Paris Bus Tours: which is the best? | Honest Review

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August 26, 2024

Paris Bus Tours – Today, we’re unlocking the magic of Paris through the windows of its iconic bus tours from budget-friendly and 90-minute rides to the flexibility of Hop-On, Hop-Off adventures. And the enchantment of Paris by night. We’ve got it all stick around as we even delve into the culinary delights of gastronomic bus tours. So, buckle up and let’s explore the City of Light together.

In This Article

NON-STOP BUS TOURS

Let’s kick off our Parisian adventure with an affordable gem. The non-stop Paris Bus Tours from 90 minutes to two hours. It’s perfect for those short on time and for the budget-conscious travelers too, as it’s the cheapest solution available. Toot Bus’s Paris Express 2-hour tour at 35€ would be an interesting solution. But, as you can see here, it’s not always available! Also, be aware that the company Foxity, that used to offer nonstop city tours as well as hop-on, hop-off tours are not in activity anymore, even though their website is, including its online booking system.
In fact, that same bus you see on their website is now being used by Paris City Vision. Which is now the only company to offer a non-stop daily bus tour of Paris. For 29€, Paris City Vision offers a 90-minute non-stop tour of Paris 5 times a day, including night tours. The tour starts on Place de Sydney, just near the Pullman hotel and the Eiffel Tower. Easily accessible from Metro station Bir-Hakeim on line 6 With this QR Code. You access to an audio guide available in 10 different languages.

You also get a map, that will lead you to the audio comments. Here is the sightseeing bus, departing at 11:30AM on Friday October13th. Besides the obvious cost-effectiveness, you’ll enjoy the luxury of time. No stops mean you cover more ground, making it an ideal introduction to the city’s beauty.

HOP-ON HOP-OFF PARIS BUS TOURS

Now, let’s talk about a favorite among explorers – the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours. You’ll have to choose between TOOT Bus, a branch of RATP (Paris metro system) and the London headquartered company BIG BUS Tours (Paris Bus Tours) Picture this: the freedom to explore Paris at your own pace. Jump off at landmarks like Notre-Dame, Champs-Élysées, or the Louvre, then hop back on when you’re ready. It’s the epitome of flexibility! So, which one should you choose? Here is Toot bus route. Starting from the Auber RER station, near the Opera, it has 10 stops around the city where you can leave or get in the bus. And here is the Big BUS route.
It looks very much alike, except that you start between the Opera and the Louvre, and that you go back and forth on the Champs Elysées. You also get to see the Eiffel Tower from two different points of view. I have a preference for this route, though if the Champs Elysées are jammed, which they often are, you will take more time. Pricewise, the two companies have different schemes.
Online prices for BIG BUS are always 40,50€ on weekdays and 45€ on weekends. TOOTBus online prices are 37,40€ in low season (November to mid-December, January to March) and 44€ in high season, whatever the day of the week. It also offers 2-day and 3-day passes. When BIG BUS only has a more expensive 2-day pass including a Seine River Cruise at 57€.
TOOTbus option including a Seine River cruise is also available, a bit cheaper than BIG BUS’s, at 52 €. For the cruise, they partner with Vedettes de Paris from the Eiffel Tower. Whereas BIG BUS partners with Les Bateaux Parisiens, also from the Eiffel Tower. Since we’re talking about Bus + cruise combos, Paris City Vision once again offers the cheapest offer on the market with a non-stop bus tour. And a one-hour cruise with Les Bateaux Parisiens for 39€.

NIGHT BUS TOURS

Paris Bus Tours – There are 3 Night tours available, all non-stop tours TOOTBus Night Tours start from Le Louvre, last 2 hours, and cost in between 28€ and 33€. Same route as the day tours, plus a visit to Moulin Rouge at the border of Montmartre. BIG BUS night tours start from the Champs Elysées, with online prices ranging between 29€ and 32€.
The route is quite similar to the day tours route, except it bypasses Trocadero and adds a detour to the Moulin Rouge City Vision Night Tour. Which they call Illumination tour, starts from the same Place de Sydney as day tours, use the same route as day tours plus the Moulin Rouge, and costs 32€.

GASTRONOMIC BUS TOUR

Paris Bus Tours – There are two gastronomic bus tours in Paris: Bustronome and Bus Toqué. The concept: a luxury glass roofed double-decker bus drives its customers into the magnificent Paris. While offering them the most exquisite Parisian food, at lunch or dinner. Bustronome, which starts fom the Arc de Triomphe, proposes a 70/90€ menu for a 1h45 lunch, or a 120/150€ for a 2h45 dinner Here are the Bustronome lunch and dinner routes.
Bus Toqué, which starts from the Champs Elysées, proposes a lunch 90-minute route with a choice of 4 4-course menus with prices ranging from 70€ to 130€. There is also a 90-minute Parisian dinner route starting at 6 PM, with 3-course menus from 90€ to 150€ And, finally, the Paris by Night dinner, starting at 8:30PM, for 2 hours, proposes 4 menus in 5 courses, from 110€ to 175€ per person I sacrificed myself for you, dear viewers and I had lunch at Bus Toqué.
As you plan your Parisian escapade here are some tips for making the most of your bus tour experience first and foremost consider your preferences. If time is of the essence the 90-minute non-stop tour might be perfect. But for those seeking flexibility, Hop-On, Hop-Off is the way to go.
Crucial tip: Real experiences speak volumes and to secure your spot and avoid disappointment booking in advance is a game-changer. Finally, timing matters Optimal experiences often coincide with less crowded periods. So, consider early mornings or late afternoons. Remember, it’s not just about the tour; it’s about savoring every Parisian moment.