Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Boston Bus Tours: Prices, Routes & FAQs
By Absolutely! Here’s your detailed guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus Tours in Boston, including up-to-date prices, routes, and FAQs. Boston is a super walkable city with deep roots in U.S. history — and HOHO tours are a great way to combine comfort and sightseeing without missing the iconic landmarks.
Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Boston Bus Tours
1. Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston (Most Popular)
- Price: ~$52 (Adult), ~$31 (Child 4–12), FREE (Under 4)
- Route: 14 stops
- Highlights: Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, USS Constitution, Harvard Square (with optional upgrade)
- Duration: 1.75 hours (without getting off)
- Map: Official Route Map
- Extras: Live guide on every trolley, money-back guarantee
- Best For: First-time visitors, family-friendly
2. CityView Trolley Tours
- Price: ~$44 (Adult), ~$25 (Child)
- Route: 9 stops
- Highlights: Boston Harbor, TD Garden, Paul Revere House, North End
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Tip: Smaller company, often less crowded
- Best For: Budget-friendly and quick overview of the city
3. Boston Duck Tours (Land + Water)
- Price: ~$53 (Adult), ~$38 (Child 3–11), ~$18 (Infant)
- Not HOHO, but worth mentioning!
- Route: Amphibious vehicle through city + splash into Charles River
- Highlights: State House, Boston Common, Back Bay, Fenway, River Cruise views
- Duration: 80 minutes
- Departs From: Museum of Science, Prudential Center, New England Aquarium
- Best For: Unique perspective and fun ride, especially with kids
4. Big Bus Boston – Classic Loop (Seasonal)
- Price: ~$47 (1-Day), ~$58 (2-Day)
- Route: Red Loop
- Highlights: Boston Common, Old State House, Quincy Market, Beacon Hill
- Availability: Seasonal (usually April–November)
- Includes: Audio commentary, mobile app
- Best For: Summer and fall visits
5. Go City Boston All-Inclusive Pass (Includes HOHO Option)
- Price: ~$104 (1-Day), ~$154 (2-Day)
- Includes: Old Town Trolley Tour + 40+ attractions (Fenway Tour, Freedom Trail Walk, New England Aquarium)
- Great For: Visitors who want a bundle of activities
- Tip: Use the HOHO tour early in the day to get your money’s worth
6. Tiqets Combo: Trolley + Museum Entry
- Price: ~$65–$80 depending on add-ons
- Includes: Old Town Trolley + Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum or Museum of Science
- Best For: History buffs and families
7. GetYourGuide HOHO Pass + Optional Cruise
- Price: ~$55 (HOHO only), ~$70+ with cruise
- Includes: 1-Day HOHO pass with optional 45-minute Boston Harbor cruise
- Best For: Those wanting water views + landmark access
8. Freedom Trail Trolley Tour (Narrated + HOHO)
- Price: ~$45 (Adult)
- Route: Focused on Freedom Trail landmarks
- Highlights: Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Granary Burying Ground
- Best For: American history lovers who want context along the way
9. Boston Sightseeing Day Pass (HOHO + More)
- Price: ~$94 (1-Day)
- Includes: HOHO tour + Skywalk Observatory (if reopened), Historic Walking Tours
- Availability: Check seasonal attractions
- Best For: Travelers short on time but high on ambition
10. HOHO + Whale Watching Combo
- Price: ~$105+
- Includes: 1-Day HOHO Pass + 3–4 hour Boston Harbor Whale Watch Tour
- Departs From: Long Wharf (near Faneuil Hall)
- Best For: Nature lovers and families visiting in spring/summer
🗺️ Main Stops on Boston HOHO Tours
| Key Stops | Notable Sights Nearby |
|---|---|
| Boston Common | Start of Freedom Trail, Public Garden |
| Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market | Food hall, shopping, street performers |
| USS Constitution | Historic Navy ship, Bunker Hill Monument |
| Boston Tea Party Museum | Interactive exhibits, waterfront views |
| New England Aquarium | Harbor views, whale watch departures |
| North End / Paul Revere House | Italian food, Old North Church |
| Copley Square | Trinity Church, Boston Public Library |
| Harvard Square (Add-on) | Harvard Yard, bookstores, college town vibe |
❓FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off Boston
✅ Is a HOHO bus worth it in Boston?
Definitely, especially if you’re short on time or want to explore the city without worrying about public transport or parking. Boston is very walkable, but this gives you structure and flexibility.
🕒 How long is the full loop?
Around 1.75 hours without hopping off (Old Town Trolley). You can ride all day with unlimited hop-offs.
📍 Where should I start?
Most routes begin at Boston Common (Stop #1) or Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, but you can board at any designated stop.
🎧 Are the tours guided?
Yes! Most trolleys have live guides sharing stories and history along the way. Some also include pre-recorded audio commentary.
📶 Do they offer mobile apps or maps?
Yes — companies like Old Town Trolley and Big Bus have interactive apps with live GPS trolley tracking.
📅 When do HOHO buses operate?
Generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with frequency every 15–20 minutes. Seasonal adjustments apply in winter.
Would you like me to help you pick the best one for your trip, or create a Google Map with all the stops, attractions, and food recs nearby?
Just say the word!
