NYC Night Bus Sightseeing Tour with Free Statue of Liberty Cruise

Experience NYC from Two Unique Perspectives

When you’re visiting New York City, the city that never sleeps, there’s a thrill in seeing its famous sights both from the water and the streets. This NYC Night Bus Sightseeing Tour with a Free Statue of Liberty Cruise offers just that—a flexible, combined experience that lets you soak in the city’s highlights during daylight and enjoy the magical glow of its lights after sunset. For $29.99 per person, you get access to both a daytime cruise and an evening open-top bus ride, making it an appealing way to maximize your time and sightseeing value.

We love the simplicity of booking — no fixed time, just redeem your voucher when it suits you, which is perfect for spontaneous travelers or those with a tight schedule. Plus, being able to see the Statue of Liberty up close from the water, combined with a nighttime bus tour that offers sweeping views of Manhattan’s illuminated skyline, makes for a well-rounded experience.

However, a word of caution: some visitors have expressed disappointment over the audio quality and organization — delays, unclear narration, and inconsistent bus transfers. So, if you’re someone who relies heavily on detailed commentary, you might want to consider this as part of a broader plan. That said, if you’re more interested in seeing the sights and snapping photos, this tour still holds a lot of promise.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a taste of both land and water views without booking multiple tours, and for those craving the breathtaking skyline photos both in daylight and under city lights.

Key Points

• Two-in-one experience combines daytime cruise and nighttime bus tour for a full NYC perspective
• Flexible scheduling allows you to choose when to redeem your voucher
• Great for photo opportunities of NYC’s landmarks during different lighting conditions
• Potential issues with audio quality and bus transfers noted by some travelers
• Affordable price point offers good value for a rundown of NYC
• Suitable for spontaneous travelers or those with limited time in the city

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Duration

The tour begins at West 42nd Street & 7th Avenue, right in the heart of Manhattan near Times Square—a location that’s easy to find and close to many hotels and other attractions. The entire experience lasts roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, but remember, because you can choose when to start, your total day can be flexible.

The Statue of Liberty Cruise: A Water Perspective

The first component is the Statue of Liberty cruise, included with your ticket. Though some reviews mention it as a separate experience that ends up being “missed” if you’re not informed beforehand, it’s an opportunity to get a close-up view of Lady Liberty. The cruise typically departs during the day, offering excellent photo opportunities with the statue and the Manhattan skyline in the background.

However, some travelers have pointed out that the cruise is separate from the bus tour, and information about this may not be fully clear at the time of booking. If your main goal is to see the Statue of Liberty up close, this cruise is a good choice; just be aware of the timing and how it fits into your overall schedule.

The Night Bus Tour: Illuminated Landmarks

After the cruise, or at your convenience later in the day, you can jump onto the open-top night bus. This part of the experience takes you through famous Midtown and Downtown landmarks, many of which are beautifully lit after sunset. Think of it as a moving photo gallery: Times Square with its flashing billboards, the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Expect a group dynamic—the buses can be quite full, with a maximum of 999 travelers, but most groups are smaller. The open top makes it ideal for photos, especially when the streets are illuminated and the skyline stretches out in all directions.

Stops and Highlights

The tour covers a list of iconic sites, including:

• Times Square: Known as “The Crossroads of the World,” its digital billboards and theaters look spectacular at night. Perfect for quick photos and soaking in the energy of NYC’s entertainment heart.
• Empire State Building & Chrysler Building: These Art Deco giants are stunning under city lights. The Empire State’s observation deck is famous, but from the bus, you get a great overview.
• Bryant Park & Grand Central Terminal: Offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets, with beautiful architecture and seasonal activities.
• Rockefeller Center: Home to the skating rink and the Christmas tree (seasonally), with NBC studios below.
• Chinatown & SoHo: For a glimpse into NYC’s vibrant neighborhoods, with cobblestone streets and colorful storefronts.
• Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO: The walk across the bridge offers fantastic skyline views, while the DUMBO area is perfect for photos.

What Travelers Are Saying

Some reviews highlight the breathtaking views and great photo ops — “We loved the way the skyline looks lit up at night,” one traveler mentioned. However, others have expressed frustration with delays: “We waited over an hour and a half for the bus without explanation,” said one review, and some noted poor audio quality—”most of the audio was garbled like the chipmunks,” as a reviewer put it.

A few travelers also felt the rudeness of staff and confusion about the separate cruise, which could lead to missed experiences if not carefully planned. Still, the price point makes this tour a good value for those wanting a broad overview and multiple photo opportunities.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early to avoid delays, especially during peak times.
• Keep in mind, the audio commentary may not be the clearest, so focus on the sights and photos.
• Check the timing of the cruise if it’s a priority for you—it’s separate from the bus tour.
• Dress appropriately for the weather, especially on the open-top bus, which can be chilly at night.
• If you want more detailed narration, consider supplementing this tour with a guidebook or a longer guided tour.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a quick, comprehensive snapshot of NYC’s most famous landmarks. It suits first-timers wanting photos and memorable views without the hassle of multiple bookings. If you’re comfortable with some audio issues and delays, you’ll find it a fun, spirited way to see the city lights and skyline.

For those with a limited schedule, this tour offers maximum highlights in a short time, especially if you’re keen on capturing night-time photos or enjoying a daytime cruise. However, if you’re after in-depth commentary or a more seamless experience, this might not fully meet your needs.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This combined tour offers a flexible, affordable way to see New York from both water and land. The stunning views of the skyline—particularly at night—are undeniably the highlight and make it worth considering for first-time visitors or those wanting to photograph NYC’s famous lit-up landmarks.

You’ll love the variety of perspectives—from the Statue of Liberty’s close-up from the water to the sweeping vistas from the open-top bus. The cost is reasonable for the amount of sightseeing included, and the flexibility to choose your start time adds to its appeal.

That said, be prepared for some organizational hiccups — delays, unclear communication, and mixed reviews about the audio. If you’re someone who prioritizes smooth, informative narration, you might want to look at other options. But if breathtaking views and quick access to key sights are your priorities, this tour can be a memorable way to experience NYC’s vibrant energy.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a daytime cruise past the Statue of Liberty and skyline landmarks (separate experience) and a nighttime open-top bus ride with views of Manhattan’s illuminated sites.

Can I choose when to start the tour?
Yes, you can redeem your voucher at your convenience—there’s no fixed scheduled start time, making it adaptable to your plans.

Where does the tour begin?
It begins at West 42nd Street & 7th Avenue, near Times Square, a central and easy-to-find location.

How long does the entire experience last?
The bus tour lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but since you decide when to start, your total time can vary.

Is the Statue of Liberty cruise included?
Yes, it’s part of the package, but some reviews mention it’s separate and not fully integrated into the bus tour, which could lead to scheduling confusion.

What are some common complaints?
A few travelers have noted long waits, poor audio quality (some said it sounded like “garbled chipmunks”), and rudeness from staff.

Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, the group size can be quite large, but overall it’s suitable for families, especially those wanting quick, memorable photos.

Does the tour operate year-round?
Yes, it’s open from May 13, 2025, to October 8, 2026, daily from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera or smartphone for photos, dress appropriately for weather, and be prepared for some potential delays or audio issues.

In summary, this NYC tour offers an affordable, flexible way to get both water and skyline views of the city. While it’s not perfect—occasional delays and audio glitches—its spectacular night vistas and the chance to see the Statue of Liberty up close make it worth considering for a first visit or a quick city overview.