Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

REVIEW · LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

  • 4.3858 reviews
  • 1 - 2 days
  • From $57
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by Big Bus - Las Vegas · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Vegas from the top deck is a cheat code.

Big Bus Las Vegas is an easy way to see the city’s biggest sights in the time you have, from casino fronts to the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. You get a flexible route that you can redo over 1 or 2 days, plus an optional evening run for the neon glow.

I love the hop-on hop-off flexibility. You can ride past the big landmarks, then get off where you want photos, a fountain break, or a meal. I also like the digital commentary with souvenir earbuds, which keeps the drive informative without forcing a tight group schedule.

One drawback to plan around: stop spacing and traffic. Some days feel more like “arrive and wait” than a smooth sightseeing glide, so give extra time if you’re trying to connect to specific plans.

Key highlights at a glance

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus - Key highlights at a glance

  • Open-top, double-decker views: best seat in the house for the Strip
  • Unlimited 24 or 48-hour access: re-ride the route on your own schedule
  • Digital audio + souvenir earbuds: clear narration without crowd noise
  • Big photo moment at the Vegas sign: easy hop-off for pictures
  • Optional 7PM night tour: approx 2 hours of neon downtown energy
  • Bonus Atomic Golf time (30 minutes): included extra beyond the sightseeing

Why this hop-on hop-off bus works in Las Vegas

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus - Why this hop-on hop-off bus works in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city where you either plan your stops… or you lose time in transit. A hop-on bus is a good middle path. You get a covered route that hits the places most people want to see, but you’re not forced into a one-and-done walking tour.

The open-top format matters more than you’d think. On a normal bus, the Strip turns into a blur behind glass. Up top, you can actually read the skyline—hotel towers, the glow of the casino lights, and the wide angles you need for good photos.

For a first visit, I like that you can “sample” neighborhoods first. You can ride through the Entertainment District, then decide later where to spend real time—whether that’s fountains, a show area, or downtown’s street-level buzz.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Las Vegas.

Getting on board: 3973 Linq Ln and the best place to start

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus - Getting on board: 3973 Linq Ln and the best place to start
The main starting location is 3973 Linq Ln. When you redeem your voucher with Big Bus staff, you can join the ride from any stop on the route, but the most convenient tip is to start at Stop 2 (High Roller/LINQ Promenade) at the bus loading zone.

Why that helps: you’re already near one of the busiest hubs of the Strip. It’s also a natural starting point if you’re planning to pair the bus with other nearby activities. Even if you start elsewhere, the key idea is the same—you should treat the route as a tool to reduce walking and taxi time.

Also, download the Big Bus Tours app ahead of your trip if you can. Live bus tracking and city info reduce the “where is it now?” stress that can ruin a free afternoon.

Your day on the Strip: MGM Grand to the Welcome sign

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus - Your day on the Strip: MGM Grand to the Welcome sign
This bus route is built for “see it from the street, then choose your next move.” You’ll pass (or get close enough to view) many classic Strip anchors. Here’s how each stop area plays out in real life.

MGM Grand: the big-casino scale hits fast

When the bus glides by MGM Grand, you get that instant Vegas feeling: massive entrances, bright signage, and big-scale architecture. The value here is orientation. If you come in without knowing the map, MGM Grand gives you a reference point for what’s north/south and how far blocks stretch.

Drawback: from the bus, you’re mostly observing. If you want a closer look or a quick snack stop, you may need to hop off and walk a bit.

High Roller and LINQ Promenade: the easy photo-and-stroll hub

Passing the High Roller area is one of the most useful segments because it’s tied to an active promenade zone. The bus route’s suggested boarding point at Stop 2 here is a hint: it’s convenient.

Practical tip: if you’re sensitive to heat (or you’re traveling in shoulder season), plan your photos and walking for earlier in the day. The open-top style makes sun exposure real.

Las Vegas Arts District: a different Vegas mood

The Las Vegas Arts District stop adds variety. Instead of only casino fronts, you get a taste of the city’s creative side. This is a smart “break from sameness” if you’ve been doing hotel after hotel.

You’ll still want to choose your footing. Arts District stops can be less “instant iconic” from the bus window, so it’s worth using hop-off flexibility if you want to explore at street level.

The Mob Museum: a focused downtown moment

The route passes The Mob Museum, which is one of the more grounded, story-driven stops you can make from Vegas sightseeing mode. If your group wants more than neon and poker-room glamour, this is a strong candidate.

From the bus, you’ll mainly see the area. To actually get the value, plan to hop off and commit to that hour or two of museum time, then ride on when you’re done.

The STRAT Hotel (and the city views vibe)

Passing The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower gives you a different skyline angle. This part of the route is where you feel the Strip’s shape: towers, distance between zones, and why Vegas is laid out the way it is.

If you love viewpoints, your instinct might be to pair this section with a photo session or a quick bite nearby. The bus is good for getting you there without coordinating rideshare every time.

Resorts World: newer Vegas energy

Resorts World Las Vegas shows up on the route as a modern contrast to older casino giants. Even if you don’t go inside, you’ll notice the shift in style and the way the property anchors the Strip’s flow.

Practical note: modern hotels often mean better signage, but the crowds can also be real. The bus doesn’t solve everything—just helps you reach the right area efficiently.

Treasure Island and Excalibur: classic Strip theatrics

Passing Treasure Island and Excalibur is a big part of the “storybook Vegas” experience. This is where the themes feel loud, and the hotels feel like set pieces.

If you’re hungry or want dessert-style walking, these zones are useful because there’s usually foot traffic and easy people-watching from street corners.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign: the must-see, queue-and-all

The route includes the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. This is the iconic photo moment you should plan for. One practical reality: it can get busy, and photo lines are common, so treat it like an activity, not a quick stop.

My advice: hop off for photos, then linger just long enough to reset your plan for the next ride. Don’t schedule tight connections right after.

Downtown at night: 7PM neon tour and that approx 2-hour run

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus - Downtown at night: 7PM neon tour and that approx 2-hour run
If you only do one “special” version of this tour, I’d pick the night ride. The Strip changes after sunset, and the open-top format turns the drive into a moving light show.

The night tour runs at 7PM and lasts approximately 2 hours. A major reason it’s worth it: you get dedicated time for the Fremont Street Experience. Some itineraries include about one hour to explore Fremont Street, which is enough to catch the main canopy show vibe and grab food without feeling rushed.

Dress for wind, not just for temperature

At night, the open top can mean colder air and more wind than you expect. Even in decent weather, it’s smart to wear layers you can keep on while seated up top.

Plan for “neon plus walking”

Fremont Street is not a sit-and-stare zone. Once you step off, you’ll walk through crowds, storefronts, and flashing lights. If you’re bringing someone who gets overwhelmed in big crowds, you’ll want to set expectations: it’s fun, but it’s loud and packed.

Atomic Golf add-on: the included 30 minutes worth using

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus - Atomic Golf add-on: the included 30 minutes worth using
This tour package includes free 30 minutes of play at Atomic Golf driving range. This is valuable because it breaks the day into more than just bus riding and photos. It’s also a low-pressure activity that doesn’t require you to know anything about golf before you start.

The most important thing: wear shoes you can move in. Even if it’s “just batting,” you’ll stand and swing, and you’ll be happier if you’re comfortable.

If you’re deciding whether to pay extra for a longer pass, this included add-on is one of the practical reasons the value can tip in your favor.

Price and value: does $57 make sense for your Vegas plan?

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus - Price and value: does $57 make sense for your Vegas plan?
At about $57 per person (with 1 to 2 day access options), this bus tour works best when it replaces other city transportation costs and planning time.

Here’s the value logic I’d use:

  • You get 24 or 48 hours of unlimited hop-on hop-off access, so you’re not paying for one loop only.
  • You avoid constant short taxi rides. In Vegas, those add up quickly.
  • The package includes digital earbuds and digital commentary, so you’re getting more than just views.
  • You may also benefit from the included Atomic Golf time if you’re ready to use it.

If you’re only in town for a few hours and already know exactly where you’ll go, you might not use the “unlimited” part much. But if you want flexibility—especially if you’re meeting friends at different spots or planning around show times—this is the kind of ticket that can feel like a utility, not a one-time attraction.

What can slow you down: traffic, stop spacing, and audio quirks

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus - What can slow you down: traffic, stop spacing, and audio quirks
Vegas traffic is real, and buses get caught in it. That affects timing. The intervals between stops can stretch as the day goes on, which is exactly when you’ll feel the difference between a tight itinerary and a flexible one.

Stop spacing is another consideration. You might find some areas are miles apart, meaning you may need a bit of walking once you hop off. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it does change the experience—your feet might do more work than you expect.

On the audio side, you should know the tour includes digital commentary. That’s great for consistency, but it can feel repetitive if you ride for a full two days on the same loop. Some people also note that on certain days the delivery can feel more like recorded narration than a live, bantering guide moment.

Also watch your earbuds/audio setup. Most of the time you’ll have earbuds provided, but on any tour like this, audio clarity can vary with volume and wind.

Who should book this bus tour

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus - Who should book this bus tour
I’d book this if:

  • You want a straightforward way to get oriented fast.
  • You’re traveling with mixed interests and want an option that doesn’t force everyone to walk nonstop.
  • You like the idea of riding twice—once by day for landmark spotting, once at night for neon.

I’d think twice if:

  • You hate crowds and don’t want any walking around Fremont Street.
  • Your schedule is extremely tight and you can’t tolerate delays from traffic or bus spacing.
  • You prefer highly interactive tours where the guide talks nonstop at you.

If you’re the type who likes to “decide on the fly,” this tour fits your style.

Should you book Big Bus Las Vegas?

Las Vegas: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus - Should you book Big Bus Las Vegas?
Yes—if your goal is to see a lot of Vegas without over-planning, this is one of the better ways to do it. The unlimited hop-on hop-off setup gives you control, and the open-top ride delivers the big-strip views that most people come for.

If you can, plan one of your rides as the night tour around 7PM. The payoff is the neon experience and the Fremont Street time window. Add the included Atomic Golf if your group wants something active that isn’t just more sightseeing.

FAQ

How long is the night tour?

The night tour is approximately 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the hop-on hop-off access valid?

You can choose 24 or 48-hour unlimited access.

Where do I meet the tour?

The starting location is 3973 Linq Ln. You can also redeem your voucher with staff at any stop.

What should I do if I want the best starting point?

It’s recommended to board at Stop 2, the High Roller/LINQ Promenade loading zone.

Is the bus open-top?

Yes. It’s an open-top double-decker bus.

What audio is provided?

You get digital commentary in English and Spanish, plus souvenir earbuds.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included besides the bus ride?

A free 30 minutes of play at Atomic Golf driving range is included.

Do I need to download an app?

It’s recommended to download the Big Bus Tours app ahead of your trip for city info, live bus tracking, and chat support.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Las Vegas we have reviewed

Explore The USA