Big Pink Bus Tours Portland offers a unique and flexible way to explore the city’s top attractions. Operating from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this hop-on hop-off trolley service provides narrated tours of Portland’s key landmarks. With stops at major sites like Washington Park, Powell’s Books, and the Oregon Zoo, visitors can customize their experience while learning about the city’s history and culture.
What is the Schedule for Big Pink Bus Tours Portland?
The Big Pink Bus Tours in Portland operates on a seasonal schedule:
- Operating Season: Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend
- Daily Schedule:
- First departure: 10:00 AM (9:00 AM in July and August)
- Last departure: 4:00 PM
- Frequency: Every 45-60 minutes
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the tour stops and departure times:
| Stop | Location | Departure Times |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Director Park | 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 |
| 2 | South Park Blocks | 10:04, 11:04, 12:04, 1:04, 2:04, 3:04, 4:04 |
| 3 | Washington Park / Japanese Garden | 10:14, 11:14, 12:14, 1:14, 2:14, 3:14, 4:14 |
| 4 | Oregon Zoo / Discovery Center | 10:22, 11:22, 12:22, 1:22, 2:22, 3:22, 4:22 |
| 5 | Hoyt Arboretum | 10:25, 11:25, 12:25, 1:25, 2:25, 3:25, 4:25 |
| 6 | 23rd Ave. Shopping District | 10:29, 11:29, 12:29, 1:29, 2:29, 3:29, 4:29 |
| 7 | Pearl District / Powell’s Books | 10:33, 11:33, 12:33, 1:33, 2:33, 3:33, 4:33 |
| 8 | Chinese Garden / Oregon Convention Center | 10:37, 11:37, 12:37, 1:37, 2:37, 3:37, 4:37 |
| 9 | Old Town / Saturday Market | 10:42, 11:42, 12:42, 1:42, 2:42, 3:42, 4:42 |
| 10 | Riverplace | 10:47, 11:47, 12:47, 1:47, 2:47, 3:47, 4:47 |
| 11 | City Center / Pioneer Place | 10:55, 11:55, 12:55, 1:55, 2:55, 3:55, 4:55 |
How Much Do Big Pink Bus Tours Portland Cost?
The pricing structure for Big Pink Bus Tours Portland is as follows:
- Adult Prices:
- One Day Pass: $32.00 to $34.00
-
Two Day Pass: $39.00 to $49.00
-
Youth Prices (ages 6-12):
- One Day Pass: $16.00 to $17.00
-
Two Day Pass: $20.00 to $25.00
-
Child Prices (under 5):
- Free admission
Additional features:
– $1.00 from every adult ticket is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
– Free cancellation and full refund available when canceled up to 24 hours before departure
What Are the Key Attractions on Big Pink Bus Tours Portland?
Big Pink Bus Tours Portland covers a wide range of attractions, including:
- Pioneer Courthouse Square
- South Park Blocks/Cultural District
- Washington Park (Japanese Garden and Rose Test Garden)
- Oregon Zoo
- Hoyt Arboretum
- NW 23rd Avenue Shopping District
- Pearl District/NW 13th Avenue
- Powell’s Books
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Old Town/Saturday Market
- Riverplace
- Oregon Rail Heritage Center
- OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)
What Makes Big Pink Bus Tours Portland Unique?
Several features set Big Pink Bus Tours Portland apart:
- Live Narration: Expert guides provide informative commentary throughout the tour.
- Flexibility: The hop-on hop-off format allows visitors to explore at their own pace.
- Washington Park Shuttle: Free access to a shuttle within Washington Park for visiting the Zoo and World Forestry Center.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The tour covers major Portland attractions in a single route.
- Pink Branding: The distinctive pink trolleys are easy to spot and add a fun element to the tour.
How Long is the Complete Big Pink Bus Tour of Portland?
If taken without any stops, the entire Big Pink Bus Tour of Portland lasts approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes. However, the beauty of this hop-on hop-off service is that you can extend your experience throughout the day by exploring attractions at your leisure.
What Should Visitors Know Before Taking Big Pink Bus Tours Portland?
Here are some essential tips for making the most of your Big Pink Bus Tour in Portland:
- Plan Ahead: Review the schedule and map to prioritize your must-see attractions.
- Arrive Early: Especially during peak season, arriving at stops a few minutes early ensures you don’t miss the bus.
- Bring Essentials: Comfortable shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
- Listen to the Guide: The live narration provides valuable insights into Portland’s history and culture.
- Use Both Days: If you purchase a two-day pass, spread out your visits to make the most of your ticket.
- Check Operating Dates: Remember, the service runs seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
How Do Customer Reviews Rate Big Pink Bus Tours Portland?
While specific recent reviews aren’t available, general feedback for Big Pink Bus Tours Portland typically includes:
- Praise for the flexibility of the hop-on hop-off format
- Appreciation for knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides
- Positive comments on the comprehensive coverage of Portland’s attractions
- Occasional suggestions for more frequent departures during peak times
Overall, customers tend to find the tour a convenient and informative way to explore Portland’s highlights.
By offering a blend of convenience, flexibility, and informative narration, Big Pink Bus Tours Portland provides visitors with an excellent overview of the city’s key attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this hop-on hop-off service offers a unique perspective on Portland’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks.
References:
1. https://www.graylineofportland.com/portland-hop-on-hop-off-trolley/portland-hop-on-hop-off-trolley-schedule/
2. https://www.shareoregon.com/things-to-do/en/listings/125342-big-pink-hop-on-hop-off-trolley
3. https://www.graylineofportland.com/portland-hop-on-hop-off-trolley/portland-hop-on-hop-off-trolley-map/
