Big Bus Tours Paris
Duration
2 hours
Best Time
Any time
Price
€€
Walking
Moderate walking
About Big Bus Tours Paris
Big Bus Tours runs three distinct routes through Paris with open-top double-deckers that stop every 10-15 minutes at 60+ locations. The Red Route hits the classics (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre), Blue covers Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, while Green focuses on the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain. Each bus has live English commentary plus recorded audio in 8 languages, and your ticket includes a one-hour Seine cruise from Port de la Bourdonnais.
The experience varies dramatically by weather and route. Red Route buses get packed between Trocadéro and the Louvre, especially 10am-4pm. The upper deck offers unobstructed photos but gets cold and windy in winter. Commentary quality depends entirely on your guide, some are entertaining historians, others just read scripts. The Seine cruise is surprisingly worthwhile, offering perspectives of Notre-Dame and the Musée d'Orsay you can't get from street level.
Honestly, this works best as transportation between distant attractions rather than sightseeing itself. The stops aren't always convenient, you'll walk 200+ meters from the Eiffel Tower stop to actually reach the tower. Skip the walking tours (they're basic) but definitely use the cruise. Buy tickets online for €5 less than the €39 street price, and avoid Friday afternoons when traffic makes the full loop take 2.5 hours instead of the promised 2.
Insider Tips
Board at Opéra (stop 1) around 9:30am before crowds build, you'll get prime upper deck seats and hear the full commentary loop
The Blue Route to Montmartre only runs April-October and takes 45 minutes each way, factor this into your timing rather than expecting quick hops
Use your cruise ticket at sunset (last departure 7pm in summer) when the light hits the riverside buildings perfectly and tour boat crowds have thinned
Getting There
Address
11 Av. de l'Opéra, 75001 Paris, France
Skip the queue: Book tickets online to avoid the ticket line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for about 2 hours.
Big Bus Tours Paris is in the Palais Royal / Bourse neighborhood of Paris. The address is 11 Av. de l'Opéra, 75001 Paris, France. The area is well-served by metro.
This works well at any time of day, though mornings tend to be quieter. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Parts are outdoors, so bring a light layer.
Nearby in Palais Royal / Bourse
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