Bus Tours

Bus tours in Scottsdale cover a huge range, from pedal-powered bar crawls in Old Town to full-day journeys to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. With 69 options—40% of all tours in the city—there’s a style and length for nearly every group, whether you want a quick party or a day out in Arizona’s landscapes.

Most bus tours here are group-based, but private options exist, especially at the higher end of the price range. The most popular tours attract thousands of reviews and focus on social experiences or sightseeing. Travelers book these tours to avoid driving, maximize their time, and get local insight—whether for a celebration or to see Arizona’s natural wonders.

Bus tours make up the largest single category in Scottsdale, with 69 of the city’s 173 tours. The median price in this category is $375, much higher than the citywide median of $156. This is partly because many options are priced for private groups or include long day trips.

At the low end, a handful of party bike crawls start around $44–$53 per person. Most sightseeing and adventure tours, especially those heading to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, or the Apache Trail, fall between $120 and $250 per person. Private or luxury options can exceed $900, with the most expensive listed at $1,762. Only 1% of bus tours are rated below 4 stars, making this one of the best-reviewed categories in Scottsdale.

Compared to other types of tours, bus tours offer the broadest range of experiences—from nightlife to nature—and tend to be longer and more inclusive, especially as prices rise.

Choosing among Scottsdale’s bus tours depends on your priorities: social atmosphere, scenery, or convenience. Party bike tours like the Old Town Scottsdale Party Bike Bar Crawl and Pool Party are the cheapest options, starting at $44–$53 per person. These are best for groups looking for a lively, social outing; they consistently earn ratings above 4.9, with guests praising energetic hosts. However, some reviews mention guides who lacked enthusiasm or cut the ride short, so the experience can depend on your driver.

If you want to see Arizona’s landscapes, mid-range tours ($120–$250) cover the Sonoran Desert, Sedona, and Native American ruins. The Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset is popular with families and multigenerational groups. While most reviews are positive, some mention rough terrain, uncomfortable seating, or feeling the cost was high for the experience. For those seeking longer adventures, day trips to the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon range from $131 to $342 per person. These tours are praised for knowledgeable guides and comfortable vehicles, but some guests have had issues with hotel pickup logistics or long drives for group pickups.

Private tours are the priciest, with some exceeding $1,700. These suit travelers wanting a fully customized day and direct hotel pickup. For most visitors, the sweet spot is in the $120–$250 range, where you get a full-day experience, professional guides, and high satisfaction. Across the category, only 1% of tours rate below 4 stars, and even the most-reviewed options maintain ratings above 4.8. The main complaints in this category involve guide attitude, pickup arrangements, or vehicle comfort, not the sights themselves.

In summary, party bikes are best for celebrations and nightlife, mid-priced tours for sightseeing and nature, and high-end private tours for those wanting exclusivity and door-to-door service. Check what’s included—some tours bundle lunch or park admission, while others do not. Read recent reviews for guide quality, as this can make or break the experience.