A hop-on hop-off bus tour in Madrid can be a fun and flexible way to explore the city. These tours have no fixed schedules so you can jump on and off at leisure, spending as long as you like at different attractions.

If you don’t want the hassle of having to organize transport, then these bus rides are the way to go. You’ll see a lot in a short space of time and can create your own personalized sightseeing itinerary.

Here's everything you need to know about hop-on hop-off bus tours, some of the enjoyable sightseeing tours in Madrid.

What are the best hop-on hop-off Madrid bus tours? What are their prices?

Madrid City Tour

Madrid City Tour is the main operator of hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus trips in Madrid. They provide flexible daytime routes with open-top buses for panoramic viewing.

The buses stop at many of the major tourist sites across Madrid, and you can decide where you want to alight. Multi-day tickets are available for those who are staying in the city for a couple of days.

Route

These Madrid hop-on hop-off bus routes take you into the heart of the city, passing famous landmarks and picturesque avenues. There are two routes on offer – they focus on either the historic center or the new town.

Route 1 – Historic Madrid

If it’s your first time in Madrid, this is the route you’ll want to take. The bus whisks you off on a circular journey, cruising through the Spanish capital’s historic core. On these Madrid city tours, you’ll pass through classic neighborhoods like Barrio de las Letras on your mission to tick off architectural and cultural gems.

Highlights of your day will include icons like the Paseo del Prado, the Plaza de Cibeles and the Royal Palace. Other popular stops are Retiro Park and the Temple of Debod – these are also frequently visited during Madrid walking tours. However, it’s far less effort on the bus!

There is an extended route if you want to take in locations that are a little further from the city center. Sights on this longer tour include all those on Route 1, plus the Puente de Segovia, the Puente de Toledo and the Teleférico.

Route 2 – Modern Madrid

This hop-on hop-off Madrid route transports you through the newer part of the city. It’s a great choice for those who have already ticked off the main historic landmarks and want to experience something different.

On this sightseeing route, you’ll discover the modern and innovative side of Madrid. Stops include places like the Museum of Natural Science, the Nuevos Ministerios architectural complex and the Bernabéu Stadium. The latter is home to the Real Madrid football team, and fans can enjoy a self-guided tour behind the scenes.

Route 2 also offers an extended option for a longer day out which includes a few bonus stops. The additional attractions on this tour are the KIO Towers, the Palacio de Deportes and the Las Ventas Bullring among others.

Timetable

Route 1 runs daily between 10 AM and 6 PM with departures every 30 – 40 minutes. It takes 1.5 hours to ride the circular loop without getting off, and there are 16 stops to explore along the way.

The extended hop-on hop-off bus Madrid tours on Route 1 operate twice a day. Initial departures are at 10:05 AM and 6 PM in summer, and 10:10 AM and 2:30 PM in winter. There are 22 stops on this route.

Route 2 also has 16 stops, with departures every 30 – 40 minutes. Buses operate between 10 AM and 6 PM and it takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to travel the full distance without alighting.

The extended Route 2 schedule offers two daily departures at 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM. There are 20 stops on this itinerary, which takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to ride.

Tickets

You have a couple of different options when it comes to these hop-on hop-off bus tickets in Madrid. They are based on the length of time you wish to ride, and there is a special family ticket too. Tickets are valid on all routes and include the use of an audio guide.

1-Day Pass: Tickets cost €22.50 for adults (aged 16 – 64 years) or €9.90 for seniors and children (aged 7 – 15 years). Children under 7 years ride for free.
2-Day Pass: Tickets are €27 for adults or €13.50 for seniors and children aged over 7 years. Younger children are free.
Family Day Pass: This Madrid hop-on hop-off bus ticket costs €55.80 and includes two adults and two children. It is €9 cheaper than purchasing separate day passes.

How do hop-on hop-off bus tours in Madrid work? What is included?

The joy of hop-on hop-off bus tours in Madrid is that it’s all about sightseeing on your own terms. You can choose the time and place where you want to start, so long as it’s along the designated bus route. Just head to your nearest stop and show your ticket to the driver.

Once you’re on board, you can jump on and off at any of the locations included on the route. When you’re ready to resume your journey, return to the stop and wait for the next bus to come along. They pass by every 30 to 40 minutes so you won’t have to hang around for long.

It’s a good idea to arrive about 15 minutes before the designated departure time to allow for boarding. Try and come a little earlier so you can be at the front of the line and secure prime seats up on the top deck.

Entertaining audio guide commentary is included in your Madrid hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets. It is available in several languages and features all the significant points of interest along the route. Special channels are also available for children in English and Spanish.

There is free Wi-Fi on board the air-conditioned bus, and a sliding roof on the upper deck in case the weather is inclement. Remember to download the operator app so that you can see the real-time location of the bus. This is great for knowing when the bus will be arriving at your stop, so you don’t have to wait around any longer than necessary.

Are hop-on hop-off bus tours included in any city passes?

If you have purchased a Madrid City Pass, you’ll enjoy a free ride on board the hop-on hop-off bus. This is valid for the 1-day bus ticket and includes the audio guide and app.

For visitors staying in the city for a few days, buying the pass is a great idea. It’ll give you free or discounted entry to many of Madrid’s main tourist attractions, as well as skip-the-line entry at several locations.

Some passes also include free use of the public transport system, which can be worthwhile if you are here for more than a day. Always do some price comparisons to ensure buying a Madrid City Pass represents savings for the length of time you’ll be in town.

Travel tips

There is no luggage storage on the buses so leave your suitcases behind at the hotel.
The hop-on hop-off bus in Madrid is a popular way to explore, so book well ahead to secure your preferred dates. By searching online you’ll be able to find the cheapest deals too.
Try and bag a seat on the upper deck for the best views. Take sunscreen and water if you’re traveling in the summer.
Most Madrid hop-on hop-off bus tours offer free cancelation up to 24 hours before the date of travel. So, if your plans change nearer the time, you can rebook for another day.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Madrid