Paris! Should We Do a HoHo Bus?

Playful Illustration of a Generic HoHo Bus in Paris

Does Paris Have HoHo Buses?

Yes, Paris, France does have hop-on hop-off (HoHo) buses, and they’re quite popular among first-time visitors or those looking for a relaxed overview of the city. Two major operators are:

🚌 Big Bus Paris

• Hop-on, Hop-off: Explore the city at your own pace with flexible hop-on, hop-off tours.

• Ticket valid for 24, 48 hours

• River Cruise: One-hour cruise along the Seine with Les Bateaux Parisiens (on select ticket types).

• Free Vox Self-Guided Walking Tours: Discover Paris on foot at your own rhythm.

• Pre-recorded Commentary: Available in 9 languages on all tours.

• Top Landmarks: Visit all the iconic sights with the Paris bus tour.

• Free Mobile App: Includes live bus arrival times (on select ticket types).

• Service Updates: Plan ahead with real-time tour service info.

• Fully Flexible Bus Ticket: Change your tour date for free.

  
  

🚍 Tootbus Paris

• Daily Bus Service: Runs year-round; schedules vary by season.

• Flexible Start Points: Hop on at any designated stop.

• Ticket valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours from first use.

• Multilingual Audio Guide: Available in 10 languages on bus and via Tootbus app; free earphones provided.

• Kids’ Guide: Fun narration in English and French designed just for younger passengers.

• Flexible Tickets: Valid on any day before tour date; free changes or cancellations up to 24 hours prior.

• Eco-Friendly Fleet: 100% clean-energy buses (electric/gas); Tootbus leads the way in green travel.

• Self-Guided Walking Tours: Use the Tootwalk app for 5 themed Paris routes to explore on foot.

🛥️Batobus

• Type: Hop-on hop-off boat service on the Seine

• Stops: 9 key locations including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre

• Duration: 24 or 48-hour passes

• Experience: Offers a scenic, traffic-free alternative to bus tours

• Accessibility: Pet-friendly and includes open-air decks and temperature-controlled cabins

• Audio Guide: No onboard commentary, but it’s a peaceful way to see the city from the water

Are The HoHo Buses in Paris Worthwhile?

It depends on your travel style:

👍 Pros

- Great for orientation on your first day

- Covers most major sights with minimal walking

- Multilingual audio guides and flexible passes (24, 48, or 72 hours)

- Optional combo tickets with river cruises or museum entries

👎 Cons

- Can be slower than the metro due to traffic

- Audio commentary sometimes out of sync or generic

- Not ideal if you prefer immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences

If your visit to Paris is short or you want a breezy way to see the highlights without navigating the metro, a HoHo bus is a solid option. But if you’re already familiar with Paris or enjoy walking and exploring neighborhoods like Le Marais or Montmartre, you might find it less compelling.

Will Traffic Be a Problem?

Paris traffic can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours, holidays, or major events. While hop-on hop-off buses offer a scenic and relaxed way to explore the city, they’re subject to the same congestion as any other vehicle. This means delays are possible, particularly around popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre. If you're planning to use a HoHo bus, it's wise to factor in extra time between stops and avoid relying on it for tight schedules. For a smoother experience, consider starting early in the day or pairing the bus tour with walking routes or metro rides to bypass bottlenecks.

Summing It All Up

Hop-on hop-off buses in Paris offer a relaxed, flexible way to see the city’s most iconic sights, especially if it’s your first visit or you’re short on time. While traffic can slow things down, the convenience of multilingual guides, flexible tickets, and optional river cruises makes them a worthwhile option for many travelers. Whether you’re cruising past the Eiffel Tower or hopping off to explore Montmartre on foot, these buses can be a great starting point for your Paris adventure.