Big Bus NYC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Big Bus NYC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Exploring New York City with a Big Bus Tour offers a flexible way to see some of the most iconic sights from a double-decker open-top bus. For $60 per person, you get around 1 hour 30 minutes of cruising, with options to extend your adventure through 24-, 48-, or 72-hour tickets. Whether you want to visit Times Square, the Empire State Building, or cross the Brooklyn Bridge, this tour promises a personalized experience—you can hop off at places that catch your eye and hop back on when you’re ready to move on.

What we love about this experience is the freedom to explore at your own pace and the informative audio commentary that shares stories behind the sights. Another highlight is the ability to choose between routes—Downtown, Uptown, or Brooklyn—and upgrade for additional attractions and self-guided tours.

A potential consideration is bus frequency, as reviews note that buses arrive roughly every hour, which means patience might be required during peak times or in bad weather. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy visual exploration, prefer flexible itineraries, and want a cost-effective way to get their bearings in the city. If you’re short on time or travel with family members wanting to see major landmarks with minimal hassle, this could be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Flexible hop-on-hop-off format allows personal pacing and targeted sightseeing
• Audio commentary provides context and stories behind key NYC landmarks
• Multiple routes and ticket durations cater to different schedules and interests
• Ideal for first-time visitors seeking an overview of the city’s highlights
• Potential waiting times at some stops can affect schedule flexibility
• No hotel pickup means you need to plan your start point

A Deep Dive into the Experience: What to Expect

The tour begins simply enough: show your mobile or paper voucher at a designated stop, and you’ll be greeted by friendly staff. From there, you board the open-top bus, which offers panoramic views of the city. The audio commentary is a handy feature—via headphones, you’ll learn stories and facts about the buildings and neighborhoods as you glide past.

Routes and Stops

Depending on your ticket choice, you’ll have access to Downtown, Uptown, and Brooklyn routes. The Downtown route takes you from 7th Ave & W 48th St past Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Flatiron District, and into Chinatown. A highlight noted in reviews is the route’s coverage of key landmarks like Battery Park, where you can see the Statue of Liberty from afar, and Wall Street.

The Uptown route runs past 7th Ave & W 53rd St, with stops at Rockefeller Center, The Met, and Central Park Zoo. This route is especially appreciated for its views of Broadway theaters and the city skyline. Some reviewers mentioned that the narration is very informative, making the ride both enjoyable and educational.

The Brooklyn extension is a big plus for those wanting to see DUMBO or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge—a favorite stop for many visitors. The self-guided Vox Tours add an extra layer of exploration if you’re eager to go beyond the bus.

The Stops and Their Appeal

• Times Square (Stop 2): From the bus, it’s a visual feast of billboards and bustling crowds. Many appreciate getting a quick overview of what makes this area so lively.
• Empire State Building (Stop 3): While you won’t go inside with this tour, the exterior and the panoramic views from the top are iconic, and the narration shares some fun facts.
• Flatiron District (Stop 4): Perfect for snapping photos of the famous triangular building and grabbing a quick sandwich at Eisenberg’s.
• Chinatown (Stop 6): Offers a glimpse of vibrant streets and authentic eateries, great for a quick walk and photos.
• Brooklyn Bridge (Stop 7): You can hop off here to walk across or just admire the view, praised as “a must-do” by many travelers.
• Wall Street and Statue of Liberty (Stops 8 and 9): While the statue isn’t accessible from the bus, the views from the ferry are better; the bus stop gives you a sense of the financial district’s energy.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight that the buses are clean and comfortable, with clear narration that offers historical tidbits and stories—some describe it as “very interesting” and a good way to get an overview. Several mention the convenience of purchasing tickets and finding the meeting points as straightforward.

However, some reviews do point out disappointments—like long wait times, especially for uptown routes, with one reviewer noting that a conductor even recorded waiting queues. Another review mentions that the last half of the downtown ride felt like a highway trip, missing some of the charm and interactive storytelling expected.

The Realities of the Ride

The duration of a full loop is approximately 90 minutes, but if you hop off frequently, your experience can stretch out. Waiting times can vary—during peak hours or in busy seasons, you might wait an hour for a bus, which could affect your plans. The app’s live tracking feature helps plan your next move, but patience and flexibility are key.

Some reviews quoted travelers who saved their tickets, emphasizing the importance of keeping your paper ticket safe—a small but crucial detail if you’re on a multi-day pass. Others experienced unfriendly staff or driver behavior, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

Analyzing the Value

At $60, the ticket provides unlimited hop-on-hop-off access during its validity, which is a good deal for travelers wanting a broad overview of NYC without a lot of walking or complicated transit planning. The additional options—like Brooklyn tours and self-guided Vox Tours—offer extra value if you’re eager to explore beyond Manhattan.

However, the lack of hotel pickup means you’ll need to be strategic about your starting point. The availability of multiple routes and flexible durations makes this a versatile option, especially if you want to tailor your sightseeing to your own pace.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors who want to see the major landmarks quickly and get a feel for the city’s layout. If you appreciate guided commentary and the ability to choose your stops, this is a practical way to get an overview. But if you’re looking for a more in-depth, inside experience of attractions or prefer small-group guided tours, you might want to explore other options.

Authentic Experiences From Real Travelers

• “Very few stops….recorded narration….last half of the downtown ride was simply a ride up the highway.”
• “Disorganized and rude staff/driver. I would never recommend to anyone until these personnel issues are addressed.”
• “Save your ticket! I bought a 48-hour pass and they print you a paper ticket. I was not told to save it. I thought I could just use a digital pass for the 2nd day and try made me repay.”
• “Good after a tiring day when you just want to sit relax and enjoy the beauty of the New York City downtown.”
• “Enjoyable and informative. The buses had clear commentary, very interesting and made the whole trip enjoyable.”

These reviews show that while many travelers find value and enjoyment, some face frustrations with staff attitude or logistics, emphasizing the importance of patience and awareness.

The Sum Up

The Big Bus NYC hop-on hop-off tour offers a budget-friendly, flexible way to see the city’s main sights, especially suitable for first-time visitors eager to get their bearings or those who want a comfortable overview without the hassle of navigating transit on their own. The open-top experience and audio commentary bring the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks to life, making it a valuable tool for understanding New York’s layout and history.

While the waiting times and occasional route hiccups are worth considering, most travelers appreciate the ease of access, wide coverage, and customizable itinerary. If your goal is to maximize sightseeing in limited time while enjoying the city’s views from a comfortable bus seat, this tour might just be your best bet.

For those who value authentic storytelling and the flexibility to explore at their own pace, the Big Bus tour offers a practical, enjoyable, and surprisingly comprehensive introduction to New York City.

FAQ

How often does a bus arrive at each stop during the Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour?
A bus arrives approximately every hour on both the Downtown (Red) and Uptown (Blue) routes, so planning ahead with the app’s live tracker can help avoid long waits.

Do I have to go to a central location to redeem my ticket?
No, you can redeem your ticket at any of the listed bus stops, which makes starting your tour more flexible.

How long is a full circle ride without getting off?
Each route takes about 90 minutes to complete, but this can vary depending on traffic and the time of day.

How will I know which stop to use during the tour?
The audio commentary, route maps, and live guides will inform you of upcoming stops, and the free app provides additional details.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible with lifts that can accommodate up to 650 pounds.

Can I bring a pet?
Only service animals are allowed onboard, with no pets permitted otherwise.

Can I bring food or drinks?
Non-alcoholic drinks in screw-top bottles are okay, but food and alcohol are not permitted onboard.

Can I bring luggage?
Luggage is not permitted on the bus, so plan your sightseeing accordingly.

What should I do if I encounter long waits or issues?
Use the live chat on the app or website; most issues can be addressed quickly with their support team.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in most weather conditions, but poor weather may result in cancellations or changes. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled due to weather.