Vienna isn’t a city you can fully grasp in just one day. With its historic city centre, grand palaces, world-class museums, coffeehouse culture and rich musical heritage, the city can be both captivating and overwhelming. Especially if you’re visiting for only a few days and want to see as much as possible, the hop-on hop-off bus is a smart solution.
These sightseeing buses give you a clear overview of the city in a short time — without exhausting your feet or puzzling over metro maps. Simply hop on, grab a seat on the open-air top deck (weather permitting), and let the city’s highlights roll by. Fancy a closer look? Just hop off and rejoin the route later. No stress, no rush.
Hop-on hop-off buses are especially handy for first-time visitors, families with young children, or older travellers who prefer to take things at a comfortable pace. But even if you’ve been to Vienna before, the elevated view offers a fresh perspective — from architectural details to hidden monuments in leafy squares.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Vienna’s hop-on hop-off buses: how they work, which routes you can take, which stops are worth getting off for, and the pros and cons of using this way to explore the city.
Explore Vienna efficiently and comfortably with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. These sightseeing buses offer flexible routes through the city, with regular stops at major attractions like Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Prater. Ideal for first-time visitors, families and older travellers, hop-on hop-off buses combine guided commentary with the freedom to discover Vienna at your pace — without the hassle of public transport or tight schedules.
How do hop-on hop-off buses work in Vienna?
The concept is simple — and that’s what makes it so convenient. You buy a ticket valid for one or more days and during that time, you can hop on and off the bus as often as you like. The buses run on fixed routes that connect Vienna’s main sights. You decide where to get off, how long to stay, and when to continue your journey. It’s an easy and flexible way to discover Vienna at your pace, without the hassle of changing trams or deciphering metro lines.
Most operators run several routes, typically colour-coded (red, yellow, blue). Each route covers a different theme or part of the city — such as the historic centre, the palace district or the Danube area. Buses come by regularly, usually every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the season and traffic.
Once on board, you’ll have access to an audio guide, available in numerous languages including English, providing background stories and facts as you pass each point of interest. Headphones are often provided with your ticket. Some buses even have live guides, though this is more of an exception.
A standard ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours, starting from the first time you use it. Some companies also offer 72-hour tickets or combination deals that include a Danube boat tour, a night ride, or entry to major attractions. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, through hotels, or directly from the bus stop or driver.
Which companies operate hop-on, hop-off buses in Vienna?
There are two main companies offering hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Vienna: Big Bus Tours and Vienna Sightseeing Tours. At first glance, they may seem similar — both offer multiple routes, multilingual audio guides, and flexible ticket options. But there are a few differences worth knowing before you choose.
Big Bus Tours
Big Bus is an international company operating in many major cities worldwide. In Vienna, they offer two main routes — usually marked as red and blue — and tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours. The buses are modern and comfortable, with a reliable audio guide (including English). Premium tickets include extras such as a guided walking tour or a night tour. One of Big Bus’s strengths is its mobile app, which shows real-time bus locations — very useful when planning your next hop.
Vienna Sightseeing Tours
This is a locally based company with strong ties to Vienna’s tourism sector. They offer three or four different routes (red, yellow, blue, and sometimes green) and a wider range of ticket options, including 72-hour passes and combo deals. Some of these include a boat cruise, Vienna Giant Big wheel ticket, or entry to popular attractions. Vienna Sightseeing also integrates well with the Vienna PASS, making it a convenient choice if you already have one.
Summary Table
| Feature | Big Bus Tours | Vienna Sightseeing |
|---|---|---|
| Number of routes | 2 (Red & Blue) | 3–4 (Red, Yellow, Blue, optional Green) |
| Audio guide | Multilingual (incl. English) | Multilingual (incl. English) |
| Ticket durations | 24 / 48 hrs | 24 / 48 / 72 hrs |
| Extras | Night tour, walking tour | Boat cruise, Big wheel, combo tickets |
| Price (from) | €35 (24h), €45 (48h) | €34 (24h), €42 (48h), €49 (72h) |
| Real-time tracking app | ✔ Yes | ✖ Not available |
| Best suited for | Flexibility, overview | Combi deals, longer stays |
| Check tickets → | Check tickets → |
The main routes explained
Both Big Bus and Vienna Sightseeing operate multiple routes across the city, each with its own focus. The routes are designed to help you explore the most important parts of Vienna without needing to switch buses too often. Below is a breakdown of the main routes and what you can expect along the way.
Red route – The historic city centre
This is the most popular route, offered by both companies. It takes you past the key landmarks of central Vienna, including the State Opera, Parliament, City Hall, the Kunsthistorisches and Naturhistorisches Museums, Hofburg Palace, Stephansdom, and the Karlskirche. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to get a feel for Vienna’s imperial core.
Yellow route – Schönbrunn Palace & the western districts
This route (primarily offered by Vienna Sightseeing) heads west, towards Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna Technical Museum, and sometimes the Wiener Stadthalle. It’s ideal if you want to visit Schönbrunn without navigating the public transport system. The bus stops right by the palace’s main entrance.
Blue route – The Danube & modern Vienna
This line takes you towards the more modern parts of the city, including the UNO City, Danube Tower, Reichsbrücke, and the Prater amusement park with its iconic Giant Ferris Wheel. It offers a different view of Vienna — less imperial, more contemporary and spacious.
Green route – Wine villages and the Vienna woods (seasonal)
Offered only by Vienna Sightseeing and usually during warmer months, the green route heads into the hills and wine-growing areas around Vienna, such as Grinzing and Kahlenberg. It’s a great way to explore Vienna’s countryside feel without leaving the city entirely.
Tickets and prices
Ticket options for hop-on hop-off buses in Vienna are quite flexible and cater to different types of travellers. Whether you’re in the city for just a day or planning to explore more leisurely over a weekend, there’s a ticket for you.
Standard tickets
A 24-hour ticket typically starts at around €34–€35, while a 48-hour ticket ranges from €42–€45. Vienna Sightseeing also offers a 72-hour ticket for approximately €49. Children (often aged 6 to 15) receive discounted rates, and children under 6 often travel for free.
Combo tickets
Both companies offer premium ticket options that include extras such as:
- A Danube river cruise
- Access to the Giant Big wheel or Schönbrunn Palace
- A guided walking tour
- An evening panoramic tour
Combo tickets are perfect if you like to combine transport and sightseeing without organising everything separately. Expect to pay €50–€65, depending on the inclusions.
Vienna Pass and Vienna City Card
If you have the Vienna Pass, unlimited use of the Vienna Sightseeing hop-on hop-off buses is typically included for the duration of your pass (1, 2 or 3 days).
The Vienna City Card usually gives you a discount on hop-on hop-off tickets (around 10–15%), but not free access.
Where to buy tickets
You can purchase tickets:
- Online in advance via the official websites or platforms like Tiqets
- At major hotels
- Directly at designated bus stops
- Onboard the bus (though this may be slightly more expensive)
Pro tip: Booking online is often cheaper, and ensures your seat — especially during peak travel months.
Pros and cons of hop-on hop-off buses in Vienna
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| No planning required – Just hop on and go | Not the cheapest – Public transport is cheaper for short trips |
| Ideal for first-time visitors – See the main sights quickly | Traffic delays – Inner-city congestion can slow down the buses |
| Flexible – Hop on and off whenever you like | Touristy feel – Less local atmosphere, mostly fellow visitors |
| Great views from the top deck – Perfect for photos | Weather dependent – Open top not ideal in rain or wind |
| Multilingual audio guides – Learn as you ride | Lower deck less scenic – Indoors, with more limited views |
Tips for your hop-on hop-off bus tour in Vienna
Make the most of your hop-on hop-off bus experience in Vienna with these practical tips. Whether you’re riding for an hour or spending the day exploring, a little preparation goes a long way.
| 🧭 Tip | 💡 Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Start early in the day | Morning buses are quieter and you’ll have more time to explore key sights |
| Choose the top deck (weather permitting) | Best views and great photo opportunities — just bring sun cream or a hat if it’s sunny |
| Bring your own headphones | The free ones work, but your own are usually more comfortable and better quality |
| Look at the route map in advance | Plan your top stops so you don’t waste time backtracking |
| Pack light and smart | Bring water, a small bag, sun protection or an extra layer depending on the weather |
| Don’t try to do everything | Focus on 2–3 highlights instead of rushing through every stop |
Hop-on hop-off for families and seniors
One of the biggest advantages of hop-on hop-off buses is how accessible and user-friendly they are — especially for travellers who might find walking long distances or navigating public transport more challenging.
For families with children
For kids, the open-top bus is often an adventure in itself. Sitting high above the street, spotting statues and fancy buildings, and wearing headphones with fun commentary — it’s sightseeing made exciting.
Many companies offer child-friendly audio guides or simplified versions of the main tour. And the flexibility means you can get off when little legs need a break — whether for a snack, a playground, or just to run around.
Bonus tip: Bring a few snacks and drinks — there’s no food service onboard, and hunger can strike at the worst moment.
For seniors and travellers with limited mobility
The buses are designed to be accessible. Most have low-floor entry, dedicated spaces for walking aids, and priority seating on the lower deck. You don’t need to navigate metro stairs or long tram platforms — just step on board and enjoy the ride.
The clear commentary, comfortable seats, and stress-free nature of the journey make it especially appealing for older travellers or anyone who prefers sightseeing at a gentle pace.
Whether you’re visiting Vienna with your grandchildren or enjoying a well-earned retirement trip, hop-on hop-off buses let you enjoy the city without rushing or overexerting yourself.
Is It worth It? Our honest verdict!
Hop-on hop-off buses aren’t the right choice for everyone — but for many visitors to Vienna, they offer the perfect combination of ease, flexibility, and sightseeing.
✔ Recommended if:
- You’re visiting Vienna for the first time
- You’re travelling with children or seniors
- You want to see a lot in a short time, without navigating public transport
- You like to explore at your pace, with the freedom to hop off and wander
✘ Not ideal if:
- You’re travelling on a tight budget
- You enjoy exploring off the beaten path and prefer a more local experience
- You only want to visit one or two places — public transport will get you there faster and cheaper
Still unsure? Here’s our take:
If you’re short on time, new to the city, or simply want to lean back and take in the sights without having to think too hard — hop-on hop-off is absolutely worth it.
Vienna is full of history, beauty and hidden gems. These buses help you see more of it, with less effort.