Tour bus

Question

I’m interested in the hop on off bus tour but where do you get on?

Answer

Hop-on-hop-off bus tours in San Francisco are a convenient way to see the city at your own pace, and the good news is that you can typically board at multiple locations depending on the operator you choose. Most major tour companies have several designated stops that serve as starting points.

Boarding Locations:

Fisherman’s Wharf / Pier 39: This is a popular starting point for many visitors and close to attractions like the sea lions, Aquarium of the Bay, and Alcatraz ferry.
Union Square: Central location for shopping, hotels, and easy access from public transit. Many buses stop here and it’s ideal if you are staying downtown.
Embarcadero / Ferry Building: Convenient if you’re near the waterfront or arriving via public transit from the BART or Muni.
Chinatown / North Beach: Some operators allow boarding near these neighborhoods for those wanting to start sightseeing from a more cultural area.

Tips:

Check the specific tour company’s map and schedule before your visit, as stops and routes may vary slightly.
Tickets often allow you to hop on and off at any designated stop, so you don’t need to start at a particular location. You can pick up your ticket at your first boarding stop or sometimes online in advance.
Some tours include multiple routes (city highlights, waterfront, Golden Gate Bridge, etc.), so consider which route you want to start with when choosing your first stop.
Arrive a bit early, especially during peak tourist seasons, as popular stops like Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square can get busy.

Overall, the flexibility of the hop-on-hop-off tour means you can start from the stop most convenient to your hotel or wherever you are exploring first.