Bus Tours

Bus tours make up 17% of all tours sold in New Orleans, with 117 different options ranging from $23 to over $250. They appeal to visitors who want to see more than the French Quarter, combining city history, cemeteries, and sometimes even swamp or plantation visits in a single outing.

This is the most efficient way to cover the city's spread-out neighborhoods, especially for first-timers or those with limited time. With a median price of $125—higher than the $63 median for most other categories—bus tours tend to include more sights, transport, or longer durations than walking or food tours.

With 117 bus tours on offer, New Orleans has more variety in this category than most destinations. Prices start at $23 and climb above $250, but most options cluster between $30 and $120. Only 6% of bus tours are rated below 4 stars, so the majority satisfy their customers.

Compared to walking, cultural, or historical tours (all with a $63 median), bus tours are generally more expensive. This is partly due to longer routes, included transport, and some tours combining city sightseeing with excursions to plantations or swamps. The $125 median is also pulled up by high-end or private options, but even in the $30–$60 range, there are well-rated city and cemetery tours.

A few tours, especially those over $80, include substantial day trips—like combining a swamp boat ride with a plantation visit. At the lower end, expect classic city loops, hop-on hop-off passes, or themed night tours.

For travelers focused on city highlights, tours in the $30–$60 range offer the best value. These typically include the French Quarter, Garden District, and a stop at one of the famous cemeteries. The "New Orleans City Tour: French Quarter, Garden District & Cemetery" is an example at $30 with a 4.75★ rating from over 2,700 reviews, praised for knowledgeable guides but criticized by some for a narrow historical perspective or too much time driving.

Hop-on hop-off tours like the one at $38 are popular for flexibility, but reviews note issues with frequency and route clarity. If you want to set your own pace, be prepared for possible delays or unclear schedules.

Night tours and ghost-themed options, starting from $23, attract those after a different atmosphere. While many enjoy the storytelling, several reviews mention disappointment when promised access to multiple cemeteries doesn't materialize, or when guides are rude or disorganized. This is a recurring issue in the lowest price bracket.

Tours above $80, such as the "Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans," combine city sightseeing with excursions outside town. These are best for visitors with a full day to spare and a desire to see Louisiana's landscape beyond the city. Timing and meal breaks can be a drawback—multiple reviews mention long stretches without stops for food. Across all price points, the best-rated tours have guides who balance history, local anecdotes, and logistics. Lower ratings most often cite guide behavior, missed confirmations, or buses in poor condition, rather than the sights themselves.