
Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 374 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus worth booking?
Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus is a 1.5-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $45 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 374 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (374)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $45 per person
Enjoy the city's sights by night. Beginning at Fisherman's Wharf, our Night Tour of San Francisco takes you through the evening vibrance of the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and the Financial District before crossing the Bay Bridge for photos at Treasure Island. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please aim to arrive 20-30 minutes before your preferred tour time. Please note that this is not a hop-on, hop-off tour.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy the city's sights by night. Beginning at Fisherman's Wharf, our Night Tour of San Francisco takes you through the evening vibrance of the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and the Financial District before crossing the Bay Bridge for photos at Treasure Island. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please aim to arrive 20-30 minutes before your preferred tour time. Please note that this is not a hop-on, hop-off tour.
What's included
Included
- Digital commentary onboard
- 2-hour double decker bus tour
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Fisherman's Wharf
Pier 41, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA Big Bus tour of San Francisco at night
90 minutes here · Admission included
Golden Gate Bridge
Big Bus tour of San Francisco at night
10 minutes here
Fisherman's Wharf
Big Bus tour of San Francisco at night
10 minutes here
Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church
Big Bus tour of San Francisco at night
10 minutes here
Presidio of San Francisco
Big Bus tour of San Francisco at night
10 minutes here
Treasure Island
Big Bus tour of San Francisco at night
10 minutes here
Embarcadero Center
Big Bus tour of San Francisco at night
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Francisco
Redeem vouchers at the start of the tour at Stop 1 - Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center (corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Redeem vouchers at the start of the tour at Stop 1 - Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center (corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Big Bus Tours - USA
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so try to arrive early to secure your seat
- This is not a hop-on hop-off tour
- Wheelchair accessible, please call ahead for arrangements
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 373 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
373 verified traveler reviews for Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The inside bus do not have AC. We could not breathe and the back heat blows so it makes it worse.
The inside bus is very hot and no AC. Not sure how the driver cant see or feeel the we were hot down there
via Tripadvisor
Great tour and brilliant driver
Great night tour with a fantastic driver (unfortunately I didn’t catch his name) - he was so entertaining and his energy infectious! We didn’t realise we needed to collect a set of headphones from the bottom deck before we proceeded up top so missed the audio commentary (our fault!) Didn’t stop us enjoying the ride and views though. Bus stops at Treasure Island to allow photos of the sunset and our driver was so funny he really made the trip. We picked up headphones after this stop so had the audio for the final part of the tour. Please note…you must wrap up warm as it is freezing if you sit up top. Even with jeans, T-shirt and sweatshirt on I was chilled to the bone after the tour - would suggest hat, scarf or hoodie to keep your neck warm! Great tour and glad we did it.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We are glad to hear you enjoyed your tour with us. Hope to see you again in your back in San Francisco.
via Tripadvisor
Scam - does not run every 15 mins for sure.
Bit of a scam. Doesn’t come every 15 mins. Can’t use as a mode of transport. We are in an Uber now as it’s 55 mins wait from closest stop. And it’s a Sunday with little traffic so definitely they don’t have buses every 15 mins. One time a driver stopped for 10 mins to have a cig and that bus was already running 30 mins late. Some friendly drivers but some rude Chinese drivers who happily scold passengers. For two tickets you can better Uber around for 2 days.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We apologize for the inconvenience. The staff does let guests know that the buses run every 15-20 minutes. The service can be delayed of there is traffic, Cruise Ships in town or events happing around the city. Our apologies for any rude drivers that you had to come in contact with, that is not the Big Bus way.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
Kerwin was entertaining and made our trip more fun
Response from the operator: We are so thrilled to hear that Kerwin added some extra fun to your trip! We are committed to providing top-notch customer service and are delighted that we succeeded. Thank you for choosing Big Bus Tours San Francisco!
via Tripadvisor
Hop on Hop off
I could have paid $10 less with my Booking.com status...but we were right there and he came down to $108 so for convenience sake, we bought our tickets directly from the operator.
Response from the operator: Thank you for choosing to purchase your tickets directly from us! We always aim to provide convenience and excellent service to our customers. We hope you had a wonderful experience and we look forward to serving you again in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $45 to $53
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 131
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA, who run 43 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.
See everything Big Bus Tours - USA runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.
How much does Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus cost?
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Prices start at $45 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.
Is Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 374 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus?
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Around 131 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Francisco?
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San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
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September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Francisco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus?
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Included: Digital commentary onboard; and 2-hour double decker bus tour. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus?
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Redeem vouchers at the start of the tour at Stop 1 - Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center (corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Wheelchair accessible, please call ahead for arrangements. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Francisco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Big Bus San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus?
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Across 374 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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