What Big Bus Tours Is
Big Bus Tours is a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing company that operates double-decker buses in major cities around the world. You buy a ticket for a set number of days, board at any stop along the route, get off wherever you want, and can reboard on any bus that follows. The buses run fixed loops through tourist areas, and you hear narration about landmarks as you travel — either through a recorded audio guide or a live guide, depending on the city and ticket type.
The company operates in cities including London, New York, Paris, Barcelona, Las Vegas, and others. Each city has its own route map, ticket prices, and bus frequency. Big Bus is not a private charter service — you share the bus with other tourists, and schedules are published in advance.
Key Takeaways
- Big Bus Tours tickets are sold by the day (usually 24, 48, or 72 hours) and let you board and exit at any stop on the published route as many times as you want during that period.
- You can buy tickets online before your trip or at physical ticket booths in the city, though online prices are often lower and you avoid waiting in line.
- Buses run on a set schedule with stops every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the city and time of day, so you do not need a reservation — just show up at a stop.
- Most Big Bus routes include bonus features like walking tours, river cruises, or museum entry, depending on which ticket tier you choose.
- The narration is pre-recorded on most routes, though some cities offer live guides on certain buses or at a higher price.
How to Buy a Ticket
You can purchase Big Bus Tours tickets through the official Big Bus website, which shows all available cities and current prices. Select your city, choose your ticket duration (24, 48, or 72 hours are the standard options), and pick your start date. The website will show you the price for that combination and let you pay by credit card or other online payment methods.
Tickets bought online are usually cheaper than tickets bought at a physical booth in the city. You will receive a confirmation email with a ticket code or a mobile ticket you can show on your phone when you board. Some cities also let you buy tickets at hotels, visitor centers, or directly from the bus driver, though availability and pricing vary.
The ticket clock starts when you first board a bus, not when you purchase. So if you buy a 24-hour ticket on Monday afternoon but do not board until Tuesday morning, your 24 hours begins on Tuesday.
Where Buses Stop and How Often They Run
Each city has a main route with numbered stops marked by Big Bus signage. You can board at any stop — you do not need to start at a specific location. The company publishes a route map showing all stops, which you can find on their website or pick up at any stop.
Bus frequency depends on the city and season. In peak tourist season, buses may arrive every 15 to 20 minutes at popular stops. In off-season, the wait can stretch to 30 to 45 minutes. The website for each city shows typical wait times, though actual times vary based on traffic and the day of the week.
Most routes run from early morning (around 8 or 9 a.m.) until early evening (around 5 or 6 p.m.), though some cities have extended hours during summer. Check the specific city's schedule before you travel, because hours change seasonally.
What Happens When You Board
When a bus arrives at your stop, show your ticket code (on your phone or printed) to the driver or conductor. They will scan it or note it down, and you board. There is no assigned seating — you sit where you find a spot. The upper deck of the double-decker bus is open-air in most cities and offers better views, though it can be cold or rainy depending on weather.
Once aboard, you can listen to the narration through a personal audio guide (usually a headset you receive when you board) or through speakers if you are on a live-guide bus. The audio guide is typically available in multiple languages. You can stay on the bus for the entire loop, which usually takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and the city, or exit at any stop along the way.
If you exit at a stop, you can explore that area and reboard any Big Bus that arrives later. Your ticket remains valid for the full duration you purchased, so you can get on and off as many times as you want.
Included Perks and Add-Ons
Most Big Bus tickets include more than just the bus ride. Common add-ons vary by city but often include a walking tour of a specific neighborhood, a river cruise, or entry to a museum or attraction. The exact perks depend on which ticket tier you purchase — a basic ticket might include just the bus, while a premium ticket includes multiple bonus features.
The website for each city lists what is included with each ticket level. Walking tours and cruises usually have set departure times, so you need to plan your day around those schedules. Museum or attraction entry is typically valid for a set number of days after your purchase.
Some cities offer add-on packages you can buy separately if you want a feature not included in your ticket — for example, a skip-the-line museum pass or an evening pub crawl. These are optional and cost extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy a ticket when I arrive?
You can do either. Buying online in advance is usually cheaper and faster. If you wait until you arrive, you can buy at a ticket booth at any major stop, but prices are higher and you may wait 15 to 30 minutes in line, especially during peak season.
What if I miss a bus or want to get off early?
You can exit at any stop and reboard the next bus that arrives. Your ticket is valid for the full duration you purchased, so you do not lose time if you get off. If you want to end your tour early, straightforward do not reboard — your ticket expires at the end of the time period you bought, whether you use all of it or not.
Are children charged full price?
Most cities offer reduced prices for children under a certain age (usually 5 to 15, depending on the city). Some children under 5 ride free. Check the pricing page for your specific city, as rates vary.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Buses run in most weather conditions. The upper deck has a roof overhang but is not fully enclosed, so rain and cold can make it uncomfortable. You can move to the lower deck, which is fully enclosed. If severe weather closes the route, the company typically extends your ticket by one day or offers a refund.
Can I use my ticket on different days or does it have to be consecutive?
Tickets are consecutive — a 48-hour ticket runs for 48 hours straight from when you first board. You cannot split it across multiple days. Plan your tour route knowing your time is continuous.