Absolutely! Hereβs your full guide to the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in New Orleans β a perfect way to explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of The Big Easy ππ·π
πΊ Hop-On Hop-Off New Orleans β Quick Guide
π What Is It?
A double-decker, open-top sightseeing bus that lets you hop off at key stops, explore at your own pace, then hop back on when youβre ready. Itβs a fun and stress-free way to get around New Orleans and learn about its rich culture, music, and history.
π¨ Operated by: City Sightseeing New Orleans
π Operating Hours
- Daily: First tour ~9:30 AM
- Last reboarding ~5:30 PM
- Buses run every 25β30 minutes
- Full loop (without getting off): ~1 hour 30 minutes
ποΈ Ticket Prices
- 1-Day Pass: ~$46 (adult) / ~$10 (child 3β12)
- 2-Day Pass: ~$56 (includes guided walking tours)
- Kids under 3: Ride free
- Combo packages available (boat cruises, museum tickets, etc.)
π« Tickets include unlimited rides during the valid day(s)
πΊοΈ Top Stops on the Route
- Jackson Square / French Quarter
- French Market
- Esplanade Avenue
- Treme β Louis Armstrong Park πΊ
- Basin Street Station / Visitor Center
- Superdome / Smoothie King Center
- National WWII Museum
- Magazine Street Shopping District
- Garden District / Lafayette Cemetery #1
- St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line
- Mardi Gras World
- Arts & Warehouse District
πΊοΈ Map: citysightseeingneworleans.com
π§ Tour Features
- Live guides on most buses
- Fun commentary on New Orleans culture, history, music, food, ghosts & voodoo
- Some buses may use recorded narration (multi-language options available)
π± How to Book
- Online: citysightseeingneworleans.com
- In person: Basin Street Station or at any hop-on stop
- Travel apps: Viator, Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide
π§οΈ Rain or Shine?
β Yes β buses run rain or shine
- Covered lower deck available
- Open top for sunny views (great during spring & fall)
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Family-Friendly?
Totally!
- Kids under 3 ride free
- Easy way to avoid long walks in the heat
- Stops at museums, parks, and live music areas that kids love
π‘ Why Itβs Worth It
- Covers French Quarter + Garden District + Museums
- No need to worry about parking or navigating narrow streets
- Great way to learn the history and stories behind what youβre seeing
- Optional free walking tours with 2-day pass (French Quarter & Garden District)
Want the FAQ version next or help building a 1-day New Orleans itinerary using the hop-on hop-off? Iβm here for it!
Absolutely! Hereβs your Hop-On Hop-Off New Orleans β FAQ to help you make the most of your Big Easy adventure ππ·βοΈ
πΊ Hop-On Hop-Off New Orleans β Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
β What is a hop-on hop-off tour?
Itβs a flexible sightseeing tour where you can hop off the bus at any designated stop to explore, then hop back on when you’re ready. It’s a fun, relaxing way to see New Orleans without the hassle of driving or parking.
π Who operates the tour?
β City Sightseeing New Orleans is the main operator
- Runs double-decker, open-top red buses
- Offers live guides and recorded narration (in multiple languages on select buses)
π What are the operating hours?
- Daily service (year-round)
- First departure: ~9:30 AM
- Last reboarding: ~5:30 PM
- Buses come every 25β30 minutes
- Full loop time: ~90 minutes
π Service may be affected during festivals, parades, or extreme weather
π° How much do tickets cost?
As of the latest info:
- 1-Day Pass: ~$46 (adults) / ~$10 (children 3β12)
- 2-Day Pass: ~$56 (adults) / ~$20 (children)
- Children under 3: Ride free
π« 2-day pass includes guided walking tours (French Quarter & Garden District)
πΊοΈ What are the top stops on the route?
There are 19 stops, covering the best of New Orleans:
- Jackson Square / French Quarter
- French Market
- Treme / Louis Armstrong Park
- Basin Street Station / Visitor Center
- St. Louis Cemetery #1 (nearby, closed to general public without a tour)
- National WWII Museum
- Magazine Street Shopping District
- Garden District / Lafayette Cemetery #1
- Mardi Gras World
- Arts/Warehouse District
- Superdome / Smoothie King Center
- Canal Street / Harrahβs Casino
πΊοΈ Route map: citysightseeingneworleans.com
π§ Is there a tour guide?
Yes!
- Most buses feature live guides narrating in English
- Some buses offer recorded audio in multiple languages
- Commentary includes music, culture, voodoo, ghosts, history, and plenty of local flavor πΆ
π Where can I get on the bus?
You can hop on at any stop, but the most common starting point is:
- Stop #1 β Basin Street Station Visitor Center (across from St. Louis Cemetery No. 1)
π± How do I buy tickets?
You can purchase:
- Online at citysightseeingneworleans.com
- In person at Basin Street Station or any bus stop
- Through apps like Viator, GetYourGuide, Go City, or your hotel concierge
π¦οΈ Does the tour run in bad weather?
β Yes β the tour runs rain or shine
- The buses have covered lower decks
- Bring a poncho or light jacket just in case β it’s NOLA, after all!
π How long is my pass valid?
- 1-Day Pass: Valid for the calendar day you activate it
- 2-Day Pass: Valid for two consecutive calendar days
- You can hop on and off as many times as you like during active hours
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Is it family-friendly?
Yes!
- Kids under 3 ride free
- Stroller-friendly (just fold before boarding)
- Great for avoiding long walks in hot or humid weather
- Fun stories, music history, and ghost tales keep older kids entertained too
π§³ Can I bring bags?
- Small backpacks, purses, and day bags: β
- Large suitcases or luggage: β Not allowed due to space
π Any extras with my ticket?
Yes β with the 2-day pass, you get two FREE guided walking tours:
- π£ French Quarter Tour
- ποΈ Garden District Tour
These add serious value and local insight.
Want help planning a perfect 1- or 2-day itinerary using the bus (with food stops, cemeteries, and jazz spots)? I can help you plan it out step-by-step β just say the word!