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Seine River Hop On Hop Off Cruises

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What is a Hop-on Hop-off cruise?

A Hop-on Hop-off Seine River cruise is a flexible sightseeing boat service in Paris that allows you to explore the city’s landmarks at your own pace. The boats operate along the Seine, stopping at key attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Musée d'Orsay.

You can "hop on" at any designated stop, enjoy the scenic ride, and then "hop off" whenever you want to explore a site. When you're ready to continue, just catch the next boat. These cruises typically run all day, making them a convenient and relaxing way to see Paris from the water.

Why take a Hop-on Hop-off Seine River cruise?

People enjoying the boat ride with scenic views.

A bunch of poeple on a boat non chalantly touring around Paris.

Tourists exploring budget-friendly attractions in Paris, France.

Siene River cutting right through the middle of Paris.

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Sightseeing, your way

Unlike traditional tours, a Hop-on Hop-off cruise lets you set your own pace. Want to linger at the Eiffel Tower or explore the charming streets near Notre-Dame? Hop off, take your time, and hop back on when you're ready to continue. No rush, no pressure—just pure Paris on your terms.

How is a Hop-on Hop-off cruise different from a regular cruise?

Factors

Hop-on Hop-Off Cruises

Regular cruises

Flexibility

Highly flexible; hop-on and hop-off at various stops and explore at your own pace

Set itinerary, making it a more rigid schedule

Purpose

Perfect for quick tours and seeing highlights along the way

Well-rounded experience with onboard entertainment, food, and activities

Amenities

Basic seating with drinks or snacks

Full-service dining, entertainment, and more

Size and scale

Smaller boats for shorter distances

Bigger boats for longer journeys

Know your operator: Batobus

Batobus is a public river transport service operated on the Seine River, offering a hop-on, hop-off experience similar to a tourist bus—but on a boat. Batobus is not a guided tour boat—it's more like a water metro service for tourists and locals alike. It connects central Parisian sights along the Seine with a loop of 9 stops, running in a continuous circuit. Think of it as your floating day-pass around Paris.

How it works

Unlimited rides are available for the duration of your pass.
No reservations needed—just show up at any station, hop on, and go.
No commentary: It's not a traditional sightseeing cruise with a guide. It’s peaceful and quiet—ideal for independent travelers who want to go at their own pace.

Who's it for?

Families: Kids love the boat ride, and it’s stroller-friendly.
Couples: Romantic and relaxing alternative to busy transit.
First-time visitors: Great way to orient yourself to the city.
Solo travelers: A Peaceful and photogenic way to move around.
Budget-conscious tourists: It’s more affordable than multiple taxis or sightseeing tours.

The boats themseleves

Designed specifically for river navigation
Glass-roofed for panoramic views
Heated in winter, ventilated in summer
Eco-friendly electric propulsion to reduce noise and pollution

Some of the landmarks covered on a Hop-on Hop-off cruise

The Hop-on Hop-off Seine River cruise covers major stops in Paris. Read on to know some of them and the boarding points.

Eiffel Tower

This is the Paris stop everyone dreams of—grab your camera and soak in the views of this iconic beauty right on the Seine!

Nearby things to do:

Trocadéro (9 minutes walk)
Rue de Passy (9 minutes walk)

Boarding point: Get directions

Book tickets to the summit

Les Invalides

History buffs, this one’s for you! From Napoleon’s tomb to stunning architecture, it’s a stop that feels like stepping back in time.

Nearby things to do:

National Assembly (3 minutes walk)
Rodin Museum (6 minutes walk)

Boarding point: Get directions

French history, Napoleon’s Tomb, and more

Orsay Museum

If you love art, hop off here and get lost in some of the world’s most beautiful paintings—it’s pure inspiration.

Nearby things to do:

Maillol Museum (4 minutes walk)

Boarding point: Get directions

View a collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces

Saint Germain des Pres Church Paris exterior with historic architecture and detailed facade.

Saint Germain des Prés

This stop is all about Parisian charm—think quaint streets, chic vibes, and that classic French feel.

Nearby things to do:

Jardin du Luxembourg (9 minutes walk)
Les Deux Magots (3 minutes walk)

Boarding point: Get directions

Notre-Dame

Hop off to see the breathtaking Gothic architecture and feel the magic of this legendary cathedral.

Nearby things to do:

Fontaine Saint-Michel (6 minutes walk)
Sainte-Chapelle (4 minutes walk)

Boarding point: Get directions

Gothic architecture at its finest

Louvre Museum

Art lovers, this is your moment—step off and dive into one of the most famous museums in the world.

Nearby things to do:

Tuileries Garden
Palais-Royal

Boarding point: Get directions

The largest museum in the world

Get an idea about the route here.

Know before you go on a Hop-on Hop-off Seine River cruise

Timings

Facilities

Accessibility

Rules

A river boat on Seine River departing with passengers onboard during evening.

Duration: 2 hours
High Season (April to early November): 10am to 9:30pm
Low Season (November to March): 10am to 5pm
Frequency: Boats arrive about every 20–25 minutes.

Know detailed hours

The Hop-on Hop-off Seine River cruise offers the following facilities:

Heated boats for a comfortable experience
Vending machines stocked with snacks and beverages
Audio guide available in 14 languages, including French, English, Hindi, Arabic, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean

Wheelchair accessible path at a bustling port with docked ships in the background.

While the cruise is wheelchair accessible, the only stop that provides a ramp is at Eiffel Tower.
Guide dogs are allowed on board.

Police officers conducting security check at a tourist attraction entrance.

All visitors must undergo security checks at Batobus entrances.
Only small backpacks, purses, and computer bags are allowed: luggage over 0.5 cubic feet is prohibited.
Baby carriages are permitted. It's recommended to fold them and stow at the front of the boat.
Guide dogs, muzzled dogs on leashes, and small dogs in carriers are permitted; however, the crew may refuse animals that could pose a nuisance.
Eating is allowed on board, but alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Choose between a 1 or 2-day Hop-on Hop-off cruise

1-Day Hop-on Hop-Off Cruise

The 1-day (24-hour) Hop-on Hop-off Seine River cruise is perfect for visitors with limited time who want to see Paris' top attractions in a single day.

It allows unlimited boat rides between the nine key stops, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Musée d'Orsay.
This option is best suited for travelers who prefer a structured itinerary and can efficiently explore multiple landmarks within a day.
It is also more budget-friendly.
However, since it only lasts for one calendar day, careful planning is required to maximize the experience.

2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise

On the other hand, the 2-day (48-hour) Hop-on Hop-off Seine River cruise provides a more relaxed and flexible way to discover Paris over two consecutive days.

It includes the same routes and stops as the 1-day pass but allows travelers to explore at a slower pace, revisit favorite spots, and even take breaks at cafés or museums without feeling rushed.
This option is ideal for those who want to mix boat sightseeing with other activities and experience Paris at a leisurely pace.
Although slightly more expensive than the 1-day pass, the 2-day ticket offers better value for those planning to take full advantage of the service over an extended period.

Tips for experiencing the best Hop-on Hop-off Seine River cruise

Plan your stops: Decide in advance which attractions you want to explore. Prioritize major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame to make the most of your ticket.
Check the timetable: Boats typically run every 30 minutes, so keep track of departure times to avoid long waits, especially in peak hours.
Sit on the upper deck (if available): Many boats have open-air seating on top, offering stunning panoramic views of Paris. Try to grab a seat here for the best experience.
Use it as transportation: The Hop-on Hop-off cruise is not just for sightseeing—it can be a convenient and scenic way to travel between major attractions without dealing with traffic.
Take an evening ride: If your pass allows, take a sunset or night cruise for a breathtaking view of Paris illuminated, including the sparkling Eiffel Tower.
Combine with other activities: Many cruise providers offer combo tickets with museum passes, bus tours, or even Eiffel Tower access, which can save time and money.