 5th Ave)

14 – Columbus Circle – Central Park & Columbus Circle (SW corner of Central Park)

Get discounts for the Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour.

Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

The downtown loop of the sightseeing bus in NYC is a popular choice for first-time visitors to New York who want an introductory tour of the city’s most famous downtown sights and landmarks. There is also a bus night tour.

So, expect a line because this city is the most popular tourist destination in the United States .

The bus has two levels, the upper level offers panoramic views of the city but be careful of overhanging traffic lights and trees. Don’t stand while the bus is in motion.

• After you find a seat, check the audio to confirm it is working when the tour starts.
• Snacks are allowed. Bring a frozen bottle of water and protein bites to keep you energized.
• When on the upper deck, cover up with sunscreen to protect your skin on hot sunny days.
• If you are a family of 3 or more, take seats across from one another so you’ll have views and photos from both sides of the bus.

When we went, travelers were lined up at stop #1 at least an hour before the first departure time and the line extended the entire block and rounded the corner.

We decided to see other points of interest and returned around 11:00 AM.

The wait to board the bus was about 20 minutes. It was a relaxing ride and we saw so much!

By the time we reached stop #9, we were pumped and ready to exit the bus so that we could explore the city! And you probably will be too.

Here’s the secret sauce that really made the experience memorable. Exit at stop #9 and take a free ferry to Staten Island.

To see the Statue of Liberty, stand on the left side of the boat. When returning, stand on the right side.

Traveling on a budget? Read my review of the Westside YMCA Hotel !

Final Thoughts About the Bus Tours in New York

Overall, the Manhattan bus tour was a pleasant way to see the city and when you are on the upper deck, you hardly notice the traffic.

Some other advantages of seeing the city by bus include:

• Avoiding parking hassles. I mean, who actually drives in New York while on vacation?!
• Photo opportunities. With the open-top or large windows, you have excellent photo opportunities as you pass by iconic landmarks and cityscapes.
• Comprehensive sightseeing of major landmarks and attractions within two hours.
• You can get local recommendations from the guides who operate the bus.

I usually opt for a hop-on hop-off bus when I am short on time or to get my bearings in the city before deciding what to do.

Either way, when you take the tour bus, it doesn’t appear impossible to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Happy Travels!

Tanya, a travel writer and content creator who has lived in Chicago for over 30 years, is your go-to local expert for Chicago's hidden treasures. Tanya's deep knowledge of various cities and attractions is acquired through personal exploration, making her articles a treasure trove for travelers and families. She has visited 43 of the 50 United States, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the UK.

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This is all great information, thank you for sharing! I hadn’t even heard of the Big Bus Tour before this but it seems like a stress free way to get yourself to most of NYC’s big stops. 🙂

It really made the tour of NY incredibly easy, and it is a nice and relaxing ride from lower Manhattan back to stop #1.