San Francisco Sightseeing Bus — Big Bus

Discover the iconic landmarks of San Francisco at your own pace aboard a comfortable hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus. The double-decker open-top buses provide stunning panoramic views and allow you to disembark at any stop to explore attractions that pique your interest.

Routes & Stops

The San Francisco Sightseeing Bus offers 17 carefully selected stops near key attractions, completing a circuit that takes approximately 2 hours. During the ride, you will have access to recorded audio commentary that enriches your understanding of the sites you encounter.

Among the highlights of the tour are Fisherman's Wharf, renowned for its seafood restaurants; the dramatically inclined Lombard Street, recognized as "the most crooked street in the world"; and Alamo Square, famed for the charming "Painted Ladies" homes. Other notable stops include Union Square and North Vista Point, which offers exceptional views of the famed Golden Gate Bridge.

To view the map of routes and stops, follow this link:

• Map of the San Francisco Sightseeing Bus routes and stops

Please note that this ticket is valid for the red line only.

Tour Options

Choose from the following options to suit your preferences:

1-Day Ticket

Includes:

• Access to Big Bus sightseeing buses for 24 hours
• 1-hour complimentary bike rental

1-Day Ticket + Audio-Guided Tour

Includes:

• Access to Big Bus sightseeing buses for 24 hours
• 1-hour complimentary bike rental
• A guided walking tour of the city
• Painted Ladies + Haight Ashbury tour via sightseeing bus with an audio guide. The route details can be found at this link
• Open-top night bus tour

2-Day Ticket

Includes:

• Access to Big Bus tour buses for 48 hours
• 1-hour complimentary bike rental
• 1-hour city walking tour with an audio guide
• Painted Ladies + Haight Ashbury tour via sightseeing bus with an audio guide. The route details can be found at this link
• 1-hour Blue & Gold Bay cruise

As a special offer until August 31, you can benefit from an additional 24 hours of usage on this ticket.

Night Tour

This tour begins at Fisherman's Wharf and lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, taking you through beautifully illuminated parts of the city. As you pass areas such as Union Street, Presidio Park, Nob Hill, and Grace Cathedral, you will appreciate live commentary in English. The tour culminates with a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge before crossing the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline at night. The excursion concludes at the starting point.

Operational Details

Your ticket remains valid for 1 or 2 consecutive days from its initial use, allowing for unlimited hop-ons and hop-offs during this time.

While a starting date is requested during reservation, the ticket can be utilized within a 6-month window from the specified date. A confirmation email will be sent with a voucher required for redemption on your first day at Pier 41 at Fisherman's Wharf.

Timetable & Frequency

Red line: Services run daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with departures every 60 minutes. The entire journey takes about 2.5 hours.

Visit Alcatraz

Additionally, you have the option to reserve the San Francisco Sightseeing Bus with access to Alcatraz.