Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off San Francisco Bus Tours: Prices, Routes & FAQs
By Of course! Here’s your complete guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus Tours in San Francisco — including prices, routes, and handy FAQs. San Francisco’s hills, neighborhoods, and waterfronts are best explored with a combo of riding and walking — and HOHO buses are the perfect way to link it all together without the parking headache.
🌉 Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off San Francisco Bus Tours
1. Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Price: ~$59 (Classic 1-Day), ~$79 (Premium 2-Day), ~$99 (Deluxe 2-Day + Night Tour + Alcatraz add-on)
- Routes: Red Loop (City Tour) + optional Night Tour
- Highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, Union Square
- Map: Big Bus SF Map
- Extras: Free mobile app, multilingual audio guide, free Wi-Fi
- Best For: First-timers covering city + bridge views
2. City Sightseeing San Francisco
- Price: ~$55 (1-Day), ~$70 (2-Day), ~$90 (All Loops + Night Tour)
- Routes: Downtown Loop + Golden Gate Park Loop + Sausalito Tour (ferry extra)
- Highlights: Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, Lombard Street, Sausalito (optional)
- Tip: Includes some combo packages with walking tours
3. Alcatraz Combo + Big Bus Tour
- Price: ~$129–$139
- Includes: 1-Day HOHO Bus + Alcatraz Island ferry and admission
- Best For: Those wanting both land and sea in one day
- Warning: Sells out weeks in advance — book early!
4. GetYourGuide San Francisco HOHO Tour
- Price: ~$59
- Route: Similar to Big Bus
- Includes: 1-Day Pass + Optional Night Tour add-on
- Best For: Flexible online booking with good cancellation policies
5. Gray Line San Francisco Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Price: ~$50
- Type: Replica cable-car-style open-air bus
- Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill
- Tip: A charming vintage look vs typical double-decker buses
6. Go City San Francisco Pass (Includes HOHO)
- Price: ~$109 (1-Day), ~$159 (2-Day)
- Includes: HOHO Bus + 25+ attractions (Aquarium, Exploratorium, Muir Woods tour options)
- Great For: Travelers wanting to bundle multiple tours and attractions
7. Night Tour of San Francisco (Not Hop-Off)
- Price: ~$49
- Route: Fixed loop
- Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, Treasure Island skyline views, Bay Bridge lights
- Tip: Bring a jacket — it gets cold at night, even in summer!
8. Sausalito Tour Upgrade (City Sightseeing)
- Price: ~$15 extra
- Route: Includes Sausalito town visit via HOHO bus
- Highlights: Bay views, boutiques, waterfront restaurants
- Best For: Extra leisure time outside San Francisco
9. Tiqets Combo: HOHO Bus + Bay Cruise
- Price: ~$89
- Includes: 1-Day HOHO + 1-hour cruise under Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz
- Great For: Mixing road and water sightseeing easily
10. Fisherman’s Wharf Express HOHO (Short Tour)
- Price: ~$35–$40
- Route: Limited to Wharf, Marina, Presidio
- Duration: ~60 minutes
- Best For: Travelers short on time who want key waterfront highlights
🗺️ Typical HOHO Bus Stop Highlights in San Francisco
| Key Stops | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Fisherman’s Wharf | Pier 39, Sea Lions, Ghirardelli Square |
| Union Square | Shopping, hotels, restaurants |
| Chinatown Gate | Dragon Gate, markets, bakeries |
| North Beach | Little Italy, Coit Tower |
| Golden Gate Bridge | Vista Point photo ops |
| Golden Gate Park | Museums, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers |
| Haight-Ashbury | Hippie culture, vintage shops |
| Civic Center | City Hall, Opera House, Asian Art Museum |
❓FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off San Francisco
✅ Is the HOHO bus worth it in San Francisco?
Yes, especially for first-time visitors! With the city’s steep hills and spread-out sights, a HOHO pass makes it super easy to see everything without worrying about steep walks or expensive Ubers.
📍 Where do most tours start?
Usually at Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square — both are major tourist hubs.
🕒 How long does the full loop take?
- Around 2 hours without getting off
- Buses usually run 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes depending on traffic
🎧 Do buses have live guides?
Most offer recorded audio in multiple languages via headphones, but some Night Tours feature live guides narrating the city’s history.
🎟️ How flexible are the tickets?
Many are valid for up to 12 months after purchase if unused — check when you buy.
📶 Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes! Most HOHO companies in San Francisco offer ADA-compliant buses with ramps and designated seating.
Would you like me to help you build a full-day self-guided tour around the HOHO stops (with lunch/dinner suggestions)? 🚎🍽️
Also, if you want, I can generate a Google Map with all the bus stops, major attractions, and a few hidden gems!
Let me know! 🌉✨
