Hop on Hop off Bus Tours NYC (2024)

If you are looking for a fast and very comfortable way to tour the city, here is everything you need to know to get on the tourist bus.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours NYC (1)

Isabel Catalán

7 min read

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours NYC (2)

Views of the city from the top of the tour bus | ©Kate Brown

Visiting New York by tourist bus is a very practical idea, since it allows you to see the most important areas of the city in a quick way while you travel comfortably seated.

It is a great option to visit the Big Apple in a short time or even to move between the main attractions to see in New York without having to depend on public transportation schedules. I'll tell you everything you need to know to enjoy it to the fullest.

The best option

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours NYC (3)

New York Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Select between the two-day and three-day passes

Perfect if you want to enjoy the city while taking a break from intense walking and getting around New York while still taking in the sights of its streets and skyline. Includes a one hour cruise.

This two or three-day pass for the New York sightseeing bus allows you to visit, following the guided commentary on board, the most famous sights of New York such as Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center, etc.. The bus is from the famous Big Bus company and has two floors with an open roof to take all the pictures you want from the best angles.

You can choose a Classic ticket for the Downtown and Uptown Manhattan tours or opt for a 2-day Premium pass with Brooklyn tour, Harlem tour, the panoramic night tour and a 1-hour Circle Line sightseeing cruise.

Another possibility is to choose the 3-day deluxe pass with all the tours included, the night tour and the one-hour Circle Line sightseeing cruise. You have several different routes and passes to choose from so you can explore New York freely using the bus as transportation, hopping on and off at more than 30 stops throughout the city.

This option also includes a 1-hour cruise on the Statue of Liberty Circle Line and nighttime sightseeing tour with a Premium or Deluxe pass.

Why I like this option: This is the cheapest and most complete option to enjoy the New York sightseeing bus. You can hop on and off as many times as you want during the tour and you can also enjoy a cruise on the Hudson.

Big Bus routes

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours NYC (4)

Downtown - Red Route

The Red Route lasts two hours and operates between 8AM and 5PM. This guided tour of downtown New York can start at any of the 17 stops on this route. The tourist attractions linked by the Red Route are the main attractions you need to see in Manhattan:

  • Empire State Building
  • Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock
  • Times Square
  • Flatiron Building
  • Battery Park
  • Charging Bull (Wall Street Bull)
  • SoHo
  • Greenwich Village
  • Little Italy
  • Union Square Green Market
  • Herald Square
  • High Line

Uptown - Blue Route

The Blue Route operates between 9 AM and 5 PM. This guided tour of Uptown New York City lasts 2 hours and can be started at any of its 10 stops. The tourist attractions that are part of the Blue Route are:

  • Carnegie Hall
  • Columbus Circle
  • Central Park Zoo
  • Frick Collection
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Grand Central Terminal
  • Bryant Park
  • Times Square
  • Central Park

Brooklyn - Purple Trail

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours NYC (5)

The Purple Route is 1 hour long and runs at 10 AM, 12 PM and 3 PM. This guided tour summarizes the best things to see and do in Brooklyn and can be started at any of the 4 stops that make up the route. Sightseeing attractions on the Purple Route are:

  • Grand Army Plaza
  • Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets Stadium

Harlem - Greenway

The Green Route operates at 10 AM, 12 PM and 3 PM. This guided tour of the best things to see and do in Harlem lasts 1 hour and can be started at any of its 4 stops. The tourist attractions that are part of the Green Route are:

  • Apollo Theater
  • Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine

NYC by Night - Yellow Route

The Yellow Route is 1 hour long and operates from 6 PM to 8 PM. This night tour is non hop-on hop-off, that is, it does not have the option to get off and get back on at any part of the tour. It has one stop and the tourist attractions that can be seen on the Yellow Route are:

  • Times Square
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Wall Street
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Empire State Building
  • Manhattan Bridge

How much does a New York City Sightseeing Bus ticket cost?

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From 39 Euros in Hellotickets you can find a ticket that allows you to access the tourist bus of the city from any of its stops and get on and off as many times as you want. If you want to do the night tour, the price is a little higher, it will cost you around 50 Euros.

Children under 12 years old have access to a reduced price and only pay 35 Euros, so it is a good option if you are traveling to New York with small children or as a family. You can also bring your baby and he/she won't need a ticket.

Tips for using the New York City Sightseeing Bus

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours NYC (7)

If you are willing to board one of these double-decker buses, it is best to consider the following recommendations to get the most out of the experience.

Activate your ticket first thing in the morning

Tickets can be activated automatically from the first moment you board one of the buses, so it is best to do it first thing in the morning to make the most of the day. No time? Don't worry, if you have a busy morning you can always activate it after 15:00 and the ticket will last for 24 real hours, so you can use it until 15:00 the next day.

Take one of the full routes to take advantage of the sights

If you get a good seat on the top floor of the bus (which is not always the case because there are usually more travelers wanting to take the same seats as you) take advantage of the opportunity to take the full route: you can take photos, take the opportunity to rest and use the route as a good way to locate yourself in the city and then decide at which stops you want to get off.

Do it at the beginning of your trip

If you are going to be in New York for several days and it is your first time in the city, the tour bus is a good way to find your way around the New York City map. Take the tour at the beginning of your stay there to calculate distances, discover new neighborhoods and decide which stops and attractions you will visit during the rest of your travel agenda.

Take advantage of the sightseeing card ticket

Many of New York's tourist cards include a free ticket to the sightseeing bus or a cruise on the Hudson River. Keep this in mind because if you purchase one of these New York City sightseeing cards you will have free access and it is worth taking advantage of it.

Use it as public transportation

Yes, you read that right. The New York subway is very well connected and its frequency is enviable, but if you want to move between one attraction and another, most likely they are well connected in one of the tourist bus routes. Make the most of your trips and enjoy the scenery as you make your way from a museum to a skyscraper or to the next stop on your travel journey.

The sightseeing bus at night

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours NYC (8)

Another option offered by the City that never sleeps is to take the tourist bus at night. This will allow you to close the day in a relaxed way while resting after a long walk watching the lights of the city. The New York night tour bus is also a good option if you are traveling to New York in winter and want to protect yourself from the cold when the low temperatures are lurking.

It is also a great way to enjoy the Christmas lights if you are traveling to New York at Christmas, undoubtedly the most magical time of the year. On those days when the crowds take over the streets, sitting relaxed on the tour bus cruising through the city at night will seem magnificent.

Other interesting activities in New York

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours NYC (9)

If you're considering booking a tour bus pass, you've realized that the sheer size of New York City is often beyond the walking ability of travelers. If you want to delve a little deeper into all the areas and neighborhoods of the city, I've created this guide about 6 Best New York City Neighborhoods so you can get your bearings and start organizing your itinerary.

And if what you want is to directly discover the most interesting points of the city with a guided tour, my favorites are the Contrasts Tour and the Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour. Here are the details of both tours: New York Contrasts Tour y Upper and Lower Manhattan Tour.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours NYC (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth doing a hop on hop off bus in New York? ›

Reason 1: It's good for first time visitors. If you're visiting NYC for the first time, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed with how much stuff their is to see and do. The Hop on Hop off New York Bus Tour is a great way to make sure you at least glimpse all the main sights and attractions.

How does the hop on hop off bus in NYC work? ›

A: Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in NYC are the most convenient and efficient way to sightsee in the city. With a designated route, you can hop on and hop off at any of the stops throughout the day, allowing you to customize your own itinerary and explore the sights and attractions at your own pace.

How long does the Hop on Hop off bus take in York? ›

Your ticket is valid for 24 hours or 48 hours from the moment you board the bus, and a full circuit of the 20 stops will take around 1 hour.

How often does the Hop on Hop off bus run NYC? ›

3. How often do TopView Sightseeing bus tours run in New York? Downtown tours run every 20-25 minutes daily 8:00am-6:00pm, and Uptown tours run every hour daily 10:00am-4:00pm.

Which is better the ride of the tour? ›

They are very different experiences so it really is a matter of personal preference - if you're looking for more of a fun, entertainment experience choose THE RIDE or if you're interested in a more traditional, educational sightseeing experience then choose THE TOUR. Helpful? I just did the Tour last month.

Are NYC buses cash only? ›

About bus fares

OMNY is accepted on all New York City buses. Fares can also be paid with a MetroCard, coins, or SingleRide ticket.

Why do NYC buses skip stops? ›

Bus operation

In bus operations, skip-stop refers to a stopping pattern where buses do not stop at every block or at every designated bus stop, typically in a central business district. Skip-stop operation reduces travel time and increases the number of buses that the streets and bus stops are able to accommodate.

What is the fine for hopping train NYC? ›

Unauthorized movement between subway cars: $75 Fine

Riders may not move between subway cars even if the train is not in motion, except in an emergency or when directed by police officer, conductor, or authorized New York City Transit employee.

Is the hopper fare 70 minutes? ›

For pay as you go passengers in London, the unlimited 'Hopper' bus fare, introduced in January 2018 was a boon. It means that, within the space of an hour, you can travel on unlimited buses and trams for a flat fee of £1.50. But the thing about that 60 minutes... it's actually 70 minutes.

How much is hop on hop off NY? ›

Hop-On Hop-Off NYC Bus Tours from $45. TopView® New York City Tours. New York Sightseeing Bus Tours.

What time does the big bus hop on hop off start in NYC? ›

First Bus: 9:00am at Stop #1 (M&Ms World - 7th Ave & W 48th St). Last Bus: 5pm at Stop #1 (M&Ms World - 7th Ave & W 48th St). Last Full Circuit Tour: 4:30pm at Stop #1 (M&Ms World - 7th Ave & W 48th St). Full Circuit Time: 90 minutes (approx.)

What is the most used bus in NYC? ›

Originally a streetcar line along Second Avenue, it is now the M15 bus route, the busiest bus route in the city and United States, carrying over 8.1 million people annually.

What is off peak hours NYC Express bus? ›

On express buses: Anytime except weekday rush hours, from 6-10 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.

What is the slowest bus in NYC? ›

The M102 bus is officially the slowest route in NYC.

Is bus travel comfortable? ›

Seats are more comfy

In general, no long-distance travel is comfortable but bus seats have a bit of an advantage in regard to plane or train seats. Firstly, there's more space for legs.

Are you safer in a bus or car? ›

For example, in the USA, fatality rate for car occupants were found to be 23 times higher than those for bus occupants, per 100 million person-trips [3]. Another study found fatality rate to be as high as 66 times greater for car occupants than those for bus occupants per passenger-mile traveled [4].

Is a bus the safest way to travel? ›

Traveling Safely

In fact, when you look more closely at the data, you find that bus and train fatalities occur much less often than airplane crashes. For example, in 2016, there were only 0.7 fatalities per billion passenger miles traveled on a bus versus 1.06 for air travel.

How do I find the best tour package? ›

First, decide on the budget keeping in mind the number of people travelling. "Scan for offers in terms of your budget and destination preference with at least top 5-6 tour operators. Also compare various inclusions, exclusions, offers etc," says Neeraj Dev.

How long is NYC bus tour? ›

USA GUIDED TOURS

Clocking in at 4 ½ hours in length, the NYC Night Bus Tour will take you past some of the most popular destinations in the entire city, including locations such as Times Square, Chelsea Market, Chinatown, and Greenwich Village. This excursion also includes at least one short walking tour.

Why are private tours better? ›

You don't have to consider the needs of other travellers, which provides you with far more room for flexibility and changes to your itinerary at every step of the way. The flexibility and freedom to make the most of your time are why most people choose private tours over group tours.

How to get around New York City cheap? ›

Aside from walking, the bus or the subway is the cheapest way to get around NYC since a single ride costs only $2.75.

What is the best way to get around New York City? ›

The easiest and quickest way to travel around NYC is by the subway. Riding the subway is also a fantastic way to feel like a local during your stay in New York. Fast facts: Subway trains operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Can I use my debit card on NYC bus? ›

To pay your fare at subway turnstiles, AutoGates, and onboard buses (including Select Bus Service buses), simply tap your own contactless credit or debit card, smart device, or OMNY card on the OMNY reader.

What is the red button on the NYC bus? ›

Request a stop by simply pressing the STOP button (usually red and round) or pulling on the yellow cord along the 2 sides of the bus.

How do I tell my bus driver to stop NYC? ›

Signal the Driver to Stop

For the driver to stop the bus where you want to get off, push the tape strip located above and beside the windows. You need to signal your driver about one block before your desired stop. The bus will stop at the route's next stop.

How far do you have to be from a bus stop in NYC? ›

Come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away from the bus. Be extra careful to look around before moving your vehicle, as children may be walking in front of, behind, or on the side of school buses. Check for pedestrians - especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks, and behind parked cars.

What if you get caught train hopping? ›

It should elicit a fine of a couple hundred dollars, but it could land you a month (or more) in jail and a fine in the ballpark of $1,000. CLICK HERE for more of Esquire's Guide to Minor Transgressions!

What happens if you get caught jumping the turnstile NYC? ›

While jumping a turnstile is still technically a criminal offense, the penalties are relatively light. It falls into the same general category as a parking ticket, and you will be fined $100 if caught. However, you can appeal the decision and avoid paying the fine.

Is train surfing illegal NYC? ›

"Subway surfing is not only illegal, it is super reckless, extremely dangerous and people die doing so. Tragedies like this are avoidable," NYPD Acting Chief of Transit Michael Kemper said earlier this week.

Why are prices cheaper on Hopper? ›

Hopper collects flight pricing data and its algorithms analyze pricing trends to predict how flight prices will change based on past pricing. This is how Hopper is able to predict whether to buy the flight now or wait for a better deal.

Is Hopper reliable for tickets? ›

Yes, it is! So, the Hopper app is definitely legit. And it's one of the best tools to find great deals on flights and hotels. With reliable pricing, discounts, rewards, and excellent customer service, you can't go wrong.

How does the Hopper fare work? ›

Pay as you go at adult rate on buses and trams and our Hopper fare gives you unlimited journeys for £1.75, made within one hour of touching in. Hopper fare also applies to discounted rate travel. Touch in using the same card or device on all journeys and you get our Hopper fare automatically.

What is hop on vs hop off? ›

Oftentimes, they have a big advertisem*nt that says “hop-on/hop-off.” What does that mean? It means you pay once for the day. If the bus stops somewhere you want to explore a bit more, just hop off. No worries; you can hop on the next bus that comes.

How much is subway from Times Square to Statue of Liberty? ›

The cheapest way to get from Times Square to Statue of Liberty National Monument is to line 1 subway and ferry which costs $19 - $27 and takes 56 min.

How much is one way on NY Subway? ›

The subway operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Riding the subway is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around the city. For most riders, the subway fare is $2.75. Reduced fares are available for people 65 and older, people with disabilities, and low-income New Yorkers.

What bus goes down Broadway in NYC? ›

The M79-SBS is the first Bus that goes to Broadway in Manhattan.

What bus runs on First Avenue NYC? ›

The Q60 is the first Bus that goes to 1st Avenue in Manhattan.

Are NYC bus lanes 24 hours? ›

Bus Lanes: Rules and Enforcement

On First and Second Avenues, offset bus lanes are active 24/7, and curbside bus lanes are active from 7 am to 10 am and 2 pm to 7 pm on weekdays. If you drive, park, or stand in a bus lane during hours of operation you face fines ranging from $50 to $250.

What is the most popular subway line in NYC? ›

The L train reigns supreme. An absolute necessity and yet the object of everyone's scorn, the New York City subway system is an emblem of the town we call ours.

What is the most famous transport in New York? ›

The Subway (The MTA subway) is the most loved and hated among all public transports of New York City. The faster without a doubt since it avoids the rush-hour street traffic, it is reliable and the tickets can be easily purchased at each Subway Station.

What is the longest bus ride in NYC? ›

Longest rides: The longest local bus route is Staten Island's S78 at 19.7 miles between the St George Ferry Terminal and the Bricktown Mall in Charleston. Depots: Buses are housed, washed, and maintained at 28 depots.

How much is senior fare on express bus nyc? ›

Reduced-fare MetroCards are available for riders who are 65 or older or riders who have qualifying disabilities. The reduced fare is half the base fare. (For example, the base fare for subways and local buses is $2.75, so the reduced fare is $1.35.) Your reduced-fare card will have your name and photo on it.

What is a $1 day MetroCard New York? ›

The One-Day MetroCard Fun Pass is the most popular pass for tourists and visitors. With the One-Day MetroCard Fun Pass, you can ride of NYC's subways and local buses for one flat fare. A Fun Pass can be purchased anytime during the day and it is valid until 3 a.m. the following day.

What is the loneliest bus route? ›

North America's most northerly bus service, the Dalton Highway Express covers a rugged 500 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, to the ominously named settlement of Deadhorse. Outside the window the frigid tundra stretched away to meet the horizon; vast, treeless and unnerving.

What is the advantage of hop on hop off? ›

It gives you the chance to create your own route. Discover the city in a fun and easy way. Explore at your own pace and in comfort. Get on and off the bus or train as many times as you wish.

Should I take the bus or subway in NYC? ›

The only major downside to riding the bus is the fact that it runs on a more limited schedule than many subway trains. In general, trains arrive more frequently on a given subway track than a bus at the average bus stop, so the subway can be a better option if you're in a hurry.

Is public transport good in New York? ›

The City's rail and bus system is run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and known as MTA New York City Transit. It's inexpensive, environmentally friendly and a great way to see sights throughout the five boroughs—and it operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What does hop on hop off bus tour mean? ›

The term hop on hop off bus tour comes from being able to hop off at any stop along the route and hop on in the same fashion. There are benefits to these hop on hop off tours that many are just unaware of. The bus tickets that the tours come with generally last for 1-2 days depending on the package you chose.

Is Hop on Hop off a company? ›

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours is a brand of SIGHTSEEINGO LIMITED (UK Based Travel Company) that offers different tours & activities being organized around the world.

What is the cheapest way to get around New York City? ›

Aside from walking, the bus or the subway is the cheapest way to get around NYC since a single ride costs only $2.75.

What is the safest way to get around NYC? ›

Taking a taxi or Uber in New York City is safe.

Yellow taxis are very regulated by the city and are safe to take. Taxi drivers for the most part are very friendly.

Can you buy hop-on-hop-off tickets in person? ›

10. How can I purchase tickets? You can purchase a ticket from our website. You may even purchase a hop-on-hop-off ticket from the bus or any other authorised ticket vendors.

How long is Circle Line cruise? ›

During this 2 hour and 30 minute cruise you'll cruise along all three NYC rivers, pass under 20 bridges and see over 130 of the city's most iconic landmarks including the Manhattan skyline, Little Island, Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge and downtown Brooklyn, Yankee Stadium, the George Washington ...

Do you need cash in New York? ›

Credit cards are accepted everywhere. In New York (and in the rest of the US) people that use credit cards are more common than those that use cash. In many ways, it is comparable to using a debit card. Debit cards will work at ATMs and you can pay more and more with them in restaurants and stores in New York as well.

Is it cheaper to take a taxi or subway in NYC? ›

A subway ride is $2.75 per person. A taxi has an immediate base fare of $2.50, then you pay for the mileage. Better off with the subway generally. But...if you are four people, don't have unlimited subway cards, and are going a short distance..."TAXI!"

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