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Hop on hop off bus VS Batobus in Paris?

Posted by on

I asked this question on TripAdvisor and the consensus was that I should do neither... but my kids would really like to do one or the other. So I'm asking you wise folks instead. My family (two adults, kids ages 9, 12, and 15) will be in Paris at the end of next week. In addition to the day we arrive (early morning from the U.S.), we have two full days in the city. I am debating whether to use a HOHO bus or the Batobus for a preview of sites on one of those days (or maybe two, since the 2-day pass is not much more expensive for either company). I thought we'd spend some of our fist jet lagged day on the bus/boat just sitting and enjoying the sites, and not do as much hopping off and on as we might on the second day.

I think the only off-the-river sites covered by the bus routes that my kids would be very interested in (and that are not reached by the Batobus) are the Arc de Triomphe and Sacre Coeur. On the other hand, the Batobus goes to the Jardin des Plantes, which I think they would enjoy when they're ready to get off and walk around.

Batobus is quite a bit less expensive than the HOHO busses. (around $150 for 2-day passes for five of us on the bus, just $78 for the boat.)

Which of the two would you choose? My husband and I have been to Paris before, but this is the kids' first trip. Thank you for your advice!

Posted by
894 posts

We used the Batobus as a water taxi, which might be especially beneficial under your trip conditions. With younger travelers, a break in the tourist mode might be a breath of fresh air. If the Louvre, the D'Orsy, the Tour Eiffel are all on your list, traveling by water from one to another is a quieting and beautiful adventure - and, the only traffic is other boats. In fairness, I've never taken a "hop-on" bus in Paris - but my experiences suggest that road traffic is a must to avoid.

Posted by
329 posts

We took the Batobus a few weeks ago and loved it ... even did two complete tours just to enjoy the ride. But then, we love being on the water, anywhere we are. The Batobus is an excellent way to see the sights. And you're right, your kids will enjoy the Jardin des Plantes.

I've taken a HOHO bus only once, and that was in Edinburgh with friends. In general my husband and I avoid HOHO buses but that's just our personal preference (we prefer public transport).

Posted by
8972 posts

rubisca11, we took the HOHO bus on our first day in Paris in July. As a bus ride around the city where you get oriented and see where the sites are, it is Ok although subject to long traffic delays. But if you got off, you wont have time to actually visit any of the sites. We got off at one sight, and just walked around the in front to take some photos, and then spent 45 minutes waiting for the next bus to show up. Two went by because they were standing room full. Inside seats are not any more charming than a city bus. The prerecorded narration was pretty basic. Some of the sights you see are pretty much big old buildings (to kids) and streets, not much excitement.

That was our experience and conclusion. Good way to get oriented, but not for touring around transportation.

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