Hop-On Hop-Off Barcelona
With the Official Bus
Our Take on the hop-on hop-off bus
The Barcelona Tourist Bus is a great way to get a feel for Barcelona in just a few hours.
- You see and learn, with the audio guides, essential information about all the major sites and monuments of the city.
- Depending on your preferences, you can either stop to visit or note places you'd like to return to. It's both a way to familiarize yourself with and discover the city.
- We love being in the open air to experience the city up close and take photos.
- We appreciate the speed of moving from one attraction to another without wasting time getting oriented.
- It’s both fun and extremely convenient for both kids and adults.
We highly recommend this experience!
To visit the Sagrada Família, you can purchase a combined ticket that also allows you to visit Parc Güell and enjoy a day (or two days) on the tourist bus. This combined ticket is called the Barcelona City Pass. It's our best offer right now!
Benefits of the Tourist Bus
- Time-saving: Direct stops at attractions, high bus frequency.
- Educational: Comprehensive audio-guides and panoramic views for a better appreciation of the sites.
- Comfort: No stress of driving or navigating, flexible hop-on hop-off options.
- Convenient: One ticket covers all. Ideal for those who prefer less walking, free Wi-Fi on board, and accessibility for people with mobility issues.
Drawbacks of the Tourist Bus
- Limited hours: Does not operate in the evening except during high season with the night bus.
- Limited duration: Need to plan visits over 1 or 2 days.
- Less practical in bad weather: The open-top second floor can be problematic in rain.
- Cost: Ticket prices can be high for families, though there are online discounts for children and seniors.
- Earphone comfort: Often of low quality, consider bringing your own.
Which Company to Choose?
In Barcelona, two companies offer tourist bus services: “Barcelona Bus Turístic,” the official bus, and “Barcelona City Tour,” a private company.
Choosing a tourist bus in Barcelona depends on your personal preferences, itinerary, and what you want to see. However, we prefer the official bus - Bus Turístic Barcelona - which offers two more logically organized routes (red and blue) for exploring the Catalan capital’s most important monuments. For instance, we are not sure of the appeal of traveling to Tibidabo as the East route of the Barcelona City Tour suggests.
The official company also provides better interoperability between its two routes.
However, the differences are minor. In all other respects—schedules, quality of service, quality of the open-top buses—both companies are equally good.
As for the cost: check the prices and any possible discounts when making your choice!
The official bus : Barcelona Bus Turístic

Barcelona Official Hop-on Hop-off - Bus Turistic
The Official City Bus
The official city bus, part of Barcelona's metropolitan transport, operates with double-decker red and blue buses. The top deck is open-air and the buses are air-conditioned, running on a "hop-on hop-off" system that allows passengers to get on and off at various tourist stops as they please.
The Barcelona Open-Top Tourist Bus travels around the city on predefined routes that stop at each significant monument. Your ticket allows you to hop on and off as many times as you like throughout the day or for two days, depending on the rate you choose.
Book your ticket
Prices
1-Day Barcelona Tourist Bus Ticket
- Adult: €30.50
- Child 4-12 years: €16.60
- Senior +65 / Disabled: €25.80
2-Day Barcelona Tourist Bus Ticket
- Adult (48h): €40.60
- Child 4-12 years: €21.20
- Senior +65 / Disabled: €36.00
Barcelona Tourist Bus Visit in Pictures
Summary
Mobile and Skip-the-Line Tickets | Buy your ticket on our site and receive it by email. Valid for 90 days, activated at the first bus scan. |
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Routes | 2 routes: Blue Line and Red Line. The last bus leaves from Plaça de Catalunya at 7:00 PM. |
Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the selected travel date. |
Onboard Services | Free Wi-Fi, USB ports, wheelchair accessible, city map and audio-guide headphones provided. |
Exclusive Discounts | Discounts on various activities in the city. |
Audio Guide | Audio guide available in 16 languages, headphones included. >> German, English, Arabic, Catalan, Chinese, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Turkish. |
Panoramic View | Enjoy all the photos you want from the open-top deck during the entire city tour! |
Frequency | Bus frequency: Between 5 and 25 minutes, depending on the season. |
Operational Season | All year, except January 1st and December 25th. |
Instructions | Show your smartphone or paper ticket to the "Barcelona Turisme" representative when you board the bus for the first time. After scanning, you will be given a paper ticket to use for all subsequent bus trips. |
- Download the free Bus Turístic app and discover hundreds of fascinating things to see and do in the city.
- Enjoy the presence of an official tour guide on the bus who will answer all your questions.
- At Barcelona Metro, we show you how to take the metro to get to one of the many bus tourist stops if you are far from these 2 routes.
- For your information: This bus is also known under the English name of hop-on hop-off Barcelona bus.
Itineraries and Maps
Blue Line
The Barcelona Tourist Bus Blue Line stands out for its wealth of iconic monuments, offering privileged access to emblematic sites such as Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Camp Nou, making it a must-do route to discover the city’s most famous architectural and cultural jewels.
> At the heart of this journey, iconic monuments unfold, each telling a unique story:
Casa Batlló: An art piece by Gaudí, this building is a gem of modernist architecture, captivating with its wavy forms and colorful facade.
La Pedrera -Casa Milà: Another masterpiece by Gaudí, famous for its unique roof and its significance in architectural history.
Park Güell: A fabulous park designed by Gaudí featuring colorful mosaics, a House-Museum, and gardens.
Camp Nou: A must-visit for football fans at the stadium of the legendary FC Barcelona.
Complete Itinerary of the Blue Line
All stops of the red line as they appear on the bus map, i.e., in Catalan:
Plaça Catalunya: The starting point, the vibrant heart of the city - connection to the red line.
Casa Batlló – Fundació Antoni Tàpies: The entrance into the world of Gaudí and Antoni Tàpies, another great Catalan artist - connection to the red line.
Passeig de Gràcia – La Pedrera: An avenue lined with architectural treasures.
Sant Pau Recinte Modernista: A gem of modernist architecture and a World Heritage site.
Park Güell: A park designed by Gaudí, offering a mosaic of colors and shapes.
Tramvia Blau – Tibidabo: Access Tibidabo and enjoy spectacular views of the city.
Sarrià: Discover the charm of old Barcelona in this traditional neighborhood.
Monestir de Pedralbes: Visit this Gothic monastery, a haven of peace and history.
Palau Reial – Pavellons Güell: Explore the royal gardens and Gaudí's architecture.
Futbol Club Barcelona: A must for Barça fans at the Camp Nou stadium.
Diagonal - Les Corts: Dive into a business and residential area.
Francesc Macià – Diagonal: A convergence point of both circuits between modernity and tradition.
Sant Antoni: a trendy neighborhood, known for its iconic market and fashionable cafes.
Red Line
The Barcelona Tourist Bus Red Line is your key to an in-depth exploration of Barcelona's treasures. At the heart of this journey, iconic monuments unfold, each telling a unique story:
Sagrada Família: The Sagrada Família, an essential masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, is an exceptional basilica known for its towering spires and richly sculpted facades. An emblematic example of Catalan modernist architecture, a regional variant of Art Nouveau.
Casa Batlló: An art piece by Gaudí, this building is a gem of modernist architecture, captivating with its wavy forms and colorful facade.
La Pedrera - Casa Milà: Another masterpiece by Gaudí, famous for its unique roof and its significance in architectural history.
Pavelló Mies van der Rohe: An emblematic example of the modern movement, known for its minimalist and innovative design.
Poble Espanyol: A village that captures the architectural essence of all of Spain, offering a unique glimpse into the different regions of the country.
Fundació Joan Miró: This museum, dedicated to one of Catalonia's most influential artists, features an impressive collection of his works.
Complete Itinerary
All stops of the Red Line as they appear on the bus map, in Catalan:
Plaça Catalunya: The starting point, the vibrant heart of the city - Connection
Casa Batlló – Fundació Antoni Tàpies: The gateway to the world of Gaudí and Antoni Tàpies, another great Catalan artist.
Eixample: Connection with the Blue Line
Estació de Sants: Close to Barcelona’s main train station.
Plaça Espanya: A site rich in history and culture.
CaixaForum – Pavelló Mies van der Rohe: A deep dive into contemporary art and architecture.
Poble Espanyol: A journey through Spanish architecture.
MNAC: Discover masterpieces of Romanesque art.
Anella Olímpica: The iconic sites of the 1992 Olympic Games.
Fundació Joan Miró: Immerse yourself in the world of Miró.
Telefèric de Montjuïc: Enjoy breathtaking views of Barcelona from above.
Miramar – Jardins Costa i Llobera: A stunning sea view.
World Trade Center: A modern business hub.
Colom – Museu Marítim: Explore maritime history.
Barceloneta - Museu d’Història de Catalunya: A journey through time.
Port Olímpic - Zoo: Entertainment and relaxation by the beach.
Bogatell Beach: A scenic walk along the coast.
Nova Mar Bella Beach: A true outdoor leisure center!
Fòrum: A waterfront complex hosting concerts, conferences, and exhibitions.
Parc Diagonal Mar: Green spaces, sculptures, panoramic views, and direct beach access.
Poblenou: Once the "Catalan Manchester," now a calm and open neighborhood.
Torre Glòries - 22@: A stop near a modern shopping center.
Sagrada Família: Discover Gaudí's iconic basilica, an unfinished masterpiece.
Arc de Triomf - Barcelona Nord: A historical monument and an important transport hub.
Tourist Bus Route Map
Download the Barcelona Tourist Bus Map in PDF
Connections Between the Two Lines
The connection points, where the Red and Blue lines of the Barcelona tourist bus intersect at the same stop, are as follows:
- Plaça Catalunya Stop: This serves as a central hub for both lines, making it a key stop in the city.
- Casa Batlló – Fundació Antoni Tàpies Stop: Both lines pass through this stop, providing easy access to these famous landmarks.
- Eixample Stop: Another key intersection, allowing passengers to explore this important district.
These connection points offer the flexibility to switch between lines and explore different parts of the city effortlessly.
Schedules
The Red and Blue lines of the Barcelona Tourist Bus operate daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (7:00 PM in winter) and run every 5 to 25 minutes depending on the season (more buses in summer than in winter).
Choose Your Ticket
The Private Company: Barcelona City Tour

Barcelona City Tour buses
Known for its open-top, air-conditioned red buses, Barcelona City Tour is a private service operated by "Julia Travel," offering similar routes with stops at the city's main attractions and landmarks.
Book your ticket
Prices
1-Day Bus Ticket
- Adult: €33.00
- Child (4-11 years): €18.00
- Senior (65+ years): €28.00
2-Day Bus Ticket
- Adult: €44.00
- Child (4-11 years): €23.00
- Senior (65+ years): €39.00
Summary
Mobile and Skip-the-Line Tickets | Buy your ticket on our site and receive it by email. Valid for 90 days, activated upon first scan on the bus. |
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Routes and Stops | 2 routes: East Line and West Line. The last bus departs from Plaça de Catalunya at 7:00 PM. |
Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. |
Onboard Services | Free Wi-Fi, USB ports, wheelchair accessibility, free city map, and audio guide headphones provided. |
Audio Guide | Available in 15 languages, headphones included: German, English, Arabic, Catalan, Chinese, Spanish, French, Hindi, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish. |
Panoramic Views | Enjoy stunning city views from the open-top deck and take all the photos you want during the tour! |
Accessibility | Buses run every 5 to 25 minutes, depending on the season. |
Operational Season | Operates year-round, except on January 1st and December 25th. |
Routes / Itineraries
West Route (Orange)
- Plaça de Catalunya
- Arc de Triomf
- El Born - Ciutadella - Zoo
- Passeig de Colom
- World Trade Center
- Jardins de Miramar
- Fundació Joan Miró
- Anella Olímpica
- MNAC
- Poble Espanyol
- CaixaForum – Pavelló Mies van der Rohe
- Plaça Espanya
- Estació de Sants
- Camp Nou - FC Barcelona
- Plaça Pius XII, Palau Reial i Monestir Pedralbes
- L’Illa Diagonal
- Avinguda Diagonal
- La Pedrera - Casa Milà
- Casa Batlló
East Route (Green)
- Plaça de Catalunya
- Catedral - Gòtic
- Port Vell
- Museum of Catalan History
- Barceloneta District
- Port Olímpic
- Zoo - Poble Nou
- Teatre Nacional Auditori
- Glòries - Torre Agbar
- Sagrada Família
- Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
- Park Güell
- Tibidabo
- La Pedrera
- Casa Batlló
Barcelona City Tour Map
Download the Barcelona City Tour Bus Map in PDF
Schedules
The West and East lines of the Barcelona City Tour operate daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and run every 5 to 25 minutes depending on the season.
Choose Your Ticket
Video of Barcelona Sightseeing Bus Tour
What is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?
A hop-on hop-off bus is a type of tourist transport service that allows passengers to board and exit at multiple designated stops as many times as they wish within the validity period of their ticket.
How Does the Barcelona Tourist Bus Work?
- Fixed Route: These buses follow a specific itinerary that passes by the main tourist sites and attractions of the city, with stops located near key landmarks.
- Flexibility: Passengers can explore each site at their own pace, hopping off to visit and then catching another bus on the same route.
- Regular Frequency: Buses operate at variable frequencies depending on the season, reducing wait times at stops. The official bus, for example, runs every 5 to 25 minutes.
- Commentary and Information: Audio guides provide insights about the sites, available in multiple languages to accommodate international tourists.
- Ticket Validity: Tickets are valid for a set period of 24 or 48 hours, allowing visitors to plan their tours freely.
This service is particularly popular among tourists as it provides a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city's best attractions without worrying about transportation logistics.
What Does Hop-On Hop-Off Mean?
"Hop-On Hop-Off" refers to a sightseeing bus service where passengers can freely board ("hop on") and exit ("hop off") at designated stops along the route as they please.
Convenient:
You can recharge your mobile device using a standard USB port, which is especially useful for a full day of bus travel.