Many travelers visiting San Francisco may not be aware of the exciting and convenient ‘Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On-Hop-Off Open Top Tour and Alcatraz Combo.’
This package offers a unique way to explore the city and visit the iconic Alcatraz Island. With the freedom to hop on and off the open-top double-decker bus at over 15 stops, travelers can discover top attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, and Pier 39 at their own pace.
But what makes this combo truly enticing? What are the inclusions and cancellation policies? What can visitors expect from the Alcatraz tour? And what tips can enhance the experience of the Big Bus tour?
These questions and more will be answered, providing valuable insights for anyone considering this fantastic package.
Good To Know

- Combo package includes both a hop-on hop-off bus tour and a visit to Alcatraz Island, allowing visitors to explore the city and experience a famous prison
- The bus tour includes top attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Pier 39, and Lombard Street, giving visitors the opportunity to see multiple sights in one day
- The package offers flexibility to customize your own itinerary and explore the city at your own pace, with the option to hop on and off the bus as desired
- The tour provides great value for money, with included admission to Alcatraz and bonus tours of Chinatown and Sausalito
Combo Package Details

The combo package for the Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On-Hop-Off Open Top Tour and Alcatraz allows visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds – a comprehensive city tour on an open-top double-decker bus and an immersive visit to the famous Alcatraz Island.
This package offers a unique opportunity to explore the city at your own pace while also experiencing the rich history of Alcatraz. One of the benefits of the hop-on hop-off bus tour is the flexibility it provides. With over 15 stops, you can customize your own itinerary and hop on and off the bus as desired.
As for the best time to visit Alcatraz, it’s recommended to book your tour in advance as tickets tend to sell out quickly. The combo package also includes bonus tours of Chinatown and Sausalito, making it a great value for money.
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Top Attractions on the Bus Tour
Embark on the Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On-Hop-Off Open Top Tour and get ready to explore some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Here are the top attractions you can visit on this tour:
Golden Gate Bridge: Marvel at the engineering masterpiece that’s the Golden Gate Bridge. Take in the breathtaking views of the city and the bay as you cross this iconic landmark.
Union Square: Discover the heart of San Francisco at Union Square. Shop at high-end boutiques, dine at world-class restaurants, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling square.
Pier 39: Visit Pier 39 and experience the lively waterfront scene. Enjoy the sea lions basking in the sun, indulge in delicious seafood, and explore the unique shops and attractions.
Lombard Street: Drive down the famous Lombard Street, known as the ‘crookedest street in the world.’ Admire the beautifully landscaped gardens and marvel at the zigzag pattern of this iconic street.
Chinatown: Bonus tour included! Enjoy the vibrant culture of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Explore the bustling streets, taste authentic cuisine, and discover hidden gems in this historic neighborhood.
These attractions offer a glimpse into the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of San Francisco. Hop on the Big Bus and let the adventure begin!
Reasons to Choose This Combo Tour

One of the key reasons to choose this combo tour is the opportunity to explore multiple attractions in one day, while enjoying the flexibility to hop on and off the bus at your own leisure.
Not only does this tour include a visit to the infamous Alcatraz Island, but it also offers bonus tours of Chinatown and Sausalito.
You can learn about the rich history and culture of San Francisco’s Chinatown, known as the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America.
Then, take a scenic journey to the picturesque town of Sausalito, where you can enjoy stunning views of the bay and browse through charming shops and galleries.
This combo tour truly allows you to make the most of your time in San Francisco, providing a diverse and unforgettable experience.
Inclusions and Cancellation Policy

With the opportunity to explore multiple attractions in one day and the flexibility to hop on and off the bus at your leisure, it’s important to understand the inclusions and cancellation policy of the Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On-Hop-Off Open Top Tour and Alcatraz Combo.
The package includes a round-trip ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island, a two-day hop-on hop-off ticket for the bus tour, an official Alcatraz ticket with a value of $45.25, and the option to begin the tour at any stop along the bus route.
However, it’s essential to note that the experience is non-refundable and can’t be changed for any reason. In case of poor weather, a different date or full refund will be offered.
Understanding the refund policy and ferry ride details will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Alcatraz Tour Experience

The Alcatraz tour experience offers visitors a captivating and immersive look into the history of this iconic prison.
One of the highlights of visiting Alcatraz is the boat ride to the island. Visitors have the option to sit inside or outside on the boat, enjoying the scenic views of the San Francisco Bay.
Once on the island, a free audio tour is available, guiding visitors through the main buildings and recreation grounds. The audio tour provides valuable insights into the daily life of prisoners and the challenges they faced. It’s a fascinating way to learn about the history of Alcatraz and the notorious inmates who were housed there.
Big Bus Tour Experience and Tips

After exploring the captivating history of Alcatraz, visitors can embark on the Big Bus tour of San Francisco for a truly immersive and memorable experience of the city.
Big Bus tour highlights:
The tour provides a comprehensive view of the city’s top attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Pier 39, and Lombard Street.
Bonus tours of Chinatown and Sausalito are included, allowing visitors to explore these vibrant neighborhoods.
The open-top double-decker buses offer stunning panoramic views, ensuring that no sight is missed.
The flexibility to hop on and off the bus at over 15 stops allows visitors to customize their own itinerary and explore the city at their own pace.
The tour is great value for money as it includes admission to Alcatraz, providing an opportunity to see multiple attractions in one day.
Tips for a comfortable tour experience:
San Francisco has micro climates, so be prepared for ever-changing weather by wearing layers.
The city can experience sun, cloud, fog, and ice-cold winds, so bring appropriate clothing.
The Golden Gate Bridge can be windy, so it’s advisable to bring something warm.
Take advantage of the informative audio commentary provided on the bus to enhance the tour experience.
The buses are clean and safe, and the staff at the terminal are helpful, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Weather Considerations for the Tour

Visitors embarking on the Big Bus tour of San Francisco should be prepared for ever-changing weather conditions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable tour experience. San Francisco is known for its microclimates, which means that the weather can vary greatly from one neighborhood to another. It isn’t uncommon to experience sun, cloud, fog, and even ice-cold winds all in the same day.
To prepare for these weather conditions, it’s recommended that visitors wear plenty of layers. This will allow them to add or remove clothing as needed throughout the day. Plus, when visiting iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s important to bring something warm as it can be quite windy.
Dressing Appropriately for the Tour

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable tour experience, it’s essential to dress appropriately for the Big Bus tour of San Francisco. Here are some layering tips and recommendations for comfortable footwear:
Layering Tips:
- San Francisco has microclimates, so be prepared for ever-changing weather.
- Wear plenty of layers to adjust to temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
- The city can experience sun, cloud, fog, and ice-cold winds, so dress accordingly.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater that can easily be tied around your waist or carried in a bag.
- Golden Gate Bridge can be windy, so bring something warm to protect yourself from the chill.
Comfortable Footwear:
- Opt for comfortable walking shoes or sneakers to explore the city and hop on and off the bus.
- Avoid high heels or shoes that aren’t suitable for walking long distances.
- Consider wearing socks or bring a spare pair to keep your feet comfortable throughout the tour.
Common Questions
How Long Does the Alcatraz Tour Take?
The duration of the Alcatraz tour varies depending on the individual. The tour schedule allows visitors to explore the island at their own pace, taking as much time as they need to fully experience this historic landmark.
Is There a Guided Tour on Alcatraz Island or Is It Self-Guided?
There is a guided tour on Alcatraz Island that provides visitors with a useful free audio tour. This allows them to explore the main buildings and recreation grounds at their own pace.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the hop-on hop-off bus. This provides convenience and flexibility for individuals, including those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Bringing pets and ensuring accessibility for disabled individuals may require additional considerations and should be confirmed with the tour operator.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors on the Combo Package?
Discounts are available for children and seniors on the combo package. Pricing varies for different age groups. This allows families and older individuals to enjoy the tour at a more affordable rate.
Can I Bring a Stroller or Wheelchair on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the hop-on hop-off bus. The bus is wheelchair accessible and has designated spaces for strollers. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the tour comfortably and conveniently.
The Sum Up
To sum it up, the Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On-Hop-Off Open Top Tour and Alcatraz Combo is a must-do for anyone wanting to explore the beautiful city of San Francisco.
With the flexibility of the hop-on hop-off bus tour and the iconic experience of visiting Alcatraz, this package offers great value for money.
Visitors can enjoy top attractions, informative tours, and breathtaking views of the city.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to see the best of San Francisco in one unforgettable day.
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