New York City bus tours are guided sightseeing tours that take visitors through the city’s most famous landmarks, neighborhoods, and attractions. These tours are conducted on comfortable buses equipped with air conditioning, audio systems, and panoramic windows, providing visitors with a comfortable and convenient way to see the city.
There are several types of bus tours available in New York City, including hop-on-hop-off tours, guided tours, and private tours. Hop-on-hop-off tours allow visitors to get on and off the bus at their leisure and explore the city’s landmarks at their own pace. Guided tours provide visitors with a knowledgeable tour guide who will offer insights into the city’s history and culture. Private tours offer a customizable experience for groups of all sizes and can be tailored to specific interests and needs.
Many New York City bus tours cover popular attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Visitors can also explore famous neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Chinatown, as well as historic landmarks like the 9/11 Memorial and Wall Street.
Overall, New York City bus tours offer a convenient and comprehensive way for visitors to experience the city’s famous landmarks, neighborhoods, and attractions while learning about the city’s rich history and culture from knowledgeable tour guides.
Best New York City Bus Tours
| New York: Go City Explorer Pass with 95+ Tours & Attractions | New York City: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour | New York City: Guided Highlights Bus Tour and Ferry Ride | |
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| Duration | Valid 2 months | Valid 1 - 3 days | 6 hours |
| Starting Time | 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | 9:30 AM |
| Meeting Point | New York, NY, USA | 724 7th Ave, New York, NY | 1 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY |
| Includes | Digital pass and guide, Entry to your choice | Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket 90-minute Circle Line sightseeing cruise | Transport by air-conditioned vehicle guide, Staten Island Ferry ride |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best New York City Bus Tours For [2024]
- New York: Go City Explorer Pass with 95+ Tours & Attractions
- New York City: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
- New York City: Guided Highlights Bus Tour and Ferry Ride
- New York City: Guided Bus Tour at Night
- New York City: Full-Day Washington DC City Highlights Tour
- From Manhattan: Half-Day Brooklyn Food and Culture Bus Tour
- 4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour in New York City
Best New York City Bus Tours Reviews
#1. New York: Go City Explorer Pass with 95+ Tours & Attractions
The Go City Explorer Pass is a sightseeing pass that offers visitors access to over 95 tours and attractions in New York City, allowing them to explore the city’s top sights and experiences at their own pace.
With the Explorer Pass, visitors can choose from a variety of activities, including popular attractions like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Top of the Rock observation deck. They can also choose to explore the city’s famous museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Modern Art.
In addition to these popular attractions, the Explorer Pass also provides access to a range of tours and experiences, including bike rentals, walking tours, food tours, and more. Visitors can take a stroll through Central Park, explore the trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn, or even take a helicopter tour of the city.
The Explorer Pass is available in several different durations, ranging from one day to seven days, allowing visitors to choose the option that best fits their schedule and interests. With the pass, visitors can skip the lines at select attractions, save up to 55% on admission fees, and enjoy exclusive discounts at select restaurants and shops.
Overall, the Go City Explorer Pass offers a convenient and cost-effective way for visitors to experience the best of New York City’s attractions and tours, with the flexibility to create their own itinerary and explore the city at their own pace.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. New York City: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
The Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour is a popular way for visitors to explore New York City’s top sights and attractions. This tour allows visitors to hop on and off the bus at their leisure, making it an ideal choice for those who want to see the city’s highlights without the stress of navigating public transportation or walking long distances.
The tour is conducted on open-top double-decker buses, which offer panoramic views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square. The buses run on several different routes, covering a range of neighborhoods and attractions, with live tour guides providing informative commentary along the way.
Visitors can choose from several different ticket options, including a one-day, two-day, or three-day pass, each offering unlimited hop-on hop-off access to all of the routes. In addition to the bus tour, visitors can also enjoy free walking tours, a sightseeing cruise, and a range of discounts at select attractions and restaurants.
The Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour is a great option for visitors who want to see all of the top sights and attractions in New York City at their own pace, while enjoying informative commentary and convenient transportation between each stop.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. New York City: Guided Highlights Bus Tour and Ferry Ride
New York City is a vast and diverse metropolis with a lot to see and explore. If you’re short on time and want to experience some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, a guided highlights bus tour and ferry ride can be a great way to go.
The tour typically starts with a comfortable bus ride through Manhattan, where you’ll pass by some of the city’s most famous sights, such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty. Your knowledgeable guide will provide interesting commentary and background information about each of these landmarks as you pass by them.
After the bus tour, you’ll head down to the waterfront to board a ferry for a ride across the harbor. The ferry will take you past the Statue of Liberty, giving you a unique and unforgettable view of this iconic symbol of freedom.
Next, you’ll disembark at the southern tip of Manhattan and explore Battery Park, a beautiful waterfront green space that offers stunning views of the harbor and the city skyline. From there, you can walk to the 9/11 Memorial, a powerful tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks, and learn about the events of that tragic day.
Finally, the tour may end with a visit to Wall Street, the financial heart of the city, where you can see the New York Stock Exchange and the Charging Bull sculpture, among other sights.
Overall, a guided highlights bus tour and ferry ride is a fantastic way to see some of the best that New York City has to offer in a short amount of time. With an experienced guide to lead the way, you’ll gain insight into the history and culture of this vibrant and dynamic city.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. New York City: Guided Bus Tour at Night
New York City is known as the city that never sleeps, and there’s no better way to experience its vibrant energy than by taking a guided bus tour at night. Here’s what you can expect on a typical tour:
The tour usually starts in the early evening, as the sun begins to set and the city starts to light up. You’ll board a comfortable bus that’s equipped with large windows, allowing you to see the city’s iconic landmarks and buildings illuminated in all their glory.
As you ride through the bustling streets, you’ll pass by some of the city’s most famous sights, such as Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Your guide will provide interesting commentary and stories about each of these landmarks, giving you a deeper understanding of their significance to the city.
One of the highlights of the tour is the stop at the top of the Rockefeller Center, where you’ll have breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline at night. This is a great opportunity to take photos and enjoy the stunning vistas of the city below.
Next, the tour will take you through some of the city’s famous neighborhoods, such as Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Chinatown. You’ll see the streets come alive with people, food, and music, giving you a taste of the city’s rich cultural diversity.
Finally, the tour may end with a visit to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the city skyline from across the East River.
Overall, a guided bus tour at night is an exciting and unforgettable way to experience the magic of New York City after dark. With its bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and vibrant energy, this tour is sure to leave you with a lasting impression of the city that never sleeps.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. New York City: Full-Day Washington DC City Highlights Tour
While New York City has plenty to see and explore, if you have a full day to spare, a Washington DC City Highlights Tour can be an excellent opportunity to experience the history and culture of the nation’s capital. Here’s what you can expect on a typical tour:
The tour usually starts early in the morning, with a comfortable bus ride from New York City to Washington DC. Along the way, your guide will provide background information on the history and significance of the city.
Once you arrive in DC, you’ll begin your tour with a visit to the National Mall, a 2-mile long park that’s home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. Your guide will provide insight and commentary on each of these historic sites, giving you a deeper appreciation of their significance to the nation’s history.
Next, you’ll visit some of the city’s famous museums, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History. These museums are renowned for their world-class exhibits and collections, and your guide will help you navigate them and ensure you see the most important highlights.
After lunch, the tour will take you to some of the city’s lesser-known sites, such as the FDR Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, both of which offer powerful tributes to two of America’s most important historical figures.
Finally, the tour may end with a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery, a 624-acre military cemetery that’s home to the graves of many famous Americans, including John F. Kennedy and Robert E. Lee.
Overall, a full-day Washington DC City Highlights Tour is an excellent way to experience the history, culture, and political significance of the nation’s capital. With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the country’s past and present, and the important role that Washington DC has played in shaping it.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. From Manhattan: Half-Day Brooklyn Food and Culture Bus Tour
If you’re looking to explore the rich culture and diverse food scene of Brooklyn, a half-day bus tour from Manhattan can be a great way to do it. Here’s what you can expect on a typical tour:
The tour usually starts with a comfortable bus ride from Manhattan over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, where you’ll have breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
Once you arrive in Brooklyn, the tour will take you to some of the borough’s most vibrant neighborhoods, such as Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Greenpoint. These areas are known for their unique culture, street art, and trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Your guide will provide insight and commentary on the history and culture of each neighborhood, as well as recommendations for the best food and drink spots. You’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of local specialties, such as artisanal cheese, craft beer, and gourmet pizza, as well as international cuisine from around the world, such as Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese.
Along the way, you’ll also get to see some of the borough’s famous street art, which has transformed many of the neighborhood’s buildings and walls into vibrant, colorful canvases.
Finally, the tour may end with a visit to Brooklyn’s iconic waterfront, where you can take in breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
Overall, a half-day Brooklyn Food and Culture Bus Tour is a fun and exciting way to explore one of New York City’s most dynamic and diverse boroughs. With its unique culture, trendy shops, and world-class cuisine, Brooklyn is sure to delight your senses and leave you with a lasting impression of this vibrant and exciting part of the city.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. 4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour in New York City
A Harlem Gospel Tour is a unique and unforgettable way to experience the vibrant music and culture of one of New York City’s most historic neighborhoods. Here’s what you can expect on a typical 4-hour tour:
The tour usually starts in the morning, with a comfortable bus ride from midtown Manhattan to Harlem. Once you arrive in the neighborhood, you’ll be greeted by your knowledgeable guide, who will provide insight and commentary on the history and culture of Harlem.
Your first stop will likely be a local church, where you’ll experience the powerful and uplifting sound of gospel music, performed by a local choir. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the soulful and spiritual music that has made Harlem famous around the world.
After the church visit, the tour will take you through some of Harlem’s historic streets, where you’ll see the beautiful brownstones, iconic landmarks, and cultural institutions that make this neighborhood so special. Your guide will provide fascinating stories and insights into the history and significance of each location.
Next, the tour may stop at a local restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the neighborhood’s famous soul food, such as fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens. This is a chance to savor the flavors of a cuisine that has been passed down through generations of Harlem families.
Finally, the tour may end with a visit to the legendary Apollo Theater, a historic venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin. Your guide will provide insight into the theater’s history and significance to the Harlem community.
Overall, a 4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour is an immersive and inspiring way to experience the culture, history, and music of one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods. With its rich heritage and soulful spirit, Harlem is sure to leave you with a lasting impression and a newfound appreciation for this dynamic and exciting part of the city.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.