Belfast : Hop-on Hop-off Belfast Open Top Bustour

We purchased a two-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket for 9th and 10th June. The evening before our first day, a serious incident in Belfast triggered several nights of disorder. On the 9th, we took the bus to get our bearings. The driver’s live commentary was difficult to understand, and many passengers talked over it, which was frustrating. On the 10th we took a bus, and this one had a recorded audio commentary, which was much clearer and far more pleasant. We got off at Queen’s University. At 12:25 we went back to the bus stop to catch a bus to the Crumlin Road Gaol for a 13:30 visit we had booked. We waited an hour. No bus arrived. Staff in a nearby university building told us normal services were winding down, and they hadn’t seen any buses for over an hour. We walked the mile back into the city centre, passing many businesses that were closing early, or had already closed. By the time we reached City Hall, there were no buses of any kind operating. It appears the hop-on hop-off service had simply been withdrawn and the buses stored away with no announcement or warning to passengers. Tourists were left stranded while staff went home. This operator has no app, no real-time information, and uses a manual ticket check, rather that a scanner, so there is no record of who is on which bus. These shortcomings turn a manageable situation into a complete abandonment of their customers. I have submitted two contact forms requesting a refund or goodwill gesture. As of now, I have received no reply.

This was.a complete waste of money. The stops are not marked- it is very difficult to work out where to get on the buses. Absolutely impossible to ‘hop on hop off’ Buses are few and far between. Very confusing having two companies doing the same thing but with different logos. Drivers not helpful. Spent half a day trying to work out how to use these buses- Spoke to the company owner and he was rude and dismissive.

We enjoyed it. The subject of the troubles was handled in a neutral way. The speaker spoke clearly and was easy to understand. They provide the commentary in a few European languages. Those who want to us it have to ask for headset. The English commentary doesn't require headsets.

Very poor. Driver was rude to passengers in front of us, laughed at them and snatched away a map when they asked to take one. We asked if we could do the whole loop and she said yes but when getting halfway round at City Hall she made everyone get off. When asked about it she said "Well, I'VE done the loop". It's not a hop-on hop-off tour as in other cities. She also complained about my 80 year old disabled mother not disembarking quickly enough. The driver had double parked and was blocking the road which was apparently my mother's fault. The bus itself was old and dirty with broken seats and the recorded commentary was basic and had sound issues. There are two other bus companies doing the same tour. The other two have transferrable tickets so you can use either company and avoid this one altogether. They all have similar names, but the one to avoid is "Sightseeing Belfast". "City Tours Belfast" and "City Sightseeing" are the ones to go for.

Easily found in town centre, very helpful staff. Bus very comfortable and clear commentary. Map provided of route and hop off stops.

there are 2 companies with similar buses and names. One has "sightseeing" written on the side and the other has "citysightseeing". As far as I can see there is a world of difference between the two. We, a group of four adult family members, took the "sightseeing" option and stopped off near Titanic to wander around the docks. It had been a bit cold on top of the bus so we opted to cut across the city on foot to warm up and pick up the bus at a further stop. It was at the place indicated on the map and a bus came quickly. But this was a "citysightseeing" one and the driver told us our tickets were not valid on his bus. We waited a little longer then decided to pick up the bus further along again on a street which the map indicated had 2 stops. We combed the street for the stops and failed to find any. After lunch to recoup our energy we went to yet another stop at which a "citysightseening bus" came alone and the driver informed us that "sightseeing buses" do not have a specific stop sign on the street. We eventually found a bus from our company and stayed on for the rest of the trip. The drivers on the 2 "citys.." were friendlier and far more helpful than the 2 on our chosen group. Had we known there were 2 companies we would have picked Citysightseeing.

Excellent a must do while in belfast very informative guides Excellent service very knowledgeable of the past events very interesting on how times have changed for the good of the people

The most amazing experience ever. We had Stevie as our driver/guide. He's very professional and attentive, and his attention to detail about the city are second to none. Would highly recommend this company if visiting Belfast.

Our first couple of buses had recorded commentary. We prefered it when on the last one, Stevie the driver gave great running commentary on the latter part of the tour, through the troubles related part of the town. It's not always possible but a dry day is preferable. 😉