In a nutshell
- Hop-on hop-off in Paris is one of the most relaxed and flexible ways to see the city’s top highlights — on your own schedule.
- Our top pick is Big Bus Paris — and we especially recommend the combo ticket including a Seine river cruise for the best value.
- We compare all three providers — Tootbus, Big Bus, and Batobus — so you can pick the right ticket without wasting money.
What You Need to Know About Hop-on Hop-off in Paris
In Paris there are 3 hop-on hop-off providers: Tootbus Paris, Big Bus Paris, and Batobus Paris (boat).
The Tootbus runs along the so-called Blue Line with 10 stops throughout Paris and also offers a Paris by Night route. The Tootbus is the most popular hop-on hop-off bus in Paris — which unfortunately also means it gets seriously crowded.
The Big Bus Paris runs along the Red Line through Paris and, just like the Tootbus, has 11 stops for boarding and alighting.
Both bus routes cross each other but are not identical.
The Batobus Paris is something a little different. It’s not a bus at all — it’s a hop-on hop-off boat. The boat runs daily along the Seine and, just like a city bus, has multiple stops along the way.
These highlights are accessible by hop-on hop-off buses and boats in Paris:
- Eiffel Tower
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Louvre
- Arc de Triomphe
- Champs-Élysées
- Hôtel des Invalides
- Opéra Garnier
- Musée d’Orsay
- Grand Palais & Petit Palais
Our tip: Check whether there’s a stop near your hotel in Paris. That way you won’t have any extra walking in the morning — just hop on and go.
Hop-on Hop-off Paris Routes on the Map
We’ve mapped out the routes of all three hop-on hop-off providers in Paris along with some of the top sights.
Our Recommendation: Big Bus Paris
The Big Bus Paris is our personal favorite for the Paris sightseeing bus experience.
What we especially love is that the route doesn’t just focus on the Paris highlights close to the Seine riverbank, but also takes a few detours away from the river.
In addition to Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, you also get a great view of the area around the Hôtel des Invalides, for example.
Price-wise, the Big Bus is on par with the Tootbus, but with one big advantage: it’s far less crowded than its competitor.
There are three ticket options for Big Bus Paris:
- 24-hour ticket for around €40
- 48-hour ticket for around €55
- 24-hour ticket + Seine boat cruise for around €57 Our recommendation!
We really recommend the combination ticket that bundles the Big Bus with a boat cruise. It gives you the complete Paris tour bus package and you’ll actually save a few euros in the process.
Bought separately, the 24-hour ticket and a Seine boat cruise ticket would cost between €65 and €70.
Book Big Bus Paris tickets online
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Hop-on Hop-off Providers in Paris Compared
In Paris there are three different providers for hop-on hop-off tours. Our table gives you a quick overview of the differences between them so you can easily compare.
| Big Bus Paris Our Top Pick | Tootbus Paris | Batobus Paris | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 24 & 48 h | 24, 48 & 72 h | 24h & 48h |
| Prices for 24h | from 40 € | from 40 € | from 23 € |
| Children free | up to 3 years | up to 3 years | up to 3 years |
| City pass discount | All Inclusive Pass Explorer Pass Paris passlib' | Paris Citypass | no |
| Routes | 1 route (Red Line) | 1 route (Blue Line) + Night Route | 1 route |
| Stops | 11 stops | 10 stops | 9 stops |
| Frequency | 10 – 20 min | 10 – 15 min | 20 – 45 min |
| Operating hours | 10 am – 5 pm | 9:30 am – 5 pm | 10 am – 7 pm |
| Audio guide / Live | DE & EN | DE & EN | DE & EN |
| Ticket link | Buy now | Buy now | Buy now |
Please note: Hop-on hop-off tickets do not include admission to any attractions! You can purchase entry tickets to Paris’s top highlights in advance online or on-site.
Our tip: If you’re interested in city pass discounts for hop-on hop-off tours in Paris, be sure to check out our Paris pass comparison.
Batobus Paris: Is the Hop-on Hop-off Boat Worth It?
The Batobus runs daily loop after loop along the Seine. It essentially covers the same route as all the other sightseeing boats in Paris, with the difference that the Batobus stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers.
The 24-hour ticket costs around €23. So for €23 you can ride the boat as much as you like for 24 hours. But let’s be honest: how practical is that, really?
The boat only travels along the Seine, which runs straight through the city center. Sure, it’s a cool experience — but in our opinion, the route simply doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for hop-on hop-off sightseeing.
Our suggestion: Combine a hop-on hop-off bus with a regular boat cruise on the Seine. That way you get to explore Paris by hop-on hop-off while still catching those beautiful views from the water.
On top of that, a regular 1-hour Seine cruise is a few euros cheaper than the Batobus. Or you can simply buy the Big Bus combination ticket that includes both the hop-on hop-off bus and a boat cruise.
Here you’ll find more boat tours in Paris:
Our Verdict: Is Hop-on Hop-off in Paris Worth It?
Paris is a city with countless amazing sights. If you want to see as many must-sees as possible, the Paris hop on hop off bus is a really great option.
The bus takes you through the entire city center and you can hop on and off as many times as you like. The stops are spread out so well that you’ll always have a perfect starting point for continuing your sightseeing on foot.
There are also real benefits if you can’t walk too far or if you’re in Paris with young children. The hop-on hop-off city tour simply makes sightseeing in Paris a whole lot more relaxed.
And of course, a bus city tour is also a fantastic option on a rainy day in Paris.
Our favorite is the Big Bus Paris. It’s less crowded than the Tootbus and offers a varied route at a great price.
Frequently Asked Questions 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 on for the entire ride.
The Tootbus route takes about two hours. The Batobus route takes about 1.5 hours.
What is the red route in Paris?
The red route, or red line, in Paris is the route taken by the Big Bus hop-on hop-off. The route runs through the entire city center of Paris. You can see it on the map above.
How long does the Big Bus Tour Paris take?
The Big Bus Tour through Paris takes 2.5 hours if you complete the full ride without getting off along the way.
Should I buy my hop-on hop-off ticket in advance?
Yes! It can get really crowded on-site, and you might not get a spot on the bus right away if you still need to buy your ticket there.
Buying your ticket online in advance saves you time and stress — and sometimes money too.
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 therefore accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
Is hop-on hop-off in Paris suitable for families with kids?
Yes! Hop-on hop-off in Paris works really well with kids. Children under four even ride for free.
Of course, it also depends on the individual child whether they’ll enjoy a ride like this — you know your little ones best.
Are dogs allowed on the hop-on hop-off bus in Paris?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Tootbus and Big Bus Paris, as long as they are on a leash. Small dogs must be held on your lap.
On the Batobus, a muzzle is also required.
Can I bring luggage on the hop-on hop-off bus in Paris?
No, luggage larger than a backpack is not allowed on the hop-on hop-off buses in Paris.
If you’re traveling with a suitcase, store it in a public locker beforehand and pick it up later.
Lockers are available throughout the city center. At City Locker Paris, you’ll find a wide selection and can book directly online.
Are there alternatives to hop-on hop-off in Paris?
Absolutely! As an alternative to the Paris tour bus, you could take a guided city tour or a longer boat ride along the Seine. If you’re feeling active, there are also great cycling routes through the city.
Our tips for city tours in Paris
The best Seine boat rides
The most scenic cycling routes in Paris
