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Your ideal pass: Which Hop-on Hop-off operator to choose in Dublin?

Ready to uncover the best of Dublin without the hassle? Hop-on hop-off Dublin tours are a fun, flexible way to soak in the city’s rich history and lively atmosphere. With top operators like City Sightseeing Dublin, Big Bus, and DoDublin, you can cruise through iconic spots like Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the Guinness Storehouse, hopping on and off whenever inspiration strikes. Each tour brings something unique to the table, so if you're wondering what to see in Dublin and which operator to pick, find out in this guide and plan your perfect Dublin adventure!

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

Easy city orientation: These tours offer a bird’s-eye view of the city’s layout. It’s a great way to understand Dublin’s neighborhoods, spot Dublin places to revisit later, and pick up local tips you wouldn’t find in a guidebook.
Total flexibility: To get a full taste of everything Dublin has to offer would normally mean hours of walking. These offer the perfect blend of structure and spontaneity, ideal for a relaxed Dublin sightseeing bus tour or building your own custom itinerary on the go.
Multiple operators to choose from: Dublin hop-on hop-off bus tours are offered by various reputable and reliable operators like Big Bus Dublin, City Sightseeing Dublin, and DoDublin tours. With multiple operators are your disposal, you can pick the best Dublin hop-on hop-off bus that suits your travel style and needs!
Scenic, open-top views: Enjoy a comfortable ride while Dublin’s unique cityscape unfolds before you. Whether you cross the River Liffey, pass historic Georgian townhouses, or snap photos of colorful streets, you’ll enjoy a full visual experience from your seat.
Informative, entertaining commentary: Hop-on hop-off tours provide more than just transportation; they also offer a deep dive into Dublin’s rich history and culture. Through pre-recorded or live commentary, discover stories of the city’s Viking roots, revolutionary history, music legends, and literary greats.
Frequent departures: With regular departures and clearly marked stops, you won’t be left waiting long. Hop-on hop-off Dublin timetables are reliable, as buses typically operate on a frequent schedule, covering a full city loop, so you can always catch the next one and feel confident navigating on your own.
Weather-friendly sightseeing: Rain or shine, you can keep exploring. Most buses come equipped with covered and open-top seating areas, offering the flexibility to sightsee by bus as you enjoy stunning views on sunny days or stay dry and comfortable when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Dublin Hop-on Hop-off operator types

DoDublin Tours is Dublin’s original hop-on hop-off bus tour, operated by Dublin Bus since 1988. It is known for its high service quality, featuring live, entertaining guides trained by Fáilte Ireland who provide witty and insightful commentary, making it a premium yet budget-friendly choice. The service covers over 25 major attractions, including Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and hidden gems like the Little Museum of Dublin. Tickets include free entry to the Little Museum, a complimentary Docklands Tour, and a free walking tour, making it a top choice for visitors seeking both value and a genuine local experience.
City Sightseeing Dublin operates the iconic red buses with recorded multilingual audio commentary in eight languages, making it very accessible for international visitors. It offers a budget-friendly service with 24, 48, and 72-hour tickets and runs every 30 minutes along a route with 24 stops covering all major sights. While it lacks live guides, it provides reliable, flexible tours with free walking tours and mobile ticketing, ideal for travelers seeking a straightforward, affordable way to explore Dublin’s top landmarks
Big Bus Dublin delivers a premium service with live English-speaking guides known for their friendly and engaging commentary. Operating since 2018, Big Bus runs frequently throughout the day with 23 stops at key attractions. Optional features include panoramic night tours and free WiFi, making it a great option for visitors wanting a high-quality, flexible sightseeing experience with extra comfort and convenience.

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

Categories/Operators

City Sightseeing Dublin

Big Bus Dublin

DoDublin

Ticket validity

24, 48, & 72 hours

24/48/72 hours

24 & 48 hours

Perks

Access to Red Route, English-speaking guide, Free child ticket (under 12) with every adult ticket

Access to Red Route, English & Spanish-speaking guide

Access to the Original Tour route, English-speaking guide, Complimentary entry to The Little Museum of Dublin, Free child ticket (under 15) with every adult ticket

Upgrades

3-hour guided walking tour

2-hour guided walking tour of city center & 1-hour night bus tour (based on option selected)

Free 45-min Docklands Tour, Meal and Drink deals

Audio guides

English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, French, German, Chinese & Portuguese

English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, French, German & Cantonese

English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, French, German, Chinese, Portuguese and Irish

Amenities

Free Wi-Fi and earphones, Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Free Dublin City Map and live bus tracking

Routes and stops

1 route and 24 stops

1 route and 25 stops

2 routes and 30+ stops

Frequency

Every 30 minutes

Every 20 to 30 minutes

Full loop

2 hours 15 minutes

1 hour 50 minutes

1 hour 45 minutes

Timings

9am-5pm

9am-5:30pm

9am-6pm

24-hour ticket price

€32

€35

€32

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

While Hop-on Hop-off tours are undoubtedly one of the most convenient ways to explore Dublin, picking the right tour can feel overwhelming. With each operator offering its own unique set of features, the best Dublin hop-on hop-off bus choice often comes down to the finer details like your group size, travel priorities, stops of interest, and overall budget.

To make your decision easier, we’ve dug deep into the specifics of each Hop-on Hop-off tour in Dublin, so you don’t have to get lost in a maze of comparisons and reviews.

While all the major operators maintain high service standards, here’s a quick guide to matching your travel needs with the right tour operator:

Budget-friendly: City Sightseeing and DoDublin have very similar starting prices, though their inclusions vary. City Sightseeing mainly focuses on city coverage, while DoDublin also has an offbeat free Docklands tour during the low season.
Walking tours: With the Big Bus Dublin 48 & 72-hour pass, get access to a 2-hour guided walking tour of the city center and a night tour that's perfect if you're staying overnight. City Sightseeing offers a 3-hour guided walking tour with all its variants.
Attraction tickets: DoDublin is the only operator to provide complimentary entry to The Little Museum of Dublin, in addition to its hop-on hop-off tours.
Night tour: The Big Bus 60-minute night tour allows you to witness the city's iconic sights sparkle under the night sky.
Meal deals: DoDublin offers exclusive 2 for 1 meal and drink deals with various partnered restaurants & pubs.
Amenities: City Sightseeing provides free Wi-Fi, earphones, a mobile app with a detailed map and live tracking, whereas DoDublin welcomes you with a free Dublin city map and live bus tracking.
Relaxed sightseeing: An entire City Sightseeing loop takes over 2 hours, allowing for a more immersive city experience.
Family focus: Get a free child ticket (under 15 years) with every adult ticket through Big Bus Dublin and under 12 with City Sightseeing.
Live guides: DoDublin features live guides who are known for their humor, wit, and deep knowledge of Dublin, while the other 2 operators have expert English-speaking guides.
Pre-recorded audio commentary: While audio guides in English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, French & German are common to all 3 operators, DoDublin also offers audio in Chinese, Portuguese, and Irish, and Big Bus in Cantonese.
Pets & Accessibility: All 3 operators run wheelchair-friendly buses. Big Bus Dublin additionally allows your guide dogs (not pets) on board as well.
Official status: DoDublin is backed by the city’s official public transport service, known for its local expertise and reliability.

More city tours by Dublin Hop-on Hop-off service providers

Beyond the classic hop-on hop-off experience, there are several other Dublin tours that add extra excitement to your trip. Big Bus offers a panoramic night tour with a live guide, giving you a stunning view of Dublin’s landmarks beautifully illuminated after dark.

You can also opt for a combo tour that includes hop-on hop-off access plus entry to the Guinness Storehouse and Gravity Bar—perfect for those looking to pair sightseeing with iconic Irish experiences. For even more flexibility, the Go City Explorer Pass lets you bundle multiple popular attractions into one easy-to-use pass. Browse through the options below to find the experiences that match your style and make the most of your Dublin adventure.

Big Bus: Dublin Night Bus Tour with Live Guide
Combo: Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Guinness Storehouse & Gravity Bar Tickets
Dublin Explorer Pass By Go City

Frequently asked questions

Which Dublin hop-on hop-off operator offers the best value for money?

Each operator has its strengths, but DoDublin stands out for travellers who want a local touch and the most extras included in their ticket.

Are Dublin hop-on hop-off tours worth it?

If you're looking for a convenient, flexible, and budget-friendly way to explore the city's top sights, Dublin hop-on hop-off tours are absolutely worth it. They follow well-planned routes that cover all the major landmarks such as Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral — so you don’t have to worry about navigating public transport.

What should I keep in mind when choosing a hop-on hop-off operator in Dublin?

Consider factors like route coverage, ticket duration, bus frequency, and whether live or audio commentary is offered. Look for added perks, and if accessibility or language support is important, be sure to check those details in advance. Your choice should align with your sightseeing goals, schedule, and preferred travel style.

Are there any additional inclusions or benefits to choosing Dublin hop-on hop-off tours?

Depending on the operator, you may get free entry to attractions like the Little Museum of Dublin, guided walking tours, or exclusive discounts at popular sites such as the Guinness Storehouse and distilleries.

How are hop-on hop-off tours different from other city tours?

Hop-on Hop-off tours offer the flexibility to get on and off the bus at any stop, as many times as you like within the ticket’s validity. They’re perfect for exploring the city at your own pace and visiting multiple attractions in one day. In contrast, traditional city tours (like panoramic or night tours) run on fixed schedules, with no stops or opportunities to disembark along the way.

What is the usual ticket validity for Dublin’s hop-on hop-off tours?

City Sightseeing offers 24, 48 & 72-hour passes, while Big Bus and DoDublin offer 24 & 48-hour ticket options. Once activated, your ticket must be used on back-to-back days.