Big Bus Tours Times Square New York City - January, 2018
Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
1 / 10

Big Bus Tours Times Square New York City

4.7
·17k reviews·New York, United States

See NYC's iconic sights from a double-decker bus with hop-on, hop-off flexibility. Explore Manhattan's best with engaging guides.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, less traffic

CrowdLow
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Big Bus Tours Times Square New York City - January, 2018
Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong

Big Bus Tours Times Square New York City

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, less traffic

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

See NYC's iconic sights from a double-decker bus with hop-on, hop-off flexibility. Explore Manhattan's best with engaging guides.

4.7
(17k reviews)

"The Big Bus is a brilliant way to see NYC's awesome sights, especially with fantastic guides like 'Sexy' Jimmy!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book in Advance

Consider booking online to potentially save time and money, and ensure you get your desired tour package.

🥾 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be hopping on and off, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring NYC's streets.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Times Square Views

Times Square Views

Times Square

Experience the dazzling lights and energy of Times Square from the top deck of a double-decker bus.

Brooklyn Bridge Crossing

Brooklyn Bridge Crossing

Brooklyn Bridge

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline as you drive across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Night Tour Magic

Night Tour Magic

Various locations

See the city sparkle after dark with a guided night tour, highlighting illuminated landmarks and vibrant streets.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the NYC Traffic

NYC traffic can be brutal, especially during rush hours. Plan your Big Bus journey to avoid peak times to maximize your sightseeing and minimize travel time. Consider starting early or using the bus for shorter hops between attractions.

Choose Your Adventure Wisely

Big Bus offers different routes and packages, including night tours and Statue of Liberty cruises. Read descriptions carefully to pick the best fit for your interests and time, as some packages offer better value than others.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, less traffic
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings (Night Tour)
Why
City lights sparkle
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Big Bus NYC Tour #nyc #travel #tourism #NewYork #America #visitnyc #nybucketlist
@jeffreyinnyc
56.9K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Book in Advance

Consider booking online to potentially save time and money, and ensure you get your desired tour package. TikTok

🥾 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be hopping on and off, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring NYC's streets. TikTok

Experience the best of New York City in comfort aboard our double-decker bus, where you can savor delicious meals and refreshing drinks. 🚌✨🌆 #thingstodoinnewyork #datenight #traveladvice #DinnerIdeas #nyclife
@bustronomeusa
36.4K likes • 802.2K views
Big Bus Tours (Most Popular Choice) • Downtown Loop (Red Route): Start at M&M’s World on 7th Ave & W 48th St—first bus at 9:00 AM, last around 5:00 PM.   • Times Square East: In front of the Knickerbocker Hotel at 42nd & Broadway—first bus ~9:10 AM.  • Empire State Building / Koreatown: At 5th Ave & W 32nd St (in front of CVS)—first ~9:17 AM.  Big Bus also operates an Uptown Loop (Blue Rou...
gouzbjourney
1.5K likes • 59.9K views

📱 Use the App

The Big Bus app can help you track buses and plan your route efficiently. TikTok

🌟 Listen to Live Guides

Opt for tours with live guides; they offer more engaging and personalized insights than recorded audio. Reddit

Big Bus Tours in New York City is a family-friendly way to explore the city's iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. With hop-on, hop-off routes, these guided bus tours allow families to customize their sightseeing experience by visiting top attractions at their own pace. Kids will love the chance to spot famous sites like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Buil...
themomlifevlogs
459 likes • 12.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book in Advance

Consider booking online to potentially save time and money, and ensure you get your desired tour package. TikTok

🥾 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be hopping on and off, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring NYC's streets. TikTok

📱 Use the App

The Big Bus app can help you track buses and plan your route efficiently. TikTok

🌟 Listen to Live Guides

Opt for tours with live guides; they offer more engaging and personalized insights than recorded audio. Reddit

🌳 Watch for Trees!

Be mindful of low-hanging branches, especially on the upper deck, as they can sometimes be a surprise! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Big Bus Tours in NYC offers a convenient way for first-time visitors and families to see major landmarks, with many praising the engaging live guides and the value of multi-day passes. However, some travelers note that NYC's heavy traffic can lead to significant delays, and the efficiency of the hop-on, hop-off system can be impacted. Customer service from street staff has also been a point of criticism for some.

"We got the 48-hour pass, which included the night tour and the Statue of Liberty cruise. Overall, I think the value was good. The only downside is that during rush hours there’s a lot of traffic in NYC, so you end up wasting quite a bit of time on the bus. The routes could also be improved with more stops — in some areas, you don’t really get the same hop-on-hop-off experience I’ve had in other cities or countries.

The night tour with a live guide was much better than the recorded audio. Special thanks to Rick and Ivan (our tour guide and driver) who made it such a beautiful experience for us!

The street staff selling tickets, however, were not very friendly. As soon as they realized we had already purchased our tickets online, they ignored us. (I assume they work on commission.) They also didn’t seem to have enough information about the attractions, which stops lead to them, or the ticket options. I think Big Bus should definitely work on training those staff to provide accurate information and be more helpful with directions and ticket details."

M Memar

"First of all I must say I tend to avoid these typical «hey look, I’m a tourist»-kind of things.
But: the hop on, hop off bus tours turned out to be the best choice for us with the kids to explore Manhattan. We bought a 48 hour package. Unfortunately no time for the upper tour (to Central Park), but we did get through the lower tour, the Circle Line sightseeing boat cruise, and what turned out to be the icing on the cake: the night tour on lower Manhattan and over to Brooklyn.

All of these are well worth the five stars. But I want to highlight the Night Tour. The fantastic driver Manny and the enthusiastic and knowledgeful guide Shelley took us through. The weather of course was on our side, with a beautiful sunset. But the route, the slow driving across Manhattan Bridge, the good stories and the insightful guiding, and the views were amazing.

So we parents enjoyed, and the kids as well. My skepticism turned into enthusiasm. And a very well deserved 5 stars!

Highly recommended! Just read carefully through the package options, so you find the best deal for you."

Stian S. Gjøsund

"Well worth it for first-timers and frequent flyers alike! BB NYC hits all the major landmarks, and the drivers were really helpful in communicating to passengers which stops to get off at for specific sights. Some went above and beyond by even giving directions! Overall great experience."

Dulce Anunciacion

What People Like

Engaging live guides
Good value multi-day passes
Convenient overview of city

What People Dislike

Traffic delays
Inconsistent customer service
Occasional tree branches

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The primary starting point for the Downtown Loop is near M&M's World on 7th Ave & W 48th St in Times Square. You can easily reach Times Square via multiple subway lines (N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3, 7) or by taxi/rideshare. Instagram

Yes, Big Bus Tours has multiple pickup points across Manhattan for different routes. Key locations include Times Square East (in front of the Knickerbocker Hotel) and near the Empire State Building. Instagram

Absolutely! The NYC subway system is extensive and efficient for getting around. However, the Big Bus offers a convenient way to see many sights without constant navigation and provides commentary. Reddit

While specific accessibility details can vary, many double-decker buses are designed with ramps or lifts. It's best to check with Big Bus Tours directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information for their fleet. Instagram

Buses typically run frequently, with the first buses starting around 9:00 AM and the last ones departing in the late afternoon, depending on the route and season. Check the official schedule for exact timings. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets online through the Big Bus Tours website, via their app, or from street vendors in popular tourist areas like Times Square. TikTokReddit

Big Bus offers various passes, typically including 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day options, often bundled with additional tours like a night tour or a Statue of Liberty cruise. Carefully review package details to find the best value. Reddit

Ticket validity depends on the pass you purchase. Common options are 24, 48, or 72 hours from the time of first use. Some passes might have specific validity periods. Reddit

Yes, some multi-attraction passes like the Go City Pass may include Big Bus Tours. However, be aware of potential discrepancies in validity periods, as one user reported getting 24 hours instead of the expected 48. Reddit

Look for online promotions or consider purchasing a multi-day pass, which often offers better per-day value. Bundling with other attractions through passes can also lead to savings. TikTok

🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience

Big Bus NYC typically operates a Downtown Loop (Red Route) covering major attractions in Lower Manhattan and an Uptown Loop (Blue Route) focusing on areas like Central Park and museums. Instagram

You can get off the bus at any designated stop to explore an attraction and then hop back on a later bus to continue your journey. This allows for flexible sightseeing at your own pace. TikTokReddit

For first-time visitors, using the bus on your first day is recommended to get a lay of the land and identify places you want to explore further. Then, use your remaining time to hop off and visit those spots. Reddit

The night tour offers a unique perspective of NYC's illuminated skyline and landmarks. It's often praised for its live guides and scenic routes, including drives over bridges. TikTokReddit

Yes, many families find the hop-on, hop-off format ideal for keeping children engaged and managing their energy levels while seeing key sights. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While some Big Bus tours, like the Bustronome, offer dining experiences, standard hop-on, hop-off buses generally do not have onboard dining. You can bring snacks and drinks, but full meals are usually not permitted. TikTok

Big Bus stops are strategically located near many popular NYC neighborhoods with diverse dining options, from quick bites in Times Square to diverse eateries in Greenwich Village or Chinatown. Explore the areas around your chosen stops. TikTok

The night tour itself doesn't typically include food, but you can plan to have dinner before or after the tour in areas like Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn, which offer many great restaurants. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The top deck offers fantastic photo opportunities. Key spots include Times Square, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, and views of the Manhattan skyline. Some guides will even stop at prime photo locations. InstagramReddit

Yes, the upper deck provides unobstructed views. However, be mindful of trees and streetlights that might occasionally get in the way. Reddit

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting. The night tour is also excellent for capturing the city's vibrant lights. Reddit

A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing both wide cityscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive views. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards! Instagram

Yes, you can still take photos from the lower deck, though the views will be partially obstructed by windows. It's a good option during inclement weather. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Big Bus Tours are a fantastic option for families looking to explore NYC without the hassle of constant public transport changes. The hop-on, hop-off nature allows you to tailor the day to your children's energy levels and interests. Kids often love the elevated views from the double-decker bus, making iconic sights like Times Square even more exciting. Instagram+1

Consider purchasing a multi-day pass to allow for a more relaxed pace. Don't forget to pack snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for when you decide to hop off and explore. The night tour is also a hit with families, offering a magical view of the city's illuminated skyline. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While not the cheapest option, Big Bus Tours can offer good value, especially if you opt for a multi-day pass or a package that includes additional tours like the night tour or a boat cruise. It bundles transportation and sightseeing commentary, potentially saving you money on individual attraction tickets and separate transport. Reddit

Look for online deals or consider using a city pass that includes the Big Bus to maximize savings. Using the bus strategically on your first day to get an overview can help you plan your subsequent days more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary expenses on transport or attractions you might not be as interested in. TikTokReddit

couples

For couples, the Big Bus offers a romantic way to see the city, especially the night tour. Imagine enjoying the twinkling lights of Manhattan from the top deck, perhaps with a shared sense of wonder. It's a relaxed way to experience the city's highlights together without the stress of driving or navigating complex subway routes. TikTokReddit

Consider booking a package that includes a special experience, like a dinner cruise or a guided night tour, for a memorable date. The hop-on, hop-off feature also allows for spontaneous stops at charming neighborhoods or scenic viewpoints for a more personalized exploration of NYC. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating NYC's Traffic with Big Bus

New York City is notorious for its traffic, and Big Bus Tours are not immune. During peak hours, especially on weekdays, expect delays that can significantly impact your travel time. This means that what might seem like a short hop between attractions could take much longer than anticipated. Travelers often note that the hop-on, hop-off experience can be less efficient than in other cities due to these traffic jams. Reddit

To mitigate this, smart planning is key. Consider starting your day early, as buses tend to run more smoothly in the morning before the city fully wakes up. Alternatively, use the bus for longer stretches between neighborhoods and rely on walking or the subway for shorter distances within a specific area. The night tour, often conducted when traffic is lighter, is frequently praised for its smoother journey and stunning views. TikTokReddit

While traffic is a challenge, the Big Bus still offers a valuable way to get an overview of the city. The key is to manage expectations regarding travel times and to utilize the hop-on, hop-off feature strategically, perhaps focusing on one loop per day or using it as a convenient way to get to a specific destination rather than for constant back-and-forth travel. TikTok

Maximizing Your Big Bus Experience

To truly get the most out of your Big Bus Tours in NYC, understanding the different routes and packages is crucial. The Downtown (Red) and Uptown (Blue) loops cover distinct areas, so plan which sights are most important to you. Many visitors recommend using the bus on your first day to get acquainted with the city's layout and identify spots you want to revisit. Reddit

The value of live guides cannot be overstated. While recorded audio is available, the enthusiasm and local knowledge of live guides, like 'Sexy' Jimmy or Santana, can transform the tour into a memorable experience. They often share unique anecdotes and point out hidden gems. TikTokReddit Some guides even go the extra mile, like stopping at specific points for photos or arranging fun surprises. Reddit

Don't forget to check the specific inclusions of your ticket. Packages often include a night tour, which offers a magical perspective of the city after dark, and sometimes a Statue of Liberty cruise. Reading the fine print ensures you don't miss out on these added benefits and get the best value for your money. Reddit

Family-Friendly Sightseeing with Big Bus

Big Bus Tours are a popular choice for families visiting New York City, offering a less stressful way to navigate the city with children. The hop-on, hop-off format allows families to tailor their itinerary, stopping at attractions that appeal to kids and taking breaks as needed. This flexibility is invaluable when traveling with younger ones. Instagram+1

Kids often enjoy the novelty of riding on a double-decker bus, especially from the top deck, where they can get exciting views of iconic landmarks like Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. The commentary, particularly from engaging live guides, can also help keep them entertained and informed about the sights they're seeing. InstagramReddit

Practical tips for families include bringing snacks and drinks, ensuring everyone has comfortable shoes for hopping off and exploring, and being mindful of potential tree branches on the upper deck. Planning your route to include kid-friendly stops like Central Park or the American Museum of Natural History can make the experience even more enjoyable. Reddit