San Francisco Sightseeing Bus — Big Bus

Discover the iconic sights of San Francisco comfortably aboard a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus. The double-decker buses provide stunning panoramic views of the city, allowing you to disembark at numerous stops and explore the attractions at your own pace.

Routes & Stops

The San Francisco Sightseeing Bus features 17 distinct stops strategically located near the city’s major landmarks, with a journey that typically lasts around 2 hours. During the ride, you will enjoy recorded audio commentary that provides insightful details about the attractions you will observe along the way.

Highlights of the tour include Fisherman's Wharf, renowned for its seafood dining options; the famously steep Lombard Street, known as “the most crooked street in the world”; Alamo Square with its array of “Painted Ladies” houses; Union Square; and, not to forget, North Vista Point, which offers the finest view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

For detailed information on routes and stops, please refer to the following map:

Map of the routes and stops for the San Francisco Bus tour

It is important to note that this ticket only grants access to the red line.

Tour Options

Select from the following ticket options to best meet your preferences:

1-Day Ticket

This option includes:

Access to Big Bus sightseeing buses for a duration of 24 hours1-hour complimentary bike rental

1-Day Ticket + Audio-Guided Tour

This package offers:

Access to Big Bus sightseeing buses for 24 hours1-hour complimentary bike rentalA guided walking tour of the cityA tour of Painted Ladies + Haight Ashbury via sightseeing bus, complete with an audio guide. Details of the route can be found at this link.A night bus tour on the open-top bus

2-Day Ticket

This option encompasses:

Access to Big Bus tour buses for a period of 48 hours1-hour complimentary bike rentalA 1-hour walking tour of the city with an audio guideA tour of Painted Ladies + Haight Ashbury via sightseeing bus, with an audio guide. The route details are available at the link.A 1-hour Blue & Gold Bay cruise

Night Tour

This tour begins at Fisherman's Wharf and lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, showcasing the city’s illuminated landmarks. Enjoy live commentary in English as you navigate through neighborhoods such as Union Street, Presidio Park, Nob Hill, and Grace Cathedral, all while admiring the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge. The journey includes a crossing over the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island, where you’ll be treated to one of the most captivating views of the San Francisco skyline by night. The tour concludes at the point of departure.

How Does It Work?

The ticket remains valid for either 1 or 2 consecutive days starting from its initial use. Throughout this period, feel free to hop on and off the buses as many times as you desire.

Schedule & Frequency

Red line: Services operate daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with departures every hour. The complete tour runs for approximately 2.5 hours.

Visit Alcatraz

Additionally, you have the option to book the San Francisco Sightseeing Bus with entrance to Alcatraz.