sydney hop on tourist bus

THE 5 BEST Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop-on hop-off tours in sydney.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off Cruise

2. Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour

3. Taronga Zoo + Sydney Harbour Hopper Combo Passes

4. Sydney Harbour 2-Day Hop On Hop Off Cruise with Taronga Zoo entry

5. Sydney Harbour Hopper - 24 or 48hr Pass

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Broken Bay Pearl & Oyster Farm Tours

Half-Day Sydney Middle Harbour Guided Kayaking Eco Tour

Taste of Afghanistan Syria and Persia in Merrylands

Single Kayak Hire - 4 Hours

Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour

Overnight Yacht Stay in Palm Beach

Wollongong Scavenger Hunt: Wollongong’s Storied History

Beekeeping. Honey and Hive.

Double Kayak Hire - 4 Hours

Stand Up Paddle Board Hire - 2 Hours

Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour

Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour

E-bike (electric) - Blue Mountains - Hanging Rock - SELF-GUIDED Hire Service

Lamborghini Huracan Luxury Car Hire Sydney Supercar Rental

Ferrari 488 GTB Luxury Car Hire Sydney Supercar Rental

1 Hour Rental Deluxe Double Sea Kayak

Private Insular Peninsula Tour in Kombi Hippie Van

Sydney to Melbourne 5 Star Bus Tour VIA Great Ocean Road

Jetpack Adventure

Blue Mountains Vintage Cadillac Tour with Local Guide

Murder Mystery Killer Fun

Whale Watching Discovery Tour from Lake Macquarie

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Hop on Hop off Sydney

Big Bus Tours: Sydney Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

• Unlimited hop-on-hop-off around the Australian city, Sydney enabling you to explore the city at your own pace.
• Get access to free onboard Wi-Fi.
• Explore impressive and famous monuments from an entirely different angle of open top buses.
• Watch the landmarks from 360-degree panoramic views.
• Pre-recorded audio commentary offered in 8 different languages.
• Opt from two different routes, i.e., City Tour and Bondi Tour and get to visit 30+ conveniently located spots.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted! No need to print.

Discover Ticket

• 24-Hour Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket
• 2 Routes (City Route & Bondi Route)
• Pre-recorded commentary (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin, Korean, Chinese and Japanese.)
• Wi-Fi, Ear Phones

Essential Ticket

• 24-Hours Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

No Cancellation Charges  up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. 100% cancellation fee applied within 24 hours of travel date.

Hop On Hop Off Sydney Bus Tours

Sydney is known for its popular landmarks that have spread to other parts of the world. Discover the magnificent Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and be in awe of its exquisite architecture.    Take a trip across Sydney Harbour Bridge, sometimes known as the "Coathanger," to enjoy sweeping harbor views. Discover The Rocks, a historic neighborhood where colonial architecture and cobblestone alleys transport you back in time.   Discover the spectacular Harbour city- Sydney at your own pace and comfort with Hop On Hop Off Sydney Bus Tours. Our tour routes are planned in such a way which covers the most iconic landmarks of the city like the lively Sydney Opera House and the illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge. Other points of interest for the tourists include Circular Quay, Sydney Tower or Westfield Sydney, Kings Cross, Australian Museum, Botanical Gardens, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, International Convention Centre, King Street Wharf, and many more.   Choose any of the 24 or 48-hour ticket and enjoy the time with your loved ones at your convenience. Our buses operate at a regular interval of every 15-20 minutes. The double decker open top buses offer the tourists some amazing views to capture in their cameras. The digital audio multilingual guide onboard makes your trip more joyous with informative facts about the places you visit. Make your Sydney trip one of the most cheerful trip of your life with no public transportation worries in your head. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours manages its tours in a well-planned manner to skip all the hustle. Our experts are always available to chat with you in case of any queries regarding the Tour. Book now to avail exclusive coupons for your trip.

Customer Reviews

This is the way to see the best bits of Sydney if you only have a couple days. Very good frequency and staff very helpfu... Read More

This is the way to see the best bits of Sydney if you only have a couple days. Very good frequency and staff very helpful. Shout out to Cherie at station site.

Thank you for your valuable feedback. Happy to hear your thoughts. It is always interesting to see what our travelers think of our service.

I would highly recommend the 48 hour ticket if you want to do this properly. It gives you the time to pick and choose yo... Read More

I would highly recommend the 48 hour ticket if you want to do this properly. It gives you the time to pick and choose your destinations and spend enough time at each one to make the visit worthwhile. Definitely start early! I personally would do the ferry trips separately but then I had time on my side. A great way to get to know the city and its beaches in an easy to manage formula. Some of the audio modules weren't working which was very annoying as you rely on them to find out where you are.

Know More About Sydney

Sydney In 2023: What to Expect & What to Do This Year?

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For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

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Hunter Valley Wine Tours

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Home and Away Tour

Sydney International Piano Competition

Airshows Downunder Shellharbour

Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair

Chand Raat Eid Festival

All About Women

Sydney Harbour Challenge

Sydney Harbour Regatta

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

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Sightseeing tours are a great way to explore Sydney and the surrounding area. There are so many sights to see, so a sightseeing tour will make getting to and from each attraction a breeze.

With kilometres of spectacular beaches, idyllic islands, and majestic mountains, Sydney offers much to see and enjoy.

Sydney Open Top City Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tours

Get on a Hop-on-hop-off bus for a relaxed way to orient yourself in Sydney. There are 33 designated stops where you can get off the bus, sightsee, and resume your tour at your leisure. Depending on the ticket chosen, you can get on and off as many times as you like in a 24- or 48-hour period. You will have 360-degree views from the open-top bus and audio commentary in English, French, Japanese, German and Mandarin.

If you are travelling in a large group, you might also choose to purchase a private tour. Here, you can hire a bus and a driver for the day and create your own itinerary.

There are so many sightseeing tours to choose from, so click the link below to explore the range of tour bus options for your next visit to Sydney!

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About the author

Michael Jones

Michael created and runs the Sydney Point website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.

With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having visited Sydney many times and seeing a lot of the city in the process), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.

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Sydney hop-on hop-off bus tours.

The hop-on hop-off bus is a familiar sight in most cities around the world and Sydney is no exception.    Picture: © Sydney.com.au

The best way to see Sydney is from the Hop-On Hop-off Bus

Click here to book tickets.

You can purchase a ticket that's valid for 24 hours or 48 hours – buses run at a frequency of approx. 45mins for the Sydney Tour and approx. 2hrs for the Bondi Beach Tour.

The ticket price includes two interchangeable tours - the Sydney tour and the Bondi Beach tour - with 34 stops in total. Points of interest along the city route include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Sydney Fish Market, Maritime Museum, Chinese Garden of Friendship, International Convention Centre, King Street Wharf, Barangaroo Reserve and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

The double-decker buses offer passengers 360-degree views of the city from the open top deck, which means great photo and video opportunities without leaving your seat.

There's professional audio commentary in 8 language channels on all buses - English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin. Complementary earphones are available from the driver.

Free wifi is onboard all Sydney and Bondi Beach buses

Sydney Tour (Red Route) The Sydney Tour stops at 23 points of interest in the CBD and connecting locales, starting and terminating at Sydney's main ferry terminal, Circular Quay (Stop #1). The round trip takes approx. 90 minutes. The first tour starts at 10am with buses running throughout the day at approx. 45 minute intervals*. The last Sydney tour departs from Stop #1 at 2pm and all tours terminate at 3.30pm.

Bondi Tour (Blue Route) The Bondi Tour stops at 11 points of interest during the return trip to Bondi Beach. The first service starts at 10.15am at Central Railway Station (Stop #12/24), from Bus Bay 18 on Pitt Street (opposite Wake Up! hostel) Buses run at a frequency of approx. 2hrs*. The last Bondi Beach tour departs from Central Station at 2.15pm and all tours terminate at 3.45pm.

The Sydney and Bondi tours overlap at three stops - Central Station, Australian Museum and William Street - at which you can change tours.

The full journey on either service is 90 minutes.

The health and safety of bus staff and customers is the number one priority, so operatots have introduced a number of enhanced health and safety measures and continuously follow government advice and the requirements of local health authorities to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Click here for full details, including list of all stops.

Click to book tickets on the Sydney Hop-on Hop-off bus

IMPORTANT - please read: After you have purchased your ticket/s you will be able to download a ticket voucher. This voucher has to be printed out and handed to the bus driver on the day of travel. The driver will redeem it for bus tickets. It is the bus company's policy not to accept digital versions of the ticket voucher on mobile phones or tablets - the voucher must be printed out. If you are travelling at the time of purchase, most hotels and hostels will print out vouchers for paying guests. Please note: Ticket vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Ticket vouchers are non-refunable.

Terms & Conditions

Sydney Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours

Big Bus: 24-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour of Sydney

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Elevate your Sydney trip with this HOHO pass, exploring key stops at your own pace. Choose from Discover or Essential packages.
• Gain access to 2 routes and more than 20 stops scattered throughout the city or the eastern suburbs of Bondi with your 24-hour bus pass.
• The cherry on top? With the Essential Pass, gain bonus access to a 90-min Fantasea Harbour Hopper cruise, revealing stunning bays, beaches, and more.
• With pre-recorded commentary available in 8 languages and onboard Wi-Fi, enjoy the best views of the city in the open-top double-decker bus.
• Some of the popular stops include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Darling Harbour.
• 24-hour unlimited HOHO pass
• Pre-recorded commentary in 8 languages
• 90-min Fantasea Harbour Hopper Cruise (optional)
• First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Circular Quay)
• Last bus: 4pm from stop #1 (Circular Quay)
• Frequency: Approx. every 30 to 45 mins
• Popular stops: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, The Rocks & Botanical Gardens
• First bus: 9:30am from stop #24 (Central Station)
• Last bus: 3:15pm from stop #24 (Central Station)
• Frequency: 1 hour
• Popular stops: Bondi Beach, Rose Bay & Double Bay

Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points

Fantasea Harbour Hopper Cruise

• First cruise: - 8:45am from Darling Harbour (Aquarium Wharf) - 9:04am from Circular Quay (Wharf 6)
• Last cruise: - 2:45pm from Darling Harbour (Aquarium Wharf) - 3:03pm from Circular Quay (Wharf 6)
• Frequency: Approx every 40 mins
• Tip: Catch a show at the Sydney Opera House such as concerts, opera, ballet, or theater shows, and experience world-class entertainment in this iconic venue.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi
• The audio guide is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese languages.
• The Fantasea Harbour Hopper cruise operates from Wednesday to Sunday only.

Explorer Bus: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Blue Mountains with Optional Scenic World Pass & Special Offer

• Explore the Blue Mountains with this hop-on-hop-off pass, visiting major attractions and hidden gems without rush or rules and enjoying pure freedom.
• Hop off at any of the 37 stops, savor breathtaking views from the double-decker bus running hourly, and explore attractions at your leisure on foot.
• Upgrade to the Lyrebird Pass to unlock a special offer, receiving 2 extra days for free, and allowing you to complete your tour with a visit to Scenic World.
• Gain cool insights into local landmarks' history and culture with the 72-page guide and engaging English commentary during your travels between stops.
• Some popular stops include Gingerbread House, Katoomba Falls, Scenic World, and Echo Point (Three Sisters).
• Pick the Kookaburra pass for the added perk of a food and beverage voucher, along with the hop-on-hop-off tour and access to Scenic World attractions.

1-Day Blue Mountains Explorer Bus

• 1-day unlimited HOHO pass
• Live commentary in English
• 72-page guidebook

1-Day Lyrebird Pass

• Scenic World Scenic Pass
• 1-day unlimited HOHO pass (Plus, bonus 2 days free)

1-Day Kookaburra Pass

• Scenic World Scenic pass: Railway, Cableway, Walkway, Skyway
• Food & beverage voucher redeemable at Scenic World
• First bus: 9am from Katoomba Station
• Last bus: 4pm from Katoomba Station
• Popular stops: Gingerbread House, Katoomba Falls, Scenic World, Echo Point (Three Sisters), & Leura Cascades

Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.

• Tip: Animals swooping through the forest’s branches and climbing up the jagged rock formations are a common sight. Keep an eye out for cute Koalas and Kangaroos.
• The hop-on hop-off bus is not wheelchair or pram/stroller accessible.
• The Explorer Bus pass offers various discounts at many attractions, shops, hotels, and restaurants.
• Purchase the Lyrebird Pass before June 13, 2024, and receive an additional 2 days for free, effectively offering 3 days' access for the price of 1. However, please note that the Scenic World Pass can be redeemed only once.

Combo (Save 17%): Big Bus Sydney Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour + Sydney Tower Eye Fast-Track Entry Tickets

• With these combo tickets to the flexible hop-on-hop-off tour and Sydney Tower Eye, get the best of this emerald city while you save money.
• With a 24/48-hour pass, explore Sydney's iconic landmarks in a time-efficient way. Enjoy 20+ stops on 2 routes, with buses arriving every 20-45 mins.
• Dive deep into the city's essence, capturing glimpses of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour from the open-top double-decker bus.
• Stay informed on the go with onboard free Wi-Fi and pre-recorded commentary in 8 languages. Opt for the 90-minute Fantasea Harbour Hopper cruise and explore stunning Sydney waterways.
• Gain fast-track entry to Sydney Tower Eye. Soar to 820 ft for 360° views of beaches, cityscape, and landmarks like Harbour Bridge and Blue Mountains.

Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour of Sydney

• 24/48-hour unlimited HOHO pass
• 90-min Fantasea Harbour Hopper Cruise (based on option selected)

Sydney Tower Eye

• Fast-track entry to Sydney Tower
• 4D cinema show
• First cruise:
• Last cruise:
• Tip: To add a cherry on top, visit during sunset to watch as the sky lights up in resplendent shades of orange and pink, and the city lights twinkle like many bright fireflies!
• Large bags are not allowed. You can leave your bags with Westfield's concierge service if you need to.
• Facilities: Wheelchair accessibility, noise kits for guests with sensory sensitivity, Xtra eyes kits for guests with visual impairments, and lockers.
• The Skywalk experience is restricted to children under 10 years and below 90cm.
• Children under 17 years must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Loose items and cameras are not allowed during the Skywalk experience.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Combo (Save 18%): Big Bus Sydney Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour + SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Tickets

• With the combo tickets to the flexible hop-on-hop-off tour and SEA LIFE Aquarium, get the best of the emerald city while you save money.
• Craft your own itinerary on a 24-hour bus tour, choosing from 2 routes and 20+ stops. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and multilingual commentary.
• Enhance your sightseeing tour with the optional 90-min Fantasea Harbour Hopper Cruise, covering sights like Barangaroo and the Sydney Opera House.
• Visit the underwater world of the SEA LIFE Aquarium, home to 13,000+ marine creatures belonging to 650 species from playful penguins to majestic sharks.
• Witness marine wonders such as the Shark Walk and the Penguin Expedition, while you navigate 9 different exhibits.

Big Bus Sydney Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour

• 24-hour unlimited hop on hop off pass
• Pre-recorded commentary in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese

SEA LIFE Sydney

• Entry to SEA LIFE Sydney
• 8 digital photos
• Penguin expedition boat ride
• Frequency: Approx every 5 to 20 mins
• Tip: If you want to see the dugong feeding, plan your visit around 11am or 2:30pm, when the aquarium staff offer a live presentation and Q&A session.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Restroom.
• Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Combo (Save 14%): Big Bus Sydney Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour + Taronga Zoo Tickets

• With a single cost-effective ticket, experience the convenience of a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in Sydney and encounter diverse wildlife at Taronga Zoo.
• Discover the best of Sydney for 24 or 48 hours with the hop-on-hop-off pass, choosing from 2 routes and over 20 iconic stops at your own leisure.
• Enjoy pre-recorded commentary in 8 languages aboard a double-decker bus, highlighting iconic stops such as the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour.
• Upgrade to the 48-hour pass for a 90-minute Fantasea Harbour Hopper Cruise, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, city skylines, and more.
• Hop on the express ferry to Taronga Zoo, Australia’s popular harbor-side wildlife park. Discover 4000+ animals as you explore 9 different trails.
• At Taronga, immerse in engaging experiences like free keeper talks, and bird, and seal shows while enjoying panoramic Sydney Harbour views.

Taronga Zoo

• Return rocket ferry from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Manly, or Watsons Bay
• Entry to Taronga Zoo
• Free keeper talks, bird and seal shows
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessible.

Sydney Harbour 1/2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Pass

• With these combo tickets to the flexible 1 or 2-day hop-on-hop-off tour and Toranga Zoo, get the best of this emerald city while you save money.
• Discover Sydney like a local on the hop-on-hop-off Harbor highway cruise, exploring popular stops with the flexibility to disembark as you please.
• Enjoy the ease of cruises departing every hour, offering convenient access to 6 different stops. Listen to the audio guide for interesting anecdotes, that’ll make you Sydney pro in no time.
• Cuddle with koalas or roll on the grass as you feed and interact with kangaroos at Australia’s premier zoo, the Toranga Zoo.
• Take your time and work your way down the hill as you cover different trails at the zoo including the Australian Walkabout, Kids' Trail, Reptile World, and Big Cats' Trail.
• 1 or 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• Recorded smartphone commentary
• Entry to Toranga Zoo (optional)

Sat, Sun, & public holidays

• First cruise: 9am from Darling Harbour King Street Wharf
• Last cruise: 6:25pm from Darling Harbour King Street Wharf
• Popular stops: Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay, Manly, Darling Harbour
• First cruise: 7:35am from Circular Quay - Wharf 6
• Last cruise: 6:40pm from Circular Quay - Wharf 6

Please click here for detailed boarding points.

• Tip: Over at Watto, try the local seafood dishes such as baked Kataifi Prawns or Oysters with gin and tonic granita.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• It’s recommended to download the free guided English commentary, available directly on your smartphone by following the steps from here .
• Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the cruise.
• Pets are allowed on board provided they are restrained in a suitable box, basket, or another container at all times whilst onboard.
• It's recommended to wear smart casual clothing. Thongs, singlets, or beachwear are not allowed.
• Animal costume, ball, balloon, scooter, skateboards, rollerblades, apparatus alcohol, audio equipment, or musical instrument is not allowed inside Toranga Zoo.
• Please refrain from touching animals, feeding animals, throwing objects, damaging structures, or signs, lighting fires, or littering.

Combo (Save 24%): Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast/Buffet Lunch + 2-Day Sydney Harbour Hop-On-Hop-Off Pass

• With these combo tickets to the whale watching cruise and a 2-day hop-on hop-off pass, get the best of this emerald city while you save money.
• Set sail on a 4-hour cruise to witness humpback whales. These gentle giants will breach, play, and showcase their incredible size, leaving you breathless!
• With live commentary onboard, you'll learn about humpback whale migration patterns, behaviors, and their role in the ocean ecosystem.
• Enjoy the ease of cruises departing every hour, offering access to 6 stops. Listen to the audio guide for anecdotes, that’ll make you a Sydney pro in no time.

Whale Watching Cruise

• 4-hour whale-watching cruise
• Fully qualified crew onboard
• Live commentary
• Breakfast/lunch (based on the options)
• Tea, coffee, and water

2-Day Sydney Harbour Hop-On-Hop-Off Pass

• 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• Tip: If you're interested in spotting marine life, such as dolphins, whales, or sea birds, be sure to bring a pair of binoculars.
• If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to consult a medical professional for pills.
• The experience is not accessible for people with back and neck problems, serious medical conditions, injuries, and pregnant women.
• The lunch menu is tailored to suit vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free guests.

Sydney hop-on hop-off tours

Sydney is the largest city in Australia, known for its stunning harbor, the iconic Opera House, and beautiful beaches. It is home to famous landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, as well as a vibrant food and arts culture and a laid-back outdoor lifestyle.

But getting around the city can be confusing for a new visitor. With Sydney's hop-on hop-off tours , you can get to explore all the top spots in the city. And, with this convenient mode of transport, all you need is one ticket! Read on to learn more about Sydney hop-on hop-off tours.

Why choose Sydney hop-on hop-off tours?

• Visit top landmarks: See all of Sydney’s top attractions from the open-top buses that are ideal for sightseeing.
• Easy and convenient: Explore the best of Sydney with just one ticket without worrying about your commute.
• Save money: Hop-on hop-off bus tours will help you save money as you won’t have to spend on local transport fares to get from one spot to the other.
• Complimentary add-ons:  You can often get optional walking tours, harbor cruises, and more with your tickets.
• Pre-recorded commentary: There are audio guides in multiple languages and often live commentary to give you information on all the attractions you will visit.

Please check your tickets for more information on the special features and inclusions.

Sydney hop-on hop-off routes & timings

Big Bus Sydney operates along two routes catering to more than 30 stops. The red route covers the city while the Blue route tours the Bondi Beach and Bay area.

Located on the western outskirts of Sydney is the spectacular Blue Mountains, a blend of high sandstone ridges and wilderness. Expect epic views and wildlife encounters on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus hop-on hop-off journey covering about 37 stops.

Mix things up with a Sydney Harbor hop-on hop-off cruise catering more than 6 stops like the Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, and more.

Sydney hop-on hop-off visitor tips and guidelines

• Know what your ticket includes:  Most hop-on hop-off bus tour operators have multiple ticket options. Some may not include all the routes on the tour, while others may even offer additional perks like a boat ride or a walking tour. 
• Plan your route:  Find out the routes that your hop-on hop-off bus will take (all tour operators offer a map of their routes), so you can decide which stops you would like to get off at beforehand. It is also important to know which major attractions are near the stops. 
• Schedule your stops:  If you want to tour any of the attractions near the bus stops, make sure you know how long the tour will be, and when the next hop-on hop-off bus will stop. 
• Buy attraction tickets: Many attractions require entry tickets, be sure to purchase these in advance online to avoid standing and waiting in long queues.
• Peak hours:  If you can you the time and day of your bus tour, find out what the rush hours are in New York during your visit, so you can avoid getting stuck in traffic. 
• Try to take the tour twice:  If you have time, consider first making a full loop on the bus without getting on or off the bus. It may seem like this defeats the purpose of a “hop-on hop-off” tour, but this way you can get an overview of Sydney with a good seat and view for the entire trip.

Frequently asked questions about Sydney hop-on hop-off tours

Yes, Sydney has a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

You can buy Sydney hop-on hop-off tickets online.

Sydney hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour ticket prices start from AU$49.

Hop-on hop-off buses in Sydney allow you to get on and leave the bus at any of the designated stops to see the major city landmarks whenever you want.

Yes, Sydney's hop-on hop-off bus tours are accessible to wheelchair users.

The Blue Mountains is a region that lies west of the city of Sydney. It is a mountainous area with epic rock formations and native bushland. It is a short drive away from Sydney and has its own hop-on hop-off tour stopping at tourist hotspots like Scenic World, Katoomba Falls, and more.

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Blue Mountains Explorer Bus: Hop-On, Hop-Off

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

9am to 4pm, every 1 hour

Hop on the bus at any of the stops

Redeem your voucher and begin your tour at:  Explorer Bus ticket office, outside Katoomba Station

You can hop-off at any of the stops

• Discover the most in the Blue Mountains at your own pace
• Hop on and off at any of the well-placed stops around Katoomba and Leura
• Feast your eyes on stunning cliffs and valleys which most tour buses miss
• Cliff tops, Valleys, Cascades and Waterfalls, and much, much more
• All of the major attractions PLUS the hidden gems that the day tours miss
• Ejoy informative and live commentary on the bus
• Hop on and off as you wish to explore this UNESCO World Heritage area over 1 day
• Guests below the age of 17 can ride free!
• Both printed and smartphone vouchers accepted!

Discover the wilderness and hidden scenic treats of Blue Mountains on this comprehensive hop-on, hop-off tour, aboard the Blue Mountains Explorer bus. Valid for 1 day, you can explore this spectacular part of a World Heritage site comfortably, hopping on and off as you wish. 

Hop on and off at well-placed stops and take any number of stunning walks without ever having to backtrack. Simply hop back on the bus and your comprehensive Guide Book (Included in the ticket price) will help you to navigate, with fantastic Maps and Walking Guides to help ensure you see more.

Hop off at any of the designated stops and explore the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area of Katoomba, Leura and more with live commentary by friendly driver-guides! With local drivers who come with their pockets full of wild tales of the Blue Mountains, you can rest assured that no two tours are the same. If you are not in the mood for exploration, you can even sit back comfortably and enjoy the full circuit - the perfect opportunity to feast your eyes on this gem from Mother Nature!

Attractions Covered

• World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park
• The Three Sisters
• Scenic World
• Waradah Aboriginal Centre

.... and more!

About the Supplier: Part of the family-owned Fantastic Aussie Tours, the Blue Mountain Explorer Bus is your perfect partner for exploring this heritage area, which is also home to some surreal wilderness!

• Hop on, hop off all day
• Live Commentary
• Guide Book with maps and walking guides
• Entrance fees

Useful downloads

Please note.

Voucher information: You can show your voucher on your smartphone (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

Sydney is a functioning city and weather, traffic and events may occasionally cause disruption.

Timings and stops are subject to change.

Customer Reviews

Donna stever.

With single ticket, my group was able to explore all the sights of Blue Mountains in Sydney. Drivers friendly and courteous, also very aware of each attraction and provided tips on how best to see/explore them

WARREN KATO

just like i said before. repeat my comment

Good, very easy to access. Driver is well versed in the every stops

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Is the Hop on Hop Off Bus Sydney worth it? Review and Tips 2024

Thinking about taking the hop on hop off bus Sydney tour? Wondering if it’s right for you? Maybe, there are pros and cons for this bus tour in Sydney, and we have laid them all out so you can make an informed choice. 

Unlike some cities, Sydney has just one company offering a Hop on Hop off bus tour. The service provides two routes, a Sydney city sightseeing route and a second route that covers the Eastern suburbs and visits Bondi Beach. We have road tested the bus more than a few times. Read on for our tips on how to make the most of your pass and whether you can cover the same ground using public transport

How does the hop on hop off bus work?

How long does the sydney and bondi hop on hop off tour take, how often do big bus tours run, how much does the sydney hop on hop off tour cost, should you buy a hoho bus tour, five tips for riding the sydney big bus hoho service, which type of ticket should you buy, sydney city hop on hop off plan, bondi hop on hop off bus suggested itinerary, can you do it using public transport.

This post contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure policy  is here .

Frequently asked questions about the Sydney HOHO bus

The Sydney Big Bus HOHO service offers two routes, with over 30 stops at key sights around Sydney and Bondi. There are two ways to make use of your pass. You can ride the full loop and listen to the full commentary, an excellent way to get the lay of the land or you can get on and off as you go. If you have time, you could do both.

Both the Sydney route and the Bondi route take 90 mins each although in peak hour traffic this can be closer to 2 hours.

City Route : The city service operates daily between 9am and 4pm. The last full route departure from Circular Quay (Stop 1) is at 4pm. There are buses scheduled for every 30-45 minutes, but Sydney is a bustling city, so traffic can cause delays sometimes.

Bondi Route : The first bus on the Bondi route begins at 9.30am from Central or 9.45am from the Australian Museum (Stop 3) these run a little less frequently so pay attention to the timing if you alight along this route.

It depends on the type of ticket you book; with prices starting at $59. Children up to 6-years old travel for free on buses when accompanied by paying adult (maximum of 2 children per adult).

So is the Hop on Hop off Sydney bus worth the money? I am going to be honest, the HOHO bus can be a little frustrating at times because of Sydney traffic, particularly on weekdays. Weekends on the city route are better than weekdays. Weekdays are a better option for the Bondi route which sees more beachgoers on the weekend.

• These services are perfect if you or anyone you are travelling with has limited mobility.
• They are also great for families saving the kids feet for when you reach the attractions rather than wearing them out on the way.
• The commentary is translated into eight languages, so if English is not your first language, listening to the commentary quite helpful.
• Sightseeing on hot summer days is much more pleasant with breaks on an air-conditioned bus.

The key to enjoying your day on the Sydney HOHO is to do some planning

• Download the app that gives real-time location information, so you know how long till the next bus is going to appear.
• Plan out your stops – knowing what you want to see and how long you will spend at each stop will save time procrastinating en route.
• If you want to cover both routes in one day I suggest you do a changeover on at stop 3 – do the Bondi Loop and then return to Stop 3/26 to rejoin the city route. Doing this saves time backtracking.
• If you have time to do them separately then complete the first loop – hopping on and off as per our suggestions below and then do the Bondi loop but instead of returning to the city after you have explored the Bondi Beach jump on the 380 bus to Watsons Bay. Take a look around there and then take a ferry (or the hop on hop off ferry ) back to Circular Quay.
• Unless you are on a tight schedule, get the 48-hour ticket and split the bus into two days

A basic 24-hour pas s will cost you about $59 if purchased in advance. It is a little more to buy it on the bus although you can do this if you wish.

Several package tickets are also available. One of the best value is the two-day ticket that includes a 48-hour hop on hop off pass, a 1 hr harbour cruise.

There is also the Go CityCard – The HOHO bus is one of the options on this ticket which includes 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions to use in 30 days.  Prices for this ticket start at $75, and it can be of excellent value depending on what you choose.

There is also a pass that includes the HOHO among its options. The iVenture Pass has different price points and attraction options.

Another great deal is the two days Hop on Hop on Ferry you get a 48-hour ferry ticket.  The HOHO ferry is run by Captain Cook and has stops at all the main harbour sites including a couple that cannot be reached by public ferry including Shark Island. It also allows travel between some stops without needing to go back to Circular Quay – like say Manly and Watsons Bay that can save lots of time.

There are 23 stops – for each stop, we offer our suggestions on what to see and which stops we would consider getting off at. These are our thoughts; others may disagree.

1. Circular Quay – George Street The stop is actually on George Street in The Rocks. It has moved due to the tram line construction. Start from here. Buy your ticket in advance to save time and money.

2. Sydney Tower / Westfield Sydney  You might like to stay on the bus here – you are likely to be coming by this area at another time, so save your shopping time until later. However, from this stop, it is a short walk across Hyde Park to St Mary’s Cathedral so if you want to see these two spots you can do this and then walk to the next stop which is just a couple of minutes from stop 3.

3 . Australian Museum Only get off here if you plan to visit the museum. This is also a change over stop for the Bondi Route. If visiting the museum allow 1 hour. There is an excellent indigenous collection here, and a visit is a great way to learn more about local Aboriginal culture. Be sure to check out the view from the 4th-floor cafe.

4. William St No need to get off here unless you want to head up along Crown street for shops or cafes.

5. Kings Cross Get off at either this stop or the next and spend some time exploring Kings Cross, Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay. The next stop is my preference, but either is fine.

6. El Alamein Fountain

This is a good spot to leave the bus if you want to visit the back streets of Potts Point or Elizabeth Bay House. There is also a market here on the weekends. Head down Macleay Street to find lots of good restaurants. Check out our article on Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay for ideas of more things to do nearby.

7. Woolloomooloo Bay

Get off here if you want to try a meat pie from the famous Harry’s Cafe D Wheels and to explore the 100 plus year old wharf. If you fancy stretching your legs, you can walk from here around the waterfront to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and through the gardens to the Opera House stop. This diversion would probably take at least 40 minutes.  If you have the two-day pass, consider walking as far as the Opera House or Botanic Gardens stop.

8. Sydney Opera House I would not get off here or the Botanic Gardens but would visit these independent of this tour unless you are on a 48-hour pass.

9. Botanic Gardens The bus stops at the Macquarie Street Gate. You can also enter the gardens from Stop 10 via the Gate opposite the State Library. From the library gate, you are nearest to the Calyx and can walk downhill through the gardens.

10. State Library The library has five new galleries and can be worth a visit, depending on what is showing. Check the website to see if it is of interest. The older wing, the Mitchell Library, is worth a look.

11. Hyde Park Stay on the bus – save your visit here for when you are at Pitt Street Mall and the Cathedral. Come back for a walk after the bus stops running or early in the morning when the light is lovely.

12. Central Station No need to get off here unless you want to change to the Bondi route.

13. PowerHouse Museum If you are not planning to visit the Fish Market or Casino, then it is a good idea to get off here and walk through Darling Harbour. It will save you a bunch of time, and there is plenty to see along the way. From this stop, you can also walk back to the Frank Gehry Paper Bag building at the University of Technology and explore the Goods line before heading into Darling Square.

You can rejoin the bus at stop 18-20 depending on how much of Darling Harbour you wish to see.

14. Sydney Fish Market The bus stop is 600m from the Fish Market at the corner of Pyrmont Bridge Road so take this into account if you decide to get off here. If you have limited time, do not get off here. If you are keen to visit save it for another time and use the light rail which stops much closer to the market.

15. The Star Casino Unless you plan to visit the Casino stay on the bus.

16. Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is great – well worth a visit if you have time. Entry is free to the museum’s main galleries, some exhibits and the boats are ticketed, but you can buy those on the day or purchase your Big Ticket that allows you access to all the museum’s boats and exhibits before you head out.

17. International Convention Centre

This is a great stop if you have kids as the children’s playground opposite the convention centre is fantastic. There are lots of family-friendly dining options here too.  I would personally walk the next four stops and not rejoin the bus before you reach stop 20 or 21.

18. Chinese Gardens/ Chinatown – walk between these Darling Harbour spots

A small but impressive garden that is also home to Lotus restaurant so you can treat yourself to some first-class dumplings and tea after you have explored the garden.

19. Sea Life Sydney Aquarium – walk between these Darling Harbour spots This stop is home to the aquarium, Wildlife Zoo and Madame Tussauds. You can visit one or all of these attractions. Combo tickets are the best value if you want to see two or more.

20. King St Wharf  – walk between these Darling Harbour spots Restaurants are the main attraction here. Continue walking to Barangaroo for the next bus stop unless you are exhausted.

21. Barangaroo (opposite Wharf Theatre)

This is a lovely park that offers views of the western side of the Harbour and across to the Anzac Bridge. You can walk from here around the foreshore right to the Harbour Bridge and the Rocks.

This bus stop is just past the reserve you need to walk a little back to enter the reserve.

22. Dawes Point – Sydney Harbour Bridge (21 Hickson Rd)

Walk from here to Circular Quay. Lovely photo opportunities from this spot

23. The Rocks (11 George St, corner Hickson Rd)

We have a self-guided tour of the Rocks you might like to follow if you want to explore longer here.

The Bondi Hop on Hop Off route has nine stops. Three stops are in the Central Business District, two are in Paddington, two are in Bondi, and 2 are in the Eastern bayside suburbs.

If you have a full day to cover this route, there is plenty of time to get on and off at the several stops however if you are doing both routes in one day then you will probably want to restrict yourself to just Bondi and perhaps one other stop. I suggest a walk in Paddington and time on the Bondi Coastal Walk .

Our Insiders Guide to Bondi will help you uncover the best places to explore here.

24. Central Railway Station Join the Bondi route here if suitable. Alternatively, join at the Australian Museum, which stops three on the city route.

25. Town Hall

Connect to QVB and city shopping 26. Australian Museum  – change over point for the city route 27. William Street – change over point I would not alight here – if you want to explore this area do it at another time, but honestly, there is not a lot here if you are on a short visit.

28. Paddington Town Hall Jump off here and check out the Paddington Reservoir Gardens. On Saturdays Paddington Market is a great spot for some locally made gifts and yummy eats.

Wander along Oxford Street, exploring some of the interesting shops and cafes. My favourites include Matt Blatt – a quirky furniture store with plenty of accessories to fit in your suitcase. There are also some op (second hand) shops that often host hidden treasures.

If fashion is your thing head towards William St and walk down to the bottom before doubling back and continuing along Oxford St to Jersey Road to rejoin the bus at stop 29.

29. Jersey Road – Centennial Parklands Great spot for a summer afternoon with plenty of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. The Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden is a fantastic spot for kids to explore if they need a time out. Adults and older kids might like to walk the Labyrinth.

30. Bondi Beach

The closest stop to Iceberg’s, Bondi Graffiti wall and the Bondi to Coogee walking path . Even if you don’t have time to do the walk at least walk up to the first high point by Marks Park, where you will find great views up and down the walkway.

31. North Bondi

If you are planning to take the bus back into the city, rejoin it here. Alternatively, you can take a detour to Watsons Bay on a local bus, the 380, (or on foot along the Federation Cliff Walk) and then either return by bus to North Bondi to rejoin the HOHO service.  You could also decide to take the public ferry or HOHO ferry back to town from Watson’s Bay.

32. Rose Bay Home to Sydney Seaplanes and Lyne Park.  The beginning of the Hermitage Foreshore walk is just a few minutes walk from here. If you want a special occasion meal in the company of Sydney’s elite check out Catalina.

33. Double Bay

My favourite thing about Double Bay is the fantastic Woollahra Library that opened in 2016 and is one of the coolest in the city. A more likely reason for visitors to alight here is to check out the high-end shopping on Knox and Cross St.

An equally good reason is to sample the goods at a few of the areas great bars and cafes. Places like   Mrs Sippy, the beer garden at the Golden Sheaf Hotel, a local institution or one of the bars at the Intercontinental Hotel, either the rooftop bar or Stillery will make you the perfect cocktail.

If you are looking for coffee or lunch, I am partial to Little Jean and Indigo both are excellent choices for coffee or lunch.

34 Yurong Street

This stop is just a few minutes walk from St Mary’s Cathedral and the Australian Museum. You can also jump off here and walk across Hyde Park to Pitt Street Mall and public buses and trains.

So there you have it – our guide to making the most of the Hop on Hop Off tour in Sydney. We hope this helps you decide if the HOHO is the right thing for your itinerary.

If you are on a tight budget or feel like this is not the right option for you, check out our Do it yourself Sydney HOHO article that shows you how to do your own self-guided tour using Sydney buses .

Do you have a question about using the Sydney HOHO bus? Head over to Facebook and join our Sydney Expert Facebook Group , where you can ask questions and find friendly locals or previous visitors happy to share their advice!

This article was first published June 2019 and updated Dec 2023

1 thought on “Is the Hop on Hop Off Bus Sydney Worth it? Review and Tips 2024”

wow. I’ve lived in Sydney most of my life and there’s some stops here that I’ve never even visited. That sunken garden looks incredible. I think this is actually a good choice for even locals to really explore there home 🙂

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Experience Vivid Sydney from $22. Book now.

Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Highlights & inclusions, select travellers & date, what you can expect.

Discover why Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world on this hop on hop off bus tour. With 2 scenic routes included and recorded commentary available in 8 languages - this is the perfect way to introduce yourself to Sydney.

This 24 hour or 48 hour hop on hop off Bus Ticket gives you access to 2 scenic routes – The City Tour (Red Route) and The Bondi and Bays Tour (Blue Route). The Sydney City Tour takes visitors to the must-see sights including the famous Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Royal Botanic Gardens. The Bondi Tour visits the iconic Bondi Beach as well as beachside areas at Double Bay and Rose Bay. Each tour runs for approximately 90 minutes with regular buses scheduled throughout the day.

What you need to know

• Discover Ticket:
• Valid for 24 hours and 34 stops
• Redeem printed vouchers or e-vouchers with Big Bus drivers or Staff at any of the bus stops
• 48 Hour Hop On Hop Off Ticket:
• Valid for 48 hours and 34 stops
• Essential Ticket:
• Includes a Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
• Redeem printed vouchers or e-vouchers with Big Bus drivers or Staff at any of our bus stops. The voucher must be redeemed by the Big Bus driver or staff before joining the harbour cruise
• 1 Day Validity (24hrs)
• Sydney & Bondi Beach Routes
• Commentary in 8 Languages
• Free WiFi Onboard
• Big Bus App Live Bus Tracking
• 48 Hour Hop on Hop Off Ticket:
• 2 Day Validity (48hrs)
• Harbour Cruise
• Hop on and hop off to explore Sydney all at your own pace with a Sydney City Tour (Red Route)
• Your ticket lets you travel on two different routes, with 34 stops
• Sightsee Sydney's landmarks such as: Sydney Opera House, The Harbour Bridge or Royal Botanical Gardens
• Bondi Tour (Blue Route) takes you to beachside areas at Double Bay and Rose Bay
• Discover, 48hr Hop-On Hop-Off and Essential tickets operate daily
• Hop On and Hop Off on at any stop
• The City Tour (Red Route) departs from and finishes at Stop 1 – George St Corner, Alfred St (opposite DFS Galleria), Circular Quay. First tour starts at 9am and frequency is every 30 minutes
• Last Sydney City Tour departs at 3:30pm from Stop 1
• The Bondi and Bays Tour (Blue Route) departs from and finishes at Stop 24 – Pitt St, Bus Bay 18, Central Station. First tour starts at 9.30am and frequency is every 1 hour
• Last Bondi Tour departs at 3.15pm from Stop 24 (9.30, 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 1.30, 2.30, 3.15)
• Please note: listed Big Bus Tour times and frequency are subject to change due to public holidays and seasonality
• The City Tour (Red Route)
• Stop 1 - Circular Quay
• Stop 2 - Sydney Tower/ Westfield Sydney
• Stop 3 - Australian Museum
• Stop 4 - William St
• Stop 5 - Kings Cross
• Stop 6 - El Alamein Fountain
• Stop 7 - Woolloomooloo Bay
• Stop 8 - Sydney Opera House
• Stop 9 - Botanical Garden
• Stop 10 - State Library
• Stop 11 - Hyde Park
• Stop 12 - Central Station
• Stop 13 - Power House Museum
• Stop 14 - Sydney Fish Market
• Stop 15 - The Star
• Stop 16 - Maritime Museum
• Stop 17 - International Convention Centre
• Stop 18 - Chinese Gardens/Chinatown
• Stop 19 - SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
• Stop 20 - King St Wharf
• Stop 21 - Barangaroo
• Stop 22 - Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Stop 23 - The Rocks
• The Bondi and Bays Tour (Blue Route)
• Stop 24 - Central Station
• Stop 25 – Town Hall
• Stop 26 - Australian Museum
• Stop 27 - William Street 100 William St.
• Stop 28 - Paddington Town Hall
• Stop 29 - Centennial Parklands
• Stop 30 - Bondi Beach
• Stop 31 - North Bondi
• Stop 32 - Rose Bay
• Stop 33 - Double Bay
• Stop 34 - Yurong St
• Valid for 6 months from the day of purchase
• Please note, you have 24 hours to use the Discover and Essential ticket and 48 hours to use the Hop On Hop Off tickets from the moment of redemption on board of the Big Bus
• Services will be suspended on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day
• Present a printed or e-voucher to your Big Bus driver at stops listed
• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher or save the e-voucher and present to driver on day of the tour
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher

Recent reviews

Good pick! The location tracking function is accurate.

It's the easiest way to travel around the main spots of the city within 1-2 days if you don't have much time. Just hop on/off the bus and visit as many places as you can. There are apps that can track the location of the bus as well so you don't have to rush to the stop.

Really great way to see all of Sydney's must-go-to places.

The drivers and staff are very friendly. Got a great overview of Sydney and helps decide where and what other activities to do while our stay. Recommendation for the blue line to end an hr later so that you can get off where you started. Really enjoyed it.

Everyone should experience Sydney from the top of the Big Red Bus!

This is such a unique way to get to explore Sydney. Not only is it cool to be able to see so much from an awesome vantage point, but I also learnt so much about the area. I tell all my friends now who are planning trips to Sydney to book a tour!

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Blue mountains lyrebird pass.

• Email us at [email protected]
• Help code: D2B-3052
• This experience is supplied by Sydney Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

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• We are committed to sustainability
• We have an approved Science Based Target
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Express sydney whale watch adventure, sydney attractions pass - 4 attractions, vivid buffet dinner cruise with drink, taronga zoo entry and return ferry combo.

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16 Most Scenic Double-Decker Bus Rides in the World (#10 Is a Hidden Gem)

Posted: October 11, 2023 | Last updated: October 11, 2023

When you think of a double-decker bus, your mind may automatically jump to London's famed two-floor, red buses — and rightly so. But there are many other incredible double-decker bus tours, where guests can sit in an open-air top floor worldwide. 

You may not be aware of the fun things you can get up to and the amazing sights you can see on these tours all over the world. So step up your travel game and climb aboard these 16 famous double-decker bus tours from around the world.

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Barcelona Bus Turístic – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona's Bus Turístic is one of several popular double-decker bus tours in the city that lets riders hop on and hop off at dozens of incredible sites.

Audio guides are available in more than a dozen languages (headphones are provided on the bus), and riders can take in everything from La Sagrada Familia to Camp Nou football stadium.

Booking with Bus Turístic on one of your first days in Barcelona can help save money on travel by narrowing down which spots you can devote more time to.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

City Sightseeing Cape Town – Cape Town, South Africa

City Sightseeing’s Cape Town bus tours give passengers access to three different routes, with the hop-on, hop-off buses passing through several major tourist destinations.

Audio tours are available in 15 languages, and the bus loops stop at breathtaking attractions like Table Mountain’s cableway station and the Camps Bay Strip, where riders can check out the stunning beach.

Big Bus Chicago – Chicago, USA

Big Bus is not the only hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus option in the Windy City, but it’s one of the more popular choices.

The tour stops at major attractions throughout the city, like the Chicago Riverwalk, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Millennium Park (home of The Bean), and Navy Pier.

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Big Bus Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Big Bus also has an option to explore Dubai on one of their double-decker buses.

Choose from a 24-hour, 48-hour, or five-day hop-on, hop-off ticket and visit the city's stunning landmarks, including Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), Heritage Village, and Palm Jumeirah.

DoDublin – Dublin, Ireland

DoDublin’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour is one of the most popular in Ireland’s capital city. Riders can book 24- or 48-hour passes and check out several of the city’s famed landmarks.

A tour guide will give riders the low-down as they visit top tourist destinations like Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more.

Edinburgh Tour – Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Tour takes passengers on a big, green bus to many of Scotland’s capital city’s most stunning landmarks — from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The tours begin at Waterloo Place and feature a live guide. Passengers are free to hop on and off at any time while their ticket is active or ride for the duration of the tour (about an hour).

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Big Bus Hong Kong – Hong Kong, China

Big Bus also offers hop-on, hop-off tours of Hong Kong that hit all the major sites — from Victoria Peak and Lan Kwai Fong to Victoria Harbour.

Riders can listen to pre-recorded commentary (available in 10 languages) and choose a 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour ticket, which includes a stunning nighttime view of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Big Bus Las Vegas – Las Vegas, USA

Big Bus’s Las Vegas tours take riders to all the major sites — from the Strip and the Bellagio fountains to the Downtown District — in their open-air, two-floor buses.

These hop-on, hop-off tours also feature live guides, so riders can be entertained and educated about the area. Riders can buy 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour tickets.

The Classic Tour – London, England

Naturally, there are many incredible bus tours in London, home of the famed red double-decker buses. The Classic Tour, which packs riders onto a vintage 1960s double-decker Routemaster, is a fan favorite.

The tours feature hilarious live guides and take riders through the city’s top tourist destinations — from Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

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New York Iconic – New York, USA

There are many hop-on, hop-off bus tour options in New York City, but a relatively lesser known, yet still highly rated, option is the big, orange New York Iconic bus tour.

The company offers different tour options — like a Downtown tour, an Uptown tour, or an All City Express tour (that hits hotspots like Grand Central Station and the Plaza Hotel). Many tours also come with a live guide.

France Tourisme – Paris, France

A two-hour tour where riders can listen to commentary in one of five languages, France Tourisme’s Paris double-decker takes passengers to some of the City of Light’s most stunning landmarks.

Riders will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre Museum — and learn about the city’s rich history while doing so.

I Love Rome – Rome, Italy

I Love Rome’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes passengers on a hot pink bus to some of the ancient city’s most popular and stunning landmarks.

The open-air bus stops at the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Vatican City, and more. And with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes, passengers can spend as long as they like at each stop.

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Big Bus San Francisco – San Francisco, USA

Big Bus San Francisco offers several options for tour enthusiasts visiting the Bay Area.

They offer the classic 1- and 2-day hop-on, hop-off tours (which hit the city’s hot spots), options to add a visit to Alcatraz into the ticket price, or a wine tour that takes riders to several Napa Valley wineries.

FunVee – Singapore

Those looking for a fun weekend excursion in Singapore should consider the FunVee bus tour, which offers incredible views of Singapore’s skyline.

The double-decker bus tour runs on Saturdays and Sundays and takes riders past stunning sites like Sri Mariamman Temple, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay.

Big Bus Sydney – Sydney, Australia

Big Bus also offers several packages for riders in Sydney. Each tour covers the city’s most well-known landmarks — like Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach.

Some packages include extra excursions, like a pass for the company’s hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise, or admission to attractions like the Sydney Tower Eye.

City Sightseeing Toronto – Toronto, Canada

City Sightseeing offers a great Toronto double-decker bus tour where riders can hop off at more than a dozen prime locations throughout the city.

The bus stops at sites like the Royal Ontario Museum, the famed CN Tower, Queen’s Park, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and more. Consider booking your bus tour with a travel credit card to earn travel rewards while you explore.

Bottom line

A city bus tour is a smart way to get your bearings when visiting somewhere new since you’re paying for transportation to many top tourist destinations in one shot.

The great thing about many of these tours — aside from the very flexible hop-on, hop-off options — is that they’re one of the best smart travel hacks that can save you money. 

Visit one of the tours on this list next time you're visiting one of these terrific locations worldwide. 

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