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Explore Los Angeles at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off open-top bus tour. See iconic sights, enjoy great commentary, and customize your day.
Discover Los Angeles with the Hop-on Hop-off Open-top Bus Tour
This LA sightseeing tour promises a flexible way to see the city’s most famous landmarks from the comfort of an open-top double-decker bus. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of navigating LA’s traffic and parking chaos while still snagging that perfect photo of the Hollywood Sign or Santa Monica Pier.
What we particularly like about this experience is the freedom it offers—you can hop off at any stop, explore at your own pace, then hop back on whenever you’re ready. It’s a win for those who want a relaxed, self-paced adventure.
One thing to keep in mind is the reliance on buses running on schedule. As some reviewers mention, LA traffic can cause delays, and bus frequency isn’t as tight as some might hope. This means planning your day carefully is key, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
This tour suits first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of LA, or locals eager to revisit favorite spots without the stress of driving. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this tour tick, and how it might fit into your LA plans.
Looking for more options in Los Angeles? Here are some other experiences worth considering.
This tour from Big Bus Tours Los Angeles offers a practical, no-stress way to explore LA’s sprawling neighborhoods. Priced at $56 per person, the ticket is typically valid for 1 or 2 days. This flexibility makes it ideal whether you want to spend a single day or spread your sightseeing over two days.
The bus itself is a classic double-decker, open-top vehicle that allows for panoramic views of LA’s skyline, Hollywood hills, and the endless ocean views from Santa Monica. It’s a visual feast, and you’ll find that the open-air design makes each stop feel closer to the city’s heart.
Buses depart from the Big Bus Visitor Center at Hollywood and run from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with intervals roughly every 30 minutes. During peak times, lines might get busy, so arriving early or using the app to track bus arrivals can keep your day running smoothly.
You’ll get access to two routes: the Red Route focusing on Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood, and the Blue Route covering Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and the coast. This dual-route system means you can tailor your tour to your interests—whether Hollywood’s star-studded streets or California’s sandy beaches.
Hollywood and the Walk of Fame is an obvious highlight. The tour provides excellent views of the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame, while the commentary shares intriguing stories, making the sightseeing richer. As one reviewer noted, guides like Ollie are not only knowledgeable but also add a friendly, humorous touch, making the experience more engaging.
Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive are a must-see for those interested in luxury shopping and celebrity spotting. The buses stop close enough for quick visits or photo ops, and many travelers find this a highlight, especially with the chance to peek into the opulent neighborhoods.
Sunset Strip and West Hollywood are lively parts of the city, renowned for their nightlife, music venues, and trendy spots. The open-top bus offers a great vantage for viewing the eclectic, vibrant vibe of these areas.
Santa Monica and Venice Beach are the coastal gems. From the iconic pier to the eccentric street performers and roller-skaters on Venice Beach, these stops are perfect for those seeking a fun, relaxed vibe. Several reviews mention how easy it is to combine the bus tour with exploring on foot, shopping, or grabbing a bite.
Behind the scenes of Hollywood: For an extra fee, you can upgrade to the Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour, which takes you into the luxurious neighborhoods of stars like Michael Jackson and Madonna. As one reviewer said, this tour offers a glimpse into the glamorous lives of Hollywood’s elite, adding a sprinkle of star-studded glamour to your day.
The ticket includes unlimited hop-on hop-off access for the duration of validity, digital commentary in multiple languages, and souvenir earbuds to enhance your listening experience. There’s also a partnership with Unlimited Biking, offering a free extra hour of bike rental or discounts on bike tours—perfect if you want to combine bus sightseeing with a bit of outdoor activity.
A big plus is the accessibility—the buses are wheelchair friendly, making it a suitable option for travelers with mobility needs. However, note that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so plan to start your day at the designated meeting points.
Timing is crucial. The first tour departs at 10:00 AM, with the last one at 4:30 PM, so it’s best to plan your day accordingly. If you’re visiting LA for a limited amount of time, doing the full loop and hopping off at key attractions allows you to maximize your experience.
The reviews highlight that guides like Ollie are standouts—fun, knowledgeable, and able to tailor responses to passenger interests. Many travelers praise the stunning views from the bus, especially of Hollywood Sign and Sunset Strip, with some mentioning that the open-top design makes photos much easier.
Value for money is another common theme. For around $56, you’re getting a rundown of LA, with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Several travelers mention doing multiple routes over two days, which allows a deeper dive into neighborhoods like Santa Monica and Hollywood.
However, the reviews also acknowledge some drawbacks: traffic delays can cut into sightseeing time, and buses don’t run as frequently as one might hope, especially during busy periods. Some mention waiting up to an hour at Santa Monica or experiencing delays due to LA’s notorious traffic jams, which can be frustrating but are part of the LA experience.
This hop-on hop-off experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Los Angeles without the stress of public transportation or driving. It’s also great for those who enjoy self-paced exploration and want to take advantage of the panoramic views from the open-top buses.
Travelers who love flexibility will appreciate the ability to hop off and on at key spots like Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach. It’s also a practical option for families, solo travelers, or groups who want to see a lot without complicating logistics.
If you’re someone who prefers guided tours with a lot of commentary, this might feel a little too self-directed, but the digital guides are informative and engaging. For those interested in the celebrity lifestyle or behind-the-scenes studio visits, the upgrade to a celebrity homes tour adds an extra layer of fun.
Los Angeles can be sprawling and confusing, especially for first-timers, but this hop-on hop-off tour provides a straightforward way to cover a lot of ground. The open-top design and digital commentary make for an enjoyable sightseeing experience, with excellent views and flexible exploration options.
While LA’s traffic can cause some delays, the overall value and convenience make this a worthwhile choice for many visitors. It’s particularly suited for those who want to balance sightseeing with relaxation, or for travelers with limited time who want to maximize their exposure to LA’s top sights.
In terms of cost, $56 offers a lot of potential for a full day or two of sightseeing, especially when you consider the value of not having to rent a car or worry about parking. The professionalism of the guides, especially the lively Ollie and helpful staff, really enhances the experience.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for a fun, flexible, and panoramic way to discover Los Angeles, this hop-on hop-off bus tour stands out as a practical and enjoyable option that captures the essence of the city.
Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs to enjoy the tour.
Can I hop off at any stop?
Absolutely. You have unlimited hop-on, hop-off access during your ticket’s validity, so you can explore your favorite spots and rejoin the bus later.
How long does each route take?
The tours run from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and buses usually depart every 30 minutes. The full loop can take around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.
Are headphones provided?
Yes, digital commentary is available via souvenir earbuds, and you’re welcome to use your own headphones too.
What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers unlimited hop-on hop-off access, digital commentary, earbuds, and optional upgrades like the Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour.
Are there any special offers?
Yes, there’s a partnership with Unlimited Biking, offering an extra hour of bike rental free or a discount on bike tours.
What landmarks can I expect to see?
Expect highlights like Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Warner Bros Studio, and the La Brea Tar Pits.
Is hotel pickup available?
No, you need to start your tour at designated meeting points, such as the Big Bus Visitor Center or any listed stop.
How do I know the bus is coming?
You can download the Big Bus app to track bus arrivals in real time, making it easier to plan your day.
In the end, this LA hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a practical way to see the city’s highlights with excellent panoramic views, engaging commentary, and the flexibility to tailor your day. Perfect for first-timers, families, or those wanting a relaxed introduction to LA’s famous neighborhoods.