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Big Bus Tours

Make the most of your time in New York with Big Bus Tours. Exploring the City aboard one of their double-decker buses gives you a chance to see the most famous sights from the comfort of your seat or you can hop off and explore at any of more than 35 convenient stops. Downtown, Uptown, Harlem and Brooklyn Loops are available, as well as a Night Tour.

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What you’ll do

Ready for a city adventure? We turn tourists into explorers!

During our tours, you’ll be entertained by our expert live guides, who’ll share fascinating facts and stories about New York. Alternatively, you can choose to tune in to our pre-recorded on-board commentary, available in 10 languages via complimentary headphones. You’ll have plenty of time to discover New York at your own pace, with buses scheduled to arrive at stops regularly. Hop off to snap the perfect photo, or stay to explore for hours – our bus tours offer you the freedom to sightsee at your own pace.

Plan your visit

There are five tour routes available: the Explore Uptown (Blue Route) and Explore Downtown (Red Route) tours are included with all tickets, and Premium and Deluxe ticket holders can choose to Explore Brooklyn (Purple Route), Explore Harlem (Green Route) and Discover NYC by Night (Yellow Route).

Small Groups (Below 15)

Large Groups (15+)

Private Group Charters

  • See New York with your own privately chartered Big Bus Tour, providing your group with anything from a short transfer to a full day of discovery. Each of our open-top buses can accommodate up to 50 guests on the upper deck and we can offer pick-up and drop-off points to suit your itinerary. We also offer pre-recorded commentary in a choice of languages. Whether you are organizing a social or corporate event, submit an inquiry with the details of your group event and let us help you make it a success.

Where is it

Visit our information desk for help and advice about Big Bus Tours New York, our expert staff have plenty of helpful tips to share about visiting New York, and will be happy to welcome you to the city!

  • Big Bus Tours Information Center at Madame Tussauds: 234 West 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
  • Big Bus Welcome Center: 712 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Hours & Schedule

Big Bus Tours New York operates every day except New Year’s Eve (December 31).

Information Center Hours

  • 8:00am to 5:00pm daily

Explore Downtown (Red Route)

  • First Bus: 8:03am from Stop #1 (Times Square East, W 42nd St & Broadway).
  • Last Bus: 6:03pm at Stop #1 (Times Square East, W 42nd St & Broadway).
  • Frequency: every 15-20 minutes
  • Full Circuit Time: 90 minutes (approx.)

Explore Uptown (Blue Route)

  • First Bus: 9:00am from Stop #17 (Carnegie Hall, 57th & 7th Streets).
  • Last Bus: 6:00pm at Stop #17 (Carnegie Hall, 57th & 7th Streets).
  • Frequency: every 15-20 minutes (approx.)
  • Full Circuit Time: 90 minutes (approx.)

Explore Brooklyn (Purple Route)

  • First Bus: 10:00am at Stop #29 (State of Liberty/ Battery Park, State Street & Pearl St )
  • Last Bus: 2:00pm from Stop #29 (State of Liberty/ Battery Park, State Street & Pearl St )
  • Frequency: every 2 hours (approx.)
  • Full Circuit Time: 90 minutes (approx.)

Explore Harlem (Green Route)

  • First Bus: 10:00am from Stop #33 (Columbus Circle, SW corner of Central Park).
  • Last Bus: 2:00pm at Stop #33 (Columbus Circle, SW corner of Central Park).
  • Frequency: every 2 hours (approx.)
  • Full Circuit Time: 70 minutes.

Discover NYC by Night (Yellow Route)

  • First Bus: 7:00pm from Stop #37 (M&Ms World, 7th Ave & W 48th St).
  • Last Bus: 9:00pm from Stop #37 (M&Ms World, 7th Ave & W 48th St).
  • Frequency: every 20-30 minutes
  • Full Circuit Time: 2 hours.

Things to keep in mind

Accessibility Information

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.

Child Ticketing Information

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.