See Vienna’s Imperial Palaces and Baroque Beauty from an Open-Top Bus.
Quick Guide
Vienna Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
Vienna has 2 main hop-on-hop-off operators running buses around the city: Big Bus Tours and Vienna Sightseeing Tours. They cover different routes and offer different ticket packages.
Big Bus runs a simpler operation with 2 routes covering 25 stops around Vienna. Every ticket includes free date changes if your plans shift, and the 48-hour tickets come with guided walking tours and a free Viennese sausage plate. The network is easy to understand since you’re just choosing between the city center route and the palace route. Good choice if this is your first time in Vienna.
Vienna Sightseeing operates the largest hop-on-hop-off network in the city with 4 routes and 50+ stops. You get more coverage across different neighborhoods and the audio guide comes in 19 languages (Big Bus offers 8). In summer, they add a Green Line that takes you out to the wine-growing hills in Grinzing. You can cancel or reschedule until 24 hours before your visit.
Save Time & Money
The Vienna Pass
This #1 selling city pass bundles everything together at a lower total cost. You get unlimited hop-on-hop-off rides with Vienna Sightseeing Tours plus skip-the-line entry to 90+ attractions including Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere, the Giant Ferris Wheel, and all major museums. If you’re planning to visit 3 or more attractions, the pass pays for itself. Available in 1, 2, 3, or 6-day options.
Highlights
Tickets & Prices
Both operators sell tickets for different time periods. You can hop on and off as many times as you want until your ticket expires. The Vienna Pass is a separate option that bundles hop-on-hop-off buses with attraction entries.
Operator Comparison
| Feature | Big Bus Tours | Vienna Sightseeing Tours | Vienna Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Value | |||
| Ticket Options | • 3h • 24h Discover • 48h Essential • 48h Explore • Evening tour | • 24h • 48h • 72h | • 1-day • 2-day • 3-day • 6-day |
| Routes | 2 routes (Red, Blue) | 4 routes (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green*) | 4 routes (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green*) |
| Total Stops | 25 | 50+ | 50+ |
| Audio Guide | 8 languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic) | 19 languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Romanian, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Polish, Korean, Serbian) | 19 languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Romanian, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Polish, Korean, Serbian) |
| Children’s Audio Channel | ✓ (English, German) | ✓ (English, German) | ✓ (English, German) |
| Free WiFi | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live Bus Tracking | ✓ (Mobile app) | ✓ (Website GPS) | ✓ (Website GPS) |
| Walking Tour | ✓ Self-guided app (48h Essential) ✓ Live guided tour (48h Explore) | ✓ Self-guided app (all tickets) ✓ Music walking tour (72h) | ✓ Self-guided app |
| Christmas Extras | ✓ Free punch (48h tickets) | ||
| Food Included | ✓ Viennese sausage (48h Explore) | ||
| Shopping Shuttle | ✓ (24h & 48h tickets) | ||
| Schönbrunn Palace Entry | ✓ | ||
| Belvedere Palace Entry | ✓ | ||
| Museum Entries | ✓ 90+ attractions | ||
| Skip-the-Line Access | ✓ Most attractions | ||
| Guidebook | ✓ | ||
| Free cancellation Free date change | Free cancellation Free date change |
* Green Line operates summer months only
Detailed Pricing Tables
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (5-15) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Hours (Taster) | €34.00 | €24.00 |
| 24 Hours (Discover) | €42.00 | €26.00 |
| 48 Hours (Essential) | €45.00 | €26.10 |
| 48 Hours (Explore) | €53.10 | €34.20 |
| Evening Tour (1.5 hours) | €35.00 | €26.00 |
Children 4 and under ride free.
What’s included:
All tickets include access to both the Red and Blue routes with audio commentary in 8 languages, free WiFi, and free date changes.
- 3 Hours (Taster) ticket gives you time to sample both routes.
- 24 Hours (Discover) ticket adds a shopping shuttle to Westfield SCS.
- 48 Hours (Essential) ticket adds a VOX digital walking tour app, free Christmas punch (seasonal), and the shopping shuttle.
- 48 Hours (Explore) ticket includes everything in Essential plus a live guided walking tour in English and a free Viennese sausage plate at ZUM KAISER Sausage Stand.
- Evening Tour is a separate 1.5-hour guided experience with a live English-speaking guide.
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (6-16) |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Hours | €39.00 | €23.00 |
| 48 Hours | €45.00 | €27.00 |
| 72 Hours | €53.00 | €28.00 |
Children 5 and under ride free.
What’s included:
All tickets include access to all 4 routes (Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green in summer) with audio commentary in 19 languages and free WiFi.
Every ticket comes with a self-guided walking tour app. The 72 Hours ticket adds a self-guided music walking tour that takes you to places connected with Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, and Mozart.
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (6-18) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | €99.00 | €49.00 |
| 2 Days | €139.00 | €67.00 |
| 3 Days | €165.00 | €81.00 |
| 6 Days | €199.00 | €99.00 |
Children 5 and under get free admission when with an adult who has a Vienna Pass.
What’s included:
The Vienna Pass includes unlimited hop-on-hop-off rides on all 4 Vienna Sightseeing Tours routes (the same routes you’d get with their standalone tickets) plus skip-the-line entry to Vienna’s top attractions. You get everything in one pass instead of buying separate tickets at each place.
You get entry to:
- Schönbrunn Palace (Grand Tour)
- Schönbrunn Zoo
- Belvedere Palace (Upper & Lower)
- Giant Ferris Wheel
- Spanish Riding School
- Hofburg Imperial Palace
- Art History Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Albertina Museum
- Leopold Museum
- Vienna State Opera guided tour
- Danube Tower
- Plus 80+ more attractions
You also skip ticket lines at most attractions, which saves time during busy season. Every pass includes a guidebook and a self-guided walking tour app.
If you want Big Bus specifically but also need attraction entries, they sell combo packages:
| Package | Adult | Child (5-15) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Attraction Pass | €90.00 | €52.00 |
| 4-Attraction Pass | €110.00 | €62.00 |
| 5-Attraction Pass | €120.00 | €72.00 |
| Bus + Ferris Wheel + Cruise | €75.00 | €47.00 |
What’s included:
- 3-Attraction Pass includes 48 hours on Big Bus (both routes) plus entry to Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace.
- 4-Attraction Pass includes everything above plus a Danube river cruise.
- 5-Attraction Pass includes everything above plus skip-the-line entry to the Giant Ferris Wheel.
- Bus + Ferris Wheel + Cruise package gives you 24 hours on Big Bus, skip-the-line Ferris Wheel access, and a river cruise.
All combo packages give you 7 days to visit all included attractions from when you first use the pass.
Tips for Choosing Your Ticket
The Vienna Pass makes sense if you’re planning to visit several attractions beyond just riding the buses. It includes unlimited hop-on-hop-off with all 4 Vienna Sightseeing Tours routes plus entry to 90+ attractions including Schönbrunn, Belvedere, museums, and the Ferris Wheel. If you’re hitting three or more major sights, the pass pays for itself.
If you mainly want the buses to get around and see the city, just buy a standalone ticket. Both operators charge €45 for 48 hours. Vienna Sightseeing gives you more routes (4 vs 2) and languages (19 vs 8). Big Bus keeps things simpler with just 2 routes.
Big Bus combo packages work if you want Big Bus specifically and need exactly two or three attractions. Their 3-attraction pass bundles Big Bus with Schönbrunn and Belvedere for €90, which costs less than buying everything separately.
For timing, a 24-hour ticket lets you ride all the routes and make a few quick stops. The 48-hour tickets give you more breathing room with a full day on the buses plus time to actually explore inside attractions. The 72-hour option costs barely more, so grab it if you’re staying three days.
FAQs About Tickets & Pricing
Where can I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets online through the booking module on this page. Both operators also sell tickets directly on their buses at any stop, though you’ll need to exchange online vouchers with staff before boarding. Big Bus has a service center at Walfischgasse 2 (opposite the State Opera), and Vienna Sightseeing has a service center at Opernring 3-5.
Do children get discounts?
Yes. Big Bus gives discounted tickets for ages 5-15, with kids 4 and under free. Vienna Sightseeing offers child rates for ages 6-16, with kids 5 and under free. The Vienna Pass includes child rates for ages 6-18.
Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?
Vienna Sightseeing Tours allows free cancellations until 24 hours before your visit date and you’ll get a full refund. You can also reschedule your booking until 24 hours before your visit date.
Big Bus Tours tickets are nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled. Make sure you’re certain about your travel dates before purchasing.
Are combo tickets with attractions available?
Yes, both operators offer combination packages. Big Bus has 3-attraction, 4-attraction, and 5-attraction passes that include palace entries, river cruises, and the Giant Ferris Wheel. The Vienna Pass bundles unlimited hop-on-hop-off with Vienna Sightseeing Tours plus entry to 90+ attractions. All combo passes give you several days to use all included attractions.
Can I use the same ticket on different days?
Your ticket is valid for consecutive days only. A 48-hour ticket must be used across 2 days in a row, not 2 separate days with a gap between them. The clock starts when you first validate your ticket on the bus.
Do I need to book in advance?
You can buy tickets on the day at any bus stop or service center. However, booking online lets you check availability, compare options, and often get better rates. During peak tourist season, combo packages with specific time slots at palaces may sell out.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, both operators accept mobile tickets on your smartphone. However, with some bookings you need to swap your online voucher for an actual ticket with staff at a stop or service center before boarding.
Route Map & Stops
Vienna’s hop-on-hop-off buses cover everything from grand imperial palaces to modern riverside neighborhoods. Both operators run frequent buses.
Big Bus Tours Routes
Big Bus runs 2 main routes plus an evening tour. The Red Route covers the city center and Danube area. The Blue Route takes you to Schönbrunn Palace.
Route Maps & Live Tracking: Big Bus has a free app that shows you exactly where buses are and when the next one arrives at your stop. Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Red Route (City Route) – Big Bus Tours
- Duration: 120 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 20-30 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 09:30, last bus 17:00
- Main starting point: Stop 1 (Opera/Walfischgasse)
Stops:
- Opera/Walfischgasse (Opposite Zara Home)
- House of Music (Schwarzenbergstraße 6)
- Museums Quartier/Mariahilferstrasse (Babenbergerstraße 9)
- Museums/Hofburg (Burgring 7, between Museums of Art & Nature)
- City Hall/Rathaus (Rathausplatz 5)
- Votive Church/Votivkirche (Straße des achten Mai)
- Schwedenplatz/DDSG River Cruises A+C (Taborstraße 1-3)
- Prater (Ausstellungsstraße 4)
- Blue Danube/PIER 3 (Handelskai 265)
- Blue Danube River Cruises B/PIER 8 (Handelskai 265)
- Danube Tower/Donauturm (Donauturmstrasse)
- Old Danube/Alte Donau (Arbeiterstrandbadstrasse)
- Uno City/DC Tower (Wagramer Straße 5-9)
- Danube Island/Donauinsel (Reichsbrücke)
- The Hundertwasser House (Kegelgasse 16)
- City Park/Stadtpark (Parkring 12A, outside Marriott Hotel)
Route Highlights:
The Red Route takes you past Vienna’s main landmarks along the Ringstrasse. You’ll see the Vienna State Opera and St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its colorful tile roof. The route continues to Hofburg Palace, where the Habsburgs spent their winters and where you can visit the Imperial Treasury.
You’ll pass the Parliament building, City Hall, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which has the world’s largest collection of Bruegel paintings. The route then heads to the Prater amusement park with its Giant Ferris Wheel from 1897, before continuing to the Danube area. Here you can see UNO City’s modern towers and the Hundertwasserhaus, an apartment building with wavy walls and bright colors designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Blue Route (Schönbrunn Route) – Big Bus Tours
- Duration: 83 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 20-30 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 09:45, last bus 17:15
- Main starting point: Stop 1 (Opera/Albertina)
Stops:
- Opera/Albertina (Albertinaplatz 2)
- Museums Quartier/Mariahilferstrasse (Babenbergerstraße 9)
- Museums/Hofburg (Burgring 7)
- Mariahilfer Straße/Ibis Hotel (Mariahilfer Gürtel 22-24)
- Museum of Science and Technology Vienna (Mariahilferstraße 212)
- Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo (Schönbrunner Schloss Straße 52)
- Main Train Station/Hauptbahnhof (Am Hauptbahnhof 1)
- Upper Belvedere (Prinz Eugen-Straße 27)
- Lower Belvedere (Forecourt of Palais Schwarzenberg)
Route Highlights:
The Blue Route is all about Vienna’s imperial palaces. The star attraction is Schönbrunn Palace, the magnificent summer residence of the Habsburgs with 1,441 rooms and stunning baroque gardens. You can spend hours exploring the palace grounds, from the Gloriette monument on the hill to the world’s oldest zoo.
The route also stops at Belvedere Palace, a masterpiece of baroque architecture that now houses Austrian art including Gustav Klimt’s famous painting “The Kiss.” On the way, you’ll pass the Technical Museum and the Museum of Military History near the Arsenal. This route gives you a taste of Vienna’s outskirts and the grand palaces where emperors once lived.
Evening Tour – Big Bus Tours
- Duration: 80 minutes
- Frequency: 1 tour per day
- Departure time: 18:00
- Starting point: Stop 1 (Opera/Walfischgasse)
This evening tour has a live English-speaking guide and shows you Vienna lit up at night. You stay on the bus for the whole tour rather than hopping on and off.
Vienna Sightseeing Tours Routes
Vienna Sightseeing runs 4 different routes with 50+ stops total. You can check GPS live tracking for all routes on their website to see where buses are.
Red Line (Ringstrasse Route) – Vienna Sightseeing Tours
- Duration: 60 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 30 minutes
- Operating hours: 09:30 to 17:30
- Main starting point: Stop 1 (Staatsoper/State Opera)
Stops:
- Staatsoper/State Opera (Departure) – Oper/Karlsplatz
- Kunsthistorisches Museum/Heroes’ Square (Departure) – Kunsthistorisches Museum
- Mariahilfer Straße/MQ (Shopping Street) – Babenbergerstraße
- Burgtheater/Rathaus (National Theatre/City Hall) – Josef-Meinrad-Platz
- Rathausplatz 4 – Rathausplatz 4
- Votivkirche/Altes AKH (Votiv Church) – Straße des achten Mai
- Schwedenplatz (DDSG City Cruises) – Schwedenplatz
- MAK/Wien Mitte (Museum of Applied Arts) – gegenüber/opposite Weiskirchenerstraße 3
- Hotel Hilton/Stadtpark (City Park) – Hotel Hilton/Stadtpark
- Kursalon (Strauss Monument) – Johannesgasse 33 16*. Karlsplatz – Karlsplatz (*Saturdays, Sundays, and Austrian holidays only)
- Johann Strauss/New Dimensions (Naschmarkt/Secession) – Friedrichstraße 12
- Kunsthistorisches Museum (Heroes’ Square – Arrival) – Kunsthistorisches Museum
Route Highlights:
The Red Line circles the Ringstrasse, the boulevard around Vienna’s historic center. You’ll see the State Opera, Hofburg Palace with its museums and Spanish Riding School, Parliament, City Hall, and the Burgtheater.
At Stadtpark, you can hop off to see the golden Johann Strauss statue. The route also passes the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which has paintings by Bruegel, Vermeer, and Raphael. Near Schwedenplatz, you can catch a Danube river cruise.
Yellow Line (Palace Route) – Vienna Sightseeing Tours
- Duration: 75 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 20-25 minutes
- Operating hours: 09:15 to 17:15
- Main starting point: Stop 1 (Staatsoper/State Opera)
Stops:
- Staatsoper/State Opera (Departure) – Oper/Karlsplatz
- Kunsthistorisches Museum (Heroes’ Square) – Kunsthistorisches Museum
- Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Palace) – The Arrival Center Schönbrunn
- Hauptbahnhof/Sonnwendgasse (Main Station) – Am Hauptbahnhof
- Belvedere 21 (Museum of Contemporary Art) – Arsenalstraße 12, 1100 Wien
- Schloss Belvedere (Belvedere Palace) – Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Wien
- Schwarzenbergplatz (Lower Belvedere) – Prinz Eugen-Straße 18, 1030 Wien
- Staatsoper (State Opera – Arrival) – Oper/Karlsplatz
Route Highlights:
The Yellow Line connects Vienna’s two main palaces. Getting to Schönbrunn Palace takes about 35 minutes from the Opera. The palace has opulent state rooms and French-style gardens. The Habsburgs used it as their summer residence for over 200 years.
Belvedere Palace is actually two palaces with terraced gardens between them. The Upper Belvedere houses Austria’s national gallery with the largest collection of Klimt paintings. Between the palaces, you pass the main train station and Belvedere 21, a contemporary art museum.
Blue Line (Extended Route) – Vienna Sightseeing Tours
- Duration: 120 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 20 minutes
- Operating hours: 09:30 to 17:00
- Main starting point: Stop 13 (MAK/Wien Mitte)
Stops:
- MAK/Wien Mitte (Museum of Applied Arts – Departure)
- Hotel Hilton/Stadtpark (City Park)
- Kursalon (Strauss Monument)
- Staatsoper (State Opera)
- Kunsthistorisches Museum (Heroes’ Square)
- Mariahilfer Straße/MQ (Shopping Street)
- Burgtheater/Rathaus (National Theatre/City Hall)
- Liebenberg Denkmal (University)
- Liechtensteinstraße (Sigmund Freud Museum)
- Votivkirche/Altes AKH (Votiv Church)
- Morzinplatz (Vienna Airport Lines)
- Schwedenplatz (DDSG City Cruises)
- Kunst Haus (Museum Hundertwasser)
- Prater/Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel)
- Donauturm (Danube Tower)
- Alte Donau (Old Danube)
- UNO City (Uno City)
- Praterstern (Train Station)
- Taborstraße (Museum of Crime)
- Schwedenbrücke (DDSG City Cruises)
- MAK/Wien Mitte (Museum of Applied Arts – Arrival)
Route Highlights:
The Blue Line goes beyond the city center to neighborhoods most tourists skip. You’ll see the Hundertwasserhaus, an apartment building with wavy walls, mismatched windows, and trees growing out of the facade. The Prater stop gives you access to the amusement park and its Giant Ferris Wheel from 1897.
The route continues to the Danube area where you can go up the Danube Tower for views from 150 meters. You’ll also see UNO City, the third UN headquarters after New York and Geneva. The route passes the Sigmund Freud Museum in the apartment where he lived and worked for 47 years.
Green Line (Seasonal Wine Route) – Vienna Sightseeing Tours
- Duration: 60 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 60 minutes
- Operating hours: 10:45 to 16:00 (summer months only)
- Main starting point: Various connection points from other routes
The Green Line only runs in summer and takes you to Grinzing, Vienna’s wine-growing district in the hills outside the city. This route visits traditional Heuriger wine taverns and gives you views from Cobenzl. Vienna is the only world capital that grows and produces its own wine within city limits.
Which Operator Has the Best Routes?
For First-Time Visitors: Big Bus Tours works better with their 2-route system. You won’t spend time figuring out which route to take. The Red Route covers all the major sights along the Ringstrasse. The Blue Route takes you directly to Schönbrunn Palace. You can do both routes in a day without rushing.
For Maximum Coverage: Vienna Sightseeing Tours gives you 50+ stops across 4 routes. If you want to see neighborhoods beyond the usual tourist spots (the Danube area, wine-growing districts, the UN complex), their network covers more ground. The seasonal Green Line to Grinzing is something Big Bus doesn’t offer.
For Palace Lovers: Both operators reach Schönbrunn and Belvedere. Big Bus includes both palaces on their Blue Route. Vienna Sightseeing dedicates their entire Yellow Line to connecting the major palaces, with the trip from Opera to Schönbrunn taking about 35 minutes.
For Families with Kids: Big Bus has a slight edge because their audio commentary includes a children’s channel in English and German. The routes are also simpler for kids to follow. Vienna Sightseeing’s longer routes might keep kids entertained on the bus for longer between stops.
For International Visitors: Vienna Sightseeing Tours offers audio in 19 languages compared to Big Bus’s 8. If you’re traveling with people who speak Arabic, Polish, Korean, Serbian, Turkish, or other less common languages, Vienna Sightseeing covers you.
For Flexibility: Vienna Sightseeing Tours lets you cancel or reschedule until 24 hours before your visit date, which helps if your plans change. Big Bus tickets are nonrefundable and can’t be rescheduled. However, Big Bus has an easier-to-use app with live bus tracking compared to Vienna Sightseeing’s website-based GPS.
For Sightseers Visiting Multiple Attractions: The Vienna Pass includes unlimited rides with Vienna Sightseeing Tours plus skip-the-line entry to 90+ attractions. If you’re planning to visit Schönbrunn, Belvedere, museums, and other major sights, the pass saves you money compared to buying individual attraction tickets plus a separate bus pass.
What to See & Do
Listen to Commentary in Your Language
Both operators provide audio commentary as you ride. Big Bus offers 8 languages and Vienna Sightseeing provides 19. The commentary explains what you’re seeing as you pass each landmark.
Kids get their own audio channel. The children’s version simplifies the history and points out details young travelers will notice.
See Landmarks Across Vienna
The buses take you past everything from old churches to modern UN buildings. You’ll see palaces like Schönbrunn and Belvedere where Habsburg emperors lived. The routes pass the State Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hundertwasserhaus.
You’ll also see Vienna’s parks. The Prater has old amusement rides and tree-lined paths. Danube Island has riverside walking and cycling paths. From the Danube Tower, you can see across the city into the surrounding countryside.
See Old Vienna and New Vienna
The routes show you how Vienna changed from imperial capital to modern city. Along the Ringstrasse, you see 19th-century buildings from when Vienna was one of Europe’s most powerful cities. The museums, parliament, and opera house all date from this period.
Then the buses take you to different neighborhoods. UNO City shows Vienna’s role as an international diplomatic center. The Danube area shows how the city developed modern residential districts while keeping the historic center intact.
Hop Off at Museums
The routes stop outside Vienna’s main museums. The Kunsthistorisches Museum has works by Bruegel, Vermeer, and Caravaggio. The Belvedere galleries show Austrian art from the Middle Ages to today, with Klimt’s “The Kiss” as the main attraction.
You can also hop off at the Technical Museum to see vintage cars and trains, or visit the Museum of Military History. The Hundertwasser Museum shows the work of the artist who designed buildings without straight lines.
If you have the Vienna Pass, you get free entry to all these museums plus 80+ more attractions.
Connect to River Cruises
Both bus networks stop at departure points for Danube river cruises. You can hop off the bus at Schwedenplatz or one of the piers, take a cruise, then hop back on a bus to continue. The combination of bus and boat gives you different views of the city.
Some tickets include river cruises in the package. Big Bus’s 4-attraction and 5-attraction options include Danube cruises.
Take the Evening Tour
Big Bus runs an evening tour that shows you Vienna after dark. Unlike the daytime hop-on-hop-off routes, this is a guided tour with a live English-speaking guide. The lit-up buildings look different at night, especially the State Opera, Parliament, and City Hall.
The tour leaves at 18:00.
FAQs
How does the hop-on-hop-off bus work?
Buy a ticket for your chosen duration (3 hours to 72 hours), then board any bus at any stop. Your ticket lets you ride as many times as you want during that period. When you want to see an attraction, hop off at the nearest stop. When you’re ready to continue, go to any stop and get on the next bus.
What languages are available for the audio guide?
Big Bus Tours offers audio commentary in 8 languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. Vienna Sightseeing Tours and the Vienna Pass (which uses Vienna Sightseeing buses) offer 19 languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Romanian, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Polish, Korean, and Serbian. Both operators also provide a children’s audio channel in English and German.
Can I use my ticket on different routes?
Yes. Both operators let you switch between routes during your ticket period. Big Bus gives you both the Red and Blue routes. Vienna Sightseeing includes all 4 routes (Red, Yellow, Blue, plus Green in summer).
How long should I spend in Vienna for a hop-on-hop-off tour?
A 24-hour ticket works if you’re on a quick trip and mainly want to see landmarks from the bus with one or two quick stops. Pick 48 or 72 hours if you plan to actually go inside attractions. Most people find 2 days gives them enough time to see the highlights and explore a few places properly.
Which route should I take first?
Start with the Red Route (either operator) to see Vienna’s historic center. This gives you a full loop of the Ringstrasse and all the major landmarks. On your second day or loop, take the palace routes to visit Schönbrunn and Belvedere. If you have more time, try the Blue Line from Vienna Sightseeing to see the Danube area and Prater.
Do the buses have WiFi?
Yes, both operators have free WiFi on all buses.
What time do the buses start and finish?
Most routes start around 09:30 and run until 17:00 or 17:30. Big Bus’s Red Route starts at 09:30 with the last bus at 17:00. Vienna Sightseeing’s routes run similar hours, with the Yellow Line starting at 09:15. Check the specific route timetables as times vary.
How often do buses come?
Buses arrive every 20 to 30 minutes on most routes. Big Bus runs every 20-30 minutes on both routes. Vienna Sightseeing’s Blue Line comes every 20 minutes, the Yellow Line every 20-25 minutes, and the Red Line every 30 minutes.
Can I bring my own headphones?
Yes, both operators let you use your own headphones for the audio. They also give you free headphones when you board if you don’t have your own. The audio connects through standard jacks on Big Bus. Vienna Sightseeing lets you use your smartphone with your own headphones.
Is the hop-on-hop-off bus worth it in Vienna?
It depends how you like to travel. The buses work well if you want an overview of the city without dealing with public transport or walking long distances between attractions. They’re useful on your first day to get oriented and see what interests you. If you prefer wandering streets without a plan, you might find the structured routes limiting. Vienna’s center is fairly walkable, but the palaces and Danube area are too far to walk comfortably.
Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, both operators run wheelchair-accessible buses. Not every single bus might be accessible, so if you need wheelchair access, contact the operator ahead of time to confirm.
What happens if it rains?
The double-decker buses have open-top upper decks and enclosed lower decks. If weather gets bad, move downstairs where you’ll stay dry while still seeing views through large windows. The audio works the same on both levels.
Is the Vienna Pass worth it?
The Vienna Pass pays for itself if you’re visiting three or more major attractions. It includes unlimited hop-on-hop-off buses plus skip-the-line entry to Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere, all major museums, and 80+ other sights. A 2-day pass costs €139, which covers the bus ticket plus several attraction entries. You also save time by skipping ticket lines at busy attractions.
-> Check Vienna Pass Prices and Book