Bus Tours

Bus tours in Santa Monica are a popular way to see Los Angeles, with 67 different options making up 38% of all tours sold in the area. They range from quick celebrity home drives to full-day explorations, with 93% rated 4 stars or higher by past guests.

Travelers choose these tours for convenience, breadth of coverage, and the chance to see iconic sights without navigating LA traffic themselves. Prices start at $23 for shorter, open-air rides and climb to $752 for private, luxury experiences, letting solo travelers, couples, and families all find a fit.

Santa Monica’s 67 bus tours make it the most common tour type in the city, outnumbering even private and luxury experiences. The median starting price is $250, much higher than the destination-wide median of $94—reflecting the mix of group and private options, some of which price by vehicle.

Entry-level group tours begin at $23–$44 per person for 2–3 hour routes, while most full-day or private tours run well above $250. For comparison, the median in the broader Private and Luxury category is $125, so bus tours here skew higher, especially at the top end.

Despite the price spread, nearly all bus tours are well-reviewed: only 7% fall below 4 stars. The best-rated tours tend to be longer and include stops at major LA landmarks, while the cheapest focus on highlights like celebrity homes or Malibu.

If you want a quick, affordable overview, the lowest-priced tours ($23–$44) offer 2–3 hour routes focused on Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Malibu. These are best for visitors with limited time or those mainly interested in celebrity homes. However, some reviewers found these tours light on in-depth commentary, and one noted that the Hollywood & Celebrity Homes tour felt more focused on celebrity houses than expected.

Mid-range tours ($52–$75) add more stops and time off the bus. The Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour, for example, offers four stops and free time, which reviewers appreciated for flexibility and the chance to explore. However, some guests on these tours felt the guides could be hit-or-miss: a few found the commentary lacking in history or detail, while others praised guides who tailored the route to guest interests.

Full-day tours ($74–$75) cover the most ground, including Santa Monica, Venice Beach, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Griffith Park. These suit travelers wanting a comprehensive LA experience without driving. The most common complaint on longer tours is limited time at each stop—one guest felt ten minutes at Santa Monica Pier was not enough, and another noted that long stretches on the bus can be tiring, especially for families with young children.

Private and luxury tours ($250 and up) offer flexibility and comfort, but the price is steep unless you’re traveling in a group. These are best for those who want a custom itinerary and personal attention. Across all price points, the highest-rated tours share knowledgeable, personable guides and well-structured routes. Complaints most often cite rushed stops, guides who stick to a script, or, occasionally, operational issues like cancellations or unprofessional behavior.