Singapore, the Lion City, is a vibrant blend of modernity and tradition, with iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Chinatown. For visitors seeking the best hop-on hop-off bus in Singapore, these tours offer a flexible and convenient way to explore the city’s top attractions. This Singapore tour bus guide covers Singapore hop-on hop-off bus timings, routes, and key features of major providers, along with a Singapore hop-on hop-off comparison to help you choose the right tour for your trip. Note that in some cases, the bus images displayed are representative. Please contact the respective bus stands and depots for the most up-to-date bus schedules.
Why Choose a Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?
Singapore bus tours are perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time. These open-top, double-decker Singapore sightseeing buses allow you to explore major attractions, hop off to visit sites, and hop back on to continue your journey. With multilingual audio commentary, frequent departures, and strategically placed stops, they provide an informative and hassle-free experience. Most providers offer 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off tickets, giving you flexibility to plan your itinerary.
Major Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Providers in Singapore
Singapore has three primary hop-on hop-off bus tour providers: Big Bus Tours Singapore, City Sightseeing Singapore (operated by DUCK & HiPPO), and FunVee Tours Singapore. Below, we detail their offerings, including Singapore bus tour routes, Singapore tourist bus schedules, and unique features.
Big Bus Tours Singapore
Big Bus Tours is a globally recognized operator known for its comprehensive Singapore bus tour stops and timings. In Singapore, it offers two main sightseeing routes and a popular Singapore night bus tour.
Singapore Bus Tour Routes
- Yellow (City) Route: Covers Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, and the Botanic Gardens. Duration: ~60 minutes.
- Red (Heritage) Route: Explores cultural precincts like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Duration: ~60 minutes.
- Night Tour: A 3-hour guided tour visiting Marina Barrage, Lau Pa Sat for satay, and the Garden Rhapsody light show at Gardens by the Bay (not hop-on hop-off).
Big Bus Tours Singapore: www.bigbustours.comSingapore Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Timings
- Yellow Route: 9:40 AM – 5:05 PM, every 25–35 minutes.
- Red Route: 9:30 AM – 5:20 PM, every 25–40 minutes.
- Night Tour: Departs at 6:15 PM from Suntec City (requires 30-minute prior check-in).
- Starting Point: Suntec City Tourist Hub (Stop #0).
Key Features
- Audio commentary in 7 languages (English, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, German, Italian, French).
- Over 40 Singapore bus tour stops across both routes.
- Free mobile app for real-time bus tracking and stop information.
- Ticket options: Discover (1 day), Essential (2 days), Explore (2 days + Night Tour).
- Combo deals with attractions like Singapore Zoo or S.E.A. Aquarium, making it a top choice for a Singapore sightseeing bus tour.
City Sightseeing Singapore (DUCK & HiPPO)
City Sightseeing Singapore, operated by Singapore DUCKtours, provides a reliable Singapore hop-on hop-off bus experience with a focus on convenience and accessibility. It shares infrastructure with Big Bus but has distinct branding.
Singapore Bus Tour Routes
- Yellow Line: Covers Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, Orchard Road, and Clarke Quay.
- Red Line: Focuses on Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.
City Sightseeing Singapore (DUCK & HiPPO): www.ducktours.com.sgSingapore Tourist Bus Timings
- Yellow Line: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM, every 20–30 minutes.
- Red Line: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, every 20–30 minutes.
- Starting Point: Suntec City (DUCK & HiPPO counter, #01-330).
Key Features
- Audio commentary in 12 languages (English, Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, and a kids’ channel).
- 33+ stops linking major attractions and hotels.
- Singapore hop-on hop-off tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours.
- Option to purchase tickets on the bus (cash only) or online for easy booking.
- Combo packages with attractions like Gardens by the Bay or Singapore Flyer.
FunVee Tours Singapore
FunVee Tours Singapore offers a budget-friendly Singapore hop-on hop-off bus with three distinct routes, including a Sentosa shuttle bus Singapore, making it ideal for families or theme park visitors.
Singapore Bus Tour Routes
- City Hopper (Green Route): Covers Marina Bay, Chinatown, and Clarke Quay. Duration: ~60 minutes.
- Marina Sightseeing Hopper (Orange Route): Focuses on Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Merlion Park.
- Sentosa Shuttle Hopper (Red Route): Connects to Sentosa Island, including Universal Studios and S.E.A. Aquarium.
FunVee Tours Singapore: www.citytours.sgSingapore Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Timings
- City Hopper: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, every 20–30 minutes.
- Marina Sightseeing Hopper: 10:45 AM – 4:45 PM, every 60 minutes.
- Sentosa Shuttle: 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM (four departures daily).
- Starting Point: Varies by route; main hub at Marina Square.
Key Features:
- Audio commentary in 7 languages.
- 40 Singapore bus tour stops across three routes.
- Guided walking tours of Chinatown and Little India included.
- Budget-friendly Singapore hop-on hop-off bus tour prices with 48-hour hop-on hop-off tickets.
- Less frequent service on some routes compared to competitors.
Comparison Table of Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Providers
Feature | Big Bus Tours Singapore | City Sightseeing Singapore | FunVee Tours Singapore |
---|---|---|---|
Routes | 2 (Yellow: City, Red: Heritage) + Night Tour | 2 (Yellow, Red) | 3 (City, Marina, Sentosa Shuttle) |
Stops | 40+ | 33+ | 40 |
Timings | 9:30 AM – 5:20 PM (Night Tour: 6:15 PM) | 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (varies by route) |
Frequency | Every 25–40 minutes | Every 20–30 minutes | Every 20–60 minutes (Sentosa: 4 daily) |
Audio Commentary | 7 languages | 12 languages (incl. kids’ channel) | 7 languages |
Ticket Options | 1-day, 2-day, 2-day + Night Tour | 24-hour, 48-hour | 48-hour Hopper Passes |
Unique Features | Night bus tour, mobile app, combo deals | Wide language selection, cash tickets | Sentosa shuttle bus, walking tours |
Starting Point | Suntec City Tourist Hub | Suntec City (DUCK & HiPPO) | Marina Square (varies by route) |
Price (Approx.) | $40–$70 (Singapore bus tour prices) | $35–$60 | $30–$50 (budget-friendly) |
Note: Singapore hop-on hop-off bus tour prices are approximate and subject to change. Check official websites for current rates and promotions.
Tips for a Great Singapore Sightseeing Bus Tour
- Plan Your Route: Study the Singapore hop-on hop-off bus map and routes to prioritize must-see attractions like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Chinatown. Download the Big Bus app or check operator websites for real-time Singapore tourist bus schedules.
- Book in Advance: Reserve Singapore hop-on hop-off tickets online to avoid queues and secure discounts, especially during peak seasons (December–February). Learn how to book Singapore hop-on hop-off bus tickets on official websites.
- Choose the Right Ticket: A 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket is ideal for a comprehensive experience, while a 24-hour ticket suits shorter visits. Consider combo deals for attractions you plan to visit, like a Singapore bus tour with Gardens by the Bay.
- Arrive Early: Start your tour early to maximize your day, as last buses depart around 5:00–6:00 PM.
- Bring Essentials: Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the open-top deck can get hot. Most buses offer air-conditioned lower decks.
- Check Night Tours: Big Bus’s Singapore night bus tour is a great way to see the city’s skyline lit up, but it’s not hop-on hop-off, so plan accordingly.
Which Provider Should You Choose?
- Big Bus Tours Singapore: The best hop-on hop-off bus in Singapore for a premium experience with a reliable mobile app, frequent buses, and a guided night bus tour. Ideal for those wanting combo deals with major attractions.
- City Sightseeing Singapore (DUCK & HiPPO): Great for families or multilingual travellers due to its 12-language commentary, including a kids’ channel. Offers flexibility with cash purchases on the bus.
- FunVee Tours Singapore: Perfect for budget travellers or those visiting Sentosa Island, with included walking tours and a Sentosa shuttle bus Singapore for Universal Studios or S.E.A. Aquarium.
Final Thoughts
Singapore hop-on hop-off bus tours make exploring the city’s iconic landmarks both convenient and enjoyable. Whether you choose Big Bus Tours Singapore for its premium features, City Sightseeing Singapore for its language variety, or FunVee Tours Singapore for its budget-friendly Sentosa shuttle bus, you’ll have a front-row seat to Singapore’s vibrant culture and stunning skyline.
Plan ahead, pick the right Singapore hop-on hop-off ticket, and hop on to discover the Lion City at your own pace! For more details, check Singapore sightseeing bus tour reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor.
Sources: Information compiled from official websites of Big Bus Tours, City Sightseeing, FunVee Tours, and Singapore sightseeing bus tour reviews. For more travel details and timely bus transportation updates, check out TickettoGelost.