Definition of Bus Tour

For the purpose of this list, a “bus tour” is defined as a tour in vehicles that seat 30 or more passengers, where the tour routes are fixed, and you will be touring with other people you don’t know.

When deciding whether to take one of these San Francisco bus tours, here are a few things you should know and contemplate:

• Those double-decker buses appear fun, as if you’ll be able to see everything from those higher seats. However, you may find yourself looking into second-story windows. If you’re unfortunate enough to get a middle seat, visibility of the sidewalk will be obstructed.
• The hop on/hop off buses can be a great option if exploring various sites is your goal. Conversely, if you plan to simply travel from one point to another, it might turn out to be an expensive travel choice.
• Tickets are available on a 24-hour basis. Therefore, boarding late in the afternoon without riding the following day means you could end up spending significantly for just a few hours of use.
• Although tour companies have a street address, it is not necessary to arrive there to board the bus. Some operators allow you to board and pay on the bus at any stop.

San Francisco Sightseeing Company Hop On/Hop Off

Best for: Visitors who want transportation but also want to get off and explore.

Type of vehicle: Double Decker Trolley Buses, similar in appearance to San Francisco cable cars.

Tours offered: Two loops, providing 48 hours of access and unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges at any of 15 stops.

Kids ages 10 and under ride free. A complimentary shuttle operates from Fisherman’s Wharf to local hotels in the afternoon. Tickets can be purchased online or directly from the driver. They are a fully compliant A.D.A. (Americans with Disabilities) company.

This tour is part of the Go San Francisco Card.

City Sightseeing

Best for: Visitors who simply want someone to guide them around.

Type of vehicle: Open-topped, double-decker bus.

Features: Live tour guide on board along with unlimited travel while the ticket is valid.

Tours offered: Multiple loop tours covering different areas of the city (including Golden Gate Park) and a night tour. A separate ticket is required for each of these tours.

It’s advisable to purchase your tickets ahead of time, as they will remain valid for three months post-purchase. They expire 48 hours after the initial use, except for the night tour, which is valid for 24 hours.

Expect limited comfort during your ride, as seats on the upper level of these buses are crowded and hard, resulting in minimal space between rows.

Big Bus Tours

Best for: Visitors who seek transportation but also want the chance to explore.

Type of vehicle: Open-topped, double-decker bus.

Features: Live tour guide on board, with unlimited travel during the ticket’s validity. Recorded commentary is also available in 10 languages.

Tours offered: A hop on, hop off city loop tour with 20 stops, plus a night tour.

Tickets are available for either 24 or 48 hours. Children aged 4 and under travel free (one per adult). One hour of complimentary bike rental is included with your ticket purchase, along with three free walking tours.

Buying the 24- and 48-hour tickets online for a specific date can yield savings, although they can also be obtained at any boarding point. Keep in mind that, since they are based in the UK, your credit card company may apply a foreign transaction fee, though this is unlikely to exceed your total savings.

Strollers and Wheelchairs

While baby strollers are allowed onto the bus, they must be folded and stored during the trip.

Some buses are wheelchair accessible. To find out which buses will be accessible on the day of your tour, contact them or visit their office at 99 Jefferson Street for specific times.

San Francisco Comprehensive Shuttle Tours

Best for: Anyone seeking a smaller group experience who doesn’t mind paying extra for it.

Type of vehicle: Enclosed shuttle-style vehicles with a capacity of 30 to 40 passengers, featuring climate control.

Features: An engaging tour guide accompanies you off the shuttle at every stop.

Tours offered: Five-hour and nine-hour tours that include a ferry ride or bay cruise plus a guided walk down Lombard Street (the most crooked street). Additional options include the “Locals Favorite Attractions” tour and a City Plus Alcatraz at Night Tour, as well as trips to Muir Woods, Napa Valley, and Yosemite Valley, which includes a three-hour train ride.

Children aged 11 and under receive a reduced price; however, all passengers must have a ticket, and strollers cannot be accommodated in the vehicles. A wheelchair-accessible shuttle is available with a 72-hour notice.

San Francisco Sightseeing Company City Tours

Best for: Visitors who prefer a guided experience.

Type of vehicle: Double-decker buses.

Features: Foreign language tours available once daily. Complimentary hotel pick-up and return shuttle service is offered from most San Francisco hotels.

Tours offered: Two distinct tour routes that include a 24-hour ticket for their hop-on, hop-off city tour. Additional costs for selected tours include Muir Woods, Sausalito, and a bay cruise.

Kids ages 10 and under ride free. Reservations must be made in advance, and the company maintains full compliance with A.D.A. (Americans with Disabilities) regulations.