sfo tour bus

• English English Deutsch

• All Tours All San Francisco Tours Hop On - Hop Off City Tours Alcatraz Bike Tours Boat Tours and Ferries Muir Woods Tours Wine Country Tours Food and Drink Tours Family Activities Romantic Getaways Attractions and Museums Beyond San Francisco
• Guide Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Park Haight Ashbury Palace of Fine Arts Cliff House & Sutro Baths

Discover San Francisco in a whole new way with our Double Decker Bus Tour. With audio commentary, you'll be guided through the city's most iconic sights and neighborhoods, including Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, Civic Center, Haight Ashbury, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Experience the freedom of exploring at your own pace with 1 day of Hop On Hop Off access. Our open-top buses allow for an unobstructed view, so you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of San Francisco. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Boudin Sourdough Factory, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Ripley's Believe it or not, Crab stands, Seafood Restaurants

Little Italy, Chinatown, City Lights Bookstore, Washington Square Park, The Beat Museum, Jack Kerouac Alley

Embarcadero Center Shopping, Wells Fargo Museum, Financial District Hotels, Restaurants, Transamerica Pyramid

Ferry Building Marketplace, Embarcadero Bart Station, California St Cable Car, Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (Tue,Thu, Sat)

Union Square Plaza, Macy's Department Store, Powell / Hyde Cable Car, Apple Store, Neiman Marcus, Nike Store

Powell St Bart Station, Westfield Mall, Hilton Union Square, Hotel Nikko, Parc 55 Hotel, Cable Car Turntable

San Francisco City Hall, Civic Center Plaza, Asian Art Museum, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco Public Library

Alamo Square Park, Painted Ladies Victorian Homes, Divisadero St Shopping, William Westerfeld House

Haight Ashbury Sign, Golden Gate Park Entrance, Amoeba Music, Murals, Magnolia Brewing, Shopping, Bars, Restaurants

California Academy of Sciences, deYoung Museum, Japanese Tea Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers

This stop replaces Stop 10 on Sundays and Public Holidays when Golden Gate Park vehicle access is restricted

Stunning City Views, Marin Headlands, Walk the Golden Gate Bridge, Public Restrooms

Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio Tunnel Tops Park, Crissy Field, Fort Point National Historic Site, Palace Games Escape Room

Lombard Street Hotels, Chestnut Street Shopping, Union Street Shopping, Marina District Bars and Restaurants

Lombard Street, Hotels and Motels, Fort Mason, Marina Green, Octagon House, Van Ness Ave

Alcatraz Island Ferry Landing, Coit Tower Steps, Exploratorium (Pier 15), Pier 35 Cruise Terminal

World Famous Sealions, Hard Rock Cafe, Aquarium of The Bay, The Flyer, Boat Tours, 7D Experience, San Francisco Carousel

[email protected]

99 Jefferson StreetSan Francisco, CA 94133

Copyright © Skyline Sightseeing 2024

Limited $5 off San Francisco Bus Tour - Hop on Hop off! Free 48-Hour Cancellation!

Signed in as:

[email protected]

• Hop-on Hop-off
• ALL Bus Tours
• San Francisco City Tour
• Muir Woods Tour
• Muir Woods + Sausalito
• Muir Woods + Napa Wine
• Napa Wine Tour
• Monterey + Carmel Tour
• All Cruises
• Bay Cruise (1-Hour)
• Escape From The Rock
• Sunset/Twilight Cruise
• Bike Rentals
• Tour Packages

Limited Offer! San Francisco Hop on Hop off - Save $5 Online

Live guides, hop on hop off, free walking tours.

See the best of San Francisco with Hop on Hop off Bus Tours. Our open-top  sightseeing tours will introduce you to all the city's must-see sights,  with stops conveniently located at iconic landmarks and attractions.  Your flexible ticket allows you to hop on and hop off the bus as much as  you like, so you can enjoy the freedom to stay for a few snaps, or  immerse yourself for hours. 

Our carefully designed Red Route ensures that you capture all the  key sights of San Francisco, and you'll even get to enjoy an open-top  ride over the Golden Gate Bridge - an essential San Francisco  sightseeing experience. Upgrade to a 2-day Explore Ticket , which includes 2 Days unlimited hop on hop off. You'll also enjoy other great inclusions exclusive to Big Bus Tours, such as drink tokens and free bike hire.  

Hop on Hop off Ticket Options

• Essential Ticket: 1-Day Hop on Hop off + Chinatown walking tour
• Explore Ticket: 2 -Day Hop on Hop off + Chinatown walking tour + Bike rental or USS Pampanito
• Night Tour: 1.5 hour

Valid for any day/time to start!

The San Francisco Hop on Hop off Bus Tour Experience

Check out this great video about our San Francisco Hop on Hop off bus tour!

$5 OFF - OPEN TICKET VALID FOR ANY DAY/TIME TO START!

You will receive an email voucher once the booking is complete. Please show the voucher to any Big Bus driver for redemption whenever you wish to start the tour. Day pass time will activate only after the first use.

Ticket can be redeemed at any Big Bus stops with the driver, or at the Big Bus office at 99 Jefferson street, San Francisco (near Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf)

Discounted San Francisco Hop on Hop off Tickets

Buy hop-on hop-off tickets online, by phone, or in-person, get help in person or online.

We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.

San Francisco Tours & Activities

1465 Lombard Street, San Francisco, California 94123, United States

(415) 814-3909 Call to book & receive hop on hop off e-tickets!

Drop us a line!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

City Tours - San Francisco Hop on Hop off

Big Bus San Francisco

View/Print Hop on Hop off Map & Bus Stops

San Francisco Map March 2018 (pdf)

Copyright © 2018 San Francisco Tours & Activities, LLC - All Rights Reserved.

• All SF Tours & Activities

Protect Your Trip »

The 5 Best San Francisco Bus Tours

Visit the top attractions in this hilly city without breaking a sweat.

Getty Images

A bus tour offers a convenient way to get to Muir Woods National Monument if you opted not to rent a car during your San Francisco vacation.

With so many can't-miss attractions in San Francisco , it can feel overwhelming to try and see it all. That's where organized bus tours come in. They can help you see everything in a short amount of time – without having to navigate the city's traffic and hills yourself. Consulting both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News selected the top San Francisco bus tours. Whether you're interested in a comprehensive hop-on, hop-off experience or a more intimate tour by minibus, you're likely to find an option that suits your itinerary.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

Gray Line San Francisco – Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour from San Francisco

Cross a few items off your San Francisco bucket list on this four-hour bus trip, which travels across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument . From there, the tour heads to the Mediterranean-style town of Sausalito, where you're given free time to explore its shops, art galleries and waterfront restaurants. Travelers have the option to board the bus back to the city or extend their time in Sausalito and hop on a return ferry to San Francisco at their leisure (note that the ferry fee is not included in the base ticket price). Throughout the journey, guides share stories and provide cultural context – a point of praise for visitors. Another highlight for reviewers? The comfortable buses and variety of photo-ops.

Tours are offered daily at 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets start at approximately $90 per adult and $70 per child ages 5 to 11. Tickets include the entrance fee to Muir Woods National Monument. Gray Line offers a variety of bus tours in the Bay Area, including trips to Yosemite National Park and Napa Valley .

[ View & Book Tickets .]

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Big Bus San Francisco offers an easy way for travelers to get an overview of the city within a day. Tourgoers can hop off the bus when they want to explore and catch the next Big Bus (which comes about every 15 minutes) when they're ready to move on. The tour features nearly 20 stops at key attractions, such as Fisherman's Wharf , Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury, as well as a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. Without hopping off, the tour lasts a little more than two hours. The buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, an open-air deck on top and a prerecorded commentary in 10 languages. Many reviewers say this is a great tour for first-time visitors as it hits all of the top sights. However, a few express disappointment in the lack of an onboard guide as there is little opportunity to ask questions.

Tours run daily starting at 10 a.m.; the last bus departs from the first stop at 5 p.m. If purchased online, ticket prices start at approximately $60 per adult and $50 per child ages 3 to 12. Visitors can also upgrade their ticket to include extras like a night tour and entrance to Alcatraz , among other perks.

San Francisco Love Tours – The Love Tour

With space for just six passengers, this San Francisco bus tour promises a more personal experience than the typical coach bus can provide. During the two-hour ride, you'll drive around the city in the company's vintage Volkswagen bus making two stops to snap photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. Along the way, your guide will share tidbits of San Francisco history. Reviewers describe the tour as fun and informative and praise the music guides play throughout. Travelers also appreciate that the vehicle's size allows it to access areas of the city not reachable by the larger tour buses.

Tours depart daily at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets cost approximately $85 per person. Keep in mind, children 4 and younger are only permitted when booking a private tour and you must bring your own car seat. For a different perspective of the city, consider the company's nighttime tour.

Dylan's Tours – Dylan's Famous Tour with Muir Woods and Alcatraz

If you're looking for a San Francisco bus tour that promises an intimate, small-group experience, consider this full-day excursion. You'll travel around the city by minibus stopping at must-see locations like Pacific Heights and the Golden Gate Bridge for photos. Then, you'll head to Muir Woods where you'll enjoy more than an hour to explore. After a lunch break in Sausalito, you'll depart for the ferry to Alcatraz. The tour lasts about nine hours in total. Reviewers rave about the locations visited, and they also praise the guides, who travelers describe as entertaining, knowledgeable and personable.

Tours are available daily at 8 a.m. Tickets start at approximately $120 for adults and around $70 for children ages 12 and younger and include entrance to Alcatraz, but not Muir Woods. The company offers a version of this tour that does not include Alcatraz.

Painted Ladies Tour Company – San Francisco City Tour

Sightsee your way around San Francisco in style with the Painted Ladies Tour Company, which offers city tours in vintage Volkswagen buses. Because of the vehicle's size, groups are small – a highlight for reviewers. Among the sights you'll see are Lombard Street , Chinatown, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge. During the approximately two-hour tour, you'll enjoy three photo stops. Tourgoers describe the experience as fun thanks to the unique buses, and rave about the detailed, personable guides.

Tours operate daily beginning at 8:30 a.m., with multiple morning and afternoon departures from Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf. Ticket prices start at $85 for adults and $65 for children ages 12 and younger. Complimentary water and snacks are provided for all tours; free wine and beer is available for afternoon tours. If you're hoping to explore outside of the city, consider the company's Wine Country Tour, which travels to Sonoma to visit three wineries.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best San Francisco Tours
• The Best San Francisco Boat Tours
• The Best San Francisco Walking Tours
• The Best San Francisco Wine Tours
• The Best Napa Valley Wine Tours

Tags: Tours , Vacations , San Francisco , Travel , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations , California Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best carry-on luggage.

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Best Alaska Tours

Lyn Mettler April 16, 2024

The Best Fredericksburg Wine Tours

The Best Personal Item Bags

Rachael Hood April 16, 2024

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Rachael Hood April 12, 2024

• Select Language
• Select Currency
• Australian Dollar
• Canadian Dollar
• Chinese Yuan (CNY)
• British Pound (GBP)
• Indian Rupees (INR)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Malaysian Ringgit
• Newzealand Dollar
• Singapore Dollar

Hop On Hop Off San Francisco - Bus Tours

Explore the Golden city on a comfortable hop-on hop-off San Francisco tour. See the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Fisherman’s Wharf! Then, check out North Beach, Chinatown, and Ghirardelli Square. You can even combine your San Francisco hop-on hop-off tickets with admission to other attractions. If you’d like to save a buck or two, then picking up a combo package is what to do in San Francisco!

San Francisco Sightseeing Bus Tours

( ) experiences found.

• Recommended
• High to low
• Low to high
• User rating

Top Customer Reviews

Jerry louer.

Buses do wait for customer to board the bus , and staff is very helpful .

Angharad Hawkes

Harvey engelberg.

highway drive and the following stop were unnecessary.we missed many sf sights

Experience San Francisco in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

The cultural center of North California, San Francisco is known for its universities, Golden Gate Bridge, diverse culture, historical buildings, rolling hills, eclectic architecture, and more. The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz island have a rich history that can be further explored with a combo ticket of Big Bus.

The hop-on hop-off tours will take you to the federal prison in Alcatraz which had been home to Al Capone. You can also opt to rent a bike with the ticket to explore the city on your own terms. The Skyline Sightseeing San Francisco also accompanies a 60-minute cruise for surreal views of the coastal areas. Alternatively, you can also take a guided tour of the Muir Woods to witness over 1000 years old redwood trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book a san francisco hop-on hop-off tour.

September to November is the best time to visit San Francisco. The city experiences warmer temperatures and a plethora of street fairs. Since there is no rain, it is an apt time to enjoy outdoor activities.

Q: What is a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus tour and how does it work?

The San Francisco bus tour offers you the convenience and flexibility to get off at the nearest designated stop. No tour guide, you set your own itinerary. You’ll find all the stops are located strategically at all the major attractions, making your touring as hassle-free as possible. And then, when you’re ready to continue, return to a designated bus stop, show your pass, and hop back on the bus and onwards towards your next attraction. So, go ahead and make a whole loop of the route once you have your tour ticket, get familiar with the city and pick out your favorite places to visit and then return to them during your stay.

Q: What are the key attractions covered in the San Francisco hop-on hop-off tour?

Various attractions included in San Francisco bus tours include Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, Haight/Ashbury, City Hall, Chinatown Gate, South Vista Point, North Vista Point, and more. The stops are subject to change, so it is recommended to check them at the time of booking.

Q: Are these tours guided?

That will depend on the tour provider. You’ll find that hop-on hop-off bus tours can be either live or audio-guided. Many will have a pre-recorded commentary that’ll share fascinating information about the history of San Francisco, its culture, and many places of interest. You’ll find that the audio commentary will be provided in various languages. English, French, German and Spanish are the most commonly used, but others may be available. Check the specific product page for full details of all the languages offered.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
• BUENOS AIRES
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

travel inspiration from guidebook

10 Unbelievable Facts about Alcatraz Island

Inside information on America’s most infamous jail The post 10 Unbelievable Facts about Alcatraz Island appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

48 Hours in San Francisco

A weekend of cable cars, clam chowder and clambering up hills! The post 48 Hours in San Francisco appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

The Top 5 Best Things to do in San Francisco on Halloween

Find out what goes "Boo" by the Bay! The post The Top 5 Best Things to do in San Francisco on Halloween appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

Get the latest offers and inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter and get the best isango! has to offer

• Enter a valid email
• Enter the characters shown below Captcha not matching

Terms of Use

• Booking terms & conditions
• Picture credits

Get in touch

Haven't found what you're looking for?

Try a more specific search (e.g Add city or destination name)

You have signed up successfully.

Please stay tuned on your email for exciting offers.

Sign Up Login Login Or Sign Up

Sign up to create and view bookings Login to create and view bookings

• Enter full name
• E-Mail ID Already Exists User does not exist Enter a valid email
• Please enter password Enter valid password(at least 6 characters)
• Remember me Forgot Password
• I wish to receive top deals and travel inspiration
• By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Forgot Password

• Enter your email address and we will send an email with a link to reset your password.
• Continue Login

Email sent successfully.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Which San Francisco Bus Tour Is Best?

As tour guides, we do our best to provide a helpful and interesting experience in San Francisco, but there's a lot to see in this city, and we usually can't cover all of it by foot.

The Bay Area is perhaps one of the best in the country for bus tours, because you won't have to worry about walking up any steep hills!

There are two main types of bus tours in San Francisco:

• Hop-on Hop-off
• City Bus Tours

While hop-on hop-off bus tours allow you to jump off at various popular attractions, the basic city bus tour typically only offers stops for photo opportunities.

There are also a few city bus tours at night , allowing you to see the skyline as it is all lit up after dark.

If you're interested in getting out of the city for a while, there are also bus tour packages that include a trip to Alcatraz and other day trips you can enjoy by bus .

While we do our best to provide useful information about these tour companies, we'll also include a selection of comments from locals and travelers who use San Francisco Travel groups on Facebook.

Disclosure:  Our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

HOP ON HOP OFF SAN FRANCISCO BUS TOURS

There are currently two different hop-on hop-off bus tours in San Francisco: Big Bus Tour and Skyline Sightseeing.

These open-top bus tours make stops at all the most popular sites and attractions in the city, so you can jump off and explore at your own pace.

Once you're done looking around at one location, you can hop back onto the bus and head to your next destination.

If you're looking for a convenient way to get around town, these services are an excellent option to consider.

For more information, make sure to read our full post covering San Francisco hop on hop off bus tours .

SAN FRANCISCO CITY TOURS

Unlike hop-on-hop-off bus tours, these full-service tours take you on a guided journey of the city making some stops for photo opportunities.

Some of these tours take you to one or two destinations in and around the city, while others will have several stops. 

DYLAN'S TOURS

One of the most popular tour companies in the city, Dylan’s Tours offers several different combo tours which include an exploration of the city and surrounding areas such as Sausalito, Alcatraz, and Muir Woods.

Most of their services are offered via minibus, but they also have electric tuk-tuk tours and bike tours you can take in and around San Francisco.

Depending on which tour you choose, you can expect to see sights in North Beach, the Mission, the Castro, Pacific Heights, and more.

The local guides and small group size really set these tours apart. Hop on hop off San Francisco bus tours only include audio commentary, so the live commentary from local guides is definitely a nice touch.

San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito Tour

• $129 Adults | $69 Children 
• Additional $15 entry fee for Muir Woods for guests 16 years or older.
• Departs daily at 9:30 am
• Duration: 5 hours
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

San Francisco, Muir Woods and Alcatraz Tour

• $189 Adults | $129 Children
• Departs daily at 8 am
• Duration: 9 hours

Reviews of Dylan's Tours

There’s a reason why Dylan’s Tours is ranked as the #1 Outdoor Activity in San Francisco ( read the reviews ).

Guests report back with very positive reviews, saying that the tour is an “awesome way to see the sights.” A few negative reviews can be found, but not many.

The intimacy of the tour, as well as the high quality of the guides, is repeatedly praised by visitors who traveled with Dylan’s Tours.

TOWER TOURS

Tower Tours offers a wide range of trips throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

You can take a trip through San Francisco, head up north to California Wine Country to see their wineries, take a boat to Alcatraz, or even go far inland to explore Yosemite!  

One really convenient feature bonus is that Tower Tours offers free pick-up from most San Francisco hotels.  

See their full list of San Francisco tours . We recommend that you start with their Grand City Tour .

You can expect to see sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Haight-Ashbury, Chinatown, The Castro, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and other iconic landmarks or famous neighborhoods.

Their tours are not technically hop-on, hop-off tours since the buses don't stop at all the main attractions.

However, on some tours (such as their trips to Muir Woods or Yosemite Valley), you can get off the bus to walk around for a while, experience the outdoors, and snap some pictures.

Grand City Tour   

• $65 for Adults (Ages 12 - 59)
• $45 Child (Age 5 - 11)
• Free for kids under 5.
• Tour departures: 8:40 am (April to October) and 2 pm (November to March)
• Duration is 4 hours.
• More info and to book .

Reviews of Tower Tours

Tower Tours has received a 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor for its high-quality service.

As with many other highly rated services on this list, most of the complaints from customers are too random to even be worthy of mention.

Most reviewers had a blast on this bus tour, so chances are that you’ll have a good time as well!  

Tower Tours also offers combo packages and tours outside of San Francisco.

SAN FRANCISCO LOVE TOURS

For those who didn't experience San Fran's Summer of Love in 1967, San Francisco Love Tours takes you on a ride to the past.

This 2-hour tour brings you back to the era when Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead were playing in the Bay area. 

Learn about beatniks like Alan Ginsburg and Jack Kerouac who sipped drinks at Vesuvio Cafe across the street from City Lights Bookstore.

• $85 per person (regardless of age). 
• Purchase tickets here .

Reviews of the Magic Bus Tour

The Magic Bus is one of the highest-rated tours on this list. They have received an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars on both TripAdvisor and Viator.

There are very few negative reviews, and those that are negative typically complain that it simply wasn’t the kind of tour they would enjoy.

This really is an eclectic option, so make sure you’re actually interested in the concept of traveling back to the ’60s before you get your tickets.

For those of you who lived through those interesting times, this is a fantastic way to relive your experiences.

Alternatively, if you just want to take a trip back in time, sign up and enjoy the ride!

Lucky Tuk Tuk Tours

If you’re looking for a unique tour of the city, these outings are an interesting alternative to other San Francisco bus tours.

A Tuk Tuk is essentially a modified electric motorcycle that has been extended to provide seating for up to 5 people (on average). Think of it as a modern rickshaw!

These zippy vehicles can get around the city with ease, and thanks to their size you can rest assured that each Tuk Tuk tour will include more personalized attention from your guide/driver.

Each tour includes multiple opportunities to jump off and take a close look at important landmarks in the city, so they’re actually very similar to a hop-on-hop-off service.

The Lucky Tuk Tuk Tour company offers two tours either as public or private outings in San Francisco.

You can expect to see sites such as:

• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Golden Gate Park
• Haight-Ashbury
• Alamo Square
• The Painted Ladies (Victorian Homes)
• Union Square
• North Beach
• Lombard Street

Private VIP San Francisco Tuk Tuk Tour

• Per Person Average: $76
• Availability: Daily at 9 am, 1 pm
• Duration: 2 hours

SAN FRANCISCO SHUTTLE TOURS

When it comes to full-service bus tours, few are as good of a value as San Francisco Shuttle Tours.

This company prides itself on offering premium shuttles to many major landmarks and locations in the Bay Area.

Although this is not a hop-on-hop-off tour, the bus stops at various locations such as The Palace of Fine Arts, The Grace Cathedral, and Lombard Street. 

Each stop lasts for between 10 and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore the area with the help of a guide.

In addition to their city shuttles, they also offer trips to Wine Country, the Muir Woods, Alcatraz, and Yosemite.

This is a great option for anyone who wants an excellent guided tour of the San Francisco area.

Tickets: 

• $199 per person
• Includes a Ferry Bay Cruise
• Only private tours are available as of December 2023

Reviews of San Francisco Shuttle Tours

San Francisco Shuttle Tours has a 4 ½ out of 5 stars  rating on TripAdvisor.

Of the negative reviews that exist, most of them take issue with scheduling problems.

Aside from these complaints, it would appear that most of the other concerns about this service are too random to represent enough of a pattern that it would be worth mentioning.

Most guests absolutely adored their Shuttle Tour, and it’s safe to say that this is one of the higher-rated bus tours in San Francisco.

NIGHT BUS TOURS OF SAN FRANCISCO

One of the best ways to experience San Francisco is by discovering the skyline at night.

In addition to the options listed below, both hop on hop off San Francisco companies offer night bus tours as well.

THE LOVE NIGHT TOUR

This 2-hour tour may be more expensive than the others, but it is sure to be an experience you won't forget. 

The tour bus is a 1970s Volkswagen Bus, decked out as it would have been in the era of hippies. 

The tour is a very small group of just 6 guests so you'll get to know one another as you get to know the city. 

You will cover all the major sights of the city: 

• Fisherman's Wharf
• Marina District
• The Presidio
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Haight & Ashbury
• The Castro District
• Mission District
• Little Italy

Best of all, because this is a small vehicle, you will get to drive down Lombard Street, the curviest street in the world!

Price: $85 per person. You must have a minimum of 2 people in your group but no more than 6.

Tours run every night at 7:30 pm. Purchase tickets  here .

ALCATRAZ TOUR PACKAGES

Many of the tour companies listed above also have packages that include a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island.

If you’ve ever wanted to visit this historic high-security prison, these combo deals are a good way to save some money while seeing as much of the Bay Area as possible.

In addition to the options below, there are also a few hop on hop off San Francisco bus tour combo deals that include admission to Alcatraz.  

Read our post covering Alcatraz tours for more details about the attraction.

These combination packages are mostly useful for convenience, especially when tickets on the Alcatraz Cruises website are sold out.

At times, these packages might even be the only way to get tickets!

If you are looking for a premium package, or are looking to avoid a hop-on-hop-off bus, this might be the package for you.

When you consider what you get in this package, it's another good deal.

Grand City 3 Hours + Alcatraz  (full duration 7 hours)

• Alcatraz Day Tour
• Grand City 3-Hour Tour 
• Cellhouse audio tour (available in 11 languages)
• Dining voucher to a San Francisco staple restaurant for breakfast or lunch 
• Price: $144 per person (3 and under free)

One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz

• 9-hour full-day tour of San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito, and entrance to Alcatraz
• Includes a ferry ride across the San Francisco Bay
• $169 - Adult
• $109 - Child (0-11) 

Premium City Tour + Alcatraz

• 5-Hour Premium Bus Tour of San Francisco
• 2-Hour Tour of Alcatraz
• $150 per person
• Currently Inactive.

TOURS OUTSIDE OF SAN FRANCISCO

Many of the bus tour companies we have discussed also offer tours to various locations that are just outside of San Francisco.

Whether you’re interested in discovering Yosemite or want to do some wine tasting in Sonoma, these tours will take you outside of the city for a wonderful excursion.  

For more in-depth detail about particular day trips , be sure to read our posts on: 

• Muir Woods  
• Napa Valley
• Yosemite National Park
• Whale Watching Tours
• Silicon Valley

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Although we do our best to give you unbiased views of these services, the reality is that we inherently have a bias because we are tour guides.

As such, this section will include some of the more helpful advice and suggestions from both locals and travelers who use either the San Francisco Travel group or our very own San Francisco Travel Tips group on Facebook.

When it comes to city bus tours, a lot of travelers swear by the San Francisco Love Tours.

One of the best things about these groups is that members are usually willing to share their own personal thoughts and experiences with various activities and attractions in the city.

As Janene points out, the Love Tour allows you to spend some time at Haight-Ashbury, and it sounds like you can also make special requests to focus on areas of interest if you go with their private tour.

While it costs more to get the VIP treatment, it might be worth it to have a more personalized experience!

Dylan's is also quite popular, and several travelers recommend their tours for day trips to nearby locations such as Sausalito and Muir Woods.

While Dylan's Tours does offer a city bus tour with most of their packages, it is worth noting that most people who sing their praises specifically mention their day trips outside of the city.

One thing that tourists note about Dylan's Muir Woods tour is that it does give you some time to explore the woods on your own.

While that might seem daunting, especially given the size of the National Park, there are a lot of well signposted trails that aren't too complicated to walk.

For more details, make sure to read our post covering Muir Woods hiking trails .

If you're looking for even more advice about Bay Area bus tours, make sure to check either the San Francisco Travel group or our very own San Francisco Travel Tips group on Facebook.

And much, much more

About the author.

North America

United kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

TheBetterVacation.com

Everything about tourist attractions

Hop on hop off San Francisco bus tours – prices, discounts, reviews

The best way to explore San Francisco is by hopping on a double-decker, open-topped bus with a human guide.

These SFO bus tours give you the flexibility of seeing the best San Francisco attractions and landmarks for as long (or as short) as you like.

Sometimes, these bus tours are also combined with a tour to Alcatraz .

Tourists to Fog City love these hop-on-hop-off tours so much that there are more than 100 such tours offered by numerous tour operators.

With so many Hop on Hop off San Francisco tours, it gets very confusing for a tourist in SFO.

This article covers everything you must know before booking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Top Hop on hop off San Francisco Bus Tours

# Hop on Hop off San Francisco tour by Big Bus # CitySightseeing bus tour # Alcatraz entry + 1 day hop-on-hop-off bus tour

Table of contents

San francisco city tours – your options, san francisco city tours, sausalito tour, san francisco night tours, best hop on hop off san francisco bus tours, big bus san francisco tours review, hop on hop off san francisco tour by big bus, city sightseeing san francisco reviews, citysightseeing bus tour, city tour (gray line) reviews, hop on hop off san francisco with alcatraz, bus tours outside of san francisco.

There are many ways of exploring San Francisco. For instance –

1. You can hire a GoCar , the storytelling GPS enabled car which acts as a human guide.

2. You can hire a Helicopter to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city.

3. If you don’t fancy helicopters, you can hire a Seaplane for a 30-minute aerial tour of SFO.

4. If you prefer to be on land, you can book a San Francisco City tour on a Segway . Don’t worry; they will train you to use the self-balancing vehicle before the tour begins.

5. If you love a much slower pace, you can rent a bike and go on your San Francisco city tour.

6. The best, however, is the Hop On Hop off San Francisco bus tour which is detailed below.

Types of Hop on Hop off tours

Now that we have convinced you that the best way to explore the city of Golden Gate Bridge is the Hop on Hop off San Francisco tours, let’s tell you the different types of bus tour packages available.

Hop on Hop off San Francisco bus tours tend to be either one of the following or a combination of any of the following –

A hop-on hop-off city tour takes you through the numerous landmarks and attractions in the city of San Francisco.

Each of these city tours has between 20 and 24 stops where you can get in or get out of the bus to explore.

These city bus tours are available for different durations – 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours.

Depending on the number of days you are in the city, you can make your choice.

Sausalito is a quaint seaside town on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge.

It is quite popular with the tourists because of its scenic, picture-postcard beauty.

The Sausalito bus tour is offered separately as well as in combination with the San Francisco city tour.

San Francisco Hop on Hop off night tour has many of the attractions of the day tour.

Just that because you experience this at night – when the whole city is illuminated, it has a separate charm.

The night tours are also sometimes sold in combination with the day tours.

Our recommendation: If you have enough time and money, we suggest you try exploring San Francisco during the day and night and also visit Sausalito.

Save up to 45% on ticket prices of top 25 attractions in San Francisco. To save time and money during your SFO holiday,  buy San Francisco’s Go Card

Follow the link to know more about Hop on Hop off bus tours .

Back to Top

San Francisco has three companies that offer hop-on and hop-off city tour services. They are – Big Bus , City Sightseeing , and Grayline .

Competition between these three bus tour companies is intense. This keeps the prices low and the quality of service high.

These three SFO bus tour companies offer single-route tickets and multi-day tickets to tour San Francisco.

Most tourists tend to gravitate towards multi-day tickets because of the free additions, such as bike tours, walking tours, and discounts.

All three also offer night tours of San Francisco. These night tours can be purchased alone or in combination with the day tours.

If you haven’t already booked your Alcatraz Island tour, you can opt for one of the Alcatraz combo tours as well.

Big Bus San Francisco

Big Bus Tours is an open-top bus tour company operating in more than 20 top cities of the World.

In the USA, they operate in cities such as Las Vegas, Chicago, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC and San Francisco.

In the Golden City (another name for San Francisco!) Big Bus offers 1, 2, or 3-day passes on its hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

These tours have 20 stops – only the best attractions in the city.

All tickets include free bike rental and walking tours of the North Beach neighborhood and SFO Chinatown .

If you are short on time, the Big Bus tours are a great way to see San Francisco. Book Now !

Big Bus also has a free mobile application, which you can use to find bus stops and bus schedules.

Big Bus has got good reviews on Tripadvisor . Their service is rated 4 out of 5.

In fact, they have also received the ‘Certificate of Excellence’.

Based on what we could gather from Big Bus reviews on Tripadvisor, we can safely say that they are a reliable bus tour company.

Some of their Live Guides came for praise for their dry sense of humor and sarcastic narration of historical events.

Some tourists who took the Big Bus tours did leave negative reviews.

However, these were issues that the Big Bus Management could easily fix.

This tour helps you see the sights of San Francisco at your own pace from the top deck of a double-decker, hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus.

You have the option of dropping off and getting on at 20 key locations across San Francisco. On this tour, you can also cross the Golden Gate Bridge.

This HOHO San Francisco bus tour comes in two flavors – a 1-Day Ticket with Chinatown Guided Walking Tour or a 2-Day Ticket, Chinatown Tour, & USS Pampanito WWII Submarine.

1-Day Ticket with Chinatown Guided Walking Tour:

Select this option to benefit from a one-hour guided walking tour of Chinatown along with a one-day hop-on hop-off ticket.

Additionally, rent a bike for an hour at any Blazing Saddles location and receive another hour free.

2-Day Ticket, Chinatown Tour, & USS Pampanito WWII Submarine:

Select this option to receive admission to the WWII submarine USS Pampanito, a 1-hour guided walking tour of Chinatown, and a 2-day hop-on hop-off ticket.

Ticket Prices

1-Day Ticket with Chinatown Guided Walking Tour

Adult (13+ years): US$57 Children (3-15 years): US$66

Adult (13+ years): US$60 Children (3-15 years): US$68

Infants up to two years are not charged anything.

City Sightseeing San Francisco

If you are a regular traveler you must have seen a City Sightseeing bus sometime or the other.

After all City Sightseeing is the World’s largest open-top, double-decker sightseeing tour bus operator.

They are available in more than 150 cities all over the World.

In San Francisco, City Sightseeing offers 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day Hop on Hop off bus tours. Book Now

They provide a total of four tours, two of which are only available as combo tours when you book for multiple days.

Besides the regular, City Sightseeing also offers the Mega Pass. Wherein you choose 3, 4, or 5 attractions (out of the top 25 in San Francisco), you want to visit and use their tour buses to visit them over the next seven days.

CitySightseeing also offers a mobile app that can be used as a live bus tracker. This feature helps hopping in the bus and hopping out of it easily.

This bus tour company is also often referred to as Skyline Sightseeing.

City-Sightseeing also has an overall 3.5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor .

One of the negative reviews for City Sightseeing, which one hears occasionally, is the lack of punctuality of their buses.

However, the ability to track the bus from the mobile app has helped improve the experience for the tourists.

The good thing is, with intense competition, these tour companies must take Tripadvisor reviews seriously and work on them.

City Sightseeing bus tour customers who used them during peak seasons came back with raving reviews.

This HOHO San Francisco, bus tour ticket, gives you 48 hours to explore the city across all three different loops.

Some of the highlights of this bus tour are the special 2-hour night tour of San Francisco, the drive across Golden Gate Bridge, and the visit to Sausalito.

The live guide keeps the narration going, and if you want the commentary in a different language, you can always resort to the pre-recorded audio guide.

This tour operates all through the day and night.

San Francisco Gray Line tours

Gray Line is a Colorado-based company founded in 1910. They offer bus tours all over the World, and a good chunk of their buses ply on American soil.

In San Francisco, they offer Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours in partnership with City Tour. Book Now

Gray Line bus tours in San Francisco happen on two kinds of vehicles – the usual double-decker open-top bus and trolleys (custom-built buses with heating and air conditioning).

Gray Line offers three routes, which are offered by both Big Bus and City Sightseeing.

The first loop takes the tourists around the city of San Francisco, the second takes them over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, and the third route is the Night tour of the city.

The Gray Line Hop On Hop off buses in San Francisco has a smaller customer base. And hence, there are not many reviews.

Tripadvisor has less than 2000 reviewers on Gray Line tours, and they have rated it 3.5 out of 5.

The timing of the buses is mentioned in some of the reviews. In some others, the quality of the human guides is being questioned.

Overall, tourists who opted for Gray Line went home satisfied.

If you are in San Francisco and are looking for HOHO bus tours, check them out here .

Almost all tourists visiting San Francisco try to visit Alcatraz.

However, since Alcatraz is quite popular, getting tickets to see the infamous prison is very difficult.

Alcatraz tickets on the Alcatraz Cruises website are known to vanish quickly, sometimes even two months before the visit date.

In such a scenario, the best bet is to book a combo ticket – a ticket that includes a visit to Alcatraz as well.

The most popular combination for such tourists is Alcatraz along with the Hop on Hop off San Francisco bus tour.

Here are our two favorites-

>> Alcatraz entry + 1 day hop-on-hop-off bus tour

>> 72-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour + Alcatraz

The region around San Francisco is too good to be ignored.

That’s why, besides the hop-on-hop-off tours within the city, the tourists also opt for bus tours outside of San Francisco.

Three of the most popular tourist spots outside of San Francisco are:

1. Muir Woods 2. Napa Valley 3. Yosemite National Park

>> Muir Woods, Giant Redwoods and Sausalito tour from San Francisco

>> Redwoods and Wine Country: Napa and Sonoma Full-Day Tour

>> Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco

>> San Francisco to Yosemite Park small group tour

>> 1-Day trip from SFO to Yosemite National Park, Giant Sequoias

Sources # Tripadvisor.com # Hop-on-hop-off-bus.com # Sftourismtips.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

Popular attractions in San Francisco

# Alcatraz Island # San Francisco Zoo # San Francisco MoMA # California Academy of Sciences # Monterey Bay Aquarium # San Francisco aquarium # Exploratorium # De Young Museum # San Francisco Bus Tours # Madame Tussauds # San Francisco Bay Cruise # San Francisco Ghost Tour # The Tech Interactive # San Francisco Dinner Cruise # SFO Go Car Tour # Legion of Honor Museum # Walt Disney Family Museum # Museum of 3D Illusions # 7D Ride Experience

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in San Francisco

This article was researched & written by

Barkha Tiwari

She is a holidaymaker comfortable with vacations on sandy beaches or breaks where she is skiing in the snow. She mixes up her holidays with the right amount of activity and lazing around and believes that both are needed in the right amount to experience the world’s cultures and destinations. Favorite Cities: Prague, Budapest, Munich, Florence

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy HTML Sitemap Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Helicopter Tours Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours Hop On Hop Off Tours Zoo Tickets Madame Tussauds Linq High Roller Summit One Vanderbilt

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

CS Ginger Travel

14 Best San Francisco Bus Tours in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST SAN FRANCISCO BUS TOURS?

You’ve come to the right place! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months exploring California. When we find ourselves along the coastline in Northern California, we love to visit San Francisco.

There are lots of great opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in the area as well as great city-life activities. Whether you want a quick way to see the sights in San Francisco or a way to get around town without having to worry about parking, San Francisco bus tours are a great option.

For an unforgettable exploration of this captivating city, join us as we delve into our top San Francisco bus tours and learn about some of the Best San Francisco bus tours there are.

🏆 Best San Francisco Bus Tour

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The hands-down best San Francisco Bus Tour is San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

These handpicked tours offer a diverse range of sightseeing adventures, from iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge & Alcatraz to nature excursions to Muir Woods and Yosemite or tours to the relaxing wine country of Napa and Sonoma, there’s a tour for every taste!

Each tour has been thoroughly researched and we’ve also taken customer reviews into consideration when writing each tour summary.

Quick Guide: San Francisco Bus Tours

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour ✔️ Discover city landmarks at your own pace ✔️ Convenient hop-on, hop-off options

San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour ✔️ Visit famous movie filming locations ✔️ Cinematic charm and historical context

Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour ✔️ Restored VW bus for a nostalgic retro vibe ✔️ Uncover iconic landmarks and hidden gems

   San Francisco Bus Tours

1. 2-day san francisco hop-on hop-off bus tour.

⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 2 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Discover the best of San Francisco with a 2-day hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour , which allows you to experience the city’s iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Little Italy, and Sausalito tour at your own pace. Enjoy the flexibility of hop-on hop-off bus tours in San Francisco, letting you explore attractions, restaurants, and shops on your own schedule.

This comprehensive tour includes exciting features such as a night tour to Bay Bridge and Treasure Island, providing breathtaking views of the city’s illuminated skyline. Additionally, you’ll receive a 1-hour free bike rental with a 1-hour purchase, perfect for exploring the city’s charming famous neighborhoods on two wheels.

This was the most informative Hop-On, Hop-Off tour we have ever taken. Just loved every part of it. It covered all the spots we wanted to see. – Yvonne (Read More Reviews )

You can visit the iconic Golden Gate Park, the Fisherman’s Wharf, or stunning vistas on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. The hop on and off tours offer the ultimate convenience and a customizable experience.

▶️ BOOK 2-Day San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

2. San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

⭐️ RATING : 4.4 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : Valid for 1-2 Days | Check Rates and Availability

Embark on a sightseeing adventure aboard an open-top double-decker Big Bus and discover the beauty of open bus tours in San Francisco from a whole new perspective. This is such a fun tour and one of the greatest things to do with kids in San Francisco .

Enjoy sweeping panoramic and great views of the city’s landmarks and attractions, including the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, the renowned Museum of Modern Art, and the bustling Embarcadero.

A must-do if in San Francisco, great tour for your buck. ❤️👍🏻 – Addie (Read More Reviews )

With the flexibility to hop on and off at various bus stops, you can explore popular stops and experience the city at your own pace. As you ride along, be captivated by entertaining audio guide commentary available in 10 languages, providing you with valuable insights into San Francisco’s history, culture, and notable sights.

With buses arriving every 15-20 minutes throughout the day, you’ll enjoy unlimited access, granting you the freedom to fully immerse yourself in San Francisco’s unique charm. So, hop on and set off on an unforgettable sightseeing journey through the heart of this captivating city.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

 3. San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour

⭐️ RATING : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 3 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Immerse yourself in the magic of San Francisco’s movie sights on this guided city tour . Visit famous filming locations from popular movies while enjoying the comfort of a sightseeing bus. Your guide will provide insightful commentary with many stories and insights.

Bryan was extremely knowledgeable and told great stories about all the movie locations. There are more locations than the average person would know about. He also pointed out many other places of interest and would stop for picture moments. I highly recommend this tour. – Vicki (Read More Reviews )

From iconic movie scenes to the city’s real-life landmarks, this tour offers a unique blend of cinematic charm and historical context. You’ll feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of your favorite actors as you pass by sites featured in classic films like Mrs. Doubtfire, The Princess Diaries, and Vertigo.

Whether you’re a movie buff or simply seeking a different perspective on the city, San Francisco movie tours like this tour promises an unforgettable and cinematic adventure.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour

 4. Big Bus San Francisco Night Tour

⭐️ RATING : 4 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 1.5 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Experience the beauty of San Francisco’s illuminated skyline and iconic landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Embarcadero, Chinatown, and the Financial District on this 1-hour nighttime bus tour aboard a double-decker bus. With multiple tour departure times, you can choose the one that suits your schedule best.

As you ride along these double-decker buses in San Francisco, be captivated by entertaining live commentary from your knowledgeable guide. The open-top deck provides unobstructed views, perfect for capturing stunning photos of the city’s breathtaking scenery.

Such a fun experience. Our driver was so friendly and made the tour really unforgettable! Would definitely recommend to friends. Bundle up if you plan to ride the top level in the spring, especially on the night tour. – Christina (Read More Reviews )

As the sun sets, the city transforms into a sparkling wonderland, and you’ll enjoy an enchanting ride past illuminated landmarks. This double-decker bus tour is an excellent way to admire San Francisco’s iconic landmarks under the shimmering night lights, creating a memorable and magical experience.

▶️ BOOK Big Bus San Francisco Night Tour

 5. Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour

⭐️ RATING : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 4 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Kick-off on a luxury half-day minivan tour and skip the typical San Francisco tour bus experience. Enjoy a personalized tour with a small group as you visit top attractions, neighborhoods, and scenic spots during a luxury van tour .

Your knowledgeable guide will share interesting facts and stories about the city, making this tour an intimate and immersive way to explore San Francisco. Travel in comfort and style, experiencing the city’s best highlights while avoiding the crowds.

Brian is very knowledgeable and has great insider ways to navigate around San Francisco.Very comfortable ride to tour the city. – Amy (Read More Reviews )

With convenient transportation, you’ll make the most of your time in San Francisco and uncover its hidden gems and iconic landmarks like incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks. This luxury minivan tour offers a delightful and exclusive way to see the city, providing a memorable journey through San Francisco’s vibrant culture and breathtaking sights.

▶️ BOOK Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour

  6. Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

⭐️ RATING : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 2 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Step back in time and explore San Francisco in style aboard a restored VW bus. This unique Painted Ladies City Tour not only lets you soak in the city’s fascinating history but also immerses you in the groovy tunes of the 1960s and ’70s, creating an unforgettable nostalgic experience.

Armando’s wealth of knowledge allows him to curate each experience according to each party’s tour needs. Daisy, the yellow van, was a head-turner! – Tara (Read More Reviews )

With the option to choose between a shared small group or a private tour, you can tailor the journey to your preferences. On the afternoon tours, indulge in the flavors of the state with provided California white wine and local craft beer, adding a delightful touch to your adventure.

Discover the charm of the city’s iconic “Painted Ladies” as you cruise through the streets of San Francisco. With the personalized attention of your knowledgeable guide, this VW bus tour promises an intimate and immersive experience, offering a memorable journey through the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

▶️ BOOK Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

 7. San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour

⭐️ RATING : 4.2 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : Valid for 2 Days | Check Rates and Availability

Explore the best of San Francisco with a convenient 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus tour that allows you to discover the city’s highlights at your own pace. With multiple routes and frequent departures, you can easily visit key sights of San Francisco like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more on these Bus tours in the city of San Francisco.

Great activity! Visiting Alcatraz Prison is well worth the price. On the other hand, you have to dress on the Golden Bridge because it is very cold. – Get Your Guide Traveler (Read More Reviews )

As you ride the bus, you have the choice to enjoy between live commentary or informative audio. Either way will provide you with insights into San Francisco’s history, landmarks, and attractions. A highlight of this tour is the opportunity to visit Alcatraz with an included ferry ride. Don’t miss the infamous prison and immerse yourself in its intriguing history.

This hop-on-hop-off bus tour offers an excellent way to make the most of your time in San Francisco, allowing you to create your own itinerary and uncover the city’s hidden gems at your leisure. We love visiting Alcatraz. If you have not done it already make sure you put it high on your list of places to visit. You will thank us.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour

8. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

⭐️ RATING : 4.1 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : Valid for 1 Day | Check Rates and Availability

Experience the best of San Francisco with this comprehensive hop-on-hop-off bus tour that includes a thrilling Golden Gate Bay Cruise. Discover the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions at your own pace with the flexibility of a hop-on-hop-off tour. You can get on or off as many times as you wish on these bus tours of San Francisco.

Great experience. Wear warm clothing if weather is cool. – Get Your Guide Traveler (Read More Reviews )

The tour also includes a breathtaking Golden Gate Bay Cruise, offering unobstructed best views of the city’s skyline and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge from the water. This one-hour cruise provides a unique perspective of San Francisco’s beauty and is a must-do for any visitor.

With the freedom to tailor your itinerary and the convenience of a combined bus and boat tour, this hop-on-hop-off experience is the perfect way to discover the best of San Francisco’s attractions and landmarks in one unforgettable journey.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Yosemite Bus Tours from San Francisco

9. 2-day yosemite national park tour from san francisco.

⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 2 Days | Check Rates and Availability

Set out on a breathtaking 2-day tour from San Francisco to the mesmerizing Yosemite National Park . Witness the grandeur of towering granite cliffs and pristine waterfalls as you explore the park’s iconic landmarks. Yosemite National Park is a place that our family loves. If you have time, it is a great addition to your San Francisco itinerary.

The 2 day Yosemite tour was excellent! The driver-tour guide was very good. He was sensitive to each families physical ability to do hikes and suggested options for all. He also provided a lot of information about the place. Loved it! – Diya (Read More Reviews )

On this immersive adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at iconic sights like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley Falls. With comfortable, eco-friendly transportation provided from San Francisco, you can sit back, relax, and soak in the magnificent scenery along the journey.

The tour also includes overnight hotel accommodation in or near the park, and you’ll enjoy the convenience of complimentary pickup and dropoff from your San Francisco hotel, making the journey seamless and stress-free.

▶️ BOOK 2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco

10. Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

⭐️ RATING : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 14 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Walk under the ancient redwood trees and experience the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park on this one-day tour from San Francisco . Yosemite is one of the most beautiful national parks in California . This immersive adventure takes you on a scenic journey through the park’s iconic landmarks, allowing you to witness towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and lush forests.

Our guide Phil was great. Made the whole experience extremely enjoyable and picture perfect( literally he showed us best spots for photos). Stories he told along the way, curated playlist for each part of the journey, getting in and out of the park in record time and then showing a Yosemite based movie on the way back, created a great overall experience. Lot of thought had gone into from Phil in making this a memorable trip for all. – Ananya (Read More Reviews )

Explore Yosemite’s must-see sights, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and more, while enjoying a curated music list and commentary from your guide. With convenient pickup and dropoff from your San Francisco hotel, this day tour provides a smooth and hassle-free experience, making it one of the most ideal San Francisco tours.

▶️ BOOK Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

San Francisco Bus Tours to Muir Woods

11. san francisco super saver: muir woods & wine country w/ optional gourmet lunch.

⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 10 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Experience the best of both worlds with the San Francisco Super Saver Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour . This incredible tour takes you on a journey through the breathtaking beauty of the Muir Woods National Monument, where you’ll marvel at the towering ancient redwood trees.

It was a fabulous day. All the places visited were top notch. I liked Muir Woods best, and my wife really liked the wine tastings. Best of all, our driver, Don, was very knowledgeable as well as fun and friendly. Wish we could have met his cat, however. I highly recommend this trip. – Craig (Read More Reviews )

Afterward, you’ll indulge in the delightful flavors of California’s wine country as you visit renowned wineries in Napa and Sonoma. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature and culture, providing an unforgettable experience of San Francisco’s natural wonders and world-class wines.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

12. San Francisco to Muir Woods Shuttle

Ditch the bus tours in San Francisco and opt to explore the breathtaking beauty of Muir Woods and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on this 4-hour shuttle tour .

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the majestic Muir Woods Redwood National Monument, home to some of the oldest living things in the world. Spend over an hour strolling through the towering redwood trees, a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Desmond, the tour operator, was very knowledgeable of the city & Marin County. He had a great personality. He made the tour fun & personable ensuring that we captured the best photo opps along the way. – Teresa (Read More Reviews )

During the ride, enjoy the company of our local guide, who will share history and recommendations along the route, making the journey informative and relaxing. As you pass by notable landmarks like Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, you’ll have the opportunity to capture memorable photos of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco to Muir Woods Shuttle

13. Big Bus San Francisco Muir Woods and Alcatraz Island Combo

For a change of pace to the typical San Francisco city tours, choose to experience this combo tour to Muir Woods National Monument and Alcatraz Island .

We did Alcatraz in the morning and then Muir Woods in the afternoon. Single-day combo tour worked out very well. Had adequate time at both venues with a leisurely walk between Pier 33 (Alcatraz) and the Muir Woods tour bus pick-up point. Would highly recommend visiting both locations if you’re in the San Francisco area. Our driver/tour guide for Muir Woods, Vlad, was excellent. – Michael (Read More Reviews )

Stroll among the ancient redwood trees in Muir Woods, marveling at their towering majesty. Then, embark on a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island to explore the infamous former federal prison. At the prison you can explore the cell blocks and learn about the island’s intriguing history.

This combo tour offers the perfect blend of nature and history, providing an unforgettable and comprehensive San Francisco experience.

▶️ BOOK Big Bus San Francisco Muir Woods and Alcatraz Island Combo

Bus Tours to Napa Valley from San Francisco

14. napa and sonoma wine country full-day tour from san francisco.

⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 9 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Indulge in a delightful Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour , where you’ll experience the finest wines amidst the picturesque vineyards of California. Departing from San Francisco, embark on a scenic journey to the renowned wine regions of Napa and Sonoma.

Savor the taste of exquisite wines at multiple wineries, learning about the winemaking process from knowledgeable experts. Stroll through vineyards and witness the stunning landscapes that have made these regions world-famous.

Visiting the three wineries on a beautiful sunny day and enjoying the wine all the wineries had to offer. The tour guide/driver was informative and the bus was comfortable and air conditioned. It was a lovely experience. – Janice (Read More Reviews )

This Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour offers an escape, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the region. Immerse yourself in the art of winemaking and the beauty of California’s wine country.

▶️ BOOK Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

FAQ: San Francisco Bus Tours

How long is the san francisco bus tour.

The duration of a San Francisco bus tour varies depending on the specific tour package chosen. Some tours are designed for a few hours, while others can extend up to several days, offering flexible hop-on-hop-off options.

Whether you’re looking for a quick city overview or a comprehensive exploration, San Francisco bus tour tickets cater to various preferences, providing a hassle-free way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions. Consider flexible ticket options in case your plans change.

How Often Do Big Bus Tours Run in San Francisco?

Big Bus Tours typically operate on a frequent schedule in San Francisco, with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours and slightly less frequently during off-peak times.

Where Does the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Start in San Francisco?

The starting point for one-day hop-on hop-off in San Francisco bus tours can vary depending on the tour operator and the route chosen. Generally, the starting locations are located in popular tourist areas like Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf.

Visitors can easily find the designated pick-up points when booking the tour or by checking with the tour company.

What Is the Best Way to Get Around SF?

The best way to get around San Francisco depends on personal preferences and the locations you want to visit. Public transportation, such as buses, cable cars, and the iconic San Francisco streetcars, offers convenient and cost-effective options.

Additionally, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are popular choices for shorter distances. For those who prefer a guided tour and flexibility to explore at their own pace, hop-on-hop-off bus tours can be great.

The main difference between these options is how big of a hurry you are. Some of the public transportation options have been a little slower for us then Uber and Lyft. We have also used are own car to get around. This can work well but parking is expensive and finding a parking spot can be challenging.

Conclusion: San Francisco Bus Tours

Set out to discover the best of San Francisco with this diverse selection of captivating bus tours. It is such a unique city with charming streets that we love to explore.

Whether you prefer the flexibility of hop-on-hop-off options or guided excursions, there’s something for every traveler. Witness the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, explore the majestic Muir Woods, and experience the allure of Alcatraz Island.

Still not sure about the best San Francisco bus tour? We recommend the San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Indulge in exquisite wines in Napa and Sonoma or step into famous filming locations. These top San Francisco CA bus tours promise unforgettable and immersive experiences, and you will create cherished memories.

Candice Steele is the owner of CS Ginger, a blog that helps travelers explore the United States in their RVs. Since 2017, she and her family have been providing valuable insider tips about travel experiences suitable for families. They love exploring the country in their RV and offer helpful insights to make RVing easy and family-friendly.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

S.F. plans to dramatically redesign streets at site of deadly West Portal crash

W hen Supervisor Myrna Melgar and other San Francisco leaders took a walking tour last month of the maze of streets near the West Portal Muni Station, they had no inkling that a horrific crash would occur there days later.

City planners, residents and officials — including Melgar —  had long scrutinized the three-way crossing at Ulloa Street and West Portal Avenue, where drivers waiting to make turns create bottlenecks for Muni trains, and pedestrians have to stay on high alert in the crosswalk. 

Fears intensified after a Mercedes sport utility vehicle rammed through a bus stop at Ulloa Street and Lenox Way on March 16, killing a family of four. For days, hundreds of people gathered at memorial services and grappled for answers. Grief, introspection and public pressure helped accelerate a long-gestating plan to reimagine streets around the Muni station — largely by restricting vehicle traffic.    

Whether a new design could have prevented the bus stop catastrophe is unclear, but officials say it will dramatically improve conditions for transit and pedestrians. 

Conceived by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency with support from Melgar and Mayor London Breed, the reconfiguration would prevent cars from cutting through the intersection of Ulloa Street and West Portal Avenue. 

Drivers heading toward the station from West Portal Avenue or Ulloa Street would be forced to turn right. Cars would no longer be allowed to access Ulloa from Claremont Avenue. 

With automobiles rerouted, the roadways would form “a grand welcome plaza” at the front door of the Muni station, said Jeffrey Tumlin, SFMTA’s executive director.

Staff at SFMTA were unveiling a proposed map Thursday and will spend weeks gathering feedback before sending the plans to the agency’s board for approval. Street safety advocates are delighted. Merchants are incensed.

“That intersection has been a source of worry for me for a very long time,” Melgar said in an interview, noting the constant jostling between cars, delivery trucks, pedestrians scurrying to the library or a nearby elementary school, multiple buses and the three Muni rail lines that run through the West Portal tunnel. 

Although police are still investigating what caused the deadly collision in March, safety advocates saw it as a moment of reckoning.

“This crash touched so many people and made us realize how vulnerable we are,” said Jodie Medeiros, executive director of the advocacy group Walk San Francisco. While West Portal Avenue and Ulloa Street do not rank among San Francisco’s high-injury corridors, they deserve to be prioritized, Medeiros said, given the high volume of bus and foot traffic near the Muni station.

“It’s what I would call a ‘high-conflict’ corridor,” Tumlin said.

Besides changing the geometry of West Portal’s central intersection, the proposed redesign would convert Lenox Way into a one-way street. Parents dropping their kids off at West Portal Elementary would no longer be able to make two-point turns in people’s driveways, another point of tension in the neighborhood, Melgar said.

Additionally, the city would install planters and paint murals on the horseshoe-shaped lot surrounding the West Portal Station. Currently used to park Muni maintenance trucks, those lots would be converted into walkable space.

Breed touted the proposal not only for its safety benefits, but also for bringing a more modern urban vision to a strip of traditional shops  in a residential pocket of the west side.

“This is where trains go into tunnels, where buses pass through, where drivers can access West Portal shops, where pedestrians and cyclists are crossing or accessing Muni,” Breed said in a statement. “This proposal is about how we do all of those things safely, while creating a more welcoming and vibrant area in one of our great neighborhood merchant corridors.”  

To some, it’s a radical idea: Divert private cars to ease the path for bikes, pedestrians and transit. San Francisco has tested this concept on a larger scale with car-free Market Street, a major redesign that met intense resistance from merchants. But residents and business owners have embraced more modest examples, such as Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley and Jane Warner Plaza in the Castro, which somewhat resemble the West Portal proposal.

Melgar acknowledged that the new traffic restrictions in West Portal could draw controversy. Change is vexing, particularly on a corridor where businesses date to the 1930s. Over decades, motorists have become accustomed to parking and shopping. Store owners may be reluctant to sacrifice the vehicle traffic, Melgar said.

Deidre Von Rock, president of the West Portal Merchants Association, said her group’s members would vehemently oppose the reroutes, believing they would cause congestion and general ire as cars circle the blocks. 

“Like it or not, people over here drive,” Von Rock said. “We have elderly people, disabled people, and families with children,” she added, referring to all the demographics who could be inconvenienced.

Such sentiments have stifled plans to rethink West Portal for years, according to Melgar. Like others, she views the recent bus stop crash as an inflection point, which may have shifted public opinion. 

“Now everybody’s attention is on this intersection,” Melgar said. “So I’m going to make sure that we do something to make it safer.”

Reach Rachel Swan: [email protected]

Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

Nearby tours

Soviet-Era Walking Tour in Moscow: Lubyanka Square and the Gulag History Museum

If you love history, would like to know more about Russia’s past, or just want to take an interesting walk, book this guided Moscow walking tour of Soviet-era sites. With your expert guide, walk through Lubyanka Squ...

Walking Tour of Moscow's Kolomenskoye Estate

On this walking tour through the Kolomenskoye Estate in Moscow, immerse yourself in Russia’s interesting royal history. Walk around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ascension Church, built in 1532, and enter the Hou...

Moscow Cultural Walking Tour: Red Square, Kitay-Gorod and St Basil's Cathedral

Take a guided walking tour of Moscow's cultural highlights, like the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Red Square, said to be the central square of Russia. Walk through the adjoining district Kitay-Gorod, one of ...

Kremlin Grounds, Cathedrals and Patriarch's Palace Tour from Moscow

A great three hour tour exploring the Kremlin Grounds, Cathedrals and Patriarch's Palaces in Moscow! The small city in the center of Moscow, once the residence of Czars and Patriarchs, contains Russia's main cathedra...

Moscow City Tour

The Moscow City Tour covers all the highlights and most beautiful places in the enchanting Russian capital. The tour begins with a stop at the Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral, the architectural masterpiece and w...

Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

For those who like to travel in comfort

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case). 

Moscow Metro Tour

• Page active

Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.