ExploraSpain
Transport24 hoursFree cancellation up to 24h before

Madrid: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top with Guide

Madrid Big Bus open-top sightseeing with three routes, unlimited stops, audio guide in 10 languages and live guide. 24 or 48-hour pass. 4.2/5 across 904 reviews. Wheelchair accessible.

4.2904 reviews

Editor's pick

Practical details

Duration
24 hours
Guide languages
Spanish · English
Mobile ticket
No need to print
Instant confirmation
Right after booking
Wheelchair accessible
Yes · flag it when booking
Minimum age
No restriction
Pets
Not allowed
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before

Highlights

  • 3 different routes: Historical (Purple), Cultural (Orange) and Modern (Blue)
  • Unlimited stops — hop on and off whenever you want for 24 or 48 hours
  • Open-top double-decker bus with audio guide in 10 languages
  • Covers Royal Palace, Gran Vía, Cibeles, Retiro, Bernabéu, Las Ventas, Atocha and more
  • Wheelchair accessible

Our take

The classic Big Bus hop-on hop-off in Madrid: 4.2/5 across 904 reviews. Three routes (Historical, Cultural, Modern) with unlimited stops for 24 or 48 hours and audio guide in 10 languages. Wheelchair accessible, which is rare on Madrid tours. The most recurring complaint is «value for money» (3.9/5) — the price is perceived as high for what it is. But as a tool to cover lots of ground without wearing out your legs, it delivers. What's worth knowing. First, download the Big Bus app before starting — it's the most efficient way to see live stops and times and avoid unnecessary waits. Second, there are isolated complaints from travellers who found their route operated as a continuous tour without a real option to get off (due to schedules or events). If you have specific stops in mind, check the app beforehand to confirm. Third, in summer the upper deck has little shade even with the extendable awning — cap and sunscreen are mandatory. Who it's for: travellers with little time in Madrid wanting to cover lots of ground (Bernabéu and Las Ventas are far from the centre on foot), families with elderly people or small kids who need not to walk much, travellers with reduced mobility (one of the few wheelchair-accessible products). Who it's NOT for: anyone valuing depth over coverage (this is panoramic view, not content), travellers on a tight budget (€35-38 for 24 h is high vs metro + walking), and anyone travelling on rainy days without flexible alternative.

What's included

  • 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass
  • Audio commentary in 10 languages
  • Headphones
  • Big Bus app with live tracking

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Entry to museums or landmarks
  • Hotel pickup

Good to know

What to bring

  • Cap or hat (the upper deck is open)
  • Sun protection (especially in summer)
  • A warm layer if going in winter or at dusk
  • Your own headphones if you prefer not to use the supplied ones

Not suitable for

  • Pets (service dogs only)

Things to keep in mind

  • Purple Route (Historical): ~85 min without getting off
  • Blue Route (Modern): ~70 min without getting off
  • Orange Route (Cultural): ~75 min without getting off
  • Child tickets 5-15 years; under 4s free
  • Download the Big Bus app before leaving to see live stops
  • Some travellers complain about little shade on the upper deck in strong sun — buses have an extendable awning
  • Recurring criticism: sometimes there are stops where you can't get off — check the app beforehand to avoid surprises

Meeting point

You can board at any Big Bus stop on the 3 routes. The main stop is Stop 1 — Neptune Fountain, Paseo del Prado 3198, near the Prado Museum and the Thyssen.

Stop 1 is right on the Art Walk, next to Hotel Ritz and the Neptune Fountain. Metro Banco de España (line 2) or Atocha (line 1) 5 minutes away. Before the trip, download the Big Bus app to see stops and times live — it's the most practical way to organise the route. You can redeem the ticket at any designated stop.

Open in Google Maps ↗

The experience

What you'll see

Open-top double-decker sightseeing bus with 24 or 48-hour pass, unlimited stops and three different routes. Covers the main central landmarks and the outskirts (Bernabéu, Las Ventas) that would take hours on foot.

  • Purple Route (Historical, ~85 min): Royal Palace, Neptune Fountain, Puerta de Toledo, Plaza de España, Temple of Debod.
  • Orange Route (Cultural, ~75 min): Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Las Ventas Bullring.
  • Blue Route (Modern, ~70 min): Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Plaza de Cibeles.
  • Key stops: Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor.

How it works

Redemption point: any Big Bus stop on the 3 routes. The main stop is Stop 1 — Neptune Fountain (Paseo del Prado, 3198), next to the Prado and Hotel Ritz. Metro Banco de España (line 2) or Atocha (line 1).

Download the Big Bus app before the trip — it's the most practical way to see live stops, times and active routes. Without the app, you go blind.

Pass: 24 or 48 hours from first use. Hop on and off at the stops you want. Audio guide in 10 languages (Spanish included) with included headphones.

Sun warning: the upper deck is open-top and although it has an extendable awning, there's little shade at midday in summer. Cap and sunscreen mandatory between June and September.

Kids: child ticket 5-15 years; under 4s free.

Who I'd recommend it to

  • Travellers with little time wanting to cover lots of ground without tiring legs.
  • Families with small kids or elderly with reduced mobility.
  • Wheelchair-using travellers (one of the few accessible tours).
  • Anyone wanting to reach Bernabéu, Las Ventas or the Temple of Debod without losing time on the metro.

Who I would NOT recommend it to

  • Anyone after cultural depth (this is panoramic view, not detailed content).
  • Anyone travelling on rainy days without alternative plan (the open-top loses its charm under umbrellas).
  • Anyone on a tight budget (€35-38 for 24 h is high vs metro + walking).
  • Anyone travelling in August at midday without sun protection (little shade on top).

Accessibility

The operator marks the product as wheelchair accessible. Some buses have a ramp and dedicated space. If accessibility is a critical factor, confirm at boarding at the first stop and ask which buses on your route are accessible.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before with full refund. «Reserve now and pay later» option also available.

Frequently asked questions

What do you see on each route?
Purple Route (Historical): Royal Palace, Neptune Fountain, Puerta de Toledo, Plaza de España, Temple of Debod. Orange Route (Cultural): Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Las Ventas Bullring. Blue Route (Modern): Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Plaza de Cibeles. The three routes cross at several central points so you can combine them.
How long is each full route without getting off?
Purple 85 min, Orange 75 min, Blue 70 min. If you do all three in a row, it's about 4 hours of bus time. Usually you combine with stops at the Prado, Retiro, Almudena or Las Ventas — the idea is to get off, visit, and get back on when another bus passes.
Why is the rating only 4.2/5?
Overall is 4.2 but «value for money» drops to 3.9. Most frequent criticism: price perceived as high (€35-38 for 24 hours), traffic slowing some routes, and isolated cases where the service functioned as a continuous tour without a real option to get off (due to schedules or restricted stops during events). The guide score is 4.2 — guides are a positive point when there are guides (not on all routes).
Is the 48-hour pass worth it vs the 24-hour?
The 48-hour usually costs €5-10 more. Worth it only if you'll use it two full days — long visits to the Prado and Retiro one day, and to Bernabéu or Las Ventas another. If you only have one quick visit day, the 24-hour pass more than delivers with the three routes.
Is it a good option if it rains?
Limited. The upper deck is open-top and although there are covered areas on the bus, you lose much of the charm if it rains. On rainy days, better plan covered museum visits (Prado, Thyssen, Reina Sofía) and save the bus for good days. The free 24-hour cancellation policy helps add flexibility.

If you book through this page, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we genuinely believe is worth it.

← See more things to do in Madrid