bus travel in barcelona

Barcelona city bus: network, ticket prices 2024, tips for passengers

In our travel guide, you will find information for passengers and practical tips on how to use the public buses in Barcelona.

With the red and white city buses, you can reach almost any corner in Barcelona (picture: Andrew Nash, CC 2.0 license)

Bus routes in Barcelona (+ city map)

The city buses of the TMB, with currently 103 regular lines and 5 express bus lines, form the backbone of local transport in Barcelona. You can reach almost every corner of the city with the red and white buses.

Actual route plan / map

→ Route plan / map of the TMB city buses for download (as of 2023 / 2024, *.pdf, 4 MByte)

Tips for passengers

Several lines serve this bus stop (picture: Schroeder, CC 2.0 licence)

• Most stops serve more than one bus. A sign at the stop indicates which lines stop here. Buses display their route number on the front. When you see your bus approaching, signal to the driver that you request a stop. Otherwise, he perhaps drives past without a halt at the bus stop.
• Boarding: Use the front door, or one of the two front doors in a 4-door bus.
• To leave the bus , use the back door. That’s clearly faster and avoids a crash.
• On board : Do not forget to validate your ticket. There are several validation devices in the bus. Without validating your ticket you become a fare dodger.

Accessibility for wheelchairs

If necessary, catch the driver’s attention with a hand signal, that he will activate the ramp.

Ticket for the bus in Barcelona – overview, prices (2024)

The entire fare system of the Barcelona public transport is city-wide organized by the “Autoritat del Transport Metropolità”. Whether single ticket, 10 journey ticket (T-Casual) or travel card “Hola BCN”, here you will find informations and current prices . So you can find easily the right ticket for your stay in Barcelona. Knowing in advance, which ticket fits best to your needs, saves a lot of holiday time and money.

Our tip in brief: – if you don’t like to read details about the fare systems and the Barcelona public transport network – For most visitors of the city the “Hola BCN” day ticket is the best choice. With this card, you can use unlimited the metro, bus, tram and suburban trains (Rodalies, Zone 1) during the entire validity period (2, 3, 4 or 5 days). The metro ride to and from the airport is also included. You don’t have to buy the “metro airport ticket” (10.30 euros – round trip). The “Hola BCN!” card is, compared to other big European cities, very cheap. The actual price (2024) is, depending on the chosen validity period, between 8.15 and 8.75 euro per day. Save time and stress, by buying the „Hola BCN“ travel card online before departure .av_dropcap2.av-av_dropcap2-27b17e8a98fc606308ee002dad4c1b4c{ background-color:#810101; } ⮕ Here you can buy the „Hola BCN“ card online Your benefits of online purchasing: After a long flight, you don’t have to deal with fare systems and ticket purchase. You have already the right ticket to take the metro from the airport to downtown Barcelona and back.

With the right ticket, bus travel in Barcelona is cheap. (Image: © John Carter)

Nitbus – Night buses in Barcelona

The marking “N5” on the sign of the bus stop shows that line 5 of the Nitbus stops here (Image: E. Fischer, CC 2.0 License)

The night buses in Barcelona are called “Nitbus”. The current 18 lines are numbered from N0 to N17. The night buses are operated by the two private companies “Mohn” and “Tugsal”. Therefore, the HolaBCN ticket is not valid on these buses. The operating hours of the Nitbuses are between 10.20 pm and 6.00 am. There are approximately 3 buses per hour on a line. All Nitbus lines, except the N0, stop at the central square “Plaza de Cataluña”.

→ Route plan / map of the “Nitbus” night buses for download (as of 2024, *.pdf, 4 MByte)

Taking the bus from El Prat airport to Barcelona city centre

Barcelona El Prat Airport is located about 15 km from the city centre of Barcelona. There are several bus connections for this route. Here you can find out everything about journey times, stops and our tips for buying tickets.

El Prat Barcelona Airport: There are several bus connections from the airport to the city centre.

#1 Bus 46 from the airport to the city centre

Route: Bus 46 has a stop in front of each of the two airport terminals. The stop in the city centre is at the central square “Plaza de España”. From there you have many transfer options to Barcelona’s local transport.

Advantages:

• The regular local transport tickets are valid, also the popular day ticket HolaBCN! is valid on this bus. More information on tickets and prices can be found here.

Disadvantages:

• Regular bus with longer journey time (approx. 40 min) and fewer connections.
• no storage space for luggage – you may have difficulties if you travel with more than hand luggage

#2 Express bus “Aerobús” from the airport to the city centre

Route: The Aerobús has a stop in front of each of the two airport terminals. With no stops in between, the bus stops in the city centre at the central square “Plaça d’Espanya” or “Plaça Catalunya”.

• Special express bus for the transfer airport ↔ city centre, with space for luggage.
• Shorter journey time (to Plaça d’Espanya 23 min), more connections → less waiting time.
• Online tickets avaiable  – saves time and stress in Barcelona.
• more expensive than bus 46, single ticket €5.90
• Private operator: regular local transport tickets are not valid on this bus

→ More information about the Aerobús (maps, stops, tickets…) can be found here.

Bus 46 or Aerobús? Both lines offer a connection from the airport to the city centre.

→ Metro: transfer El Prat airport ↔ city centre can be found here

Frequently asked questions to our guide – FAQ 2024

How much does a bus ticket cost in Barcelona 2024?

A single ticket for the public bus in Barcelona will cost €2.55 in 2024. Interesting for visitors to the city is the day ticket “Hola BCN”. With the “Hola BCN” ticket you can use the metro (incl. airport transfer), the city buses, the tram (Tram), the suburban train (Rodalies, zone 1), the suburban trains (FGC, zone 1) and the funicular / funicular railway (Funicular de Montjuïc) for an unlimited period of validity (2, 3, 4 or 5 days). More information and tips can be found in our online travel guide.

Where can I find a route plan / map for the buses in Barcelona?

Currently (2024), the network of regular buses in Barcelona consists of 103 lines. You can find a downloadable map in our travel guide

Which bus route goes from Barcelona Airport to the city center?

Barcelona El Prat Airport is approximately 15 km from Barcelona city centre. There are several bus connections for this route: the number 46 bus or the “Aerobús” express bus.

You can find more information (route, prices, advantages and disadvantages…) in our travel guide

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Day Trips From Barcelona

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Barcelona's Best Museums

Top Beaches in Barcelona

Mount Tibidabo Guide

Sagrada Familia Guide

Food to Try in Barcelona

Barcelona's Top Restaurants

Best Bars in Barcelona

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports Near Barcelona

Neighborhoods to Know

Public Transportation Guide

Getting Around Barcelona: Guide to Public Transportation

How to use the metro, buses, commuter trains, and more

TripSavvy /  Emily Mendoza  

As Spain's second-largest city after Madrid , Barcelona teems with no shortage of things to see and do. Getting from one place to the other in a city this size can seem challenging to first-time visitors. Throw in the unfamiliar Catalan place names, and things are seemingly complicated even further.

But although it seems complicated at first, Barcelona's public transportation system is a cheap, easy and efficient way to get around town. It's a much better option than renting a car, and although the city is quite walkable, sometimes catching the metro or a bus can save you valuable time.

How to Ride the Barcelona Metro

Here in Barcelona, the most popular way to get around town is via metro .

Operated by TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona), locals tend to prefer the metro for its easy-to-use system, low fares, and frequency of trains.

Metro stations are usually indicated by red and white signs bearing an M. Once inside the station, purchase a ticket from the electronic machines (instructions are available in Catalan, Spanish, English and French), and use it to pass through the turnstiles.

Barcelona Metro Fast Facts :

• Cost : €2.40 for a single ticket. €11.35 for a 10-journey pass, known as a T-Casual card (allows rides on all public transportation in Barcelona)
• How to pay : Cash or card at the ticketing machines
• Hours of operation : Monday–Sunday 5 a.m.–midnight
• Transfer information : At the transfer station, follow the signs indicating where to board the train for your final destination. Once you arrive, exit the station as normal.
• Accessibility : As of October 2020, only 14 of Barcelona's 159 metro stations have not yet been adapted for users of reduced mobility. Steps are being taken to make all stations accessible as soon as possible.

Start planning your journey using the Barcelona metro system's online route planner .

Riding the TMB Bus

Buses in Barcelona are another easy way of getting around town, with the added bonus of getting to see the city pass by as you ride. TMB, the same company that runs the Metro, also operates the bus system.

Bus stops in Barcelona are either shelters or poles displaying the numbers of the bus lines that stop there. As your bus approaches, wave to the driver to indicate that you'd like to board.

Once on the bus, be sure to validate your travel pass (such as the T-Casual card) if you have one; if not, you can buy a ticket from the driver for €2.20. The largest bill accepted is 10 euros.

When your stop is approaching, press the red button to signal the driver. Exit the bus through the rear doors.

Check the TMB website for full information about how to take the bus, including operating hours .

The Rodalies Commuter Rail

Rodalies is the suburban train network throughout Catalonia. Its stations are identified by a white R against an orange background. This is an especially great transport option for taking day trips from Barcelona .

Information about the trains, including schedules and routes, is available on the Rodalies website .

Barcelona's Tram System

The tram network in Barcelona is not very extensive at this point, but it's a great way to explore beyond the city center. There are six tram lines and nearly 30 kilometers of track. Visit the Barcelona tram website to learn more.

Getting To and From El Prat Airport

• Metro : The L9 Sud line stops at both terminals. Tickets cost €4.60.
• Aerobús : Connects both terminals with Plaça Catalunya. Tickets cost €5.90.
• Train : The L2 train currently only stops at Terminal 2, though plans are in place to add a stop at Terminal 1 as well. It's accessible in Barcelona proper at the Passeig de Gràcia, Sants, and França stations. Pricing information can be found on the Rodalies website .

Taxis in Barcelona

Official Barcelona taxis are painted black with yellow doors. They can be found at taxi ranks all over town, or you can call one at +34 933 033 033.

Renting a Car

While renting a vehicle can be a great way to explore further-afield parts of Catalonia, it's not really an ideal way to get around Barcelona. The sheer number of people and vehicles in the city can make it difficult to get around, other drivers seemingly treat traffic laws as mere guidelines, and finding a decent, centrally located parking spot (that's not in an expensive garage) is next to impossible. Our advice: save yourself the money and frustration.

Bike Sharing in Barcelona

Bicing , Barcelona's bike-sharing program, has become a popular method of public transportation in the Catalan capital.

With more than 6,000 mechanical bikes and 800 electric bikes available to rent, it's a quick and efficient way to get around town. It's also easily integrated with other modes of public transportation in Barcelona, with docking stations conveniently located near metro stations and bus stops.

Tips for Getting Around Barcelona

• Barcelona is a generally safe city, but petty crime such as pickpocketing is common on public transportation. Watch your belongings and be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially on crowded metros and buses.
• Always keep small bills and coins on you in order to pay for public transportation. Oftentimes drivers won't be able to give change for large bills, and ticketing machines won't accept them, either.
• Walking can be an extremely rewarding and enjoyable way to see the city. Barcelona is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, and most of its major sights are concentrated into one area that's easy to navigate on foot.
• As in any major city, public transportation in Barcelona can get very crowded during both the morning and evening rush hours. Plan accordingly or consider an alternative method if you're on a tight schedule.
• If you're visiting in the summer, you'll likely want to check out one of the famous Barcelona beaches . But don't limit yourself to crowded Barceloneta just because it's close to the city center. Instead, hop on public transportation and head further afield—you'll likely have a much more pleasant experience, and find yourself surrounded by locals rather than tourists.

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Barcelona Transport Tickets and Travel Cards

Find out about the different types of tickets and transport card available in Barcelona and save money . 

Your use of Barcelona’s public transport system will depend on how long you’re staying in the city and where you’ve found accommodation. When you have this information, you can check the city’s various types of transport tickets and travel cards:

Single ticket

A one-way public transport journey in Barcelona  costs € 2.40 ( US$ 2.60)  and is only valid for a one-way journey without any transfers between the various means of transportation. You can purchase a single ticket in any of the ticket offices and ticket vending machines at the entrance of any of the city’s subway stations or from the bus drivers.

The T-Dia transport ticket is an individual travel card that gives users unlimited access to all of Barcelona’s transport system from when it's first validated to the end of the service (not valid for 24 hours).

The T - Casual travel card is a 10-journey ticket and allows transfers, but only in a limited time frame. You can use up to four different types of means of transport and three changes. 

T-familiar card

The T-familiar card is the best option if you want to buy a pass to share with several people. It includes 8 journeys with transfers that can be used for 30 days. However, it's important to note that it does not include the journey from the airport to the center of Barcelona.

• Travel Card Hola BCN!

The travel card Hola BCN! is the perfect travel pass for travelers that are visiting Barcelona for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days. It includes unlimited access to the city’s public transport and includes metro journeys between the Airport and the city center. Read more about this travel card in the following article:

• Barcelona Card

The Barcelona Card is a tourist pass that encompasses unlimited journeys on the city’s public transport and also includes hundreds of discounts and free entrances to various landmarks and museums. For more information, check out the following article:

What transport systems are included?

Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona – TMB’s transport tickets and travel cards can be used on the following transport systems:

• Renfe and FGC suburban trains

Other means of transport in Barcelona like the two cable cars , the Blue Tram and the Hop-on, Hop-off Tour have their own tickets and rates.

Where to purchase TMB’s tickets?

The single tickets can be purchased at any subway station either in the vending machines or the ticket offices. You can also buy a ticket from any bus driver or tourist information center and TMB’s customer support offices.

The T-Día and T-10 tickets are also available in any newspaper to stand thanks to the Servicaixa service.

The Barcelona Card and travel cards Hola BCN! are available at any tourist information center in Barcelona.

Important information

• Most of Barcelona’s main attractions are situated in zone 1 , so unless you're staying in another zone, you won’t have to worry about getting transport tickets for various zones.
• This article focuses on tickets and travel cards that are most useful for tourists and travelers that are staying in Barcelona for up to a week . If you're planning on visiting Barcelona for longer, we suggest checking out TMB’s official website .

You may also be interested in

Despite the fact that taxis are an expensive means of transportation, it is true that sometimes they are the fastest and most comfortable way of getting around a city, especially if you are burdened with luggage or are out late at night.  

Money-Saving Tips

Barcelona is not very expensive compared to other major European cities. However, it is always a good idea to plan your travel in advance so that you do not spend more than is strictly necessary.

Transport & Metro Barcelona

Public transport, metro tickets and travel cards barcelona.

The metro and public transport in Barcelona; metro map, tickets, airport transfer, bus, Hola BCN card, and more:

Barcelona Metro - hours, map and tickets

• The Barcelona metro hours are: Sunday through Thursday from 5 AM to midnight (Fridays 02:00). Times on Saturdays and holidays: from 5 AM running all day and night. There's usually no more than a five-minute wait for the next metro train.
• How long will your journey by metro take? Calculate about two minutes for each metro station and add another five to ten minutes for each time you have to change to a different metro line.
• Tip: Download the app on your mobile " Barcelona Metro TMB Map & Route ". This app lets you easily plan your routes and consult the metro maps on your phone offline.
• For travelling to and from the airport by metro, you need to purchase a special pulic transport ticket (5,15 euros); these subway tickets can be easily bought from the machines at the metro station. Note: If you buy the popular Hola BCN Travel Card the ticket from the airport is already included. Check in advance if your plane will be departing from Terminal 1 or 2.

Metro tickets & Hola BCN Card

There are two types of metro tickets . Get a good deal with the Hola BCN! Travel Cards . These personal ' Hola BCN Travel cards ' are available for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days and cover all travel by any bus, metro (subway), tram, and regional train in and around Barcelona (within Zone 1). All tourist attractions are located in Zone 1 of the Hola BCN Card . When you order the card in advance , you can pick it up when you arrive at the airport, so you can immediately use it to take metro line 9 to the city centre of Barcelona.

You can also buy separate public transport and metro tickets. A single metro ticket is relatively expensive. A T-Casual (ten trips) can be a better deal than an Hola BCN Travel Card if your hotel is centrally located in Barcelona and you won't often use the metro.

• A separate metro ticket is valid for 1 hour and 15 minutes and can also be used when changing to a bus (you don't have to stamp it again).
• Metro tickets get damaged easily. Never keep your metro ticket with your bank card, it will block the magnetic strip, resulting in an unusable ticket.
• Metro tickets are not valid in: cable cars , the blue tram to Tibidabo , and the tourist buses.
• The best place to buy metro tickets is at the TMB machines in the metro stations. They accept coins, notes, and credit cards.
• Beware of pickpockets in the metro!

From the airport to the center of Barcelona

Choose the airport near Barcelona you will be flying to or from to read how to get from the airport to the city centre by public transport. Only El Prat airport has a metro connection to the city:

• Airport Barcelona El Prat BCN (a 12 km from city center)
• Girona Airport GRO (95 km north of Barcelona)

Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off Bus

You can also choose to take the hop-on-hop-off bus . A one-day ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus costs €30 (€16 for children) and you can use the red, green, and blue lines as much as you want all day long. A two-day bus ticket costs €40. The buses tend to be crowded and there are often queues at the stops. If you want to get around quickly and cheaply, choose the metro. Via this website, you can buy tickets in advance at discount , or buy your tickets for full price at Plaça de Catalunya . This is also the biggest stop (and longest queue!) for the red and blue line.

Recommended: Barcelona Pass

Highly recommended! Almost every tourist wants to visit the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell . These sights are often sold out several days in advance and can have long queues. With this Barcelona Pass , Tiqets.com has combined them all into a single pass. The main benefits:

• Fast track tickets, so no queueing. Pick your own timeslot while you book.
• You will receive all your tickets by email within 24 hours. Unlike other discount passes, you don't have to pick up the tickets somewhere first.

What do you get included?

• Ticket Sagrada Familia
• Ticket Park Güell
• Choose 1 of these 3 tickets: Casa Batlló , Casa Milà or 24-hour ticket for the ' Hop on Hop off Bus '
• More info Barcelona Pass

Taxi in Barcelona

• Ràdio Taxi Barcelona: 932933111
• Ràdio Taxi 033: 933033033
• Barna Taxi: 933222222

Places to visit in Barcelona

Barcelona Tourist Attractions

Sagrada Familia & Tickets

Park Güell & Tickets

Camp Nou - Stadium of FC Barcelona

Barcelona Public Transport

The ultimate guide to Barcelona's Public Transport System

The bus system in Barcelona

Taking the bus in Barcelona is not very different from doing so in other countries.

Planning your trip

To plan your trip, you will find convenient bus maps in the maps page. Also, TMB (Barcelona’s Bus operator company) offers an interactive map in which you can display/hide all the lines.

Usually, bus stops are named with two streets. The first one indicates the main street. The second indicates an intersection to give you an idea of the approximate location of the bus stop. For example, the bus stop shown below is named “Via Augusta – Amigó”. Next to the name of the station, you will find a list of bus services stopping there. In this case, the V11 line, the 68 line and the N7 line. In Barcelona, lines starting with an “N” indicate night services running usually from 1am until 6am.

Via Augusta is a major avenue in Barcelona and it has dozens of stops. However, only this one is placed on the intersection of Via Augusta with Amigó street. Buses running through the same line towards the opposite direction will stop at the “Via Augusta – Calvet” stop, which is located a hundred meters away. In the map below you can see the location of both bus stops.

If you feel comfortable navigating with your phone, I strongly recommend that you use Google Maps or Apple Maps. They include static and live information about all bus lines in Barcelona. Regardless of the app you choose, it will tell you exactly where to wait for the bus and will inform you of any delay.

Travelling by bus

When you’re waiting at a bus stop, you should bear in mind that there might be more than one bus line calling at your stop. When the bus is approaching, you will see that the line is displayed on the front, as well as the direction (remember, one line has two possible directions, and you want to take the right one). You have to indicate to the driver that you want to get on the bus. Most times, standing up and making few steps towards the street is good enough—but you can always wave to the driver to make sure. Don’t be shy! Everyone does it.

If you don’t stand up or you don’t wave, the bus will not stop (unless you’re lucky enough that someone inside requests to stop by coincidence).

A similar principle applies when you want to leave the bus: you need to indicate that you’re approaching your stop. You do this by simply pressing one of the multiple stop buttons scattered all over the bus (they’re red and they are labelled as “stop” or “parada”). When you press them, a light saying “ Parada sol·licitada ” (requested stop) will turn on next to the driver. If you realise too late that you forgot to press the button and the bus has already passed your stop, just relax and press the button. You will get off one stop next, which will only be a couple of hundred meters away. Bus drivers will not stop the bus between two stops to allow people in or out, unless it’s an emergency.

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How to Use Public Transportation in Barcelona

This post explains Barcelona’s entire public transportation system and how to use it. We also cover ticket prices and how to save money on them.

The information comes from our local tour guides who have used the Barcelona transit system for years.

Their experience together with tips from group members of various Barcelona Facebook travel groups , we put together this guide to make your travel around the city easy!

Cable Cars & Funiculars

• How to Save on Tickets

Barcelona’s public transport network includes the metro, buses, tram and suburban trains.

With key stops like Plaça Catalunya and Montjuic, it offers easy access to various destinations.

This integrated system means that tickets are the same price for all four modes of transport and you can transfer between them for free within 75 minutes of validating your ticket.

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The metro network in Barcelona is one of the most efficient methods to navigate the city center and beyond

Not only is it efficient but it is also affordable, thanks to options like the T-Casual, T-Familiar, and the Hola Barcelona travel cards which make free travel possible on consecutive days. 

Depending on your itinerary, cycling or walking might be more cost-effective for shorter distances.

Single Tickets

Single tickets are €2.55 per ride, and you can purchase them at vending machines at metro stations and aboard buses.

Although you can purchase single tickets, they are only for buses and the metro, not other forms of public transport.

If you are considering using your credit card to pay, typically bus drivers and metro stations are equipped to accept credit card payments.

Still, it's always a good idea to check ahead or have some cash handy, especially if you plan to venture to destinations like Sitges or Blanes.

Multi-Ticket Cards

Barcelona’s public transit system also offers travel cards loaded with multiple rides. These are the T-Casual card and the T-Familiar card .

There is one significant difference between the T-Casual and the T-Familar cards, other than the number of rides, the expiration date and price.

The T-Casual card cannot be used simultaneously by more than one person, but it can be used by different people at different times. For example, you can use the pass in the morning and anyone you give it to can use it in the afternoon.

The T-Familiar card can be shared among several people as long as you travel together.

Both these cards are available for 6 zones, on the metro, tram, bus, and suburban trains. 

Zone 1 is the city centre, so chances are you won’t need any other type of ticket. 

If you plan to visit the outskirts of the city, you may want to consider purchasing tickets for the appropriate zones.

If you’re still not sure which zones you’ll need, the best way to avoid any problems is simply to purchase a travel card or tourist pass.

T-Casual Card

10 rides; valid until the city raises the fare

• Price per ticket: €1.21
• Price per ticket: €2.39
• Price per ticket: €3.20
• Price per ticket: €4.18
• Price per ticket: €4.80
• Price per ticket: €5.11

T-Familiar Card

8 rides; valid for 30 days

• Price per ticket: €1.33
• Price per ticket: €2.53
• Price per ticket: €3.60
• Price per ticket: €4.66
• Price per ticket: €5.33
• Price per ticket: €6.10

Unlimited Rides

The T-Dia card offers unlimited rides within 24 hours. Prices start at €11.20 for a 1-zone ticket and go up for Zones 2 and beyond.

There is also a T-Usual card which provides public transportation for one month. It usually costs €42.70 for a 1-zone ticket and goes up for Zones 2 and beyond.

For 2024, the TMB (the city's transit operator) has reduced the price for the T-Usual by 50% so you can get this card for €21.35 .

Note that the T-Usual card is a "holder-specific card" and must be linked to one's identification and cannot be shared by more than the person who registered for it.

The Hola Barcelona travel card (also called Hola BCN! ) is the best deal for taking the Barcelona public transport.

These passes can be purchased for 2-5 days at a time, and they provide unlimited rides on the metro, buses, tram, and suburban trains. It also includes a transfer to the airport.

• Price per day: €8.75
• Price per day: €8.50
• Price per day: €8.37
• Price per day: €7.64
• Purchase a Hola BCN card .

To get this same travel coverage together with free admission to top museums and attractions, consider paying more for a Barcelona Card .

Read more about this card below in our How to Save on Tickets section.

Airport Transfers

Another factor to consider when purchasing tickets is whether or not you’ll need to use public transport to get from the airport to the city centre of Barcelona .

If you do need an airport transfer, it’s worth noting that you’ll need more than a single ticket to reach the city centre from Barcelona airport. 

While there is a metro train that can take you to the city centre, it requires a special airport ticket which is €5.50 one way and €11 round trip. 

T-Casual tickets are not valid at the airport metro stops T1 and T2, but T-Dia and T-Usual do provide at least one airport transfer. You can also take an Aerobus for €12.25 .

That said, if you use the Hola BCN or Barcelona Card , this service will be included at no extra cost. 

Considering that the price of these services is as little as €7.64 per day, you’d save money over the cost of a round-trip airport ticket!

In addition to all the other services available in Barcelona, there are also a few cable cars and funiculars at notable sites such as Montserrat , Montjuïc , and Tibidabo.

These transport options are not part of the public transit system and they have their own ticket prices. 

That said, you can save money on tickets for some cable cars by purchasing your admission online ahead of time.

Read more about them in the below section, Cable Cars & Funiculars in Barcelona .

The metro network in Barcelona is one of the most efficient methods to navigate the city center and beyond.

It's the most extensive part of the city's public transportation system with 8 lines and hundreds of stops.

The only issue with a metro system this large is that, at first, it might be a little difficult to navigate. 

This guide will help you find some of the most notable and popular stops across each line so that you can find your way around the city with ease.

Navigating Barcelona's metro is generally safe, but vigilance is crucial in crowded areas.

Be mindful of service changes on public holidays and consider Nitbus for late-night travel. See the section on Buses below.

( full map )

Metro Lines

• Stops at Plaça de Catalunya, Arc de Triomf, Plaça de Sants, Marina, Plaça d’Espanya and more.
• Stops at Sagrada Familia, The Monumental bullring, Plaça de Tetuan and more. 
• Stops at Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça d’Espanya, Plaça del Centre, Plaça Reial and more.
• Stops at Sagrada Familia, Plaça de Sants, Camp de l'Arpa and more.
• Mostly used for airport transfers, and stops at Zona Universitaria.

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While there are other lines (Yellow, Light Blue, and Light Green), they don’t include any notable stops that tourists and travelers might want to visit.

Line 3 makes a stop at Liceu, which is just a block away from Plaça Reial, where at least one of our self-guided Barcelona tours begins.

Metro trains arrive every 2-6 minutes and they observe the following hours:

• Monday-Thursday: 5 am - 12 am
• Friday: 5 am - 2 am
• Saturday: 24 hours
• Sunday: 5 am - 12 am

You’ll find ticket machines at each metro station in Barcelona, making it easy to purchase admission no matter where you are.

There are currently 6 different tram lines and 3 separate networks in Barcelona, all accessible with either the Hola BCN card or the Barcelona card . 

That said, the line most travelers will want to consider is Tramvia Blau (otherwise known as the Blue Tramway).

Tramvia Blau is the most historic tram line in the city, and its route passes through streets full of beautiful Modernista houses to the bottom of Tibidabo Mountain, where you can ride a funicular to the top.

If you’re interested in enjoying excellent views of Barcelona, this is arguably one of the best tram lines in the city. This tram also passes by CosmoCaixa, a popular interactive museum.

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The other two networks in Barcelona are Trambaix (T1, T2, T3) and Trambesós (T4, T5, T6).

While Trambaix includes a variety of stops in the western half of the city, Trambesós covers the eastern and coastal regions.

The Trambaix network provides stops at locations such as Zona Universitària, Palau Reial, Cornellà Centre, Plaça Francesc Macià, and other notable sites.

Alternatively, the Trambesós network starts at Villa Olimpica and includes stops at Marina, Teatro Nacional, Barcelona Zoo, Glòries Square, Port Olimpic, and the Barcelona Forum.

Tram hours are the same as Metro hours with one key difference: they don’t offer 24-hour service on Saturdays. 

Instead, you can expect Barcelona trams to run from 5 am to 2 am on all weekend days.

Barcelona currently has over 100 bus routes connecting all the districts of the city, including the suburban areas. 

Although this service provides a lot of notable stops, it’s a bit more difficult to navigate than either the Metro or Tram.

Barcelona’s night bus system is called Nitbus and it serves most of the city and its suburbs between approximately 10:40 pm (22:40) and 5 am).

We cover some of the more popular bus stops and the routes to get to them.

• Plaça d’Espanya | Line D40, V7, 23, 46, 65, 79, 150
• Plaça de Catalunya | Line 19, 22, 24, 52, 62
• Zona Universitària | Line H, 33, 7
• Montjuïc Cemetery | Line 107
• Tibidabo | Line 111, 196
• La Sagrera | Line 96
• La Marina | Line 125
• Camp Nou | Line H
• Plaça Reial | Line 59

Of all the lines listed above, we recommend using the bus to reach Tibidabo, where you can take the funicular to the top and enjoy spectacular views of Barcelona.

You may also want to use Line 59 to reach Plaça Reial, where at least one of our self-guided Barcelona tours begins.

There is also a bus line that can connect you with the airport known as the Aerobus .

While line A1 services Terminal 1, A2 will take you to and from Terminal 2. 

The Aerobus provides stops at several popular locations in the city centre including Plaça d’Espanya and Plaça de Catalunya.

This service isn’t technically part of the public transit system, and as such, tickets are €12.25 .

Although the Aerobus is specifically designed for airport transfers, you can also use lines 46, N16, and N17 to get from the airport to the city centre, and these options will be much more affordable at €2.55 per single ticket.

Lines N16 and N17 are part of the night bus service (Nitbus), consisting of 17 different routes and running from about 10:30 pm - 5:30 am.

The main daily bus lines operate from around 5 am to 11 pm each day.

SUBURBAN TRAINS

As the name implies, Barcelona’s suburban trains are mainly designed to connect the suburbs with the city centre, and as such, they’re mostly used by locals.

That said, whether you have family or friends in the suburbs or you just want to see some of the outer neighbourhoods in Barcelona, this service can be quite useful.

Suburban trains also provide stops at several notable public squares and other sites you might want to visit in the city, so even though you might not use them for much, they could still be quite useful.

These are commuter trains, also known as rodalies in Barcelona.

While they are similar to the metro and tram services, you can tell the difference between them by the signifier “R,” which stands for rodalies .

There are also some S lines as well, and this letter stands for “ Suburban .”

Here are a few of the more notable stops you can reach using the suburban trains/ rodalies of Barcelona:

• Plaça d’Espanya | S4, S8, R5, R6
• Plaça de Catalunya | S1, S2, S5, S55
• Castell de Torre Baró | R3, R4, R7
• Arc de Triomf | R1, R3, R4
• Estacio de Franca | R2
• La Sagrera | R3, R4
• Montserrat | R5

As you can see, there are several great reasons to use suburban trains, although some stops are arguably better than others.

For example, if you want to visit Montserrat, these trains will offer you one of the easiest and most affordable routes to the historic site. 

Anyone interested in seeing the Castell de Torre Baró will also appreciate that there are multiple suburban trains servicing that stop, as well as landmarks like Arc de Triomf.

It’s also worth noting that the R2 Nord train services the airport from the T2 terminal, providing yet another affordable transfer to the city centre of Barcelona.

Ticket prices and operating hours are the same as the metro, and T-Casual/ Hola BCN cards are valid on suburban trains as well.

CABLE CARS & FUNICULARS

While there aren’t a lot of these services in Barcelona, there are a few you may want to consider while visiting the city.

We’ll cover the most notable examples in this section.

Montserrat Cable Car

This service is designed to help visitors climb the mountain of Montserrat and see the monastery at the top, and it’s another excellent location to enjoy the views of Barcelona.

Ticket Prices

• Single Tickets: €8.95/Adults | €4.70/Children
• Return Tickets: €13.50/Adults | €6.75/Children
• Free for children 3 and under.

Purchase tickets or learn more .

Operating Hours

• Mar-Oct Hours: Every day from 9:40 am - 7 pm
• Nov-Feb Weekday Hours: 9:40 am - 5:15 pm
• Nov-Feb Weekend Hours: 9:40 am - 6:15 pm

Montjuïc Cable Car

This service will help you ascend to Montjuïc Castle, and it also provides one of the best views in the entire city.

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• Return Tickets: €16.00/Adults | €11.60/Children | Children 0-4 are free
• Get 10% off return tickets when purchased online.
• Save €2 with the Barcelona Card.
• Nov-Feb Hours: 10 am - 6 pm
• Mar-May Hours: 10 am - 7 pm
• Jun-Sept Hours: 10 am - 9 pm
• October Hours: 10 am - 6 pm

Tibidabo Funicular (Cuca de Llum)

This service will help you ascend Tibidabo Mountain. On the way to the top, you'll have amazing views.

At the top is the Tibidabo Amusement Park , where you can enjoy the same great views.

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• €12.00 for Funicular only
• If you go to the amusement park, Funicular tickets are included in the price. Find out more here .

The Tibidabo Funicular runs from 15 minutes before the park opens to 15 minutes after it closes, and it operates on the following days each week:

• Mar-Dec: 7 days a week
• February: Weekends only
• January: Closed

HOW TO SAVE ON TICKETS

In addition to the Hola BCN Card covered above, there is a tourist pass known as the Barcelona Card . 

This service provides admission to dozens of popular attractions as well as unlimited access to all public transit including metro, trams, buses, and suburban trains.

Here are just a few of the locations you can visit for free using the Barcelona Card :

• National Art Museum of Catalonia
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Frederic Marès Museum
• Chocolate Museum
• Egyptian Museum
• Olympic Museum
• Picasso Museum
• Music Museum

In addition to covering admission prices for several popular attractions, this pass also offers savings on other activities including the following excellent examples:

• Palau Güell | 25% off
• Gaudí Experiència | 20% off
• Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar | €1 off
• Barcelona Bus Tours | 20% off
• PortAventura World | 20% off
• Montjuïc Cable Car | €2 off
• L’Aquàrium de Barcelona | 20% off
• Barcelona Zoo | 20% off
• Opera & Flamenco | 20% off

Barcelona Card Prices

• Price per day: €18.33/Adults | €10.66/Children
• Price per day: €16.25/Adults | €10.50/Children
• Price per day: €15.40/Adults | €9.40/Children

Purchase the Barcelona Card or learn more .

As it includes €2 off the Montjuïc Cable Car, this could be a much better option than the Hola BCN Card for some travelers.

While the Barcelona Card costs more than the Hola BCN Card , at the very least, this pass saves you time purchasing individual tickets.

When deciding between the two cards, note that while both cards provide free service to kids under the age of 4, the Hola BCN Card does not cover children above the age of 3.

The Barcelona Card does offer reduced fares for children between the ages of 4-12. 

So if you’re traveling with children, you could save more money buying a Barcelona Card for your children than a Hola BCN Card , and both services provide unlimited access to the public transit system.

Although adults will pay more per day for the Barcelona Card , that’s essentially the price of 1-2 attractions included with the pass at no extra cost, and you could save more than that each day with the concessions on tours and other activities!

In other words, if you’re planning to take a tour, visit a museum, or see one of the attractions included with this tourist pass, it makes a lot more sense to purchase a Barcelona Card than a Hola BCN Card .

For more details, please read our post on how to save money with Barcelona tourist attraction passes .

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

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Getting around the city

Mobility in Barcelona and its metropolitan area is effortless, thanks to the sustainable public transport network that makes getting around Barcelona a breeze. The best way to travel around Barcelona is by utilizing the efficient metro, trams, buses, and the Catalan government's city and suburban rail service (FGC), all prioritizing clean energy. Additionally, public transport in Barcelona includes a public bike hire scheme with over 200 km of bike lanes, ensuring an eco-friendly experience. How to get around Barcelona is further simplified by the fleet of taxis, featuring hybrid, electric, and natural gas vehicles. Environmentally friendly electric vehicles are also available for hire, ensuring you find the means of transport that best suits your needs.

Metro, FGC and Tram

Public transport such as the metro, tram and FGC are the quickest, simplest, most convenient and most sustainable way of getting around Barcelona. You can choose from the different ticket types and travel cards.

A fleet of over 1,000 fully adapted buses serve all areas of Barcelona. The integrated fare system means that travel cards can be used on the metro, trams, FGC and Renfe trains (zone 1)

Getting around by bike

Bicycles are a healthy, clean and silent way of getting around the city. Barcelona has an extensive and well-laid out network of cycle lanes and all kinds of services that make it easy to get around by bike. You can cycle through Barcelona's open spaces and parks.

Getting around by taxi

There are more than 10,000 taxis in the city which can be easily identified by their yellow and black livery. There are more than 300 bus stops in Barcelona and its metropolitan area providing convenient access to this service. A green light on the taxi roof indicates its availability.

Getting around with an electric vehicle

E-mobility brings energy-saving, environmentally friendly and financial advantages. It is efficient, allows the inclusion of renewable energies, doesn't generate any emissions, and reduces noise pollution... Come and explore Barcelona with a rented e-vehicle.

Park your car

Forget about your car and park it in one of our safe and convenient car parks. Public transport is the best, and most sustainable, way to get around Barcelona.

ZBE Rondes de Barcelona

From 1st January 2020 vehicles that are not registered with the Spanish traffic authority (DGT) will not be permitted to drive in the low-emission zones (ZBE). Find out here if you meet the ZBE emissions standards.

Getting around on unique means of transport

Barcelona has unique means of transport that will enable you to get around the city in a fun way on land, sea and in the air. You can discover the city on the Barcelona Bus Turístic, sail along the seafront on one of the Golondrinas pleasure boats, and ride up to the castle on the Montjuïc cable car.

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Hop on Hop off Barcelona 24/48 Hours Ticket

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Combo: Hop On Hop Off Barcelona + 60 Min Eco-Catamaran Cruise

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format_quote The views from the top give a different perspective of the city. The on-board audio guide is perfect to learn new things about the sights you see. Best way to discover Barcelona as a family!

format_quote Excellent tour and frequency. With the App you can see the routes, know where each stop is and what is your closest bus. Complete service, wifi on board and very friendly staff.

format_quote An excellent idea to discover Barcelona at your own pace. You can hop on and off at any stop and alternate routes. Great to reach the far off landmarks. Perfect if you are in the city for a short time.

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About CityTour

Barcelona City Tour  is the  official hop on/hop off  bus in the city. Operated by the union of two companies,  Julià Travel and Moventis . Both with great experience in the travel industry.

According to many experts, we’re one of the best hop on hop off buses in the world. For years, we have received the award for the best hop on hop off bus according to the T ripAdvisor Traveller’s choice seal . The last one in 2020.

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Did you know we are members of  Gray Line Spain ? Gray Line is the main network of agencies and tour operators specializing in visits around the world. With this license, we guarantee the quality of an excellent service.

What’s more, we are a company concerned about the environment. That is why we were the  first Spanish firm to include a 100% electric bus . This was later joined by the hybrid buses that began to roll in 2017. The Catalan government endorsed us with the environment guarantee badge.

Our vehicles guarantee that you travel in comfort. The double-decker buses have a heated lower deck and open-top. USB slots to connect your charger, free Wi-Fi and wheelchair accessible ramps.

Without doubt, the key to the success of the Barcelona City Tour is our team. The staff on board our buses will make you feel at home. And for any doubts you might have, our customer service department will be happy to help you.

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Get the City Tour Worldwide app to find our buses and trains in real time, locate the stops and find out what’s around you.

Everything you need to know about getting around Barcelona

Jul 4, 2023 • 6 min read

From bike rental to riding the metro, here's how to find your way around in Barcelona © Morsa Images / Getty Images

Barcelona is a perfectly sized city.

It is sufficiently big that you always have something to do and something new to discover, and thanks to its relatively compact size and extensive metro and bus networks, you can easily get anywhere in the city in no time.

If you love exploring by bike, you'll also be happy to hear the entire city was recently filled with 200km (124 miles) of bicycle lanes, making it one of the most manageable "big" cities to visit in Europe. Plenty of Barcelona's attractions are in the Old City and easily reached by foot.

Here are the best ways to get around Barcelona.

Barcelona's Metro is the best way to see the main sights

Composed of eight lines and 161 stations and operating since 1863, the Barcelona Metro is an extensive electric railway network that runs mostly underground, connecting downtown with the suburbs and several adjacent cities, including L’Hospitalet and Badalona.

Nowadays, Barcelona's best neighborhoods and biggest attractions are well connected by the metro. The  Sagrada Família , Casa Batlló , Platja de la Barceloneta ,  Arc de Triomf  and other spots are accessible from the metro, making it the most convenient way to get around the city.

The metro runs from 5am until midnight Sunday to Thursday. On Friday, Saturday and the nights before public holidays, it operates until 2am.

Ride the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat to the foothills of Barcelona

The Collserola mountain range  limits the north of Barcelona. To access the districts at the foot of those hills and beyond, you must take the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC).

The upper-class districts of Sant Gervasi, La Bonanova, Sarrià and Vallvidrera each have an FGC station. These districts are worth visiting, especially Sant Gervasi, as they have some of the best fine-dining restaurants in town.

Technically, the FGC belongs to the Barcelona Metro network, but there are some big differences. For example, instead of a metro tube, the FGC are actual trains. Moreover, they all depart from downtown, and the ticket price will differ depending on how far you go, while the regular metro has one price.

The bus is the best late-night transport

With more than 200 lines and their own bus lanes, the hybrid city buses of Barcelona can be a faster option than the Metro, especially if the Metro line doesn’t have a direct connection with a certain attraction. Several bus lines run all night, making it easier to explore Barcelona after dark.

Learning the different routes can prove challenging, but Google Maps is a great travel aid, plus all stations have maps and detailed routes from their specific area. Tickets can be purchased only inside metro stations.

In a nod to its role in a carbon-zero future, Barcelona's public transport system is also slowly changing to more energy-efficient vehicles, with all new buses being electric or hydrogen-powered.

Get epic views from Barcelona's cable cars and funiculars

Barcelona has funicular lines and cable cars that go to popular tourist attractions like Tibidabo , the tallest hill in the city and home to the church with the most incredible views. You can sail high over the port or access Montjuïc, another hill located on the west side of town, where you find the city’s castle.

Tickets can be bought in metro and FGC stations

All modes of public transportation in Barcelona work with the same travel card, which can be purchased in every metro and FGC station. Note that all prices mentioned refer to Zone 1, but the FGC covers 6 zones in total and different fares apply. A fare reduction was introduced in September 2022 for some of the most common tickets types and will continue through to the end of 2023.

A single metro ride costs €2.40 (€5.15 if going to or coming from the airport), but if you plan to use transport a lot and want to get around Barcelona more cheaply, visitors can choose from several integrated tickets:

• T-Dia (€10.50): Individual ticket valid for 24 hours. Good for solo travelers who are planning to take several metro rides in one day.
• T-Casual (€11.35): Individual ticket worth 10 journeys. Good for any solo travelers who are staying in Barcelona for a few days.
• T-Familiar (€10): Multi-person travel card worth eight journeys. Ideal for families or groups of friends.
• T-Usual (€40): Individual travel card with unlimited journeys, valid for 30 days. Works best for solo travelers who are staying in the city for a longer period of time.

All integrated tickets have the advantage that one ride will still be valid when changing the mode of transport within a 75-minute window. However, if traveling with a single ticket, you will have to buy an additional one when switching from metro to bus or metro to FGC.

Barcelona is becoming a bike-friendly city

Cycling is a great way to get around Barcelona. Less than a decade ago, you would barely see any cyclists in Barcelona, but in the last few years, the city has put a tremendous effort into making itself cycle-friendly. There are plans to add even more cycling lanes within the next few years.

Unfortunately, only residents can use the public rental service, Bicing (pronounced "be-zing"). However, visitors who wish to get around Barcelona by bike can easily get one at any of the rental shops all over the city. The city center is relatively flat, making it fairly easy to cycle around and explore.

Many sights in the Old City are easily explored on foot

Strolling down the streets of Barcelona – hopping from neighborhood to neighborhood while getting a sense of all the architecture and social contrasts – is one of the best things you can do in the city.

If you are staying in the Old City or anywhere downtown, most tourist attractions are within 2-3km (1 to 2 miles). La Barceloneta, El Raval , the Gothic Quarter , Passeig de Gràcia and  Passeig del Born  are all within walking distance from the city center, where you will find places like Barcelona Cathedral , the Museum of Contemporary Art , La Pedrera  and even  Barcelona's best beaches . 

Take a taxi for ease and comfort 

If you get a little tired of walking the city streets, wave down any of the yellow taxis driving around Barcelona all day. Typically, fares start at €2.10, but at night and on weekends, prices may increase. Alternatively, several taxi apps operate in Barcelona. Hailo and MyTaxi are the most popular choices.

Accessible transportation is a priority in Barcelona 

Barcelona has one of the more accessible public transportation networks in Europe, with 153 metro stations (out of 165) being completely accessible to wheelchair users and 100% of buses having an access ramp, wide doors and reserved seats. The ultimate goal is to have universal access to the metro network. 

The city administration is also working on making both the metro and bus accessible to blind people by implementing a voice navigation system and a metro guide in braille at all information points.

For more tips, download Lonely Planet's free Accessible Travel Online Resources .

This article was first published Jul 27, 2021 and updated Jul 4, 2023.

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• Montjuïc cable car
• Catalunya Bus Turístic

13/05: due to the FC Barcelona match taking place at the Olympic Stadium, there will be no Red Route service to the Plaça d’Espanya and Montjuïc area from 6 pm.

19/05: due to the FC Barcelona match taking place at the Olympic Stadium, there will be no Red Route service to the Plaça d’Espanya and Montjuïc area from 6 pm.

Practical information on the timetable of the Barcelona Bus Turístic

• Timetable: from 9 am to 7 pm. Services start running at the majority of stops between 9 am and 9.30 am and final departures are at 7 pm.
• Bus frequency: between 5 and 25 minutes, depending on the season.
• Journey time for Barcelona tour: around 2 hours for each route.
• Buses run daily, except on 1 January and 25 December.

Practical information on the timetable of the Barcelona Night Tour

• From June 3 to September 15, 2024.
• Operating days: from Monday to Sunday.
• Departure time: 21.30 h. Choose the language of your tour, in Spanish, English or bilingual Catalan/Spanish*.
• Approximate length: 1 h 40 min.

* The Catalan/Spanish bilingual option is only available on Fridays. The Barcelona Night Tour only operates during the summer months. Check for more information .

Practical information on the timetable of the Barcelona Christmas Tour

• Service dates: 24 November 2023 to 4 January 2024 (except 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January).
• Departure times (two journeys per day): 18.30 h and 20.30 h from Plaça de Catalunya.
• Duration of the tour: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The Barcelona Christmas Tour only operates during the Christmas period.  Check for more information .

3 routes, 1 ticket

10% discount on your online purchase.

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16 Most Scenic Double-Decker Bus Rides in the World (#10 Is a Hidden Gem)

Posted: October 11, 2023 | Last updated: October 11, 2023

When you think of a double-decker bus, your mind may automatically jump to London's famed two-floor, red buses — and rightly so. But there are many other incredible double-decker bus tours, where guests can sit in an open-air top floor worldwide. 

You may not be aware of the fun things you can get up to and the amazing sights you can see on these tours all over the world. So step up your travel game and climb aboard these 16 famous double-decker bus tours from around the world.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Barcelona Bus Turístic – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona's Bus Turístic is one of several popular double-decker bus tours in the city that lets riders hop on and hop off at dozens of incredible sites.

Audio guides are available in more than a dozen languages (headphones are provided on the bus), and riders can take in everything from La Sagrada Familia to Camp Nou football stadium.

Booking with Bus Turístic on one of your first days in Barcelona can help save money on travel by narrowing down which spots you can devote more time to.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

City Sightseeing Cape Town – Cape Town, South Africa

City Sightseeing’s Cape Town bus tours give passengers access to three different routes, with the hop-on, hop-off buses passing through several major tourist destinations.

Audio tours are available in 15 languages, and the bus loops stop at breathtaking attractions like Table Mountain’s cableway station and the Camps Bay Strip, where riders can check out the stunning beach.

Big Bus Chicago – Chicago, USA

Big Bus is not the only hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus option in the Windy City, but it’s one of the more popular choices.

The tour stops at major attractions throughout the city, like the Chicago Riverwalk, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Millennium Park (home of The Bean), and Navy Pier.

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Big Bus Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Big Bus also has an option to explore Dubai on one of their double-decker buses.

Choose from a 24-hour, 48-hour, or five-day hop-on, hop-off ticket and visit the city's stunning landmarks, including Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), Heritage Village, and Palm Jumeirah.

DoDublin – Dublin, Ireland

DoDublin’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour is one of the most popular in Ireland’s capital city. Riders can book 24- or 48-hour passes and check out several of the city’s famed landmarks.

A tour guide will give riders the low-down as they visit top tourist destinations like Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more.

Edinburgh Tour – Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Tour takes passengers on a big, green bus to many of Scotland’s capital city’s most stunning landmarks — from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The tours begin at Waterloo Place and feature a live guide. Passengers are free to hop on and off at any time while their ticket is active or ride for the duration of the tour (about an hour).

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Big Bus Hong Kong – Hong Kong, China

Big Bus also offers hop-on, hop-off tours of Hong Kong that hit all the major sites — from Victoria Peak and Lan Kwai Fong to Victoria Harbour.

Riders can listen to pre-recorded commentary (available in 10 languages) and choose a 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour ticket, which includes a stunning nighttime view of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Big Bus Las Vegas – Las Vegas, USA

Big Bus’s Las Vegas tours take riders to all the major sites — from the Strip and the Bellagio fountains to the Downtown District — in their open-air, two-floor buses.

These hop-on, hop-off tours also feature live guides, so riders can be entertained and educated about the area. Riders can buy 24-hour, 48-hour, or night tour tickets.

The Classic Tour – London, England

Naturally, there are many incredible bus tours in London, home of the famed red double-decker buses. The Classic Tour, which packs riders onto a vintage 1960s double-decker Routemaster, is a fan favorite.

The tours feature hilarious live guides and take riders through the city’s top tourist destinations — from Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

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New York Iconic – New York, USA

There are many hop-on, hop-off bus tour options in New York City, but a relatively lesser known, yet still highly rated, option is the big, orange New York Iconic bus tour.

The company offers different tour options — like a Downtown tour, an Uptown tour, or an All City Express tour (that hits hotspots like Grand Central Station and the Plaza Hotel). Many tours also come with a live guide.

France Tourisme – Paris, France

A two-hour tour where riders can listen to commentary in one of five languages, France Tourisme’s Paris double-decker takes passengers to some of the City of Light’s most stunning landmarks.

Riders will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre Museum — and learn about the city’s rich history while doing so.

I Love Rome – Rome, Italy

I Love Rome’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes passengers on a hot pink bus to some of the ancient city’s most popular and stunning landmarks.

The open-air bus stops at the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Vatican City, and more. And with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes, passengers can spend as long as they like at each stop.

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Big Bus San Francisco – San Francisco, USA

Big Bus San Francisco offers several options for tour enthusiasts visiting the Bay Area.

They offer the classic 1- and 2-day hop-on, hop-off tours (which hit the city’s hot spots), options to add a visit to Alcatraz into the ticket price, or a wine tour that takes riders to several Napa Valley wineries.

FunVee – Singapore

Those looking for a fun weekend excursion in Singapore should consider the FunVee bus tour, which offers incredible views of Singapore’s skyline.

The double-decker bus tour runs on Saturdays and Sundays and takes riders past stunning sites like Sri Mariamman Temple, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay.

Big Bus Sydney – Sydney, Australia

Big Bus also offers several packages for riders in Sydney. Each tour covers the city’s most well-known landmarks — like Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach.

Some packages include extra excursions, like a pass for the company’s hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise, or admission to attractions like the Sydney Tower Eye.

City Sightseeing Toronto – Toronto, Canada

City Sightseeing offers a great Toronto double-decker bus tour where riders can hop off at more than a dozen prime locations throughout the city.

The bus stops at sites like the Royal Ontario Museum, the famed CN Tower, Queen’s Park, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and more. Consider booking your bus tour with a travel credit card to earn travel rewards while you explore.

Bottom line

A city bus tour is a smart way to get your bearings when visiting somewhere new since you’re paying for transportation to many top tourist destinations in one shot.

The great thing about many of these tours — aside from the very flexible hop-on, hop-off options — is that they’re one of the best smart travel hacks that can save you money. 

Visit one of the tours on this list next time you're visiting one of these terrific locations worldwide. 

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