San Francisco Sightseeing Bus — Big Bus

Discover the iconic sights of San Francisco with ease aboard a comfortable hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus. The double-decker open-top buses provide sweeping views of the city's landmarks, allowing you to disembark at various stops to explore further at your own pace.

Routes & Stops

The San Francisco Sightseeing Bus features 17 distinct stops situated close to the city’s major attractions, with a complete route that takes approximately 2 hours. Throughout your ride, enjoy recorded audio commentary that offers insights into the sights you will encounter along the way.

Noteworthy stops on this journey include the bustling Fisherman's Wharf, renowned for its seafood eateries; the steep Lombard Street, often referred to as "the world's most crooked street"; Alamo Square with its famous “Painted Ladies” Victorian houses, Union Square, and the spectacular North Vista Point, where you can take in the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.

You can view the routes and all the stops on a detailed map of San Francisco at the following link:

• Routes and list of stops on the San Francisco sightseeing bus tour

Do keep in mind that this ticket is valid only for the red line.

Tour Options

Select from the following options to best meet your preferences:

1-Day Ticket

This option includes:

• 24-hour access to sightseeing buses
• Complimentary 1-hour bike rental

1-Day Ticket + Audio-Guided Tour

This package features:

• 24-hour access to sightseeing buses
• Complimentary 1-hour bike rental
• A guided walking tour of the city
• Bus tours of the Painted Ladies + Haight Ashbury area with audio guidance. Check the route using this link
• An open-top night bus tour

2-Day Ticket

This option encompasses:

• 48-hour access to tour buses
• Complimentary 1-hour bike rental
• Guided 1-hour walking tour with an audio guide
• Bus tours of the Painted Ladies + Haight Ashbury with audio guidance. You can review the route using this link
• A relaxing 1-hour Blue & Gold Bay cruise

From now until August 31, you can enjoy an additional 24 hours of access with this ticket.

Night Tour

This experience begins at Fisherman's Wharf and lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, showcasing the beautifully illuminated city. Enjoy live English commentary as you traverse areas such as Union Street, Presidio Park, Nob Hill, and Grace Cathedral, all while admiring the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The tour culminates with a crossing of the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island, where you can soak in breathtaking panoramas of the San Francisco skyline after dark. The journey concludes where it began.

How Does It Work?

The ticket remains valid for 1 or 2 consecutive days starting from its first usage. During this duration, you can board and alight from the buses as often as desired.

While a starting date is specified when booking, the service is available for use within a 6-month window from the indicated date. After reserving, a voucher will be sent via email, which must be exchanged on the first day at Pier 41 at Fisherman's Wharf.

Schedule & Frequency

The red line operates daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with buses departing every 60 minutes. The entire tour has an approximate duration of 2.5 hours.

Visit Alcatraz

It is also possible to book the San Francisco Sightseeing Bus inclusive of Alcatraz entry.