Should You Take the Starline Bus Tour in LA?

The Starline bus tour is a straightforward, narrated ride that takes you past the big sights: Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills mansions, and the Sunset Strip. Expect an open-top double-decker bus (they switch to enclosed ones if it rains), a guide giving running commentary that's sometimes funny, sometimes just okay. The full loop takes roughly 2 hours with no stops to get off. It's touristy by nature—lots of phones in the air—but it’s an easy way to see the layout of LA without driving or dealing with parking. Traffic can make it drag, especially in the afternoon.

Best time to go is spring or fall when the weather is mild and crowds are lighter. Summer is hotter and busier; winter can be surprisingly pleasant but bring a jacket for the moving bus. Expect to pay around $50–$75 per adult depending on the exact route and whether you add extras like a celebrity homes extension. Kids usually get a decent discount.

Pick the basic Hollywood/Beverly Hills loop and do it in the morning for better light and less traffic. Skip the longer all-day packages unless you really want to spend that much time on a bus—they get tiring. Sit on the right side going up into the hills for the best views of the sign. If you’re short on time or hate crowds, consider skipping it entirely and using a rideshare to hit the highlights yourself.