Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Boston, Massachusetts

Founded in 1630, Boston has played a key role in American history, from the American Revolution to the present day. As such, it is full of significant cultural landmarks that you can explore on a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Boston.

Hop off the bus when you want to discover the architectural delights and historic trails of the city.

Then, when you’re ready to continue, jump back on the bus and head to your next attraction. A hop-on hop-off bus in Boston is the fastest and most enjoyable way to see the city's main sights.

Here's all you need to know about hop-on hop-off bus tours, one of the best options for sightseeing tours in Boston.

What are the best hop-on hop-off Boston bus tours? What are their prices?

Old Town Trolley Tours in Boston

Old Town Trolley Tours has been operating for 35 years and has been celebrated worldwide for its comprehensive, and fun, lap of the city.

This hop-on hop-off bus in Boston travels through the most notable areas of the city to show you over 100 of its most iconic sights.

Route

On this hop-on hop-off bus route, there are 18 stops where you can jump on and off as you please. The bus begins its loop at Faneuil Hall and makes its first stop at the historic North End — the city’s Italian neighborhood.

The bus continues through the city making stops at the USS Constitution Museum, North Station, the Old State House, and Beacon Hill.

You can also hop off the bus at the Cheers Bar or Prudential Center, which is known as the best shopping spot in the city.

The Christian Science Plaza, Copley Place Mall, Copley Square and theater district also feature on the itinerary.

The Old Town Trolley stops at several more tourist favorites including the New State House, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Boston Convention Center, and Mass Port.

The final stops on the route are at Boston Fish Pier and South Station.

Timetable

Throughout the summer months, the Old Town Trolley Tour operates from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. From November onwards, the hop-on hop-off bus in Boston ends at 4 PM.

Buses run frequently — every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day — and one complete loop of the route takes just under 2 hours.

Tickets

If you participate in the Old Town Trolley hop-on hop-off bus tour in Boston, you can choose between a 1-day or 2-day pass.

1-day ticket

You’ll save money by purchasing your tickets online in advance, reducing a 1-day pass to US$50 per adult aged 13 and over, and US$26 for children aged 4-12.

2-day ticket

You’ll pay just over US$80 per adult for a 2-day pass and US$44 for a child. Children under the age of 4 travel for free.

City View Trolley Tours in Boston

Another popular hop-on hop-off bus in Boston is the City View trolley. With a fascinating guide providing you with historical tidbits on “Beantown,” you'll be itching to explore the sights surrounding its multitude of stops.

Route

The City View trolley makes nine stops at significant landmarks around the city. It departs from the New England Aquarium, which is home to over 600 species of marine life.

This is also a convenient spot for those using the ferry system to travel into the city to climb aboard. The bus then makes a stop at the Paul Revere House in the city's "Little Italy" neighborhood.

The next stop is in the North End, where visitors can alight to see Copps Hill Burial Ground. If you wish to learn about maritime heritage, hop off at the USS Constitution Museum.

Sports lovers may instead choose to visit the TD Bank Garden Sports Museum from the nearby bus stop at North Station.

The City View hop-on hop-off bus tour in Boston also stops at the Old State House, the Boston Common and the Massachusetts State House.

The final stop on this tour of the city is at the South Station, where tourists can visit the Children's Museum, which has been exciting kids and adults alike for over a century.

Timetable

City View Trolley Tours operates hop-on hop-off buses around the city from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily, from mid-April until the end of November.

Trolleys run every 15-20 minutes to enable you to spend your day sightseeing instead of waiting around.

Tickets

Depending on how long you have to spare in Boston, you can choose between a 60-minute, 1-day or 2-day pass for your City View hop-on hop-off bus tour.

By booking your pass online in advance, you'll qualify for a discount of 10% on all ticket prices. This reduced rate is listed below.

60-minute ticket

The 60-minute tours are non-stop, meaning you’ll stay seated for the duration of the route without the benefit of hopping on and off the trolley at your own leisure. However, they are a good option for those with a limited itinerary.

For this route, you’ll pay US$38 per adult aged 13 and over. Children aged 4-12 travel for US$16 and those under 4 go free. A reduced rate of US$36 applies to seniors aged 62 and over, students, and active members of the military.

1-day ticket

Alternatively, select a 1-day ticket and choose to explore the city for an entire calendar day.

On this tour, you can take advantage of its hop-on hop-off service. Adults can expect to pay US$40 each, while children cost US$19 each. Those who qualify for the reduced rate will pay US$38 per ticket.

2-day ticket

If you have more time on your hand, consider a 2-day hop-on hop-off Boston bus pass. An adult ticket costs US$78, while children cost US$38. Those who are eligible for a reduced rate will pay US$76.

How do the tours work? What is included?

Hop-on hop-off buses in Boston enable you to see the city at your own pace. With your pass, you can join a bus tour at any stop and simply hop off when a landmark catches your eye.

Once you've explored an attraction, you can hop back on the bus and continue along the route.

Some hop-on hop-off bus tours allow you an unlimited number of rides for the duration of your ticket, whereas others allow you one full tour on your chosen day, with as many stops as you desire.

All hop-on hop-off off bus services are audio-guided by a knowledgeable professional, with fascinating stories about each location.

If you choose to use Old Town Trolley Tours to get around the city, you’ll benefit from various discounts on other excursions and attraction entry fees.

These include the spooky ghosts tours, the Historic Harbor Cruise, and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.

Are the tours included in any city passes?

The City View hop-on hop-off buses are included in the Go City Boston pass, which enables ticket holders to experience an array of Boston's best attractions and tours for one all-inclusive price.

You can choose between several types of passes and prices start from US$69. The New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and Paul Revere House are examples of the destinations included in the Go City pass.

Travel tips

• Hop-on hop-off buses in Boston operate in all conditions. During the wintertime, the city can drop to lows of 3 degrees Celsius so ensure you wrap up in several warm layers.
• Consider purchasing a Go City pass for a more budget-friendly way to gain admission to many of Boston's most celebrated landmarks.
• If you are a senior, student or active member of the military, carry relevant ID with you to qualify for discounted rates.
• In order to save 10% on your Boston hop-on hop-off bus tickets, purchase your pass online in advance.