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8 Best Bus Tours From San Francisco, California

If you’re looking to explore San Francisco beyond the popular tourist spots, consider taking one of these best bus tours from San Francisco. From wine country to Muir Woods, there’s something for everyone. Hop on and let someone else do the driving – you’ll have time to take in the sights and sounds of the City by the Bay.

What Are The Famous Tourist Destinations In San Francisco?

San Francisco Tour Bus
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San Francisco is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks and tourist attractions. The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, cable cars, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the California coast are just a few of the many places that are sure to inspire you. 

If you’re looking for a few places to start your tour of San Francisco, start by visiting the San Francisco Zoo, the Exploratorium, or the California Academy of Sciences.

If you’re interested in learning more about the city’s history, visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, or if you want to explore the city’s unique architecture, visit the City’s Chinatown or Visit a few of the many jazz clubs in the city like Yoshi’s or the Fillmore. 

San Francisco is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country and is a great place to explore the outdoors. 

If you’re looking to hike or bike around the city, stop by the Golden Gate National Recreational Area to learn more about the area and explore different hikes throughout the Bay Area.

Best Bus Tours From San Francisco, California

San Francisco Sightseeing Bus Tour
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San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and for good reason. The “City by the Bay” offers a wealth of things to see and do, from iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to world-class museums and galleries. One of the best ways to explore all that San Francisco has to offer is by taking a bus tour

Here are eight of the best bus tours from San Francisco:

1. Big Bus San Francisco Tour

A picture of a BigBus San Francisco tour bus
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This open-top bus tour from Big Bus Tours is the perfect way to see all the major sights of San Francisco. The tour features live commentary from knowledgeable guides, as well as an optional audio guide in 10 languages.

Hop on and hop off at any of the 20 stops to explore attractions like Union Square, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf at your own pace.

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2. City Sightseeing San Francisco Tour

San Francisco passengers riding on the top tier of a double-decker tour bus are treated to a magnificent view of the city.
Richard Thornton / Shutterstock.com

City Sightseeing San Francisco also offers an open-top bus tour of the city, with a choice of 24 or 48-hour tickets. Highlights of the tour include stops at Union Square, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Haight-Ashbury. You can also upgrade your ticket to include a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island.

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3. Gray Line San Francisco Tour

An Open City Tour open topped bus. The sightseeing bus tour operates in more than 100 cities globally, is taking tourists to the major landmarks.
Joseph M. Arseneau / Shutterstock.com

Gray Line San Francisco’s “Hop-on Hop-off” tour is a great way to see the city at your own pace. The tour features 20 stops, including Union Square, Chinatown, Ghirardelli Square, and the Golden Gate Bridge. You can also upgrade your ticket to include a bay cruise or a trip to Muir Woods.

4. San Francisco Grand City Tour

Big Bus, Hop On Hop Off, Sightseeing Tour, the popular double-decker bus carrying tourists, standing in Union Square, during a day tour
Benny Marty / Shutterstock.com

This comprehensive city tour from GrandCityTours covers all of the major sights of San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Chinatown. The tour also includes a stop at Ghirardelli Square, as well as a visit to the top of Twin Peaks for panoramic views of the city.

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5. San Francisco Super Saver Tour

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California, USA
tinnaporn / Adobe Stock

This tour from Gray Line San Francisco combines two of the most popular tourist attractions in the city – a hop-on hop-off bus tour and a bay cruise. The tour also includes an optional audio guide in eight languages. You can choose to do the tour over one or two days, and there are 19 stops on the bus tour portion of the itinerary.

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6. San Francisco City Tour with Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island as Seen From San Francisco National Recreation Area
Zack Frank / Adobe Stock

This comprehensive city tour from City Sightseeing San Francisco includes a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, home of the infamous federal penitentiary. The tour also includes stops at all of the major sights of the city, including Union Square, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

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7. San Francisco in One Day Tour

Union Square San Francisco a shop-aholic dream
Rafael Ramirez Lee / Shutterstock

This tour from GrandCityTours is the perfect way to see all the major sights of San Francisco in just one day. The tour includes stops at Union Square, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll also get to ride on a cable car and take a bay cruise.

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8. San Francisco Sunset Tour

Beautiful view of business center in downtown San Francisco in USA at dusk.
f11photo / Shutterstock

Gray Line San Francisco’s Sunset Tour is the perfect way to end your day in the city. The tour includes stops at Union Square, Chinatown, and Ghirardelli Square, as well as a visit to the top of Twin Peaks for panoramic views of the city. The tour also includes an optional audio guide in eight languages.

Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive city tour or a more leisurely exploration of San Francisco’s sights, there’s a bus tour that’s perfect for you. So hop aboard and enjoy all that the “City by the Bay” has to offer!

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What is the General Cost of a San Francisco Bus Tour?

closeup of San Francisco Bus Tour
Benny Marty / Shutterstock.com

Most San Francisco bus tours range in price from around $40-$60 per person. However, there are some companies that charge closer to $100 per person. The cost of the tour will usually include transportation, as well as a guide who will point out landmarks and provide commentary along the way. 

Some tours will also include entrance fees to attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz Island. Typically, the more expensive tours will offer a higher level of comfort and convenience, such as pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. 

When choosing a bus tour, it is important to compare prices and consider what is included in the cost of the tour.

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Conclusion

A Big Bus Tours hop-on hop-off tour bus
Matthew Ashmore / Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking for a unique way to see the city of San Francisco, consider taking one of the many bus tours available.

These tours will take you to some of the most popular tourist destinations in and around the city, and give you an opportunity to learn more about its history and culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s sure to be a Viator bus tour that’s right for you.

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