Do you enjoy the comfort of a guided tour, but want the flexibility of independent sightseeing? If so, then a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Dubai offers the best of both worlds. With fixed routes, multiple stops, and buses running frequently throughout the day, it is the perfect way to explore Dubai.

Hop-on hop-off buses include audio guides in multiple languages to make sure you don’t miss any of the sights. Package tickets offer the best value for money, especially those that offer multi-day passes plus access to some of Dubai’s top attractions.

Here's everything you need to know about booking hop-on hop-off bus tours, one of the most exciting sightseeing tours in Dubai.

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

There are two primary hop-on hop-off bus operators in Dubai: City Sightseeing and the Big Bus Company.

City Sightseeing

City Sightseeing is a worldwide Hop-on Hop-off bus tour operator and offers 4 great packages for Dubai sightseeing.

Routes

City Sightseeing offers two primary hop-on hop-off tours as well as a sunset/night route.

The Downtown (Blue) route focuses on modern Dubai, while the Red Route visits more of the Old City sites. The two routes include the following :

The Downtown (Blue) Route

The Dubai Mall
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Atlantis The Palm
Fairmont The Palm
Dubai Marina Mall
The Beach @ JBR
Marina Promenade
Grosvenor House Dubai
Infinity Tower
Mina Seyahi
Mall of the Emirates

The Red Route

The Dubai Mall
Museum of the Future
Al Seef Heritage Area
Al Fahidi Historical District
Dubai Museum
Old Souk
Al Shindagha Museum
Gold and Spice Souk
Riviera Hotel Dubai
Dubai Creek
Sheraton Dubai creek Hotel and Towers
The Dubai Frame

The Sunset or Night Tour

This is not a hop-on hop-off tour and only operates once a day with collections at the following stops:

The Dubai Mall
Mina Seyahi
Atlantis The Palm
Fairmont The Palm
Souk Madinat Burj Al Arab
Mall of the Emirates

All tours begin at Dubai Mall before heading in their respective directions. While both routes offer a taste of the traditional and modern faces of the city, the Blue Route heads towards the incredible Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, while the Red Route travels to the historical districts and souks found near Dubai Creek.

Sunset and night tours, as expected, highlight the vibrantly lit skies of the Downtown and Marina areas.

Timetable

The Blue and Red Route buses depart from Dubai Mall every 30 minutes from 9 AM to 5 PM. The Sunset and Night tour departs from Dubai mall at 6 PM with 5 stops along the route, arriving back at Dubai Mall at 8 PM.

Tickets

City Sightseeing Dubai offers four types of tickets:

Iconic Ticket

The Iconic Ticket gives you the option of 24, 48 or 72-hour access. The ticket includes a Sunset or Night Tour, and you can travel on the Red and Blue Routes. Online booking is discounted with a 24-hour ticket costing approximately US$65, a 48-hour ticket US$75 and a 72-hour ticket US$80 per adult. Children aged 15 years and younger travel for free when accompanied by an adult.

Essential Ticket

Essential tickets are also available on a 1, 2 or 3 day basis at US$70, US$110 and US$115 per adult respectively. Children aged 5 to 15 years pay US$55, US$85 and US$90 respectively, while children under the age of 5 years travel for free when accompanied by an adult.

This tour includes both the Red and Blue Routes as well as an Al Seef Dhow Cruise, and Lost Chambers Aquarium tickets with the 2 and 3-day ticket packages.

Value Ticket

The Value ticket is valid for 24 hours and includes a Sunset and Night Tour. It also includes admission to At The Top – Burj Khalifa. This ticket costs from US$110 per adult and US$80 per child aged 5 to 15 years. You are required to pre-select a date and Burj Khalifa access time when booking.

Ultimate Ticket

The Ultimate Ticket is a 3-day hop-on hop-off ticket which includes an Al Seef Dhow Cruise, as well as access to the Lost Chamber Aquarium and Aquaventure Water Park. Tickets start at US$165 per person age 16 years and older and US$140 for children aged 5 to 15 years. Under 5’s can travel for free when with an adult.

The Big Bus Company

The Big Bus Company operates two routes and also offers a Dubai by Night tour.

Route

In Dubai, the Big Bus Company offers two different routes, the City (Red) Route and the Beach (Blue) Route:

The City (Red) Route

Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall
Financial Center
Museum of the Future
Royal Palace
Arabian Dhow Cruise
Bastakiya Old Village
Al Fahidi Fort
Old Souk of Arabia
Heritage Village
Gold Souq
Spice Souq
Dubai Creek
Baniyas Road
Dubai Frame

The Beach (Blue) Route

Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall
Mall of the Emirates / Ski Dubai
Ain Dubai / Madame Tussauds
Dubai Marina
Bayside
Tallest Block
Media City
Atlantis The Palm
Palm West Beach
Souk Madinat Jumeirah / Burj Al Arab

On the Red Route, you can expect to see some of Dubai’s most iconic attractions, including the Burj Khalifa, the remarkable Dubai Mall and the city's famed souqs, which are visited on many Dubai shopping tours, and several museums, entertainment venues as well as the traditional atmosphere of Old Dubai and Dubai Creek.

The Blue Route explores the Dubai Marina and you will pass by or stop close to Palm Jumeirah, the Marina Promenade and the Tallest Block and Media City.

Timetable

The first bus on the Red and Blue Routes departs from Dubai Mall at 9 AM. Buses run every 40 minutes, with the last bus of the day leaving Dubai Mall at 5 PM on both routes.

The Red Route circuit takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, while the Blue Route circuit takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Tickets

Big Bus New York offers four types of tickets, with online bookings offering the best price:

Discover Ticket

This 24-hour ticket costs from US$65 per adult and US$40 per child aged 5 to 15 years if booked online. This ticket includes a Dhow Cruise and is valid for the date of purchase.

Essential Ticket

The Essential Ticket is a 48-hour hop-on hop-off package that costs from around US$90 per adult and US$55 per child. It includes a Dhow cruise, entrance to the Lost Chamber Aquarium and Ambassador Lagoon and allows for a date change at no extra cost.

Explore Ticket

An Explore ticket offers great value with 5 days hop-on hop-off access. It includes entry to Madame Tussauds, a Dhow cruise, Desert Sunset tour, the Lost Chamber Aquarium and Ambassador Lagoon and is fully flexible, allowing you to change the date of use at no charge. This package costs around US$105 for adults and US$75 for children.

Night Tour

Dubai Night Tours with Big Bus operate on certain weekdays. This is not a hop-on hop-off tour but follows a set route. An Arabian Dhow dinner cruise and the Dubai Fountain Show are included in the itinerary. Night Tours start at 4:30 PM and end at 8:30 PM. They cost from US$125 per adult and US$85 per child between the ages of 5 and 15 years.

How do hop-on hop-off bus tours in Dubai work? What is included in the price?

Hop-on hop off bus tickets allow you to start your trip at any of the stops on the route. The exception to this is the night tours, which typically follow one circular route, with the start and end point being the same. Buses are typically open-top, affording a great view, but seating inside the bus is also available.

Tours include pre-recorded commentary in 12 languages and you can use the company’s app to follow bus arrival times, view the route, and plan your sightseeing with easy to access maps. Buses circulate throughout the day with stops at regular intervals.

Travel Tips

Since you'll be getting on and off the bus, wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. Also remember the modesty guidelines of Dubai: cover shoulders and knees.
The heat in Dubai can be intense, so make sure you carry water, wear sunscreen, and bring a hat or sunglasses.
Begin your day early to maximize your sightseeing time, especially if your ticket is valid for only one day.
Some attractions in Dubai may require more time than others, so gauge your interest and plan accordingly. Multi-day passes are ideal to spread your sightseeing so you don't rush through everything.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Dubai