What Grayline and Starline Tours Are

Grayline and Starline are sightseeing tour operators that run bus and coach tours in major U.S. cities, primarily Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. Both companies offer guided tours of landmarks, natural attractions, and city neighborhoods. Grayline is the older brand, operating since 1926, while Starline operates as a separate company with its own fleet and routes. In some cities, the two brands operate independently; in others, they share ownership or booking systems.

These are not public transportation services — they are commercial tour companies. You book a specific tour in advance, pay per person, and travel with a guide and other tourists. Tours typically last from two to eight hours and include narration about the sites you visit. Some tours include admission to attractions; others are transportation and narration only.

Key Takeaways

  • Grayline and Starline are separate tour operators, though they may share ownership in some cities; booking through one does not automatically give you access to the other's tours.
  • You book tours directly through their websites or by phone, and prices vary by tour length, included attractions, and the city you are visiting.
  • Tours depart from specific locations (usually downtown hotels or visitor centers) at set times, so you must arrive early and be on time.
  • Cancellation policies and refund terms differ between the two companies and by tour type, so read the terms before you pay.
  • Both companies operate year-round in most cities, but some tours run seasonally or have reduced schedules in winter months.

How to Book a Grayline or Starline Tour

Visit the Grayline website (grayline.com) or Starline website (starlinetours.com) and select your city from the homepage. Each city has its own tour menu. You will see tour names, descriptions, duration, price per adult and child, and departure times. Click on a specific tour to see the full itinerary, what is included, pickup location, and cancellation policy.

Add the tour to your cart, enter the number of passengers and their ages (child pricing usually applies to ages 3–11), and proceed to checkout. You will need to provide your name, email, phone number, and payment method. Most tours require payment at the time of booking. After you complete the purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking reference number, tour details, and pickup instructions.

You can also call Grayline or Starline directly to book by phone. Phone numbers are listed on their websites by city. Booking by phone takes longer but may be useful if you have questions about a specific tour or need to arrange group rates.

What to Expect on Tour Day

Arrive at the pickup location 15 minutes before the departure time listed on your confirmation. Pickup locations are usually hotels, visitor centers, or designated street corners in downtown areas. Bring your confirmation email or booking reference number — you may need to show it to the driver or tour coordinator.

The tour will depart on time whether or not all passengers have arrived. If you are late, you may miss the tour and forfeit your payment. Once aboard, the driver or guide will give safety instructions and explain the tour route. Most tours include narration via a microphone or audio system, and some guides are more engaging than others — this varies by individual and tour.

Tours stop at major landmarks and viewpoints. Some stops are brief (5–10 minutes for photos); others are longer (30 minutes or more at museums or attractions). Restroom breaks are usually included on longer tours. Tours end at or near the original pickup location.

Pricing and What Is Included

Tour prices vary widely depending on the city, tour length, and what is included. A two-hour city overview tour in Las Vegas might cost $30–$50 per adult; a full-day tour with multiple stops and lunch could cost $100–$200 per adult. Child prices are typically 50–75% of adult prices. Prices are higher during peak tourist seasons (summer, holidays) and lower during off-season.

Read the tour description carefully to see what is included. Some tours include admission to attractions (museums, observation decks, natural parks); others include only transportation and narration. Some include meals or snacks; others do not. If admission is not included, you will pay separately at each stop. Gratuity for the guide is not included in the tour price and is typically given in cash at the end of the tour (standard is $2–$5 per person, though it is optional).

Cancellation and Refund Policies

Grayline and Starline have different cancellation policies, and policies vary by tour type and city. Most tours allow free cancellation if you cancel 24 hours before departure. If you cancel within 24 hours, you may lose your entire payment or receive a partial refund depending on the tour operator and tour type.

Check the cancellation policy on the tour details page before you book. If the tour is cancelled by the company (due to weather, low enrollment, or other reasons), you will be offered a refund or the option to reschedule. Bad weather does not always cancel a tour — read the policy to see what conditions trigger a cancellation.

If you need to cancel, log into your account on the Grayline or Starline website and cancel through your booking, or call the company directly. Do not assume an email or message will be processed — use the official cancellation method to may support your request is recorded.

Differences Between Grayline and Starline

Grayline is the larger and older brand, operating in more cities and offering a wider range of tours. Starline is smaller and operates primarily in Las Vegas and a few other major cities. In Las Vegas, both companies run extensive tour programs, and you can book either one independently.

The two companies do not share bookings or tours. If you book a Grayline tour, you cannot use that booking on a Starline tour, and vice versa. Prices, tour routes, and included attractions may differ between the two companies even for similar tours in the same city. Compare both companies' websites if you are deciding between them.

Customer reviews on travel websites like TripAdvisor and Google often mention specific guides or tour quality. Read recent reviews for the specific tour you are considering, as experience can vary by individual guide and tour date.

Special Tours and Group Bookings

Both Grayline and Starline offer specialized tours beyond basic city sightseeing. These include Grand Canyon tours (from Las Vegas), Hoover Dam tours, night tours with dinner, and tours focused on specific themes like history or natural scenery. Prices for these tours are higher than standard city tours and may require a full day or overnight travel.

If you are traveling with a group of 10 or more people, both companies offer group rates. Contact the company directly by phone to request a group quote. You will need to provide the number of people, preferred tour date, and any special requests. Group bookings typically require a deposit and have different cancellation terms than individual bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance or can I buy a ticket on the day of the tour?

Most tours require advance booking through the website or phone. Same-day tickets are sometimes available but are not may provide, especially during peak season. Booking in advance ensures your spot and locks in the price. If you want to book same-day, call the company directly to check availability.

What if I miss my tour departure?

If you arrive after the tour departs, you will not be able to join it. Most companies do not refund missed tours. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid this. If you know you will be late, call the tour operator when ready to see if they can hold the tour or reschedule you.

Are meals included in the tour price?

It depends on the specific tour. Some full-day tours include lunch or snacks; most half-day tours do not. The tour description will state what meals or snacks are included. If meals are not included, you will have time to purchase food at stops, though prices at tourist locations are usually higher than elsewhere.

Can I bring children on the tours?

Yes. Most tours welcome children and offer reduced pricing for ages 3–11. Children under 3 are often free. Some tours are better suited to children than others — check the tour description or call ahead if you have questions about whether a specific tour is appropriate for your child's age.

What happens if the weather is bad on tour day?

Tours operate in light rain and mild weather. Heavy rain, snow, extreme heat, or severe storms may cause cancellation. Check the cancellation policy to see what weather conditions trigger a refund or reschedule option. If a tour is cancelled, the company will contact you by email or phone with your options.