San Francisco: 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus + Bay Cruise
San Francisco: 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus + Bay Cruise
San Francisco: 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus + Bay Cruise
Explore San Francisco’s top landmarks with a hop-on, hop-off Big Bus ticket and relax on a 1-hour cruise along the Bay. Includes views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf, plus audio commentary in 7 languages.
From
Highlights
Create your perfect San Francisco itinerary with the flexibility of a hop-on hop-off bus tour, giving you unlimited access to 16 convenient stops throughout the city. Your ticket allows you to board and disembark as often as you like, so you can spend more time at the landmarks that inspire you—whether it’s the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, vibrant Union Square, historic Haight-Ashbury, or winding Lombard Street.
The route includes must-see sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island (viewed from the shore), and more. For an unforgettable upgrade to your sightseeing experience, hop off at Pier 39 and board a scenic bay cruise. Glide past the city’s striking skyline, sail beneath the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, and enjoy a multilingual audio guide that reveals the history, legends, and natural beauty of San Francisco Bay. This combo is perfect for travelers seeking both land and sea adventures in one iconic city.
- Flexible Sightseeing: Hop on and off at 16 stops to explore top attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and Haight-Ashbury.
- Iconic Views: See Lombard Street and Alcatraz Island from the comfort of the open-top bus.
- Scenic Bay Cruise: Sail from Pier 39 for stunning views of the skyline, bridges, and historic waterfront.
- Audio Commentary: Learn about San Francisco’s rich history on land and water through guided audio tours.
Itinerary
1-Day Pass: Explore San Francisco by Open-Top Bus (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Every 15 minutes)
Stop 1 – Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket IncludedStart your journey here and receive any support you need before setting out across the city.Stop 2 – North Beach / Chinatown
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeExperience a blend of San Francisco’s Italian and Chinese heritage in this bustling neighborhood.Stop 3 – Embarcadero Center
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeVisit a mix of shops, dining, and waterfront views along the city's eastern edge.Stop 4 – Ferry Building
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeExplore artisan food markets and waterfront cafés in this historic landmark.Stop 5 – Union Square South
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeDiscover top-tier shopping and iconic theaters in one of the city's busiest hubs.Stop 6 – Hilton Hotel / Redemption Center
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeCentral hotel pickup and support location with easy access to major stops.Stop 7 – Civic Center
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeView San Francisco’s grand government buildings and public art installations.Stop 8 – Alamo Square
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeCapture a classic photo of the Painted Ladies with the city skyline in the backdrop.Stop 9 – Haight Ashbury
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeRelive the Summer of Love in this iconic, bohemian district filled with vintage shops.Stop 10 – Golden Gate Park (Mon–Sat)
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeEnjoy lush greenery, museums, and serene walking paths.Stop 100 – Golden Gate Park (Sun & Holidays)
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeAlternate park access point on weekends and public holidays.Stop 11 – North Vista Point / Golden Gate Bridge
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeTake breathtaking photos and walk across one of the world’s most iconic bridges.Stop 12 – Palace of Fine Arts
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeMarvel at Greco-Roman architecture and stroll nearby waterfront paths.Stop 13 – Marina / Cow Hollow
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeRelax in a trendy neighborhood with boutique shops and cafés.Stop 14 – Lombard Street
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeCheck out the world’s most crooked street, beautifully landscaped and camera-ready.Stop 15 – Pier 35 / Cruise Terminal
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeAccess cruise ship docks and enjoy oceanfront walkways.Stop 16 – Pier 39
Hop-On/Hop-OffAdmission Ticket FreeShop, dine, and visit the sea lions in one of San Francisco’s most visited spots.- Important NotesHop-on, hop-off access is valid for 1 calendar day from first use.Red Route service operates 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every 15 minutes.Audio guide commentary is available in 7 languages on the bus and boat.
Scenic 1-Hour Boat Ride from Pier 39
Bay Cruise
1 hourAdmission Ticket IncludedBoard a 1-hour narrated boat tour from Pier 39. Glide under the Golden Gate Bridge and past Alcatraz Island while learning about the Bay Area's history and natural environment through an included multilingual audio guide.- Important NotesBay Cruise departs from Pier 39; check availability and arrive early.
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Customer reviews
Additional information
Main Redemption Point:
- Stop #1 – Big Bus Visitors' Center
- Address: 99 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133 (corner of Jefferson & Mason Streets)
Alternate Redemption:
- At any of the 16 bus stops with a Big Bus staff member
Start Time:
- First bus departs at 10:00 AM
- Last departure at 6:00 PM
Bay Cruise Departure:
- Hop off at Pier 39 to board the 1-hour Bay Cruise
End Point:
- Flexible – rejoin or leave the tour at any stop
- Tours run daily, year-round
- Buses run every 15 minutes
- Cruise duration: ~1 hour, departs from Pier 39
- Live GPS tracking available via free Big Bus app
- Golden Gate Park has different stops on Sundays/holidays
- No restrooms onboard buses
- No alcohol or food permitted on buses (except sealed drinks)
- Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
- Multilingual audio commentary included (7 languages)
- Cruise narration in English
- Most travelers can participate
- Child Ticket: Ages 3–12
- Infants (0–2): Free, no ticket required
- All passengers under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
- Folded strollers must be stowed on the lower deck
- Weather-appropriate clothing (especially for breezy top deck or cruise)
- Headphones (optional; complimentary pair provided)
- Camera for iconic Golden Gate and skyline views
- Some buses are wheelchair accessible (lower deck only)
- Please contact at least 48 hours in advance for ADA vehicle arrangements
- Upper deck not accessible for passengers with limited mobility
- Strollers and wheelchairs must be folded on buses
- Cruise is accessible to most travelers
- Your booking will be confirmed instantly.
- Mobile or printed voucher accepted
- Show to Big Bus staff at any stop or at Visitors’ Center
- No pre-booking of time slots required
- Cancel ≥ 2 days before for a full refund
- No refund if cancelled within 48 hours
- Redeem at Stop #1 or any hop-on point with a Big Bus staff member
- Show smartphone voucher or printed version
- Headphones provided onboard, or use your own wired pair
- Download the free Big Bus App for live bus tracking and audio commentary
Location
Provider
Big Bus USA
Frequently asked questions
USD 68.40
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