Los Angeles stretches across nearly 500 square miles, and trying to see it all on foot or by rideshare gets exhausting fast. That’s exactly why so many visitors search for the best bus tours in Los Angeles, they cover serious ground without the stress of navigating unfamiliar freeways. But with dozens of operators running everything from double-decker hop-on-hop-off routes to intimate celebrity homes circuits, picking the right one takes some research.
We put this guide together to save you the legwork. At Another Side Tours, we’ve spent years leading over a million tours across LA’s iconic neighborhoods, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and beyond. That experience gives us a clear picture of what separates a great sightseeing tour from a forgettable one: knowledgeable guides, smart routing, manageable group sizes, and genuine value for the price.
Below, you’ll find 15 bus tours worth considering for 2026, broken down with current pricing, real guest reviews, and honest notes on what each tour does well. Whether you want a budget-friendly hop-on-hop-off pass or a premium small-group experience, this list will help you book the right ride.
1. Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours
Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours stands out among the best bus tours in Los Angeles because it focuses on small-group and private experiences rather than packing dozens of strangers onto an open-top bus. With over a million tours completed and consistent five-star ratings on TripAdvisor and Viator, this operator has built a strong reputation for guides who actually know the city.
Route and main stops
Tours cover Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach, with routes customizable depending on the tour type you book. Common stops include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and the Santa Monica Pier. Celebrity homes circuits take you through the residential streets of Bel Air and Beverly Hills, pointing out properties tied to well-known names in entertainment.
What makes it different
Most bus tours in LA run large groups with recorded audio commentary. Another Side Tours uses live, certified local guides who answer questions in real time and adjust the experience based on what you want to see. Group sizes stay small, so you actually hear the guide and get a seat with a clear view.
If you want a tour that feels personal rather than rushed, small-group formats consistently outperform the big open-top buses.
Who it suits
This operator works well for first-time visitors to Los Angeles who want an efficient overview without feeling like they’re on a conveyor belt. It also fits couples, families with kids, and small groups who prefer a comfortable vehicle over a crowded double-decker. Corporate groups and travelers with specific interests, like film history or architecture, get the most from the customizable private options.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices in 2026 start at around $75 per person for shorter tours and go up to approximately $1,996 for full private limousine experiences. Most bookings include hotel pickup, live guide narration, and transportation for the duration of the tour. Group discounts apply for parties of three or more.
Things to check before booking
Confirm pickup location and tour duration before finalizing your reservation, as these vary across tour types. Check whether your preferred date has private or shared availability, since the experience differs meaningfully between the two formats.
2. Big Bus Tours Los Angeles
Big Bus Tours is one of the most recognizable names among the best bus tours in Los Angeles, operating a fleet of open-top double-decker buses that run continuous loops through the city’s most-visited corridors.
Route and main stops
Big Bus covers three main routes: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica/Venice Beach. Key stops include the TCL Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, and the Santa Monica Pier. You can board and exit at designated stops throughout the day, making it easy to spend extra time at locations that interest you most.
What makes it different
The hop-on-hop-off format gives you flexibility that fixed-departure tours don’t. You control your own pace, and the open top deck offers unobstructed views for photos. Commentary runs via pre-recorded audio in multiple languages, which works well for international visitors who need information in their native language.
If you’re visiting LA for the first time and want maximum flexibility across multiple neighborhoods in one day, hop-on-hop-off passes offer solid coverage.
Who it suits
Big Bus works best for independent travelers and families who want to cover a lot of ground without committing to a fixed itinerary. It’s a practical option if you prefer to self-direct your day rather than follow a guide.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices typically start around $55 to $70 per adult for a one-day pass, with multi-day options available at higher rates. Passes include unlimited bus boarding and the audio commentary system.
Things to check before booking
Confirm bus frequency on each route before you arrive, as wait times between buses can stretch during peak season. Also check weather forecasts, since the open top deck becomes uncomfortable in rain.
3. Starline Tours Hop-On Hop-Off
Starline Tours has operated in Los Angeles for decades and remains one of the most established names among the best bus tours in Los Angeles. The company runs open-top double-decker buses on a fixed loop that hits the city’s most photographed spots.
Route and main stops
Starline’s hop-on hop-off route covers Hollywood Boulevard, the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and Melrose Avenue. Stops include the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and the Beverly Hills Hotel. The loop runs throughout the day with buses cycling through each stop at regular intervals.
What makes it different
Starline has a long operational history in LA, which means well-maintained vehicles and staff who know the routes inside out. The company also offers combination packages that bundle the hop-on hop-off pass with studio tours and celebrity homes excursions, which adds value if you want to cover multiple experiences under one booking.
Bundling your bus pass with a studio or celebrity homes add-on can cut your per-attraction cost noticeably compared to booking each separately.
Who it suits
This tour fits budget-conscious visitors who want flexibility to explore at their own pace. It works particularly well for solo travelers and couples who want to spend more time at specific stops without feeling rushed by a group schedule.
2026 price range and what’s included
Passes start around $60 per adult for a single day, with combo deals running higher depending on what you add. The base price includes unlimited boarding and audio commentary.
Things to check before booking
Check bus frequency during your travel dates, as schedules thin out during off-peak seasons. Confirm whether your combo package requires advance reservations at the add-on attractions.
4. City Sightseeing Los Angeles Hop-On Hop-Off
City Sightseeing operates globally and brings its familiar red open-top double-decker buses to Los Angeles as part of its worldwide network. The brand sits among the recognized names when you’re comparing the best bus tours in Los Angeles, particularly if you’ve used its service in other cities and already know how the system works.
Route and main stops
City Sightseeing runs a loop through Hollywood and West Hollywood, stopping at landmarks including the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Sunset Strip. Some itineraries extend toward Beverly Hills and Melrose Avenue, giving you a reasonable cross-section of the city’s most-photographed areas in a single pass.
What makes it different
The global City Sightseeing app lets you download audio commentary and follow the route on your phone, which helps if you lose track of where the next stop falls. The brand also runs consistent vehicle standards across all markets, so you generally know what to expect in terms of seating and safety before you board.
Familiarity with a tour brand can save time when you’re in a new city and need to book quickly without doing extensive research.
Who it suits
City Sightseeing works well for repeat international travelers who have used the brand elsewhere and want a no-surprises experience in LA. It suits visitors who prefer self-guided exploration at a comfortable pace over structured, guide-led narration.
2026 price range and what’s included
Expect to pay around $55 to $65 per adult for a one-day pass, with combo options available. Your pass covers unlimited boarding and app-based audio commentary.
Things to check before booking
Verify current route coverage before you book, as City Sightseeing occasionally adjusts stops between seasons. Also confirm whether your departure hotel falls near an active pickup point.
5. Hollywood Bus Tours LA
Hollywood Bus Tours LA focuses specifically on the entertainment district rather than spreading its routes across the entire city. Among the best bus tours in Los Angeles, this operator takes a narrower geographic focus that lets guides go deeper on Hollywood history, studio lore, and film industry landmarks without rushing past them.
Route and main stops
The route centers on Hollywood Boulevard and the surrounding entertainment district, covering the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Capitol Records Building, and Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre. Some departures extend to Mulholland Drive and the Hollywood Hills, where you get elevated views of the city below and closer sightlines to the Hollywood Sign.
What makes it different
This tour spends more time in Hollywood specifically, rather than trying to hit Beverly Hills and Santa Monica in the same run. That concentrated approach means guides cover significantly more detail about the neighborhood’s film history. You’re not racing across the city to check off a generic list of landmarks.
Depth beats breadth if Hollywood history is the main reason you came to Los Angeles.
Who it suits
This tour suits film history enthusiasts and first-time visitors who want to understand what made Hollywood iconic before branching out to other neighborhoods on separate days.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices typically run around $55 to $75 per person, covering transportation, guide narration, and the core route stops.
Things to check before booking
Verify departure times and pickup locations before you book, and confirm whether your preferred tour includes the Mulholland Drive extension or sticks to the boulevard loop.
6. A Day In LA Tours
A Day In LA Tours carves out its place among the best bus tours in Los Angeles by offering narrated bus experiences with an emphasis on storytelling over simple landmark identification. The company has built a following among visitors who want more than a quick drive-by of famous addresses.
Route and main stops
Tours run through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Westside, with stops at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and select viewpoints toward the Hollywood Sign. Some itineraries include Mulholland Drive overlooks, giving you a genuine aerial perspective of the LA basin.
What makes it different
The guides at A Day In LA prioritize local narrative and behind-the-scenes context over scripted recitations. You hear stories about how neighborhoods changed, not just what buildings currently stand there. That approach makes the tour feel more like a conversation than a lecture.
Tours that lead with storytelling consistently earn stronger reviews than those that rely purely on recorded audio commentary.
Who it suits
This option works well for curious travelers and repeat visitors who already know the major landmarks and want a layer of depth beyond the standard tourist circuit. It also fits small groups who prefer a relaxed pace without rigid timetables.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices generally run from $65 to $95 per person, covering transportation, live guide narration, and the core route. Group rates are often available for parties traveling together.
Things to check before booking
Confirm exact pickup points and tour duration before you reserve, and ask whether the itinerary includes any stops where you exit the bus on foot.
7. TMZ Tours Los Angeles
TMZ Tours brings a celebrity-obsessed angle to the best bus tours in Los Angeles, running open-air bus routes through neighborhoods where current entertainment news actually happens. If you follow celebrity culture and want a tour built around that interest rather than classic Hollywood history, this one takes a different approach from most operators on this list.
Route and main stops
The tour rolls through West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood, focusing on locations tied to recent celebrity sightings, tabloid stories, and entertainment news events. Stops shift regularly based on what’s currently happening in LA, so the route isn’t fixed the way traditional sightseeing loops are. Guides reference real TMZ stories and update the content to match current news cycles.
What makes it different
TMZ Tours runs with live guides who cross-reference real entertainment news rather than rehearsed scripts about historical landmarks. The commentary leans into gossip, recent events, and pop culture rather than architectural or film history. That makes it a fundamentally different product from most other tours on this list.
If celebrity culture and current entertainment news are your primary interests, this tour delivers content that no other operator in LA replicates.
Who it suits
This tour fits pop culture fans and younger travelers who care more about where celebrities live now than where studios were built decades ago. It works well for groups of friends looking for a lighthearted, entertainment-focused experience.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices run around $65 per person, covering the guided bus tour and live commentary.
Things to check before booking
Confirm current departure times and pickup location before you book, as schedules adjust based on season and demand.
8. Gray Line Los Angeles Sightseeing Tours
Gray Line is one of the longest-running names in guided sightseeing, operating across dozens of cities globally and bringing that structured, escorted tour format to Los Angeles. It sits among the recognizable options when comparing the best bus tours in Los Angeles, particularly for travelers who prefer a fully organized experience over a self-directed pass.
Route and main stops
Gray Line routes cover Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and downtown Los Angeles, with standard stops including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and Rodeo Drive. Select departures extend to Universal Studios or the Getty Center, making it possible to combine a neighborhood tour with a major attraction in a single booking.
What makes it different
The brand leans into its escorted tour model, meaning a guide travels with the group throughout rather than leaving you to follow audio prompts on your own. That structure suits visitors who want a planned itinerary handled entirely for them without making decisions on the fly.
Fully escorted tours remove decision fatigue, which matters most when you’re visiting a city as sprawling and unfamiliar as Los Angeles.
Who it suits
Gray Line works well for older travelers and organized group bookings who prefer a reliable, structured format. It also fits visitors who want multi-attraction packages bundled into one reservation.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices start around $65 to $85 per person, covering guided narration and transportation throughout the route.
Things to check before booking
Confirm exact pickup locations and whether attraction entry fees are included in the base price before you finalize your reservation.
9. Open-Air Celebrity Homes Bus Tour from Hollywood
The open-air celebrity homes bus tour from Hollywood takes a narrower focus than most of the best bus tours in Los Angeles, dedicating its entire route to residential streets where current and classic celebrities live. Rather than mixing architecture with entertainment history, this tour puts celebrity real estate front and center from the first stop to the last.
Route and main stops
Departures start in Hollywood and move west through Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Holmby Hills, tracing the winding streets where some of the most recognized names in film and television own property. Guides point out gates, driveways, and estates tied to both current A-listers and old Hollywood legends, giving the route a mix of contemporary interest and historical depth.
What makes it different
The open-air vehicle keeps you exposed to the neighborhood atmosphere rather than watching through tinted glass. No recorded audio plays here, so guides field questions live and adjust commentary based on what the group finds most interesting.
Open-air seating dramatically improves photo opportunities compared to standard enclosed bus tours.
Who it suits
This tour works best for pop culture fans and visitors specifically interested in celebrity real estate rather than the broader city overview. It also suits repeat visitors to LA who have already covered the standard landmarks on a previous trip.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices generally run around $50 to $70 per person, covering transportation and live guide narration throughout the route.
Things to check before booking
Confirm departure time and pickup location before booking, and check whether the guide uses a live microphone system so you can hear commentary clearly from rear seats.
10. Full-Day LA Highlights Bus Tour with Hotel Pickup
The full-day LA highlights bus tour with hotel pickup covers more ground than any half-day option on this list, making it one of the more practical choices among the best bus tours in Los Angeles if you only have one full day in the city. Hotel pickup removes the stress of finding a central departure point, which matters when you’re navigating an unfamiliar city in the morning.
Route and main stops
This tour moves through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach, hitting the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, the Santa Monica Pier, and the Venice Boardwalk across a single itinerary. Some departures include Griffith Observatory or Mulholland Drive viewpoints as afternoon stops, depending on the operator and season.
What makes it different
The door-to-door pickup model separates this format from standard hop-on hop-off passes. You board near your hotel, travel with the same group all day, and return without managing bus schedules or rideshares between stops.
Full-day formats with fixed pickups consistently earn higher satisfaction scores from first-time visitors than flexible passes requiring self-navigation.
Who it suits
This tour works best for first-time visitors with limited time who want a comprehensive city overview in a single booking. Families and travelers without a rental car get the most practical value from the included transportation and structured itinerary.
2026 price range and what’s included
Expect prices to run around $95 to $140 per person, covering hotel pickup, live guide narration, and all transportation across the full-day route.
Things to check before booking
Confirm whether your hotel falls within the pickup zone and ask whether lunch stops are scheduled so you can plan accordingly.
11. Best of LA Half-Day Sightseeing Bus Tour
The best of LA half-day sightseeing bus tour gives you a structured overview of the city in roughly three to four hours, which makes it one of the more practical options among the best bus tours in Los Angeles when your schedule is tight. You cover the major highlights without committing a full day to a single activity.
Route and main stops
This tour moves through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood, with stops at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and key viewpoints toward the Hollywood Sign. Some departures include a Mulholland Drive scenic overlook, giving you a broad view of the city before the tour wraps up.
What makes it different
The half-day format keeps the pace moving without feeling rushed. Guides cover the essential landmarks efficiently, leaving you free to spend the rest of your day on meals, shopping, or independent exploring.
Half-day formats work especially well mid-trip, when you want structure in the morning but flexibility in the afternoon.
Who it suits
This tour fits travelers on tight schedules and visitors who want a solid city introduction without a full-day commitment. It also works well for families with younger children who may lose energy on longer tours.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices run around $55 to $80 per person, covering transportation and live or recorded guide narration throughout the route. Most bookings include a central Hollywood pickup point.
Things to check before booking
Confirm tour duration and pickup location before you book, and ask whether the itinerary includes any walk-off stops where you exit the bus.
12. Santa Monica Departure City Tour by Bus
The Santa Monica departure city tour by bus flips the standard starting point used by most of the best bus tours in Los Angeles, launching from the west side of the city rather than Hollywood. That shift works well if your hotel sits near the coast and you’d rather spend your morning riding toward the city rather than commuting across it just to board a bus.
Route and main stops
This tour begins at or near Santa Monica Pier and moves east through Venice Beach and into Hollywood before looping back toward the coast. Stops typically include the Venice Boardwalk, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Sunset Boulevard, covering a west-to-east cross-section of the city in a single run.
What makes it different
Starting from Santa Monica means you hit the beach neighborhoods early while crowds are still thin, then move into the entertainment district as the day builds. Most competing tours run the opposite direction, so this format gives you a genuinely different geographic perspective on how LA connects from coast to city center.
West-side departures suit travelers based in Santa Monica or Venice who want to skip the long rideshare east just to start a tour.
Who it suits
Visitors staying in Santa Monica, Venice, or Marina del Rey get the clearest value here, since the pickup falls close to most coastal hotels. It also works for travelers who want to prioritize beach neighborhoods and coastal culture before hitting the Hollywood corridor.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices run around $65 to $90 per person, covering transportation and narrated guide commentary throughout the full route.
Things to check before booking
Confirm the exact pickup address in Santa Monica before you book, and verify whether the tour returns you to the departure point or drops you off at a different location at the end.
13. Hollywood Night Bus Tour to Griffith Observatory
The Hollywood night bus tour to Griffith Observatory fills a gap that most of the best bus tours in Los Angeles leave open: the city after dark. Los Angeles looks completely different once the sun drops, and this tour uses that contrast to deliver an experience that daytime routes simply cannot replicate.
Route and main stops
This tour departs from Hollywood Boulevard in the evening and climbs through Griffith Park to the observatory, passing the Sunset Strip and key Hollywood landmarks along the way. The Griffith Observatory deck offers one of the most recognized nighttime views in the country, with the city grid spreading out below and the Hollywood Sign visible against the darkened hillside.
What makes it different
Evening departures mean thinner crowds at major stops, particularly at the observatory itself. The guide covers both the astronomy exhibits inside and the city panorama outside, giving you two genuinely different experiences within a single route.
Griffith Observatory at night consistently ranks as one of the most memorable stops visitors take away from any LA tour.
Who it suits
This tour works well for couples and photography-focused travelers who want dramatic cityscapes and a more relaxed atmosphere than midday sightseeing provides. It also suits repeat visitors to LA who have already covered the standard daytime landmarks and want a fresh perspective.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices run around $65 to $85 per person, covering transportation, guide narration, and time at the observatory.
Things to check before booking
Confirm whether observatory entry is included in the base price and verify the estimated return time so you can plan dinner or evening activities around the tour schedule.
14. Beach-Focused LA Bus Tour for Santa Monica and Venice
The beach-focused LA bus tour for Santa Monica and Venice dedicates its entire route to the coastal neighborhoods that many visitors treat as an afterthought when comparing the best bus tours in Los Angeles. This tour flips that priority, building its itinerary around Pacific-facing culture, boardwalk life, and ocean views from start to finish.
Route and main stops
This tour runs through Santa Monica and Venice Beach, covering the Santa Monica Pier, the Venice Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and the canals tucked behind the main drag. Some departures extend north toward Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway, adding a scenic coastal stretch that most city-center tours never reach.
What makes it different
Most bus tours treat Santa Monica and Venice as brief add-ons to a Hollywood-heavy itinerary. This tour reverses that structure completely, giving you extended time in both neighborhoods rather than a five-minute drive-past. Guides cover local history, surf culture, and the creative communities that shaped both areas into what they are today.
Visitors who spend quality time in Venice consistently rate it among their most memorable stops in LA.
Who it suits
This tour works well for travelers staying near the coast and visitors who prioritize outdoor culture over entertainment industry landmarks. It also suits families and groups who want a more relaxed pace compared to the fast-moving Hollywood-centered routes.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices run around $60 to $85 per person, covering transportation and live guide narration throughout both neighborhoods.
Things to check before booking
Confirm whether the tour includes Malibu and verify the return drop-off point before you book.
15. Multi-Day Guided Bus Tour Packages from Los Angeles
Multi-day guided bus tour packages from Los Angeles extend the standard single-day format into something far more substantial, covering destinations beyond the city limits over two to five days. Among the best bus tours in Los Angeles, these packages stand apart because they treat LA as a starting point rather than a destination, routing you to places like the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, or Yosemite alongside city sightseeing.
Route and main stops
These packages typically depart from central Hollywood or downtown LA hotels and reach destinations including the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, or Las Vegas. Some itineraries combine city sightseeing on day one with national park or desert landscapes on subsequent days, giving you a genuine cross-section of the American West.
What makes it different
The multi-day format gives you national park access and long-distance travel without renting a car or planning routes yourself. Your professional guide stays with the group throughout, handling logistics at every stop.
Multi-day packages suit travelers who want to see the American Southwest without the pressure of self-driving unfamiliar roads.
Who it suits
This format works well for international visitors and first-time US travelers who want to combine Los Angeles with wider American landscapes in a single organized trip. Solo travelers also benefit from the built-in group dynamic that reduces the isolation of exploring unfamiliar regions alone.
2026 price range and what’s included
Prices start around $300 to $600 per person for two to three-day packages, with longer itineraries running higher. Most include accommodation, guide services, and transportation throughout the full route.
Things to check before booking
Confirm which meals and hotel categories are included before you commit, and verify the maximum group size so you know how much individual attention to expect from your guide.
Final Picks and Next Steps
Choosing from the best bus tours in Los Angeles comes down to what you actually want from the day. If flexibility matters most, a hop-on hop-off pass from Big Bus or Starline gives you room to move at your own pace. If you want depth over breadth, a focused operator with live guides and small group sizes will consistently outperform a recorded audio loop on a crowded double-decker.
For most first-time visitors, Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours hits the right balance of coverage, quality, and personalization. Live certified guides, small groups, hotel pickup, and routes that stretch from Hollywood to the coast make it the most complete option on this list. You get a real tour, not just a bus ride.
Ready to book? Browse the full range of options and find the format that fits your schedule on the Los Angeles daily sightseeing tours page.
