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Your ideal pass: Which Hop-on Hop-off operator to choose in Prague?

Looking to explore Prague at your own pace? Hop-on Hop-off tours are a fantastic way to discover the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and iconic landmarks with total flexibility! With popular providers like City Sightseeing, Tourist Tram and Big Bus, you can easily access top sights such as Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and more. Each tour offers its own unique features, making it important to find the one that suits your travel style best. Not sure which tour to go with? Let’s break down your options and help you pick the perfect way to see the Golden City!

Is a Prague Hop-on Hop-off tour right for you?

Exploring your own: For solo and first-time travelers, hop-on hop-off tours provide a secure, no-pressure way to get familiar with Prague before branching out independently.
Hear Prague’s stories: The multilingual audio guides go beyond dry facts; they share local legends, fun anecdotes, and cultural context that add flavor to every monument and neighborhood you pass.
Discover lesser-known stops: Some routes pass through up-and-coming districts like Vinohrady or Letná, giving you a taste of local life and hidden gems tourists often miss.
Capture iconic views without the crowds: Enjoy elevated views from the bus deck, ideal for snapping unobstructed photos of Charles Bridge, the Vltava River, and Prague Castle, without jostling in busy viewpoints.
Add a Vltava River Cruise: Many tickets include a river cruise, letting you see Prague’s skyline from the water, especially magical around sunset.
Get to hilltop sights easily: Reaching places like Prague Castle or Petřín Hill can be a hike. These tours drop you off nearby, saving time and tired legs.
Weather-proof touring: On a rainy day or in chilly winter, sit comfortably on the covered lower deck and enjoy the ride and commentary without missing a thing.

Comparison of Prague Hop-on Hop-off tour operators: An overview

Categories/Operators

City Sightseeing

Big Bus

Tourist Tram

Ticket validity

24 & 48 hours

24 hours

Vehicle type

Bus

Tram

Perks

Access to Blue and Red routes

Access to Red and Green routes, Blue route (cruise)

Access to Line 42 route, 20% off on any one city tower

Upgrades

60-min Vltava River cruise with pre-recorded commentary

Audio guides

English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Hebrew, Czech, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Arabic, Greek, Turkish, Hungarian, Norwegian, Vietnamese, Slovene & Croatian (on the bus) English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Czech, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Swedish, Arabic & Turkish (on the cruise)

Czech, English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Portuguese, Greek, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Hungarian, Hebrew, Ukrainian, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic & Hindi (on the bus)

Amenities

Free Wi-Fi

Complimentary wired headphones

Routes and stops

2 routes and 17 stops

2 routes and 18 stops

1 route and 20 stops

Frequency

Every 30 to 60 minutes

Every 60 minutes

Every 40 minutes

Full loop

60 mins (Red route), 90 mins (Blue route)

60 mins (Red route), 60 mins (Green route), 60 mins (Blue route)

45 to 60 minutes

Timings

9:30am-5:30pm

9am-5pm

10am-5pm

24-hour ticket price

€30

€33

€32

Prague Hop-on Hop-off tours compared: A detailed look at your experience

While Hop-on Hop-off tours are easily one of the most relaxed and flexible ways to explore Prague, choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming. Each tour operator brings its own route options, features, and extras, from included walking tours to river cruises, so the best pick really depends on your travel priorities, must-see stops, group size, and budget.

To help you cut through the noise and avoid endless scrolling through reviews and comparison charts, we’ve done the homework for you. While all the major Prague Hop-on Hop-off providers offer reliable service, here’s a quick guide to help match your travel style with the tour operator that suits you best:

Budget-friendly: City Sightseeing offers a budget-friendly way to explore the city's key landmarks, with prices often starting under €30 for a 24-hour pass.
Quick exploration: City Sightseeing's fleet of buses departs every 30 to 60 minutes, enabling quick yet comprehensive exploration.
Focus on iconic landmarks: Big Bus’ Red and Green routes primarily focus on covering the city’s grand historical and architectural highlights. City Sightseeing’s Blue route provides direct access to the Vyšehrad Fortress, beyond the city centre.
Vintage Tram: Tourist Tram’s hop-on hop-off historical Tram Line 42 service uses vintage trams (from the Austro-Hungarian era and 1970s) and operates a special route covering major tourist destinations.
River cruise: Big Bus & City Sightseeing both offer a 1-hour panoramic Vltava River cruise upgrade with pre-recorded commentary.
Perks: City Sightseeing offers free Wi-Fi for better connectivity on the bus, while Big Bus makes your ride comfortable with complimentary wired headphones.
Discounts: Your valid Tourist Tram pass grants you 20% off on any of the city towers.
Accessibility: City Sightseeing’s entire bus fleet is wheelchair and pram accessible, while this only applies to Big Bus’ Red Route.
Pets: Big Bus welcomes your pets on-board.
Facilities: The river cruise by Big Bus categorically offers indoor and outdoor seating, heating and air conditioning, and restroom access.

Whichever you choose, a Prague Hop-on Hop-off tour is a smart, stress-free way to experience the city's top attractions, especially if you're short on time or visiting for the first time. Sit back, take in the sights, and explore Prague your way.

Frequently asked questions

Which Prague hop-on hop-off operator offers the best value for money?

If you're looking for affordability with great inclusions, City Sightseeing is ideal; if you prefer comfort, flexibility, and fuller service, Big Bus may be worth the extra spend. Prague’s historic Tourist Tram offers a unique way to see the city at a relaxed pace.

Are Prague hop-on hop-off tours worth it?

With flexible routes, audio commentary, and added perks like river cruises or walking tours, they provide great value and a hassle-free way to see major landmarks like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square at your own pace.

What should I keep in mind when choosing a hop-on hop-off operator in Prague?

Consider key factors such as route coverage, ticket duration, and whether the commentary is available in your preferred language. Also, look for added extras, check bus frequency, and operational hours, and make sure the ticket aligns with your itinerary and sightseeing goals.

Are there any additional inclusions or benefits to choosing Prague hop-on hop-off tours?

Depending on the operator, you can access complimentary Vltava River cruises, guided walking tours, discounts at local attractions, or free maps and city guides. These extras enhance your experience and save both time and money while exploring the city.

How are hop-on hop-off tours different from other city tours?

Traditional city tours follow a fixed schedule without stops. If you value flexibility and want to visit multiple attractions, hop-on hop-off tours are ideal. For a structured overview, guided or panoramic tours are a better fit. Your choice depends on your time, interests, and travel style.

What’s special about the Tram Tour?

Tourist Tram offers a charming, nostalgic ride through the historic heart of Prague on traditional trams. These tours run on set routes with fewer stops and are best for a scenic overview of old town areas. It's ideal for those who want a shorter, more relaxed experience.

What is the usual ticket validity for Prague’s hop-on hop-off tours?

Both City Sightseeing & Big Bus offer 24 & 48-hour ticket options, while Tourist Tram has a 24-hour pass. From the point of activation, you are required to use your ticket on back-to-back days.