Hop-On Hop-Off Barcelona: A Convenient Way to Explore the City's Top Sights
What is the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Barcelona?
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is one of the most convenient ways to discover the city. With over 40 stops around Barcelona and a commented audioguide in different languages, It is a unique offer for those who travel independently and do not want to contract individual tours or depend on group tour timings.
The tour operates daily, from early morning to late afternoon, with buses running every 5 to 10 minutes during the high season and every 20 to 25 minutes in winter and fall. The stops are conveniently located next to the main attractions. Thus, one can either stay on board and listen to the audioguide's commentary or hop off and walk around the city, exploring the most emblematic areas.
There are three itineraries covering the most important parts of the city, and you can take either all of them or choose the one you prefer. The most important stops are: Plaça de Catalunya, Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batllo, Plaça d’Espanya, Montjuïc Cable Car & Castle, Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), El Camp Nou, Poble Espanyol, Port Olímpic, Arc de Triomf and Port Vell. At some stops, you can visit the museums or famous attractions; at others - walk along the charming streets and enjoy the city vibe.
The itinerary runs around the city and is accompanied by commentary in different languages. You can choose to listen to the guide's explanations in one of ten languages, including Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese.
The advantage is that if it starts raining or the climate changes, you can stay onboard and enjoy the city views from the window. For a better climate, there is an open upper deck with better visibility and fresh air running through.
The tickets can be bought online and used for 90 days. From the first validation, you will have 24 or 48 hours to enjoy the city views. You can hop on and off as many times as you want.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy Tickets
Online tickets and discounts
1-Day Ticket:
- Adults (13-64 years): €30
- Children (4-12 years): €16
- Seniors (65+): €25
- Children under 4: Free
2-Day Ticket (Valid for two consecutive days):
- Adults (13-64 years): €40
- Children (4-12 years): €21
- Seniors (65+): €35
- Children under 4: Free
Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver at any of the stops. However, buying the tickets in advance online you can benefit from the better rates and avoid queueing.
Ticket options for families and groups There are no packages for families. However sometimes buying tickets for kids and adults can be cheeper.
The larger groups can benefit from the discounts if booking through the travel agencies or tour operators.
There are also combos and packages that include a hop-on hop-off bus and one of the attractions of the city.
Hop-On Hop-Off Routes and Top Stops
Best landmarks to visit on the route Three lines cover the city's main attractions. The Blue and Red lines operate throughout the year, while the green line only runs from April to November and lasts forty minutes.
There are 44 stops between all the lines, and you can combine the itineraries by changing between the lines.
The Blue Line
This route has 12 stops, lasts around 2 hours and covers the city's most important landmarks.
The main stops are:
- Plaça Catalunya – city main square
- Casa Batlló – an emblematic work by Antonio Gaudi, with Casa Milá within short walking distance.
- Passeig de Gracia, a famous avenue home to the upscale boutiques and luxury shops.
- Sagrada Familia – probably the world's most famous and unique church.
- Park Guëll – a unique park decorated by Antonio Gaudi, once home to the artist himself.
- Tranvía Blau – the historic tram line that connects the city with the Tibidabo Amusement Park.
- Camp Nou – the home stadium of the famous FC Barcelona.
The Red Line
The red line counts 21 stops and is the complete route. If you have limited time, this is the best route for you. It also lasts around two hours. But if you have time, you should consider hopping off the bus at the stops, visiting the museums, and walking around the city.
Among the 21 stops, the must-visit ones are:
- Barrio Gótico – the Gothic quarter, the oldest part of the city, that must be visited on foot. Hop off to see the Picasso Museum and The Palace of Catalan Music.
- Port Olimpíc – with the bars, restaurants and access to the beach.
- Port Vell – an old port with access to the big shopping mall.
- Montjuic – a hill with a spectacular city view, various museums and an Olympic area.
- Poble Espanyol – an open-air museum representing different architectural styles in various regions of Spain.
The Green Line
This route runs along the coast of Barcelona and is only operational during the summer months. Use it to access the beaches and enjoy the beach bars and restaurants. The Port Olimpic stop is shared with the Red Line, making it easy to transfer. If you do not hop off, this route is only 40 minutes long.
The emblematic stops on this route are:
- Port Olimpíc – Olympic Port with all the bars, restaurants, lounges and nightclubs.
- Parc Diagonal Mar – the urban park and famous shopping mall
- Platja del Bogatell – one of the city beaches frequented by locals and tourists alike.
- Forum – festivals and events are.
Schedules and frequencies
The buses operate from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM in summer and spring and up to 9:00 PM in winter and fall. The last departure is usually around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
During the peak season, the buses start every 5 to 10 minutes, and in winter, they start every 20-25 minutes.
Benefits of Using the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in Barcelona
- Flexibility—You can visit the city at your own pace without depending on the group, weather, or guides.
- Convenience - you can choose your stops and hop off anywhere.
- Major Attractions—The Hop-On Hop-Off bus covers all the city's main attractions, including the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, and more.
- Audio Commentary—Buses are equipped with audio guides in different languages, who provide commentary about the history of the attractions you pass.
- Comfortable open-top buses - enjoy pleasant weather and stunning views from the open-deck buses.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Follow the next tips, if you want to make the most out of your tour:
- Start in the early morning and try to avoid the noo heat.
- Plan your trip in advance and check which places you should visit.
- Start in the afternoon for the beautiful evening light.
- Leave more time for longer visits, such as Sagrada familia, Park Guell or Picasso Museum.
- Don't forget that tours end.
- Enjoy
1-Day Ticket:
Adults (13-64 years): €30 Children (4-12 years): €16 Seniors (65+): €25 Children under 4: Free
2-Day Ticket (Valid for two consecutive days):
Adults (13-64 years): €40 Children (4-12 years): €21 Seniors (65+): €35 Children under 4: Free
The tickets can be bought online, on board of the bus or in the tourist office.
With over 40 stops, Hop-On Hop-Off bus has is the best way to explore the whole city of Barcelona.
But if you only have limited time, hop off on the following stops:
- Plaça de Catalunya
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- Casa Batlló
- Plaça d’Espanya
- Montjuïc Cable Car & Castle
- Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
- Camp Nou
- Poble Espanyol
- Port Olímpic
- Arc de Triomf
- Port Vell
If you stay on the bus without getting of at any stops, the full Hop-On Hop-Off bus route will take approximately 2 hours. The final duration depends on how much time you spend walking around the city, while hopping off.
Yes, tickets can be bought online. We highly recommend doing so to avoid queues at the bus stops. Besides, you can benefit from a discount if you buy in advance. Check out the options that we have on sale.
The Hop-On Hop-Off buses in Barcelona typically run every 5 to 10 minutes in Spring and Summer, and every 15-25 minutes during Fall and Winter. Buses start running around 9:00 AM and continue until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM.
