The Golden Gate Bridge seen from Marshall's Beach in San Francisco

Hop on hop off San Francisco

San Francisco's sights are spread over steep hills. An open-top bus links the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and downtown without the climbs.

Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0

By Rédaction LocationAutocar · Updated

Routes run from Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square to the Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints and the neighborhoods in between. Combo tickets add a bay cruise under the bridge, and one option bundles the bus with Alcatraz Island.

Our top pick: San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with 17 Stops

San Francisco bus tickets compared

Most booked

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with 17 Stops

4.6/5 from over 4,100 reviews.

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Alcatraz combo

San Francisco: Alcatraz, Bay Cruise & Hop-On Hop-Off

4.6/5 from nearly 2,600 reviews.

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San Francisco: Deluxe Hop-On Hop-Off with 20 Stops

4.0/5 from nearly 1,000 reviews.

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Why book online

  • Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
  • Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
  • Mobile ticket on your phone
  • Reviews from verified travelers

Dress in layers: even in summer the open-top deck can be cold and foggy near the bridge. Alcatraz visits sell out well ahead, so book that part first.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the hop on hop off bus worth it in San Francisco?

Yes if you want the Golden Gate Bridge, the waterfront and downtown in one day: the hills make walking between them tiring. Riders on the open-top deck should bring a jacket.

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