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On Christmas Eve, my family and I ventured into NYC for a day of holiday sight-seeing. We started at the tree at Rockefeller Center, went by department windows at Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, went shopping at Bryant Park market and idled in the fantastic lobby at the Algonquin Hotel.
The Ride NYC
But we had one thing on our mind: our 4pm reservation on THE RIDE NYC. I had a feeling it would be inclusive of everything I love most in life.
For example, NYC is my oasis. I’ve lived here for years but never tire of the buzz this city radiates. I also love theater and I had a feeling THE RIDE would relish in its role in Times Square life. I love street life. I enjoy karaoke, comedy and everything interactive.
Believe it or not, I know it’s hard to imagine, but THE RIDE encompasses all of this. It takes place on a fancy bus with stadium-like seating with video screens and LED lights set along the sides of the bus. It’s a 75-minute ride that goes about four miles through Times Square from 42nd Street to Columbus Circle and back, rather slowly (with the speed of midtown traffic). There are two hosts on each side, each one trying to be funnier than the other. As the bus crouches through Times Square, the people on the streets are somehow part of the show, both willingly and unwillingly. Each night a crew of more than 60 technical people, street performers and tour-guide actors with improv-comedy experience provide entertainment, and all of a sudden, one of the people being spoken to from the bus breaks out in performance. We were entertained by a rapper, a ballet dancer, a saxophonist and soulful singer, a hip hop dancer and most certainly, our two hosts who were pretty hilarious.
The tour includes bits of NYC history, which as a New Yorker, I found very compelling. At one point, whilst discussing the city’s subway system, the bus somehow turned into an actual subway, speeding down a few blocks, shaking just like an actual train that cruises underground.
The bus that is THE RIDE is no joke. Each vehicle costs upwards of a million dollars and includes 49 seats, transparent windows (so the people on the street actually see you), 3K LED lights which flash in various colors all through the ride and video screens.
The ticket prices verge on the high side, but based on what I’ve described, I fully endorse THE RIDE. It’s literally a portable theater riding through the streets of NYC, showing you the city’s best. Several passengers had purchased their tickets on GroupOn but I don’t think that anyone who pays full price should or would be disappointed.
Disclosure: I was provided with complimentary tickets to facilitate this review and others but all opinions are my own.
Frequently asked questions
What is THE RIDE NYC?
THE RIDE NYC is a 75-minute interactive bus tour where seats face out through panoramic glass windows. As you drive through Midtown and Times Square, performers in costumes pop up on sidewalks and surprise the bus with songs, dance routines, and improv. It runs day and night.
How much does THE RIDE NYC cost?
THE RIDE NYC is around $74-79 per adult and $63-68 per child as of 2026, depending on day and time. Premium seats and combo packages with THE TOUR or the Downtown Experience cost more. Most families find the regular tour plenty.
Is THE RIDE NYC worth it for kids?
For kids ages 6 through 13, yes — the surprise performers, music, and sideways seating make it more theatrical than a typical bus tour. Younger toddlers may find the volume overwhelming. Teenagers either love the kitsch or roll their eyes the entire trip.
How long is THE RIDE NYC tour?
About 75 minutes from boarding to drop-off. The bus stays in Midtown and doesn’t cross rivers or leave the theater district. Think of it as a Broadway show on wheels, not a comprehensive sightseeing tour.
Where does THE RIDE NYC start?
THE RIDE NYC boards on West 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, right in the heart of Times Square. Arrive 20 minutes early to check in. There’s no on-site parking; take the subway to Times Square-42nd Street.
What’s the best NYC bus tour for families?
THE RIDE NYC is the most theatrical option. For a more traditional hop-on-hop-off, Big Bus and CitySightseeing both run double-decker routes. For families who want a real local guide, look at small-group walking tours through Walks of New York.