14 Best San Francisco Bus Tours in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST SAN FRANCISCO BUS TOURS?

You’ve come to the right place! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months exploring California. When we find ourselves along the coastline in Northern California, we love to visit San Francisco.

There are lots of great opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in the area as well as great city-life activities. Whether you want a quick way to see the sights in San Francisco or a way to get around town without having to worry about parking, San Francisco bus tours are a great option.

For an unforgettable exploration of this captivating city, join us as we delve into our top San Francisco bus tours and learn about some of the Best San Francisco bus tours there are.

These handpicked tours offer a diverse range of sightseeing adventures, from iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge & Alcatraz to nature excursions to Muir Woods and Yosemite or tours to the relaxing wine country of Napa and Sonoma, there’s a tour for every taste!

Each tour has been thoroughly researched and we’ve also taken customer reviews into consideration when writing each tour summary.

Quick Guide: San Francisco Bus Tours

   San Francisco Bus Tours

1. 2-Day San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Discover the best of San Francisco with a 2-day hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour, which allows you to experience the city’s iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Little Italy, and Sausalito tour at your own pace. Enjoy the flexibility of hop-on hop-off bus tours in San Francisco, letting you explore attractions, restaurants, and shops on your own schedule.

This comprehensive tour includes exciting features such as a night tour to Bay Bridge and Treasure Island, providing breathtaking views of the city’s illuminated skyline. Additionally, you’ll receive a 1-hour free bike rental with a 1-hour purchase, perfect for exploring the city’s charming famous neighborhoods on two wheels.

This was the most informative Hop-On, Hop-Off tour we have ever taken. Just loved every part of it. It covered all the spots we wanted to see.

– Yvonne (Read More Reviews)

You can visit the iconic Golden Gate Park, the Fisherman’s Wharf, or stunning vistas on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. The hop on and off tours offer the ultimate convenience and a customizable experience.

▶️ BOOK 2-Day San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

2. San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: Valid for 1-2 Days | Check Rates and Availability

Embark on a sightseeing adventure aboard an open-top double-decker Big Bus and discover the beauty of open bus tours in San Francisco from a whole new perspective. This is such a fun tour and one of the greatest things to do with kids in San Francisco.

Enjoy sweeping panoramic and great views of the city’s landmarks and attractions, including the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, the renowned Museum of Modern Art, and the bustling Embarcadero.

A must-do if in San Francisco, great tour for your buck. ❤️👍🏻

– Addie (Read More Reviews)

With the flexibility to hop on and off at various bus stops, you can explore popular stops and experience the city at your own pace. As you ride along, be captivated by entertaining audio guide commentary available in 10 languages, providing you with valuable insights into San Francisco’s history, culture, and notable sights.

With buses arriving every 15-20 minutes throughout the day, you’ll enjoy unlimited access, granting you the freedom to fully immerse yourself in San Francisco’s unique charm. So, hop on and set off on an unforgettable sightseeing journey through the heart of this captivating city.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

 3. San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Immerse yourself in the magic of San Francisco’s movie sights on this guided city tour. Visit famous filming locations from popular movies while enjoying the comfort of a sightseeing bus. Your guide will provide insightful commentary with many stories and insights.

Bryan was extremely knowledgeable and told great stories about all the movie locations. There are more locations than the average person would know about. He also pointed out many other places of interest and would stop for picture moments. I highly recommend this tour.

– Vicki (Read More Reviews)

From iconic movie scenes to the city’s real-life landmarks, this tour offers a unique blend of cinematic charm and historical context. You’ll feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of your favorite actors as you pass by sites featured in classic films like Mrs. Doubtfire, The Princess Diaries, and Vertigo.

Whether you’re a movie buff or simply seeking a different perspective on the city, San Francisco movie tours like this tour promises an unforgettable and cinematic adventure.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour

 4. Big Bus San Francisco Night Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Experience the beauty of San Francisco’s illuminated skyline and iconic landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Embarcadero, Chinatown, and the Financial District on this 1-hour nighttime bus tour aboard a double-decker bus. With multiple tour departure times, you can choose the one that suits your schedule best.

As you ride along these double-decker buses in San Francisco, be captivated by entertaining live commentary from your knowledgeable guide. The open-top deck provides unobstructed views, perfect for capturing stunning photos of the city’s breathtaking scenery.

Such a fun experience. Our driver was so friendly and made the tour really unforgettable! Would definitely recommend to friends. Bundle up if you plan to ride the top level in the spring, especially on the night tour.

– Christina (Read More Reviews)

As the sun sets, the city transforms into a sparkling wonderland, and you’ll enjoy an enchanting ride past illuminated landmarks. This double-decker bus tour is an excellent way to admire San Francisco’s iconic landmarks under the shimmering night lights, creating a memorable and magical experience.

▶️ BOOK Big Bus San Francisco Night Tour

 5. Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Kick-off on a luxury half-day minivan tour and skip the typical San Francisco tour bus experience. Enjoy a personalized tour with a small group as you visit top attractions, neighborhoods, and scenic spots during a luxury van tour.

Your knowledgeable guide will share interesting facts and stories about the city, making this tour an intimate and immersive way to explore San Francisco. Travel in comfort and style, experiencing the city’s best highlights while avoiding the crowds.

Brian is very knowledgeable and has great insider ways to navigate around San Francisco.Very comfortable ride to tour the city.

– Amy (Read More Reviews)

With convenient transportation, you’ll make the most of your time in San Francisco and uncover its hidden gems and iconic landmarks like incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks. This luxury minivan tour offers a delightful and exclusive way to see the city, providing a memorable journey through San Francisco’s vibrant culture and breathtaking sights.

▶️ BOOK Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour

  6. Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Step back in time and explore San Francisco in style aboard a restored VW bus. This unique Painted Ladies City Tour not only lets you soak in the city’s fascinating history but also immerses you in the groovy tunes of the 1960s and ’70s, creating an unforgettable nostalgic experience.

Armando’s wealth of knowledge allows him to curate each experience according to each party’s tour needs. Daisy, the yellow van, was a head-turner!

– Tara (Read More Reviews)

With the option to choose between a shared small group or a private tour, you can tailor the journey to your preferences. On the afternoon tours, indulge in the flavors of the state with provided California white wine and local craft beer, adding a delightful touch to your adventure.

Discover the charm of the city’s iconic “Painted Ladies” as you cruise through the streets of San Francisco. With the personalized attention of your knowledgeable guide, this VW bus tour promises an intimate and immersive experience, offering a memorable journey through the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

▶️ BOOK Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

 7. San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.2 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: Valid for 2 Days | Check Rates and Availability

Explore the best of San Francisco with a convenient 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus tour that allows you to discover the city’s highlights at your own pace. With multiple routes and frequent departures, you can easily visit key sights of San Francisco like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more on these Bus tours in the city of San Francisco.

Great activity! Visiting Alcatraz Prison is well worth the price. On the other hand, you have to dress on the Golden Bridge because it is very cold.

– Get Your Guide Traveler (Read More Reviews)

As you ride the bus, you have the choice to enjoy between live commentary or informative audio. Either way will provide you with insights into San Francisco’s history, landmarks, and attractions. A highlight of this tour is the opportunity to visit Alcatraz with an included ferry ride. Don’t miss the infamous prison and immerse yourself in its intriguing history.

This hop-on-hop-off bus tour offers an excellent way to make the most of your time in San Francisco, allowing you to create your own itinerary and uncover the city’s hidden gems at your leisure. We love visiting Alcatraz. If you have not done it already make sure you put it high on your list of places to visit. You will thank us.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour

8. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

⭐️ RATING: 4.1 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: Valid for 1 Day | Check Rates and Availability

Experience the best of San Francisco with this comprehensive hop-on-hop-off bus tour that includes a thrilling Golden Gate Bay Cruise. Discover the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions at your own pace with the flexibility of a hop-on-hop-off tour. You can get on or off as many times as you wish on these bus tours of San Francisco.

Great experience. Wear warm clothing if weather is cool.

– Get Your Guide Traveler (Read More Reviews)

The tour also includes a breathtaking Golden Gate Bay Cruise, offering unobstructed best views of the city’s skyline and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge from the water. This one-hour cruise provides a unique perspective of San Francisco’s beauty and is a must-do for any visitor.

With the freedom to tailor your itinerary and the convenience of a combined bus and boat tour, this hop-on-hop-off experience is the perfect way to discover the best of San Francisco’s attractions and landmarks in one unforgettable journey.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Yosemite Bus Tours from San Francisco

9. 2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days | Check Rates and Availability

Set out on a breathtaking 2-day tour from San Francisco to the mesmerizing Yosemite National Park. Witness the grandeur of towering granite cliffs and pristine waterfalls as you explore the park’s iconic landmarks. Yosemite National Park is a place that our family loves. If you have time, it is a great addition to your San Francisco itinerary.

The 2 day Yosemite tour was excellent! The driver-tour guide was very good. He was sensitive to each families physical ability to do hikes and suggested options for all. He also provided a lot of information about the place. Loved it!

– Diya (Read More Reviews)

On this immersive adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at iconic sights like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley Falls. With comfortable, eco-friendly transportation provided from San Francisco, you can sit back, relax, and soak in the magnificent scenery along the journey.

The tour also includes overnight hotel accommodation in or near the park, and you’ll enjoy the convenience of complimentary pickup and dropoff from your San Francisco hotel, making the journey seamless and stress-free.

▶️ BOOK 2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco

10. Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 14 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Walk under the ancient redwood trees and experience the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park on this one-day tour from San Francisco. Yosemite is one of the most beautiful national parks in California. This immersive adventure takes you on a scenic journey through the park’s iconic landmarks, allowing you to witness towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and lush forests.

Our guide Phil was great. Made the whole experience extremely enjoyable and picture perfect( literally he showed us best spots for photos). Stories he told along the way, curated playlist for each part of the journey, getting in and out of the park in record time and then showing a Yosemite based movie on the way back, created a great overall experience. Lot of thought had gone into from Phil in making this a memorable trip for all.

– Ananya (Read More Reviews)

Explore Yosemite’s must-see sights, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and more, while enjoying a curated music list and commentary from your guide. With convenient pickup and dropoff from your San Francisco hotel, this day tour provides a smooth and hassle-free experience, making it one of the most ideal San Francisco tours.

▶️ BOOK Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

San Francisco Bus Tours to Muir Woods

11. San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ Optional Gourmet Lunch

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 10 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Experience the best of both worlds with the San Francisco Super Saver Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour. This incredible tour takes you on a journey through the breathtaking beauty of the Muir Woods National Monument, where you’ll marvel at the towering ancient redwood trees.

It was a fabulous day. All the places visited were top notch. I liked Muir Woods best, and my wife really liked the wine tastings. Best of all, our driver, Don, was very knowledgeable as well as fun and friendly. Wish we could have met his cat, however. I highly recommend this trip.

– Craig (Read More Reviews)

Afterward, you’ll indulge in the delightful flavors of California’s wine country as you visit renowned wineries in Napa and Sonoma. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature and culture, providing an unforgettable experience of San Francisco’s natural wonders and world-class wines.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

12. San Francisco to Muir Woods Shuttle

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Ditch the bus tours in San Francisco and opt to explore the breathtaking beauty of Muir Woods and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on this 4-hour shuttle tour.

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the majestic Muir Woods Redwood National Monument, home to some of the oldest living things in the world. Spend over an hour strolling through the towering redwood trees, a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Desmond, the tour operator, was very knowledgeable of the city & Marin County. He had a great personality. He made the tour fun & personable ensuring that we captured the best photo opps along the way.

– Teresa (Read More Reviews)

During the ride, enjoy the company of our local guide, who will share history and recommendations along the route, making the journey informative and relaxing. As you pass by notable landmarks like Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, you’ll have the opportunity to capture memorable photos of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge.

▶️ BOOK San Francisco to Muir Woods Shuttle

13. Big Bus San Francisco Muir Woods and Alcatraz Island Combo

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days | Check Rates and Availability

For a change of pace to the typical San Francisco city tours, choose to experience this combo tour to Muir Woods National Monument and Alcatraz Island.

We did Alcatraz in the morning and then Muir Woods in the afternoon. Single-day combo tour worked out very well. Had adequate time at both venues with a leisurely walk between Pier 33 (Alcatraz) and the Muir Woods tour bus pick-up point. Would highly recommend visiting both locations if you’re in the San Francisco area. Our driver/tour guide for Muir Woods, Vlad, was excellent.

– Michael (Read More Reviews)

Stroll among the ancient redwood trees in Muir Woods, marveling at their towering majesty. Then, embark on a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island to explore the infamous former federal prison. At the prison you can explore the cell blocks and learn about the island’s intriguing history.

This combo tour offers the perfect blend of nature and history, providing an unforgettable and comprehensive San Francisco experience.

▶️ BOOK Big Bus San Francisco Muir Woods and Alcatraz Island Combo

Bus Tours to Napa Valley from San Francisco

14. Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 9 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Indulge in a delightful Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour, where you’ll experience the finest wines amidst the picturesque vineyards of California. Departing from San Francisco, embark on a scenic journey to the renowned wine regions of Napa and Sonoma.

Savor the taste of exquisite wines at multiple wineries, learning about the winemaking process from knowledgeable experts. Stroll through vineyards and witness the stunning landscapes that have made these regions world-famous.

Visiting the three wineries on a beautiful sunny day and enjoying the wine all the wineries had to offer. The tour guide/driver was informative and the bus was comfortable and air conditioned. It was a lovely experience.

– Janice (Read More Reviews)

This Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour offers an escape, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the region. Immerse yourself in the art of winemaking and the beauty of California’s wine country.

▶️ BOOK Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

FAQ: San Francisco Bus Tours

How Long is the San Francisco Bus Tour?

The duration of a San Francisco bus tour varies depending on the specific tour package chosen. Some tours are designed for a few hours, while others can extend up to several days, offering flexible hop-on-hop-off options.

Whether you’re looking for a quick city overview or a comprehensive exploration, San Francisco bus tour tickets cater to various preferences, providing a hassle-free way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions. Consider flexible ticket options in case your plans change.

How Often Do Big Bus Tours Run in San Francisco?

Big Bus Tours typically operate on a frequent schedule in San Francisco, with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours and slightly less frequently during off-peak times.

Where Does the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Start in San Francisco?

The starting point for one-day hop-on hop-off in San Francisco bus tours can vary depending on the tour operator and the route chosen. Generally, the starting locations are located in popular tourist areas like Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf.

Visitors can easily find the designated pick-up points when booking the tour or by checking with the tour company.

What Is the Best Way to Get Around SF?

The best way to get around San Francisco depends on personal preferences and the locations you want to visit. Public transportation, such as buses, cable cars, and the iconic San Francisco streetcars, offers convenient and cost-effective options.

Additionally, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are popular choices for shorter distances. For those who prefer a guided tour and flexibility to explore at their own pace, hop-on-hop-off bus tours can be great.

The main difference between these options is how big of a hurry you are. Some of the public transportation options have been a little slower for us then Uber and Lyft. We have also used are own car to get around. This can work well but parking is expensive and finding a parking spot can be challenging.

Conclusion: San Francisco Bus Tours

Set out to discover the best of San Francisco with this diverse selection of captivating bus tours. It is such a unique city with charming streets that we love to explore.

Whether you prefer the flexibility of hop-on-hop-off options or guided excursions, there’s something for every traveler. Witness the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, explore the majestic Muir Woods, and experience the allure of Alcatraz Island.

Indulge in exquisite wines in Napa and Sonoma or step into famous filming locations. These top San Francisco CA bus tours promise unforgettable and immersive experiences, and you will create cherished memories.