About this experience
This hop-on hop-off bus tour around San Francisco provides you with a convenient and flexible way to explore famous landmarks and attractions, including a ride over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on the Day Tour route. The tour covers multiple stops, allowing you to explore the "City by the Bay" at your own pace. With audio guide available in multiple languages, you can learn about its rich history and culture as you travel.
Why you'll love it
What's included
What's included
Not included
What to expect
- 1
Stop 1 — Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center
Your starting point for ticket redemption, Alcatraz ferry pre-booking and the Chinatown digital walking tour QR code.
- 2
Stop 2 — Columbus / Ghirardelli Square
Hop off for the famous Ghirardelli chocolate shop and the lively atmosphere of Fisherman's Wharf.
- 3
Stop 3 — North Beach / Chinatown
Explore San Francisco's historic Italian neighbourhood and the gateway to one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States.
- 4
Stop 4 — Embarcadero Center
Alight for the waterfront promenade and views across the bay towards Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge.
- 5
Stop 5 — Ferry Building
The city's celebrated food hall and farmers' market sits right on the waterfront — worth a stop for coffee or a browse.
- 6
Stop 6 — Union Square South
San Francisco's main shopping and hotel district, and a convenient interchange for the Union Square Shuttle.
- 7
Stop 7 — Hilton Hotel
A central stop serving the Tenderloin and Theatre District areas of downtown.
- 8
Stop 8 — Civic Center
Alight for City Hall, the main library and the Asian Art Museum.
- 9
Stop 9 — Alamo Square
Home to the Painted Ladies — the Victorian terrace made famous by countless postcards and television shows.
- 10
Stop 10 — Haight-Ashbury
The legendary neighbourhood at the heart of 1960s counterculture, now lined with independent shops and cafés.
- 11
Stop 11 — Golden Gate Park
A vast urban park with museums, gardens and meadows; served Monday to Saturday (a separate stop operates on Sundays and public holidays).
Hop on and off at any stop along the route.
Meeting point
Big Bus Tours San Francisco, Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA, USA
- 1Begin at Stop 1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center) on Jefferson Street to collect or redeem your ticket. If you have booked an Alcatraz visit, redeem your ticket here either the day before or by 9:30 AM on the day of your visit. For the Chinatown digital walking tour, scan the QR code at Stop 1 then make your way to Stop 3 (North Beach / Chinatown) to start.
Know before you go
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ticket or is a mobile ticket accepted?
A mobile ticket is accepted — simply show your booking confirmation on your phone at Stop 1 to redeem your pass.
How long does a full circuit of the Red Route take?
If you stay on the bus without hopping off, the complete Red Route circuit takes approximately two and a half hours.
Is Alcatraz included in every ticket?
No. Alcatraz entry is only included in the Explore Ticket (48 Hours) + Alcatraz bundle. If you book any other ticket and wish to visit Alcatraz, you will need to arrange a separate ferry ticket. Note that the boarding point for the Alcatraz ferry is Pier 33.
Can children travel for free?
Children under 3 years travel free of charge but are not entitled to a dedicated seat. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Does the Golden Gate Park stop operate every day?
Stop 11 (Golden Gate Park) operates Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, a different stop (Stop 100) serves the park instead — check the route map on the official Big Bus website for details.
Where can I find up-to-date timetables and stop maps?
A visual route map with stop locations, departure times and operating hours is available at the link provided in your booking confirmation, or via the free Big Bus mobile app. Details are subject to change, so always check the official website before your visit.
Good to know
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Big Bus Tours
Big Bus Tours is one of the world's largest open-top sightseeing bus operators, running hop-on hop-off routes in major cities across five continents.