Top Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the commentary available in my language?
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What time do tours start and how often do the buses run?
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Where can I start the tour?
Where can I buy a ticket for the tour?
You can purchase tickets either on this website, on the bus, from a trusted retailer such as your hotel concierge, or from one of our on-street staff members. Please note that for hygiene reasons we encourage you to pay with card when possible so that all parties can avoid the handling of cash.
Is the commentary available in my language?
All buses feature an entertaining and informative pre-recorded commentary in the following languages:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Italian
- Portuguese
What time do tours start and how often do the buses run?
Please visit our Service Information page for up-to-date information on tour start times and frequency.
Where can I start the tour?
You can hop on at any Big Bus stop. To find the stop closest to you, please click here.
More Questions & Answers
Do I need to choose a date for my tour?
Yes – when you book, you will need to select the date you’d like to hop on the bus. If you’re touring with us for more than one day, your ticket must be used across consecutive days, and the date you select at time of booking should be the first day of your tour. Some tours also require you to select a time of travel, to secure your seat. If your ticket has extra inclusions, you may also need to book dates and times for these inclusions after your purchase is complete via our Booking Portal. For more information, please see the instructions on your booking confirmation email.
Tell me about Big Bus Tours New York
Welcome to Big Bus Tours New York! We're proud to offer exciting sightseeing tours of the Big Apple on our open-top double-decker buses, giving you the opportunity to discover all the city's famous landmarks with ease and comfort. During our tours, you'll be entertained by our pre-recorded on-board commentary, available in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian via complimentary headphones. Feel free to hop on and hop off the bus from any of our stops to visit the landmarks and attractions that capture your interest, or get comfortable and stay on board for the entire tour - the choice is yours! There are 2 tour routes available: the Uptown Loop (Blue Route) and Downtown loop (Red Route) tours.
What can I see and visit?
Our tours pass Manhattan's must-see landmarks, travel through its most exciting neighborhoods, and stop at its most popular sightseeing destinations. While on board with Big Bus Tours, you'll see iconic buildings like the Empire State, Chrysler Building and One World Observatory, enjoy top-deck views of the hustle and bustle of Times Square, Wall Street and Broadway, and soak up the uptown ambience of exclusive 5th Avenue and leafy Central Park. And that's just scratching the surface. Start planning your adventure with our Attraction Tickets page, and for further inspiration on what to see and do while you're in New York, please visit our Discover New York page.
Which days do the tours operate?
Big Bus Tours New York operates every day except Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve (December 31). Occasionally severe weather and special event days could affect service. Please see our service information for up-to-date details.
How long does the tour take?
Tour duration can fluctuate according to the season. Please visit our Service Information page for up-to-date information on full circuit times* for each loop.
*Note: please allow yourself more time if you plan to hop off the bus and explore.
*Note: please allow yourself more time if you plan to hop off the bus and explore.
Is there a discount available for groups?
Yes, discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. To find out more, submit an enquiry to [email protected]
Is it possible to hire one of the open-top buses for a private event?
Yes, buses are available for private hires and charters. For more information or to receive a quote, please submit an inquiry using our private hires and charters page.
What time are the first and last buses?
Please visit our Service Information page for up-to-date information on the first and last bus times.
What is the child ticketing policy?
Passengers aged between 3 and 12 years must travel on a child ticket. All passengers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a passenger over the age of 15. Children aged 2 years and under may travel free of charge. Strollers must be folded and stowed on the lower deck.
How will I know where to get off?
The pre-recorded commentary on the bus will announce each stop by number and location as the bus approaches. Please refer to our routes & maps information to plan which stops you would like to hop off at.
How do I redeem my ticket?
Show your ticket (printed or on a device) to a member of staff at one of our stops or aboard the bus. They'll issue you a receipt that you'll be able to use to hop on the bus throughout the validity period of your ticket.
Are accommodations available for persons with disabilities?
Yes, 100% of our New York fleet is wheelchair accessible. The wheelchair lifts on our vehicles have a maximum capacity of 650 pounds. If you require a different accommodation, please contact us 48 hours prior to your planned tour commencement so we can make arrangements for an accommodation. Please note that messages left on the office general voicemail do not constitute confirmed arrangements. Please also note that passengers with mobility impairments may not be able to access the upper deck on our buses. We cannot guarantee the accessibility of the various attractions along the tour.
Is luggage allowed on board the bus?
No, luggage is not permitted on board the bus at this time. If you are looking for luggage storage near Madame Tussauds 234 West 42nd, please visit (lughero.com/bb42). Use the discount code BIGBUS1 to get the first hour of luggage storage free, when you book ahead and pay online!
Can I change the date (and time) of my bus tour?
Yes. If you have a ticket that's 'fully flexible' you can change the date (and time) of your bus tour booking without charge. To make the change, please contact us.
If you don't have a 'fully flexible' ticket, we can still change the date of your bus tour, but please be aware that charges may apply.
If you don't have a 'fully flexible' ticket, we can still change the date of your bus tour, but please be aware that charges may apply.
Contact us
For general enquiries, please get in touch using our contact form. For more specific answers please select one of the options below.