Potsdam Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

What is a Hop-on Hop-off tour?

A Hop-on Hop-off tour in Potsdam by City Sightseeing is the easiest way to explore the city’s historic gems without worrying about directions or transport. With a scenic route covering 15 iconic spots like Sanssouci Palace, Cecilienhof, and the Dutch Quarter, you’re free to hop off where curiosity strikes and hop back on when you’re done exploring. Buses run every 60 minutes, and audio commentary in multiple languages adds rich context about Potsdam’s Prussian grandeur and royal heritage. It’s a flexible, fun way to experience the best of Potsdam at your own rhythm!

Why choose Hop-on Hop-off Potsdam

Access to Potsdam’s biggest attractions

From the grandeur of Sanssouci Palace to the charming cobblestones of the Dutch Quarter, the tour stops right at the gates of the city's most iconic landmarks.

Explore at a pace that suits you

Want to linger longer in the Palace Gardens or grab coffee in the Old Town? Go for it. Your seat on the red double-decker will be waiting when you're ready to roll again.

Multilingual audio commentary

The onboard audio guide is packed with fascinating stories about Prussian kings, royal intrigue, WWII history, and baroque architecture, making the journey feel like a podcast on wheels.

Perfect for first-timers and short visits

If you’ve only got a day or two in Potsdam, this tour gives you maximum sightseeing in minimum time. With carefully curated stops, you won’t miss a thing, even if you never leave the bus!

Hop-on Hop-off buses are a great choice for

History lovers

Potsdam is drenched in Prussian history, and the tour hits all the landmarks like Sanssouci Palace, Cecilienhof, and the New Palace. If you’re someone who gets giddy over history, this tour is your rolling history lesson.

Time-crunched day-trippers from Berlin

Only have a few hours to explore Potsdam? With Berlin just 45 minutes away, you can breeze through the city’s greatest hits without wasting time on public transport or map-checking.

Families with seniors

If slow-paced exploration with comfy seats and easy access is your style, the bus lets you take in scenic parks, baroque streets, and lakeside views without walking for hours; perfect for older visitors.

Architecture & design lovers

Potsdam is a feast of styles: Prussian palaces, rococo façades, Dutch brickwork, and even Russian village vibes in Alexandrowka. The bus tour strings these visual treats together perfectly!

Discovering Potsdam with City Sightseeing tours

On the City Sightseeing Potsdam red route, you’ll glide past regal palaces, leafy boulevards, and postcard-perfect streets. Expect grand Prussian architecture at Sanssouci and Neues Palais, pastel-hued Dutch façades in the Holländisches Viertel, cobbled alleys near Alexandrowka’s wooden houses, lakeside views by Glienicker Brücke, baroque courtyards, garden cafés, and artful facades like Museum Barberini’s neoclassical charm.

Red route

  • Ideal for: The red route is perfect for history buffs, first-time visitors, and relaxed wanderers craving royal palaces, scenic streets, and culture-rich sights.
  • Popular stops: Marmorpalais, Cecilienhof, Alexandrowka
  • Timings: 
    - First bus: 10:25am from stop #1 ab Luisenplatz
    - Last bus: 3:25pm from stop #1 ab Luisenplatz
  • Frequency: Every 60 mins
  • Stops: 15
  • Full loop duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to book Hop-on Hop-off tickets

Step 1: Choose your route

Each tour follows a unique route. Review the routes and stops and pick the tour that covers your must-see attractions.

Step 2: Book your tickets

Purchase your Hop-on Hop-off tickets easily using PayPal, credit/debit card, or iDEAL.

Step 3: Check your email

Receive your ticket voucher instantly in your inbox. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder.

Step 4: Download the operator’s app

Track the bus in real-time, plan your journey, and explore routes with an interactive map.

Step 5: Hop-on & explore!

Head to any designated stop, show your mobile voucher to the driver or staff, and start your adventure!

Tips to make the best of your Hop-on Hop-off Potsdam tour

  • Start your day early to make the most of Potsdam’s attractions, as there’s plenty of walking and some sites can close by late afternoon.
  • Use the Hop-on Hop-off bus to cover the city’s spread-out highlights efficiently, especially if you’re short on time or want to avoid long walks.
  • Begin your sightseeing at Potsdam Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), which is a convenient starting point for both the bus tour and exploring the city center on foot.
  • Prioritize Sanssouci Palace and Park for their UNESCO World Heritage status and allow at least 2–3 hours to enjoy the gardens and palaces.
  • Don’t miss Neues Palais, the largest palace in Sanssouci Park, and consider walking through the park from there to catch more sights at your own pace.
  • If you love gardens, spend time on Freundschaftsinsel (Friendship Island), a tranquil spot near the city center with beautiful landscaping.
  • Consider a side trip to Park Babelsberg for stunning views of the Havel River and another impressive palace, especially if you have extra time.
  • Buses run on a loop with 15 stops. Check the timetable to avoid long waits, especially in the late afternoon when service winds down.
  • Walking between major sites like Sanssouci, Neues Palais, and the city center is scenic but can be lengthy. So, plan your route to minimize backtracking.
  • Bring water and snacks, as options inside the parks and palaces can be limited or pricey.
  • Some attractions may be closed on Mondays. So, always check opening hours for palaces and museums in advance.
  • If you’re coming from Berlin, trains to Potsdam are frequent and take only about 30–40 minutes, making it an easy day trip.

FAQ's: Hop-on Hop-off Potsdam tour

How often do the Hop-on Hop-off buses run in Potsdam?

Potsdam Hop-on Hop-off buses generally run every 60 minutes during the day

Where does the Potsdam Hop-on Hop-off tour start, and can I board at any stop?

The first departure point is ab Luisenplatz, but you can board at any of the 15 designated stops along the route.

What are the main attractions covered by the Potsdam bus tour?

Key stops include Sanssouci Palace, Neues Palais, Cecilienhof Palace, the Dutch Quarter, Russian Colony Alexandrowka, and Glienicke Bridge.

Is the City Sightseeing Postdam tour suitable for families with children or older travelers?

Yes, the tour is ideal for families and older visitors due to the convenience and comfort.

How do I redeem my ticket?

You can redeem your ticket at the location provided in your email confirmation. Mobile vouchers are accepted, just show them on your phone at any stop. 

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the buses are stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to choose a date for my City Sightseeing Potsdam tour? How long is the pass valid?

Yes, you need to choose the date of your Potsdam bus tour while booking. You can book passes that are valid for 1 day.

How long does a full circuit of the Postdam bus tour take if I don’t hop off?

A complete loop lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, giving a comprehensive overview of the city’s highlights.

Can I cancel/change the date of my Potsdam bus tour?

Yes, tickets are fully flexible and can be changed at no extra charge, up to 24 hours before your tour date.

Are audio guides available on the Hop-on Hop-off Potsdam tour?

Yes, audio commentary is available onboard the Potsdam Hop-on Hop-off tour.

Do I need to print my ticket, or can I show it on my phone?

You can show your voucher on your smartphone, but printed copies are also accepted.