Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by gregor
Taking a Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour is an excellent way to explore Vienna. You can witness Vienna’s stunning imperial architecture including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace & Gardens, and many more top sights.
In this Blog Post, I will compare the two Sightseeing Bus Tour options in detail, so you can easily decide which is the best option for you. As I live in Vienna and have taken both tours I can give you my first handed true experience.
There are two Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Options in Vienna
- Option #1 – The Vienna Sightseeing Bus Tour
- Option #2 – The Big Bus Tour
- Both take you around the main sites
- Both offer audio guides, free Wi-Fi, etc.
- Book a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Ticket for Vienna
Best Vienna Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours – Vienna Sightseeing Bus Tours
Option #1 – The Vienna Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
Highlights
- Choose between 3 routes, each of which takes you to a different part of Vienna.
- See the State Opera, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History), Heldenplatz (Heroes Square), Parliament, the Burgtheater, and the magnificent Hilton Hotel. Or, be driven to Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace before visiting the Kunst Haus Wien museum or the UNO City – the choice is yours!
- Bus Tour Routes which can be combined as you wish
Red Route – Ring Boulevard
Admire the sights along the Ring Road, such as the State Opera, Hofburg Palace, the Parliament, and the Burgtheater.
Stops:
State Opera – Museum of Art History/Heroes’ Square – Burgtheater/CityHall – University – Sigmund Freud Museum – Votiv Church – Vienna Airport Lines – DDSG City Cruises – MAK – City Park – Strauss Monument – State Opera
Buses arrive every 60 minutes
Mondays – Sundays, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Yellow Route – Imperial Route
Discover the famous Schönbrunn Palace, Schwarzenberg Platz, and Belvedere Palace.
Bus Tour Stops
State Opera – Schönbrunn Palace – Main Station – Belvedere Palace – Lower Belvedere – State Opera
Buses arrive every 60 minutes
Mondays – Sundays, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The ride from the State Opera to Schönbrunn Palace takes approximately 25 minutes.
Blue Route – Prater Area, Danube
Visit the famous “Prater area” where you can get acquainted with all the masterpieces of the Museum of Applied Arts, Museum of Fine Arts, or even the Kunsthaus/Hundertwasser Museum. You can meet with the greatest Austrian composer, Johann Strauss, in the Stadtpark.
Bus Tour Stops
State Opera – National Theatre/City Hall – Schwedenplatz – Hundertwasser – Prater/Giant Ferris Wheel – Danube Tower – Old Danube – Uno City – Train Station – Museum of Crime – DDSG City Cruises – – Museum of Applied Arts – City Park – Strauss Monument – State Opera
Buses arrive every 90 minutes
Mondays – Sundays, 10:30 AM – 2:45 PM
Your ticket also includes a self-guided walking tour with an app to discover the musical heritage of the city. Cross the city at your own pace and get acquainted with the most important music halls in Vienna. See the Vienna State Opera, Beethoven Statue, Vienna Concert House, House of Music and the Beethoven Museum. Pick up your headphones and a map from the local partner’s service center and follow the instructions of the QuietVox Guiding App to travel from sight to sight. You will scan the QR codes at each stop to learn more about them.
TICKET OPTIONS: The Vienna Sightseeing Bus Tour
The Vienna Sightseeing Bus Tour ticket includes onboard Wi-Fi and an audio guide.
You choose between 24, 48, and 72-hour tickets: all include the red, yellow, and blue routes.
The 48 and 72-hour tickets typically also cover the green route when it’s available.
Option #2 – The Big Bus Tours Vienna
Highlights
- Tour Guides: The tour also includes a tour guide who will provide information on the history and culture of Vienna.
- Optional Extras: You can also choose to take optional extras such as a bike tour or Segway tour to get even closer to the city.
The buses of the Big Bus Tour follow two routes
Red Route – Ring Boulevard, Belvedere Palace, Danube Island
This Red Tour Bus Tour takes you around the Ring boulevard, but also out to the Belvedere Palaces and the Danube Island
This is a great option if you’re stuck for time since you see many landmark sights in one go.
Number of Stops: 16
Operates: 09:30 – 17:00
Frequency: 20-30min
Blue Route – Imperial Route
This is the Imperial route, bordering the Hofburg Palace, then bringing you out to the Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palaces (but also to Hundertwasserhaus)
Number of Stops: 11
Operates: 09:45 – 17:15
Frequency: 30min
TICKET OPTIONS: Big Bus Tours Vienna
All tickets cover both routes, and you choose between 24, 48, and 72-hour options.
The 48-hour and 72-hour choices add an increasing number of bonuses, such as, for example, a walking tour, evening tour, and short river cruise.
More Helpful Information on Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Vienna
What is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?
Flexibility – Explore the sights at your own pace
It is a flexible way of sightseeing as it allows you to get on and off the bus at various stops throughout the city, giving you the freedom to explore different attractions, landmarks, monuments, and districts at your own pace.
Audio Commentary & Guides in several languages
This type of tour usually includes audio commentary in several languages, providing an overview of each attraction and district. Some tours also have onboard guides that can provide more detailed information about the sites you are visiting.
Guided Tours
Hop on hop off bus tours are popular among tourists because they offer the convenience of a guided tour with the flexibility to customize your itinerary.
Benefits of Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Vienna
Hop on hop off bus tours in Vienna offer a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city. Tourists can get an overview of the city from the comfort of a double-decker bus, with stops at all of Vienna’s top attractions.
This allows visitors to explore each area of interest in more detail without having to worry about expensive transportation costs or navigating the unfamiliar public transport system.
The buses provide audio commentary to give tourists an insight into the history and culture of Vienna as they travel, and there are often discounts available for multi-day passes.
Great for families
Additionally, hop on hop off buses are great for families with young children since they can stay comfortable on the open-top deck while taking in the sights.
All in all, hop-on hop-off bus tours in Vienna provide an enjoyable and informative experience that is sure to make your trip even more memorable!
See Vienna in one day – The overall experience
Seeing a city in one day can be an exhilarating experience! Depending on what city you are visiting, there will be plenty of things to do and sights to see. Start by waking up early and planning your day out. Make sure you make note of the must-see attractions as well as any popular restaurants or cafés that you would like to visit. Explore the city on foot or use public transportation to get around quickly. Pack a lunch so that you don’t have to spend time looking for food, and bring along a camera so that you can capture all the memorable moments. At night, take a walk around the city and admire its nightlife. Make sure you head back in time for some rest before your journey home!
Flexibility and convenience of Hop on hop off bus tours
Hop on hop off bus tours are a great way to explore a city. They offer flexibility and convenience that traditional tours don’t.
With hop on hop off bus tours, you can hop off at any of the designated stops along the route to explore an area, then simply reboard the next bus when you’re ready to continue. This eliminates the need for long walks or waiting for another tour group.
You can also choose which areas you want to explore and spend more time in particular places if desired. Furthermore, these tours often provide narration about the area and its history, allowing visitors to gain insight into their destination as they travel around it.
With their flexibility and convenience, hop-on hop-off bus tours are a great way to see a city in an efficient and enjoyable manner.
Affordable and economical way to explore the city
Hop on hop off bus tours are an affordable and economical way to explore the city.
These types of tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of different attractions around the city without having to worry about getting lost or trying to find their way back. They also provide convenient transportation from one place to another, allowing travelers to easily get from one destination to the next.
Furthermore, most tours offer discounts for large groups and typically have audio guides in various languages so that everyone can enjoy their experience. With a Hop-on hop-off bus tour, you’ll be able to explore all the best sights in the city while saving time and money!
Sightseeing stops at popular attractions with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
Hop on hop off bus tours are a great way to explore the sights of any city. You can plan your own sightseeing stops at popular attractions and make the most of your time. The tour buses offer an audio guide in multiple languages, allowing you to learn more about each destination along the way. The buses also have regular stops at major landmarks, giving you plenty of chances to get off and explore further. Plus, the tickets are usually valid for 24 hours or more, so you can take your time while traveling between destinations. With hop on hop off tours, you can be sure to get the best out of any city and its attractions.
Commentary from experienced Tour Guides
Experienced guides on bus tours provide a unique and informative experience. These guides can give travelers insight into the local culture, history, and architecture of the area. They are knowledgeable about what makes the city special and can offer commentary on specific attractions or points of interest.
Experienced guides can also provide tips on where to eat and drink, as well as give their opinion on where to get the best value for money when shopping. Overall, having an experienced guide along for the ride makes Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours even more enjoyable and educational.
Great for families or groups of friends on the Hop on hop off bus tours
Hop on hop off bus tours are great for families or groups of friends who want to explore a city and its attractions. The tours offer flexibility, allowing passengers to choose which points they’d like to see and when they’d like to get off the bus. Plus, the tour guides provide interesting stories and facts about each stop along the way.
Air Condition & Wi-Fi Access
The buses are usually equipped with air-conditioning, comfortable seating, audio systems, and even Wi-Fi access for added convenience. Tour companies often offer discounts for large groups, so it’s possible to save money while touring around a new city. With these convenient tours, it’s easy to explore a city at your own pace without worrying about transportation or parking fees.
Recap of the benefits of taking a Hop on hop off bus tour when visiting Vienna
Taking a Hop on hop off bus tour is an ideal way to explore Vienna. Not only are they affordable and convenient, but they also offer the chance to view some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The tour will allow visitors to hop on and off at any of the many stops along the route which can be used to explore Vienna in much greater detail.
Moreover, travelers can benefit from a comprehensive audio guide that provides useful information about all the attractions along the route. This makes it easy for guests to learn more about Vienna without having to worry about researching or planning anything themselves. Overall, taking a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is an excellent way for visitors to gain an insight into Vienna and its culture in a cost-effective and enjoyable manner.
