Vienna: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Danube River Cruise

Two Bus Routes, One Ferris Wheel Ticket, and a Danube Cruise in 24 Hours

You get 24 hours of unlimited hop-on hop-off access across two bus routes covering Vienna's main palaces, museums, and landmarks; skip-the-line entry to the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel; a 1.5- to 2-hour Danube River cruise; and audio commentary in eight languages. Download the Big Bus Tours app to activate your ticket and track buses live, then move through Vienna at your own pace without arranging separate transport or buying individual attraction tickets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hop-on hop-off and river cruise

• Redeem river cruise ticket voucher
• Board hop-on hop-off bus
• See Vienna State Opera and House of Music
• Visit Museums Quarter and Hofburg Palace
• Stop at City Hall and Votive Church
• Hop off at Schwedenplatz for Danube Canal
• Take Danube River cruise
• Visit Prater Amusement Park
• Continue bus tour to Uno City and Danube Island
• Stop at City Park

The experience

The Ferris Wheel ticket alone usually means a queue, but it comes included here, which changes how you move through Vienna. You board the double-decker buses at the Opera House stop and pick your own pace. Get off at Schönbrunn Palace, stay as long as you want, then catch the next bus. The red route loops through the Prater, the Danube Canal, and City Park. The blue route heads south to Belvedere Palace and the Technical Museum. Audio commentary plays in eight languages, and the Big Bus Tours app lets you track buses in real time so you're not guessing when the next one arrives.

The Danube River cruise is the part that shifts your perspective. You redeem your ticket at the DDSG River Cruise Office (the staff at any bus stop can point you there), and then you're on the water for 1.5 to 2 hours, watching the city's skyline and bridges from a vantage point you can't get from the street. The cruise runs between 1.5 and 2 hours, so it's long enough to feel like a separate experience, not just a quick add-on. Heavy rain or high water can change the schedule, but the staff will tell you what's running that day.

What makes this work is the 24-hour window. You're not locked into a rigid itinerary. You can spend an hour at Schönbrunn Palace, skip the Museums Quarter if it's crowded, and come back to the Ferris Wheel in the evening when the light changes. The buses run all day, and you hop on and off as the mood takes you. Free WiFi on board means you can look up what's inside a building before you decide to get off, and the app keeps your ticket right on your phone.

What’s included

• 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket valid on two routes (Red Route and Blue Route).
• skip-the-line Wiener Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel ticket.
• Danube River cruise lasting 1.5 to 2 hours (ticket redeemed at DDSG River Cruise Office).
• audio commentary in eight languages.
• free WiFi on board.
• Big Bus Tours app for ticket storage, live bus tracking, and mobile ticket activation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic and Russian

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Big Bus - Austria

Is this one for you?Best for travelers who want to see Vienna's main palaces and landmarks without renting a car or buying separate transport and attraction tickets: the 24-hour window and two routes let you move at your own pace, and the Ferris Wheel and River Cruise are already paid for.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

Can I get off the bus and rejoin it later on the same day?

Yes. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours from activation, and you can hop on and off as many times as you want across both routes.

Do I need to book the Danube River cruise separately?

No. The cruise is included, but you must redeem your ticket at the DDSG River Cruise Office (staff at any bus stop can direct you) to receive your river cruise ticket before boarding.

How long does the Danube River cruise last?

Between 1.5 and 2 hours. Departures may vary due to heavy rain or high water, so ask a Big Bus staff member on the day for current schedules.

Is the Ferris Wheel ticket really skip-the-line?

Yes. The Wiener Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel ticket is included and allows you to skip the queue.

What languages is the audio commentary available in?

Eight languages. The commentary plays on board the buses.

How do I activate my ticket?

Download the Big Bus Tours app, store your ticket in it, and activate it there. You can also redeem your ticket at any designated bus stop. The app also lets you track buses in real time.

Are the buses and routes wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The buses are wheelchair accessible, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed.

What if I can't use the River Cruise on the day I want?

River Cruise departures may vary or be cancelled due to heavy rain, high water, or other circumstances. Ask a Big Bus staff member for detailed information about what's running on your visit date.