Hop aboard The Polar Bus Express in Myrtle Beach for a festive double-decker journey to the North Pole, complete with treats, a golden ticket, and a chance to meet Santa. Discover why this holiday adventure is a magical must-do for families visiting the South Carolina coast.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; the experience is a seated bus ride with minimal physical exertion.
Wildlife
History
Myrtle Beach has been a popular vacation destination since the early 20th century, evolving into a family-friendly coastal city with diverse seasonal festivities.
Conservation
The Polar Bus Express promotes eco-friendly practices by maintaining a modern fleet with efficient fuel use to minimize environmental impact during seasonal operations.
The Big Red Bus SC
Hop aboard The Polar Bus Express in Myrtle Beach for a festive double-decker journey to the North Pole, complete with treats, a golden ticket, and a chance to meet Santa. Discover why this holiday adventure is a magical must-do for families visiting the South Carolina coast.
The Big Red Bus SC is a North Myrtle Beach-based tour operator offering themed double-decker bus experiences along the Grand Strand and surrounding communities. Specializing in short, family-friendly excursions, the company runs seasonal and city-focused trips that highlight local sights and holiday traditions.
Signature offerings include the Polar Bus Express — a festive double-decker holiday ride that delivers a North Pole-themed experience with a souvenir golden ticket, a sleigh bell, sweet treats, and hot cocoa. Riders are invited to dress in festive attire for the chance to meet Santa. The Top Deck City Tour provides a 45-minute panoramic overview of Myrtle Beach from a double-decker vantage, designed for newcomers and locals who want a relaxed city orientation.
Seasonal stops include themed events such as the Loris downtown Polar Bus Express event — a 30-minute holiday loop through twinkling lights accompanied by a movie-style soundtrack, where guests often wear pajamas or holiday outfits. A Ghost Tours product is listed as coming in 2025; that experience is described as a guided exploration of haunted sites departing from Myrtle Beach, including visits that may enter cemetery grounds.
Each experience is presented as a ticketed attraction focused on short durations and high accessibility. Descriptions emphasize family appeal, holiday atmosphere, and guided storytelling where specified. The Big Red Bus SC operates from the South Carolina coast and markets a mix of seasonal celebrations and scenic city rides for visitors to the area.
Location
North Myrtle Beach
Based on the South Carolina coast
Vehicle Type
Double-decker bus
Panoramic views from the top deck
Tours Offered
4 experiences
Family rides, city tours, seasonal events
Typical Duration
30–45 minutes
Short, easy-to-join excursions
Secure tickets for holiday experiences, the Top Deck City Tour, or plan ahead for the Ghost Tours coming in 2025.
Dress Festively
Wear holiday-themed attire to enhance your experience and increase chances of meeting Santa aboard the bus.
Arrive Early
Arrive at the departure point early to secure good seats on the double-decker bus and get the full experience.
Hold onto Your Golden Ticket
Keep the souvenir golden ticket safe as a memorable keepsake of your festive journey.
Bring a Camera
Have a camera or smartphone ready to capture magical moments, especially when visiting Santa.
Festive Clothing
Wear warm, holiday-themed outfits to stay cozy and part of the celebration.
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Camera or Smartphone
Capture special moments and the festive ambiance throughout the ride.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Useful for cooler winter evenings during boarding and disembarking.
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Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the ride, especially if you’re indulging in sweets and cocoa.