Want to see the best of Paris with ease? Hop on a famous Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour and explore the city at your own pace. Whether you choose Tootbus or Big Bus, you can enjoy open-top views of iconic landmarks, hop off at any stop, and capture unforgettable photos along the route. With an audio guide for adults and kids, you’ll learn fascinating facts about Paris while saving time and avoiding the stress of public transport.
Is a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour in Paris worth it? Absolutely, especially if it’s your first visit. It’s convenient, affordable, and gives you flexibility to explore the city on your schedule.
Book your tickets for Tootbus or Big Bus online in advance to skip the queues. This guide covers everything you need: which bus to choose, boarding points, routes and stops, ticket prices, and tips to make the most of your tour. Discover how to enjoy Paris stress-free and see all the top sights from the comfort of a Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
1. Tootbus vs Big Bus: which hop on hop off bus tour in Paris is the best
When choosing between Tootbus and Big Bus in Paris, both offer hop-on hop-off experiences with routes covering iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Tootbus stands out for its eco-friendly electric buses and an app featuring walking tours and real-time tracking, making it ideal for sustainable travelers.
On the other hand, Big Bus offers optional night tours and combination tickets with Seine River cruises, appealing to those seeking a broader experience. Both provide audio guides and convenient schedules, so your choice depends on your priorities, whether it’s sustainability, additional features, or package deals. Both are a good choice.
2. Map and route of the hop on hop off bus in Paris
Exploring Paris is a breeze with hop-on hop-off buses, offering routes that showcase the city’s iconic landmarks. Big Bus Paris operates a Classic Red Route, covering major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Champs-Élysées, with buses running every 10–20 minutes from 09:45 to 17:30. Tootbus Paris offers a Blue Line route that includes sights such as the Opera House, Sainte-Chapelle, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde, with options for day or night tours. Both services provide audio guides and the flexibility to explore Paris at your own pace.
View below a map (example) of the route that the Tootbus hop on hop off bus takes in Paris. There are different routes possible (you can choose from 4 bus lines, there are a total of 38 stops) and there is also an evening route.
3. Tickets & prices for the hop on hop off open tour bus
Buying tickets for the hop on hop off bus is best done online in advance to avoid queues and there are occasional offers. You can buy a day pass or a pass for 2 or 3 days. With this ticket you can make unlimited use of the hop on hop off bus in Paris. You can hop on and off as many times as you like, as long as your ticket is valid.
The price of a ticket for the hop on hop off Paris for several days is very affordable. The cheapest? Both have about the same prices and for a day ticket you pay about 37 €. The price for a 2 or 3-day pass is between 40 and 50€.
4. Boarding points and stops for the hop on hop off bus
Along the route of the hop on hop off in Paris you will pass the famous sights. The standard hop on hop off bus in Paris has 10 different boarding points or stops. The buses run every day between 9.30 am and 6.30 pm and this every 15 minutes.
• These are the most famous stops for the hop on hop off bus:
1. Haussmann – grands magasins | 2. Opéra Garnier | 3. Louvre | 4. Notre-Dame | 5. Musée d’Orsay | 6. Concorde | 7. Champs-Élysées | 8. Trocadéro | 9. Tour Eiffel | 10. Pont Alexandre III
5. What is the hop on hop off in Paris: opentop double decker
The hop on hop off bus tour is an opentop double decker bus and stops along the route at the most beautiful sights in Paris. You can ride the entire route with the hop on hop off or get off at the places that interest you. You can then simply get on the next bus. During the tour you will get more information about the sights of Paris through an audio guide that is available in several languages (not spoken in Dutch but a wide choice of other languages).
The hop on hop off buses in Paris have open rooftop seating, so you get the best views as you travel around the city. Get on at any of the hop-on hop-off stops and let yourself be guided through this beautiful city. The hop on hop off is very convenient. So you don’t have to take the metro or cover long distances on foot and you can see the best of Paris at your own pace.
If you have never visited Paris, using the hop on hop off bus can be well worth it. The open top bus tour in Paris is a great way to get an overview of the city and discover the top 10 best places to visit in Paris. Enjoy the hop on hop off bus tour with Tootbus or Big Bus.
FAQ about the hop on hop off bus tour in Paris & Tootbus vs Big Bus
1. What is a Hop-On Hop-Off bus in Paris?
A Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus is a sightseeing bus that allows you to explore Paris at your own pace. You can hop off at famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, or Notre-Dame, spend as much time as you like, and then hop back on the next bus. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want a flexible and stress-free way to see the city.
2. How often do the buses run?
Most buses run every 10–20 minutes. During peak tourist season, frequencies can be even higher. Make sure to check the timetable for each company, especially if you want to avoid long waits during busy afternoons.
3. Can I use the ticket for multiple days?
Yes! Tickets typically come in 1-day or 2-day options. A 2-day ticket is great if you want to take your time exploring museums, parks, and neighborhoods, without feeling rushed.
4. What’s the difference between Tootbus and Big Bus?
– Tootbus: Offers modern, colorful buses with open-top seating and live commentary in multiple languages. It’s lively, interactive, and ideal for first-time visitors who enjoy guided stories.
– Big Bus: Features classic double-decker buses with multiple routes, optional night tours, and combo tickets with Seine river cruises. It’s perfect if you prefer a traditional sightseeing experience with flexible options.
5. Which bus is better for first-time visitors?
It depends on your style:
– Tootbus if you enjoy modern buses, live commentary, and a vibrant experience.
– Big Bus if you want classic double-deckers, multiple route options, and the ability to add night tours or cruises. Either way, both give a comprehensive overview of Paris.
6. Can I hop off at any stop?
Yes! You can hop off and on at any official stop along the route. This flexibility allows you to explore attractions, enjoy lunch at a café, or visit shops, then continue your tour when you’re ready.
7. Are there audio guides or live commentary?
Both Tootbus and Big Bus provide multilingual audio guides. Tootbus often offers live guides on select routes, giving fun and interactive explanations of Parisian history, culture, and hidden gems.
8. Are tickets worth the price?
Absolutely! For first-time visitors or anyone short on time, HOHO buses save hassle and give you a quick overview of the city. It’s especially worth it if you combine the bus ticket with optional extras like Eiffel Tower entry or Seine river cruises.
9. Tips for getting the most out of your ticket:
– Start early to beat the crowds at popular stops.
– Plan which stops you want to explore in advance.
– Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes.
– Use combo tickets to save money and see more attractions.
– Check if there are seasonal or special event routes that might interest you.
10. Can I use it in bad weather?
Yes! Both companies have covered lower decks, so you can still enjoy the ride in rain or cooler weather. For the full open-top experience, sunny or mild days are best. Don’t forget a light jacket or poncho just in case.
