Bus Tours
1 hour
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
£12
per adult
City Explorer Liverpool
City Explorer Liverpool
5
City ToursCultural ToursHop-On Hop-Off ToursSightseeing ToursBus Tours
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
City Explorer Liverpool is an open-top, hop-on hop-off bus tour that brings the best of Liverpool to you at an unbeatable price. Every tour has a qualified local tour guide giving you a running commentary to help you explore all that Liverpool has to offer. See the origins of Liverpool’s favourite sons with the Beatles Explorer tour, from their homes to iconic landmarks like Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. We also offer several combined tours providing great savings while enjoying some of Liverpool's best attractions. So what are you waiting for... Go on and explore the best of Liverpool!
Liverpool, Merseyside, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
2,370 reviews
Excellent
2,054
Very good
236
Average
38
Poor
19
Terrible
23
Mr_Spock56
Stoke-on-Trent, UK1,429 contributions
Jan 2020
A trip on the City Explorer Open Top Bus is well worth doing especially if you combine it with the multi ticket which includes the famous Mersey Ferry and a trip up to the top of Liverpool Cathedral tower. Be warned though there are two different bus tour company’s and the ticket only allows you to get on the yellow bus (against the red bus). It’s also difficult to find the relevant stops where you can get onto the bus, you need to look inside the bus stops to see if its one of the ones you can use. There are lots of bus stops and it can be confusing which ones the bus stops at. You get a running commentary from the bus guide as to what you are passing which is very interesting as it goes into the history of the Liverpool area.
The hop on hop off service stops at many of Liverpool's famous landmarks such as the Royal Albert Dock, The Cavern Quarter and the Chinese Arch and the Cathedral. The ticket can be used once for each attraction over a two day period except for the ferry trip which has to be used on the day of purchase.
The hop on hop off service stops at many of Liverpool's famous landmarks such as the Royal Albert Dock, The Cavern Quarter and the Chinese Arch and the Cathedral. The ticket can be used once for each attraction over a two day period except for the ferry trip which has to be used on the day of purchase.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to review our tour!
I'm sorry you had trouble finding the stops- we always advise people to try and get back on at the stop they got off at. The stops are marked within the shelters too! Hope you didn't spend too much time looking for bus stops and that you had a great time during your whole stay here in our great city.
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma H
3 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
As part of our first (and amazing) trip to Liverpool, we booked a bus tour to entertain our toddler. We were greeted by Wayne (driver) and Dave (tour guide). Wayne was friendly and engaging with our little boy and drove carefully and safely around the city. He seemed very in sync with Dave, pulling over to allow Dave to speak about the fascinating landmarks of your wonderful city. At one point he also provided us with ponchos and a towel due to the rain! Dave was very knowledgable, had cracking ‘dad’ jokes and just made the experience fun. At £22 for 2 adults it was an absolute bargain and showed us bits of the city we probably wouldn’t have experienced if we had just walked. I would DEFINITELY recommend using this company and will book again when I come back - this time for the Beatles Tour!! Thanks all! X
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baildonsteve
Baildon, UK4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We went on the trip after the Beatles Story. We were highly entertained by the guide Gary Friday. Gary’s knowledge of his hometown and Liverpudlian humour kept us warm on a cool January Saturday. Being dressed as Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders, a tour he had hosted earlier was a bonus. The tour takes in all the main sites and attractions in central Liverpool with the guide providing a very interesting and informative commentary. It takes around 45 minutes but, you can hop off and on at any of the stops and tickets can be purchased for 24 or 48 hours. Well worth the price of a ticket
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will pass on your compliments to Mr Friday. Thanks for taking the time to give us such a great review.
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vicki
London, UK709 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
Went on this city tour recently. The tour guide was good, he explained the history of the city and pointed out specific landmarks. It was raining on the day therefore everyone was huddled upstairs under the covered area. I would have loved to have hopped on and off in order to explore specific sites but this was not allowed due to pandemic restrictions. The tour lasted 50 minutes which was quite short for the amount paid.
Written 21 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
InLondonTown
118 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This is genuine feedback which I’m sure the company would like to take on board. I booked this tour as I was booking a stadium tour and this was one of the optional extras. We were only visiting the city for one night and having looked at the lfc Explorer website the bus tour looked perfect. On the website it stated that currently the Shankly stop is not being used (stop 3) so stop 3 will be at St. John’s Lane at 20 past the hour. I rang the office to double check and they confirmed stop 3 was on St. John’s lane opposite the Marriott. We got there 10 mins early. We saw the bus but it didn’t seem to be indicating to pull over. We then had to put out our hand. The bus then pulled over. The bus left the stop at 10.16. This is genuine feedback I am not being negative but I believe the bus should’ve stayed at the stop until the advertised time of 10.20. Other than that the journey then to the stadium was great.
On our return I was concerned that the bus would not stop at St. John’s Lane (stop 3) per my experience in the morning. Now one of the main reasons we booked the tour was because we could, on our return journey, get on at Anfield at 1.30 tour the city then get dropped off at stop 3 at 2.20 (our train home was 2.47 and stop 3 was 5 min walk from lime street) ending our trip on a high..or so I thought. I said to the driver can you stop at St. John’s Lane as that’s where we got on (ie we can then do the round trip). We went up to the top of the bus ten minutes later the bus stopped the driver came up and said this is St. John’s Lane, I said We want to do the whole tour of the docks and get dropped here afterwards. The tour guide then said “no love, we don’t Go up to the docks we just go up to Anfield and back”. So we got off the bus. But none of the other customers got off? Where were they going? We were extremely disappointed and my son commented that he really wanted to see the docks. The docks are an EXTREMELY important part of history not just for Liverpool but the whole of the UK. Had we known the bus was not hop on/hop off or a tour we would’ve made our own arrangements in the morning to go to the docks (prior to visiting Anfield). If this bus is indeed a bus that “just goes up and back to Anfield” it should be sold and advertised as such. I’m just disappointed that we weren’t able finish our trip on a high.
On our return I was concerned that the bus would not stop at St. John’s Lane (stop 3) per my experience in the morning. Now one of the main reasons we booked the tour was because we could, on our return journey, get on at Anfield at 1.30 tour the city then get dropped off at stop 3 at 2.20 (our train home was 2.47 and stop 3 was 5 min walk from lime street) ending our trip on a high..or so I thought. I said to the driver can you stop at St. John’s Lane as that’s where we got on (ie we can then do the round trip). We went up to the top of the bus ten minutes later the bus stopped the driver came up and said this is St. John’s Lane, I said We want to do the whole tour of the docks and get dropped here afterwards. The tour guide then said “no love, we don’t Go up to the docks we just go up to Anfield and back”. So we got off the bus. But none of the other customers got off? Where were they going? We were extremely disappointed and my son commented that he really wanted to see the docks. The docks are an EXTREMELY important part of history not just for Liverpool but the whole of the UK. Had we known the bus was not hop on/hop off or a tour we would’ve made our own arrangements in the morning to go to the docks (prior to visiting Anfield). If this bus is indeed a bus that “just goes up and back to Anfield” it should be sold and advertised as such. I’m just disappointed that we weren’t able finish our trip on a high.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback. I apologise for the confusion- most people who ride the LFC bus use it just to go to Anfield and back, ending their tour at stop 1, which is where the bus terminates. We have a separate tour of the city- which doesn't visit anfield- that you can also use. This tour takes in much of the docklands and a double ticket with the LFC bus can be purchased.
Unless it's the end of the day, most of our drivers would usually have allowed you to end the journey then ride back to stop 3. I apologise that this wasn't the case and I will look into this for the future.
In the meantime, if you want to discuss the matter further, feel free to contact the office.
Thanks again for the feedback, and I hope you had a great stay here in Liverpool.
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David E
Cambridge, UK263 contributions
Aug 2021
Our tour guide Chris was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining, providing a very informative commentary throughout the whole 1 hr tip. Joe, our driver, also played his part (involving the use of a wig, which you will see) navigated the route changes due to the extensive delayed finish roadworks around the main station. Thoroughly recommend this tour for any visitors at £11/person.
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy D
Prenton33 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Trying to be positive here, pleasant enough trip, and a great way to spend hour around the city, weather held off, so all was good.
Where I have a problem, although I reduced service due to the restrictions, the fact the bus never left the city centre, and several stops for a couple of minutes, left me feeling that the tour was padded out, not enough to fill an hour, the route needs a little attention, talk n drive, don't stop, but it's early days, so maybe it will in improve in time, this is just a personal opinion, although I do have a major issue with Staff openingly asking for tips as we got back, very unclassless and unprofessional.
Good service is rewarded, and rightly so, but leave it too the individual, to decide, it created an awkward moment at the end.
Wish you well for the future, and I will try again, once hop on hop off is restored.
Brombrough Wirral (Andy)
Where I have a problem, although I reduced service due to the restrictions, the fact the bus never left the city centre, and several stops for a couple of minutes, left me feeling that the tour was padded out, not enough to fill an hour, the route needs a little attention, talk n drive, don't stop, but it's early days, so maybe it will in improve in time, this is just a personal opinion, although I do have a major issue with Staff openingly asking for tips as we got back, very unclassless and unprofessional.
Good service is rewarded, and rightly so, but leave it too the individual, to decide, it created an awkward moment at the end.
Wish you well for the future, and I will try again, once hop on hop off is restored.
Brombrough Wirral (Andy)
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello - thanks for your review - as you travelled on only our 3rd day of running since March, we are still adapting to the new way of working and all the extra measures we have had to put in place to make travel as safe as we can for both our staff and our passengers.
The Tour is doing exactly the same route as normal, it never has left the city centre - you may be thinking of the Beatles tour which goes to the south of the city but this tour takes 2 hours.
We will be resuming this as soon as we can.
I take your comments on board about the timings - but all the Guides are reporting that they are enjoying the extra few minutes to be able to give customers details about places they often have to miss - because of time pressure.
I am sorry that you were offended by the Tour Guide asking for tips.
thanks again for the review
Best wishes
Ann
Written 6 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nick W
24 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Over the course of a 1hr tour this is a great way to see the city and understand its history and what makes it tick. We saw everything from the iconic Pier Head and Albert Dock sights to the cultural quarter and the newly regenerated parts of the city, not to mention Chinatown and the Cavern Club, of Beatles fame.
Our guide, Paul, has that irrepressible but warm Scous humour that adds light and fun to the commentary, with non stop stories and comments.
You see what made Liverpol a great city and keeps it unique.
Very comfortable ride from Alan, our driver. Very good value for money and definitely recommended.
Our guide, Paul, has that irrepressible but warm Scous humour that adds light and fun to the commentary, with non stop stories and comments.
You see what made Liverpol a great city and keeps it unique.
Very comfortable ride from Alan, our driver. Very good value for money and definitely recommended.
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
REAM
5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Used City Explorer Tours to take in the sights of Liverpool and that is exactly what we acheieved.
The tour bus gave the opportunity to discover the history and insight into the city of Liverpool in more depth than any tourist book would have provided. It also enabled us to get on and off to explore sights in more detail.
Carlos and the team were amazing with their knowledge and advice....thanks guys will definitely be returning when we return to Liverpool.
The tour bus gave the opportunity to discover the history and insight into the city of Liverpool in more depth than any tourist book would have provided. It also enabled us to get on and off to explore sights in more detail.
Carlos and the team were amazing with their knowledge and advice....thanks guys will definitely be returning when we return to Liverpool.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We'll pass on your compliments to Carlos and the whole team! Thanks very much for taking the time to review our tour!
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen H
Driffield, UK3,914 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Cannot hop on and hop off at the moment in time...and I understand why...Covid-19 and track and trace in place to keep us safe! Chris the tour guide was back on his first tour after being on furlough, and did a sterling job of remembering facts and figures from earlier in the year. Funny, with lots of knowledge, he kept everyone entertained. I even made a point of asking his name, so could name-check him...and to Gary the driver, whose turning skills near the library were admirable. And to the ladies, sorry I didnt remember your names, but a credit to you both! Social distancing and sanitising, all aboard!
Written 11 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Helen
thanks for review all the staff are enjoying being back at work although in a small way - I'm pleased you were happy with all the safety measure we have put in place as our first concern is our staff and customers.
Glad you enjoyed the tour and hope to see you again when we an get back to normal running
Written 13 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Where do i got to get on the bus?
Written 29 November 2022
If on a ship, it is a few blocks to the south.
You can pick up a map in the cruise terminal.
There is a large square of water just south of the huge building with the creatures on top.
Or, if you see a bus, just ask a local for the next stop for it
Written 29 November 2022
Adventurer621049
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Hi could you tell me if i can purchase tickets for the hop on hop off tour bus in Liverpool on the bus. I dont have a printer so can not book on line. Also what time does it start and how often do they run, thanks
Written 6 July 2019
Just seen your message. Sorry. Yes you can buy the tickets on the bus. They run every half an hour but I suggest you look on the city explorers website for times of where the bus is due and when
Written 5 September 2019
We weren’t asked for ID as Seniors (obviously look the part :) but probably student ID might be requested. They were pretty laid back about it
Written 25 March 2019
What time do the tour start and nearest pick up point to Holiday Inn lime St
Written 7 September 2018
Hi Mary,
The tours are from 10am until 4.30pm.
I'm not 100% sure but maybe outside the Adelphi Hotel or the library would be your nearest pick up. The staff at the hotel should know.
I would strongly advise visiting the tour website.
Regards
Written 8 September 2018
On the bus tiyrs,can you get off at the Cavern and go inside?
Written 16 August 2018
Yes and on some tours the ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time purchased , so you can if you like , ( I went on a tour at 5 pm , on a Tuesday , so my ticket was valid till the Wednesday at 5 pm ,, so could of used it all day reall the following day and hopped on and off where I wanted
Written 17 August 2018
What age are the concessions - 60+ or 65+
Written 10 August 2018
Yes! My two doggies went on the city hop on hop off tours and the Mersey river tour . We also used the normal city buses from out side the travelodge to get to the Main bus station. I got the city hop on hop off tour from Albert docks and I asked first before purchasing my ticket if my two we’ll behaved dogs were allowed on the tour. The dogs were allowed on all of the buses at no extra cost.
Written 19 July 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.