New York Explorer Pass vs. The New York Pass For Bus Tour?

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Bus Tours and New York Passes

Hello! From everything I have read, the hop on hop off bus tour option on both passes, once purchased, is supposed to cover all fees for the tour selected. However, when I called City Sights Corporate HQ and at Madame Tussaud’s they both said it was only good for 5% off. Is this true? I don’t want to be scammed!

THX, Dee

NYC Insider Guide Answer (Updated 2022)

NYC Sightseeing Pass – includes Hop on Hop off Buses valid for the whole duration of day passes or 72 hours in Flex Products. Brooklyn Hop on Hop off Tour and Night Tour are also available.
New York Pass – One Day Free Big Bus New York Hop on Hop off tour ticket
New York Explorer Pass – offers Big Bus 1 Day Classic Ticket and several other bus tours (not HOHO) as an attraction choice. They change their company name so often, it’s hard to track, but as of this year, I believe they are now "Go New York"

As far as I know, all passes include admission to parts of Madame Tussauds, but not always every exhibit, so please read the restrictions on each pass carefully. When evaluating any of the passes, you want to understand exactly which parts of any tour, attraction or museum are or, more importantly, are not included.

For example, if you are heading to the American Museum of Natural History, do you want to see the Planetarium and Space Show? That will cost you extra. If going to the NY Botanical Gardens, do you want to to see the Orchid or Train Show? Again, extra. Just make sure to compare exactly what you want to see with what is offered on any of the passes or packages. In general, and for most people, they offer a huge savings and allow people to see a LOT of NYC for less.

I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

Which is the BEST New York City Pass?

Compare all the New York City Discount Passes, get savings coupons and find out how to get free entry to hundreds of tours, museums and attractions, plus skip the line privileges. Which is the BEST – New York City Explorer Pass, New York Pass or New York City Pass?