NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, & Hop-on Hop-off (Save 25%)

Discover the Best of New York City with a Multi-Experience Tour for $135

This tour package offers a flexible way to see some of NYC’s top attractions. For $135 per person, you receive 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tickets covering both downtown and uptown routes, admission to the Empire State Building observation deck, and roundtrip ferry tickets to visit Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, but with the hop-on hop-off feature, you can explore at your own pace over two days.

While the package combines multiple key experiences, some reviews highlight that the bus commentary can be inconsistent, and timing for ferry departures may require planning. The bus routes include many iconic stops, making this tour ideal for first-time visitors wanting a mix of sightseeing and easy transportation.

Key Points

• Includes 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tickets with downtown and uptown routes
• Access to Empire State Building’s observation deck with pre-booked times necessary
• Roundtrip ferry tickets to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island included
• Tour duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, but flexible sightseeing allows for longer visits
• Most reviews praise the convenience of combining multiple attractions with one ticket
• Some criticisms mention missed stops, traffic delays, and variable commentary quality

Access to New York City Landmarks with Hop-On, Hop-Off Buses

The 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus service forms the backbone of this tour, providing guided audio commentary in multiple languages. You can jump off at key landmarks like Times Square, Flatiron Building, Chinatown, and Brooklyn Bridge, then hop back on as the buses run frequently, approximately every hour on each route.

This setup allows for customized sightseeing, giving more time at favorite sites while avoiding the hassle of navigating the city on foot. The bus stops are well-marked, but some reviews note that announcements could improve, as stops are not always announced clearly.

Exploring Downtown and Uptown Manhattan

The downtown loop includes stops such as Wall Street, Trinity Church, and Pier 57, where travelers get scenic views and proximity to Liberty Island. The uptown route takes you past Columbus Circle, Central Park Zoo, and Carnegie Hall. Both routes are designed to showcase NYC’s diverse neighborhoods and vibrant street scenes.

The buses are open-top, providing great photo opportunities, but seasonal weather can impact comfort, especially during hot summer days when buses lack air conditioning. Despite this, the audio commentary helps bring live context to each stop.

Visiting the Empire State Building Observation Deck

One of the key highlights is admission to the Empire State Building’s observation deck, which you must pre-book via the provided online link or with staff at Stop #1. The view from the 86th floor offers iconic panoramic vistas of Manhattan.

The ticket grants access during your scheduled time, but it does not include interior monument or museum access. This attraction is especially popular, so early reservation is recommended to avoid missing out.

Ferry Ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The roundtrip ferry tickets included in the package allow access to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The ferry departs from Battery Park and operates from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with regular departures. Travelers must redeem their voucher with the Big Bus staff before heading to the ferry terminal.

While the ferry ride itself is included, interior monument access or museum entries are not part of this package, limiting the experience to external views and island visits. Some reviews mention confusing instructions for ferry timing, so careful planning is advised.

Stops Along the Route: Iconic Landmarks and Hidden Corners

The bus stops are strategically placed at popular destinations including Times Square, Flatiron Building, Chinatown, Brooklyn Bridge, and Wall Street. Each stop offers a snapshot of NYC’s diverse character. The Stop at Wall Street provides a good vantage point to view Financial District landmarks, while Chinatown offers vibrant street scenes and local eateries.

The Stop at Trinity Church is the gateway for the Liberty Island ferry, and the World Trade Center stop offers insight into ground zero. The uptown stops near Central Park and Columbus Circle provide access to cultural venues and green spaces.

Practical Logistics and Booking Details

This tour package requires participants to pre-book Empire State Building visits via the booking management link included in the voucher or directly with staff at the first stop. The ferry tickets are valid for departures from Battery Park between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

The bus stops are accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for travelers arriving by subway or train. Service animals are permitted, and the buses are wheelchair accessible with lifts capable of handling up to 650 pounds.

Value and Cost Considerations

Priced at $135 per person, this tour offers significant savings compared to purchasing each experience separately. Combining bus transport, ferry rides, and an observational visit to the Empire State Building makes it a cost-effective choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a rundown.

However, some reviews highlight disappointments such as missed stops, traffic delays, and inconsistent commentary, which can impact overall enjoyment. The self-guided flexibility remains a strong point, but travelers should be prepared to manage timing and weather conditions.

Strengths and Limitations for Different Travelers

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors who want to cover multiple major landmarks without the hassle of separate bookings. The multi-transport approach helps maximize sightseeing time, though seasonal weather and busy traffic can slow down some activities.

Those who value guided commentary may find the audio system useful, but reviews suggest that clarity and consistency could improve. Visitors with mobility concerns benefit from the accessible buses, but should double-check ferry and attraction booking requirements.

Final Thoughts on the NYC Combo Tour

The NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, & Hop-on Hop-off tour offers a comprehensive package ideal for broad sightseeing in a limited timeframe. Its strategic inclusion of transportation, observation decks, and ferries gives a well-rounded experience.

While some logistical hiccups and mixed reviews about commentary exist, the overall value and flexibility make it a practical choice for first-time visitors seeking to see the highlights. Planning ahead for reservations and weather can help ensure a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pre-book the Empire State Building visit?
Yes, you must pre-book your visit using the booking link provided on your voucher or at the Stop #1 location.

Are ferry tickets included in the package?
Yes, round-trip ferry tickets to Liberty Island and Ellis Island are included, but interior monument access is not.

How long is each full bus route?
Each full circle on the downtown and uptown routes lasts approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day.

Can I hop off at any stop?
Yes, the 48-hour tickets allow you to hop on and off freely at any of the designated stops.

Do I need to redeem my tickets at a specific location?
Tickets can be redeemed at any of the bus stops listed, or with Big Bus staff if needed.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible with lifts that support up to 650 pounds.

What should I do if I miss my ferry departure time?
You will need to plan carefully, as ferry departures happen between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. It’s best to arrive early and confirm your departure with staff.

Are there any discounts or promotions?
Occasionally, booking 32 days in advance can help secure the best rates, and this tour already offers a 25% saving.

What is excluded from the tour?
The package does not include interior monument/museum access at Statue of Liberty or hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Consider weather and walking distances for younger kids.

What if I encounter issues during the tour?
The Big Bus Tours team encourages contact via website or staff at stops for assistance, especially regarding ticketing or delays.