Our Most Popular Cities
London
New York
See the city your way with Big Bus Tours. Hop on, hop off, and explore iconic landmarks at your own pace. Enjoy panoramic views, expert audio guides, and flexible passes designed for smart travellers. One ticket. Unlimited stops. Zero stress. Start your adventure today and discover more in less time.
Big Bus Tours is one of the world’s leading hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus operators, offering flexible city tours across major global destinations. The company helps travellers explore iconic landmarks, cultural districts, and historic neighbourhoods at their own pace.
With open-top double-decker buses, multilingual audio commentary, and convenient stops near top attractions, it makes city discovery simple and comfortable.
Whether you have one day or a full weekend, Big Bus Tours provides an easy way to see more without the stress of planning routes, navigating public transport, or rushing between sights.
How Does Hop On Hop Off Work?
Big Bus Tours popularised the hop on hop off concept in many major cities, but the system itself is simple and traveller-friendly. It is designed to give you freedom, flexibility, and a structured sightseeing experience at the same time. If you have never used this type of tour before, here is exactly how it works.
Buying Your Pass
The first step is purchasing a ticket. You can usually buy a pass online through the official website or at designated ticket counters in the city. Most companies offer 24, 48, or 72-hour passes.
The time period usually starts when you first scan your ticket, not when you purchase it. That means you can buy in advance and activate it later. Once activated, you can use the buses unlimited times within the valid period.
Understanding the Routes
Hop on hop off tours operate on fixed routes. These routes are carefully planned to cover major landmarks, museums, shopping streets, and historic districts.
Each route includes multiple stops placed near popular attractions. A map is provided so you can see where the buses travel and decide which stops interest you most. Some cities offer more than one route, allowing you to explore different areas.
Boarding the Bus
When you reach an official stop, you simply wait for the bus to arrive. Buses run on a schedule, often every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the city.
You show your ticket, either printed or digital, to the staff. Once scanned, you can choose to sit on the lower deck or the open top deck. There are no assigned seats. It works on a first come, first served basis.
Getting Off at Any Stop
This is where the flexibility becomes clear. You are not required to stay on the bus for the full loop. If you see a landmark you want to explore, you can step off at that stop.
You might visit a museum, walk around a square, have lunch, or take photographs. When you are ready to continue sightseeing, you return to the same stop and board the next bus on that route. There is no extra charge as long as your pass remains valid.
Audio Commentary and Guidance
Most hop on hop off buses provide audio guides through headphones. The commentary is usually available in several languages. It explains the history, culture, and significance of the landmarks you pass.
In some cities, live guides are also present. They share stories and answer questions, which can make the experience more interactive. This combination of transport and guided information makes the tour feel more complete than simple public transport.
Unlimited Rides Within Time Limit
The main benefit of hop on hop off tours is unlimited use during your ticket period. You can ride the full loop multiple times if you want. Some travellers use the first ride as an overview and then decide where to stop later.
Once your pass expires, access ends automatically. If you need more time, you can purchase an extension or another pass depending on availability.
Ideal for First-Time Visitors
Hop on hop off tours are especially useful for people visiting a city for the first time. They provide structure without removing freedom. You get a clear overview of the city layout and key attractions without worrying about navigating complex transport systems.
The system is simple. Buy a pass, board the bus, explore at your own pace, and repeat as often as you like within the time limit. That straightforward process is what makes the hop on hop off concept so popular worldwide.
A Big Bus Tours ticket is usually valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on the pass you purchase. The time period starts when you first activate the ticket by scanning it on the bus. During that timeframe, you can hop on and off unlimited times.
Yes, most Big Bus Tours buses include multilingual audio commentary. You receive headphones on board, and you can select your preferred language. The commentary explains landmarks, history, and cultural facts as you travel, making the experience more informative and engaging.
Big Bus Tours are generally suitable for families. The hop-on hop-off format allows flexibility, which is helpful when travelling with children. Parents can take breaks whenever needed, and the open-top views often keep younger travellers entertained throughout the journey.
You can book Big Bus Tours tickets online in advance or purchase them in the city. Booking online often helps you secure better prices and skip queues. It also allows you to plan your itinerary more efficiently before arriving at your destination.
While you can use Big Bus Tours for transport between attractions, it is primarily designed as a sightseeing experience. The routes focus on major tourist landmarks rather than local neighbourhoods. For daily commuting or reaching remote areas, public transport may be more practical.
If it rains, you can sit on the covered lower deck of the bus. Most Big Bus Tours vehicles have indoor seating options for comfort during bad weather. The service usually continues to operate unless conditions become severe or unsafe.