Which is the best hop-on hop-off bus in Budapest? Big Bus vs City Sightseeing

Delve into the city's vibrant culture with Budapest hop-on-hop-off bus tours. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these buses offer a convenient and relaxing way to explore the city's museums and landmarks. With informative, multilingual audio guides on board, you will also learn more about the city’s past. Hop on and off at your leisure and explore the city at your own pace!

Both the Big Bus and City Sightseeing tours cover all major attractions, from the Castle District to Margaret Island, and Hungarian State Opera, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and more. But which one reigns supreme for your Budapest itinerary? Here’s a breakdown of their routes, stops, and included facilities to help you make an informed decision.

A detailed look at Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours

Choosing your perfect Budapest hop-on-hop-off tour can be quite overwhelming and confusing, given the plethora of options available. Here are a few more details about the biggest tour operators in the city to help you narrow down your options.

• Stops and route details: The City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus tour passes through 25 stops across the Red and Green route, crossing Andrassy Avenue, Astoria, and the Keleti railway station. With these tickets, you can explore the entire Castle District, Vaci Street, City Park, and its surrounding areas. 
• Includes public transport access: The Big Bus city card combo is a game-changer for visitors looking to spend a few days in the city. You can use their public transport system and cover attractions like the Fairy Tale Museum, Ethnography Museum, and Zelnik Gold Museum, which are slightly farther away from the Castle District. 
• Extended validity: If you are unsure about your itinerary and day of visit, book City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off tours. They are valid up to 12 months from the date of your purchase. 
• Wheelchair accessibility: The Big Bus and City Sightseeing tours, including Danube sightseeing cruises, are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. You can contact the service provider in advance to help you up the steps. Please note that a bus can only accommodate one wheelchair visitor, meaning if there is another wheelchair user on board, you have to take the next bus. 
• Multilingual audio guides: Both the Big Bus and City Sightseeing buses offer audio guides in over 16 languages. It is perfect for visitors who want to learn about the landmarks at their own pace in their native tongue. 
• Round-trip transfers: If you have elderly visitors or travelers with limited mobility in your group, choose Big Bus tours with transfers to and from the Budapest Airport. You can choose your drop-off points and take advantage of the ample luggage space. 
• Walking tours: All Big Bus and City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus tours include guided walking tours with a professional, English-speaking tour guide. Opt for the Big Bus Budapest card combo with 2 guided tours for a deeper understanding of the city’s history. 
• Pet policy: Due to cruise restrictions, pets are not allowed on Danube sightseeing cruises. If your furry companion is accompanying you on your visit to Budapest, we recommend you pick the Big Bus hop-on-hop-off bus tour, including round-trip transfers to and from the airport. 
• Entry access to landmarks: While every hop-on-hop-off bus tour is designed to help you save money, the Big Bus city card combo is perfect for history buffs. With a one-time purchase, you can explore several museums and historic sites within the city.