Best of · HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TOURS IN NEW YORK CITY
The good hop-on hop-off bus tours in New York City sell their front seats first and the great ones sell out entirely. Below: the 10 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Use Big Bus New York for a first look at Manhattan from an open-top double-decker. Choose a half-day, 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket, hear commentary in six languages, and hop off near the 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park, Broadway, Museum Mile, and more. The app tracks buses in real time.
“It was great to hear about the city as we drive through each section.”
Ride an open-top double-decker bus through Midtown, Downtown, and Uptown Manhattan with recorded commentary, live tracking, and flexible hop-on hop-off access. A 24-hour ticket covers Downtown, while 48- and 72-hour options add Uptown, Brooklyn, and self-guided walks.
“My sister and I spent the weekend in NYC, and since it was her first time visiting, we decided to try the hop‑on hop‑off bus tour. It turned out to be such a wonderful experience. We both absolutely loved it. We learned so much about the city—insights and stories we never would have discovered on our own. It truly made our trip even more memorable.”
Spend about six hours touring New York with a native guide such as Bryant, Martin, or Frank. Ride a small luxury bus through Midtown, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, and Central Park, then take the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty. Short walks include Brooklyn Bridge, Washington Square, Grand Central, and the 9/11 Memorial.
“Highlight of the day World Trade Center. Bryant gave a somber and thorough explanation of where we were and what it means to New Yorkers.”
Ride an open-top Big Bus from Times Square after dark, passing major New York sights while a live English-speaking guide such as Shelley, Jennifer, or Rick shares city stories and tips. Seats are first-come, first-served, and the night route is one continuous ride, not a hop-on hop-off tour.
“Jen was fantastic! Had such a fun time on the bus getting to see the city lights at night with some fun people.”
Use a TopView open-top bus to see Downtown, Uptown, Central Park, Harlem, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. Hop off when a stop suits you, then rejoin the route. Your ticket includes 11-language audio, a two-hour Central Park bike rental extension, the Skyscraper Museum, and Butterbeer at the Harry Potter Store.
“We had a total hassle getting the ticket from the getyour Guide app to the point where a bus took us. Luckily, a bus driver had mercy and took us with him, even though we couldn't check in until we were on the bus. Also, at the very beginning, when we tried to book the ticket at the stop, 3 buses came in a row and then none for a whole hour, who then luckily took us as described above. The problem was we were pretty far out in NYC.”
See New York from an open-top Big Bus, using Downtown and Uptown routes over 48 hours. The package includes Empire State Building entry and a ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands, but not statue monument admission. Plan ferry and Empire State times early.
“We could not contact the company could not. Use the pass we had to buy passes i”
Build your own New York sightseeing plan with Empire State Building views, 48 hours on Big Bus downtown and uptown routes, and a Circle Line cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan. Choose a 60-minute or 90-minute sailing and use the app to track buses.
“Em relação ao big bus, Gostei da possibilidade de descer nos locais de interesse. Não gostei do áudio-guia. Em alguns veículos não funcionava, estava estragado. Quando funcionava, estava atrasado ou adiantado em relação ao local por onde estávamos passando. Não faria novamente. O Empire State também é uma atração mediana. Demorei para agendar e ficamos num horário horrível, à noite. Gostei bastante do cruzeiro, fizemos o de 90 minutos. Este valeu a pena!”
Use one pass for New York’s Uptown and Downtown buses, a Statue of Liberty cruise, Brooklyn and skyline tours, Central Park bike rental, two museums, and a Butterbeer at the Harry Potter Store. The bus pass lasts 1 to 5 days, while several extras are single-use.
“We moesten lang wachten op de volgende bus. Erg langdradig. De bussen waren ook oud. Het kan wat ons betreft echt een stuk beter qua kwaliteit en service!”
Spend four hours in a small group of up to 13 people, riding from Midtown to New Jersey waterfront viewpoints. Guide David and other English or Spanish-speaking guides lead photo stops at Liberty State Park, Empty Sky Memorial, Carlo’s Bakery, Frank Sinatra’s statue, and Hamilton Park.
“Hi the tour was very pleasant, the experience was great, had a good time. We went to all the destinations as was described in the website, our guide David was very knowledgeable, great personality, easy to talk to and courteous with everyone in our group, I definitely recommend this tour to everyone who wants to have a 4hrs New York experience.”
Spend a day at Madame Tussauds in Times Square, with Lady Gaga, Audrey Hepburn, Marvel heroes, Broadway scenes, and a Marvel 4D show. Then use the open-top Big Bus Downtown Loop to see 13 stops, including Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, and Battery Park.
“Great chance to get all around the city without paying multiple Ubers. We got off at several locations and then hopped the next bus. I have always heard about Madame Tussaud's, but this was my first visit. Great experience and more to see than I expected. Overall, a good tour...one that you can tweak to your desires.”
A loop, an open deck, a night run or a whole day on the coach.
