New York City, often called NYC or simply New York, is one of the most vibrant and populated cities in the United States.
The city is renowned for its iconic landmarks and attractions that can be visited on hop-on hop-off New York tours.
The attractions include the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, Wall Street, Broadway theaters, Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and many more.
New York Hop-on Hop-off tour is a popular sightseeing option for visitors to explore the city at their own pace.
The sightseeing HOHO bus tour offers multiple routes, each covering different areas or themes of the city. It allows visitors to choose the route that aligns with their interests or explore specific neighborhoods in more detail.
Its iconic landmarks, cultural institutions, diverse neighborhoods, and bustling atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.
This article shares everything you should know before buying your New York hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets.
Top New York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours Ticket
# Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
# Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
# Empire State, Statue of Liberty, & Big Bus Tour Combo
Why choose Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tour in New York
The sightseeing HOHO bus tour is a popular way to explore and uncover the sights and attractions of New York City.
The New York hop-on hop-off tour allows you to hop on and off the bus at various stops throughout the city, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
The tour offers multiple routes covering different city parts, including Downtown, Uptown, and Brooklyn Loops.
You can hop off the bus at any stop to explore the nearby attractions and then hop back on the next available bus to continue your journey. This allows you to spend more time at the places that interest you the most.
The tour covers iconic landmarks and attractions, including Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, and many more.
On hop-on hop-off buses in New York, you can access informative and entertaining live commentary from knowledgeable guides.
You can choose between 24-hour, 48-hour, or multi-day passes, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.
You’ll have panoramic views of the city’s iconic sights as you ride the HOHO bus.
Where to buy tickets for New York Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
You can purchase tickets for the hop-on hop-off New York online, the place where the bus tour starts (the main station), or each of the individual bus stops.
However, booking your tickets online is recommended to save the hassle of lining up and wasting time.
Additionally, online tickets are cheaper than what you will pay at the bus stops or the main station.
Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.
Go to the New York hop-on hop-off tour booking page, select your preferred date and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email.
Best Hop-on Hop-off bus tours in New York
New York offers many kinds of sightseeing bus tours, and we have handpicked three of our favorites for you.
Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
Explore the city that never sleeps through an open-top sightseeing bus.
Take in the city’s most famous landmarks, like Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and more, by hopping on and off as you choose.
Immerse yourself in the incredible energy of Midtown and Downtown Manhattan while you hear the fascinating history and interesting facts with the included audio commentary.
Experience the thrill of the street with an included 1-hour bike rental.
Buses run every 15-20 minutes.
Choose from the below ticket options:
Ticket Prices
24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket on the Downtown Loop Only
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$60
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$50
24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket on the Uptown & Downtown Loops
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$80
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$70
48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket on the Uptown & Downtown Loops
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$100
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$90
24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket and Statue of Liberty Cruise
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$100
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$90
24-Hour Ticket + Statue of Liberty + Empire State Building
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$109
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$99
New York City: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
A hop-on hop-off bus tour of New York City lets you see the city’s greatest attractions.
You can access the most famous tourist attractions and landmarks with a live guide and 14 stops throughout the city.
Enjoy panoramic views from the open-top deck of the skyline of NYC and stop at major landmarks, including Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, the 9/11 Memorial, and many more.
View the sparkling lights of the city at night.
Visitors will have access to a high-quality live audio commentary, giving you a general overview of the sights.
Remember to bring your passport.
Ticket Prices
1-Day Downtown Route Pass
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$60
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$50
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free
1-Day Uptown and Downtown Routes Pass
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$80
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$70
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free
Empire State, Statue of Liberty, & Big Bus Tour Combo
This combo ticket includes a hop-on hop-off bus tour, admission to the Empire State Building, and round-trip ferries to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, allowing you to see the finest of New York City.
Ride along two distinct hop-on hop-off routes on the Downtown and Uptown Routes and hop off at sights like Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and the Empire State.
Visitors can benefit from a live bus-tracking app so that they always know when the next bus will arrive, and they can also tune in to pre-recorded commentary during the tour to learn more about the history of each location.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$109
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$99
Exploring New York City’s top attractions
Exploring top attractions on a HOHO bus tour of New York City can be a convenient and efficient way to see the city.
Here are some of the must-visit attractions that are covered on your hop-on hop-off New York tour.
Times Square
Marvel at this iconic landmark’s dazzling lights, massive billboards, and vibrant atmosphere.
This iconic “Crossroads of the World” is a vibrant hub of entertainment, shopping, and bright neon lights.
Empire State Building
One of the most famous landmarks in NYC, this skyscraper offers stunning city views from its observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Take a ferry ride to Liberty Island and Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close.
These landmarks symbolize freedom and offer historical insights into New York City’s immigration history.
Central Park
Hop off the bus and explore the vast green oasis in the middle of the city.
Rent a bike, stroll, or visit famous spots like the Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo.
Museum Mile
Visit the world-renowned museums along Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), the Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of the City of New York.
Brooklyn Bridge
Hop off the bus near the Brooklyn Bridge and walk across this iconic suspension bridge. Enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial, featuring reflecting pools built on the site of the former World Trade Center towers.
Consider visiting the 9/11 Museum for a deeper understanding of the tragic events.
These are just a few attractions you can visit on a sightseeing HOHO bus tour in New York City.
Benefits of Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
The New York hop-on hop-off tour offers several benefits for tourists exploring the city.
Here are some of the advantages of getting on a hop-on hop-off bus in New York:
Flexibility
The HOHO tour allows you to explore the city quickly. You can choose which stops to get off at, spend as much time as you want at each location, and then hop back on the bus when ready to move on.
Convenience
Hop-on hop-off bus tours provide a convenient mode of transportation for exploring New York City.
You can easily hop on and off the buses at designated stops throughout the city, making navigating and visiting various attractions hassle-free.
Comprehensive coverage
The sightseeing bus tours typically cover many popular attractions and landmarks in New York City.
These may include Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and many more.
Informative commentary
Most hop-on hop-off New York bus tours provide informative commentary through pre-recorded audio or live guides.
As you ride the bus, you’ll learn interesting facts, historical tidbits, and stories about the different neighborhoods and landmarks you pass by, enhancing your overall knowledge and understanding of the city.
Easy transportation
New York City can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors.
The hop-on hop-off buses offer a convenient mode of transportation, ensuring you can reach popular destinations without worrying about directions, traffic, or parking.
The buses run on a fixed schedule, making it easy to plan your day and hop aboard whenever you’re ready.
Cost effective
For travelers on a budget or those who want to maximize their time, the New York sightseeing bus tour can be cost-effective.
The ticket allows unlimited rides for a specified period, often 24 or 48 hours, allowing you to explore multiple attractions without purchasing individual tickets for each location.
Additionally, it can save you money on transportation costs as well.
Panoramic views
The open-top design of the HOHO buses offers excellent panoramic views of the city’s skyline, landmarks, and streets.
You can enjoy the sights from a unique vantage point, perfect for capturing memorable photos and experiencing the vibrant energy of New York City.
Easy accessibility
Hop-on hop-off buses in New York are designed to be tourist-friendly, with easily identifiable stops and clear route maps.
The buses operate frequently, ensuring you don’t have to wait long for the next bus to arrive.
Onboard amenities
Hop-on hop-off New York buses may offer additional amenities to enhance your experience.
These can include free Wi-Fi, onboard restrooms, and sometimes complimentary snacks or beverages, providing comfort and convenience during your tour.
These benefits collectively make the New York hop-on hop-off bus tour attractive to tourists.
Tips for a memorable Hop-On Hop-Off experience in NY
When planning a hop-on hop-off bus tour in New York City, these insider tips can help you have a memorable experience.
Plan your itinerary
Before starting your tour, list the attractions you want to visit and plan your itinerary accordingly. Check the bus routes and schedules to ensure you can cover all the places you want to see within the time frame of your ticket.
Start early
To avoid crowds and make the most of your day, start your tour early in the morning when the buses are less crowded. You’ll have a better chance of getting a good seat on the top deck for better views and photo opportunities.
Stay flexible
The beauty of sightseeing bus tours is that you can explore at your own pace. If you find an interesting attraction, spend more time there and catch the next bus. Be aware of the bus frequencies to avoid long waits.
Bring essentials
Prepare for a day of sightseeing by bringing essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and a refillable water bottle. NYC can be hot and sunny during summer, so staying hydrated and protected from the sun is crucial.
Use the audio guide
Most hop-on hop-off buses in New York offer audio commentary in multiple languages. Take advantage of this feature to learn interesting facts and stories about the landmarks you pass by. It enhances the overall experience and gives you a better understanding of the city’s history.
Use buses as transportation
Besides the hop-on and hop-off feature, the buses can be used as a convenient mode of transport between attractions. Instead of waiting for the next designated bus, you can hop on a bus passing by your current location to save time and cover more ground.
Sit on the top deck
If weather permits, choose a seat on the top deck of the bus for the best views. This will allow you to enjoy panoramic views of the city’s skyline, iconic landmarks, and bustling streets.
Use earphones
Bring your earphones or headphones to plug into the bus’s audio system. This way, you can have a better listening experience without distractions from the surrounding noise.
Stay hydrated and bring snacks
New York City sightseeing can be tiring, so remember to stay hydrated throughout the day. Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks to energize yourself during the tour.
Explore neighborhoods
While the main attractions are worth visiting, feel free to venture into the neighborhoods you pass through. Get off the bus at interesting stops and explore the local streets, shops, and restaurants.
Enjoy the views
Finally, remember to sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of New York City from the top deck of the bus. Take many photos, soak in the iconic skyline, and create lasting memories.
FAQs about New York Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour
Here are some questions travelers usually ask before taking a New York hop-on hop-off bus tour.
The duration of a typical hop-on hop-off bus tour in New York City can vary depending on the tour company and your specific ticket options.
Most bus tour companies offer tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours.
You have the flexibility to hop on and off the bus at various stops for the duration of your ticket.
During the validity period, you can explore the city at your own pace, spending as much time as you like at each stop before boarding the next bus.
A full tour loop without hopping off takes one hour to 90 minutes.
Here are a few main attractions covered on New York hop-on hop-off bus tour:
Times Square
Empire State Building
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Central Park
Museum Mile
Brooklyn Bridge
9/11 Memorial and Museum, and more
Yes, the hop-on hop-off bus tour in New York City offers different routes, allowing you to explore various parts of the city.
The routes cover major attractions, landmarks, and neighborhoods.
The exact bus tour routes may vary depending on your chosen tour operator.
When you purchase a New York hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket, you can switch between the available routes within a specific duration.
This will enable you to explore different parts of the city and spend more time at the attractions that interest you.
The frequency of the buses is every 15-30 minutes on the New York hop-on hop-off bus tour.
The first Downtown tour of the day departs at 9.30 am the last tour departs at 4.30 pm.
The first Uptown tour departs at 10 am and the last at 4 pm.
Yes, you can buy hop-on hop-off New York bus tour tickets online in advance; you can select your desired date and purchase tickets.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is useful during peak tourist seasons when tours can sell out quickly.
Moreover, purchasing your ticket online can save time and avoid disappointment on the tour day. This also allows you to secure your spot and plan your itinerary.
The pre-recorded audio commentary is available in multiple languages on New York hop-on, hop-off tour buses.
When you board the bus, you are provided with headphones and an audio guide system.
The audio guide offers recorded commentary that provides information about the landmarks and attractions you pass along the route.
Yes, with a hop-on hop-off bus tour in New York City, you can get off the bus at any stop, explore the area at your own pace, and then catch another bus later to continue your tour.
This feature makes hop-on hop-off bus tours popular among tourists who want to customize their itinerary and spend more time at specific attractions.
Yes, New York hop-on hop-off tour buses are wheelchair accessible.
Tour operators have made efforts to ensure accessibility for individuals with mobility needs.
These buses have features such as ramps or lifts to facilitate boarding and disembarking for wheelchair users.
Yes, the New York hop-on hop-off bus tour can be a transportation option to get around the city.
The main advantage of a hop-on hop-off bus tour is that you can get on and off at any designated stop throughout the day.
The buses generally run at regular intervals, so you won’t have to wait too long for the next one to arrive.
While the hop-on hop-off bus tour can be a convenient transportation option, it might not be the most efficient way to get around if you have a tight schedule or need to reach specific destinations quickly.
Most New York hop-on hop-off bus operators restrict luggage and large bags, prioritizing passenger comfort and safety.
Typically, these buses offer limited storage for small bags and hand luggage in overhead compartments or under seats.
However, larger suitcases or bulky items are generally not permitted onboard. Specific policies may vary among operators.
Some New York hop-on hop-off bus tours may offer additional activities and guided walking tours as part of their package.
These extra features can enhance your sightseeing experience and provide a more in-depth exploration of specific areas or attractions.
We recommend checking the details and inclusions of the specific tour package to see if any guided walking tours or additional activities are offered.
New York hop-on hop-off bus tours offer both single-day passes and multi-day options to accommodate different preferences and itineraries.
The availability and pricing of single-day and multi-day passes may vary depending on the tour operator.