Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and largest city, located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
It is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning views.
Lisbon offers several sightseeing HOHO bus tour options that allow visitors to explore the city’s major attractions at their own pace.
The city’s markets, such as Mercado da Ribeira and Mercado de Campo de Ourique, are great places to sample local produce and enjoy authentic flavors.
Whether you explore its historic sites, indulge in its culinary delights, or enjoy its streets’ charm, Lisbon offers visitors a memorable experience.
This article shares everything you should know before buying tickets for Lisbon Hop On Hop Off Bus tour.
Top Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours Ticket
# 72/96-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Tram & Boat Ticket
# 1-or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
# 3-in-1 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Tram Tours
# Hop-on Hop-off 48-Hour Bus and Boat Tour Ticket
# 48-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour and Oceanarium Entry
How Hop-on Hop-off bus tour works
A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a popular sightseeing option in many cities worldwide.
Discovering the city on a hop-on hop-off bus in Lisbon that operates similarly to other similar bus tours is the best option to explore.
The Lisbon sightseeing bus tours usually operate on specific routes that cover major tourist destinations and points of interest in a city.
These routes are carefully designed to showcase the city’s highlights, including historic sites, landmarks, viewpoints, and cultural attractions.
Tickets are typically valid for a specified duration, such as 24 hours or 48 hours, allowing you to use the bus service during that period.
Some tours offer different ticket options, such as single-day or multi-day passes.
Once you have your ticket, you can board the HOHO bus at any designated bus stop. These bus stops are usually located near popular tourist areas or landmarks. The buses are easily recognizable, often with vibrant colors and the tour company’s logo.
Once you board the bus, you must present your ticket to the staff or scan it at a validation point. This process ensures that your ticket is valid for your chosen tour.
The buses have an audio commentary system that provides pre-recorded information about the attractions and landmarks you’ll pass along the route.
When you visit a specific site, disembark the bus and spend as much time as you wish there.
To continue the tour, return to the designated bus stop and hop back on the next available bus.
Hop-on hop-off Lisbon buses generally operate at regular intervals, usually every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the tour and the time of day.
Where to buy tickets for Lisbon Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
You can purchase tickets for the Lisbon hop-on hop-off tour 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, booking tickets online can help you get great discounts and offers.
Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.
Go to the hop-on hop-off Lisbon ticket 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 Lisbon
Lisbon offers many kinds of sightseeing bus tours, and we have handpicked five of our favorites for you.
We explain them below –
72/96-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Tram & Boat Ticket
On a Lisbon hop-on hop-off tour, explore the neighborhoods of Alfama, Belém, and Oriente.
Enjoy 72 or 96 hours of unlimited use of a historic tram, an open-top bus, and a Tagus River cruise.
Explore every wonder of Lisbon as you travel through land and water.
Access public trams, funiculars, and the Santa Justa lift during the ticket’s validity while learning interesting tales and facts about Lisbon from an audio guide.
Check out the Benefits and Discounts link on the voucher for exclusive discounts on admission to monuments, museums, and leisure activities.
Ticket Price
72-Hour Ticket
Adult ticket (17+ years): €45
Youth ticket (11 to 16 years): €34
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €23
Infant ticket (Up to 3 years): Free
96-Hour Ticket
Adult ticket (17+ years): €55
Youth ticket (11 to 16 years): €41
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €28
Infant ticket (Up to 3 years): Free
1-or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Explore Lisbon at your own pace! with a 24- or 48-hour ticket for 1 or 2 sightseeing HOHO bus tours.
Admire the city’s Manueline architecture and take in the sights along the Tagus River.
Discover the old district, rebuilt following the disastrous earthquake of 1755, and hop on and off at the museums you visit.
Access public trams and funiculars, get discounts at eateries and ride the Santa Justa Lift to the top for stunning views.
Choose the attractions that interest you the most – either on Belém Lisbon or Modern Lisbon tour, or get it all in one ticket if you have the time.
Ticket Price
Hop-on Hop-off Modern Lisbon Bus Tour 24-Hours
Adult ticket (17+ years): €21
Youth ticket (11 to 16 years): €16
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €11
Infant ticket (Up to 3 years): Free
Hop-on Hop-off Belem Lisbon Bus Tour 24-Hours
Adult ticket (17+ years): €21
Youth ticket (11 to 16 years): €16
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €11
Infant ticket (Up to 3 years): Free
Lisbon: 48h| 2 Bus Lines: Belém and Modern Lisbon Tour
Adult ticket (17+ years): €27
Youth ticket (11 to 16 years): €20
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €14
Infant ticket (Up to 3 years): Free
3-in-1 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Tram Tours
With three separate hop-on hop-off trips, explore Lisbon at your own pace!
Your 48-hour ticket gives you unrestricted access to Lisbon’s attractions, intriguing history, attractive ambiance, and new, contemporary neighborhoods.
Take a ride on a vintage tramcar, Lisbon’s traditional method of transportation, and explore the city’s most historic sites and thriving modern neighborhoods.
Take advantage of discounts at galleries, eateries, and nightclubs and free access to the Santa Justa Lift.
Hop on and off whenever and wherever you wish at any stops. Some of the stops are – Praça da Figueira, Restauradores Square, El Corte Inglés Shopping Center, Lisbon Cruise Terminal, and many more.
Ticket Price
Adult ticket (17+ years): €36
Youth ticket (11 to 16 years): €27
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €18
Infant ticket (Up to 3 years): Free
Hop-on Hop-off 48-Hour Bus and Boat Tour Ticket
You can explore Lisbon at your own pace with bus and boat hop-on hop-off tours.
With your unlimited 48-hour pass, you may see all of Lisbon’s attractions and its most recent neighborhoods and learn about its interesting past.
Take advantage of discounts at museums, restaurants, and bars and admire the sweeping views of Lisbon on a Tagus River cruise.
Spend 48 hours exploring Lisbon to the fullest on two double-decker bus tours and one boat tour.
Some of the stops during the tour are – Praça da Figueira, Restauradores Square, El Corte Inglés Shopping Center, Lisbon Cruise Terminal, Terreiro do Paço Boat Station, Belém Boat Station, and many more.
Ticket Price
Adult ticket (17+ years): €36
Youth ticket (11 to 16 years): €27
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €18
Infant ticket (Up to 3 years): Free
48-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour and Oceanarium Entry
Don’t miss Lisbon’s Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, which is also one of its top attractions.
Explore Lisbon, from the historical sites in Belém to the newest neighborhoods in Oriente.
Hop on and off the bus, visit the unique Belém Tower and the vast Jerónimos Monastery, and discover the stories of the great sea voyages in the 15th century.
Stop at the Fado museum and learn more about this Portuguese song and its artists.
The ticket includes a must-visit to one of the largest aquariums in the world, with its different oceans and habitats, and an amazing journey through the wonders of sea life.
Ticket Price
Adult ticket (11+ years): €45
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €28
Infant ticket (Up to 3 years): Free
Iconic landmarks and historical sites
A hop-on hop-off bus in Lisbon typically covers several iconic landmarks and historical sites throughout the city.
Here are some of the top attractions, which you will visit on your Lisbon hop-on hop-off tour:
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém): This iconic fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Portugal’s maritime history. It was a defensive structure and a starting point for many exploratory voyages during the Age of Discovery.
Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos): Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jerónimos Monastery is a stunning example of Manueline architecture. It houses the tombs of Vasco da Gama and other notable figures from Portugal’s history.
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa): The Lisbon Cathedral is one of the city’s oldest and most important religious buildings. It dates back to the 12th century and exhibits various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque.
São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge): Located on a hilltop, São Jorge Castle offers panoramic views of Lisbon. The castle dates back to the Moorish period and played a crucial role in the city’s history.
Rossio Square (Praça do Rossio): Rossio Square is a bustling plaza in the heart of Lisbon. It is a central meeting point and a hub of activity, surrounded by beautiful buildings, cafes, and shops.
Alfama District: This historic neighborhood is known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and traditional Fado music. It’s one of the oldest areas in Lisbon, with a maze-like layout that invites exploration. The hop-on hop-off tour can take you through some of Alfama’s charming streets.
Chiado District: Known for its elegant shops, theaters, and historic cafés, Chiado is a lively area that has been an intellectual and cultural hub of Lisbon for centuries. It’s a great place to stroll, shop, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Benefits of a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
Explore Lisbon by bus on a sightseeing HOHO bus tour as it offers several benefits for tourists.
Here are some of the advantages of taking the hop-on hop-off Lisbon tour:
Convenience: Hop-on hop-off bus tours provide convenient transportation for sightseeing in Lisbon. The buses follow predefined routes that cover major tourist spots, eliminating the need to navigate public transport or deal with parking and traffic. The buses also provide accessibility options for people with mobility challenges, such as ramps and designated seating.
Flexibility: You can hop off the bus at any designated stop and explore the attractions that interest you. Whether you want to spend more time at a particular landmark, visit a museum, or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, you can tailor your itinerary according to your preferences and time constraints.
Comprehensive coverage: The bus tours are designed to cover a wide range of attractions and landmarks within a city. They include major sites, historical monuments, cultural hotspots, and popular neighborhoods. By taking the tour, you can get an overview of the city’s highlights and ensure you take advantage of all significant points of interest.
Informative commentary: The buses on hop-on hop-off tours have an audio commentary system that provides informative and entertaining commentary about the attractions you pass by. The commentary offers historical facts, interesting anecdotes, and background information, enriching your understanding of the city’s culture and heritage.
Cost-effective: Hop-on hop-off bus tours often offer good value for money, especially when compared to other guided tours or private transportation options. The ticket price includes unlimited access to the buses for a specified duration, allowing you to explore multiple attractions within that time frame.
Time-efficient: The buses operate regularly, ensuring you don’t have to wait too long for the next bus to arrive. This means you can cover more ground and visit more attractions within a shorter period than walking or using other public transportation.
Sightseeing orientation: Hop-on hop-off bus tours are particularly useful for first-time visitors to a city. They provide a great orientation to the layout and geography of the city, helping you get acquainted with the main landmarks, neighborhoods, and points of interest.
Panoramic views: The open-top buses used in Hop-on hop-off tours provide excellent panoramic views of Lisbon’s iconic sights. You can enjoy the city’s beautiful architecture, landscapes, and vibrant neighborhoods from a unique vantage point.
Tips and recommendations for a memorable experience
To have a memorable experience on a Lisbon hop-on hop-off bus tour, consider the following tips and recommendations:
Plan your route: Before starting the tour, see the bus route map and plan which attractions or neighborhoods you want to visit. This will help you maximize your time and get all must-see sites.
Start early: It’s a good idea to start the bus tour early in the day to avoid crowds and make the most of the operating hours. This way, you’ll have more time to explore and hop off at various stops without feeling rushed.
Bring essentials: Prepare for sightseeing in Lisbon by bringing essential items such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, and a camera. Lisbon can get quite sunny, so protecting yourself from the sun is important.
Headphones: Many Hop-on hop-off buses provide audio commentary through headphones. However, if you prefer headphones or earbuds, bring them to enhance your listening experience.
Choose a seat: Try to secure a seat on the top deck of the bus. This will offer you better views and photo opportunities, especially when passing iconic landmarks. Sit on the right side if you want to capture pictures of the river.
Listen to the commentary: The audio commentary on the bus provides interesting facts and information about the attractions you’ll be passing. Listen attentively and learn about the city’s history, culture, and architecture.
FAQs
Here are some questions travelers usually ask before taking Lisbon hop-on hop-off bus tour:
Hop-on hop-off bus tours allow you to get on and off the bus at designated Lisbon 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.
The buses on Lisbon hop-on hop-off bus tours run every 20 to 30 minutes.
Some of the popular attractions covered on the Lisbon hop-on hop-off bus tour are:
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
Rossio Square (Praça do Rossio)
Alfama District
Chiado District, and more.
You can get off the hop-on hop-off bus 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, available in multiple languages, like Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish.
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 Lisbon hop-on hop-off bus 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 Lisbon are generally air-conditioned to comfort passengers during the tour.
Some tour companies 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.
Most Lisbon 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 Lisbon can vary between tour operators. Thus, checking the food and drink policies with the tour operators is recommended.
Moreover, it’s important to be considerate of other passengers and maintain cleanliness on the bus.
Make sure to dispose of trash properly and avoid bringing food with strong odors that may disturb fellow passengers.
Hop-on hop-off buses in Lisbon are wheelchair accessible to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.
Some hop-on hop-off buses in Lisbon 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.
You can purchase the Lisbon hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket individually and check which complementary attractions have been added.
If you wish to visit other attractions, you can purchase the entry tickets separately to avoid last-minute disappointment.
Yes, the Lisbon hop-on hop-off bus tour is suitable for children.
These tours are designed to cater to a wide range of visitors, including families with children.
Children can enjoy the experience of traveling around and seeing the sights from an open-top bus.
The ticket is usually valid for a set number of hours (e.g., 24 or 48 hours) from its first use. So, activating your ticket at 2 pm will be valid until 2 pm on the next day.
The hop-on hop-off bus pass is usually specific to the tour buses and doesn’t grant access to public transportation like trams, buses, or trains in Lisbon.