Summary of Los Angeles Bus Tours
- Starline Tours
- A Day in LA Tours – The Rasta Bus
- LA City Tours
- Legends of Hollywood Tours
- Guideline Tours
- Amazing LA Tours from Santa Monica
- Sunseeker Tours of LA from Long Beach
- Dearly Departed Tours – Tragic History Tours of Los Angeles
- Esotouric – Crime Scene and Other Esoteric LA Tours
- Neon Cruises
Bus tours of Los Angeles range from hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tours featuring recorded narration to guided small-group mini-van excursions and much more. Many of these bus tours provide time for walking at various stops, usually un-guided. A number of these companies offer package tours from Los Angeles to other exciting destinations like Las Vegas or San Diego. Here are some of the top options:
Starline Tours
Starline Tours dominate the LA guided bus tour market. They provide a wide range of tours from expansive coaches to more intimate trolleys. The quality of Starline tours can vary significantly depending on the guide, with some being outstanding while others may fall short. As the largest tour company in Los Angeles, they often face criticism for a lack of organization and service orientation. Most tours depart from Hollywood, with additional options from Santa Monica. Anticipate that tours including hotel pick-up may last longer than advertised.
A Day in LA Tours – The Rasta Bus
A Day in LA Tours provides an all-day experience akin to other companies with multiple stops across Los Angeles, from Venice Beach to Griffith Observatory. Featuring their distinctive red, yellow, and green Rasta Bus, they operate with smaller groups, allowing for a more personal tour. While their offerings are fewer in number, they excel in customer satisfaction.
LA City Tours
LA City Tours presents a variety of city tours covering Hollywood, celebrity homes, shopping, and beach excursions. Unique to their service is the option to schedule pick-ups at LAX for departing flights or even at the Hollywood Greyhound Bus Station. They also offer convenient hotel and multi-tour combo packages.
Legends of Hollywood Tours
Legends of Hollywood Tours specializes in luxury small van tours that explore Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Their base is located at the Los Angeles Farmers Market, catering to those seeking an upscale experience.
Guideline Tours
Guideline Tours features an extensive selection of grand city tours, taking you past famous movie star homes, and includes night tours as well as visits to local beaches and theme parks. Departures are available from various locations, including most hotels in Downtown, Hollywood, and Universal City.
Amazing LA Tours from Santa Monica
Amazing LA Tours is based in Santa Monica and offers bus, air, and theme park tours. Their services commence from locations in Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina del Rey, providing guided tours, which contrast with many standard recorded experiences.
Sunseeker Tours of LA from Long Beach
Sunseeker Tours offers a Hollywood Tour that encompasses destinations from the Ports of LA and Long Beach to Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood. They provide both full-day and half-day tours using 9-14 passenger minibusses, allowing guests time to explore key attractions.
Dearly Departed Tours – Tragic History Tours of Los Angeles
Dearly Departed Tours introduces guests to the darker side of Los Angeles, highlighting real-life tragic events and famous horror locations. Guides deliver engaging narratives complemented by 911 recordings and crime scene photos, catering to those intrigued by crime history.
Esotouric – Crime Scene and Other Esoteric LA Tours
Esotouric presents a series of specialized thematic tours throughout Los Angeles, varying in subject matter and schedule. Noteworthy offerings include the Black Dahlia Tour and the Raymond Chandler Tour, providing unique insights into the city’s rich history.
Neon Cruises
Neon Cruises offer double-decker bus tours focusing on LA’s iconic neon signs and art, conducted by the Museum of Neon Art every Saturday from June through November.
