The 4 Best 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

Set out from Fisherman’s Wharf at 6:30 pm for a 90-minute Big Bus ride through Chinatown, the Financial District, Embarcadero, and across the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island. You’ll hear digital commentary, see San Francisco’s lights, and return to the same meeting point. Arrive early for the upper deck.

“We loved sitting on the top area of the bus! The tour guide was awesome! We saw places in San Francisco that we would have never seen on our own. Great tour with interesting information.”

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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 with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off pass. Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, stop at Pier 39, Haight-Ashbury, Alamo Square, Union Square, and more. Recorded commentary plays as you ride, and buses usually arrive every 15 to 30 minutes.

“The audio was great in that it was time perfectly. Even the elevator music was enjoyable! Staff were helpful especially those at the depot. And the tour itself was really enjoyable”

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3.Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus

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

Ride from Fisherman’s Wharf through Polk Street and Nob Hill, pause for city views from Treasure Island, then return along the Embarcadero. You’ll get English digital commentary, souvenir earbuds, and an open-air view of San Francisco’s skyline for $45.

“All good. However I was expecting we could take photos of Golden Gate Bridge and it never happened.”

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4.San Francisco Double Decker Bus Night Tour

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

Depart Fisherman’s Wharf at 6:30 PM for a live-narrated 60 to 90 minute ride through Chinatown, Nob Hill, the Embarcadero, and the Financial District. Cross the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island for skyline photos, with audio available in several languages and a driver speaking English.

“If you’re going to sit in the top of the bus wear layers and/or heavy coat. Also, nice view off the stars if you look up.”

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