big bus hop on hop off 1 day tour

Big Bus 1-Day Downtown & Uptown Hop-on Hop-off Tour

What you'll do

LIMITED-TIME SPECIAL OFFER: enjoy a FREE upgrade to a 2-day Hop-On Hop-Off ticket with Big Bus if you visit before May 31. Your pass must still be valid to redeem this offer.

See it all and get to know the city on the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off. A complete NYC sightseeing experience from a comfortable vantage point.

Enjoy a Big Bus 1-Day Downtown & Uptown Hop-on Hop-off Tour with The New York Pass®

• See all the top sights and get to know the city.
• Ride two bus routes: the Downtown and/or Uptown loop.
• Commentary in a pre-recorded guide.
• Ask a Big Bus agent about upgrading your ticket to include additional days and tours.

What could be better than cruising around NYC with the wind in your hair? This hop-on hop-off New York bus tour offered by Big Bus allows you to discover the city's attractions, with a few extra benefits.

About the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off in NYC: 1-Day Ticket

If you're looking to explore the wonders of New York City without the stress, one of the best ways to get around is with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. The Big Bus New York is a popular tour company offering hop-on hop-hop-off bus tours of the city. These tours are a convenient and affordable way to see all of the major attractions throughout New York City, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

The hop-on hop-off feature allows you to jump off the bus to explore a specific sight, and then hop back on the next bus to continue your journey. This gives you the flexibility to organize your sightseeing schedule, customize your experience, and enjoy total freedom during your visit.

Big Bus New York offers two main loops – the Downtown Loop and the Uptown Loop – as well as the Brooklyn Loop which takes you over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Each loop offers a different perspective on the city and its landmarks. With continuous commentary onboard from knowledgeable guides, you'll learn about the city's history, culture, and attractions as you make your way through the city.

Why People Prefer Bus Tours in New York

The tours run year-round and are perfect for visitors who want to maximize their time exploring the city. Instead of navigating the city on your own, the Big Bus New York's Hop-on Hop-off bus tours allow you to relax while you sightsee. Plus, with the convenience of the bus, you can see more attractions in less time compared to a self-guided tour.

Overall, the Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus New York tours are a fantastic way to see the city and its sights at your own pace. They offer you the freedom to customize your sightseeing experience while also providing you with the knowledge and information to fully appreciate everything that the city has to offer. So, hop on the Big Bus and explore all of the magic, sights and culture that New York City has to offer !

As the highest-rated bus tour on Tripadvisor, Big Bus New York offers access to 15 bus stops throughout the city so you can get on and off whenever you want.

Popular stops

• Times Square
• Brooklyn Bridge
• The Statue of Liberty and Battery Park
• Central Park
• Grand Central Station
• W 42nd Street and Broadway
• Empire State Building: 5th Avenue and 32nd Street
• Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall: Park Row & Beekman
• Battery Park: State Street between Battery Place and Bridge Street
• 7th Avenue and W 48th Street
• W 42nd Street and 8th Avenue

Get the Big Bus Hop on Hop off Route Map .

Two Bus Routes

Uptown Loop  –  Times Square M&M Store:  explore the Upper East Side, home to some of New York's most popular museums. Get lost in history and the arts by exploring the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The loop also takes you through Midtown, passing by the Grand Central Terminal and the famous Chrysler Building.  

Downtown Loop  –  Times Square M&M Store:  take in the lower part of Manhattan while passing through the Flatiron District as well as Union Square, Greenwich Village, and Chinatown before the bus tour heads back toward Times Square along the Hudson River, stopping at Pier 84, where you can hop off to the take the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise

Please note:  the Big Bus tour ticket offered on The New York Pass® remains subject to change.

Know before you go

Getting in: guests must visit a Big Bus agent in front of the M&M Store in Times Square to redeem your pass. 

Tips for taking the Big Bus Tour

• Download the free Big Bus Tours mobile app and get access to all the New York landmarks , routes and bus times right in your pocket. Plan which stops to hop on and off at to see all the landmarks, museums and attractions you want to visit with its customizable map feature. Plus, it includes fascinating facts about the city’s top sites.
• Big Bus buses are fully wheelchair accessible. Please note, customers with mobility issues may not be able to access the upper deck.
• Both the Uptown and Downtown routes last approximately 90 minutes.

For more information visit the Big Bus Tours website.

Q. What is a hop-on hop-off bus tour? A: Hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC are the most convenient and efficient way to sightsee in the city. With a designated route, you can hop on and hop off at any of the stops throughout the day, allowing you to customize your itinerary and explore the sights and attractions at your own pace.

Q. Which is the most popular company for hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC? A: Several companies offer hop-on and hop-off tours, but the most popular is Big Bus Tours. They offer a variety of tour options, including downtown loop, uptown loop, and Brooklyn tours, with multilingual narration and knowledgeable guides.

Q. Are hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC wheelchair accessible? A: Yes, most hop-on hop-off buses in NYC are wheelchair accessible. However, it is recommended that you request special accommodations from the tour operator ahead of time.

Q. What sceneries can I expect to see on hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC? A: Hop-on hop-off bus tours in NYC offer a variety of scenic routes showcasing the city’s famous landmarks including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Wall Street, SoHo, the Brooklyn Bridge, and many more. Have your camera ready to capture the iconic views of New York City from a comfortable vantage point on the bus.

Where you'll be

Operating hours.

Downtown Loop Starting location:  Times Square M&M Store Departs:  9AM – 5PM,  every 10 - 15 minutes

Uptown Loop Starting location:  Times Square M&M Store Departs:  10:00AM – 5PM,  every 30 minutes

Tip : this attraction is less busy in the afternoons.

We recommend checking directly with Big Bus for the most up-to-date opening hours.

Closings & holidays

Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Eve

(212) 685-8687

Buy with confidence

Free cancellation.

Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated passes are eligible for a refund within 365 days of your purchase date.

Got a question?

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Discover the essence of New York City in just one day with the Big Bus NY Classic Tour. Hop aboard our iconic double-decker buses and embark on a journey through the heart of the Big Apple. With convenient stops at all the must-see attractions, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, our tour offers the perfect way to experience the city's vibrant energy and iconic landmarks.

If you’re looking for an overview of Manhattan, the Classic Tour is the perfect choice. This tour gives you access to the Downtown and Uptown Loops allowing you to explore all the highlights that Manhattan has to offer. Heading downtown you will see New York’s famous landmarks; from Times Square to the Empire State Building and the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge. On the Uptown Loop, you will see parts of Midtown, including Bryant Park and Grand Central Station, before heading north to catch views of Central Park and Museum Mile. Hop on or hop off at your leisure to create your own customized journey around the city. These unique loops stop at major key points of interest all around spectacular New York. Big Bus Tours really is the best way to discover all that New York has to offer.

Book your Big Bus NY Classic Tour - 1 Day with City Sightseeing NY today and make the most of your time in New York!

NYC Big Bus Essential 1 Day Ticket

Location: Across the street from M&M World - 48th Street and 7th Avenue

Downtown loop (red) hourly from 9:30am to 4:30pm, Uptown loop (blue) depart from stop one at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm.

Please note that starting Sunday, March 10th, 2024: The last regularly scheduled bus will be at 5:00 pm instead of 4:00 pm.

Present your e-ticket to one of the agents across the street from M&M world at 48th street and 7th avenue (stop 1)

Service Notice Bus schedule is subject to change due to street closures, weather conditions and other circumstances beyond our control. Visit https://www.bigbustours.com/en/new-york/service-information to see current service changes.

Big Bus Holiday Schedule: November 23rd, 2023, Thanksgiving Day – CLOSED December 24th, 2023, Christmas Eve – OPENED Regular Day December 25th, 2023, Christmas Day – OPENED Regular Day December 31st, 2023, New Year’s Eve – CLOSED January 1st, 2023, New Year’s Day – OPENED Regular Day

Review: The Big Bus Tour in New York City

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.

The Big Bus Tour in New York

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

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 to New York City on Big 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, we’ll answer commonly asked questions about the Hop-on Hop-off bus while visiting New York City.

Google Reviews

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.

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.

We struck up conversations and exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations during 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 Big Bus Tour NYC  here .

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The round-trip New York City Big Bus Tour takes 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 Big Bus Tour in New York City

During the tour, the buses only stop at designated stops.

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 hop-on hop-off 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.

You can catch a tour at any one of the following bus 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)

Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

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.
• 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.

Tourists were lined up at stop #1 at least an hour before departure 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 there 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 Big Bus Tour in New York City

Overall, the tour was a pleasant way to see New York 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?!
• 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!

• Live Bus Tracking
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• Transportation Services

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Tours

• Independence Visitor Center- SW Corner of 6th & Market
• Betsy Ross House
• United States Mint/Ben Franklin's Grave
• National Constitution Center
• Chinatown/Fashion District
• Reading Terminal Market/Convention Center Marriott/Macy's
• City Hall/Love Park
• Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul/Sister Cities
• Barnes Foundation
• Rodin Museum
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Perelman Building of Philadelphia Art Museum
• The Philadelphia Zoo
• Please Touch Museum/ Memorial Hall/Fairmount Park
• "Rocky Steps" Philadelphia Museum of Art East Entrance
• Philadelphia Museum of Art- West Entrance
• Franklin Institute/Logan Circle
• One Liberty Observation Deck, Philly From the Top
• The Bellevue/Rittenhouse Square
• Academy of Music/Broad Street
• Pine Street
• South Street/Head House Square
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing/Columbus Boulevard/Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Penn's Landing/Waterfront
• Old City/Christ Church
• Museum of American Jewish History
• *All tours depart and end at 6th & Market Street
• * Seating on a first come first serve basis
• * All tours weather permitting

Our 90 minute Christmas Light tour takes you to all the best sites for viewing the holiday lights

Take the Philly By Night tour — an extension of the Big Bus Double Decker

Christmas Thru July Sale! Book now to save. Save 10% on Public Holiday Light Tours or Save $100 on Private Holiday Light Tours. Use Coupon Code "july23" during checkout. Offer Expires July 31st,2023

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Double Decker Sightseeing Tour Departs From SW Corner of 6th and Market Streets: 1 Day Pass

Experience Philadelphia from the top of a modern Double Decker Bus! See the cultural attractions and historic sites from one of our open top Double Decker buses. Professional Tour Guides bring old and new Philadelphia to life on our 90 minute fully narrated hop on/hop off tour.

Operated by Philadelphia Trolley Works, the Big Bus Sightseeing Tours are offered 7 days per week with frequent departures from the Northeast Corner of 5th & Market streets. Climb aboard the Double Decker Big Bus and enjoy the history, cultural attractions, dining and shopping along the route. Hop on and off at any of our 27 stops or just sit back and enjoy the ride!

See the steps that Rocky climbed, Enjoy an authentic cheese steak or Philadelphia Soft pretzel, celebrate Ben Franklin's 309th birthday, retrace the steps of our founding fathers, visit America's first Zoo or shop along South Street.

See The Big Bus staff to have your ticket validated. Guests just show their ticket to reboard the bus. Parking options are available at Stop 1 in the Independence Visitor Center parking garage or visit spothero.com for additional options.

Choose from the 1 Day, 2 Day, or 3 Day PASS to see the sights and tour the city.

Please see Announcements page for schedule updates. Tours to depart from SW corner of 6th & Market Streets. 

Operated by Philadelphia Trolley Works, the Big Bus  Tours are offered 7 days per week with frequent departures from 6th and Market Street. Climb aboard the Double Decker Big Bus and enjoy the history, cultural attractions, and dining and shopping along the route. Run the Rocky Steps,  enjoy a cheesesteak or Philadelphia Soft pretzel, revisit the colonial past in Old City and Society Hill, visit America’s first zoo, or shop the unique boutiques along South Street. Hop on and off at any of our 27 stops or just sit back and enjoy the ride!

Big Bus staff  will validate your ticket. Use your ticket to hop on/hop off at any of the 27 Stops. Parking is available at the Independence Visitor’s Center or visit spothero.com for additional options.

Choose from the 1 Day, 2 Day, or 3 Day Pass to see the sights and tour the city.

TOUR DETAILS

Tours depart from the Southwest corner of 6th & Market Streets .

Free Courtesy Shuttle available from Center City locations, University City, 30th Street Station, City Line Ave Hotels, and Airport Hotels. To arrange for a pick up call us at 215-389-8687.

Select tours also offer prerecorded commentary in foreign languages: Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese, and Mandarin

The Hop On/Hop Off Tour operates daily except Christmas and New Year’s. All tours subject to availability and are on a first come / first serve basis.

In the event of inclement weather, Big Bus Double Decker vehicles may be substituted for Victorian Style Trolleys. Your pass is good for either vehicle.

Where we take you!

Our Big Bus Sightseeing Tours take in all of Philadelphia’s main sights. Take a look at our full list of stops below.

• United States Mint/Ben Franklin’s Grave
• Reading Terminal Market/Convention Center Marriott/Macy’s
• “Rocky Steps” Philadelphia Museum of Art East Entrance
• Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing/Columbus Boulevard/Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Penn’s Landing/Waterfront

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• Please Call : 215-389-TOUR (8687)
• Fax : 215-389-1279
• Email : [email protected] for general info, charter or special information
• Email : [email protected] for Public Big Bus Tour information
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