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City Sightseeing Santander Bus Tours

Expert guides. Unique insights.

Tours in multiple languages

Top experiences in Santander

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Santander cityscape with red City Sightseeing bus near waterfront and historic buildings.

Red tourist train on a scenic route for a panoramic train tour.

Red sightseeing train parked in front of historic building on panoramic train tour.

Santander city square with a gazebo and historic buildings in the background.

Palacio de la Magdalena overlooking the coastline in Santander, Spain.

Red double-decker bus for City Sightseeing tour in Santander, parked near a historic building.

City Sightseeing: Santander Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

from

€26

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Extended validity

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided tour

See Santander in style – Bus to 11 sights, Magdalena Peninsula train & art museum visit.

Discover Santander’s rebuilt beauty on a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour around this beachside city fondly dubbed as the 'Bride of the Sea'.
Access 11 stops on the Red route with buses every 30–40 minutes or enjoy the full loop for a breezy and complete Santander city sightseeing trip.
Extend your adventure with a free 20-minute train ride to the scenic Magdalena Peninsula and entry to Centro Botin’s stunning sea-facing museum.
From the city's unfortunate tussle with fire to the city's maritime history, discover all the trivia with an audio guide in six languages onboard the bus.
You must stop by the Palacio de la Magdalena, Playa del Sardinero, and the iconic Cathedral, if you want to cover the quintessential Santander sights!

See Santander in style – Bus to 11 sights, Magdalena Peninsula train & art museum visit.

Discover Santander’s rebuilt beauty on a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour around this beachside city fondly dubbed as the 'Bride of the Sea'.
Access 11 stops on the Red route with buses every 30–40 minutes or enjoy the full loop for a breezy and complete Santander city sightseeing trip.
Extend your adventure with a free 20-minute train ride to the scenic Magdalena Peninsula and entry to Centro Botin’s stunning sea-facing museum.
From the city's unfortunate tussle with fire to the city's maritime history, discover all the trivia with an audio guide in six languages onboard the bus.
You must stop by the Palacio de la Magdalena, Playa del Sardinero, and the iconic Cathedral, if you want to cover the quintessential Santander sights!

Inclusions

24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
Access to Red route
20-min panoramic train tour of Magdalena Peninsula
Return train ticket to Magdalena Palace
Guided tour of Magdalena Palace (during summer months)
Entry to Centro Botín
Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian & Portuguese (on the bus)

Please click here(https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/pdfs/1c4b93b1c6ba50c7e36406e4d6d8998e-CSS Santander HOHO.pdf) for a detailed Red Route map and its boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Red route

First bus: 10am from (B) Paseo Pereda / Centro Botín
Last bus: 7pm from (B) Paseo Pereda / Centro Botín
Frequency: Every 35 minutes
Popular stops: Playa del Sardinero, Magdalena Peninsula, Centro Botín

Magdalena Train Tour

First train: 10am from Campa de la Magdalena
Last train: 7pm from Campa de la Magdalena
Frequency: Every 15 to 20 minutes
Popular stops: Cantabrian Sea, El Sardinero, Museum of Man and the Sea

Accessibility

The buses are wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

Dogs are allowed onboard, but must travel in a portable kennel.
Specific details related to the add-ons in your tickets, like the museum entry and train tour, will be shared in the ticket post-booking.
This tour operates only on specific dates. See the list here.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

What is City Sightseeing Santander Hop-on Hop-off tour?

Picture gliding along Santander’s sparkling bay, hopping off where the mood strikes; maybe the golden sands of Sardinero Beach, maybe the royal gardens of Magdalena Palace. A Hop-on Hop-off Santander tour gives you the freedom to do just that. No fixed schedules, no transport stress, just catch the next open-top bus when you’re ready. Stroll through the old town near the Cathedral, take in modern art at Centro Botín, or ride the charming train around the Magdalena Peninsula, all on the same ticket. With a 24-hour pass, you can loop the city as often as you like. Multilingual audio guides spill local stories while sea breezes whip through your hair, making it a relaxed, budget-friendly way to tick off Santander’s best without missing the hidden gems.

Why choose City Sightseeing Santander

Your day, your way

You’re the captain of this plan! Hop off at beaches, palaces, or parks, then hop back on when you’re ready. It’s sightseeing on your schedule, not a guide’s watch.

All the sights, one ticket

From the Cathedral’s Gothic charm to Cabo Mayor’s sweeping ocean views, 11 must-see sights are covered on the City Sightseeing Santander route. Even hidden gems like Parque de las Llamas are just a bus stop away.

Stories that bring the city alive

Multilingual audio guides share quirky facts, royal tales, and local legends. It’s like having a friendly guide whispering Santander’s secrets as you ride along the bay.

Easy on the feet (and wallet)

Skip endless walking and pricey taxis. These comfy buses cover the city in style. One affordable ticket includes unlimited rides, plus extras like the charming Magdalena Peninsula train.

City Sightseeing Santander bus tour is a great choice for

Beach-loving couples

Romantic strolls along Sardinero Beach, sunset views from Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, and a breezy top-deck ride between stops; perfect for a laid-back, love-filled escape. The bus keeps it easy, so there’s more time for each other.

Culture-hungry solo travelers

From Gothic grandeur at the Cathedral to modern masterpieces at Centro Botín, this loop is a feast for curious minds. Unlimited rides mean you can linger at exhibitions or catch live music without missing a beat.

Fun-seeking families

Kids light up at the Maritime Museum’s aquariums, love the novelty of the Magdalena Peninsula train, and burn energy at Parque de las Llamas. The bus tour keeps it simple, which means no juggling bus schedules or cranky taxi rides.

Scenic view chasers

Whether it’s cliffside trails in Parque de Mataleñas or sweeping bay panoramas from the upper deck, the route is a moving postcard. The bus covers every view, and hiking boots are not required.

Discovering Santander with City Sightseeing tours

Santander’s Hop-on Hop-off bus offers a scenic loop linking the city’s highlights, from historic old town streets to breezy coastal viewpoints. A 65-minute Red route tour takes you past royal palaces, golden beaches, bustling marinas, and lush parks. Here’s a quick breakdown of the route:

Red route

Ideal for: Travelers who want a mix of historic landmarks, royal heritage, beaches, scenic parks, and vibrant waterfront spots.
Popular stops: Centro Botín/Paseo Pereda, Palacio de la Magdalena, Playa del Sardinero/Casino.
Timings:
- First bus: 10am from Stop #1 Paseo Pereda/Centro Botín
- Last bus: 7pm from Stop #1 Paseo Pereda/Centro Botín (seasonal)
Frequency: Every 35 mins
Stops: 11 + connection to Magdalena Peninsula train
Full loop duration: ~65 minutes

How to book Hop-on Hop-off tickets

Step 1: Choose your route

Each tour follows a unique route. Review the routes and stops and pick the tour that covers your must-see attractions.

Step 2: Book your tickets

Purchase your Hop-on Hop-off tickets easily using PayPal, credit/debit card, or iDEAL.

Step 3: Check your email

Receive your ticket voucher instantly in your inbox. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder.

Step 4: Download the operator’s app

Track the bus in real-time, plan your journey, and explore routes with an interactive map.

Step 5: Hop-on & explore!

Head to any designated stop, show your mobile voucher to the driver or staff, and start your adventure!

Tips to make the best of your City Sightseeing Santander bus tour

Start with the first bus around 10am from Paseo Pereda to enjoy cooler weather, fewer crowds, and clear morning light for photos along the bay.
Sit on the open-top deck for the best views of the coastline and city skyline; bring sunglasses or a light jacket depending on the season.
Use the multilingual audio guide with the provided earphones. Local stories, legends, and quirky facts add depth to each stop and help you plan where to hop off next.
Plan hops around attractions’ peak times. Visit Centro Botín or the Maritime Museum in the morning before tour groups arrive, and beaches in the late afternoon for softer light and smaller crowds.
Bring a picnic or snacks for stops like Parque de Mataleñas or Parque de las Llamas. They’re the perfect spots to relax and recharge before catching the next bus.
Wear comfortable shoes. Some attractions, like Cabo Mayor Lighthouse or Magdalena Gardens, involve short walks or gentle slopes.
Use Stop #5 for the train to Palacio de la Magdalena early in the day to secure good seats, especially in summer when it’s busiest.
Save evening stops like Playa del Sardinero or Puerto Chico for golden-hour views and dinner with a sea breeze before heading back.

Frequently asked questions: City Sightseeing Santander bus tour

What languages are supported on City Sightseeing Santander?

The Hop-on Hop-off buses offer audio commentary in six languages – English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese – with headphones included to help you enjoy the history and stories as you ride.

Can I hop on and off anywhere during my City Sightseeing Santander ticket's validity?

Yes! Your City Sightseeing Santander ticket allows unlimited Hop-on Hop-off access throughout the designated stops, so you can jump off for exploration and reboard at your pace.

Does the ticket include the train to Magdalena Palace?

Yes. A standard 24-hour pass includes a round-trip train ride to the Palacio de la Magdalena, and sometimes guided palace tours depending on the season.

How long is a full loop of the City Sightseeing Santander bus route?

A single loop takes about 65 minutes, giving you a quick overview of the city’s highlights.

What are the first and last bus times?

During the season, the first departure is at 10am (usually from Stop 1 at Centro Botín), and the last bus runs around 7pm.

What’s the frequency of the buses?

On weekends, buses run every 35–40 minutes; on weekdays, intervals stretch to about 75 minutes.

Is the City Sightseeing Santander bus wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The double-decker buses are wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, making them convenient for all travelers.

Are tickets flexible if I need to change plans?

Absolutely. Vouchers for City Sightseeing Santander are valid for up to 12 months after purchase, offering flexibility if your travel dates shift.

Can I cancel/change the date of my bus tour?

Yes, tickets are fully flexible and can be changed at no extra charge, up to 24 hours before your tour date.

Do I need to print my ticket, or can I show it on my phone?

You can show your voucher on your smartphone, but printed copies are also accepted.