A quick way to get a taste of Ushuaia’s stunning scenery and history, the Double Decker Bus Tour costs $32 per person and lasts about 70 minutes. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone short on time, providing a compact overview that covers key landmarks from the Antigua Casa de Gobierno to the Fournier Monument at the Naval Pier. With multiple departure times and a maximum group size of 20, this tour keeps things intimate and flexible.
What we love most about this experience is how it combines convenience with insight. The narrated commentary—available in English, Spanish, and other languages—gives context to each stop, making even brief visits meaningful. Plus, the panoramic views from the hills and stops like Laguna del Diablo make for excellent photo opportunities.
Again, a typical hop-on-hop-off bus experience, although on a smaller scale. Great way to orientate you to Montevideo. We didn't hop on or off as the busses dont come around that regularly. Still a great way to see the city.
good weather heard the softies behind the building and the history of the area. Good way to get a walking tour created
The bus is very easy to find. I recommend to do this on one of your first days to get oriented in Ushuaia. The narration is also very informative about the town's history.
One thing to consider is that the tour is quite short and somewhat scripted—if you’re hoping for an in-depth exploration or a more personalized experience, it might feel a bit rushed or surface-level. Still, for a first glance at Ushuaia’s highlights, this is a solid choice. It suits travelers who want a cost-effective, easy introduction that doesn’t involve a lot of walking or planning.
If you’re a visitor looking to orient yourself quickly, appreciate scenic vistas, or get a sense of Ushuaia’s history without committing to a full-day tour, this experience is definitely worth considering. Families, solo travelers, or even seasoned explorers who want a relaxed overview will find value here.
Key Points
- Ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time
- Includes panoramic views from hilltop stops like Monte Gallinero and Monte Vigía
- Insightful guides provide historical and cultural context in multiple languages
- Photo opportunities at Laguna del Diablo and other scenic stops
- No hotel pickup, but the meeting point is accessible
- Short duration, making it a convenient city snapshot
Complete Review of the Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ushuaia.
What’s Included and What to Expect
This tour, priced at $32 per person, emphasizes ease and accessibility. You’ll hop aboard a comfortable double-decker bus that takes you around the most significant parts of Ushuaia, from historic sites to modern landmarks. The guides speak both English and Spanish, with other languages available via headphones—useful if you want to hear details in your native tongue.
The tour lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it a quick yet rundown. It’s designed to be low commitment—no hotel pickup—and departs from the Civic Plaza, a central spot near public transportation. The maximum group size of 20 ensures a cozy atmosphere and personal attention.
The Itinerary in Detail
Each stop is brief—around 5 to 15 minutes—yet thoughtfully chosen to cover Ushuaia’s essential sights. Here’s what you’ll experience:
Antigua Casa de Gobierno (15 mins)
Starting at the Antigua Gobernación, the tour immediately immerses you in Ushuaia’s roots. This 15 km route passes by the first school, symbolizing the city’s early development, and the First Chapel, reflecting the spiritual foundations. It’s a solid introduction to the city’s history, with informative commentary that many reviews applaud for being engaging and well-informed.
Lucinda Otero House (5 mins)
Next, passing the Otero House, you get a quick glimpse of local architecture and the spiritual fabric of Ushuaia. While brief, this stop provides a sense of the city’s cultural identity.
Malvinas Memorial (10 mins)
A poignant highlight is the Malvinas Memorial, honoring combatants from the Falklands War. The reviews underscore how important this monument is, offering a moment of reflection on regional history.
Cementerio Antiguo de Ushuaia (5 mins)
The Old Cemetery offers a quiet pause, a chance to think about the lives that shaped the city. It’s a simple stop, but meaningful in context.
Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego (5 mins)
Driving past the university and the CADIC research center shows Ushuaia’s educational and scientific pursuits. The views from Monte Gallinero and Monte Vigía are praised for their panoramic vistas, ideal for photos and soaking in the landscape.
Rio Pipo and Camino de los Presos (10 mins)
Passing the Pipo River and the historic Camino de los Presos connects you to Ushuaia’s history as a place of exile and prison. The reviews mention this route as crucial for understanding local narratives.
Laguna del Diablo (10 mins)
This scenic stop lets you step off briefly to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and stretch your legs. Reviewers consistently mention the beautiful scenery and how the views make this worth the brief halt.
Museo del Fin del Mundo (5 mins)
A quick visit to the End of the World Museum and the shipwreck of Saint Christopher offers a snapshot of Ushuaia’s maritime past. It’s an easy add-on at the end of the route.
Ushuaia Naval Pier and Fournier Monument (5 mins)
The tour wraps up at the Naval Pier, a historic hub for the city’s seafaring culture, with the Fournier Monument celebrating local pioneers. Reviewers appreciate this final site as a fitting conclusion.
The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ease of access—the tour departs from a central, well-known location.
- Scenic stops and panoramic views, especially from hilltop points.
- Informative guides enrich the experience with historical insights.
- Affordable price offers excellent value for a city orientation.
- Multiple departure times accommodate different schedules.
Cons
- The short duration leaves little time at each stop, which might frustrate travelers wanting a deeper dive.
- Some reviews note the limited commentary—it’s informative but not in-depth.
- The scheduled stops might feel rushed, especially if the bus fills up or if you prefer more personalized attention.
- During winter months, the tour operates in Spanish only, which could be a drawback if you don’t speak the language.
What Do Real Travelers Say?
Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and the views—one reviewer mentioned, “The scenery! Just wow!” and highlighted the beautiful vistas from the hilltops. Others found it a great way to orient themselves: “Great way to see the city and get a sense of the layout,” said a traveler.
However, some found the pace too slow or felt certain stops, like the Devil’s Pond, were unnecessary or underwhelming. One reviewer mentioned feeling the tour was overpriced at $10, but most agree that the convenience and coverage justify the cost, especially considering the scenic and historical value.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This journey suits travelers who want a quick, relaxed overview without much walking or planning. It’s ideal for those with limited time or as a first taste of Ushuaia. Families with kids, solo adventurers, or anyone curious about the city’s key sites will appreciate the convenience and informative narration.
If you’re traveling during peak season, be prepared for full buses—the reviews mention the buses being sometimes crowded, so arriving early helps. During winter, note that the tour operates in Spanish only, which might limit accessibility for non-Spanish speakers.
Final Thoughts
The Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour offers a cost-effective, scenic, and informative way to see the highlights of this remote city. While it doesn’t delve deeply into each site, it provides a well-rounded orientation perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time. The panoramic views from hilltop stops and the knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile introduction.
This tour excels at providing visual and historical context without overwhelming you. It’s a hassle-free option that fits easily into a day of sightseeing—leaving you with great photos and a basic understanding of Ushuaia’s culture and history.
If you’re after a relaxed experience that maximizes your limited time, this tour is a smart choice. For travelers craving a more in-depth exploration or personalized experience, it might be worth supplementing with additional activities.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included? No, the tour starts at the Civic Plaza Ushuaia, which is centrally located and accessible by public transportation.
How long does the tour last? The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it a quick way to see many sights.
Are guides available in languages other than Spanish and English? Yes, the commentary is available in several languages via headphones, including German, Chinese, Russian, Italian, French, and Portuguese.
Can I hop off and explore at stops? No, this tour is a direct circuit, and passengers must stay on the bus for the entire duration.
What’s the best time to take this tour? Multiple departure times are available, so choose a time that fits your schedule. It’s especially useful early in your trip for orientation.
Does the tour include visits to museums or just external sights? It includes a brief stop at the End of the World Museum, but most sites are viewed from the bus or brief stops.
Is this tour suitable in winter? During winter, the tour operates in Spanish only, and weather can affect visibility and comfort.
What should I bring? Dress for the weather—raincoats are recommended, especially considering the region’s unpredictable rain, and bring your camera for the panoramic vistas.
In the end, the Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour offers a practical, scenic, and budget-friendly way to get acquainted with this southernmost city. We’d recommend it for those wanting a relaxed introduction or a handy overview before exploring further.
