Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Budapest Bus Tours: Prices, Maps & FAQs
By 🇭🇺🚌Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is a tale of two cities — Buda (historic, hilly) and Pest (flat, vibrant) — divided by the Danube River. A Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour is an ideal way to explore major landmarks like the Parliament, Buda Castle, Heroes’ Square, and Gellért Hill, while enjoying panoramic views of the city’s iconic bridges and architecture.
Here’s your complete guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Budapest Bus Tours, including prices, routes/maps, and helpful FAQs:
🏰 Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Budapest Bus Tours
1. Big Bus Budapest – Official HOHO Tour
- Price:
- ~€34 (Classic – 1-day)
- ~€39 (Premium – 2-day + river cruise)
- ~€47 (Deluxe – 3-day + cruise + night tour)
- Routes:
- Red Route (city highlights)
- River Cruise (Danube)
- Night Tour (non-hop-off)
- Map: 📍 Big Bus Budapest Map
- Best For: Travelers who want a premium sightseeing package
2. City Sightseeing Budapest – Red HOHO Bus
- Price:
- ~€30 (24-hour ticket)
- ~€35 (48-hour ticket + river cruise)
- Route: Parliament ➔ Andrássy ➔ Heroes’ Square ➔ Citadel ➔ Buda Castle
- Includes: 19+ stops, multilingual audio, and optional walking tour
- Best For: Travelers looking for value + flexibility
3. GetYourGuide Budapest HOHO Bus Pass
- Price: ~€30
- Includes: Bus ticket + optional upgrades (boat ride, walking tour)
- Best For: Mobile booking & flexibility 📱
4. Tiqets HOHO Budapest Ticket
- Price: ~€30
- Route: Same as City Sightseeing or Big Bus (depending on provider)
- Best For: Last-minute planning
5. HOHO + Danube River Cruise Combo
- Price: ~€35–€39
- Includes: HOHO bus + 60-minute Danube boat ride past Parliament and bridges 🚤
- Best For: Iconic cityscape views
6. HOHO + Night Tour (Non-Hop-Off)
- Price: ~€15–€20 (or included in deluxe tickets)
- Route: Parliament ➔ Citadel ➔ Buda Castle ➔ Chain Bridge (illuminated) ✨
- Best For: Evening panoramas and romantic views
7. HOHO + Gellért Hill & Citadel Stop
- Price: Included in all standard tickets
- Perks: Stop at the panoramic hilltop above the Danube 🌄
- Best For: Photographers
8. HOHO + Heroes’ Square & City Park Extension
- Price: Standard
- Includes: Stops at Széchenyi Baths, Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts 🛁
- Best For: Families and spa-goers
9. HOHO + Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
- Price: ~€40 (combo)
- Includes: Bus + guided visit to synagogues and Jewish history sites ✡️
- Best For: Culture lovers
10. Private HOHO-Style Budapest Tour (Minivan or Tuk-Tuk)
- Price: ~€100–€200 for 2–4 people
- Includes: Customizable itinerary with a local guide
- Best For: VIP travelers or those on a tight schedule
🗺️ Key Hop-On Hop-Off Stops in Budapest
| Stop | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Parliament | Iconic riverside building, Liberty Square 🏛️ |
| St. Stephen’s Basilica | Grand cathedral and square 🕍 |
| Andrássy Avenue | Opera House, designer shops 🛍️ |
| Heroes’ Square | City Park, Vajdahunyad Castle, Széchenyi Baths 🏞️ |
| Buda Castle District | Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, Castle Hill 🏰 |
| Gellért Hill / Citadel | Highest city viewpoint, Liberty Statue 🌄 |
| Chain Bridge / Danube Embankment | Great views & boat access 🌉 |
| Great Market Hall | Local food, paprika, souvenirs 🛒 |
❓ FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off Budapest
✅ Is a HOHO bus worth it in Budapest?
Yes.
HOHO buses are ideal for exploring both Buda (hilltop) and Pest (downtown) without constant uphill walking — especially helpful for cruise passengers, families, or short stays.
🕒 How long is the full loop?
- City Loop (Red Route): ~90 minutes
- Buses every: ~15–30 minutes (season-dependent)
📍 Where do HOHO buses start?
- Main stops:
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Erzsébet Square
- Parliament / Chain Bridge
- You can board at any marked stop
🗣️ Is there audio commentary?
Yes!
- Available in 16+ languages, including English, Hungarian, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, Russian, and more 🎧
📱 Are mobile tickets accepted?
Yes.
Most HOHO providers accept QR code tickets via smartphone.
🕘 When do buses operate?
- Daily, year-round
- First buses: ~9:00 AM
- Last full loop: ~5:30–6:30 PM (longer in summer)
♿ Are HOHO buses in Budapest wheelchair accessible?
Yes — most newer buses are wheelchair accessible on the lower deck. Always double-check if needed.
Would you like a custom HOHO sightseeing plan for Budapest — mixing castles 🏰, thermal baths 🛁, ruin bars 🍷, and riverside sunsets 🌇?
Or I can build you a Google Map with all stops, top cafés, and shortcut walks — just say the word! 🚍✨
