Singapore dazzles from every angle! Marina Bay’s silver skyline, sparkling Orchard Road, and the smell of satay drifting from stalls as the city winds down. But for first-timers, solo travelers, or anyone trying to see the best without any stress, the real question becomes how to cover so much ground with so little time. That’s where hop-on hop-off buses slip in—stress-free sightseeing, open-top decks, multilingual audio guides, and visiting major landmarks without wrestling with MRT transfers or taxis. And with two big names—FunVee and Big Bus Singapore—offering different vibes, routes, and perks, it helps to know which one actually fits the way you like to travel. Here’s our Singapore sightseeing bus comparison guide to help you decide which option pairs best with your pace, your plans, and your budget! Before that if you want you can explore the full list of Singapore bus tours and start reading this blog!
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Overview of Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in Singapore
Both companies offer flexible passes for different validity, open-top decks, and routes covering Singapore’s essentials — Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Little India, and more. With buses arriving every 25–40 minutes, you can simply hop on, enjoy the skyline, hop off for photos, and continue exploring at your own pace.
Modern audio guides (3–12 languages depending on operator) help you understand Singapore’s culture, history, and neighborhoods without needing a separate tour. For travelers wanting convenience, comfort, and affordability, these tours are among the top Singapore tourist bus options.
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FunVee Singapore: Budget-Friendly Sightseeing
Homegrown and wallet-friendly, FunVee has been the go-to value option for travelers since the 2000s. If you want maximum coverage for minimum cost, this is your winner.
Routes & Stops
FunVee operates two main routes with 32–36 total stops:
- Green City Route (23 stops) — CBD, Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, Esplanade
- Orange Marina Route (14 stops) — Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Flyer, Bayfront
Feel the tropical pulse from the upper deck as you glide past skyscrapers and waterfront icons. Snap a selfie at the Merlion with the salty bay breeze hitting your face — one of FunVee’s signature moments.
Why travelers love FunVee
- Shorter queues compared to premium operators
- Semi-covered upper deck with partial air-conditioning — a lifesaver in Singapore’s heat
- Affordable pricing perfect for solos, couples, and families
- Multilingual audio guides (English & Chinese)
- Buses every ~30 minutes
Good to know
- Kid-friendly: cheaper child tickets, easier boarding
- Valid on 24/48-hour passes
If you’re searching for the best sightseeing bus in Singapore at the lowest price, click on the FunVee Hopper tour details and learn more.
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Big Bus Singapore: Premium City Explorer
If you prefer comfort, modern buses, and handy digital features, Big Bus Singapore delivers a more polished sightseeing experience.
Routes & Stops
Big Bus also offers two routes with 33+ total stops:
- Yellow City Route (19 stops) — Raffles Hotel, Suntec City, Marina Bay
- Red Heritage Route — Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam (every 25–35 minutes)
You’ll glide past colorful shophouses, vibrant murals, and spice-scented districts on the Heritage Route — a strong storytelling layer that premium travelers love.
Why travelers choose Big Bus
- Modern buses with free onboard Wi-Fi
- 7+ audio guide languages
- Sleek app with live bus tracking
- Smooth rides and comfortable seating
- Excellent for culture-lovers wanting a rich neighborhood tour
- Exclusive Singapore night bus tour to see the city in another form
If your Singapore adventure is all about comfort, convenience, and well-designed routes, Big Bus is ideal for you.
Image credit: Jisun Han for Unsplash
Head-to-Head Comparison: FunVee vs Big Bus Singapore
Here’s the quick-glance showdown — perfect if you’re comparing at the last minute.
| Feature | FunVee | Big Bus |
| Ticket Prices (1-Day Adult) | £20–31 | £38–50 |
| Routes/Stops | 2 routes, 32–36 stops | 2 routes, 33+ stops |
| Key Stops | Merlion, Orchard, Clarke Quay | Gardens by Bay, Raffles, Chinatown |
| Frequency | ~30 mins | 25–40 mins |
| Audio Languages | 3 | 7+ |
| Unique Perks | Semi-AC deck | Wi-Fi, live tracking |
| Reviews | Value, fewer queues | Premium, more comfort |
Both cover the same major icons and offer great flexibility. So the real choice comes down to your budget vs. comfort preference
FunVee vs Big Bus Ticket Prices and Deals
If pricing plays a major role in your decision, here’s the breakdown:
FunVee Prices
- 1-Day Adult: ~£25
- 1-Day Child: ~£20
- Best for families, backpackers, and solo travelers
- Often the cheapest HOHO deal in the city
Big Bus Prices
- 1-Day Adult: £40
- Premium price with added comfort
- Combo deals available (e.g., Singapore DUCK Tour experience)
Money-saving tips
- Buy early morning passes for maximum hours
- Grab 48-hour passes only if you’re planning relaxed, spaced-out sightseeing
- Budget travelers can save enough with FunVee to enjoy a big hawker feast afterwards — chili crab, satay, sugarcane juice, the works.
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Big Bus or FunVee, Which Is Better? Recommendations by Traveler Type
Here’s your personalized verdict based on travel style:
If you’re on a budget or travelling solo
? Choose FunVee
Maximum stops, minimum cost, and great coverage across Marina Bay and the CBD.
If you’re travelling with kids
? Choose FunVee
Cheaper child pricing + shorter queues = easier family travel.
If you prefer comfort and premium perks
? Choose Big Bus
WiFi, live tracking, more audio languages, smoother ride.
If you love cultural neighborhoods
? Choose Big Bus
Its Heritage Route shines — Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam.
Image credit: Nauris Pukis for Unsplash
Practical tips for everyone
- Start early from Suntec City (main hub)
- Download the apps before boarding
- Carry a hat/sunscreen for top deck views
- Both are wheelchair accessible & offer rain ponchos
- Want to save more money? Grab a Singapore multi-attraction pass and get access to several landmarks
So… Big Bus or FunVee — which is better?
The answer: It depends on your vibe.
- FunVee = value + convenience + lots of stops
- Big Bus = comfort + premium features + stronger storytelling routes
Image credit: Guo Xin Goh for Unsplash
Wrapping Up: FunVee vs Big Bus Singapore Review
Hope, after reading this ultimate Singapore hop-on hop-off bus comparison guide, you have now understood how to choose between FunVee and Big Bus for sightseeing. In simple language, if you want maximum value, lots of stops, and an easy, budget-friendly way to cover Singapore’s biggest attractions, FunVee gives you everything you need without stretching your wallet. On the other hand, if you prefer comfort, onboard Wi-Fi, multiple audio languages, and a polished city experience, Big Bus adds that premium layer to your sightseeing day. As both offer open-top decks, stunning skyline views, and flexible hop-on hop-off convenience — so whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a smooth and scenic introduction to the Lion City.
Want to know more beyond this Singapore sightseeing bus comparison guide? Here’s your ultimate guide to know everything about Singapore hop-on hop-off tours.
