Looking for the best hop-on hop-off bus in Paris? Two of the most popular options are Tootbus and Big Bus Paris. Both allow you to see famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame and Arc de Triomphe without having to navigate the city by metro or on foot all day.
But which one is better: Tootbus or Big Bus Paris?
Both companies offer open-top sightseeing buses, audio commentary and flexible hop-on hop-off tickets. The main differences are in the ticket options, extra experiences, app features and overall style of the tour.
In this guide, we compare Tootbus vs Big Bus Paris so you can choose the best option for your trip.
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1. Tootbus vs Big Bus Paris: which is better?
Both are good choices, but they suit slightly different travellers.
Tootbus is our choice if you want a modern, family-friendly and flexible sightseeing experience. Its tickets are available for 24, 48 or 72 hours, and the Tootbus app includes live bus tracking and free walking tours. Tootbus also operates a low-emission fleet.
Big Bus is a great choice if you want a straightforward sightseeing tour with convenient combination tickets. Its Paris network currently has one main red route, while optional packages can include a Seine River cruise or an evening panoramic tour.
2. Tootbus Paris: what does it offer?
Tootbus is one of the main sightseeing bus operators in Paris. Its Paris Discovery tour uses a blue hop-on hop-off route covering many of the city’s major sights.
You can get on and off at the stops as often as you like during the validity of your ticket. Tootbus currently offers 24-, 48- and 72-hour options, with the ticket becoming valid from the first time you use it.
The route takes you close to major attractions and neighbourhoods including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Marais and other central areas of Paris.
A full circuit takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, although this can vary depending on traffic.
Tootbus audio guide
The Tootbus audio guide is available in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese. There is also a child-friendly audio channel in English and French.
This makes Tootbus particularly appealing if you are travelling with children.
Tootbus app
One of the advantages of Tootbus is its app. You can use it to:
– find nearby stops
– track buses in real time
– access your ticket
– follow the route
– use audio commentary
– discover free walking tours around Paris
Tootbus currently offers five self-guided walking tours through its app.
3. Big Bus Paris: what does it offer?
Big Bus is another well-known option for sightseeing in Paris. Its main Classic Red Route connects many of the city’s most famous landmarks.
The current route operates approximately from 9:45 AM to 5:30 PM, with buses generally every 10 to 20 minutes. A complete circuit takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Major sights along the route include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Jardin des Tuileries.
Big Bus audio guide
Big Bus provides pre-recorded audio commentary in multiple languages, with free headphones available when you board.
The commentary focuses on the history, architecture and attractions you pass during the journey.
Big Bus app
The Big Bus app gives you access to your digital ticket and live bus information. This is useful when deciding whether to stay at a sight a little longer or walk to another nearby stop.
4. Tootbus vs Big Bus: routes and stops
Tootbus vs Big Bus: routes and stops
For most visitors, the differences between the routes are relatively small because both companies focus on the major sights in central Paris.
Tootbus uses its Blue Route, while Big Bus currently operates its main Classic Red Route.
Both are useful for seeing places such as:
• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Notre-Dame
• Arc de Triomphe
• Champs-Élysées
• Musée d’Orsay
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Place de la Concorde
The exact stops and route can change because of traffic, road closures and special events, so it is worth checking the current route map before travelling.
Our tip: don’t choose between Tootbus and Big Bus based only on the colour of the route. Look at the stops closest to the attractions you actually want to visit.
5. Tootbus vs Big Bus: tickets and prices
Ticket prices change depending on the date, ticket type and promotions, so it is better to compare the current prices before booking.
Tootbus currently offers 24-, 48- and 72-hour tickets. Its Paris Discovery ticket also includes access to five walking tours through the app.
Big Bus currently offers 24- and 48-hour options. Its combination tickets can include a Seine River cruise, while some packages also include the panoramic Night Tour.
For example, Big Bus currently lists a 24-hour Discover ticket from €39 and a 48-hour Explore ticket from €64, while combination tickets cost more. These are current starting prices and can change.
Which is cheaper?
There isn’t always a clear winner because promotions change regularly.
If you only want a basic hop-on hop-off ticket, compare the current prices for the same duration.
If you want extras such as a Seine cruise or night tour, compare the complete package rather than just the basic bus ticket.
6. Tootbus vs Big Bus: Seine River cruise
Want to combine a sightseeing bus with a boat trip?
Both companies offer packages that include a Seine River cruise.
Tootbus has a ticket combining its hop-on hop-off bus with a Seine cruise, while Big Bus offers several combination tickets, including options with a one-hour cruise.
A cruise is a nice addition if you only have a short time in Paris. You get a different perspective of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre-Dame from the water.
Our tip: if you already plan to take a Seine cruise separately, you probably don’t need to pay extra for a bus-and-cruise package.
7. Tootbus vs Big Bus: night tours
A sightseeing bus during the day is useful, but Paris is particularly beautiful after dark.
Both Tootbus and Big Bus offer evening sightseeing experiences.
Tootbus’ Paris by Night is a two-hour non-stop evening tour. The departure time changes with the season.
Big Bus also offers a two-hour panoramic Night Tour. Unlike the regular hop-on hop-off service, this is a non-stop tour, so you stay on the bus for the entire experience.
If seeing Paris illuminated at night is important to you, both are good options.
8. Which is better for families?
Both Tootbus and Big Bus are suitable for families.
Tootbus has a child-friendly audio guide in English and French, while its app and walking tours can also make it easier to explore Paris at your own pace.
The hop-on hop-off format itself is also convenient with children. Instead of walking several kilometres between attractions, you can simply get back on the bus and continue to the next stop.
Our pick for families: Tootbus, especially if you like the idea of the children’s commentary and walking tours.
9. Which is better for first-time visitors to Paris?
If this is your first trip to Paris, both Tootbus and Big Bus are good choices.
A hop-on hop-off bus is particularly useful during a first visit because it gives you an overview of the city without requiring you to plan every metro journey.
You can spend the morning exploring the Eiffel Tower, hop back on the bus, get off near the Louvre and continue towards Notre-Dame or the Champs-Élysées.
If you want a simple sightseeing experience, Big Bus is an excellent choice.
If you prefer a more modern experience with additional app features and walking tours, Tootbus has the edge.
10. Tootbus vs Big Bus: which one should you choose?
Here’s our verdict:
• Choose Tootbus if you…
want 24-, 48- or 72-hour flexibility
are travelling with children
like using an app while sightseeing
want free walking tours included
prefer a low-emission bus fleet
want to combine the bus with other experiences
• Choose Big Bus if you…
want a straightforward sightseeing bus
prefer the classic Big Bus experience
want easy combination tickets
are interested in a Seine cruise
want an optional panoramic night tour
are visiting Paris for just one day
Our verdict: Tootbus or Big Bus Paris?
Overall, we would give Tootbus a slight advantage.
The combination of flexible ticket durations, the app, real-time bus tracking, walking tours and family-friendly features makes it a particularly good option for travellers who want more than just a bus ride.
However, Big Bus is still an excellent choice, especially if you want to combine your sightseeing bus with a Seine cruise or a night tour. Its current Paris offering is straightforward and covers the city’s major landmarks.
So, if prices are similar on your travel dates, we’d choose Tootbus for flexibility and families, and Big Bus for classic sightseeing and combination tickets.
11. Tips for taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Paris
A few simple tips can make your sightseeing bus experience much better.
Start early
The first buses are usually quieter, especially outside the busiest summer periods. You also get more time to hop off and explore during the day.
Sit upstairs
The open-top deck offers the best views and is ideal for taking photos. Bring a jacket, however, as it can be surprisingly cool when the bus is moving.
Don’t try to see everything in one day
A hop-on hop-off bus is most useful when you actually get off the bus.
Pick two or three areas you want to explore and use the bus to connect them.
Check the timetable before you travel
Traffic, road closures and special events can affect Paris sightseeing bus routes and journey times. Both Tootbus and Big Bus publish service updates and timetables online.
12. FAQ about Tootbus and Big Bus Paris
• Is Tootbus or Big Bus better in Paris?
Both are good, but we slightly prefer Tootbus for its flexibility, app features, walking tours and family-friendly options. Big Bus is particularly attractive if you want a cruise or night tour as part of your package.
• Is Tootbus worth it in Paris?
Yes, especially if you want to see many of Paris’ main sights without using the metro constantly. The hop-on hop-off format is also convenient for families and first-time visitors.
• Is Big Bus Paris worth it?
Yes. Big Bus is a convenient way to see many of the major Paris landmarks, and its combination tickets can be useful if you also want a Seine cruise or evening tour.
• How long does the Tootbus Paris tour take?
A complete Tootbus route takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
• How long does the Big Bus Paris tour take?
The complete Classic Red Route takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Can I hop on and off as many times as I want?
Yes. Both services allow you to hop on and off during the validity period of your ticket. Tootbus tickets are valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours depending on the option selected, while Big Bus offers 24- and 48-hour options.
• Is the Paris hop-on hop-off bus worth it?
For a first visit, a short stay or travellers who don’t want to use the metro constantly, it can be very worthwhile. It is less useful if you already know Paris well or prefer exploring every neighbourhood on foot.
