Open top bus

[grunblack]

Hi all,

I did a search but couldn't find any comments (I'm sure there are some hidden somewhere) so I thought a new thread was the way to go.

We are in Paris in September for 6 days and I have heard that the open top buses are a good way to get around to a lot of the main attractions. Has anyone had any experience with these or any thoughts they'd like to share?

(a bit touristy I know, but at the end of the day it's our first trip and we really want to start with some of the obvious spots and then a day or two of just wandering)

Thanks,
Natalie

[holger]

Did not use the open topped buses but did get a two day pass for the zbotobus and loved it. The first day we took the bus the full circle then back so our friend could do the Eiffel Tower. The second day we used it again and got off at stops, walked around and then got back on. It was cool and comfortable and we enjoyed the slow pace and the views from the river and along it.

[Truffaut]

I think the open buses are an excellent way to get oriented to the city. Yes, they are touristy, but you're tourists

You can get on and off, or you can just choose to ride the full circuit and then go back to see the things that really interest you. There's also an advantage to the tours because of the guides. If you happen to get a good one (purely, luck of the draw), it can make your experience much more interesting.

[dep0515]

Hi Natalie,
I can't speak from experience yet, but when I go in October, I plan to get a combo pass for the hop on - hop off bus and boat. I found it on this website: www.pariscityrama.com, which was a website recommended by Gitte. The price seems reasonable and gives you options on getting around. I don't know if this is the open top bus, but it's another option for you to check out.

I hope you have a wonderful time!

[Truffaut]

You can buy tickets on each bus at any stop. You can also buy tickets at the main office at 13, rue Auber, just beside the Palais Garnier. There are four different tours, with the Paris Grand Tour hitting all the biggest sites. The other tours are shorter, lasting about an hour. You can get a 2-day pass, which would allow plenty of time to do all four tours for 28 euros. The one day passes are around 18, I think.

[Shoesy]

During my first trip to Paris in 2004 I used the hop on and off buses as a means of transportation for my first 2 days. My hubby was at a show and I was on my own, so I thought it was a good way to begin to get acquainted with Paris. After those 2 days I was "brave" enough to try the metro myself, and then I discovered how easy it was and how fast I could get around. But I really enjoyed my first days on the bus because I was able to actually see the city as I was riding around.

[grunblack]

Thanks for the help everyone, I'll check out that combo bus/boat website

[joan1]

I have used the hop on and off bus, it was my sons ( 14 yr old) first trip to Paris and we thought it would be fun for him, and it was. The view from the top is very nice,, and when tired you can hop on, pull some snacks from your bag and picnic as you tour the route..
It is also worth mentioning that there are two of these companies.. Le Cars Rouge is one ( red buses) and L'Open Tour ( buses are yellow and green) . I used the L'Open tour as I had read they had more routes and more stops..
Just buy ticket anywhere you board the bus. The bus stop signs are easy to see, ,, as they are also green and yellow,, they are often right beside regular bus stops as they are also run or sponsored by the city I believe.
A two pass is only 2 or 3 euros more then a one day pass.

[mez]

I love theses buses! As Truffaut said, we are tourists, so why not?

If I go to a city that has hop-on hop-off buses I always go one them. In fact, when I'm in London I plan to jump on again - even though it's only been 2 years since I last saw the sights

Mez

[mtngrl]

We just got back from our trip the other day, and we did the L'Open Tour bus our first night. My mom had not been to Paris, so thought it would be a good way to relax and show her the highlights.

Well, we got on the bus at the stop closest to our hotel, rode it for a while til she spotted a creperie. Got off, ate, wandered, then waited for it at the Louvre. That is where it became comical. For some reason the bus was running late. Locals were telling us it should have arrived, etc, and just as we were about to give up, it arrived. This was around 7:30 at night.

As soon as we got on, the rain began to dump. So everyone on the top level came down for shelter, and we were getting on, so of course there were no seats and everyone was packed in like sardines. We didn't care, just figured we would ride it back to the stop near our hotel. Nope. At precisely 8pm the bus stopped, and made everyone get off. Apparently the bus stops running at 8pm, regardless of where it is, lol! Locals on the bus told us that was normal. So we got let off, in the pouring rain, after being awake for 2 full days, and of course my mom needed the bathroom. We got her taken care of, found a cab and arrived soaked back at our hotel.

I am not posting this to detour you at all, but just be aware of the time in the evening if you take the bus then.

We laughed about this our entire trip. Probably one of those odd things we will remember for years, lol!

[Shoesy]

I've just exalted you for remaining in a good mood after getting dumped in the rain. That's the spirit! ;D