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Compare Paris HOHO: Tootbus vs Big Bus vs Cityrama

We compare Paris hop-on hop-off operators on routes, buses, audio guides, kids features, and combos like night tours and cruises.

1/18/2026
16 min read
Big Bus Paris vehicle on a city avenue

Big Bus Paris

Choosing a HOHO in Paris comes down to comfort, coverage, and extras.

Snapshot

Operator Bus Style Night Tour Kids Audio Notable Strength
Tootbus Modern, bright livery Yes Often Family‑friendly vibe
Big Bus Classic maroon Yes Often Strong narration + frequency
Cityrama Historic legacy Occasionally Varies Retro heritage appeal

Vehicle comfort

  • Tootbus often features clean lines + comfy seats and good open‑roof setups.
  • Big Bus is solid on frequency; front‑row seats offer excellent Arc views.
  • Cityrama’s legacy buses are a slice of Paris tour history.

Tip: On windy days, buses with a sliding roof (some Cityrama heritage models) are wonderful for winter sightseeing.

Ticket combos

  • 1‑day + Seine cruise: great for first timers.
  • 2‑day + Night tour: adds time for the Louvre/Orsay or a longer Champs‑Élysées stroll.

Audio experience

  • Check language availability (FR/EN/ES/DE/IT are common).
  • Bring wired earbuds for steady audio; Bluetooth can drift on busy avenues.
  • Kids audio tracks add fun facts and keep little travelers engaged.

Bottom line

All three cover the essentials. If you love modern comfort, Tootbus feels fresh; if you want narrative strength and frequency, Big Bus is dependable; if you cherish heritage, pick a Cityrama route when available.


Routes & Coverage

Operator Typical Core Stops
Tootbus Trocadéro, Eiffel, Concorde, Louvre, Opéra, Champs‑Élysées
Big Bus Eiffel, Louvre, Opéra, Champs‑Élysées, Arc
Cityrama Heritage loops focusing on Eiffel/Concorde/Louvre

Fleet Comfort & Features

  • Open‑top decks with weather protection vary per operator.
  • Sliding roof models (heritage) shine in winter.
  • Seat padding and legroom differ; try a short leg, then pick a longer ride.

Tickets & Value

Duration Value Move
24‑hour Pair with a Seine cruise
48‑hour Add Night tour + one museum per day

Who Should Choose What

  • Families → Tootbus for vibe + kid tracks.
  • Photo‑hungry → Big Bus for frequency + landmark timing.
  • Nostalgic travelers → Cityrama heritage experiences.

FAQ

  • Can I switch operators mid‑day? → Not on a single ticket; tickets are operator‑specific.
  • Is night tour included? → Often separate; some bundles exist—check ticket details.

About the Author

Paris Travel Expert

Paris Travel Expert

I built this guide to make your Paris sightseeing gentle, flexible, and full of small, helpful details.

Tags

HOHO
Tootbus
Big Bus
Cityrama
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