open-top bus

Meaning

An open-top bus is a double-decker bus that has no roof on the upper deck, allowing passengers an unobstructed view of their surroundings. These buses are primarily used for sightseeing tours in major cities, especially during warm weather.

Examples

• We took an open-top bus tour of Paris even though it was a bit windy.

  We took an open-top bus tour of Paris even though it was a bit windy.

• Make sure to wear sunscreen if you sit on the upper deck of the open-top bus.

  Make sure to wear sunscreen if you sit on the upper deck of the open-top bus.

• The open-top bus stopped right outside the cathedral, which was perfect for photos.

  The open-top bus stopped right outside the cathedral, which was perfect for photos.

• They operate an open-top bus service during the summer months.

  They operate an open-top bus service during the summer months.

• It started raining while we were on the open-top bus, so everyone rushed downstairs.

  It started raining while we were on the open-top bus, so everyone rushed downstairs.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We booked a tour on an open-roof bus.

  ✓ We booked a tour on an open-top bus.

  Although the meaning is clear, the standard term used in tourism and English collocations is 'open-top bus'.

• ✗ I want to ride a top-open bus.

  ✓ I want to ride an open-top bus.

  The adjective modifier is always 'open-top', with the adjective preceding the noun.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We got sunburned sitting on the upper level of the ___.

  💡 A bus without a roof on the top deck.

  Show answer

  open-top bus

• When it started to pour, the operator quickly put a canopy over the ___.

  💡 A roofless sightseeing bus.

  Show answer

  open-top bus