In a nutshell
- Hop-on hop-off tours in Paris are a great way to explore the city easily, comfortably, and at your own pace.
- Our top pick is the Big Bus Paris. We especially recommend the combo ticket that includes a Seine River cruise.
- You’ll find everything you need to know about the hop-on hop-off services in Paris, along with routes and ticket tips, right here in this guide.
What You Need to Know About Hop-on Hop-off in Paris
There are three hop-on hop-off providers in Paris: Tootbus Paris, Big Bus Paris, and Batobus Paris (boat).
The Tootbus runs on the Blue Line with 10 stops across Paris and also offers a “Paris by Night” route. Tootbus is the most popular hop-on hop-off bus in Paris, which also means it can get quite busy.
The Big Bus Paris runs along the Red Line through the city and, like Tootbus, has 11 stops where you can get on and off.
Both bus routes overlap in some areas but are not identical.
The Batobus Paris is a bit different – it’s not a bus at all, but a hop-on hop-off boat. It cruises along the Seine every day and stops at several piers, just like a bus would along the streets.
You can reach these highlights with hop-on hop-off buses and boats in Paris:
- Eiffel Tower
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Champs-Élysées
- Les Invalides
- Opéra Garnier
- Musée d’Orsay
- Grand Palais & Petit Palais
Hop-on Hop-off Paris Routes On a Map
We’ve marked the routes of all three hop-on hop-off providers in Paris, along with some of the main sights, on a handy map.
Our Recommendation: Big Bus Paris
The Big Bus Paris is our personal favorite for hop-on hop-off tours in Paris.
We love that the route doesn’t just stick to the most famous places to visit in Paris along the Seine but also takes you through a few lesser-known parts of the city.
In addition to Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, you’ll also see areas like Les Invalides, for example.
The Big Bus is even about three euros cheaper than the Tootbus and has the added bonus of being less crowded.
There are three ticket options for the Big Bus Paris:
- 24-hour ticket for around €45
- 48-hour ticket for around €58
- 24-hour ticket with Seine River cruise for around €59 Our recommendation!
We highly recommend the combo ticket that includes both the Big Bus and the Seine cruise. It’s the perfect sightseeing package and even saves you a few euros.
If you bought the 24-hour ticket and a separate Seine cruise ticket individually, it would cost between 62 and 68 euros.
Book Your Big Bus Paris Ticket Online
Comparison Of Hop-on Hop-off Providers in Paris
There are three different providers offering hop-on hop-off tours in Paris. In our table below, you’ll find an overview of what sets them apart — perfect for comparing your options.
| Big Bus Paris | Tootbus Paris | Batobus Paris | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 24 & 48 h | 24, 48 & 72 h | 24 & 48 h |
| Prices for 24h | from €45 | from €48 | from €23 |
| Kids for free | up to 3 years of age | up to 3 years of age | up to 3 years of age |
| City pass discount | All Inclusive-Pass Explorer Pass Paris passlib' | Paris City Pass | not included |
| Routes | 1 route (Red Line) | 1 route (Blue Line) + Night Route | 1 route |
| Stops | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Frequency | 10-20 minutes | 10-15 minutes | 20-45 minutes |
| Duration | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | 9:30 am - 5:00 pm | 10:00 am - 7:00 pm |
| Audioguide / Live | English | English | English |
| Link to the Ticket | Get your ticket | Get your ticket | Get your ticket |
Please note: Hop-on hop-off tickets don’t include entry to the attractions! You can buy tickets for the Paris highlights online in advance or directly on site.
Our tip: If you’re interested in City Pass discounts that include hop-on hop-off bus tours, check out our Paris Pass comparison.
Batobus Paris: Is The Hop-on Hop-off Boat Worth It?
The Batobus sails up and down the Seine every day.
A 24-hour ticket costs about 23 euros, which means you can ride the boat as much as you like within that time. But let’s be honest: how practical is that really?
The route only follows the Seine, which cuts straight through the city center. Sure, it’s scenic – but as a hop-on hop-off option, it’s not particularly practical for exploring the main sights.
Our tip: Go for a combination of a hop-on hop-off bus and a regular Seine river cruise. That way you can enjoy the convenience of the bus and still take in the city’s beautiful views from the water.
Plus, a standard one-hour Seine cruise is actually a bit cheaper than the Batobus. Or you can get the Big Bus combo ticket which includes both the hop-on hop-off bus and a river cruise.
Our Review: Is Hop-on Hop-off in Paris Worth It?
Paris is full of amazing sights. If you want to see as many of them as possible, the hop-on hop-off bus in Paris is a really good choice.
The bus takes you through the entire city center, and you can hop on and off whenever you like. The stops are perfectly placed so you’re always close to the next great starting point for exploring on foot.
It’s also ideal if you don’t want to walk too much or if you’re visiting Paris with kids. A hop-on hop-off bus tour simply makes sightseeing in Paris much more relaxed.
And of course, it’s also a great option for sightseeing when it’s raining in Paris.
Our favorite is the Big Bus Paris. It’s less crowded than the Tootbus and offers a varied route at a fair price.
FAQ about Hop-on Hop-off in Paris
How long does a hop-on hop-off tour in Paris take?
The hop-on hop-off tour with our favorite, Big Bus, takes 2,5 hours if you stay seated for the entire ride.
The Tootbus route takes about 2 hours. The Batobus route takes 1,5 hours.
What is the red route in Paris?
The red route, or red line, in Paris is the route taken by the hop-on hop-off Big Bus. The route covers the entire city center of Paris. You can see it on our map above.
How long does the Big Bus Tour Paris take?
The Big Bus Tour through Paris lasts 2,5 hours if you take the tour without getting off at any stops.
Should I buy my Hop-on Hop-off ticket in advance?
Yes! It can get really busy at the ticket office, and you may not get a seat on the bus straight away if you have to buy your ticket first.
Buying your ticket online in advance saves you time and stress.
Is the Hop-on Hop-off tour in Paris wheelchair accessible?
The hop-on hop-off buses and boats in Paris are generally all equipped with ramps and are therefore accessible to wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
Is Hop-on Hop-off in Paris suitable for children?
Yes, hop-on hop-off in Paris is also great for children. Children under the age of 3 even travel for free.
Of course, it depends on the individual child whether they will enjoy such a trip. You are the best judge of that.
Are dogs allowed on the Paris Hop-on Hop-off bus?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Tootbus and Big Bus Paris as long as they are kept on a leash. Small dogs must be carried on your lap.
A muzzle is also required on the Batobus.
Can I take luggage on the Paris hop-on hop-off bus?
No, luggage larger than a backpack is not allowed on the hop-on hop-off buses in Paris.
If you have a suitcase with you, you can lock it in a public locker beforehand and pick it up later.
These lockers are available throughout the city center. City Locker Paris offers a wide selection and allows you to book directly online.
These were our tips for hop-on hop-off bus tours in Paris
Do you have any tips or would you like to share your own experience with hop-on hop-off tours in Paris? We’d love to hear from you – just leave us a comment!