Seeing San Francisco is easy when everything is in one pass, and the Big Bus San Francisco 48 Hour Essential Pass in San Francisco, California combines flexible sightseeing with an unforgettable evening view of the city. The experience begins with a 48 hour hop on hop off bus tour, allowing riders to explore San Francisco’s most recognizable neighborhoods at their own pace. From the open top deck, passengers travel through areas like Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Haight Ashbury while crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Along the route, pre recorded commentary shares stories about the city’s history, architecture, and cultural landmarks in multiple languages.

The experience also includes a one hour panoramic sunset tour, offering a completely different view of the city as the sky shifts from golden hour to evening lights. As the bus travels through scenic streets and waterfront viewpoints, San Francisco’s skyline, bridges, and bay take on a warm glow. Guests can also explore more on foot with a complimentary digital walking tour of Chinatown, adding another layer to the experience. The Big Bus San Francisco Essential Pass offers a well rounded way to see the city from the street, from the top deck, and during one of its most beautiful times of day.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: Child tickets are available for children aged 3 to 12 years. Children aged 2 and under travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult. All children must be supervised by an adult throughout the tour.
• Individuals with disabilities: Select buses may offer wheelchair accessibility on the lower level. Guests with accessibility needs should confirm availability in advance.
• Languages: Audio available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Korean.
  • *Sunset tour audio is available in English only.
  • *Walking tour languages Included: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese and Chinese.
• Pets: Pets are not permitted, except for service animals.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: Valid for 48 hours
  • Plus time for the following additions:
    • 1- Hour Complimentary Chinatown Digital Walking Tour
    • 1-Hour Panoramic Sunset Tour
• What’s included:
  • Access to the Big Bus hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour
  • Stops at major landmarks and attractions
  • Pre-recorded commentary which offers fascinating insights into the city's history, culture, architecture and landmarks
    • with complementary headphones
  • Panoramic views from the open-top double-decker bus
  • Complimentary Chinatown Digital Walking Tour
  • 1-Hour Panoramic Sunset Tour
    • A courtesy shuttle back to Union Square at the end of the tour
• Who will be present: A bus driver will operate the vehicle and guests from other bookings will join on board.
• Spectators: Not applicable; all riders must have a valid ticket.
• Photo/ video: Photography and video are encouraged during the tour.
• Specific rules to follow: Guests must remain seated while the bus is in motion and follow safety instructions provided by staff.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: The tour operates rain or shine. Upper deck seating is open-air, so weather conditions may affect comfort.
• Arrival: Arrive at any designated stop to begin the tour; boarding is based on seat availability.
• Parking: Parking availability varies by stop location; public transportation or nearby garages may be used.
• What to wear: Comfortable clothing and weather-appropriate attire, including sun protection or a light jacket.
• What to bring:
  • Valid ticket or mobile pass
  • Phone or camera
  • Water bottle
• Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms: Restrooms are not available on the bus but can be found at many tour stops throughout the city.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• The hop-on hop-off format allows guests to explore attractions at their own pace before rejoining the tour.
• Seating on the open-top level is first come, first served.
• Accessing your ticket: Once you've purchased your ticket, open the Big Bus Tours app, tap 'Add Booking' and enter your booking reference. On the day, open your bus ticket and press 'Activate'. Your ticket countdown starts – just show your activated ticket to the driver to board.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for any other experience in our marketplace, free of charge, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 24 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.