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Which Hop-on Hop-off operator is your ideal choice for Barcelona?

Which Hop-on Hop-off operator is your ideal choice for Barcelona?

See Barcelona’s iconic sights on a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour, paving the way for a smooth and hassle-free sightseeing experience. Tour operators like Barcelona City Tour and Barcelona Bus Turistic take you to top landmarks around the city, including Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, Poble Espanyol & more.

Both operators offer premium services, add-on tours, and other amenities to elevate your travel experience. So, which one should you choose? That can be a little tricky to answer, but perhaps this guide can help.

Is a Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off tour right for you?

Barcelona bus hop on hop off
  • Flexible exploration: Get a Hop-on Hop-off pass and discover attractions flexibly, without feeling the need to rush through them. When you’re done with one attraction, move on to the next by heading to your closest stop and catching a ride.
  • Easy access to major landmarks: Travel to top spots like the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló & Park Güell with ease. Hop on board, sit back, and soak up the sights as your tour bus takes you to the sights on your bucket list.
  • Panoramic views: Soak up uninterrupted and breathtaking views of Barcelona’s bustling streets from a double-decker open-top bus. Pull out your phone and click as many pictures as you want!
  • Additional perks: These tours offer great value for money because, in addition to their Hop-on, Hop-off services, they also offer free onboard Wi-Fi, mobile apps with live maps, and multilingual audio guides.

Comparison of Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off tour operators: An overview

Features
Barcelona City Tour
Barcelona Bus Turistic
Type of vehicle
Bus
Bus
No. of routes
2 routes
2 routes
No. of stops
34 stops
34 stops
Validity
24/48-hours
1/2-days
Circuit time
Orange & Green routes - 2 hr
Blue & Red routes - 2 hr
Facilities
Information brochure, free Wi-Fi, mobile app with a detailed map, and live bus tracking
Live guide, free Wi-Fi, mobile app with a detailed map, and live bus tracking
Audio guides
Yes, in 15 languages
Yes, in 16 languages
Inclusions
60-min Eco Catamaran cruise (optional), Discounts at Poble Espanyol, Museum of Illusions & more
Discounts at Barcelona Aquarium, La Pedrera & Casa Mila, Poble Espanyol & more
App assistance
Yes
Yes
Price
Adult - €33 | Child - €18 | Senior - €28
Adult - €33 | Child - €18 | Senior - €28

Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off tours compared: A detailed look at your experience

Though Hop-on Hop-off bus tours are a seamless way to explore a grand city like Barcelona, it can be hard to choose between the different operators available. The details can trickle down to the smallest things, like audio guide preferences, pass validity, the size of your travel group, and much more. This brief guide highlights the benefits of different operators and how they may suit your needs.

  • Duration: An hour-based pass, like the Barcelona City Tour ones, is ideal for solo and unconventional travelers who begin their journeys at odd hours of the day. The day-based passes, as offered by Barcelona Bus Turistic, are more suited to travelers who stick to their itineraries and begin their adventure early in the day.
  • Budget considerations: Both operators offer prices that are evenly matched. However, if you’re a budget traveler hoping to save on costs, look for limited offers and discounts when booking.
  • Frequency of buses: Barcelona City Tour buses circulate every 9 to 13 minutes through stops, while the Barcelona Bus Turistic buses arrive every 5 to 25 minutes. For shorter wait times, your best bet would be the former.
  • Accessibility considerations: Both operators run buses that are wheelchair friendly. Barcelona City Tour also welcomes guide dogs on board.
  • Pets: Traveling with your pets and want to bring them along? Well, you can, if you’re riding on Barcelona Bus Turistic. However, your pets will have to be in carriers while they are on board. Barcelona City Tour, on the other hand, does not allow pets on their buses.
  • Unique experiences: Apart from the Hop-on Hop-off service, Barcelona City Tour also offers an optional 60-minute Eco Catamaran cruise and discounts at Poble Espanyol, Museum of Illusions & other attractions. Similarly, Barcelona Bus Turistic offers discounts at Barcelona Aquarium, La Pedrera, Casa Mila & more.
  • Sustainability: For eco-conscious travelers, the Barcelona City Tour might be the best choice. They’re the first Spanish company to introduce 100% electric buses. By choosing this operator, you can explore Barcelona’s vibrant streets while actively reducing your carbon footprint.

More tours

  • Barcelona City Tour: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Eco Catamaran Cruise
  • Barcelona Bus Turistic: Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • Combo: Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Park Güell Tickets
  • Combo: Sagrada Familia Tickets + Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • Combo: FC Barcelona Museum Immersive Tour + Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
  • Combo: Sagrada Familia & Park Güell Tickets + Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
























Frequently asked questions

Are the Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off tours worth it?

Absolutely! These tours are a budget-friendly way to access top attractions in Barcelona without the hassle of public transportation.

What should I consider when choosing a Hop-on Hop-off tour operator in Barcelona?

Account for your budget, schedule, accessibility requirements, add-on tours, audio guide availability, and more before deciding on which bus tour operator would suit your needs.

How are Hop-on Hop-off tours different from other city tours? Which one should I choose?

Hop-on Hop-off tours let you get on and off the bus as many times as you want within the validity period of your pass. City tours have pre-designated hours, and you cannot get off the bus at major attractions. Opt for a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour if you prefer to build your itinerary on the go.

Are the Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off tours wheelchair accessible?

Yes, they are. Both operators have wheelchair friendly buses. However, we recommend getting in touch with the operators before your tour date so they can safely accommodate your needs.

Are pets allowed on the Barcelona bus tours?

If you choose to ride on Barcelona Bus Turistic buses, then yes, you can bring your pets on board, provided they’re in carriers. Barcelona City Tour buses don’t allow pets on board.

Can I get Wi-Fi on the Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off buses?

Yes, you can. Both operators offer free on-board Wi-Fi.