The City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the historic city of York, England. Priced at $23.34 per person, this 24-hour ticket allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off access across 20 stops, making it ideal for visitors wanting to see York’s main attractions at their own pace. The tour lasts approximately one hour on each loop, with departures starting as early as 9:08 AM and running until 4:38 PM daily. Its affordability, combined with the option to customize your sightseeing experience, makes it a popular choice—booked on average 12 days in advance.

The tour is especially suited for those who enjoy guided narration—audio commentary is available in 10 languages, plus a kids’ commentary, with free headphones included. While entrance fees to attractions are not included, the tour provides an excellent overview of York’s Roman, Viking, and medieval heritage. From the Stonebow to Clifford’s Tower and Museum Gardens, visitors get a taste of the city’s history with the flexibility to hop off at any stop and explore further.

Key Points

Flexible 24-hour ticket with unlimited hop-on, hop-off access at 20 stops around York.
Audio commentary available in 10 languages, including a kids’ option, with free headphones.
Highlights include Clifford’s Tower, Museum Gardens, and The Stonebow.
Tour duration is approximately one hour per loop, with departures every 20-30 minutes depending on the season.
Ideal for visitors seeking a cost-effective, self-paced way to see York’s top sights.
Entrance fees to attractions are not included, so plan visits accordingly.

Starting from Exhibition Square in York

The tour begins at Exhibition Square, a central location perfect for easy access. From here, the bus heads out on a route that covers key historic and cultural sites. Each stop offers a chance to disembark and spend time at landmarks like Clifford’s Tower or stroll through Museum Gardens.

The full route includes stops at Gillygate, Monk Bar, Foss Bank, and Peasholme Green, among others. Travelers can enjoy unobstructed open-top views from the double-decker buses, making sightseeing both comfortable and visually engaging. The indoor seats also provide a comfortable alternative in less favorable weather.

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The Stops and Their Highlights

Exhibition Square acts as the tour’s starting point, offering close proximity to York Minster and the historic City Walls. The Gillygate stop brings visitors near charming shops and cafes. Monk Bar provides access to one of the four main city gates, offering a glimpse into medieval York.

At Foss Bank, the route passes by the Foss Basin, a scenic spot for photos. Peasholme Green is close to the Clifford’s Tower, a prominent Norman fortress with sweeping views over the city. The Stonebow marks the heart of York’s shopping district, with busy streets and historical surroundings.

Clifford’s Tower is a major highlight—this iconic Norman castle offers a commanding view of York. The Museum Gardens stop grants access to York Museum and the Yorkshire Museum and Botanical Gardens, perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Audio Commentary and Tour Experience

The audio commentary enhances the sightseeing experience, offering insight into York’s Roman, Viking, and medieval past. It is delivered in 10 languages and includes a kids’ version with free headphones. The commentary is generally well-received, though some reviews note that more lively narration can elevate the experience.

The bus departs frequently, with winter schedules running every 20-30 minutes, ensuring flexibility even on busy days. Drivers are noted for their professionalism and helpfulness, making the ride smooth and informative.

The Route’s Notable Stops: Clifford’s Tower and Museum Gardens

Clifford’s Tower is often praised for its stunning views and historic significance. Travelers can spend extra time exploring the tower or enjoy the panoramic vistas of York’s rooftops. Nearby, Museum Gardens offers a peaceful setting with medieval ruins and the Yorkshire Museum—great spots for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.

The Stonebow stop provides access to York’s shopping and dining district, ideal for taking a break or grabbing a meal before continuing the tour. Each stop is designed to give visitors a snapshot of York’s diverse heritage and modern vibrancy.

Practical Information for Tour Participants

The tour departs from Exhibition Square, which is near public transportation and easy to find. The ticket is valid for 24 hours from first use, giving ample time to hop on and off as desired. No hotel pickup is included, so visitors should plan to meet at the ticket redemption point or at a designated stop.

Entrance fees to attractions like York Minster or Clifford’s Tower are not included in the ticket price. The tour operates daily throughout the year, with early departures starting at 9:08 AM and the last at 4:38 PM.

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Value and Customization

The 24-hour validity allows visitors to maximize their time, revisiting favorite sites or exploring attractions independently. The audio commentary and multiple stops create a personalized sightseeing plan, making this tour affordable and flexible.

Several reviews highlight the excellent value for money, especially when combined with additional visits or self-guided exploration. The free vouchers included with the ticket give discounts on local eateries, shops, and attractions, adding extra benefits.

Customer Feedback and Service Quality

The majority of reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, professional drivers, and clean buses. Many appreciate the live narration, which enhances understanding and engagement, though some prefer more lively or clearer commentary.

Helpful staff at the ticket points and stops are frequently mentioned as a positive aspect, making the experience smooth and welcoming. A few reviews point out minor issues, such as difficulty hearing recorded commentary or app-based booking problems, but these are generally outweighed by the overall good service.

Limitations and Considerations

The tour does not include entry to sites like York Minster or Clifford’s Tower, so additional tickets are necessary for those wanting to explore these attractions in depth. Some reviews mention occasional technical issues such as buses breaking down, which can cause delays or inconvenience.

The audio commentary can sometimes be overwhelming with too many anecdotes, leading to information overload. Visitors wanting a more lively narration should consider the live guide options if available or join tours with more interactive narration.

Final Thoughts on the York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus provides a convenient, affordable way to get an overview of York’s highlights. The flexible 24-hour ticket is ideal for visitors who want to explore at their own pace, with stops at major landmarks like Clifford’s Tower and Museum Gardens.

While not a comprehensive entrance ticket to attractions, the audio commentary and multiple stops make this tour a valuable introduction to the city. It is especially suited for first-time visitors, families, or those with limited time who want a quick yet informative way to understand York’s history and layout.

Despite some minor technical issues reported, the overall service quality and route coverage earn this tour a solid reputation. With regular departures, easy accessibility, and good value, it remains a top choice for touring York’s medieval streets and historic sites.

Ready to Book?

City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

4.5

(484)

“Great way to get around. Stops at all the sights that you need to see. Easy to understand maps. Staff are very helpful.”

— Amanda H, May 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ticket include entrance fees to attractions?
No, the ticket covers only the bus route and audio commentary. Entrance fees to places like York Minster or Clifford’s Tower are not included.

How long is the tour route?
Each loop takes approximately one hour, with departures every 20-30 minutes depending on the season, allowing for flexible sightseeing.

Where do I board the bus?
The ticket redemption point is at Exhibition Square in York, a central and accessible location. The bus stops at 20 designated points around the city.

Can I hop off and explore at my own pace?
Yes, the 24-hour ticket allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off at any of the stops, giving you freedom to explore specific sites or enjoy the city at leisure.

Is the commentary suitable for children?
Yes, the tour offers a kids’ commentary option, and free headphones are included for an engaging experience for younger visitors.

What if the bus breaks down or I have technical issues?
While such incidents are rare, some reviews mention buses breaking down. Staff are generally helpful, and alternative buses are dispatched to continue the route.