Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Prague [2024]: Worthy for sightseeing?

As you check off destinations on your travel bucket list, you might find yourself overwhelmed by what to do in those cities. If you're headed to Prague, you'll know that there are some truly unforgettable things to do there, including several museums. 

How can you make sure that you see everything you want to see and do it in an efficient manner? That's where Hop On Hop Off buses come in handy. 

Curious if the tour in Prague will be right for your travels? Read on to learn about the route they follow, sights they see, prices, and more! 

What is a Hop On Hop Off Tour?

Hop On Hop Off bus tours are found all over the world and allow you to travel by bus through the city, stopping at the must-see landmarks. Every tour has stops where you can hop off, or you can choose to ride the circuit to see it all from up high. 

When you do hop off, you can do some sightseeing and then hop back on when you're ready to continue the route. 

One of the perks of doing a Hop On Hop Off tour as opposed to taking the regular bus is that these tours frequently come with audio commentary. They're available in multiple languages, so you don't need to speak Czech when in Prague, but you'll get to learn about the city and its sights as you travel there! The Hop On Hop Off tours in Prague are run by City Sightseeing. 

If you want to read more about Hop On Hop Off tours in other cities, check out our write-ups on Paris, Berlin, or Budapest!

Image Courtesy: City Sightseeing

How much do Hop on Hop off tickets cost?

Similar to a regular bus, you need to purchase tickets to ride a Hop On Hop Off bus. You can purchase your tickets online through City Sightseeing, and prices start at $18. 

You can purchase a voucher online, but then this must be exchanged for tickets at the ticket kiosk. This is located at Pařížská 1 Staroměstské náměstí, 110 00 Prague 1. Tickets are purchased for a specific date and time, but you can send an email if you'd like to swap the date of your tour. 

Please note that you are required to present a paper copy of your voucher to exchange for a proper ticket. 

Hop On Hop Off Route Prague

City Sightseeing's tours of Prague all follow a similar route. All of their tours will provide you with an open-top bus tour of the city, with the option to hop off at three destinations: Prague Castle, Old Town, and the River. City Sightseeing currently offers four different tour options, depending on how long you want to spend seeing Prague:

Historical Prague and River Cruise

If you're hoping to cruise along the River Vltava while in Prague, this is the perfect tour for you. 

You'll start with an open-top bus tour of the city, allowing you to hop off at the three sights listed above. You'll also be allowed 30 minutes at Prague Castle. Once your route is finished, your bus will take you to the pier, where you'll be able to enjoy a one-hour boat tour, granting you views of the Castle from the river and of Charles Bridge. 

The tour will last a total of two hours, including the Castle stop. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $27 for students with valid ID.

Historical Prague

If you just want to see the sights without getting in the water, this two-hour bus tour will take you to see the famous sights of Prague, including hop-off stops at Prague Castle, Old Town, and the River. You'll spend 90 minutes on board your bus and 30 minutes at the Castle. Tickets cost $27.

Short City Tour

If time is of the essence, City Sightseeing's Short City Tour will take you to all the highlights in one hour, with no hop-off stops. There are no long stops, so you'll see everything from the bus. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $16 for students with valid ID. 

River Cruise

While buses can be a great way to see the city, you can also choose to just partake in the one-hour boat tour along the Vltava. You'll get beautiful panoramic views of the city from the water, and the tour finishes a five-minute walk from the city center. Tickets cost $16.

While all tours run seven days a week, please note that with the pandemic, start times vary, so check online before you plan to include the tour in your trip to Prague!

Prague Hop on Hop off Map

While it's nice to see the stops listed out, sometimes it's easier to understand where you'll be going by seeing it on a map. To help with that, here's a map showing the sights you'll see while on a Hop On Hop Off tour of Prague!

What can you see on the Hop On Hop Off tour in Prague?

While the bus tour only allows you to hop off at three stops, this doesn't mean that you won't see other sights while on the bus. You'll see Old Town, including Old Town Square, which is home to Prague's famous astronomical clock - be sure to be there on the hour to hear it chime! 

You'll also see the National Museum, Powder Tower, Wenceslas Square, Charles Square, National Theatre, Dancing House, State Opera House, and more! 

When you get off at Old Town Square, you'll find the Jewish Quarter a short walk away. There you can see how Prague's Jewish community lived prior to World War II and learn about what happened to the city's Jewish population during the war. 

Covid Restrictions

If you're interested in joining one of the Hop on Hop off tours, you should be aware of their current Covid restrictions on board. 

Face masks must be worn on any bus you take with City Sightseeing. You may also be asked to present proof of vaccination or of a negative test to board the boat if you're taking a boat tour. Please confirm any restrictions when purchasing your ticket. 

Visit Prague with Hop On Hop Off!

Whether you decide to explore Prague with a Hop On Hop Off tour or on your own, we want you to enjoy your time in Prague! 

As you start planning your trip, be sure to use Pilot to keep your itinerary in one place so you can stay organized!