Questions answered
Big Bus New York City FAQ
Independent guide, not operated by or affiliated with Big Bus Tours.
- Routes2
- Stops19
- Shortest loop75M
- Sights9
This independent guide answers the questions trip planners ask most about the Big Bus in New York City. It covers the two loops, the sights each one reaches, who the bus suits and how it compares with walking. Manhattan is long and its sights are spread out, so a seated overview can help you decide what deserves a closer look later.
Sights in this guide
Before you ride
There are two loops. The Downtown Loop has 13 stops and the Uptown Loop has 7, and Times Square East appears on both, which makes it the natural place to switch.
Spring and autumn suit an open-top deck best. In summer, go in the morning when the heat and humidity are lower. Winter decks can be cold and windy, and Midtown stops are busiest around midday.
Choosing a ticket
Some tickets add a river cruise or an attraction. Compare what each ticket page describes, including its route, languages and extras, before you choose. Then plan your days around the stops that matter most to you.
Route and stops
- Downtown Loop
- Uptown Loop
Downtown Loop
Show all 13 stops
Uptown Loop
Hop-on hop-off in New York City
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Questions about Big Bus New York City
Is the Big Bus in New York City worth it?
It is worth it if you want an orientation and a rest between big Manhattan distances. It suits first-timers who want to see Midtown, the Financial District and the edge of Central Park before choosing places to revisit. If you only want one neighbourhood, walking will usually make more sense.
How many routes are there?
There are two: the Downtown Loop and the Uptown Loop. Downtown runs from Midtown down to the Financial District and back up the Hudson waterfront. Uptown circles the Midtown and Upper East Side edge of Central Park.
How long does each loop take?
The Downtown Loop takes about 90 minutes without getting off, and the Uptown Loop about 75 minutes. Those times are for riding straight round. Every stop where you get off adds to your day.
Does the bus reach the Statue of Liberty?
The Downtown Loop has a stop called Wall Street / Statue of Liberty. Ellis Island has no stop within walking distance. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are normally visited together, so plan that as its own outing.
Does the Uptown Loop go past the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Yes, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a named stop on the Uptown Loop. The same loop calls at Rockefeller Center, Central Park Zoo, Columbus Circle and Carnegie Hall. Central Park Zoo is the stop right at Central Park.
Which loop is better for Lower Manhattan sights?
The Downtown Loop. The Brooklyn Bridge stop is right at the bridge, and the World Trade Center stop is about 150 metres from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and 50 metres from One World Observatory. Wall Street is at the Wall Street / Statue of Liberty stop.
Does either loop stop at Grand Central or Greenwich Village?
Neither has a stop within walking distance of Grand Central Station or Greenwich Village. Grand Central is in the same area as Rockefeller Center and Times Square, so it is an easy walk once you are off the Uptown Loop in Midtown. For the Village, plan to go on foot.
Is it good for families and older travellers?
Yes, seeing Manhattan from the upper deck saves small legs and tired feet from long walks between sights. Stops near Central Park Zoo and the waterfront help break up the day. Check each ticket page for details on vehicle features.
Does it run on public holidays?
Resellers report that it runs every day except 25 December and 31 December. If your trip falls around those dates, plan another way to see the city on those days.
How does the bus compare with a walking tour?
A walking tour gives you stories and detail in one small area, such as the Lower Manhattan cluster around Wall Street and the Brooklyn Bridge. The bus covers far more ground, but with less depth at each place. Many visitors ride one loop for orientation, then walk the areas they liked.
Can I do a good one-day plan with the bus?
Yes. Start with the Uptown Loop in the morning for Rockefeller Center, Central Park Zoo and the Met, then switch at Times Square East to the Downtown Loop for the Brooklyn Bridge and the World Trade Center area. Rides add up, so choose a few stops rather than getting off at every one.
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