Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Dublin

Dublin is a dazzling metropolis, best known for its frosty brews, friendly locals and a plethora of historic sites.

Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Dublin offer a fuss-free way to see the city without working up a sweat. You’ll simply sit back and relax as you pass by famous landmarks, listening to an insightful commentary along the way.

Hop on and off at your leisure to see monuments up close, and learn more about the history of the Republic of Ireland.

Here's all you need to know about hop-on hop-0ff bus tours, one of the best options for sightseeing tours in Dublin.

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

Big Bus Dublin

Big Bus is one of the largest hop-on hop-off bus operator in the world, with services in more than 25 countries across four continents. Its Dublin tour includes 25 stops, ensuring visitors gain a thorough overview of Ireland’s capital.

Route

This hop-on hop-off bus tour in Dublin begins its route at the city’s Discover Ireland Center, which is easy to reach independently. This stop is located close to the 120-meter-high Spire of Dublin — also known as the Monument of Light — as well as the city’s main shopping strip, Henry Street.

Here, you’ll board your bus and travel to the next stop just outside Trinity College, where you’ll find the Book of Kells inside its Old Library. This gospel manuscript dates back to the 9th century and is named after an Irish monastery. This is also the stop at which to depart for the Little Museum of Dublin, which houses a U2 exhibition, as well as a collection dedicated to Ireland’s 20th-century history.

Moving on, you’ll make your way along Leicester Street South where you can visit the National Gallery of Ireland, which displays more than 16,000 artworks, as well as the city’s Georgian Quarter and a monument dedicated to the 19th-century poet, and playwright, Oscar Wilde.

Continue on the route to see Merrion Square and the tranquil St. Stephen’s Green, followed by College Green, from which you can access many attractions, including Grafton Street, and the Temple Bar District.

The next few stops cover a wealth of iconic landmarks, including the beautifully preserved Dublin Castle, as well as Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Teeling Whiskey Distillery is next, showcasing Ireland’s history as a whiskey distilling capital, followed by the Guinness Storehouse, a must-visit spot for anyone wanting an authentic taste of the country, and Pearse Lyons Distillery.

The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Heuston Station and Parkgate Street are next on route, followed by Phoenix Park, which houses the city’s zoo. Ring the bell for the Nancy Hands bus stop to explore the Kilmainham Gaol Museum or remain seated to continue to the National Museum of Decorative Arts & History, where you’ll find exhibitions covering the Irish Wars, silver and local furniture.

The final stops on this sightseeing bus tour in Dublin are the Jameson Distillery, the Big Bus Tours Visitor Center and Parnell Square North.

Timetable

This hop-on hop-off bus in Dublin runs every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day, starting at 9 AM. The final bus of the day departs at 5 PM. The route takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete if you decide to stay seated for its duration, and see the city from a distance.

Tickets

By purchasing your tickets for a hop-on hop-off bus in Dublin online in advance, you’ll save 10% on your passes, freeing up more of your vacation budget for sightseeing. In all cases, you’ll get one free child ticket with each adult pass purchased.

Discover ticket

The Discover ticket is the most basic Dublin hop-on hop-off bus ticket and is ideal for those with a limited itinerary, allowing users unlimited access to its service for 24 hours. Adults tickets begin at €29.70 online for a one-day pass, while children aged 5 to 15 pay €18 each.

Essential ticket

The Essential ticket is valid for 48 hours from its first use and also includes access to a panoramic hour-long nighttime tour, which includes the city’s Georgian Quarter, as well as Christ Church Cathedral. Adult tickets begin at €38.70 when purchased online in advance while children’s tickets once again begin at €18.

Explore ticket

The Explore ticket is the most budget-friendly option for those with a few days to spare in Dublin. The pass is valid for 72 hours and includes free access to the company’s night tour, as well as a complimentary coastal tour to the seaside village of Howth. You can expect to pay upwards of €58.50 for an adult pass online while children’s tickets start at €22.50.

Discover ticket plus Guinness Storehouse

Those who are interested in exploring the city’s highlights in greater detail may wish to purchase a combination pass for their hop-on hop-off bus tour in Dublin. This ticket includes all the perks of the Discover ticket, as well as entry to the Guinness Storehouse, complete with a free pint of the famed stout.

These tickets are only available for adults to purchase and begin at €63 each. This is an ideal option for those wishing to have a seamless sightseeing experience and you’ll save a little on your entry fee by booking a combination ticket in this way.

City Sightseeing Dublin

City Sightseeing is another popular choice for hop-on hop-off bus tours in Dublin, covering 25 spectacular attractions and offering numerous ticket options.

Route

The City Sightseeing Dublin hop-on hop-off bus route is similar to Big Bus Dublin, covering many of the city’s main attractions, such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse. However, you’ll find that the latter half of this tour includes alternative sites, providing you with a unique view of Dublin.

Stops are located near the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum, which honors international superstars, including U2, Thin Lizzy, the Cranberries and the Undertones, as well as the Dublin Writer’s Museum and the Dublin City Gallery. You’ll also have the opportunity to wander across the O’Connell Bridge that crosses the River Liffey, as well as visit the Abbey Theater, which opened in 1904.

Other highlights on this hop-on hop-off bus tour in Dublin include the Samuel Beckett Bridge, named after the Nobel-Prize-winning novelist, the Irish Emigration Museum and Mansion House — the official home of the city’s lord mayor.

Timetable

The City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus in Dublin runs from 9:15 AM to 5 PM at 30-minute intervals. The entire route takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete.

Tickets

City Sightseeing tickets offer different options for all types of traveler.

Iconic ticket

The Iconic ticket has several available options, depending on how long you’ll be exploring the city. You can purchase a 24-hour pass for €29 per adult and €15 per child aged 5 to 12. Seniors aged 65 and over and students with appropriate identification benefit from a discounted rate of €26 each while family passes cost €58 and include two adults, and up to four children. It’s worth noting that all Iconic tickets include two complimentary child tickets as standard.

If you choose a 48-hour ticket, you’ll pay €37 per adult and €22 per child. Seniors and students cost €33 each while family passes are available for €74.

Alternatively, select a 72-hour ticket for the best value, costing €43 per adult and €25 per child. Seniors and students can purchase passes for €38 each while families will save a sizeable sum, with their tickets costing just €86.

Essential ticket

This combination Essential ticket offers more perks than other passes, including access to a river cruise, as well as hop-on hop-off bus services. The pass is valid for 24 hours and costs €47 per adult and €26 per child.

Value ticket

The Value ticket is valid for 48 hours and includes river cruises, as well as hop-on hop-off services. You’ll pay €55 per adult and €33 per child for this style of pass.

Supreme ticket

Supreme tickets offer 24 hours of hop-on hop-off services, as well as entrance to the Guinness Storehouse for €59 per adult and €22 per child.

Ultimate ticket

Those who purchase the Ultimate ticket will enjoy the most comprehensive Dublin experience with 24 hours of hop-on hop-off services and a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, including admission to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. For this pass, you’ll pay €103 per adult and €52.50 per child.

DoDublin

Unlike other international sightseeing bus companies, DoDublin is unique to this Irish city. The company has been operating for more than 35 years, meaning it is well-versed in providing customers with an engaging experience.

Route

The DoDublin sightseeing bus route covers 26 stops, many of which are visited on other tours. These overlapping attractions include the Dublin City Gallery, Merrion Square, the Temple Bar District and Dublin Castle.

However, you’ll also have the opportunity to see national hero, Daniel O’Connell, who gained Catholic Emancipation for Ireland, immortalized in a bronze statue by stopping at O’Connell Street.

Other sites on this tour include Leinster House — a formal ducal palace — as well as Bachelor’s Walk where you’ll find the National Wax Museum Plus, originally opened by the legendary Madame Tussaud.

Timetable

The DoDublin hop-on hop-off bus in Dublin operates from 9 AM to 5 PM during the winter season, with extended services until 7 PM during the summer months. The route lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in total.

Tickets

All DoDublin hop-on hop-off bus tickets include entrance to the Little Museum and offer one free child’s ticket with each paying adult.

24-hour ticket

The hop-on hop-off bus prices in Dublin are €30 per adult and €10 per child, aged 6 to 14 for a 24-hour pass with DoDublin. Seniors aged 65 and over, and students both benefit from a discounted rate of €28 each with valid identification.

48-hour ticket

These 48-hour tickets offer better value to travelers who are in the city for multiple days. Adult passes are just €5 more than 24-hour tickets, totaling €35 each while children cost €15 each. Seniors and students can purchase this pass for €33 each.

Hop-on hop-off bus ticket plus Guinness Storehouse

Like other companies, DoDublin also offers a pass that includes the Guinness Storehouse. This costs €55 per adult and includes 24 hours of hop-on hop-off services.

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

Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Dublin offer travelers total flexibility. You’ll simply flash your pass as you climb aboard one of the sightseeing buses that run regularly through the day and wind your way through Dublin’s maze of streets, passing by a number of landmarks while listening to an engaging commentary, which is usually available in several languages.

When an attraction piques your interest, simply ring the bell and depart to explore further. Then, once you’ve discovered a site in its full glory, simply board another bus to continue on the route.

All hop-on hop-off Dublin bus tours include an audio-guided commentary and you’ll typically gain free access to a walking tour when purchasing a pass too. In some cases, you may benefit from additional inclusions, such as night tours or river cruises.

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

Big Bus sightseeing tours are included in the Go City Dublin Pass, which offers access to more than 40 attractions around the city for one all-inclusive price, saving you up to 50% on entrance fees.

Travel tips

• Before starting your tour, have a look at the route map provided by the bus company. Identify the stops you're most interested in and plan your day around them.
• To make the most of your day, start your tour early. This helps you avoid the busiest times and gives you more time at each attraction.
• Dublin's weather can be unpredictable. Bring rain gear and dress in layers to stay comfortable, whether it's sunny or rainy.
• If possible, avoid the busiest times, such as weekends and holidays, when buses and attractions tend to be more crowded.