New York Bus Tours offers hop-on hop-off double-decker tours of the Big Apple’s top sights.
Expert local guides provide commentary while passengers enjoy skyline views from an open-top bus.
Buses stop at landmarks like the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and more.
With frequent departure times and walking tours included, New York Bus Tours is the perfect introduction to the city for first-timers and veterans alike.
Ride in iconic style and discover the city’s dynamic energy that never sleeps.
Read this article to learn about different New York City bus tours, ticket prices, duration, and more.
What to Expect on a New York City Bus tours
A New York City bus tour is an exciting way to explore the Big Apple’s iconic landmarks. Here’s what you can expect:
Most NYC bus tours are hop-on, hop-off, meaning you can disembark at various stops and rejoin the tour later.
This gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
During a bus tour, you’ll visit famous attractions like Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building.
The tour guides provide interesting facts about each location.
Many tours use double-decker buses, which offer great views from the top deck. You can sit outside and take amazing photos.
New York Bus tours often have guides who offer informative commentary in multiple languages, explaining the city’s history, culture, and fun facts.
Bus tours are convenient and save you from navigating the city’s complex streets. They also provide a break from walking.
Compared to private tours, bus tours are usually more affordable and an excellent value for the experience.
Bus tours are family-friendly, making them a great option for kids and adults.
Some companies also offer night tours, showcasing the city’s lights and lively nightlife.
In summary, a New York City bus tour is convenient and enjoyable to discover its top attractions while learning about its rich history.
Best New York City Bus Tours
There are several options you can choose from when it comes to booking NYC bus tours.
You can choose from simple city tours, hop-on, hop-off tours and city tours based on various television shows!
Here are the best New York City Bus Tours for you to choose from:
Big Bus hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours
The Big Bus New York City tour is the perfect way to explore the bustling city of New York.
This open-top New York bus tour includes over 50 stops and allows visitors to hop on and off leisurely.
Highlights include breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, a tour of Times Square, historic landmarks, and more.
With a comprehensive network spanning the entire city, travelers can quickly get around and explore the best of New York.
Sights during the tour
Top sights on the Downtown loop include:
- The Flatiron District
- Union Square
- Greenwich Village
- East Village
- Chinatown
- Little Italy
- Wall St. and the Stock Exchange
- SoHo
Top sights on the Uptown loop include:
- Times Square
- Upper East Side
- Central Park
- Museum Mile
- Uptown Manhattan
- MoMA
- The Met
- Columbus Circle
This tour includes:
- Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket
- Live bus tracking via the free Big Bus app
- Bike Rental offer – receive a 1-hour bike rental from any Unlimited Biking location (with the purchase of 1 hour).
- Entertaining audio commentary (earbuds provided)
- 90-minute Circle Line sightseeing cruise (if option selected)
- Entry to the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty (if option selected)
Classic 24-Hour Ticket Price:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 99 years) | $60 |
| Child ticket (3 to 12 years) | $50 |
Classic 24-Hour Ticket & Statue of Liberty Cruise Price:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 99 years) | $69 |
| Child ticket (3 to 12 years) | $59 |
Deluxe 72-Hour Ticket Price:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 99 years) | $100 |
| Child ticket (3 to 12 years) | $90 |
24-Hour Ticket + Statue of Liberty + Empire State Building Price:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 99 years) | $109 |
| Child ticket (3 to 12 years) | $99 |
Premium 48-Hour Ticket Price:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 99 years) | $80 |
| Child ticket (3 to 12 years) | $70 |
New York City at night bus tour
The bus tour of New York City offers the perfect opportunity to take in the city’s magic at night and discover New York’s vibrant nightlife.
Enjoy the city’s sparkling skyline, and get the chance to snap some fantastic photos of the illuminated landmarks.
Learn interesting facts about the city and its history from your expert guide, and experience the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.
Duration: 4 hours
Sights during the tour:
- High Line Park
- Grand Central Station
- Manhattan’s glittering landmarks
- famous neighborhoods
- Times Square
- Rockefeller Center
- Greenwich Village
- SoHo
This tour includes:
- Expert Local Tour Guided Narrative
- Guided Walking Tours
- Transportation by Luxury Tour Bus
- Bottled Water on Buses
- Optional upgrade to a glass-top/open-top convertible tour bus
- Optional add-on tickets for the Top of The Rock Observation Deck at $35 per person
Departure point: 770 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
Tour Price:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (12 to 99 years) | $94 |
| Child ticket (3 to 11 years) | $84 |
| Infant ticket (0 to 2 years) | 0 |
3- hours Gossip Girl Sites bus tour
Explore New York City like the characters of Gossip Girl on a 3-hour bus tour through Manhattan’s chic Upper East Side.
Visit famous filming sites in the hit TV show, such as the Met Steps and Grand Central Station.
Learn insider details about the show and its characters as a tour guide shares behind-the-scenes stories and tips for seeing more Gossip Girl sites.
Be transported to a world of high society and luxury on this New York City bus tour.
Duration: 3 hours
Sights during the tour:
- The Empire Hotel
- Site of Chuck Bass’
- Constance Billard
- Vera Wang boutique
- Hold court
- Candy store
Departure point: Front of the Palace Hotel gates on Madison and 51st Street.
Tour Price:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (99 years and younger) | $507 |
Sex and the City Sites Bus Tour
The Sex and the City Sites Bus Tour offers a unique way to explore the Manhattan immortalized in the TV series and Hollywood movies of Sex and the City.
This New York City bus tour will take you to over 40 iconic locations featured in the show.
The tour also includes some of New York’s hottest shopping districts, where you can purchase the same designer goods that made the show’s characters so stylish.
Experience the city that Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda loved to explore and make your memories in the city that never sleeps.
Sights during the tour:
- Magnolia BakerySt. Jude’s
- The New York Public Library
- The gorgeous brownstones of the Upper East Side and more
Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
Tour Includes:
- Guided bus tour
- Cupcake
Departure point: Front of the Pulitzer Fountain on 5th Avenue, between 58th & 59th Streets
Tour Prices:
The tour prices for all visitors above the age of 13 vary based on the type of tour or seating.
Children below 12 years of age are not allowed in this tour.
| Tour Type | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Private tour | $506 |
| Standard Seating | $66 |
| Priority Seating | $76 |
Ages 12 and younger are not permitted.
New York, City of Contrasts guided bus tour
Take a Bus tour around New York City and discover the contrasting views of this vibrant metropolis.
On this 5-hour tour, explore 4 out of the five boroughs of New York City and see the best Manhattan has to offer.
Get a glimpse of the melting pot of cultures that makes up this incredible city, and witness the different views from one borough to the next.
This is a great way to experience the Big Apple and its offerings.
Duration: 4.5 hours
Sights during the tour:
- The Bronx
- Jewish Quarters
- Yankee Stadium
- The Mets Citi Field
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Tour Includes:
- Guide
- Bus tour
Departure point: The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel.
Tour Price:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 99 years) | $49 |
| Infant ticket (3 years and younger) | Free |
NYC: Contrasts and Color bus tour of Bronz, Brooklyn and Queens
Explore the contrasts and colors of New York City on this comprehensive bus tour.
Tour the historic and vibrant boroughs of Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.
This full-day New York City bus tour gives you an unforgettable experience of the city’s incredible diversity.
Duration: 6 hours
Sights during the tour:
- The Apollo Theater
- The Bronx
- Brooklyn
- Flushing’s Chinatown
- Brooklyn’s Hasidic Jewish community
- The Manhattan skyline
- Brooklyn Bridge
Tour Includes:
- Private transportation
- Professional Tour Guide
Departure point: 840 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
Tour Price:
| Age | Tour price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13 to 99 years) | $79 |
| Child ticket (4 to 12 years) | $75 |
| Infant ticket (0 to 3 years) | 0 |
Why try a New York City bus tour
A New York City bus tour is a terrific choice for exploring the city’s diverse and captivating attractions.
It allows you to experience the bustling metropolis effortlessly without the stress of driving or navigating public transportation.
Knowledgeable tour guides provide exciting insights into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, making your journey educational and entertaining.
On these tours, you can take iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty while comfortably seated on a climate-controlled bus.
The convenience of hop-on-hop-off options means you can tailor your experience to suit your interests, ensuring you visit the places that intrigue you the most.
Whether you’re a tourist eager to see New York City’s famous spots or a local looking for a fresh perspective, a NYC bus tour offers a fun, informative, and stress-free way to explore the heart of this remarkable city.
Best Time to do a New York City bus tour
The best time to do a New York City bus tour depends on your preferences and what you want to see.
Morning and late afternoon are great for city views. In the morning, you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy fresh energy.
Late afternoon tours offer beautiful sunset views.
Weekdays like Tuesday or Wednesday are less crowded than weekends.
If you prefer a quieter experience, these days are ideal.
Spring and fall are wonderful for tours.
In spring, Central Park blooms, and in the fall, the city’s foliage is stunning. Winter has its charm with holiday decorations, but it can get cold.
Consider these factors to choose the best time for your New York City bus tour and make the most of your visit.
New York City bus tours FAQs
1. How long is the Big Bus Tour in New York?
The Big Bus Tour New York is a 3-hour tour that covers 11 major attractions in the city. The tour starts in Times Square, stopping at the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge and other iconic sites. It also provides commentary on the history and culture of the city, giving visitors a unique insight into the Big Apple.
2. What is the best bus tour of Manhattan?
The best bus tour of Manhattan is which takes you through the city’s most iconic and famous landmarks. It includes stops at the Empire State Building, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. The tour also allows one to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, admire its impressive skyline, and enjoy its unique culture.Â
3. Should you do a bus tour in NYC?
A bus tour is a great way to explore the many attractions of New York City. It allows visitors to take in the sights and sounds of the city while providing convenient access to popular attractions. The hop-on hop-off New York City tours allow visitors to get off and explore attractions at their own pace, while the narrated tours provide an informative overview of the city’s history.
4. Where can I buy tickets for Hop On Hop Off?
Hop on Hop off tickets can be purchased online for convenience and cost savings. Online tickets are generally cheaper than those bought in person, and they can be printed right at home, eliminating the need to wait in line at a ticket booth.
5. What time does the Big Bus Tour start in NYC?
is a popular sightseeing experience for visitors to the city. The tour starts at 8.30 am from Grand Central Station and runs until 9.30 pm. The tour allows guests to explore the city’s sights, sounds and history from the comfort of a double-decker bus.
6. What should I bring on a New York City tour bus?
When taking a New York City tour bus, it is important to pack items that will keep you comfortable and entertained. This should include Refillable water bottle Entertainment device (phone, tablet, etc.) A camera A map A first-aid kit Comfortable clothing and shoes Toiletries Necessary medications
7. What are the advantages of taking the tour bus?
Taking a tour bus has several advantages. Tour buses provide a comfortable and convenient way to explore tourist destinations, allowing travelers to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery while a In addition, tour buses will have a professional who guides them through the area. Tour buses also provide a cost-effective way of traveling, as a group can share the cost of the tour, making it more affordable for all participants.
Featured Image: Tripadvisor.com
