open top bus tours plymouth

Plymouth has a new open-top sightseeing bus tour

The Ocean City Sights tours begin in time for Easter and there are exclusive offers for passengers at numerous shops and restaurants

• 05:00, 6 APR 2019

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A new open top sightseeing bus tour around Plymouth’s beautiful waterfront and historic city centre launches today – and passengers will be able to save cash with exclusive offers at businesses on the route.

Plymouth Citybus launches its Ocean City Sights “hop on, hop off” tours exploring the best of Britain’s Ocean City today - Saturday, April 6.

All-day tickets enable people to enjoy a host of exclusive offers along the way, as they hop on and off as many times as they like.

The buses will pick up at stops along the new route every 30 minutes during peak times.

Plymouth Citybus has worked with businesses to provide the exclusive offers to Ocean City Sights passengers when they present their ticket at attractions, eateries and shops.

These offers include 10% off admission to the National Marine Aquarium, two for one on the entire menu at the Treasury bar and restaurant and free child entry to the Mayflower Museum.

All the offers available are listed on the website: www.oceancitysights.co.uk

The first Ocean City Sights stop is Royal Parade, heading to the Barbican and driving along the historic Hoe foreshore before reaching Millbay and Royal William Yard.

All the offers on the new Ocean City Sights open-top bus route

Two for one at the Treasury (on everything)

Two for one at Rockets and Rascals

10% off entry to the National Marine Aquarium

Free entry to the Mayflower Museum

20% off at Bills

Tea and cake for £4 at Column Bakehouse

15% off river cruises at Plymouth Boat Trips

10% off at Cath Kidson when you spend £35

10% off at Salumi

20% off Made for You Gifts

10% off art at the Kaya Gallery

Full day bike hire for £10 (down from £15) at Rockets and Rascals

10% off food at Kapadokya

10% off non-alcoholic drinks at the Mad Merchant Coffee House

Priority rates at No1 Currency

Free Travel Mastercard with every flight booking at STA Travel

It then travels along Union Street, up to the Railway Station and the University of Plymouth, near to where the city’s new groundbreaking heritage attraction The Box is being built.

The last stretch of the journey sees the bus turn into Mayflower Street and through the city centre’s West End before returning back to Royal Parade. Passengers can begin their journey at any stop they prefer.

For the past few months engineers at the Citybus HQ in Milehouse have been busy creating the Ocean City Sights buses, with the attractive blue livery complementing a comfortable interior and seating.

The top deck has a covered section as well open air seating so passengers can take advantage of the views whatever the weather.

Mark Collins, head of commercial and marketing at Plymouth Citybus, said: “There’s so much to show off in Plymouth and we hope that Ocean City Sights will capture the best of Britain’s Ocean City.

“We are also extremely keen to promote local businesses and attractions along the route and can offer passengers exclusive offers they won’t get anywhere else - all included in the price of a ticket.

If you want to read more about Citybus...

“We’re launching just in time for the Easter holidays and can’t wait to see our new buses on the road.”

Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for children and concessions. A £15 family ticket is available for groups of five people with a maximum of two adults.

For more information on the route, timetable, tickets and offers please visit oceancitysights.co.uk and follow the Facebook and Twitter pages for news on new offers.

To keep up to date with Plymouth Live's latest news, follow us on Facebook here and Twitter here , or visit our homepage at www.plymouthlive.com

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The route and timings for Plymouth Argyle's boat parade and open top bus tour

• West Country
• Plymouth Argyle
• Thursday 4 May 2023 at 10:55am

Plymouth Argyle is set to celebrate its return to the Championship for the first time since 2010 by holding a parade "with a difference" - as the team will be setting off on yachts.

The Pilgrims sealed promotion from League One on Saturday 29 April. Owner Simon Hallett told ITV News West Country he was "overcome with emotion" at the final whistle.

The team will join fans to celebrate the achievement and recognise the support of the Green Army throughout the season during a parade on on Monday 8 May.

The squad and staff will climb aboard four Princess Yachts and depart Mayflower Marina bound for the Barbican at 11am. They will pass past Royal William Yard and Plymouth Hoe along the way. The club says it will be a chance to also celebrate the natural beauty of Plymouth Sound.

The yachts will arrive at the Barbican landing stage before the players and staff will head on to three open-top buses to tour the city.

The parade will begin around midday and will take a route to Home Park.

Fans will be able to follow the route:

Start: Barbican Landing Stage

Madeira Road

Grand Parade

West Hoe Road

Notte Street

Kinterbury Street

Royal Parade

Union Street

Western Approach

Saltash Road

Outland Road

End: Home Park

Buses are set to arrive at Home Park at around 12.30pm. 

The Portcullis Legals Lyndhurst Road Stand will be open for supporters to show their appreciation and interviews will be conducted with staff and players.

Food and drink kiosks will be open for supporters.

Every part of the parade is free to attend.

The club is encouraging fans to line themselves along the full parade route, waving scarves and flags to show support.

The full schedule:

11am: Squad and management depart Mayflower Marina

11.45am: Squad and management arrive at Barbican landing stage

Midday: Squad, management and staff depart Barbican landing stage on open-top buses

12-12.30pm: Open-top bus parade

12.30pm: Arrive at Home Park Stadium

1pm: On-pitch activity – interviews with management and players

1.30pm: Celebrations conclude

Why families and holidaymakers are loving Devon's open-top bus tours

There's no better way to visit activities and attractions in the county than by open-top bus

• 09:35, 13 AUG 2021

Are you a Devonian looking for a great family day out? Or maybe you’ve chosen Devon as your perfect holiday destination and you want a way to take in the tourist attractions?

Families and holidaymakers are discovering there's no better way to visit activities and attractions in the county than by open-top bus.

Wherever you’re staying in the South West, give one of Stagecoach's four open-top bus experiences a try.

It’s a great day out for the whole family, and a fun way to explore the many places of interest in the beautiful Westcountry.

To get you in the mood for some open-top fun, we’ve detailed where the four buses go and highlighted some fun things to do along the routes. And don't forget to give us a wave as you go past!

Take the hassle out of your holiday

Whether you’re a local searching for days out with the kids or someone enjoying a staycation in the county, there’s a huge amount across Devon to keep all ages entertained.

But the thought of queuing in packed car parks, and sitting in traffic jams to head to our perfect mini-break is enough to put anyone off.

So why not let Stagecoach take the hassle out of your summer holiday in Devon.

Each open-top bus stops off at a number of much-visit destinations so you’ll never be short of things to do and places to go.

And with the great value day tickets, you can hop on and hop off to visit all of the attractions on your route.

Plus there are discounts galore for great family days out with Stagecoach Rewards .

Just the ticket: 21 top places to visit

The best news is all of the routes stop at or nearby Devon’s popular holiday parks so you can visit the beach or take in other nearby activities.

So what are you waiting for? Sit back, relax and let Stagecoach get you there and back.

The Hop 122 buses (Babbacombe - St Marychurch - Torquay Harbour - Paignton)

Popular places on the route: Splashdown Quaywest, Babbacombe Model Village, Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Cliff Railway, Bygones, and Torquay Museum

Frequency: Every 30 minutes, seven days a week

Popular tickets: Dayrider; £3.50 for a child or £5 for an adult. If you’re out with family or friends; grab the group ticket for £10 for up to five people travelling together.

The 95 buses (Sandy Bay - Littleham - Exmouth Sea Front - Exmouth Town Centre)

Popular places on the route: Exmouth Leisure Centre, World of Country Life, and Exmouth Sea Front

Popular tickets: Explorer; £5.50 for a child or £8.30 for an adult. If you’re out with family or friends; grab the group ticket for £16.60 for up to five people travelling together.

NORTH DEVON

The 21C buses (Barnstaple - Braunton - Saunton - Croyde)

Popular places on the route: Braunton, Barnstaple town centre, Saunton Sands, Croyde, and Croyde Bay Beach

Frequency: Every 60 minutes, seven days a week

Popular tickets: Dayrider; £3.10 for a child or £4.80 for an adult. If you’re out with family or friends; grab the group ticket for £9.60 for up to five people travelling together.

The Hop 222 buses (Dawlish Warren - Dawlish - Teignmouth)

Popular places on the route: Teignmouth Town Beach, Teignmouth River Beach, Teignmouth Grand Pier, Teignmouth Pavilions, Teign Heritage Museum, Dawlish Warren beach, and Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve

Back to bus

So whether you’re heading into the town for a day of shopping or lunch, or you’re looking to visit a model village or waterpark, Stagecoach can't wait to welcome you back to bus.

For more information about services, visit the website or email [email protected]

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P.C.T.P.G FROM MILEHOUSE TO BURRINGTON WAY

PART 1: THE PLYMOUTH BUS CLUB 1967 - 1978

We take a look back at how Plymouth City Transport Preservation Group has grown through the years, from starting out in the tramshed of Milehouse, plymouth citybus depot in July 2006, to Colebrook, Central Park, and now at our current base in Burrington way.

 But first a look back at how Plymouth's bus enthusiasts have enjoyed their passion through the decades.

It all started with a Plymouth Railway Circle bus tour "Ghost Tram" in July 1967 organised by Roy Sambourne

From this Eric Honey who worked for the Co-operative put together a couple of trips with Tony Masters, who was a traffic inspector with Plymouth corporation under the name of "The cooperative society".

 The Plymouth Bus Club officially began from these outings. Eric Honey, Terry Whittard and Mervin Kendall established the group in 1969. A group meeting room was shared with the Plymouth model railway club in the attic of the co-operative society building in North rd east.

 Plymouth's first preservation project started with the acquisition of ex Plymouth 1946 PD1 CJY 299 "89" (this amazing survivor will appear more than once in this historical piece. now owned by mike Bojanitz and restored for a 3rd time.) Found in London being used as workers transport for Clarnico, a sweet manufacturer. It was brought back to Winkleigh to be restored. Seen below at an open day being used as catering point. 

 With restoration complete its home was at the co op depot in Recreation rd, Beacon park. Seen here with new coat of corporation red and cream. 89 saw regular outings for club trips like a bus rally in Home park car park and a city tour, parked at the Mayflower steps. Several steam traction engine rallies were attended. Weymouth bus rally was also attended one year, with members sleeping on the bus due to the distance and speed of 89.

The bus club existed in an interesting time for Plymouth transport, with the half cab era coming to an end. They were being replaced by Leyland Atlanteans and Leyland Nationals. There were many opportunities for farewell tours like the highbridge,JJY 516 fleet number 16 on 24th May 1970 seen below at Compton tram sheds, still intact.  Then the last PD2 tour 17th feb 1974 with OCO 521 number 120 and OCO 511 number 111, seen here in Bretonside station

Unfortunately in 1973 89 had a major engine failure on the way to a bus rally in Exeter. it was returned to Winkleigh for repairs, that ended up with a replacement engine and which would see it stay there until 1979.

In the meantime the club continued with hiring buses of interest. One such outing was a preview of P.C.T newly converted open toppers tour of south east Cornwall ending at Looe with WJY 758 (which we own and will restored to this era)

 3 PDR1s 158 159 160 had been converted and painted in bright yellow & white for a new summer route to Bovisand 

​ DARTMOOR RIVERS TOUR SUNDAY 16TH MAY 1976

The objective of this tour was to circumnavigate the edge of Plymouth, crossing as many river as possible.

 358 MCO 658 pct's then 20year old open top pd2/12 titan was hired by the Plymouth Bus Club.

 Departing Bretonside bus station 358 headed out along Exeter st and over the river Plym at Laira , passing the now long gone Western National depot.

 On reaching the Elburton Hotel our route took us left along Sherford Rd (now the expanding Sherford community) but then narrow country lanes over to Plympton via Voss farm and over the By-pass at what is now Language industrial park and power station. Making our way towards Hemerdon over the main railway line. At the time the last western Diesel hydraulics were being taken over by Class 50's. Negotiating some low trees, we rejoined the 58/59 scenic circular route at West Park Hill, heading down to Newnham rd. Making the sharp right turn into the B3417 heading up to Lee Moor via Torycombe. This route having been abandoned from network in 1975 with the 60 to Lee Moor and Shaugh Prior replaced by 58/59 circular via Sparkwell and Cornwood. 358 continued up to Torycombe, unrecognizable today with the landscape scarred by the Tungsten mine. After photos at Lee Moor village, we continued along the old road through the china clay tips and onto Cadover bridge. Having crossed the River Plym again and passing over the River Meavy at Gratton bridge we arrived at Yelverton. Then taking the long climb up to Princetown, passing the source of the river Meavy along the way. 

 A lunchbreak was taken in Princetown and a chance of a natter. Amongst those present were your vice chairman Paul Burch, our treasurer, then 15 years old and a 3 year old webmaster.

 Taking the Western National route 113 towards Tavistock, crossing the river Walkham at Merrivale and the river Tavy in Tavistock, where photos were taken in the old configured bus Station. On now to Horrabridge and crossing the river Walkham again. Taking the back road up to Walkhampton, onto Dousland and Burrator to the terminus near Norsworthy bridge at the far end of the lake. After photos 358 returned to Yelverton via Meavy and the very narrow Meavy lane. This had been added to the network the year before on 8th June 1975 with the circular route 56/56A, using PDR1 218 219 220 FJY918E - FJY920E. These were converted to one operation for the 55 - 56 -61 group. Carrying onto Crapstone and Milton Combe, turning in the old way at the top of the road down to Milton Combe and then in the new turning circle built for the one man Atlanteans. Heading back to Plymouth via the Rock Shelter and A386 to Roborough. Then there was no by-pass, no Believer and everthing had to go through the single lane road of Robrough village. Unknown to everyone on board, 358 turned right in the village and headed out along Tamerton lane towards Tamerton Foliot. this would be the road into the industrial estate now, but then a country lane not on any bus route and collecting alot of leaves and tree parts along the way. From Tamerton we headed out to Tamerton Foliot railway station, long since closed (noted to be the least used station in the country!!)

 With the very low trees and everyone taking cover between the seats, 358 managed to turn around in the forecourt. The station building then as now used as a nature centre and the upstairs used by an elderly lady who looked after scores of cats. A club trip would return to the station in the 80's but with a much more suitable vehicle, more of that in another edition.

 After Tamerton, Bull point and Saltash passage were visited. Photos with Western National service 6 then run with Bristol Lodekka FLFs. Heading up Normandy hill still as steep and narrow now as then. The last stop was to be around the Barbican and West Hoe Tinside pool, meeting up with the last sea front circular journey of the day for photos. The service that day being run by Atlantean 158, which is still owned within P.C.T.P.G and awaiting restoration. So we will recreate this photo sometime.

This article acknowledges the article from The Plymouth Bus Club magazine "buses west" May /June 1976 aswell as reminiscences of the author Philip Heseltine.

358 photo at Horrabridge, Burrator norsworthy bridge terminus, Burrator Dam and Meavy lane, (how p.c.t thought this was a good route for a service??!!)

TOURS FROM 1976 - 78

SUNDAY 26TH FEB 1976  AN68 TOUR TO DARTMOUTH AND TORBAY

This took place the day after our 6th annual evening dinner held at the Elfordleigh hotel. As at the evening before AN68 89 GDR 214N was chosen for the tour, as it had the same fleet number as club bus PD1 89 CJY 299.

 The route taken followed the 93 route through the South Hams to Kingsbridge and onto Dartmouth. 89 was taken carefully onto the higher ferry in Dartmouth (Paul Burch seen in the photo guiding 89 off the ferry)  , the final destination was the Devon General Newton rd depot, but not before stopping at Kingswear, Brixham and Paignton. (my camera packed up at this point P. Heseltine) On arrival at Newton rd depot, we were given a short tour of Torquay in ex Exeter Corporation Guy Arab IV 256 UFJ 296 with Park Royal bodywork. Still in the Western National fleet, it retained its Exeter Corporation green and cream livery.

 For those on the tour it was an opportunity to have an access all areas look around the depot. In 1976 there were still a few buses still in cherry red and ivory livery, then almost phased out by the NBC poppy red livery

 In addition to the numerous Atlanteans and AEC reliances, there were a few withdrawn AEC Regent 5s dating from 1963 with MCW front loading door bodywork. They were parked in the field behind the depot, manly in the tradional Cherry red/ ivory livery, but a few had been painted into the NBC poppy red livery despite being at the end of their working life.

SUNDAY 20TH MARCH 1977 

SILVER JUBILEE TOUR

A group of PBC members undertook a tour of Plymouth in Leyland Atlantean PDR2 252 MCO 252H which had at the beginning of the year been painted into red white and silver livery for the Queens silver jubilee later in the year. Starting as usual from Milehouse and then Bretonside bus station to pick up members.

 The route followed the the 8 out through Laira narrows and up Pike rd to Manifold gardens for a photo stop.

 Carrying on to Torridge way and down Efford lane. The next part of the route took 252 up the one way road from Lipson vale and left onto Lipson hill clearing the turn with inches to spare!!

The next part of the tour took us to Heybrook bay and then to Wembury point H.M.S Cambridge via the narrow Gabber Lane, passing a articulated vehicle carring hay bails. other destinations on the route were Eggbuckland, Fort Austin, Tamerton Foliot, Wanstead Grove and Tamar way (now long gone under the A38 Parkway)

SUNDAY 17TH APRIL 1977

Cornish independents tour

Our next tour was to visit several Cornish independent bus operators. Using the latest delivered AN68 104 LTK104R.

 With just enough time to inspect 85 GDR 210N, just out shopped in the revised livery with cream extended around the drivers windscreen.

 Heading down through Cornwall from Saltash, Liskeard, Bodmin, Indian Queens and Redruth (having taken a wrong turn for Cambourne). The first stop was Troon and Grenville motors, a regular purchaser of ex Plymouth transport buses. Present on this day were ex P.C.T PD2/12 "Orion" MCW highbridge bodied Leylands, 52 LCO852 and 60 MCO660. 60 clearly already out of service, missing its engine and radiator. Having failed in Penryn, now keeping 52 running. An inspection of the interior of 52 showed how utilitarian it was, with single skinned panels upstairs and very angular window frames. The next stop was Penzance for a lunch break with very little to see except a Bristol VR 1082 GTA52N on a service 517 from St Ives. The garage at wheerydown had many ex Maidstone Altlanteans and new to Western National Leyland Nationals. 

 Our next garge stop was of Richardson's, trading as Flora motors in Helston. There were several withdrawn buses here, including 55 MCO655 which was leaning against a former East Midland lowbridge Atlantean which was full of hay. 55 was little better with missing windows replaced with hardboard and piled up with old seats. Other vehicles of interest was an ex East Kent full fronted Regent v PFN844, an ex Glasgow Atlantean with an Albion badge DGE314C, and ex Sunderland corporation Leyland Panther with a stylish Strachan dual door body. No visit to Helston would be complete without visiting the old Western National depot. seen here were a few relatively new Bristol VRs and around the back (its always worth walking round the back of a garage) were two un-rebuilt Royal Blue MWs still in traditional blue and cream. 2248/ 9         615/6 DDV. Considering that most of these MWs had been converted to Dual purpose vehicles for local work or sold to south Wales transport, these were a very rare find. Also in the depot was ex Devon general AEC Reliance CCT19C, ex Leyland Leopard 29 115CUF. Bristol VR 1071 BFJ171L with unusual seat coverings incorporating the NBC double N logo. Devon General "sea dog" Atlantean 926GTA "sir Francis Drake" was present sporting its removeable roof. 

 Following a brief visit to Grenville's Penryn depot the next stop was at Roselyn's Par depot. Still resident were ex Maidstone Regent Vs, a city of Oxford Bridgemaster, ex Exeter PD2 15 HFJ142. From here we returned direct to Plymouth.

Sunday 3rd July

Silver jubilee tour to 7th weymouth bus rally.

The 7th Weymouth bus rally gave us the opportunity to take 252 MCO252H. The only occasion we took a PDR2 on a long distance tour. With a pit stop at Honiton to pick up members no longer living in the local area. The decent of Haldon Hill with gears knocked into neutral by Eric "oxo" Beveridge is something members present will not forget in a hurry!!

SUNDAY 12TH MARCH 1978

Moorland and coastal tour.

Plymouth Bus Club's final organized outing was "The dartmoor and coastal tour" using the newest bus inthe fleet at the time, AN68 120 OCO120S which had only been in service for 1 month. As 12th March coincided with a major network change including city circular 45/46 replacing the old 25/25A  26 and 49. Without time to set PCB on the blind whilst sat at Shakespear rd, 108 OCO108S pulled up along side 120 heading towards Estover on the first 45 service. After photos, it made us a little late at Crownhill to pick up a dozen trainee officers from RNEC Manadon, who had been invited along by my late father Jimmy who would've been teaching them, to see the beauty of Dartmoor and the English Riviera.

 Plymouth City Transport had designs on operating the "Transmoor Link" on its inception 1976, instead of Western National, so this view taken of 120 by the Warren House inn between Princetown and Moretonhamstead  is a what might of been shot. Plymouth Citybus would take over this service in the late 80's. After Moretonhamstead we continued through Chudleigh to Exeter and on down to Starcross, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torquay, Paignton and Dartmouth via the higher ferry, Kingsbridge and back to Plymouth by 18.00

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Exmoor Coaster

One of the uk’s most spectacular open top bus rides, combining the wild beauty of the exmoor national park and the seaside harbour of lynmouth..

With the traditional seaside resort of Minehead at one end, and the traditional fishing village of Lymouth at the other end, the Exmoor Coaster links seaside towns across the dramatic moorland, traversing the insanely steep Porlock Hill as it climbs between coast and moor.

In the high summer the route continues up into the Victorian town of Lynton and through more spectacular scenery to Combe Martin, Watermouth Bay and Illfracombe. 

What's en-route?

Exmoor National Park

West Somerset Railway

Dunster, Yarn Market

Dunster Castle and Watermill

Butlin's Minehead Resort

Dovery Manor Museum

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Lynmouth National Park Centre

Lyn Model Railway

Hoburne Blue Anchor Holiday Park

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

The Rambler's Rest Tea Room

Lynton and Barnstaple Railway

Greencombe Gardens

Exmoor County Gate

Whitstone Post View Point

Dunster Steep

Hoburne Holiday Park Blue Anchor

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For all our ticket options, go to  busesofsomerset.co.uk  or get the First Bus app.

Make the most of the £2 single fare cap, and take an Adventure By Bus for less!

English National Concessionary Travel Passes Accepted

When Do We Run?

Click here to view the 2024 timetable.

In case of disruption, where can I find travel updates? We always strive to provide an efficient and reliable service but inevitably, there are unavoidable situations which may affect your adventure.  Please check our dedicated Facebook Page  for the most up to date Adventure travel news.

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Getting there.

Porlock, Doverhay Car Park, TA24 8QR Minehead, Station Car Park, TA24 5AE Watchet, Anchor St Car Park, TA23 0AZ

Taunton Rail Station

Service 28 Quantock Line

OPEN TOP BUS HIRE

Experience amazing panoramic views from the top deck of our open top London bus as we drive around taking in everything from landmarks and historic sights to the rolling hills of the regions countryside.

If inclement weather arrives or is forecast on the day of hire we will substitute the open top bus (at no extra cost) for one of our standard closed top Routemaster buses.  Subject to availability.

The lower deck is completely watertight with 28 seats, so if your party consists of fewer than 28 then everyone is guaranteed a dry seat should the heavens open, however we know some people don’t mind getting wet (in fact it sometimes adds to the fun) so we are happy to go with your bad weather contingency plan at the time of booking.

If you are looking for a unique way to travel, with our open top London bus you will stand out from the crowd. The bus  is available for hire between April and September. ​

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Review: The Big Bus Tour in New York City

I absolutely loved the Big Bus Tour in New York City. It’s the best way to go sightseeing in an open-top, hop-on hop-off, top-rated tour and explore the best New York attractions !

If this is your first-time visiting New York and you want to see all the top landmarks, this double-decker tour bus will take you there.

The Big Bus Tour in New York

You may be wondering if a hop-on hop-off bus is worth it. Absolutely, yes!

If you consider the time and money spent on transportation costs, waiting for buses, navigating the subway (which can be confusing for visitors), and getting from one point of interest to another, it is worth every dollar!

I had a great visit to New York City on Big Bus Tour. My goal was to show the city to some friends from Italy who were visiting the US for the first time.

Since we only had about two days to spend together, the hop-on hop-off was undoubtedly the best decision.

From our experience, we’ll answer commonly asked questions about the Hop-on Hop-off bus while visiting New York City.

Google Reviews

Why take the big bus tour in new york.

While seeing New York from the open-top deck of the double-decker bus, the city unfolded block by block with panoramic views from every angle.

As we traveled through the streets, the sights were unobstructed and new visual backdrops were revealed.

The towering skyscrapers and colorful billboards filled the air with excitement and as the cityscape continued to change, it gave a grand feeling to the experience.

I especially enjoyed being able to relax from the upper deck of the bus while taking in the energy of city scenes.

Because I also live in a large city, the rhythm felt familiar from the elevated vantage point .

Car horns were honking, crowds traversed through the streets and there was an endless hum of activity.

Best of all, the tour gave me the chance to interact with other travelers who were seeing New York while waiting for the tour to began.

We struck up conversations and exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations during our stay in New York.

How Much is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The regular price of an adult and child ticket is $60.00 and $50.00, respectively. However, you can use the link below for discounted fares.

Get discounts for the Big Bus Tour NYC  here .

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The round-trip New York City Big Bus Tour takes about two hours from start to finish.

The bus is the perfect solution for visitors worldwide because they offer pre-recorded audio narratives and translations in five languages — French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English.

Are There Toilets on the Big Bus

No. Unlike charter buses, you won’t travel long between stops. So the best thing to do is exit at a stop, find a public restroom, see an attraction, if desired, and then catch the next bus.

If you are not sure where to find one, ask a Big Bus guide on the street. The driver may also have some suggestions.

Charter buses come equipped with a bathroom because travel is expected to be for a much longer period.

How Does the Big Bus Tour Work in New York City

The tour offers three options for purchase — 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day.

When you decide the number of days of your tour and purchase your ticket, the clock starts when your ticket is scanned while boarding the bus for the first time.

The ticket is good for 24, 48, or 72 hours. So, if you have a 1-day ticket and board the bus at 11:00 AM on Monday, it can still be used until 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

We found a ton of touring options for sightseeing in New York.

Aside from the extended period, the 2 and 3-day tickets also offer discounted bike rentals.

The buses run every 20 minutes on average. However, the first stop at the M&M store can be a long wait during peak season.

You can exit or board at any of the designated stops as much as you want.

The only exclusion is the one-loop tour Night Tour which is a panoramic non-stop tour.

Where to Catch the Big Bus Tour in New York City

During the tour, the buses only stop at designated stops.

Your ticket is good for as long as the buses operate during the day and it may be used on both the red and blue routes.

When you board, make sure you get a hop-on hop-off New York bus route map!

Big Bus NYC Red Route

The red route sightseeing tour covers lower Manhattan and you’ll see many landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Wall Street, the Chrysler Building, and General Grant’s Tomb.

You can catch a tour at any one of the following bus stops and you can get your tickets in advance of boarding.

1 – M&M’s World – 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&M World & Majestic Deli)

2 – Times Square East – W 42nd St & Broadway (at Knickerbocker Hotel)

3 – Empire State Building / Korea Town – 5th Ave & W 32nd St (at CVS Pharmacy)

4 – Flatiron District – 5th Ave & W 23rd St (at Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop)

5 – SoHo – Broadway and Spring Street (at Nike Store)

6 – Chinatown / Little Italy – 100 Lafayette Street (near the corner at Walker St)

7 – Brooklyn Bridge – Park Row & Beekman St (across from 33 Park Row)

8 – Wall Street / Charging Bull – Broadway & Wall St (Southwest corner near Rector St)

9 – Statue of Liberty / Battery Park – State St and Bridge St (at Subway Entrance)

10 – Circle Line Sightseeing – 12th Ave & 40th St (opposite Pier 81)

11 – Times Square North – 7th Ave & W 50th St (at Majestic Deli)

Big Bus NYC Blue Route

The blue route covers upper Manhattan, and half of the ride is mostly views of Central Park. You can switch to the blue route at red stop #2.

We recommend changing routes at stop #11 (the Majestic Deli) where you can take a break and have a nice lunch.

12 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art – 5th Ave & E 83rd St (near 83rd St)

13 – Central Park Zoo – 5th Ave & E 66th St (opposite 845 5th Ave)

14 – Columbus Circle – Central Park & Columbus Circle (SW corner of Central Park)

Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

The bus has two levels, the upper level offers panoramic views of the city but be careful of overhanging traffic lights and trees. Don’t stand while the bus is in motion.

• After you find a seat, check the audio to confirm it is working.
• Snacks are allowed. Bring a frozen bottle of water and protein bites to keep you energized.
• When on the upper deck, cover up with sunscreen to protect your skin on hot sunny days.
• If you are a family of 3 or more, take seats across from one another so you’ll have views and photos from both sides of the bus.

Tourists were lined up at stop #1 at least an hour before departure and the line extended the entire block and rounded the corner.

We decided to see other points of interest and returned around 11:00 AM.

The wait to board the bus was about 20 minutes. It was a relaxing ride and there we saw so much!

By the time we reached stop #9, we were pumped and ready to exit the bus so that we could explore the city! And you probably will be too.

Here’s the secret sauce that really made the experience memorable. Exit at stop #9 and take a FREE ferry to Staten Island.

To see the Statue of Liberty, stand on the left side of the boat. When returning, stand on the right side.

Traveling on a budget? Read my review of the Westside YMCA Hotel !

Final Thoughts About the Big Bus Tour in New York City

Overall, the tour was a pleasant way to see New York city and when you are on the upper deck, you hardly notice the traffic.

Some other advantages of seeing the city by bus include:

• Avoiding parking hassles. I mean, who actually drives in New York?!
• Photo opportunities. With the open-top or large windows, you have excellent photo opportunities as you pass by iconic landmarks and cityscapes.
• Comprehensive sightseeing of major landmarks and attractions within two hours.
• You can get local recommendations from the guides who operate the bus.

I usually opt for a hop-on hop-off bus when I am short on time or to get my bearings in the city before deciding what to do.

Either way, when you take the tour bus, it doesn’t appear impossible to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Happy Travels!

Top Spectator Tips

Spectator tips that will help you make the most of your day when attending the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open.

Tip 1: Access and transfer your tickets before arriving

Be sure to access your tickets and transfer tickets to friends and family before arriving at the Renaissance Club. Your tickets will be available six weeks prior to the event, with some FAQs here to read.

Tip 2: Plan your journey and use our free shuttle bus!

Be sure to plan your journey in advance for getting to The Renaissance Club. Find out more HERE about travelling to the event by car, public transport and our free shuttle bus service that will run between Longniddry Railway Station and The Renaissance Club.

Tip 3: Bring a reusable water bottle

To stay hydrated during the day, we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle. There will be refill water stations in the Championship Village and around the course.

Tip 4: Enjoy the Championship Village

The Championship Village is an absolute must-visit destination, offering an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere, boasting a plethora of food outlets, bars, exhibition stands, and an electrifying show stage for live entertainment. Don't miss the opportunity to try out on thrilling fan challenges.

Tip 5: Check out the best spots to watch

The Renaissance Club is packed with stunning vistas and there is plenty of seating that makes the most of this. Get the best out of your day by watching the action from the best seats in the hose. Click here for more information.

DP World Tour Partners