Bus Tours

Bus tours in Louisiana are the go-to choice for travelers who want to cover more ground and see the highlights of New Orleans and beyond without the hassle of driving. Out of 730 tours in the state, 120 are bus tours—making up 16% of all options. These range from city sightseeing circuits to ghost tours and full-day trips to plantations and swamps.

Most people booking these tours are looking for a mix of comfort, local insight, and efficient sightseeing. With a median price of $125, bus tours sit well above the city’s overall median of $63, reflecting their longer durations and included transportation. Only 6% of bus tours are rated below 4 stars, so most travelers leave satisfied.

With 120 bus tours to choose from, Louisiana has more options in this category than in food or swamp tours, but fewer than walking or historical tours. The price range is wide: a handful start under $30, but most fall between $40 and $120. Nearly a third cost over $250, usually for longer or more exclusive experiences.

The median price for bus tours is $125, double the citywide median, mostly because these tours include transportation and often cover multiple sights. For most travelers, the sweet spot is $40–$60 for city tours, while specialized or full-day trips (like plantations and bayous) run $75–$160 per person. Only 5 bus tours are priced under $30, so expect to pay more for comfort and coverage here.

Compared to walking or cultural tours (both with a $63 median), bus tours are a bigger investment but deliver more in terms of distance covered and convenience—especially if you want to see neighborhoods, cemeteries, or the Louisiana countryside in a single outing.

If your goal is to get an overview of New Orleans in a few hours, city sightseeing bus tours in the $40–$60 range are the best value. They typically include air-conditioned vehicles, licensed guides, and stops in key neighborhoods like the French Quarter, Garden District, and City Park. For travelers who want to hop on and off at their own pace, the Hop-On Hop-Off option is the most flexible, though some reviewers found the bus frequency and route less reliable than expected.

Ghost and cemetery tours, often priced from $30 to $55, are popular with night owls and those interested in New Orleans’ haunted history. These tours can be lively and entertaining, but some have disappointed guests when access to cemeteries was restricted or the experience didn’t match the description. If you want a more in-depth historical or cultural perspective, city tours that include both neighborhoods and cemeteries tend to rate higher for guide knowledge and overall satisfaction.

For those with a full day to spare, combination tours like the Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour (from $111) appeal to visitors who want to see both the bayou and antebellum estates without arranging their own transport. These tours are longer (up to 7.5 hours) and offer a mix of history, wildlife, and scenery. However, reviews note that meal stops may be rushed or skipped, so plan accordingly.

What sets the best-rated tours apart is a knowledgeable, engaging guide and a well-paced itinerary. Most negative reviews across all types mention issues with guide attitude, communication about pick-up, or mismatches between what was advertised and what was delivered—especially regarding cemetery access and bus comfort. Still, with only 6% of tours rated below 4 stars, most travelers find bus tours a worthwhile way to explore Louisiana.