Best of Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour

Planning a trip to Buffalo? This Best of Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour is gaining popularity for good reason. It promises a lively mix of history, humor, and sightseeing all rolled into a compact two-hour experience. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city without spending a whole day wandering aimlessly—especially if you’re short on time or traveling with a group.

What really caught our attention is how highly recommended it is, with a near-perfect rating and glowing reviews. We also love that it combines a visiting the Naval Park, which is a standout attraction, with a guided bus tour that’s lively and entertaining. Still, it’s worth mentioning that, like many city tours, it’s not perfect for everyone—those expecting a more traditional, info-dense experience might find it a bit light on facts.

This tour would suit travelers who enjoy a mix of storytelling, scenic views, and a relaxed pace. If you’re after a fun introduction to Buffalo or want a break from more serious sightseeing, this tour could be just the ticket. However, if you’re a history buff craving deep dives into every detail, you might want to supplement this with additional exploring later.

Key Points

• Highly rated experience with a 5.0/5 from hundreds of reviews, showing broad appeal.
• Includes admission to Buffalo Naval Park, combining boat and land views for a well-rounded visit.
• Humorous and engaging guides make history feel lively and accessible.
• Short, 2-hour tour fits into most schedules comfortably.
• Great for first-timers wanting a quick overview of Buffalo’s highlights.
• Upper deck seating offers the best views and breeze, especially in good weather.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour offers a pretty balanced mix of sights, stories, and fun. Starting at the Buffalo Naval Park, you’ll get a 25-minute walking tour aboard ships, including the notable USS The Sullivans. That firsthand experience aboard military vessels is a highlight for many, giving you a tangible sense of Buffalo’s naval history. One reviewer called it “the highlight,” especially with stories about naval vessels that add a layer of intrigue.

After the Naval Park, the bus ride begins, making its way through key Buffalo landmarks. The Guaranty Building, one of the world’s first skyscrapers, is just a quick pass-by but sets the tone for the city’s architectural history. Then you’ll glide past Lafayette Square, known for the Hotel Lafayette built by the world’s first female architect. These stops give a glimpse into Buffalo’s past, with a few stops or pass-bys that are more about the city’s architecture and development.

The Richardson Olmsted Campus is another intriguing stop, a sprawling former psychiatric hospital now partly accessible to the public. The tour only spends about 10 minutes here, so don’t expect a full exploration, but it’s a fascinating site and a highlight for those interested in historic buildings. A few reviews mention how the tour adapts its stops based on time—if possible—and this flexibility is a plus.

Finally, the bus rolls into Niagara Square to view City Hall, the Federal Courthouse, and monuments like the McKinley Memorial. It’s a quick look, but a good photo-op and way to get a sense of the civic heart of Buffalo.

The Guides: Funny, Knowledgeable, and Engaging

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the guide. Multiple reviews mention guides being hilarious, personable, and full of stories. They strike a good balance of humor and fact, making the ride enjoyable for all ages. “Your guide made it a great experience, funny and informative,” one reviewer said.

While the humor sometimes involves personal stories, like the guide’s ex-wives, it’s all in good fun and adds to the casual, friendly vibe. Several reviews highlight how guides keep the tone light, with some reviewers mentioning they wish there was more educational content and less personal chatter—something to keep in mind if you prefer a more straightforward history lesson.

The Experience Itself: Comfort, Views, and Value

The double-decker bus is a charming way to see Buffalo. The upper deck seats are the preferred choice, mainly because of the views and breeze—especially on warm days. Be aware that some small steps are involved when boarding the upper level, so if mobility is a concern, you might need to stick to the lower deck.

The duration of about two hours is just right for a relaxed sightseeing experience. It’s long enough to see multiple sites and hear stories without feeling rushed. The ticket price of $35 is quite reasonable considering it includes the admission to Naval Park and the guided tour. Many reviewers felt this was good value given the amount of content and entertainment packed in.

The group size is capped at 60 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate enough for interaction without feeling crowded. The tour operates on a mobile ticket, so you can easily show your confirmation on your phone. It’s also helpful that the tour has near public transportation, making it easier to get to the meeting point at Navy Park.

Highlights Based on Reviews

Many travelers raved about the entertaining guide who manages to keep everyone laughing while sharing interesting facts. One said, “Very good tour and our guide was so personable and funny and made this a very informative yet enjoyable experience.” The visit to the USS Sullivan and inside The Richardson Hotel is often mentioned as a memorable part of the day.

The balance of humor and history seems to resonate with most guests. One reviewer summed it up: “This tour was absolutely hilarious, informative, and eye-opening!” Clearly, the guide’s storytelling style hits the right note for many.

Another perk is the scenic views from the upper deck, which are especially nice when passing through Buffalo’s historic districts and the waterfront area. It’s a relaxed way to see the city, perfect for those who prefer not to navigate on foot or in a car.

The Slight Downsides

While this tour is loved by most, some reviews point out a few considerations. One guest mentioned that, for locals or those familiar with Buffalo, it felt more like a glorified bus ride without a deep dive into the city’s history. They felt it could be more factual and less joking around.

Plus, some stops are brief—around 5 to 10 minutes—which means you won’t get a long exploration at each site. If you’re hoping for detailed visits, you might want to plan extra time afterward.

Weather is also a factor. Since it’s an outdoor tour on a double-decker, rain or high winds could impact your experience. The tour offers free cancellation if the weather cancels the tour, but it’s worth checking the forecast.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for a lighthearted, engaging overview of Buffalo, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, families (if they’re okay with outdoor seating), or anyone wanting a fun, social experience. The mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and naval history makes it versatile.

However, if you’re craving deep historical insights or prefer a more leisurely, in-depth exploration of individual sites, you might find it a bit superficial. It’s more about the highlights and entertainment than exhaustive detail.

The price point seems fair, especially considering the admission to Naval Park is included. For a two-hour tour, it offers a decent overview without demanding a huge time investment. The entertainment factor, combined with good views and a knowledgeable guide, makes it a memorable way to kick off your Buffalo visit.

The Sum Up

The Best of Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour offers a lively, accessible way to see the city’s key sights and learn its stories without feeling overwhelmed. It strikes a good balance between fun and informative, thanks to a personable guide and scenic routes, especially from the upper deck.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick, entertaining introduction to Buffalo, particularly if you value storytelling and humor. It’s also a good choice for families or groups who enjoy a relaxed, social experience.

While it may not satisfy those seeking in-depth history, it’s a great way to get a taste of Buffalo’s highlights and leave with some good stories to tell. The inclusion of Naval Park makes it especially appealing for those interested in military history or maritime sights. Overall, it’s a solid, enjoyable option for a fun day in Buffalo.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? While not specifically marketed for families, most reviews mention that kids enjoy the lively storytelling and ship visits. Keep in mind that some steps are involved on the bus, and the stops are brief.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 2 hours, including the walking tour at the Naval Park and the bus ride around Buffalo.

What is included in the ticket price? The ticket includes admission to Buffalo Naval Park and the guided bus tour.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, the tour has a free cancellation policy if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled time, and they will refund fully if canceled due to poor weather.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins at Buffalo Naval Park and ends back at the same location.

Is the tour accessible for mobility-impaired travelers? Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, but note that upper deck seats require navigating small steps, which may be a consideration.

How many people typically join? The tour groups are capped at 60 travelers, ensuring a reasonably intimate experience.

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and humorous way to see Buffalo, this double-decker bus tour might just be your best bet. It offers a good mix of sights, stories, and laughs—perfect for kicking off a visit or filling an afternoon.