Vienna: Hop-on Hop-off, Ferris Wheel, and River Cruise

Discover Vienna with a 24-hour Combo Tour Including Bus, Ferris Wheel, and River Cruise

This tour offers a flexible way to see Vienna’s top sights in one day. For $102 per person, travelers get a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket, a skip-the-line ticket for the Wiener Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel, and a relaxing boat cruise along the Danube River. The tour is perfect for those wanting to explore at their own pace, with the option to hop off at key landmarks like St. Stephens, Hofburg Palace, and Schönbrunn Palace.

The open-top double decker bus provides engaging audio commentary in multiple languages, guiding visitors through the vibrant city center and the outskirts. The Ferris Wheel offers panoramic views of Vienna, while the Danube cruise adds a peaceful water-based perspective of the city. The tour is accessible with free Wi-Fi onboard, making it convenient to stay connected while exploring.

While the price includes several highlights, it’s worth noting that the river cruise can have some downsides, such as limited outdoor seating and smoking areas, which may affect comfort for some guests. This combo tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible introduction to Vienna in just one day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive 24-hour ticket combining bus, Ferris Wheel, and river cruise.
• Open-top bus with audio commentary available in multiple languages.
• Skip-the-line ticket for the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel for spectacular city views.
• Stops at major landmarks like St. Stephens, Hofburg, and Schönbrunn Palace (entry not included).
• Comfortable onboard amenities include free Wi-Fi and headphones.
• Tour starts from two main points and ends back at the meeting location.

Flexible 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Through Vienna’s City Center and Outskirts

The Big Bus Vienna provides a 24-hour ticket, allowing travelers to hop on and off at 16 stops along the City Route and 11 stops along the Palace Route. The City Route takes you through central Vienna, passing St. Stephens Cathedral, the Vienna State Opera, and the Hofburg Palace. As you ride, an engaging audio guide in languages like English, French, German, and more helps explain the significance of each landmark.

Meanwhile, the Palace Route ventures toward the city’s outskirts, where the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens await. While entry to the palace grounds is not included, the stops allow you to appreciate Vienna’s architectural grandeur and lush landscapes. Buses arrive every 20 to 30 minutes, making it easy to tailor your sightseeing schedule.

This hop-on hop-off tour gives the freedom to prioritize your favorite attractions, with the convenience of self-guided digital walking tours to deepen your exploration.

Enjoy the Iconic Wiener Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel

The skip-the-line ticket grants access to the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, a historic landmark since the early 20th century. The spacious cabins offer stunning panoramic views over Vienna’s skyline and the Danube River. The Ferris Wheel is a favorite for capturing memorable photos and gaining a new perspective on the city’s layout.

The ride lasts for several minutes, providing ample time to enjoy the scenery from above. This attraction is especially popular for its romantic atmosphere and photo opportunities. As part of the tour, it adds a visual highlight that complements the bus tour’s city sights.

Relaxing Danube River Cruise with Waterway Views

The included river cruise allows you to glide along the Danube River, soaking in views of Vienna from a different angle. The cruise takes you past waterfront landmarks and offers a peaceful break from the busy city streets.

However, some reviews mention that outdoor seating during the cruise can be limited, and smoking areas may detract from the experience. One review notes that sitting outside in the sun was difficult due to smokers, which is something to consider if outdoor comfort is important. Still, the cruise provides a relaxing perspective of Vienna’s riverside scenery.

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Starting Points and Tour Flexibility

The tour begins at Stop #1 Opera at Walfischgasse 2 for the City Route or Stop #1 Albertinaplatz for the Palace Route. You can also join at any of the 16 stops along the City Route or 11 stops along the Palace Route. The last buses depart around 5:00 pm, ensuring plenty of time during the day to explore.

Since the tickets are valid for 24 hours from the first activation, travelers can plan their day around the attractions they want to see most, hopping on and off as desired.

Convenient Features and Practical Details

The tour offers free Wi-Fi onboard to help stay connected, as well as headphones for the audio commentary. The buses are led by guides who speak multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Hebrew, Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, Portuguese, Turkish, Korean, and Russian, making it accessible for international visitors.

The cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changeable plans. Payment can be made later, reserving your spot without immediate commitment.

Considerations Based on Guest Feedback

One aspect to consider is that the river cruise has received some mixed reviews. Some guests found the outdoor seating full of smokers and the smell unpleasant, which could affect comfort. Plus, the audio guide during the cruise was described as terrible by some, making it harder to identify landmarks.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall experience remains positive, especially thanks to knowledgeable guides, stunning views from the Ferris Wheel, and the convenience of combining multiple experiences in one tour.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This combo tour is suited for travelers seeking a flexible, rundown of Vienna in a single day. It works particularly well for those who enjoy sightseeing from open-air buses, panoramic city views, and relaxing water-based explorations. It’s also ideal for visitors who prefer self-guided options and want to maximize their time without missing key landmarks.

The tour’s multi-lingual audio guides and easy-to-access stops make it accessible for international travelers, while the hop-on hop-off format offers the flexibility to tailor your sightseeing.

Final Thoughts on the Vienna Combo Tour

The Vienna: Hop-on Hop-off, Ferris Wheel, and River Cruise provides a well-rounded, flexible way to experience the city’s main sights and scenic views. The combination of bus, Ferris Wheel, and cruise delivers a variety of perspectives—urban, aerial, and waterside—that enhance your understanding of Vienna’s layout and beauty.

The price of $102 covers all these highlights, with the convenience of self-guided exploration and onboard amenities like Wi-Fi. While the river cruise has some limitations, the overall experience offers great value for those wanting a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning multiple tickets.

This tour is most suitable for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a comprehensive, flexible introduction to Vienna’s most famous landmarks and scenic spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pick-up and drop-off?
No, this tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off; participants meet at designated stops in Vienna.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Hebrew, Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, Portuguese, Turkish, Korean, and Russian.

Can I buy additional tickets for attractions I want to visit?
Yes, the tour includes stops at landmarks like Schönbrunn Palace, but entry is not included. You can purchase tickets separately if needed.

Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
No, the ticket is valid for 24 hours from the moment it is first activated.

What should I expect from the Danube river cruise?
The cruise offers scenic views along the Danube River and serves as a peaceful water-based perspective of Vienna, though some reviews mention limited outdoor seating and smoking areas.

How often do buses arrive at stops?
Buses arrive approximately every 20 to 30 minutes, giving you flexibility in planning your day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby