In a nutshell
- There are two hop-on/hop-off providers in Los Angeles. In this article, we compare prices, routes, stops, and much more so you can pick the right one.
- Short on time? Our top pick is the Starline Hop-on/Hop-off Bus — more routes, great price, and tickets straight to your phone.
- At the end, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the Los Angeles hop-on hop-off bus.
What you should know about hop-on/hop-off providers in L.A.
In Los Angeles there are two hop-on/hop-off bus providers: Big Bus and Starline.
Both offer two routes, one through Hollywood and the other along the beach through Santa Monica. The routes and stops are nearly identical. With either provider, you can use all lines as long as your ticket is valid.
The biggest difference between the two providers is that Starline has an additional line running through Downtown Los Angeles.
In short, you really can’t go wrong with either Los Angeles hop-on hop-off option. But let’s take a closer look at both of them now.
Highlights on the Hollywood Route
Some of the top attractions in Los Angeles are located along the Hollywood Route. Here are the highlights you won’t want to miss:
- TCL Chinese Theatre
- Walk of Fame
- Hollywood Bowl
- LACMA Museum
- La Brea Tar Pits
- Paramount Studios
Highlights on the Santa Monica Route
Santa Monica is one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles and an absolute standout. The Santa Monica Route has fewer stops than the Hollywood Route — that’s because many of them are right on the beach, where you’ll want to linger a lot longer than a quick photo stop.
If you’d like to spend even more time in Santa Monica, you’ll find some great hotels near the beach in our Los Angeles hotel tips.
These are the must-sees on the Santa Monica Route:
- Santa Monica Pier
- Venice Beach
- Venice Beach Skatepark
Our recommendation: Starline Hop-on/Hop-off Bus
If we have to choose between the two LA sightseeing bus options, we’d go with Starline. Here’s why:
- You get one more route to choose from. Starline offers three lines, whereas Big Bus only offers two.
- You receive your voucher conveniently on your smartphone — just show the driver the QR code and you’re good to go.
- Starline’s 24-hour ticket is more affordable, making it the better deal if you’re short on time.
Book your Starline Hop-on/Hop-off Bus ticket
Hop-on/Hop-off providers in Los Angeles at a glance
Want a quick overview of both Los Angeles hop-on hop-off options? This table gives you all the key info in one comparison.
| Starline | Big Bus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price for 24h | 57 USD | 57 USD |
| Price for 48h | 72 USD | 64 USD |
| Discount for children | free up to age 2, discount from 3 to 11 | free up to age 2, discount from 3 to 12 |
| Citypass discount | none | included in all City Passes |
| Routes | 3 routes Hollywood (red), Santa Monica (yellow), Downtown (purple) | 2 routes Hollywood (red), Santa Monica (blue) |
| Route map | View map | View map |
| Stops | red line: 13 yellow line: 13 purple line: 15 | red line: 13 blue line: 5 |
| Frequency | red line: 45 min yellow line: 45 min purple line: 45 to 60 min | red line: 30 to 45 min blue line: 30 to 75 min |
| Operating hours | red line: 10:00 AM–6:30 PM yellow line: 9:30 AM–6:23 PM purple line: 8:30 AM–5:35 PM | red line: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM blue line: 10:15 AM–4:45 PM |
| Audio guide | German and English | English only |
| Buy now | Buy now |
Our verdict on hop-on/hop-off buses in L.A.
Exploring Los Angeles on a hop-on hop-off bus tour is seriously worth it — you get to see a huge amount of the city in a short time while keeping the flexibility to explore at your own pace. And the best part? You don’t have to wrestle with L.A.’s public transit system at all.
Of the two providers, we recommend Starline. They offer more routes and a more affordable 24-hour ticket — more than enough for a great day of sightseeing.
You have three routes to choose from, and you can easily cover two of them in a single day. We’d go with Hollywood and Santa Monica.
Buy your Starline Hop-on/Hop-off Bus ticket
Frequently asked questions about hop-on/hop-off providers in Los Angeles
Is a hop-on/hop-off bus tour in Los Angeles worth it?
Absolutely! The hop-on hop-off bus in Los Angeles lets you see a huge amount of the city in very little time — it’s perfect if your schedule is tight.
You also skip the headache of figuring out LA’s public transportation. The bus takes you straight to all the major highlights, and buying your ticket is super easy. It’ll save you a ton of stress!
Should I buy my hop-on/hop-off ticket in advance?
We’d definitely recommend booking online ahead of time. It’s quick, easy, and you’ll skip the line at the booth.
Your ticket arrives instantly on your smartphone — just show the driver your QR code and you’re on.
That said, tickets are also available at booths near the Dolby Theatre and directly on the buses if you prefer to buy on the day.
Is the hop-on/hop-off bus in Los Angeles wheelchair accessible?
Yes, you can use the hop-on hop-off bus in Los Angeles with a wheelchair — but only the lower level of the double-decker buses is accessible.
The providers recommend calling one day in advance to make sure the buses are properly equipped for your visit.
Is the hop-on/hop-off bus in Los Angeles good for families with kids?
It’s honestly one of the most stress-free ways to explore LA with kids. You’re flexible, the little ones don’t have to walk long distances, and there’s always something interesting rolling past the window.
We’d suggest hopping off every now and then so the kids stay engaged.
The experience works best for children ages three and up — for younger kids, it’s probably not worth it. Both providers offer discounted children’s tickets.
Are there alternatives to the hop-on/hop-off bus in L.A.?
Los Angeles is simply too spread out to explore on foot.
LA’s public transportation network is actually pretty well developed — but as a visitor, you’ll need some time to figure it out, and working out the right ticket can be a bit of a puzzle.
The hop-on hop-off bus costs more than public transit, but honestly, the convenience and simplicity are well worth it.
Can I bring luggage on the hop-on/hop-off bus?
No — luggage isn’t allowed on hop-on/hop-off buses, as space is simply too limited.
We’d advise against it anyway. Since you’ll be hopping on and off multiple times throughout the day, a suitcase will only slow you down.
Are the hop-on/hop-off buses included in the L.A. city passes?
Yes, both GoCity passes include a 24-hour Big Bus ticket. You can find more details in our Los Angeles CityPass comparison.
