big bus tours of paris

THE 10 BEST Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop-on hop-off tours in paris.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Literary, Art & Music Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

2. Paris Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

3. Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour + Self-guided walking tour

4. Paris Tootbus Must See Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Seine River Cruise

5. Big Bus Paris Hop-On-Hop With Eiffel Tower 2 Access with cruise

6. Guided Boat Cruise on Paris Seine, Optional Eiffel Tower Dinner

7. Paris Tootbus Discovery Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

8. Paris Boat River Seine Cruise Sightseeing TICKETS

9. Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off and River Cruise

10. Eiffel Tower Summit Entry with Big Bus and Seine River Cruise

11. Pantheon, Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour

12. 14-day Taste of Europe Tour: France, Italy, Monaco,Switzerland,Germany and more.

13. Arc de Triomphe Self-Guided Ticket & Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off

14. Paris Bus Sightseeing Tour from Disneyland Paris

15. Paris Boat Cruise River Seine Sightseeing TICKETS

16. Eiffel Tower Access with Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour and River Cruise

17. Paris Tootbus Discovery by Day and by Night Routes

18. Eiffel Tower Skip the Line 2nd Floor Access with Big Bus and Seine River Cruise

19. Eiffel Tower Elevator Guided Tour and Paris City Bus Tour

20. Paris Capital of the Games Tootbus Discovery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

21. 7-Day Taste of Central Europe from Paris: Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France

22. Seine River Boat Sightseeing tickets with Audioguide

23. Private Tour of the Verdun 1916 battlefields from PARIS

What travelers are saying.

• Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise
• Paris Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise
• Paris Tootbus Discovery Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour + Self-guided walking tour
• Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off and River Cruise
• Paris A 15H15
• La Petite Frenchie
• Gemma Pell private rickshaw tours
• Douce France Visites
• Binge Tours Paris
• Big Bus Paris
• Tootbus Paris
• Les Canards de Paris

Hop On Hop off Paris Bus Tours

Big Bus: 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour of Paris with Optional Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Plan your itinerary in Paris with this unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour and choose between Discover, Essential, or Explore passes.
• All 3 passes give you access to buses scheduled every 7 to 15 mins, 1 route with 10 stops located near the most iconic attractions in the City of Light.
• The cherry on top with the Essential and Explore HOHO Pass? Get additional access to a 1-hour Seine River cruise!
• Get to know more about the locations you pass by through multilingual recorded commentary available onboard.
• The most popular stops on your route include the Champs-Elysées, Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame.
• 24 or 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• Recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian & Portuguese
• Single-use headsets
• 1-hour Seine River cruise (optional)
• Entry tickets to attractions

Classic Red Route

• First bus: 9:45am from stop #1 (Louvre-Pyramide)
• Last bus: 5:30pm from stop #1 (Louvre-Pyramide)
• Frequency: Every 7 to 15 mins
• Popular stops: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame

Please click here for a detailed Red Route map and its boarding points.

• Tip: Opted for Seine River cruise? Be prepared to capture pictures with stunning backdrops as the route is dotted with beautiful bridges.
• Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, Pre-recorded Audio Commentary, Single-use Headsets. Wheelchair Accessibility.
• These tickets are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.

Tootbus: 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Paris

• Explore the best of Paris at your own pace, with this unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass.
• Get access to the Blue Route and 10 stops around the City of Lights with your 24/48/72-hour HOHO pass.
• What's more? Your tickets also include 3 themed audio-guided walking tours to learn about the sites around the city.
• Join the Olympic Games fun from Jun 3 to Sep 8 on the special route that guides you through all the iconic game sites.
• The eco-friendly open-top bus will give you the best views of popular stops like Opera Garnier, Notre Dame, and Louvre Museum.
• 24/48/72-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass
• Audio guide available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Brazilian, Arabic, Russian, Chinese & Japanese
• Kids audio guide in English & French
• Complimentary walking tours
• Free earphones made from recyclable materials
• Olympic Games route from Jun 3 to Sep 8 (optional)
• Access to 7 themed walking tours (optional)

Nov 7 to Mar 31

• First bus: 9:30am from stop #1 (Printemps / Galerie Lafayette)
• Last bus: 5pm from stop #1 (Printemps / Galerie Lafayette)
• Frequency: every 15mins
• Popular stops: Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Eiffel Tower

Apr 1 to Oct 31

• First bus: 9:30am from stop #1 (Printemps/Galerie Lafayette)
• Last bus: 6:30pm from stop #1 (Printemps/Galerie Lafayette)
• Frequency: every 10mins

Capital of the Games: Purple route (Jun 3 to Sep 8)

• Popular stops: Montmartre, Moulin Rouge, Arc De Triomphe

Please click here for detailed HOHO route maps and boarding points.

• Tip: While in Paris, attend An Eerie Concert at Sainte Chapelle at Night for an experience of a lifetime.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Your pets and guide dogs are welcome on the buses. Small dogs and other pets must be seated on your lap.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they aren't entitled to their own seat.
• You can use your tickets on any day before the tour date. However, just keep in mind that they cannot be redeemed if the first day of travel has already passed.

Tootbus: 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Paris with Seine River Cruise

• Discover the charm of Paris at your own pace with a 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off pass ensuring you don't miss a single spectacle the city has to offer.
• Multiple stops and frequent buses arriving every 10-15 mins make this ticket offer the flexibility to embark and disembark as you please.
• Want to discover more? Set sail along the Seine River on a cruise from the Eiffel Tower, offering an unparalleled view of Parisian landmarks.
• Benefit from amenities on the eco-friendly open top-deck buses, including multilingual audio guides and insightful live commentary on the cruise.
• A few popular stops along the way are the Eiffel Tower, Opera Garnier, Notre Dame and more.
• 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off pass
• Kids' audio guide in English and French
• 1-hour Seine River cruise
• Live commentary in English and French (on the cruise)
• Live guide on the bus
• Last bus: 6:30pm from stop #1 (Printemps / Galerie Lafayette)

Seine River cruise

• First cruise: 10:30am from Eiffel Tower
• Last cruise: 6pm from Eiffel Tower
• Frequency: 30 mins

Please click here for detailed cruise route map.

• Tip: Hop off at the Notre Dame stop and take a stroll through the charming streets of the Latin Quarter, known for its bohemian vibe.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses. Pets are allowed only if they are placed in small boxes.
• The Seine River cruise pier is located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on the riverside, very close to stop #9.

Big Bus: Paris Panoramic Night Bus Tour

• See Paris under its enchanting night lights aboard this 2-hour non-stop night tour around the City of Lights.
• This pass gives you front-row access to the city’s landmarks illuminated in the evening.
• Learn more about the locations you pass through, with the pre-recorded commentary available in 6 languages.
• Be connected throughout your journey via the free Wi-Fi available onboard and post a selfie or two.
• Some of the popular locations on your route include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Montmartre.
• 2-hour bus tour of Paris
• Recorded commentary English, French, German, Spanish, Italian & Portuguese
• Free mobile app for live updates
• Tour guide (subject to availability)
• Hotel transfers
• First bus: 8:15pm from stop 5 (156 Avenue des Champs-Elysées)
• Frequency: once a day
• Duration: 2 hours
• Tip: Start your nightlife experience in Paris by heading to Montmartre for breathtaking sunset views.
• Facilities: Wheelchair accessibility, Pram/stroller accessibility, Free Wi-Fi.
• Please note that this night tour is a non-stop tour and not a hop-on hop-off tour.

Tootbus: Night Bus Tour of Paris

• Set off at dusk to witness the magical Paris bathed in the shimmering lights in the evening from the open-top deck of your bus.
• The single route takes you through the city's most iconic spots for 2 hours.
• Plug into your earphones and hear engaging stories about the city of love with the multilingual audio guide for adults and children.
• Get ready to make a splash during the Olympic Games with a special route, soaking in the city views and indulging in exclusive macaron created for the games.
• Famous spots on your bus tour route include Opera, Concorde, Champs Elysées, and more.
• Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German & Italian
• Olympic Games route (Jun 3 to Sep 8)
• Special macaron by Ladurée

Yellow route

• First bus: 8pm from Louvre stop, Place du Carrousel du Louvre
• First bus: 9pm from Louvre stop, Place du Carrousel du Louvre

Nov 1 to 20

• First bus: 6pm from Louvre stop, Place du Carrousel du Louvre

A Taste of the Games: Purple route (Jun 3 to Sep 8)

Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.

Please click here for A Taste of the Games: Purple route's detailed route map and boarding points.

• Tip: If you’re into French wines, make time to visit a ‘hidden’ vineyard in the heart of Paris, known as Clos Montmartre, right behind the Sacré-Coeur basilica.
• Ramps and elevators are available on the buses for easy access.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free if they are seated on an accompanying adult’s lap.
• The night tour is closed from Nov 21 to Jan 2 and is replaced by a Christmas tour.

Big Bus: 24/48-Hour Paris Hop-on Hop-off Tour and Pantheon Entry Tickets

• Get unlimited rides with just one ticket! Make sightseeing flexible and fuss-free onboard the iconic double-decker bus with 24 or 48-hour passes.
• Make the most of your time and money! Hop on to buses available every 7-15 minutes and travel across the city to see its crowned gems.
• Bypass entry lines of the Pantheon and easily access popular stops like the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and more.
• Sail the Seine River with the 48-hour pass. Get drunk on Parisian vibes, sway with the lull waves, and see iconic landmarks in a new light.
• Enjoy panoramic views and learn little secrets tucked in the nooks of the city with multilingual audio guides onboard the comfy open-top bus.
• 24/48Hr hop-on hop-off pass
• Multilingual audio guide (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean or Mandarin Chinese)
• Free headsets
• Skip the line entry to Pantheon
• 1-Hour Seine River cruise (optional)
• Entry to attractions
• First bus from Classic route: 9:45 am from Eiffel Tower
• Last bus from Classic route: 6:40 pm from Trocadéro
• Frequency: approx every 7 to 15 minutes
• Popular Stops: Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, Notre Dame, Champs-Elysées, Trocadéro

Please click here for boarding point details of Classic Red Route.

Seine River Cruise

• First cruise: 10:30 am at Pontoon No. 3, Port de la Bourdonnais (near Eiffel Tower stop)
• Last cruise: 9:00 pm
• Frequency: Every 45 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends
• Tip: While in the Trocadéro area, visit the local food market for some authentic French cheese and wine.
• Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography is a no-go inside the venue. You can click photos without flash to your heart’s content.
• Lower decks of Big Buses are suitable for prams/strollers and wheelchair users.
• Your guide dogs are welcome in the buses.
• Due to roadworks, stop #9 (Champ de Mars) remains closed.

Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Paris the capital of France, is renowned for its world-class art, and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a shopaholic, the "City of Lights" has something for everyone. Key attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Champs-Élysées, and the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais.

A great way to experience Paris and make the most of your holiday in are  Hop On Hop Off Buses . These bus tours offer the opportunity to visit all important landmarks at your own leisure. It’s as simple as it sounds; you can hop on a bus, travel to any of the attractions in the city, and then hop right off, with no strings attached. Read on to learn more about.

Why Choose Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours?

• Visit Top Landmarks:  See all that Paris has to offer without the hassle of tedious booking schedules.
• Easy and Convenient:  Just hop in on any of the buses and enjoy the tour as it takes you through all the major attractions. You can also choose to get down at any spot you want to explore. 
• Save Money:  Traveling around Paris can be quite expensive, as entrance fees and cab expenses add up But, with a Paris Hop On Hop Off bus tour you’re covered for transportation across the city.
• Unique Features:  Features like complimentary multilingual audio guides to keep you informed about the history and significance of each of the attractions, free WiFi, and discounted entry to certain attractions are added advantages.

Please check your tickets for more information on the special features and inclusions.

Paris Hop On Hop Off Routes & Timings

The Big Bus buses operate on one route with 10 stops at the city’s must-see sights across 10 stops. These include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, Trocadéro, Grand Palais, Opéra Garnier, the Champs-Elysées, and much more.

15+ attractions covered

Tootbus Paris has one route that will give you an overview of the city including highlights like the Louvre Museum, Sainte-Chapelle, Orsay Museum, Concorde, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Grand Palais, and many more.

20+ attractions covered

Batobus is a riverboat shuttle service on the Seine river. There are six boats running throughout the year that stop at landmarks around Central Paris, like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Invalides, Orsay Museum, and more.

9 stops covered

Your Paris Hop On Hop Off Tour Highlights

Opera Garnier

The Opéra Garnier is an opera house in Paris. Visit and see its Grand Foyer and Grand Staircase.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world with hundreds of famous paintings, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

This medieval Gothic cathedral dates back to the 1100s and remains one of Paris’ most celebrated landmarks.

Orsay Museum

The Musée d'Orsay features collections of Impressionist Art in the world, including work by Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and Monet.

Sainte Chapelle

First built in the 13th Century to house religious and cultural relics., don't miss this architectural marvel's stunning stained glass windows.

Champs-Elysées

This 2-kilometer-long avenue is lined with monuments, including the Arc de Triomphe, and many exclusive luxury brand outlets.

Paris Aquarium

The Aquarium de Paris is one of the oldest in the world and is known for its collection of jellyfish, shark basin, and Seine River Aquarium.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is known for its various restaurants and vantage points that offer breathtaking views of Paris.

Les Invalides is a complex of monuments and museums relating to the military history of France, including the Paris Army Museum.

Hop on, hop off, and hear what others think!

Frequently asked questions about paris hop on hop off bus tours.

Yes, you can get on the bus tour at any stop.

When you go to the stop locations along the tour, you will find signs for the relevant bus operator and route.

Yes, they are child friendly.

Yes, the tours are suitable for senior citizens.

No, pets and other animals are not permitted on the buses.

Yes, they are accessibility-friendly for wheelchair users.

While there are no restrooms or food available on the bus, you can use the facilities available at any of the attractions you stop at.

No, any luggage larger than a backpack is not allowed on the buses.

No, the hop-on hop-off buses do not offer hotel pickups or drop offs.

Review: The Big Bus Tour in New York City

I absolutely loved the Big Bus Tour in New York City. It’s the best way to go sightseeing in an open-top, hop-on hop-off, top-rated tour and explore the best New York attractions !

If this is your first-time visiting New York and you want to see all the top landmarks, this double-decker tour bus will take you there.

The Big Bus Tour in New York

You may be wondering if a hop-on hop-off bus is worth it. Absolutely, yes!

If you consider the time and money spent on transportation costs, waiting for buses, navigating the subway (which can be confusing for visitors), and getting from one point of interest to another, it is worth every dollar!

I had a great visit to New York City on Big Bus Tour. My goal was to show the city to some friends from Italy who were visiting the US for the first time.

Since we only had about two days to spend together, the hop-on hop-off was undoubtedly the best decision.

From our experience, we’ll answer commonly asked questions about the Hop-on Hop-off bus while visiting New York City.

Google Reviews

Why take the big bus tour in new york.

While seeing New York from the open-top deck of the double-decker bus, the city unfolded block by block with panoramic views from every angle.

As we traveled through the streets, the sights were unobstructed and new visual backdrops were revealed.

The towering skyscrapers and colorful billboards filled the air with excitement and as the cityscape continued to change, it gave a grand feeling to the experience.

I especially enjoyed being able to relax from the upper deck of the bus while taking in the energy of city scenes.

Because I also live in a large city, the rhythm felt familiar from the elevated vantage point .

Car horns were honking, crowds traversed through the streets and there was an endless hum of activity.

Best of all, the tour gave me the chance to interact with other travelers who were seeing New York while waiting for the tour to began.

We struck up conversations and exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations during our stay in New York.

How Much is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The regular price of an adult and child ticket is $60.00 and $50.00, respectively. However, you can use the link below for discounted fares.

Get discounts for the Big Bus Tour NYC  here .

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The round-trip New York City Big Bus Tour takes about two hours from start to finish.

The bus is the perfect solution for visitors worldwide because they offer pre-recorded audio narratives and translations in five languages — French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English.

Are There Toilets on the Big Bus

No. Unlike charter buses, you won’t travel long between stops. So the best thing to do is exit at a stop, find a public restroom, see an attraction, if desired, and then catch the next bus.

If you are not sure where to find one, ask a Big Bus guide on the street. The driver may also have some suggestions.

Charter buses come equipped with a bathroom because travel is expected to be for a much longer period.

How Does the Big Bus Tour Work in New York City

The tour offers three options for purchase — 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day.

When you decide the number of days of your tour and purchase your ticket, the clock starts when your ticket is scanned while boarding the bus for the first time.

The ticket is good for 24, 48, or 72 hours. So, if you have a 1-day ticket and board the bus at 11:00 AM on Monday, it can still be used until 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

We found a ton of touring options for sightseeing in New York.

Aside from the extended period, the 2 and 3-day tickets also offer discounted bike rentals.

The buses run every 20 minutes on average. However, the first stop at the M&M store can be a long wait during peak season.

You can exit or board at any of the designated stops as much as you want.

The only exclusion is the one-loop tour Night Tour which is a panoramic non-stop tour.

Where to Catch the Big Bus Tour in New York City

During the tour, the buses only stop at designated stops.

Your ticket is good for as long as the buses operate during the day and it may be used on both the red and blue routes.

When you board, make sure you get a hop-on hop-off New York bus route map!

Big Bus NYC Red Route

The red route sightseeing tour covers lower Manhattan and you’ll see many landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Wall Street, the Chrysler Building, and General Grant’s Tomb.

You can catch a tour at any one of the following bus stops and you can get your tickets in advance of boarding.

1 – M&M’s World – 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&M World & Majestic Deli)

2 – Times Square East – W 42nd St & Broadway (at Knickerbocker Hotel)

3 – Empire State Building / Korea Town – 5th Ave & W 32nd St (at CVS Pharmacy)

4 – Flatiron District – 5th Ave & W 23rd St (at Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop)

5 – SoHo – Broadway and Spring Street (at Nike Store)

6 – Chinatown / Little Italy – 100 Lafayette Street (near the corner at Walker St)

7 – Brooklyn Bridge – Park Row & Beekman St (across from 33 Park Row)

8 – Wall Street / Charging Bull – Broadway & Wall St (Southwest corner near Rector St)

9 – Statue of Liberty / Battery Park – State St and Bridge St (at Subway Entrance)

10 – Circle Line Sightseeing – 12th Ave & 40th St (opposite Pier 81)

11 – Times Square North – 7th Ave & W 50th St (at Majestic Deli)

Big Bus NYC Blue Route

The blue route covers upper Manhattan, and half of the ride is mostly views of Central Park. You can switch to the blue route at red stop #2.

We recommend changing routes at stop #11 (the Majestic Deli) where you can take a break and have a nice lunch.

12 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art – 5th Ave & E 83rd St (near 83rd St)

13 – Central Park Zoo – 5th Ave & E 66th St (opposite 845 5th Ave)

14 – Columbus Circle – Central Park & Columbus Circle (SW corner of Central Park)

Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

The bus has two levels, the upper level offers panoramic views of the city but be careful of overhanging traffic lights and trees. Don’t stand while the bus is in motion.

• After you find a seat, check the audio to confirm it is working.
• Snacks are allowed. Bring a frozen bottle of water and protein bites to keep you energized.
• When on the upper deck, cover up with sunscreen to protect your skin on hot sunny days.
• If you are a family of 3 or more, take seats across from one another so you’ll have views and photos from both sides of the bus.

Tourists were lined up at stop #1 at least an hour before departure and the line extended the entire block and rounded the corner.

We decided to see other points of interest and returned around 11:00 AM.

The wait to board the bus was about 20 minutes. It was a relaxing ride and there we saw so much!

By the time we reached stop #9, we were pumped and ready to exit the bus so that we could explore the city! And you probably will be too.

Here’s the secret sauce that really made the experience memorable. Exit at stop #9 and take a FREE ferry to Staten Island.

To see the Statue of Liberty, stand on the left side of the boat. When returning, stand on the right side.

Traveling on a budget? Read my review of the Westside YMCA Hotel !

Final Thoughts About the Big Bus Tour in New York City

Overall, the tour was a pleasant way to see New York city and when you are on the upper deck, you hardly notice the traffic.

Some other advantages of seeing the city by bus include:

• Avoiding parking hassles. I mean, who actually drives in New York?!
• Photo opportunities. With the open-top or large windows, you have excellent photo opportunities as you pass by iconic landmarks and cityscapes.
• Comprehensive sightseeing of major landmarks and attractions within two hours.
• You can get local recommendations from the guides who operate the bus.

I usually opt for a hop-on hop-off bus when I am short on time or to get my bearings in the city before deciding what to do.

Either way, when you take the tour bus, it doesn’t appear impossible to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Happy Travels!

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case).