Located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is known for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, vibrant nightlife, and tourist attractions.
Hop-on hop-off Dubai is a convenient and popular way to explore this fascinating city with numerous iconic attractions.
Dubai’s iconic landmarks include the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 828 meters (2717 feet); the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree; the Dubai Fountain featuring daily water shows synchronized with music, and many more.
The hop-on hop-off bus in Dubai covers all the major sights and provides a comprehensive route to the most popular tourist spots.
The city is known for its Arabic dishes like shawarma, falafel, and hummus and international cuisines worldwide.
This article shares everything you must know before buying your Dubai hop on hop off bus tour tickets.
Top Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours Ticket
# Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 24, 48 or 72 Hours
# Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Dhow Cruise
# 5-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Dhow Cruise, & Desert Tour
# Go City Explorer Pass – Choose 3 to 7 Attractions
Why choose Hop-on Hop-off bus tours in Dubai
Sightseeing HOHO bus tours are a popular choice for exploring Dubai.
These bus tours allow you to explore Dubai at your own pace; you can choose where to get off the bus and spend as much time at each stop.
Dubai has numerous iconic landmarks and attractions spread across a large area.
Visitors can enjoy desert safaris, indoor skiing at Ski Dubai, water parks like Atlantis Aquaventure, and luxury resorts along the coastline.
As you travel, the bus provides informative and entertaining commentary about Dubai’s attractions, history, and culture. This commentary enhances your sightseeing experience.
Hop-on hop-off buses operate on fixed routes with designated stops near major attractions.
This makes it convenient for tourists to access different parts of the city without worrying about navigation or transportation logistics.
The buses are comfortable and equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and audio guides, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free experience.
Hop-on hop-off bus tours offer value-for-money packages that include unlimited rides for a specific duration, typically 24, 48, or 72 hours.
By taking a HOHO bus tour of Dubai at the beginning of your trip, you can get an overview of the city’s layout and major attractions.
This helps you plan your subsequent days more efficiently, as you’ll better understand the places you want to revisit or explore in more detail.
Where to buy tickets for Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour
You can purchase tickets for hop-on hop-off Dubai online, the place where the bus tour starts (the main station), or each of the individual bus stops.
However, booking your tickets online is recommended to save the hassle of lining up and wasting time.
Additionally, online tickets are cheaper than what you will pay at the bus stops or the main station.
Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.
Go to the Dubai hop-on hop-off tour booking page, select your preferred date and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email.
Best Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours in Dubai
Dubai offers many kinds of sightseeing bus tours, and we have handpicked three of our favorites for you.
We explain them below.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 24, 48 or 72 Hours
Discover dazzling Dubai by jumping on board one of the iconic, open-top red buses.
Explore ever-expanding Dubai, home to the world’s most iconic buildings and landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Old Souk, and Atlantis the Palm.
Discover Dubai’s stunning sights on an unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour; with a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour pass, you can explore this great destination at your leisure.
Enjoy unrivaled 360-degree views from the open-top deck, and learn about Dubai’s heritage through the multilingual audio tour commentary.
Upgrade your visit to Dubai by selecting a premium option, allowing you access to the Al Seef Dhow Cruise and entry to the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Remember to bring your passport or ID card.
The bus runs every 30 minutes.
Ticket Prices
24-Hour Standard Ticket
Adult Ticket (16+ years): AED 238
Child Ticket (up to 15 years): Free
48-Hour Standard Ticket
Adult Ticket (16+ years): AED 264
Child Ticket (up to 15 years): Free
72-Hour Standard Ticket
Adult Ticket (16+ years): AED 289
Child Ticket (up to 15 years): Free
Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Dhow Cruise
Explore Dubai at your own pace with a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket.
See top landmarks, discover the city’s hidden gems, and ride a Dhow Cruise.
Experience the history and culture with digital commentary in 12 languages.
Enjoy epic views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis Hotel, and many more, and admire the Dubai landmarks from the vantage point of an open-top double-decker bus.
This fully-narrated audio tour will allow you to discover over 34 locations throughout the city, with daily departures from the starting point at the Dubai Mall.
All buses are wheelchair accessible.
Ticket Prices
24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket & Dhow Cruise
Adult Ticket (16+ years): AED 239
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): AED 147
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour, Dhow Cruise, Aquarium, & Lagoon
Adult Ticket (16+ years): AED 320
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): AED 202
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
24-Hour Ticket with Aquarium, Dhow Cruise, & Desert Tour
Adult Ticket (16+ years): AED 239
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): AED 147
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
5-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Dhow Cruise, & Desert Tour
Discover Dubai at your leisure with a flexible 5-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket, plus entry to the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, the Ambassador Lagoon, a dhow cruise, and a desert sunset tour.
Travel in air-conditioned comfort and explore landmarks via two routes with audio commentary in 12 languages.
Ride along the old city on the historical Red Route, including a stop at the Museum of The Future, and discover the beachfront and Burj Khalifa, the sights of the Marina, and Atlantis, the Palm on the Blue Route.
Experience the desert at sunset and get a traditional welcome at a desert fort.
Interact with camels, falcons, and horses, and get a temporary henna tattoo.
Tickets are valid for five consecutive days from the first day of use.
Download the free Big Bus App to live-track buses, view bus stop locations, and more.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (16+ years): AED 378
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): AED 272
Dubai’s iconic landmarks and attractions
Here are some of the iconic landmarks and attractions that you will visit on your Dubai hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, is a must-visit landmark in Dubai.
Hop off the bus and head to the observation deck on the 124th or 148th floor for breathtaking city views.
The Dubai Mall
Located next to Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest shopping malls, it houses over 1,200 retail stores.
Hop off the bus and explore its vast shops, entertainment options, and attractions like Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
The Palm Jumeirah
This artificial palm-shaped island is an engineering marvel and home to luxurious hotels, resorts, and private residences.
Hop off the bus and enjoy the beautiful beaches or visit Atlantis, The Palm, for its water park and marine exhibits.
Dubai Marina
This waterfront district is famous for its stunning skyline, yachts, and vibrant atmosphere.
Hop off the bus, explore the Marina Walk, dine at waterfront restaurants, or embark on a boat tour.
Atlantis, The Palm
This extravagant resort is on the Palm Jumeirah island.
It offers a variety of activities, including an underwater aquarium, a water park, luxury accommodations, and exquisite dining options.
Dubai Creek
The Dubai Creek is a natural saltwater inlet that divides the city into two sections, Deira and Bur Dubai.
Visitors can take a traditional abra (water taxi) ride to explore the area and witness the contrast between the old and modern parts of the city.
Dubai Museum
Located in the Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum showcases the city’s history and heritage.
Hop off the bus and explore the exhibits to learn about Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village to a global city.
The tour buses offer multiple routes, allowing you to explore different city areas and enjoy the flexibility to get on and off at your desired stops.
Benefits of Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Dubai offer several benefits for tourists.
Here are some of the key advantages.
Convenience of sightseeing
Hop-on hop-off bus tours provide a convenient way to explore Dubai’s major attractions.
The buses follow set routes covering popular landmarks, allowing you to easily navigate the city without the hassle of public transportation or finding parking.
Flexibility
These tours allow you to hop off at any stop and spend as much time as you want at each attraction.
You can explore the sights at your own pace and hop back on the bus when ready to move on to the next destination.
This flexibility is ideal for those who prefer not to be rushed and want to customize their itinerary.
Comprehensive coverage
Hop-on hop-off buses cover a wide range of attractions and landmarks in Dubai.
They often have multiple routes, such as the red route for downtown Dubai and the blue route for the beach areas.
This ensures you can visit popular sites like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Marina, and many others without missing out on anything significant.
Informative commentary
Most bus tours provide informative audio commentary in multiple languages.
As you travel between stops, you can learn about Dubai’s history, culture, and interesting facts about the landmarks you’re passing by.
This commentary enhances your sightseeing experience by providing valuable insights and background information.
Cost effective
Hop-on hop-off bus tours are often cost-effective, especially when hiring private transportation or taking multiple taxis.
The ticket price usually includes unlimited rides for a specific duration, allowing you to save on transportation costs while enjoying a comprehensive city tour.
Time saving
Dubai is known for its traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
A hop-on hop-off bus tour can save you time as the buses have dedicated routes and designated stops, ensuring efficient transportation between attractions.
This means you don’t have to worry about navigating congested roads.
Accessibility
Hop-on hop-off buses are generally wheelchair accessible, making them suitable for travelers with mobility challenges.
They provide ramps or lifts for easy boarding and alighting, ensuring everyone can enjoy the city tour experience.
Panoramic views
The open-top design of many hop-on hop-off buses allows you to enjoy panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline and attractions as you travel around the city.
This offers excellent photo opportunities and a unique perspective on the city’s architecture and landmarks.
Hop-on hop-off advantage
Besides the convenience of transportation, these tours offer additional advantages.
Some companies provide complimentary extras like guided walking tours, dhow cruises, or admission to popular attractions, adding value to your ticket.
Tips for a memorable Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off experience
To make your Dubai sightseeing bus tour experience memorable, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Plan your itinerary
Before embarking on the bus tour, research the attractions and landmarks you want to visit in Dubai.
Take note of their locations and plan your route accordingly.
This will help you maximize your time and ensure you don’t miss out on any must-see sites.
Choose the right ticket
Hop-on hop-off bus tours offer different ticket options, such as 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour passes.
Consider your schedule and the number of attractions you want to visit to determine the most suitable ticket duration.
If you have limited time, opting for a shorter duration and focusing on the key attractions may be more efficient.
Start early
Dubai can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Starting your hop-on hop-off tour early in the day lets you beat the crowds and have a more enjoyable experience at each stop.
You’ll also have more time to explore without feeling rushed.
Listen to the commentary
Take advantage of the audio commentary available on the bus.
It provides valuable information about Dubai’s attractions, history, and culture.
Listen attentively to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the city’s landmarks as you pass them.
Bring essentials
Prepare for the Dubai weather by bringing essential items such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle.
The city can get hot, so staying hydrated and protected from the sun is important, especially if you plan to explore the attractions on foot during the hop-off stops.
Be mindful of time
Keep track of the bus schedule and the time it takes to travel between stops.
Ensure you allocate enough time to explore and take in the experience at each attraction.
Remember to consider the bus frequency and the time it will take to catch the next bus when hopping off.
Be flexible and spontaneous
While planning is important, also be open to spontaneous decisions; if you come across an attraction or landmark that catches your attention while on the bus, don’t hesitate to hop off and explore it.
Sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from unexpected discoveries.
Take advantage of discounts and extras
Many hop-on hop-off bus tours offer additional benefits, such as discounted entry to popular attractions or free guided walking tours.
Check if your ticket includes any extras and take advantage of them to enhance your Dubai experience.
Keep your ticket handy
Ensure your bus ticket is accessible throughout the tour.
You’ll need to present it when boarding the bus or when asked by the staff.
It’s also a good idea to take a photo or note the ticket details in case it gets misplaced.
Enjoy the views
Dubai is known for its impressive skyline and iconic architecture.
As you travel on the bus, take the panoramic views and capture memorable photos.
Remember to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the highlights of your journey.
Following these tips can make the most of your hop-on hop-off Dubai experience and create lasting memories.
FAQs about Dubai Hop-on Hop-off bus tours
Here are some questions travelers usually ask before taking a Dubai hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Hop-on hop-off bus tours allow you to get on and off the bus at designated Dubai hop-on hop-off bus stops and explore important attractions.
You can hop on and off the bus as often as you wish.
Those who want to tour the city’s top attractions have two options: stay on board for the entire route and enjoy a fascinating, gorgeous voyage, or get off at the destinations to explore more.
However, that’s not the end of it.
Tourists can easily continue their tour of the remaining locations by boarding the next bus.
Here are some of Dubai hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets with their validity:
Hoho Tickets:
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 24, 48 or 72 Hours
1 to 3 days
Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Dhow Cruise
1 to 5 days
5-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Dhow Cruise, & Desert Tour
5 days
Go City Explorer Pass – Choose 3 to 7 Attractions
2 months
*Check availability to see starting times.
The buses on Dubai hop-on hop-off bus tours run every 30 minutes.
Some of the popular attractions covered on Dubai hop-on hop-off bus tour are:
Burj Khalifa
The Dubai Mall
The Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Marina
Atlantis, The Palm
Dubai Creek
Dubai Museum
You can get off the hop-on hop-off at any stop, explore the attraction, and get on the next bus to continue your journey.
On most hop-on-hop-off buses, passengers can listen to pre-recorded commentary by expert tour guides, which is available in multiple languages.
The commentator narrates the city’s intriguing history, facts, figures, and stories about architecture and culture belonging to each landmark the bus passes through.
Yes, you can purchase hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets online in advance; you can select your desired date and purchase tickets.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is useful during peak tourist seasons when tours can sell out quickly.
Moreover, purchasing your ticket online can save time and avoid disappointment on the tour day. This also allows you to secure your spot and plan your itinerary.
Yes, the hop-on hop-off buses in Dubai are generally air-conditioned to comfort passengers during the tour.
Some companies even operate open-top double-decker buses so you can feel the wind blowing in your hair as the bus speeds down the city’s sleek roads.
If you plan your tour around the end of December to the start of February, we recommend open-top double-decker buses.
Most Dubai hop-on hop-off bus operators restrict luggage and large bags, prioritizing passenger comfort and safety.
Typically, these buses offer limited storage for small bags and hand luggage in overhead compartments or under seats.
However, larger suitcases or bulky items are generally not permitted onboard. Specific policies may vary among operators.
You can usually bring small snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for personal consumption.
However, policies regarding bringing food and drinks on hop-on hop-off buses in Dubai can vary between tour operators.
Thus, checking the food and drink policies with the tour operators is recommended.
Hop-on hop-off buses in Dubai are wheelchair accessible to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.
Some hop-on hop-off buses in Dubai have ramps or lifts to facilitate wheelchair boarding and disembarking.
These accessibility features allow individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids to access the bus easily and comfortably.
Yes, hop-on hop-off bus tickets allow for unlimited rides within their validity period.
These tickets are designed to provide flexibility and convenience, allowing passengers to hop on and off the bus at various stops as often as they like during the specified duration of the ticket.
During the validity period of your ticket, you can board the bus at any designated stop and disembark at any of the stops along the route.
You can download the tour bus app in advance to live-track buses, view bus stop locations, and more.