What Big Bus Tours are and how they operate
Big Bus Tours is a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing service that runs in major cities around the world. You board an open-top double-decker bus, stay on for the full route or get off at any stop to explore, then board another bus when you're ready to continue. The buses follow fixed routes with marked stops, usually covering the main landmarks and neighborhoods in each city.
The service operates in cities including London, New York, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, and others. Each city has its own route map, stop locations, and schedule. You purchase a ticket that lets you ride for a set number of days — typically one, two, or three days — and you can board and exit as many times as you want within that window.
Big Bus Tours is a private company, not a government transit system. You buy your ticket directly from Big Bus, either online before your trip or at a physical ticket booth in the city. The buses run on a regular schedule throughout the day, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the city and season.
Key Takeaways
- Big Bus Tours operates hop-on, hop-off buses in major cities worldwide, with routes designed to show you landmarks and neighborhoods without needing to plan your own transportation.
- You purchase a ticket for one, two, or three consecutive days and can board and exit at any marked stop as many times as you want during that period.
- Tickets cost more if you buy them on the bus or at a booth than if you purchase online in advance, and prices vary by city and season.
- The buses run on fixed schedules with departures every 15 to 30 minutes, so you do not need a reservation — you board when one arrives at your stop.
- Most routes include audio commentary in multiple languages, either through headphones or a mobile app, so you learn about what you're seeing as you pass it.
Ticket types and how long they last
Big Bus offers tickets that are valid for one, two, or three consecutive calendar days. A one-day ticket lets you ride for 24 hours from the time you first board. A two-day ticket covers two calendar days, and a three-day ticket covers three calendar days. Once your ticket expires, you cannot board again unless you purchase another one.
Some cities also offer night tours or special routes as add-ons to your main ticket. These are separate purchases and do not extend your main ticket's validity. Check the Big Bus website for your specific city to see what add-ons are available.
Tickets are not transferable — they are tied to the person who purchases them. If you buy a ticket for someone else, they will need to show ID or proof of purchase when boarding.
Pricing and where to buy tickets
Ticket prices vary by city and change seasonally. London tickets, for example, cost more in summer than in winter. New York and Paris have their own separate pricing. Big Bus publishes current prices on its website for each city.
Buying online in advance is almost always cheaper than buying at a booth or on the bus. Online tickets are usually delivered as a mobile voucher or email confirmation that you show to the driver when boarding. Some cities let you print your ticket at home; others require you to show it on your phone.
If you purchase at a physical ticket booth in the city, you will pay a higher price and receive a paper ticket. Buying on the bus itself is the most expensive option and is only available if seats are available.
How the routes and stops work
Each city has one or more main routes, and some cities have additional themed routes. London, for instance, has a red route covering central London and a blue route covering other neighborhoods. Each route has 15 to 25 marked stops where you can board or exit.
Stops are located at major landmarks, museums, shopping areas, and transit hubs. A route map showing all stops is available on the Big Bus website and is also printed on your ticket. You can board at any stop — you do not need to start at a particular one.
Buses arrive at each stop on a regular schedule. During peak hours (usually mid-morning to early evening), buses may arrive every 15 to 20 minutes. During off-peak times, the interval may stretch to 30 minutes or longer. Big Bus publishes schedules for each city so you can plan when to be at a stop.
Audio commentary and what you hear
All Big Bus routes include recorded commentary about the landmarks, history, and neighborhoods you pass. Commentary is available in multiple languages — typically 10 to 15 languages depending on the city.
You receive commentary through headphones provided on the bus, or through the Big Bus mobile app if you prefer to use your own headphones. The app also works offline once downloaded, so you do not need mobile data to hear the commentary. You can switch languages at any time during your ride.
The commentary is pre-recorded, not live. It plays automatically as the bus moves along the route and stops at landmarks. If you want to skip commentary and just enjoy the views, you can remove your headphones or mute the app.
What to bring and what to expect on the bus
Bring comfortable clothing and sunscreen — the top deck is open to the air and offers no shade. In cold weather, bring a jacket. Sunglasses are useful for reducing glare. Bring water and snacks if you plan to stay on the bus for long stretches, though you can also exit at stops to buy food.
The buses are double-deckers with seating on both the open-air top deck and an enclosed lower deck. The top deck offers better views but less protection from weather. The lower deck is warmer in winter and drier in rain. Seats are first-come, first-served — there are no reservations.
Buses can get crowded during peak tourist season and peak hours. If a bus is full, the driver will not allow more passengers to board. You can wait for the next bus, which usually arrives within 15 to 30 minutes. Luggage and large backpacks are allowed but take up space, so traveling light is practical.
Accessibility and restrictions
The lower deck of Big Bus buses is wheelchair accessible, and elevators or ramps are available at most stops in major cities. However, the open-top upper deck is not accessible to wheelchair users. Service animals are permitted on the bus.
Children under a certain age may ride free or at a reduced rate depending on the city. Check the Big Bus website for your city's policy on children's tickets. Infants and very young children may sit on a parent's lap.
Bicycles, skateboards, and other large items are generally not permitted on the bus. Pets other than service animals are not allowed. Smoking and alcohol consumption are prohibited on all buses.
How Big Bus Tours compares to other sightseeing options
Big Bus is one of several hop-on, hop-off services in major cities. Competitors include Citysightseeing, Open Tour, and local operators. All work similarly — you buy a multi-day ticket and board at marked stops — but routes, prices, and commentary quality vary.
Walking tours are an alternative if you prefer a guide who can answer questions and take you into buildings. Walking tours are usually cheaper but cover less ground and require more physical stamina. Private car tours or taxis offer flexibility but cost significantly more.
Public transit (subway, bus, tram) is cheaper than Big Bus but requires you to navigate maps and plan your own route. Big Bus is designed for visitors who want structure, commentary, and the ability to see multiple neighborhoods without planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a seat in advance?
No. Big Bus operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You show your ticket to the driver when you board at any stop. If the bus is full, you wait for the next one. During quiet times, buses are rarely full, but during peak season and peak hours, you may need to wait one or two departures.
Can I use my ticket on multiple routes in the same city?
It depends on the city. Some cities have one main route; others have two or three. Your ticket usually covers all routes in that city, but check the Big Bus website for your specific location. Some add-on routes (like night tours) require a separate ticket.
What happens if it rains?
The lower deck is enclosed and protected. If you are on the upper deck when it rains, you can move downstairs or exit at the next stop and wait for another bus. Plastic ponchos are sometimes available for purchase on the bus, but bringing your own rain jacket is more practical.
Can I get off the bus and get back on later?
Yes. That is the entire point of hop-on, hop-off service. You can exit at any stop, spend an hour or a day exploring, and board another bus when you are ready. Your ticket remains valid for the full number of days you purchased, regardless of how much time you spend off the bus.
Is there a discount if I buy tickets for a group?
Big Bus sometimes offers group discounts for parties of 10 or more. Contact Big Bus directly or check the website for your city to see if group pricing is available and what the minimum group size is.