Big Bus Tours Sydney (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Big Bus Tours Sydney?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: The 24- or 48-hour hop-on pass, multilingual audio and free Wi-Fi let a solo guest explore widely without coordination, and staffed stops in tourist districts add a clear sense of personal safety.
Positives:
- Flexible exploration: Hop off and on at over 24 stops, from Circular Quay to Bondi Beach.
- Free audio commentary: Choose from 8 languages to learn local history as you travel.
Challenges:
- Weather exposure: The upper deck is open; bring layers and rain gear if forecast changes.
- Bus intervals vary: Off-peak waits can reach 30 minutes—check the schedule or app.
What is Big Bus Tours Sydney?
- A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus service operating red, open-top double-decker buses across Sydney’s harbour and eastern suburbs
- A network of two main routes linking 34 major landmarks from Circular Quay to Bondi Beach
- A service featuring multilingual pre-recorded commentary, complimentary earphones, and free onboard Wi-Fi
What is so special about Big Bus Tours Sydney for solo trip?
- Unlimited 48-hour hop-on, hop-off on two routes
- Multilingual audio commentary to guide your solo journey
- Key stops at the Australian Museum and coastal beaches
- Optional Big 5 bundle to skip lines and save on attractions
- Open-top deck ideal for solo photos and panoramic views
Recommended visit duration: 4-6 hours
Why 4-6 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to complete both city and beach routes, visit a museum, and enjoy the coastal walk without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Big Bus Tours Sydney
Essential 48-Hour City & Bondi Ticket:
Unlimited hop-on, hop-off on the City and Bondi routes for two full days.
Tip: Book online early to lock in AU$99 and secure free date changes.
Self-Guided Museum Stop:
Hop off at the Australian Museum to explore natural history with audio highlights.
Tip: Check opening hours and entry fee (around AU$21), then rejoin on Blue or Red route.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk:
Combine the Blue Route with a scenic walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee.
Tip: Start before 10 am to avoid crowds, then catch the Big Bus back from Stop 27 in Coogee.
Big 5 Ticket Bundle (Optional):
Access SEA LIFE Aquarium, WILD LIFE Zoo, Madame Tussauds, Sydney Tower Eye plus 24-hour bus touring.
Tip: Upgrade online to skip attraction lines and save about 10% vs separate tickets.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Big Bus Tours Sydney
- Start at Circular Quay: Catch the first bus to avoid queues and secure a front-row upper-deck seat.
- Use the Big Bus app: Track buses in real time and download audio guides for offline use.
- Sit front on the top deck: Get unobstructed views for photos of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Reviews of Big Bus Tours Sydney
Moonyeen Moonyeen
The bus top was 2 min walk from my hotel which was great. Red route city centre attractions , blue route outer suburbs and bondi beach. Swap from Red to blue route at central station. The bus drivers and guides (at stop 1 & central station) will help you buy tickets, but do it online it’s easier. Hop on and off stay as long as you wish but don’t forget when you hope back on you may have to loop s...
Danuta Kopieniak
Fantastic Way to See Sydney! The big tour bus in Sydney was the perfect way to explore the city’s highlights in a fun, easy, and comfortable way. With hop-on, hop-off options, we got to see everything from the Opera House to Bondi Beach at our own pace. The commentary was informative and entertaining, and the views from the top deck were amazing. A great option for families or first-time visitors...
Melisa Robinson
Had a great time on the 24hr Sydney red bus tour. Kids loved the top level and using the head phones provided for the commentary. Thank you to the lovely friendly bus driver who was very helpful and waited for us running to get back on later in the day 😊 highly recommend as a great way to get to see all the sites the city has to offer.
Shwetabh Shekhar
We took the Big Bus Tour on the red line, starting from Stop 3, which was conveniently walkable from our hotel. There was someone at the stop to assist us, which made things easy. The buses were frequent, the route was well-planned, and riding on the open-top deck gave us great views of both the city and the suburbs. The audio commentary was informative and engaging, and the overall ride was smoo...
Yong Shen Lim
Big Bus Tour - Hop On Hop Off Date of visit: 2024 Sep 01. Time of visit: 9.30 am to 3.15 pm. Overall: 9/10. Sight Seeing: 10. Activity: N.A. Outdoor Ventilation: 7. Ambience: N.A. Location: 10. Price Entry: AUD42.00/pax. Note: Be careful with your handphone and other loose items, so that they do not drop down from the bus. Combined Package Price: You can get a combined package with Captain Cook...
When is the best time to visit Big Bus Tours Sydney (Sydney, Australia)?
In summer (Dec–Feb), bring sunscreen, water and a hat for the open top deck. During Vivid (late May–mid-June), book the Vivid Lights Night Tour early to get a top-deck seat for the light displays.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Essential 48-Hour Ticket | AUD 99 |
| Australian Museum entry | AUD 21 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 120 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Big Bus Tours Sydney
Address: Booth 3 East Commuter Wharf, 3 Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
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About Big Bus Tours Sydney
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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