San Francisco hop-on hop-off tickets and passes
Compare ticket types—from 24‑hour passes to multi‑day and combos with ferries or guided walks—and choose what fits your pace.
About the San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus
Hop-on hop-off services give visitors a flexible backbone for exploring San Francisco—ride between neighborhoods and disembark exactly where your curiosity leads.
Routes are designed to pass major sights and neighborhoods so you can step off for a museum, a coastal walk, or a great meal, then rejoin the route later.
Passes are typically valid for a set period (for example, 24 or 48 hours) measured from first activation, offering the freedom to plan stops across your chosen time window.
Audio guides—often included—share stories about the city’s history, architecture, and local characters, helping connect the dots as you travel.
Choose between bus‑only tickets or bundles that add ferry crossings (handy for Alcatraz views), guided walks, or discounts on local attractions.
Visit Options
Pick the option that fits your plans
Visit Options
Pick the option that fits your plans
Big Bus San Francisco: Hop-on Hop-off Tour
See San Francisco at your pace with Big Bus hop-on hop-off routes covering major neighborhoods and landmarks.
San Francisco: Hop-on Hop-off Downtown City Tour
Explore downtown San Francisco at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off tour covering central neighborhoods and landmarks.
San Francisco CityPASS®: Admission to 4 Top Attractions
Save on top San Francisco attractions with this CityPASS—access four major sites with one ticket.
City San Francisco: Explorer Pass (2–5 Attractions)
Flexible Explorer Pass giving access to 2 to 5 top San Francisco attractions — pick what you want to see.
San Francisco: 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus + Bay Cruise
Combine a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus pass with a scenic bay cruise for the best of San Francisco.
San Francisco: Alcatraz City Sites Helicopter Tour
A premium helicopter tour over San Francisco including Alcatraz and iconic city sites — an unforgettable aerial experience.
Go City San Francisco: All Inclusive Pass (25+ Attractions)
All-inclusive Go City pass giving access to 25+ attractions across San Francisco — great value for heavy sightseeing.
Why book online?
Booking online helps you compare routes, ferry combos, and extras so you can pick the pass that matches your interests and schedule.
Reserve Alcatraz ferry add‑ons, guided tours, or cable car bundles in advance—these extras often have limited capacity and sell out quickly.
Mobile tickets speed boarding—show the QR code or confirmation on your phone and get going without standing in line.
What to expect on board and at each stop
Your hop-on hop-off pass turns San Francisco into a flexible loop of discovery—here’s a sense of how a day might unfold by bus:
Begin at Fisherman’s Wharf with a cup of coffee or sourdough in hand, step aboard and feel the city open up as you head toward the Embarcadero. The audio guide will point out the Ferry Building, the historic piers, and stories of the waterfront—fishermen, fortune‑seekers, and sailors rubbing shoulders in the city’s maritime past.
Hop off at Crissy Field for a waterfront walk beneath the Golden Gate, linger in the Presidio for a museum visit or picnic, then return to explore North Beach’s cafés or Chinatown’s alleyways. As the day draws in, circle through Union Square and the Mission for contrasting slices of San Francisco life—food markets, murals, and local shops—before finishing with sunset views over the Bay.
Location & Opening Hours
- San Francisco, CA – Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate, Embarcadero & Downtown
- From Fisherman’s Wharf: head to Pier 39 or Jefferson Street where many tours start and staff can validate your pass.
- From Union Square: several stops near the shopping district connect you quickly to downtown, Chinatown, and onward to the Embarcadero.
- Visiting timetable
- Booking online in advance is wise—popular dates, holiday weekends, and cruise-port days can sell out or change prices quickly.
- Press Contact Us in the footer
You’ll find clearly marked stops at Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero/Ferry Building, Crissy Field/Presidio, Union Square, and neighborhood pick‑ups near Chinatown and the Mission.
San Francisco hop-on hop-off: frequently asked questions
Many tickets can be booked online with flexible options; read cancellation and change policies before confirming.
BOOK NOW
Selmo Rosato
This guide helps visitors use San Francisco’s hop‑on hop‑off buses confidently—practical tips, neighborhood notes, and local color to turn a route into a day of discovery.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation and change policies vary by operator; many options offer flexible changes up to a set time before departure—check the terms when booking.
Group Discounts
Groups, schools, and private bookings often receive special rates or reserved seating—contact the operator early for tailored arrangements.
Important Booking Information
San Francisco traffic can be variable—plan extra time if you have timed entries (Alcatraz ferries, museum slots) or evening plans.
Dress in layers: San Francisco can be sunny, foggy, and breezy all in one day—a light jacket and sun protection are both essential.
Bring a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes for walking once you hop off; many neighborhoods reward a slower pace.
Keep your ticket or QR code ready to scan each time you board, and note closing times so you don’t miss the last bus of the day.