bus tours johannesburg

• Travel Website
• Travel trade website
• Business events website
• Corporate & media website
• Welcome to South Africa
• What you need to know
• Things to do
• Places to go
• Get in touch

Choose your country and language:

• South Africa

Asia Pacific

• South Korea
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom

By creating an account, I agree to the Terms of service and Privacy policy

Bustling city life

Open-top bus tours in johannesburg.

P P erhaps you are already familiar with the cheerful City Sightseeing open-top red buses that take visitors around nearly 100 cities on six continents? Johannesburg is a city that comes to life when viewed from this vantage point, so why not hop on and hop off in the City of Gold.

Your ticket includes both routes in Johannesburg, so make sure you have plenty of time:

• The Green City Tour that shows you the suburbs in a way you've never seen them
• The City Tour through Joburg CBD

City Sightseeing open-top bus tours in Johannesburg let you experience this vibrant city and what it has to offer. You can hop on and hop off at any one of 12 interesting stops, and then continue your tour at your own pace. You can linger longer if you have time, or see the city in just a few hours.

C C ity Sightseeing open-top bus tours in Johannesburg let you experience this vibrant city and what it has to offer. You can hop on and hop off at any one of 12 interesting stops, and then continue your tour at your own pace. You can linger longer if you have time, or see the city in just a few hours.

T T he open-top bus tours run all day, every day, with on-board commentary, 12 fascinating stops and easy access to all the attractions. If you don’t have the luxury of time to get through the 12 main stops we’ve identified a shortlist that are absolute musts for visitors. We think the following should not be missed…

The Carlton Centre where you’ll get to experience stunning panoramic views of Johannesburg and beyond. The spacious wraparound viewing deck is on the top floor of the 50-storey, 223m-high Carlton Centre, Africa's highest building.

If vintage cars and vehicles of all types are your thing, then you’ll be fascinated by the James Hall Museum of Transport , showcasing historic vehicles from ox-wagons, horse-drawn carriages, trams, trolleys and steam trains to Johannesburg’s very first car – a green 1900 Clement-Panhard.

You’ll be poignantly reminded of South Africa's turbulent past at the Apartheid Museum , where you’ll be taken through South Africa’s history of an oppressive state-sanctioned system, and the brave struggle to overthrow it.

If you want to delve into the beginnings of the human race, then the Origins Centre , at the University of the Witwatersrand, is the place to spend time. It’s child-friendly and explains our origins in an interesting and comprehensive way. Check out the bookshop and have a bite to eat at the great little cafe.

And, if that’s not exciting enough, there are still eight more stops to explore in bustling Johannesburg!

Want to explore some more? The Red bus company also takes guided tours into Soweto , Johannesburg's largest and most vibrant neighbourhood.

Open-bus tours in Johannesburg

• When to visit
• How to get here
• Who to contact
• How to get there
• Tours to do
• What will it cost
• Length of visit
• What to pack and wear

Related articles

Unique johannesburg restaurants, expose yourself to the holiday expo, calling all students – explore these top 10 spots in sa, five places to celebrate the easter weekend with the family, joburg’s most iconic buildings, the history of joburg, city of gold, the 10 best restaurants in joburg, quirky hotels - trailers, ox wagons, tree houses and even a castle (3), south africa on social media.

Let's be honest Mzansi!🌞 Life is just simply better when you're surrounded by nature.🌿😍 #ItsMySouthAfrica… https://t.co/bTdMjY2qSQ

@mahlaku_m @Mtpatourism You're doing the most @mahlaku_m, Danko for showing off what Mzansi has to offer🔥!

Epic adventures are always a vibe.👌🏽😎 @ShotLeft We Love a GREAT adventure family affair.😍 #ItsMySouthAfrica… https://t.co/Tc6OlTVrCC

Serene scenic views over everything. 😍 #ItsMySouthAfrica #TravelWiseMzansi https://t.co/PPnOfc5Bfa

Haibo mzala! #FindYourWarmth by taking a Sho’t Left to Biweda Nguni Lodge in Northern KZN. This incredible lodge o… https://t.co/afRxdIxBPd

#FindYourWarmth & explore the breathtaking beauty of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga! This maje… https://t.co/5FgrAK6Sfs

#FindYourWarmth at The Perfect Lodge in Bethlehem! Set in the heart of the Eastern Free State, it offers spectacu… https://t.co/JOSj9I1evG

Get ready for an unforgettable winter journey to the captivating beauty of Impendle in KZN! Explore breathtaking… https://t.co/96rhSnDS6p

Haibo Mzansi! Re squeezeng in! Don’t gatekeep those lekker winter hot spots! Share with the rest of us: Where do… https://t.co/JqD8SFVAXt

Let's celebrate the remarkable achievements of our youth in showcasing the vibrant spirit of Mzansi to the world!… https://t.co/sKe3DvMi00

Get the most out of your winter with @SouthernSunGrp Sun Breaks winter deals from only R1,095 in Gauteng, R1,250 i… https://t.co/awse9ELgCR

Heita Mzansi! Sho't Left #TravelWeek23 is coming up! Make sure you stay tuned to our platforms 🙌🏽.… https://t.co/TNt2I1B0Lk

@Livhuwani_king @ChibuzorUkwu @VonganiChabani @Shotgun_za @NMzozoyane @PatriciaDeLille @SATourismOnline Hi Livhuwan… https://t.co/U16E2RxlfF

And of course, delicious food was a must! with visits to 9th Avenue Waterside & more. Ending our trip with an unfor… https://t.co/gd340N5KBW

Ekse Mzansi! Exploring Durban while launching our Sho’t Left #TravelWeek2023 campaign at @travel_indaba was a blast… https://t.co/fUacNPHfrd

RT @TravelNoteSA1: Go @ShotLeft, explore the Panorama Route in #mpumalanga. @Mtpatourism will be promoting its products at the #AfricaTrav…

The Panorama Route allows you to experience the awe-inspiring waterfalls, valleys, mountains and rivers of the magn… https://t.co/FsXtunG7rA

Thank you @maryjaneexplore for exploring the hidden gems of Mzansi Take a Sho't Left and see where it takes you? Y… https://t.co/mmN9XEuRXT

@TheRetiredOne91 Heita Phila! Ska-warra we've got you covered. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a road trip… https://t.co/1X1cylbsG1

RT @semaj_tabanira: An absolute masterpiece

• Useful links
• Travel Trade Partners
• Business events
• Travel trade
• Find accommodation
• Useful contacts
• Image Library
• Digital Asset Library

• Buenos Aires
• Paris Christmas Light
• Thessaloniki
• Civitavecchia
• Kuala Lumpur
• Mexico City
• Panama City
• St. Petersburg
• Johannesburg
• Benalmadena
• Gran Canaria
• Palma de Mallorca
• San Sebastian
• Bournemouth
• Derry-Londonderry
• London Christmas Light
• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Philadelphia
• San Antonio
• San Francisco
• St. Augustine
• Trolley Tour
• Washington D.C.
• Ho Chi Minh
• GBP (£) USD ($) AUD ($) HKD ($) ZAR (R) CNY (¥) NOK (kr) CZK (Kč) GBP (£) CAD ($) AED (د.إ) CHF (₣) ISK (kr) SEK (kr) DKK (kr) EUR (€) SGD ($) INR (₹) NZD ($) MXN ($) THB (฿) MYR (RM)
• 🛒 0
• Login / Sign Up

Hop On Hop Off in Johannesburg

City Sightseeing: Johannesburg Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

• Offer two bus routes with 20 stops, from which you can choose what suits you best.
• The acoustic guide complimented with kid commentaries is both informative and entertaining.
• The Johannesburg Hop-On, Hop-Off tour will facilitate the panorama views and make the visit more memorable.
• Prepare a list of the places of your interest before starting the trip and explore the city.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted! (No need to print)
• 1 Day Johannesburg Hop-On, Hop-Off Ticket
• On-board audio commentary in 15 languages (English, Afrikaans, Arabic, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish and Zulu)
• Show your Red Bus ticket to gain Free entry to The Playground at Braamfontein on Saturday - Stop 16 - (Neightbourgoods Market)
• A special audio channel for kids to enjoy
• Complimentary hotel shuttle (selected hotels) - Please check Timetable under Useful Downloads section

Red City Tour: Schedule: 09:45 - 15:45 Loop: 85 Minutes Frequency:  60 Minutes First Departure:  The ZONE @ Rosebank/ Rosebank Gautrain Station

Wheelchair Access, Air Conditioning Hop On Hop Off at any of the stops along the circular route and simply show the same ticket to board the next bus Kids love the open top buses and have a special commentary channel (In English) We advise that you pre-book for entry into Gold Reef City.  https://www.goldreefcity.co.za/theme-park/ Click here for Live Bus Tracking We have lots of sanitiser at all touch points to ensure your safety. Masks must be worn on the lower deck of the bus. The Carlton center is temporarily unavailable due to Covid Restrictions. Parking available for your car at "The Zone" shopping center - entrance off Oxford Road Infants can travel free and you do not require to book infant ticket.

Cancellation fee of ZAR10 , per ticket cancelled, will be charged up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. 100% cancellation fee applied within 24 hours of travel date.

City Sightseeing: Hop-on Hop-off Johannesburg + Soweto Guided Tour

• Hop-on Hop-off bus tour of Johannesburg and Soweto (One route incorporating a total of 11 stops).
• Both live and recorded audio guides
• Unlimited access to the Red City tour
• 2h Soweto tour guided by a local resident

Hop On Hop Off Johannesburg Bus Tours

Also known as Jo’burg or Jozi, Johannesburg is the heart of South Africa. Hop On Hop Off Johannesburg Bus Tour offers a complete package of exploring the culture, lifestyle and natural beauty of the vibrant ‘City of Gold’. Johannesburg is developing at a rapid pace and is becoming an example for its vision for future.

The top tourist attractions of this heart throbbing city includes The Apartheid Museum, the former prison Constitution Hill which will give you an insight of the history of South Africa, Soweto and The Mandela Museum which will take you to South Africa’s fight for freedom days, the fantastic Maboneng Precinct and much more. The food lovers can cherish the tasty cuisines at the city’s uniquely designed cafés and restaurants.

Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city of South Africa. But that’s not a problem when Hop On Hop Off double decker buses are at your service. Our buses are good to travel with family and friends when you want to explore the complete highlights of the city at your own pace. Plan your Johannesburg trip with our Hop On Hop Bus Tour to skip all the hustle of city routes and traffic. Make this wonderful city’s trip one of the most memorable trips of your life.

Customer Reviews

Nice tour to get an overview of Joburg. Interesting information and a few funny stories Read More

Nice tour to get an overview of Joburg. Interesting information and a few funny stories

Thank you for your valuable feedback. Happy to hear your thoughts. It is always interesting to see what our travelers think of our service.

It was a great way to see the city and learn about the history. The add-on Soweto tour was well worth it! Read More

It was a great way to see the city and learn about the history. The add-on Soweto tour was well worth it!

A very convenient way to see Joburg. Read More

A very convenient way to see Joburg.

I believe that more time in Soweto to visit Mandela House should be considered. Read More

I believe that more time in Soweto to visit Mandela House should be considered.

Our activity was excellent. We going to see you soon again. We want a trip to Soweto. How much is a trip to Soweto. I... Read More

Our activity was excellent. We going to see you soon again. We want a trip to Soweto. How much is a trip to Soweto. I adult and 2 children?

Very good tour Read More

Very good tour

great experience just missed the Bluethooth funtion to use ur own earphones Read More

great experience just missed the Bluethooth funtion to use ur own earphones

Other Cities in South Africa

Password reset successful. We've sent the new password to your registered email. Please check your email for the confirmation.

Sorry, it looks like this email isn't registered.

For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok

• Tours to Russia
• Practicalities
• Russia in Lists

Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

Plan your next trip to Russia

Ready-to-book tours.

Your holiday in Russia starts here. Choose and book your tour to Russia.

REQUEST A CUSTOMISED TRIP

Looking for something unique? Create the trip of your dreams with the help of our experts.

• Johannesburg Cape Town Johannesburg Kruger Park Safari
• Johannesburg
• Kruger Park Safari

• Tour Office Location
• Live bus tracking
• Kids'Club
• Special Offers
• Joburg News
• Joburg Open-top bus Tours Soweto Tours

See the best of Johannesburg in a Day

Hop on our Johannesburg Red Tour at our main departure point in Rosebank and explore the leafy suburbs of Joburg, stopping at all the top attractions along the way, including Melrose Arch and Mandela Foundation before reaching Constitution Hill. From here the Red Tour continues via the inner city to the Mining District, Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City Theme Park. The next stops are at Newtown, The Playground, Johannesburg Zoo and the Military Museum before heading back to Rosebank. You’ll soon see why Joburg is not only considered Africa’s economic playground but also one of the most wooded cities in the world.

Included is a small group Soweto tour which connects at the Gold Reef City Stop. Hear about 2 of the 20th century’s most famous liberation heroes in the city where they started their legal and political careers. Follow in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and his Passive Resistance (Satyagraha) Movement, and Nelson Mandela with his Defiance Campaign.

* City Sightseeing Tour office , @ The Zone shopping center, Oxford Road, Rosebank (in the pedestrian mall, near KFC and next to Hamley's Toys) * Complimentary hotel shuttle from selected Sandton hotels ( See timetable ) * You can arrive on the "Gautrain" high speed rail link. Use North Exit at Rosebank station and head to the Tour office * Parking available for your car at "The Zone" shopping center - entrance off Oxford Road (Please arrive 15 min before bus departure)

Valid for the day when first presented

Hop On Hop Off at any of the stops along the circular route and simply show the same ticket to board the next bus Switch to the live-guided Soweto tour at Stop 8 (Gold Reef City Casino Hotel). After the 2h tour, you re-join the Hop on Hop Off bus at the same stop to continue your tour and return to Stop 1

Cancellation fee of R20, per ticket cancelled, will be charged.

* Unlimited access to the Red Tour * 2h Tour of Soweto (Live guided by a local Soweto resident)

* Entrance fee into various attractions

Check available dates and pre-book for entry into Gold Reef City Apartheid Museum closed on Monday's and Tuesday's

See the sights of Johannesburg at your own pace with this 1-day valid ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Also included is a 2-hour extension tour of the township of Soweto, described as the “New York of Africa.”

2h Soweto tour Highlights

• FNB Stadium (known as Soccer City during the 2010 FIFA World Cup), the biggest stadium in Africa, is built in the form of a calabash or a Zulu clay pot. Hop off here to visit the South African Hall of Fame
• Diepkloof, a diverse neighbourhood
• Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, built during the Second World War and the largest hospital in the world
• Bara Taxi Rank, the largest taxi rank in Johannesburg
• Orlando Towers, a colourful landmark popular for bungee and base jumping and abseiling
• Orlando Stadium, the first ever sports facility built for black South Africans in a residential area
• Hector Pietersen Memorial in Orlando West
• Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world in which two Nobel Prize winners have lived
• Visit to the Soweto Brewing Company

Get the Timetable   Tours   Get the Map!

Tour office can be found at:

The Zone shopping center , Oxford Road, Rosebank (in the pedestrian mall, near KFC and next to Hamley's Toys)

Inside the lobby of the Gold Reef Casino Hotel (change point for the Soweto Tour)

+27 21 511 6000 [email protected]

36 Auckland Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, 7420

Copyright © City Sightseeing South Africa 2024