Our 4 Favourite Open-Top Bus Tours in San Francisco

1.Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 339 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45Our pick

Start at 6:30 pm near Fisherman’s Wharf and ride through Chinatown, the Financial District, the Embarcadero, Presidio, and Treasure Island. The open-top bus offers broad night views, while digital commentary explains the city. Seats are first come, first served, and the tour returns to its starting point after about 90 minutes.

“Very informative commentary, and lots of great sites we wouldve missed if we tried to explore alone. The driver was also very friendly and funny.”

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2.San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Bus Tour (Essential) 24Hour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 191 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $78

See San Francisco from an open-top double-decker bus on a 24-hour hop-on hop-off pass. Ride through Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Union Square, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, and across the Golden Gate Bridge to Vista Point. Audio commentary plays onboard, buses run about every 15 to 30 minutes, and a mobile ticket keeps things simple, though stop locations and ticket acceptance can require extra care.

“So MUCH FUN!!!! My husband and I always do the BIG BUS tour everywhere we travel and this one didn’t disappoint! We love the history and the fun! Great for everyone!!!”

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3.Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 105 reviews · 1 hour · from $45

Spend one hour on an open-top Big Bus touring San Francisco from Fisherman’s Wharf through Polk Street and Nob Hill, across the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island, and back along the Embarcadero. English digital commentary, earbuds, and striking skyline views are included. Bring warm layers.

“It was awesome, the weather was not so good but the guides had ponchos for the rain but other than that it was an amazing way to see the city.”

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4.San Francisco Double Decker Bus Night Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 95 reviews · 1 hour · from $52

From Fisherman’s Wharf, ride an open-top double-decker through Chinatown, Nob Hill, the Financial District, and Embarcadero. Cross the Bay Bridge for skyline views and a Treasure Island photo stop when weather allows. The live narration is in English, with audio options in Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Portuguese. Bring warm layers.

“Our guide was very upbeat and took many pictures for us when we stopped. Everyone was friendly and helpful. It was everything I expected”

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