Bus Tours
60–75 minutes
Free cancellation
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from
$79
per adult
The Ride NYC
The Ride NYC
4
Full view
About
Explore a whole new side of NYC with THE RIDE. Our custom-designed, multimillion-dollar bus is not only perfect for people-watching but also offers a safe and comfortable environment. The entertainment doesn’t stop there—our friendly staff ensures you’re well taken care of as the streets come alive during this uproarious one-of-a-kind theatrical adventure. With the best seat in the house, take a bite out of The Big Apple with our two hilarious hosts and enjoy surprise performances during this unique 60-75 minute show. When the streets are the stage, anything is possible. Sit back and enjoy THE RIDE as this entertainment spectacle unfolds right before your very eyes.
Tours and Tickets by The Ride NYC
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
8,954 reviews
Excellent
5,648
Very good
1,482
Average
715
Poor
453
Terrible
657
Tracy B
Courtice, Canada2 contributions
Feb 2020
Went on both the ‘Show’ as well as The Ride Tour. Both were ok although the Show was not worth the extra money and did not have as many or the variety of performers as advertised. Would NOT recommend doing more than 1 If the rides.....same scenes, same jokes, same historical info provided even though our hosts for each were different. Go on the Tour — especially if cold or raining and you’re not open air like some of the other buses. Enjoyable but not the best thing you’ll do in New York.
Written February 9, 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.
THE RIDE has 5-7 performers on every departure. Not sure how many more you were expecting? THE TOUR is a good option for those looking for a fact based, historical sightseeing experience.
Written February 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
yvonne12322
New York City, New York8 contributions
Jan 2020
Went on The Ride today. It was so cold out, 23 degrees in NYC at 11:15 am and so it was a fun way to see the city and not freeze. The hosts, Scott and Jackie were funny, personable and got everyone into the experience with their jokes and songs. I won't spoil any of it with too much detail about the street performers but I will say it is so impressive how the performers are all synchronized with the hosts, the bus, and the city. It's got to be tough to be out in the cold weather performing but you would never know it from the performers who didn't miss a beat. Some advice: When you buy tickets click on special offers because there are discounts, dress for the weather because you wait outside, although it's in front of this bar that plays great music. Such a great way to people watch, see the city, and people just walking by will wave - it's like the whole city gets into it. There were couples and families from all over the world and country. It is family friendly but not for real little ones, (age 8 or 9 and up would enjoy it.) At an hour 15 minutes it's just the right amount of time.
Written January 20, 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.
What a great 5-star review with loads of tips and fun! Please tell all of your friends and family about us.
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TJV1987
1 contribution
Feb 2020
My partner and I didn't really enjoy this attraction. We were left waiting in line for over 25 minutes in the freezing cold before our bus arrived and then we had to wait at least another 15 minutes for the bus to be 'ready to go'. The whole skit and street dancers were very easy to spot as rehearsed and the hosts although were funny it was a very forced funny.
Written February 26, 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 there, friend. Thank you for the feedback on your experience.
It sounds like your time with us got off to a slightly rocky start. We do instruct that our audiences arrive 15 minutes before their start time knowing that traffic can be unpredictable and occasionally hectic. We also note that we do not have a climate-controlled waiting area.
This is a great note for out future RIDErs: our Customer Care Team is there to help you. If at any point you need to step away from the line during an unplanned delay (traffic, show reset, etc), please let the staff know. Your comfort is important to us!
As for the RIDE itself, we do recognize that our show might not have been your brand of humor. But we do hope that you and your partner found fun somewhere else during your vacation in New York City.
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jbrin2020
New York City, NY9 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Was cold outside, made us wait outside bus for 30 min. The Ride and The tour show exact same things so doing both or a waste of money. The hosts on the bus are nice but the acts along the street are just mediocre. They were only two or three buildings pointed out along the 90-minute drive. I do not feel it is worth the $69 regular price but if you get a substantial discount might be worth doing. They need to clean the windows before each ride as looking out these windows is the most important part of the ride. But the windows on our ride were pretty dirty. Overall I give it a mediocre review but giving a good price could be justified as the way to spend time in the city.
Written January 20, 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.
THE RIDE and THE TOUR are not the same exact thing at all. You couldn't be more wrong. THE RIDE is a 75 minute scripted entertainment experience with two comedic hosts and 6 street performers. THE TOUR has a guide and is based on history, facts and landmarks on an expanded route. Sorry you got it all so wrong.
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah S
London, UK5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
My husband & I and our teenage daughters loved this bus ride around. The 2 actor hosts were hilarious, the interactive street actors were fab & audience participation was high energy. We drove around for an hour & saw some sights, had a couple of fun fact quiz & really had a laugh. We did it as one of our Go New York pass activities & for $20 each it was great value for money.
Written January 21, 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.
Many people call us the most family friendly Attraction in NYC. Happy to read that your family agreed!
Written January 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wdz4166
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Family
Firstly the bus was delayed by 1 hour which wasnt a great start. The lady managing the customers waiting was great and did her best though, the weather was raining and i think this hindered the experience because we only saw 4 performers. The compares on the bus where friendly and full of energy but it was hard to understand sometimes which buildings they were talking about and also they joked about some of the facts which if you knew it was a joke was quite funny but if you wasnt sure then it made it difficult to differentiate between what was true and what was just them being funny.
Written March 12, 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.
Delays happen, but an hour is on the border of cancellation. Glad we were able to run it so you could experience our brand of entertainment.
Written April 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Herb G
Mechanicsville, Maryland, United States80 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
My wife and I enjoy on/off bus tours around the world but my daughter in law scheduled this bus tour #theride in New York for my grand daughters 10th birthday. What a great time it was. The bus is setup with stadium seating in three rows with each row elevated all facing out one side of the bus. There are two host on board that narrate, crack jokes, interact with you and make the ride very enjoyable! Along the route the bus stops occasionally to interact with “random” people on the street... well actually they are part of the show and they were all great. I don’t want to give away what they do... the tour is about 70 minutes or so and the only down side is you don’t see very much of the city but what you do see is interesting and they make up for it with the entertainment in my opinion!!
Written February 24, 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.
A+ use of that hashtag, Herb!
I must say, our entire team appreciates this review. You took the time to really detail your experience! What we especially cheered was your noting that we're an entertainment experience! Whether you're laughing or learning or both-- THE RIDE is a can't miss!
Again, happy birthday to your Granddaughter! We hope to see all of you back again soon on THE RIDE!
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glynn P
Wakefield, UK95 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
First impressions weren't great as the ride was late departing as the bus driver stood having a cigarette then there was confusion with getting people on the bus, really unorganized.
On getting onto the bus we were greeted by a squealing girl on the microphone and her colleague at the other side of the bus. Their jokes were lame and so fake it became annoying, there favourites were about Duane Reade pharmacies and T-Mobile stores. I've read that these are professional comedians, maybe so but not exactly funny.
The street acts were decent and relieved the boredom from inside the bus.
After riding a couple of blocks it was all over, thank god.
If you have a pass give it a go, if not save your $69 each.
On getting onto the bus we were greeted by a squealing girl on the microphone and her colleague at the other side of the bus. Their jokes were lame and so fake it became annoying, there favourites were about Duane Reade pharmacies and T-Mobile stores. I've read that these are professional comedians, maybe so but not exactly funny.
The street acts were decent and relieved the boredom from inside the bus.
After riding a couple of blocks it was all over, thank god.
If you have a pass give it a go, if not save your $69 each.
Written March 15, 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.
Wow - a review like this is definitely in the minority. Most people can sit back, relax and just have a great time on an experience totally different than any where else in the world. This type of entertainment isn't for everyone.
Written April 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tug H
Dalcross, UK96 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This was the 2nd time we have been on the ride. Unfortunately there was no special occasion this time so we didn't spend the extra for the shout outs but we did at least have all our kids awake this time. The tour is hugely tongue In cheek but the banter and participation make it worth while, we rode the 6pm ride on the 9th of January and as it was quiet we only filled half the coach but that just made it more fun. I cant remember our hosts names but they were great and interacted with our kids brilliantly, even when they got a flat NO from our 6 year old who went a bit shy.
I hope next time we visit the city to visit again but maybe a more adult/risque timeslot would be good ??
I hope next time we visit the city to visit again but maybe a more adult/risque timeslot would be good ??
Written January 16, 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 love having 2x RIDE'ers! Thank you so much for coming back and enjoying the experience again. Perhaps we will see you a third time?
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janell
Bethesda, MD1 contribution
Jan 2020
I thought this was fun and the guides were amusing. I think this would be great for kids - they'd love being famous for a day. My only disappointment was we covered some of the same areas twice, so it wasn't so much of an actual bus tour of a large portion of Manhattan as much as it was a "drive around Midtown and see performers" tour.
Written January 23, 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.
Correct, we go down multiple streets, multiple times because THE RIDE is not a sightseeing tour but an entertainment experience.
Written January 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheRideNYC
New York City, New York
Hi there, The Ride happens Wednesday - Mondays through the summer. To see our full schedule, please visit our website. You can also find our email and phone number under Contact Us on our website if you need any more information. We look forward to your visit!
Written July 7, 2023
TheRideNYC
New York City, New York
Unfortunately we cannot allow children under the age of 6, including lap children. Our seats do not have the proper safety equipment for children that cannot sit in their own seats.
Written July 7, 2023
Hi my daughter has had one vaccine, due her second last week but got covid just before! If we get proof of recovery can she still do the ride?
Thank you
Written April 3, 2022
TheRideNYC
New York City, New York
Hi Alison, thank you for your patience. Unfortunately, we still need everyone to show proof of two doses of the covid vaccine. If you have any other questions please reach out to us.
Written April 22, 2022
How do you get your money back when you give staff your New York Pass to scan but they don't. Then you find your credit card has been charged as though you didn't turn up. When we booked we followed the instructions which said your credit card wouldn't be charged, it was to secure a place. How many more people has this happened to? We was a group of 4!
Written January 30, 2020
TheRideNYC
New York City, New York
Hi, if you showed up with a valid Pass, we scanned it and you still got charged, that is an issue. Please contact our Customer Service team at boxoffice at experiencetheride
Written February 4, 2020
It says pick up is outside chevvys but when I look on Google maps I can't find it but it's saying the address is Patrick's now, is that the case? Thank you
Written January 14, 2020
TheRideNYC
New York City, New York
Yes, that restaurant out in front of our pick up spot is now called Patricks. Easy to find. Thanks
Written January 14, 2020
Where does the tour finish? Is it the same stop as pick up? Just wondering as we’re trying to put a bit of an itinerary together. Thanks 😊
Written January 7, 2020
You do finish where you started, on 42nd St.
Written January 7, 2020
What is the best day or time to select for less traffic if we can go Friday thru Monday? Thanks!
Written December 14, 2019
Morning is probably better, but in any case the bus has to stop in traffic to see the performances, so traffic is already kind of considered. :) Preferably not to go in the dark as it will be less interesting to see outside.
Written December 15, 2019
Hi does this bus have a toilet on ? Many thanks x
Written November 15, 2019
TheRideNYC
New York City, New York
We are only a 75 minute experience, so no there are no facilities onboard
Written November 15, 2019
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