In a nutshell
- There are four hop-on hop-off providers in New York — but only two of them are really worth your time and money.
- Our top pick is Big Bus Tours New York with three great routes through the city and solid value for money.
- Good to know: Hop-on hop-off tours in New York are pricier than in most European cities — tickets start at around 55 euros, because sightseeing in NYC simply costs more.
What You Need to Know About Hop-on Hop-off in New York
New York City is huge and packed with attractions – so a hop-on hop-off bus tour sounds like the perfect way to explore the city at a relaxed pace.
There are four hop-on hop-off providers in New York. Two of them are worth recommending, while you can skip the other two. The reasons include ugly legal disputes, aggressive sales tactics, and sometimes chaotic operations.
The recommended providers are Big Bus Tours and TopView Sightseeing – the main operators in New York.
Both have faced plenty of criticism themselves, but they still offer solid options, including great tours through Downtown and Uptown Manhattan.
These highlights are within reach
- Times Square
- Empire State Building
- Wall Street
- One World Trade Center
- Ferry to the Statue of Liberty
- Chinatown
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Rockefeller Center with Top of the Rock
- Central Park
- Museum Mile with many New York museums
- Harlem
Good to know: During peak season, boarding at intermediate stops can be tricky. Many people just get on at the starting point and ride the full route — about two hours — from beginning to end.
Our Recommendation: Big Bus New York
If you want to do hop-on hop-off in New York, go with Big Bus Tours.
Big Bus Tours offers three routes and a Night Tour that cover all of the city’s major attractions:
- Downtown Loop (Red Route)
- Uptown Loop (Blue Route)
- Brooklyn Loop (Green Route)
With one ticket, you can hop on and off flexibly whenever you like. The onboard audio guides keep you entertained with interesting facts about New York throughout the ride.
You can choose between a 24-hour ticket starting at €55, a 48-hour ticket starting at €75, and a 72-hour ticket starting at €92.
- 24-hour ticket valid for: Downtown Loop (Red Route)
- 48-hour ticket valid for: Downtown & Uptown Loop (Red & Blue Route) + discount on bike rental + free Butterbeer ice cream at the Harry Potter Store
- 72-hour ticket valid for: Downtown & Uptown & Brooklyn Loop (Red & Blue & Green Route) + discount on bike rental + guided tour of DUMBO + free Butterbeer ice cream at the Harry Potter Store
Pros:
- Most reliable provider in New York
- Flexible hop-on hop-off at more than 30 stops
- Audio guides in multiple languages
- Tickets valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours
- Additional Night Tours & boat rides available (separate tickets required)
- Cool extras with the 48-hour & 72-hour ticket
- Ideal for relaxed sightseeing
- Discounts for children & seniors
Cons:
- Buses can get crowded — this is the most popular tour in New York
Book Big Bus Tours New York Hop-on Hop-off Ticket
Please note: Hop-on hop-off tickets do not include admission to the attractions in New York! You can purchase entrance tickets for the highlights online in advance or on-site.
New York Hop-on Hop-off Providers at a Glance
In New York, there are two solid providers for hop-on hop-off tours. Here’s how they compare:
| Big Bus Tours | TopView Sightseeing | |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 24h, 48h & 72h | 24h & 48h |
| Prices | 24h = approx. $55 48h = approx. $75 72h = approx. $92 | 24h = approx. $60 48h = approx. $70 |
| Children free | Up to 5 years | Up to 3 years |
| Citypass discount | New York Pass Explorer Pass | - |
| Routes | 3 routes (+ Night Tour) | 3 routes |
| Stops | 13 (Red Route/Downtown) 13 (Blue Route/Uptown) 7 (Green Route/Brooklyn) 13 (Night Tour) | 15 (Downtown) 13 (Uptown) 7 (Brooklyn) |
| Frequency | 15–30 minutes | 20–30 minutes |
| Operating hours | 9 AM–6 PM (8 PM Night Tour) | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Audio guide / Live | DE & EN + Live in English (Red & Blue Route) | DE & EN |
| Buy now | Buy now |
Combo Tickets: Combine Hop-on Hop-off New York with Attractions
With our top pick, Big Bus Tours, you have the option to book some really great combo tickets that can actually save you money.
The tickets combine 48 hours of hop-on hop-off either
- with the Empire State Building (86th floor) – You save about €25!
- or with the Empire State Building & the ferry to the Statue of Liberty – You save about €20!
Important: You select your preferred option during the booking process.
Book Hop-on Hop-off New York Combo Ticket Online
Hop-on Hop-off in New York: Our Experience
We used the hop-on hop-off bus through our New York Pass. Redeeming it was simple: at the main starting point in front of the large M&M Store on 7th Avenue, we just showed our pass and we were off.
The audio guide is available in five different languages, and the commentary was genuinely interesting and easy to follow for kids too.
We grabbed seats up top for the best views. But even on a sunny 73°F day, it was surprisingly chilly up there. With a sweatshirt on, it was perfectly comfortable — so make sure to bring a layer.
The bus moved slowly through heavy traffic. If you’re short on time, you might want to use other forms of transportation for certain stretches. That said, the view from the top deck is seriously more impressive than from the New York subway.
If you want to ride the full route and hop off at the highlights, plan on setting aside a full day for it.
What we loved most was sitting a few feet above the crowds and experiencing the city from a whole new perspective. No stress with traffic lights or navigating with Google Maps – just sit back and enjoy. Times Square and many other landmarks felt completely different seen from up top.
We would definitely use the hop-on hop-off bus in New York again!
That said, we’d say the best hop-on hop-off NYC bus tour experience is really in the warmer months. From December through February it’s simply too cold to sit up top in the open air. Sitting downstairs usually isn’t worth it either, since the windows are sometimes covered with decals and you lose that open view.
Our Verdict on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus in New York
If you want to explore New York by hop-on hop-off bus, Big Bus Tours is the best option.
The three routes cover all of the city’s major attractions and give you a completely new perspective on New York.
The bus does move slowly in heavy traffic, but that’s exactly what makes it such a relaxed sightseeing experience. If it ever feels like it’s taking too long, the stops are spread out so well that you can jump off at any time and continue on foot or by subway.
Along the way you can tune into the audio guide, and on the red and blue routes (Downtown & Uptown) there are occasionally even live commentaries about the sights — though not continuously.
Bottom line: The best hop-on hop-off New York experience is with Big Bus Tours — you explore the city at a relaxed pace, and the price is fair for what you get.
Book Big Bus Tours New York Hop-on Hop-off Ticket
And don’t overlook the combo ticket for 48 hours of hop-on hop-off + Empire State Building. You save about €25 with that one!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hop-on Hop-off in New York
How much does a hop-on hop-off bus in New York cost?
How long does one full loop on the hop-on hop-off bus in New York take?
It depends on the route, traffic, and the operator — but you can generally expect one to two hours if you stay on board the whole time.
Should I buy my hop-on hop-off ticket in advance?
Yes! We strongly recommend booking your New York hop-on hop-off bus ticket online before you go.
Online tickets are usually cheaper than at the stop, and you skip the ticket line entirely — which saves you real time in New York.
Bonus: having all your tickets sorted in advance makes planning your days so much easier.
Is the Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour in New York wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour in New York is largely accessible.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to reach the upper deck in a wheelchair.
Also, not all stops are fully accessible — some curbs or street conditions could be challenging. Worth keeping in mind when planning your route.
Is hop-on hop-off in New York suitable for families with kids?
Totally! A hop-on hop-off tour in New York with kids is a great way to explore the city without the stress.
You and the kids won’t be as overwhelmed by the hustle of the city, and you can take in the sights at your own pace. The audio guides are kid-friendly too.
The one downside can be the sometimes lengthy ride times between stops.
Our tip: Pick a route with family-friendly stops — like Central Park.
How much luggage can I bring on the hop-on hop-off bus in New York?
Small backpacks, handbags, and shopping bags are fine. Bulky luggage like suitcases and large travel bags is not permitted on board.
Strollers must be foldable. For New York, we’d recommend a travel stroller anyway.
Are hop-on hop-off buses included in a New York Pass?
Yes. The hop-on hop-off tours through New York are included in these passes:
Are there alternatives to the hop-on hop-off bus in New York?
Absolutely! New York boat tours are a fantastic alternative.
They don’t take you through the middle of the city, but they give you a seriously stunning perspective on Manhattan from the water.
