Discover the best Hop-on, Hop-off bus options in Barcelona and our favorite choice
In recent years, Hop-on, Hop-off buses have become one of the most popular ways to explore cities, and Barcelona is no exception. This type of sightseeing bus offers a comfortable and convenient way to visit a city’s main attractions, allowing you to hop on and off at different stops according to your own schedule.
As in many cities, Barcelona has multiple Hop-on, Hop-off bus companies offering similar tickets, which can make choosing one a bit confusing. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you decide!
Currently, two companies operate Hop-on, Hop-off buses in Barcelona. In this article, we break down the basics of each option. We’ve done the research, so keep reading to make an informed choice on the best Barcelona sightseeing bus for your trip.
1. Barcelona City Tour – Red Hop-on, Hop-off Buses
One important thing to note is that both routes of Barcelona City Tour use red buses! This means you’ll need to pay close attention to the sign at the front of each bus to know which route it’s on. So, remember: Barcelona City Tour = red buses.
Barcelona City Tour is operated by Julià Travel and Moventis, two of the largest tourism companies in Spain. With decades of experience, they offer double-decker Hop-on, Hop-off buses with an open-top panoramic upper deck, providing a unique way to experience the city.
Routes and Stops
Barcelona City Tour offers two different routes:
📍 Route 1: East/Green Route
• Covers 15 stops, focusing on the eastern part of Barcelona.
• Key attractions: Gothic Quarter, Aquarium, Torre Glòries, Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and more.
• Full loop duration: 2 hours in winter, 2.5 hours in summer.
• Frequency: Every 7-25 minutes.
• Service starts at 9:00 AM from multiple locations, including Plaça Catalunya, Sagrada Família, and Plaça Espanya.
• Last departure: 7:00 PM from Stop #1 (Plaça Catalunya).
📍 Route 2: West/Orange Route
• Covers 19 stops, showcasing western Barcelona.
• Key attractions: La Rambla, cruise terminal, Montjuïc Mountain, Plaça Espanya, Camp Nou, La Pedrera, and more.
• Duration: Approx. 2 hours, depending on traffic.
• Frequency: Every 9-13 minutes.
Key Features
– Real-time tracking app to see the exact location of the buses and reduce waiting time.
– Audio guide in 15 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Catalan, Hindi, Hebrew, Swedish, and Dutch.
– Free Wi-Fi onboard.
– Wheelchair-accessible buses with retractable roofs for protection from sun and rain.
Ticket Prices
• 24-hour ticket: €33 (adults) / €18 (children) / €28 (seniors)
• 48-hour ticket: €44 (adults) / €23 (children) / €39 (seniors)
You can buy your tickets in advance with a 10% online discount on the official Barcelona City Tour website.
For added convenience, you can also purchase a Barcelona Pass, which combines the Hop-on, Hop-off bus with entry to Barcelona’s top attractions like Sagrada Família and Park Güell.
2. Barcelona Bus Turístic – Blue and Red Hop-on, Hop-off Buses
The next option is Barcelona Bus Turístic, operated by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) and Barcelona Turisme as part of the City Sightseeing Group.
Routes and Stops
Barcelona Bus Turístic also offers two routes, covering most of the city’s must-see landmarks.
📍 Red Route
• Covers 20 stops, including Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, Montjuïc, MNAC Museum, and the Gothic Quarter.
📍 Blue Route
• Covers 14 stops, featuring highlights like Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Camp Nou.
Both routes start at 9:00 AM from Plaça Catalunya, with the last departure at 7:00 PM.
Key Features
– City map with detailed route information.
– Audio guide in 16 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Hebrew, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Arabic, Turkish, Catalan, and Norwegian.
– Panoramic views with retractable roofs.
Ticket Prices
• 24-hour ticket: €33 (adults) / €18 (children) / €28 (seniors)
• 48-hour ticket: €44 (adults) / €23 (children) / €39 (seniors)
Tickets can be purchased on the official Barcelona Bus Turístic website.
Bonus: If you’re a football fan, they also offer the Camp Nou Experience, which includes a tour of FC Barcelona’s stadium and museum, where you can explore the club’s trophies and memorabilia.
And the Best Barcelona Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Is…
While both options offer great service, our favorite is the Barcelona City Tour.
Why? Here’s what makes Barcelona City Tour stand out:
✔ Better route coverage: It covers more areas than its competitor.
✔ Real-time tracking app: This feature saves you time and allows better itinerary planning.
✔ Award-winning service: Barcelona City Tour has won multiple TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards.
✔ Free walking tour: Available in English and Spanish.
✔ More accessibility options, including wheelchair-friendly buses and Wi-Fi on board.
City Sightseeing does offer some interesting extras, like the Camp Nou tour and additional languages like Turkish and Norwegian. But if you want the best overall experience, we strongly recommend Barcelona City Tour.
Final Tips for Your Hop-on, Hop-off Experience
Dress for the weather! Bring a hat or jacket depending on the season, especially if you plan to sit on the open-top deck.
Maximize your ticket! Remember, Hop-on, Hop-off tickets allow unlimited boarding at any stop within your ticket validity (24 or 48 hours). Use this flexibility to plan your itinerary and explore at your own pace.
If you’re looking for a more personalized experience in your preferred language, our team offers guided tours in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Our expert guides will show you the best of Barcelona for an unforgettable experience.
🎟️ Book your tour online now and use code PANDABLOG for 10% off!
We hope this guide helps you choose the best Barcelona Hop-on, Hop-off Bus for your trip. Enjoy your Barcelona adventure! 🚍✨