Should You Tip Bus Tour Drivers?

Bus tours have been a popular way to see all of the major spots in a city while on vacation for decades. With an emphasis put on tipping while traveling over the last decade, some might be led to wonder if they should tip a bus tour driver once the tour has been completed. If so, how much should you tip them?

Why You Should Tip

For the most part, bus tour drivers are not the highest-paid workers that you will come in contact with during your vacation. Many often end up having to work multiple jobs to make a decent living. Others, own their buses, so they have to pay for all expenses and gas with the money that they make on their tours. I once met a driver that worked for three separate tour companies so that he could put food on the table. He averaged about fourteen hours a day.

Often, bus tour drivers are some of the most informative and welcoming people that you will come across on your trip. Since they spend hours in the area, they usually can give you the best tips for deals and great eats in the area. Sometimes, they might even know about where local movies are being shot and what actors you might have a chance of seeing. These fountains of information should be compensated.

How Much to Tip

As a general rule, I suggest tipping a bus tour driver $5 per family for each two hours that you were on the tour. Once you pass the two hour mark, I suggest adding $2 for each hour. It is also nice to throw in a few extra dollars if the driver was especially helpful. I once had a driver direct me to where I could get a coupon that would save my family $20 on dinner. I tossed him and extra $5.

How to Tip

If for some reason the driver is not allowed to take tips there will be a sign that stipulates "No Tipping." If you do not see this sign, you should give the money to the driver as you are exiting the bus for the final time. If you do not see a tip container somewhere in the front of the bus, extend your hand to shake hands and slip the money.

I have always received heartfelt thanks from drivers after giving a tip. I have come to believe that they rarely get tips, so it is very easy for them to thank people that hand them a little extra money. Granted, like always, if you did not get good service, do not give a tip. If you do get good service, though, make sure that you make sure that the driver knows it.