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Why hop-on-hop-off tours are a must-have on your Budapest itinerary?

With countless historic sights and bustling streets, Budapest can get quite overwhelming to navigate, even for seasoned travelers. With limited vacation days, how do you ensure that you see it all? Here’s where Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours come in. Unlike rigid itineraries, these buses offer the ultimate flexibility to plan your itinerary. You can hop on and hop off whenever you want and ensure a hassle-free sightseeing experience. Read on to know more about these buses, how to maximize your time with these tours, and some famous landmarks en route to kick off your Budapest trip!

Why choose Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

Why choose Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

Explore all top attractions efficiently

Skip the hassle of navigating public transport and deciphering maps in a new city. Budapest hop-on-hop-off bus tours offer a seamless sightseeing experience and cover all the major attractions, including the Buda Castle, Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Chain Bridge. Simply board your bus and enjoy the scenic views, as you are whisked from one landmark to the next.

Why choose Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

Hop on and hop off at your leisure

If you are an independent explorer and feel rushed in group tours, choose hop-on-hop-off buses. Not only can you hop on and hop off whenever you want, but you can also customize your own itinerary. Since you can choose where to get off and how long to stay at each stop, it is easy to tailor the experience to your interests and schedule.

Why choose Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

Informative commentary and insider tips

All Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours offer audio guides in multiple languages, providing insights into the city’s history and culture. These added knowledgeable tidbits enhance your sightseeing experience. In addition to buses, a few Big Bus tours also include Danube sightseeing cruises. Boat tours give you a unique perspective of the city's iconic skyline, including the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Gellert Hill.

Why choose Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

Makes for budget-friendly sightseeing

Hop-on-hop-off tours help you save a pretty penny, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Instead of paying separate transport fares every time you visit a landmark, one ticket covers your travel for the entire route. You can also choose tours that include access to the city’s public transport for your entire stay or allow you to visit multiple museums and landmarks.

Why choose Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

The perfect introduction to the city

Hop-on hop-off tours provide a fantastic introduction to the city's layout and major attractions. Whether it’s your first time in Budapest, or your second, or third visit, these bus tours will help you make the most of your time in the city. Familiarize yourself with the places, choose landmarks you’d like to explore further, and create a personalized itinerary for the rest of your trip.

Why choose Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

Find hidden gems

The Budapest hop-on hop-off tours go beyond the usual tourist hotspots. Their routes include lesser-known gems, allowing visitors to discover the city's unique character. Stop by the Fairy Tale Museum, Budapest Pinball Museum, Palinka Museum, Dohany Street Synagogue, Gresham Palace, and many other landmarks.

Why choose Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

All weather sightseeing

Budapest's unpredictable weather can sometimes dampen sightseeing plans. Not with hop-on hop-off tours! Most buses offer both open-air and covered seating,  allowing you to enjoy the city come rain or shine. The double-decker buses also provide an eye-level view of the city’s architectural treasures, encouraging you to appreciate the intricate details on their facades. 

Why choose Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

Accessible and convenient

The hop-on-hop-off bus tours are designed to be accessible to everyone, including families with children, elderly travelers, and people with disabilities. These buses feature ramps that deploy from the door, making it easy for visitors on wheelchairs to get on or de-board the bus. If you require assistance, inform the driver or guide on board.

Why choose Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

Maximize your time

With predefined routes and regular intervals, hop-on-hop-off tours save you the hassle of navigating public transportation. You can maximize your time by hopping on and off near your destination. Spend as much time as you want at any attraction and then catch the next bus on the route. These buses run frequently, every 10 to 15 minutes.

Hidden gems on your Budapest hop-on-hop-off bus tour

Pálinka Museum
Hungarian National Gallery
Memento Park
Kazinczy Synagogue
Gresham Palace

Gresham Palace

Gresham Palace, now the Four Seasons Hotel, is an Art Nouveau masterpiece. Walk along the Danube’s banks to admire its outside facade, showcasing intricate ironwork and mosaic tiles. As you step inside, you will be greeted by a grand lobby with elegant chandeliers and stained-glass windows.

  • Nearest stop: Chain Bridge (Big Bus), Jozsef Attila Street (City Sightseeing), & Siklo (City Sightseeing)
Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle

The Vajdahunyad Castle, set in City Park, offers a whimsical blend of architectural styles, inspired by various historical buildings across Hungary. Marvel at its fairy-tale towers and Gothic courtyards. Inside, stop by the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, offering fascinating exhibits on the city’s farming heritage.

  • Nearest stop: Heroes’ Square (Big Bus) & Heroes’ Square (City Sightseeing)
Kunsthalle Art Museum

Kunsthalle Art Museum

Kunsthalle, also known as the Hall of Art, is a contemporary art museum located on Heroes’ Square. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions, primarily showcasing contemporary artworks by Hungarian and international artists. Its grand Neoclassical architecture provides a striking contrast to the modern artworks displayed within.

  • Nearest stop: Heroes’ Square (Big Bus) & Heroes’ Square (City Sightseeing)
House of terror

House of Terror

The House of Terror chronicles the dark times of the 20th century when the city was under Fascist and Communist regimes. Housed in the former headquarters of the secret police, the museum’s exhibits include remains of prison cells, torture chambers, and other chilling artifacts. 

  • Nearest stop: Opera (Big Bus) & Andrassy Avenue (City Sightseeing)
Hospital in the Rock

Hospital in the Rock

The Hospital in the Rock offers a unique glimpse into Budapest’s wartime history. Located in the caves beneath Buda Castle, this underground museum served as a hospital during World War II and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Look out for the museum’s preserved operating rooms, wards, and medical equipment.

  • Nearest stop: Castle (Big Bus) & Castle Garden (City Sightseeing)
ethnographic museum budapest

The Ethnographic Museum

The Museum of Ethnography aims to provide a deeper understanding of Hungarian rural life and traditions. Its extensive collection includes exhibits from various regions of Hungary. Some of the museum’s major highlights include folk art, everyday objects, traditional fabrics, intricately decorated pottery, textiles, and furniture. 

  • Nearest stop: Parliament (Big Bus) & Parliament (City Sightseeing)
Hungarian Railway Museum

Hungarian Railway Museum

Located in a former railway maintenance depot, the museum features an impressive collection of steam engines and vintage carriages. You can climb aboard historic locomotives, take a ride on a miniature railway, and even try your hand at driving a steam engine. The museum’s engaging displays and hands-on activities make it a fun and educational outing for all ages.

  • Nearest stop: Batthyany Square (Big Bus), Parliament (Big Bus), & Castle Garden (City Sightseeing)
Pinball Museum

Budapest Pinball Museum

With over 130 playable machines, ranging from vintage to modern, the Pinball Museum is a haven for gaming enthusiasts. Learn about the history and evolution of pinball while enjoying unlimited playtime on the various machines. The museum’s lively atmosphere and interactive experience make it a delightful and entertaining stop for both kids and adults.

  • Nearest stop: Margaret Bridge (Big Bus), Buda Margaret Bridge (City Sightseeing), Nyugati Railway Station (City Sightseeing)

Budapest hop-on-hop-off tour schedule

Big Bus
City Sightseeing
Big Bus Budapest hop-on-hop-off
City sightseeing Budapest hop-on-hop-off

Essential tips to make the most of your Budapest hop-on-hop-off tour

  • Grab a multi-day pass: While a 24-hour pass will allow you to cover the Castle District, we recommend choosing at least a 2-day pass to make the most of your time in Budapest. With 48 hours on hand, you can soak in a thermal bath, make time for some eclectic museums like the 3D Gallery, or re-visit any favorite like the Hugagrain National Gallery.
  • Plan your route: Budapest hop-on-hop-off buses run along a designated route, allowing you to hop on and hop off near your landmarks. By choosing these buses, you can customize your own itinerary and skip the hassle of public transportation. 
  • Choose a City Card combo: If you plan to stay in the city for 2 to 3 days, invest in the Big Bus Budapest City Card combo. You can take advantage of the city’s public transport system and get access to several historic landmarks and museums in the city. 
  • Take a full loop first: The Budapest hop-on-hop-off buses take around an hour and a half to complete their route. Before hopping on at any stop, complete the circuit and enjoy the passing sights. You can also chalk out your itinerary or make revisions if you find any new attractions. 
  • Sit on the top deck: Grab a seat at the topmost deck for the absolute best views of the city. You will be able to see major landmarks from a distance and appreciate the overall atmosphere, These top deck seats are your only chance to get the Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament perfectly fitted into one frame.
  • Chat with the driver/guide: To experience the city like a local, strike up a conversation with the bus driver or the guide. Ask for restaurant recommendations and insider tips on touring the city. 
  • Listen to informative audio guides: All Budapest hop-on-hop-off bus tours include access to audio guides in over 16 languages. These guides help you learn about lesser-known landmarks and understand the cultural relevance of these sites. 
  • Opt for a Danube River sightseeing cruise: A few Big Bus and City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus tours include a sightseeing cruise along the Danube. A majority of these bus tours complete their last lap around 6pm. Book an evening cruise to see illuminated landmarks and appreciate the city in all its nightly glory. 



Book Budapest hop-on-hop-off bus tours

Big Bus: Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Danube Cruise
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€34.20
City Sightseeing: Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Danube River Cruise
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Combo (Save 10%): Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Szechenyi Spa Full-Day Tickets with Locker
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Combo: Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Danube River Cruise
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Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
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from
€34.20

Frequently asked questions about Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours

What’s included in Budapest’s hop-on-hop-off tour?

Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours include multilingual audio guides in over 16 languages and free Wi-Fi. Bring headphones and enjoy learning about the historical landmarks as you pass them by. Depending on the kind of tickets you choose, you can also go on a Danube sightseeing cruise, and enjoy round-trip transfers from the Budapest Airport to the Keleti railway station.

How to book Budapest hop-on-hop-off tours?

We recommend booking Budapest hop-on-hop-off bus tours online to ensure a hassle-free sightseeing experience. With online ticket bookings, you can secure your spot in advance. Booking online also allows you to browse different tour options, compare routes, and choose the one that best suits your interests and time constraints.

How many times can I hop on and hop off?

With Budapest hop-on-hop-off bus tours, you can step off and board the buses as many times as you want. These buses run frequently, every 10 to 20 minutes. You can hop off, explore at your own pace, and hop on the next bus on the same route.

Are there places to eat near the Budapest bus stops?

Budapest is a foodie’s paradise, offering cuisines from around the world. You will find restaurants and pubs near every hop-on-hop-off bus stop. Around Castle District, you can stop by the LANG Bistro & Grill, Corvin Gastropub, and Spiler Biergarten. Bamba Marha Burger Park and Olive Sushi Restaurant are popular near Astoria. If you are around Andrassy Avenue, Retro Langos Restaurant and Ape Regina are must-try options. 

Do the buses offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, all Budapest hop-on-hop-off buses offer free Wi-Fi to download the multilingual guides available on board. These guides are translated into over 16 languages for your convenience.

Are hop-on-hop-off tours ideal for first-timers?

Budapest hop-on-hop-off bus tours are perfect for those traveling to the city for the first time. Unlike rigid itineraries, these buses offer you to flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can hop on and hop off at designated stops and spend as much time as you want at any attraction.