Is the Hop on Hop Off Bus Sydney Worth it? Review and Tips 2026

At $73 per day, Sydney’s Hop-on Hop-off bus isn’t cheap—but is it worth it? After riding these routes dozens of times over the years, I can tell you exactly when it’s worth the money and when you’re better off using public transport. We recently spent the day riding this bus again to update this article. This complete 2026 guide covers all routes, stops, prices and timing to help you decide if it’s right for your trip.

This post contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure policy is here.

Is the Sydney Hop On Hop Off Bus Right for You?

After testing this route and stop combination several times over the years, I’ve found the HOHO bus works brilliantly for some visitors but is a waste of money for others. Here’s how to know which group you’re in:

Essential Information: Routes, Times & Prices

Unlike most major cities, Sydney has just one HOHO bus operator: Sydney Big Bus Tours, also called (Sydney Big Bus Tours). They offer two routes that together cover the city’s main attractions:

The routes

Big Bus Sydney runs three routes covering the city and beaches:

• City Route (Red Route): A 90-minute loop hitting 15 key city stops from the Opera House to Darling Harbour.
• Bondi Route (Blue Route): An 80-minute journey with 9 stops taking you through Paddington to Bondi Beach and back via the Eastern Suburbs.
• Night Tour (Purple Route): An 80-minute evening ride with live commentary – no stops, just views of the city lit up at night.

How to Use Your Pass

Pro Tip: Download the Big Bus app before your first ride – it shows real-time bus locations and helps avoid long waits at stops.

Operating Hours & Best Times

City Route – runs 9am to 5pm

Buses leave Circular Quay (Stop 1A on Phillip Street) every 25-30 minutes, with the last full loop departing at 5pm. The complete circuit takes about 90 minutes.

Avoid riding during morning rush (8-9:30am) and evening peak (4:30-6pm) when traffic crawls. Weekends are your best bet for staying on schedule.

Bondi Route – runs 9:30am to 4:47pm

The first bus leaves at 9:30am from Phillip Street, with services every 30-45 minutes. Allow 80 minutes for the full loop. The last bus departs at 4:47pm, so plan accordingly if you want to see Bondi.

Visit on weekdays if possible – weekend beach traffic can add significant delays. Get on an early bus in summer to beat the crowds.

Night Tour – 7pm and 7:30pm departures

Just two departures nightly at 7pm and 7:30pm from Phillip Street. This 80-minute tour doesn’t stop – you stay on the bus while a live guide points out landmarks. It’s included in the Explore Ticket ($125) or available separately for $63.

Which Ticket Should You Choose?

Big Bus Sydney offers three main ticket options, each designed for different travel styles and timeframes.

Basic 24-hour Pass ($73)

• Best for: Quick visits, single-day itineraries
• Includes: Both routes, audio commentary in 8 languages

Essential Ticket – 48 hours ($99)
This gives you extra time if you want to:

• Split routes over two days
• Take a more relaxed pace
• Visit Bondi Beach properly
• Revisit favourite spots

Explore Ticket – 48 hours ($125)
Best value for the full experience:

• 48-hour bus pass (both routes)
• Captain Cook harbour cruise (hop-on hop-off)
• 1.5-hour night tour with live guide
• Perfect if you want to see Sydney by day and night

Money-Saving Alternatives

• Public Transport: Doing the same route using public buses is about 1/3 the cost but requires more planning. You can follow our guide here.

Five Tips for Making the Most of Your HOHO Experience

Now that you understand how the bus works, here are my insider tips for getting maximum value from your ticket:

1. Choose Your Starting Point Strategically

• Start from Phillip Street, Circular Quay (Stop 1A) for the city route
• For the Bondi route, join at the Australian Museum (Stop 7 or 22) to avoid backtracking if you’re already in the city
• Download the Big Bus app before you start – it shows real-time bus locations and helps avoid long waits at stops

2. Time Your Visits

• City Route: Best on weekends to avoid business traffic
• Bondi Route: Better on weekdays to dodge beach crowds
• Both Routes: Early morning departures run closest to schedule

3. Plan Your Stops

The key to enjoying your day is planning your stops in advance. For example:

• If doing both routes in one day, do the Bondi loop first, then return to the Australian Museum (Stop 7/22) for the city route
• Save shopping areas like QVB and Pitt Street Mall for later in the day
• Group nearby attractions to minimise waiting times – for example, do Chinatown and King Street Wharf together

4. Consider the Weather

• Summer: Use air-conditioned bus breaks between attractions
• Rainy Days: Perfect for sightseeing while staying dry
• Winter: Less crowded but plan indoor activities for morning stops

5. Combine with Other Transport

After exploring Bondi, consider:

• Taking the 380 bus to Watson’s Bay
• Catching a ferry back to Circular Quay
• This gives you different perspectives of Sydney without backtracking

Complete Guide to the HOHO Bus Stops

City Route (Red Route) – Stop by Stop

The Red Route has 15 stops, but not all deserve your time. Here’s my honest assessment of each stop, including what’s worth seeing and what you can skip.

Stop 1A: Phillip Street (Interchange) – Circular Quay
Phillip Street near Alfred Street, outside the Justice and Police Museum)

First bus: 9am | Last bus: 5pm
This is your starting point. Buy your ticket in advance to avoid queues. The Rocks is a 5-minute walk from here, and Circular Quay’s ferry wharves are right there. Most people start here, though you can board at any stop.

Stop 2: Opera House
(Macquarie Street, next to underpass)

First bus: 9:05am | Last bus: 5:05pm
Skip this stop unless you’re on a 48-hour pass. Better to visit the Opera House independently when you can spend proper time there. The stop offers great photo opportunities of the harbour and bridge, but you’ll see these views from other stops too.

Stop 3: St Mary’s Cathedral
(Prince Albert Road, outside Hyde Park Barracks)

First bus: 9:12am | Last bus: 5:12pm
Worth stopping for St Mary’s Cathedral and the Hyde Park Barracks Museum. Hyde Park is directly across the road – perfect for a break under the fig trees. Sydney Tower and Westfield shopping centre are a 10-minute walk away on Castlereagh Street if you want city views or need to shop.

Stop 4: Art Gallery of NSW
(Art Gallery Road, outside the Art Gallery)

First bus: 9:20am | Last bus: 5:20pm
Stop here if you’re interested in art – the gallery is free and houses an excellent Australian collection. The Botanic Gardens are next door, and you can walk down through the gardens to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for harbour views (about 20 minutes). With a two-day pass, this walk is a must-do.

Stop 5: El Alamein Fountain – Potts Point
(Macleay Street, outside Oasis Emporium, opposite the fountain)

First bus: 9:30am | Last bus: 5:30pm
My preferred stop for exploring Potts Point’s art deco architecture and dining scene. The fountain is a striking local landmark and war memorial. Weekend markets are nearby, and there are excellent cafes and wine bars within a few blocks.

Kings Cross – the former red-light district turned residential area – is just up the hill. If you need coffee or want a proper Australian brunch, visit Room 10 on Llankelly Place.

Stop 6: Woolloomooloo Bay
(Cowper Wharf Road, outside Woolloomooloo Hotel)

First bus: 9:35am | Last bus: 5:35pm
Worth stopping to explore the beautiful heritage-listed finger wharf and grab a pie from the famous Harry’s Cafe de Wheels – it’s been serving pies to celebrities and locals since 1945.

If you have time, take the scenic walk around the waterfront to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and through the Botanic Gardens to the Opera House (about 40 minutes).

With a two-day pass, this waterfront walk is a must-do. You can use this guide to walk from Potts Point via Victoria Street and down one of the famous Woolloomooloo staircases.

Stop 7: Australian Museum (Interchange)
(William Street, between Yurong and College Streets)

First bus: 9:40am | Last bus: 5:40pm
This is your change-over point for the Bondi Route (Blue Route). The Australian Museum is worth stopping for – the Indigenous collection is excellent and the 4th-floor cafe has good city views. Allow 1 hour if you visit.

First bus: 9:46am | Last bus: 5:46pm
Mainly useful as a connection point for trains and light rail. You might want to visit Central Park Mall nearby, but otherwise skip this stop. It’s also the alternative starting point for the Bondi Route if you’re coming from the western suburbs or airport.

First bus: 9:52am | Last bus: 5:52pm
Great addition to the route! This is Sydney’s working fish market where you can watch the auction (6:30am weekdays), buy fresh seafood, or eat at one of the many restaurants. The stop is right at the market entrance now – much better than the old route. Allow at least an hour if you’re a seafood lover. Get here early for the best selection.

Stop 10: ICC Sydney
(Darling Drive, beside the Sofitel Hotel)

First bus: 9:57am | Last bus: 5:57pm
Good stop for families – there’s an excellent children’s playground opposite that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. The area offers plenty of casual dining options and easy access to Darling Harbour attractions.

The Powerhouse Museum used to be near here but it’s closed for a $250 million renovation and won’t reopen until at least 2026. You can still walk to Darling Square via The Goods Line and see the UTS “Paper Bag” building by Frank Gehry.

Stop 11: Chinatown
(Harbour Street, outside Chinese Gardens, opposite Harbour Garden Towers)

First bus: 10:02am | Last bus: 6:02pm
Highly recommended stop. The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a peaceful oasis (allow 45 minutes), and Chinatown’s laneways offer excellent dining options. Visit the garden first, then explore Chinatown for lunch. The garden also houses Lotus restaurant where you can enjoy dumplings and tea.

Stop 12: King Street Wharf
(King Street, between Shelley and Lime Streets, next to Sea Life Aquarium)

First bus: 10:10am | Last bus: 6:10pm
Waterfront dining precinct with Sea Life Aquarium, Wildlife Zoo, and Madame Tussauds nearby. Get a combo ticket if planning to visit multiple attractions. Each venue needs 1.5-2 hours. If you are travelling with kids you might appreciate a break at the Darling Harbour playground.

Unless you’re planning to visit these attractions or eat here, I recommend walking through to Barangaroo – it’s a pleasant 10-minute harbour walk and often quicker than waiting for the next bus.

Stop 13: Barangaroo
(21 Hickson Road, at Barangaroo Station bus stop, next to the Metro station)

First bus: 10:15am | Last bus: 6:15pm
Worth stopping to explore Sydney’s newest harbourfront precinct. Barangaroo Reserve offers great harbour views and photo opportunities. Excellent dining options range from casual to high-end. Allow at least an hour to explore properly. Make this your last stop of the day and take a sunset walk along the waterfront.

Stop 14: Sydney Harbour Bridge – Dawes Point
(11 Hickson Road, near Ives Steps Wharf & Pier 1 Hotel)

First bus: 10:20am | Last bus: 6:20pm
Perfect spot for harbour photos, especially of Luna Park and the Bridge. From here you can walk under the Harbour Bridge, take iconic Opera House photos, or continue along the waterfront to Circular Quay.

Stop 15: The Rocks
(Hickson Road, up the steps from Campbells Cove, opposite Ribs & Burgers)

First bus: 10:22am | Last bus: 6:22pm
Final stop before returning to Circular Quay. If you have time, follow our self-guided Rocks walk to explore Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood. The area is particularly atmospheric at sunset and during the weekend markets (Saturdays and Sundays).

Do you have a question about using the Sydney HOHO bus? Head over to Facebook and join our Sydney Expert Facebook Group, where you can ask questions and find friendly locals or previous visitors happy to share their advice!

Bondi Route (Blue Route) – Stop by Stop

The Blue Route has 9 stops taking you from the city through Paddington to Bondi Beach and back via the Eastern Suburbs. If you’re doing both routes in one day, you’ll probably want to limit yourself to Bondi and perhaps one other stop. I suggest Paddington for shopping or Centennial Park if you’re travelling with kids.

Our Insiders Guide to Bondi will help you uncover the best places to explore here.

Stop 1A: Phillip Street (Interchange)
(Phillip Street near Alfred Street, outside the Justice and Police Museum)

First bus: 9:30am | Last bus: 4:47pm
Starting point for the Bondi Route. This is the same stop as the Red Route, so you can easily switch between routes here.

Stop 16: Queen Victoria Building
(68 York Street, near the corner of Market Street, outside Priceline Pharmacy)

First bus: 9:40am | Last bus: 4:57pm
The QVB is worth a quick look for its stunning Romanesque architecture, but unless you’re shopping, stay on the bus. Sydney Tower is across the road if you want panoramic city views. Town Hall Station is right here for train connections.

Stop 17: The Intersection Paddington
(Oxford Street, near corner of Glenmore Road)

First bus: 9:55am | Last bus: 5:12pm
Jump off here to explore Paddington. Check out the Paddington Reservoir Gardens – a sunken garden built in a heritage-listed reservoir. On Saturdays, Paddington Market is excellent for locally made gifts and food.

Wander along Oxford Street exploring the shops and cafes. My favourites include Matt Blatt (quirky furniture store with plenty of small accessories) and the op shops that often hold hidden treasures. If fashion is your thing, head towards William Street and walk down to the bottom before doubling back along Oxford Street.

Stop 18: Centennial Park
(Oxford Street, between Jersey Road and Queen Street, next to The Light Brigade pub)

First bus: 9:58am | Last bus: 5:15pm
Great spot for a summer afternoon. The Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden is fantastic if kids need a break from sightseeing. Adults and older kids might enjoy walking the Labyrinth. You’ll often spot Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in the park.

Stop 19: Bondi Beach
(Campbell Parade, outside ‘Between the Flags’ shop near corner of Roscoe Street)

First bus: 10:13am | Last bus: 5:30pm
The iconic stop you’ve been waiting for. The famous Bondi Icebergs Pool makes a stunning photo backdrop, and the Bondi Graffiti Wall changes regularly with new street art.

Even if you’re short on time, walk up to Marks Park viewpoint – it’s the perfect spot to capture the curve of the beach and the start of the Bondi to Coogee walk. Allow at least 2 hours here to properly experience the beach, grab lunch, and soak up the atmosphere.

First bus: 10:21am | Last bus: 5:38pm
This is where you need to make a choice: either return to the city on the HOHO bus or continue your coastal adventure.

I recommend taking the 380 public bus to Watson’s Bay – it’s a spectacular ride along the cliffs and costs just a few dollars. From Watson’s Bay, you can catch a ferry back to Circular Quay for a perfect end to your day. If you’re energetic, the recently rejuvenated Federation Cliff Walk is stunning but does have quite a few stairs.

Stop 21: Double Bay
(401 New South Head Road, next to Commonwealth Bank)

First bus: 10:33am | Last bus: 5:50pm
Sydney’s answer to a European village, complete with luxury boutiques and sidewalk cafes. The new Woollahra Library is an architectural masterpiece worth seeing.

For coffee, I always head to Indigo. End your visit with sunset drinks at the InterContinental’s rooftop bar – the harbour views are spectacular.

Stop 22: Australian Museum (Interchange)
(William Street, between Yurong and College Streets)

First bus: 10:43am | Last bus: 6pm
Same interchange stop as the Red Route (Stop 7). Change here to switch between the City and Bondi routes.

Stop 23: Hyde Park (St James Station)
(179 Elizabeth Street, across from Hyde Park, near Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park Hotel)

First bus: 10:48am | Last bus: 6:05pm
This stop puts you near St Mary’s Cathedral, the Australian Museum, and Hyde Park. You can walk across Hyde Park to Pitt Street Mall for shopping, or catch public buses and trains from St James Station. Sydney Tower is about 10 minutes’ walk if you want city views.

Note: There’s no longer a dedicated Rose Bay stop on the route, but if you want to visit Rose Bay for seaplane watching or the Hermitage Foreshore walk, you can take the 380 bus from North Bondi.

Can you do it using Public Transport?

You absolutely can. In fact, this is what I’d recommend if you have the time and enjoy planning your own route.