Enjoy 360° views of Spain’s capital from an open-top double-decker bus.
Important Update
Madrid’s bus tours changed in January 2025 due to new municipal regulations. The traditional hop-on hop-off service is temporarily suspended. All operators now run panoramic tours only.
What this means: You board at the starting point, complete a circular route seeing all the major landmarks, and return to where you started. You can’t hop off at intermediate stops.
Big Bus Tours
Big Bus Tours
Big Bus Tours
Big Bus Tours
Big Bus Tours
Big Bus Tours
Madrid Panoramic Bus Tours
Three major companies operate panoramic bus tours in Madrid: Madrid City Tour, Big Bus Tours, and City Sightseeing.
Madrid City Tour gives you the most coverage. They run two routes (Historic and Modern Madrid) with departures every 15-30 minutes. You get a 14-language audioguide, access to both routes with a single ticket, and a free walking tour included. Their buses are wheelchair accessible and have free WiFi. The 24-hour ticket lets you ride each route once.
Big Bus Tours has live guides (English and Spanish) instead of audioguides, making it more interactive. They operate one Blue Route lasting 90 minutes with departures every 30 minutes. Their night tour is also popular. Note that their buses are not wheelchair accessible.
City Sightseeing offers the most ticket options. Choose from 24-hour or 48-hour tickets. Their premium tickets include museum entries (Ikono Museum and Museo Nomad). They run two routes and include multiple walking tours, free tapas and drinks, plus discounts around the city. Their buses are wheelchair accessible with an 11-language audioguide.
Save Time & Money
The Madrid Pass
Visiting multiple attractions? The Madrid Pass bundles your bus tour with Madrid’s top museums and experiences at a lower price than buying separately.
Pick what you want to see: Bernabeu Stadium or Prado Museum, Royal Palace or Reina Sofía, plus your bus tour or a flamenco show. You also get a Madrid audio guide app and 10% off your next five bookings in the city.
Highlights
Tickets & Prices
All three operators offer 24-hour tickets starting around €28 for adults. Here’s what makes each different and who should choose what.
Operator Comparison
| Feature | Madrid City Tour | Big Bus Tours | City Sightseeing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket Options | 24-hour | Single ride day tour | • 24-hour • 48-hour Essential • 48-hour Supreme |
| Ticket Validity | 24 hours (1 ride per route) | Single ride | 24 or 48 hours (unlimited rides) |
| Routes | 2 routes (Historic + Modern) | 1 route (Blue) | 2 routes (Red + Green) |
| Tour Duration | 90 min (Historic), 60 min (Modern) | 90 min | 75 min (Red), 60 min (Green) |
| Departure Frequency | Every 15-30 min | Every 30 min | Every 30 min (Red), 40 min (Green) |
| Audio Guide Languages | 14 languages | Live guide only (English/Spanish) | 11 languages |
| Wheelchair Accessible | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Perks Included | ✓ 1 free walking tour ✓ Free drink at Tablao Flamenco ✓ Discounts at attractions | ✓ 2-3 free walking tours (depends on ticket) ✓ Free tapas and drinks ✓ Discounts at attractions and restaurants | |
| Museum Entries | ✓ Ikono Museum + Museo Nomad (Supreme ticket only) | ||
| WiFi | ✓ | ||
| Night Tour Available | • Night tour • Christmas tour (seasonal) | ||
| Starting Point | Felipe IV (Route 1), Plaza Neptuno (Route 2) | Plaza Neptuno | Felipe IV (Red), Plaza Neptuno (Green) |
Detailed Pricing Tables
| 24 Hours | Night Tour (summer only) | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €28.00 | €24.00 |
| Senior (65+) | €25.00 | €22.00 |
| Child (7-15) | €20.00 | €20.00 |
Kids under 6 are free.
What’s included: 24-hour ticket valid for both routes (single use per route), audioguide in 14 languages, free WiFi, free walking tour, discounts at Madrid attractions, free drink at Tablao Flamenco La Quimera.
| Single ride | Night Tour | Christmas Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | €28.00 | €24.00 | €18.00 |
| Senior (65+) | €26.00 | €22.00 | |
| Child (4-12) | €24.00 | €20.00 | €14.40 |
Kids aged 4 and under are free.
What’s included: Single panoramic tour (90 minutes), live bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
| 24 Hours | 48 Hours Essential | 48 Hours Supreme | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | €28.00 | €31.00 | €45.00 |
| Senior (65+) | €26.00 | €29.00 | €43.00 |
| Child (5-12) | €22.00 | €25.00 | €40.00 |
Kids aged 4 and under are free.
What’s included:
- 24-hour ticket: Access to Red and Green routes, 2 free walking tours, self-guided audio tour, free tapas and drinks, discounts at attractions and restaurants.
- 48-hour Essential: Everything in 24-hour ticket plus 48-hour validity and 3 walking tours instead of 2.
- 48-hour Supreme: Everything in Essential ticket plus entry to Ikono Museum and Museo Nomad.
Choose a Ticket
Buy your tickets online before you arrive. All three operators charge the same prices online as at the boarding point. Booking ahead guarantees availability during busy seasons.
Skip the 48-hour tickets unless you’re planning to take multiple tours. Since you can only complete each circular route once before you’ve seen everything, most people find the 24-hour ticket enough.
The Family Pack from Madrid City Tour, subject to availability, saves you €20 compared to buying individual tickets (4 tickets cost €112 versus €92 for the pack), subject to availability. That’s money better spent on churros at San Ginés.
Consider the Supreme Experience from City Sightseeing only if you were already planning to visit both Ikono and Nomad museums. The combined museum admission alone costs around €30, making the bundled ticket good value.
The Madrid Pass includes your bus tour plus top museums (Royal Palace, Prado, or Reina Sofía) at a lower price than buying separately. You choose which attractions you want to see. See what’s included
FAQs about Ticketing
Where can I buy tickets for Madrid bus tours?
Use the booking module on this page to check real-time availability for all tours and book instantly. This is the easiest way to compare all three operators and secure your tickets.
You can also buy tickets at the starting points from kiosks or staff members, but booking ahead guarantees availability during busy seasons.
What’s the cancellation and refund policy?
All three operators offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your selected travel date for a full refund.
Important note: You cannot get a refund due to bad weather or service changes beyond the operator’s control (like road closures during demonstrations).
Can I use my mobile ticket or must I print it?
Mobile tickets work fine with all three operators. Show your smartphone ticket to the bus driver or staff member at the boarding point.
Printed tickets are also accepted. Your booking confirmation email has a QR code that works either way.
Which operator offers the best value?
It depends on what you want. Madrid City Tour gives you the most comprehensive sightseeing with two routes for one price. Big Bus Tours provides the most engaging experience with live guides. City Sightseeing offers the best package deals if you want museums and walking tours included.
For pure sightseeing value, Madrid City Tour wins because you get both the historic and modern routes. For entertainment value, Big Bus Tours is worth the same price just for the live commentary.
Do children get discounts?
Yes, all operators offer child discounts. Children aged 7-15 get reduced rates (around €20-25 depending on operator).
Infants under 6 years old ride free on Madrid City Tour and City Sightseeing.
Infants under 4 ride free on Big Bus Tours. Free children must sit on a caregiver’s lap when the bus is full.
Madrid City Tour’s Family Pack is the best deal for families with two children.
Can I change my booking date?
Yes, you can reschedule your booking up to 24 hours before your selected date at no charge. Contact customer service through the platform where you booked.
Are combo tickets with museums available?
Yes, City Sightseeing offers the Supreme Experience ticket that includes entry to Ikono Museum and Museo Nomad along with your 48-hour bus tour.
Madrid City Tour and Big Bus Tours don’t include museum entries. All three operators offer discount cards for various Madrid attractions once you board.
If you want museum entries bundled with your bus tour, City Sightseeing Supreme Experience is your only option.
Route Maps & Stops
Madrid has three panoramic bus operators offering four different routes across the city. Madrid City Tour and City Sightseeing each operate two routes. Big Bus Tours runs one route.
Remember, these are panoramic tours without intermediate stops. You’ll see all the landmarks from the bus but can’t hop off until you return to the starting point.
Madrid City Tour Routes
Madrid City Tour operates two routes: Historic Madrid (Blue Route) and Modern Madrid (Green Route). Together they cover Madrid’s major landmarks from royal palaces to football stadiums.
Useful downloads:
- Visit Madrid City Tour website for detailed route map (PDF).
- Download the City Tour Worldwide app (iOS and Android) to see updated bus stop locations, timetables and live bus tracking.
Route 1: Historic Madrid (Blue Route)
- Duration: 90 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 09:30, last departure 17:36 (low season) or 18:20 (high season)
- Starting and ending point: Prado Museum, Calle Felipe IV
Note: Every Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00, Paseo del Prado closes to traffic. During this time, Route 1 departs from Puerta de Felipe IV of Retiro Park on Alfonso XII Street.
Route Highlights:
This route takes you through Habsburg Madrid and the city’s artistic heart. You’ll cruise down the tree-lined Paseo del Prado, past the Art Triangle museums, and around the buildings left by Spain’s royal dynasties.
The Historic Route shows you: Prado Museum, Thyssen Museum, Parque del Retiro, Real Jardín Botánico, Puerta de Alcalá, Salamanca District, Plaza de Colón, Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Vía, Plaza de España, Temple of Debod, Royal Palace, Puerta de Toledo, Gran Vía de San Francisco, Plaza Mayor area, Atocha Station, and back to Prado Museum.
This route captures Madrid’s classic postcard views. You’ll see why Madrid became Spain’s capital.
Route 2: Modern Madrid (Green Route)
- Duration: 60 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Every 20-40 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 09:30, last departure 17:30 (low season) or 17:56 (high season)
- Starting and ending point: Plaza de Neptuno
Route Highlights:
The Modern Route explores Madrid beyond the historic center. This route heads north through the financial district, past contemporary architecture, and out to Real Madrid’s stadium.
The Modern Route shows you: Plaza de Neptuno, Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de Colón, Museum of Public Art sculptures, Museum of Natural Sciences, Nuevos Ministerios government complex, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, CSI Science Center, Lázaro Galdiano Museum, Serrano shopping street, American Embassy, Puerta de Alcalá, and back to Plaza de Neptuno.
Choose this route if you’re a football fan (that Bernabéu Stadium view is good) or if you want to see Madrid’s modern side alongside the historic one.
Night Route: Historic Madrid Under the Stars
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Frequency: One departure per night at 21:00
- Operating season: June 20 to October 31 (summer only)
- Starting and ending point: Calle Felipe IV (Prado Museum)
Note: Night Route requires a separate ticket and is not included in the 24-hour day ticket.
This summer-only route follows the same path as Historic Route but after sunset. Madrid’s monuments look good lit up at night. The cooler evening temperatures make for a more comfortable ride.
Big Bus Tours Route
Big Bus Tours operates one Blue Route covering Madrid’s essential sights. Their tour lasts 90 minutes with live guides providing commentary in English and Spanish.
Visit the Big Bus Madrid website or download the Big Bus Tours app to see detailed route maps, updated bus stop locations, timetables and live bus tracking.
Blue Route
- Duration: 90 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 10:00, last bus 18:30
- Starting and ending point: Stop #1 Fuente Neptuno, Paseo del Prado (in front of Monument to Goya)
Route Highlights:
The Blue Route covers Madrid’s top landmarks in a single loop. Unlike the audioguide-based tours, Big Bus uses live guides who engage with passengers and adapt commentary based on what’s happening in the city.
The Blue Route shows you: Prado Museum, Puerta de Alcalá, Retiro Park, Plaza de Colón, Plaza de Cibeles, Metropolis Building, Gran Vía, Plaza de España, Temple of Debod, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Reina Sofía Museum, Atocha Railway Station, and back to Neptuno.
One unique feature: this route includes Las Ventas bullring, which the other operators don’t cover. If you’re interested in Spanish bullfighting culture, this is your route.
Night Tour
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Frequency: Single departure at 20:00
- Operating days: Daily
- Starting point: Stop #1 Fuente Neptuno
The night tour follows the same Blue Route but after dark. Your live guide points out illuminated landmarks and shares stories about Madrid’s nightlife and evening culture.
City Sightseeing Routes
City Sightseeing operates two routes: the Red Route (Historical) and Green Route (Modern). Their buses feature 11-language audioguides and wheelchair accessibility.
Route Maps:
Download the City Sightseeing app to access the self-guided audio tour. Details provided on your voucher.
Red Route (Historical Route)
- Duration: 75 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 10:00, last departure 19:30
- Starting and ending point: Calle Felipe IV, 2 (Sundays: Alfonso XII, in front of Casón del Buen Retiro)
Route Highlights:
The Red Route focuses on Madrid’s historic center and cultural landmarks. This route gives you the classic Madrid experience, from art museums to royal palaces.
The Red Route shows you: Museo del Prado, Parque del Retiro, Puerta de Alcalá, Barrio Salamanca, Plaza de Colón, Paseo de Recoletos (Biblioteca Nacional), Cibeles (City Hall), Banco de España, Instituto Cervantes, Gran Vía, Plaza de Callao, Barrio de Chueca, Malasaña, Plaza de España, Calle Princesa (Palacio de Liria), Temple of Debod, Royal Palace, Puerta de Toledo, Madrid Río, Barrio de la Latina, Tirso de Molina, Calle de Atocha, Glorieta de Carlos V, and Paseo del Prado.
This route covers more neighborhoods than the other operators. You’ll pass through trendy Chueca and Malasaña where locals hang out.
Green Route (Modern Route)
- Duration: 60 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Every 40 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 11:00, last departure 19:00
- Starting and ending point: Plaza de Neptuno
Route Highlights:
The Green Route heads north from the city center through Madrid’s business and sports districts. This is your chance to see the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and contemporary Madrid architecture.
The Green Route shows you: Fuente de Neptuno, Paseo del Prado, Cibeles (City Hall), Paseo de Recoletos, Plaza de Colón, Paseo de la Castellana, Emilio Castelar, Gregorio Marañón, Nuevos Ministerios, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Plaza de la República Argentina, Calle Serrano, American Embassy, Puerta de Alcalá, Sevilla, Canalejas, Carrera de San Jerónimo, and Congreso de los Diputados.
Serrano street on this route is Madrid’s version of Fifth Avenue. Luxury boutiques and upscale restaurants line the street.
Which Operator Has the Best Routes?
For comprehensive coverage: Madrid City Tour wins with two extensive routes that overlap strategically. You can ride both routes in one day and see most of what matters in Madrid.
For convenience: All three operators start from similar central locations near the Prado Museum and Plaza Neptuno. You can’t go wrong with any of them for accessibility.
For unique sights: Big Bus Tours includes Las Ventas bullring, which bullfighting fans will appreciate. City Sightseeing’s Red Route covers hip neighborhoods like Chueca and Malasaña that the others skip.
For football fans: All three pass Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on their modern/green routes. Pick whichever operator’s schedule works best for you.
For flexibility: City Sightseeing’s 48-hour tickets let you ride multiple times over two days. This gives you chances to see routes at different times of day or repeat favorites.
What to See & Do
Your panoramic bus tour gives you a comfortable overview of Madrid from the top deck of an open-top bus. Here’s what happens during your ride through Spain’s capital.
Listen to Commentary in Multiple Languages
Plug in your headphones and select your language. Madrid City Tour offers 14 languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Dutch, Arabic, Catalan, Basque, and Galician. City Sightseeing provides 11 languages.
Big Bus Tours takes a different approach with live guides who narrate in English and Spanish. They crack jokes, answer questions, and point out things happening around you that pre-recorded commentary can’t catch.
The audioguides include special channels for kids on Madrid City Tour. This makes the experience more engaging for young travelers. The commentary explains what you’re seeing, shares historical facts, and points out details you’d miss on your own.
See Madrid’s Most Famous Landmarks
Your bus tour passes all the major sights. The Prado Museum houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. It’s Spain’s most famous museum and one of the world’s greatest art collections.
The Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is the largest functioning royal palace in Europe. It has 3,400 rooms, 870 windows, and 240 balconies. The Spanish royal family doesn’t live here anymore, but it’s still used for state ceremonies.
Plaza de Cibeles features the fountain where Real Madrid fans celebrate championships. The Cybele Palace behind it lights up at night.
Gran Vía is Madrid’s main street for shopping and entertainment. Theaters, shops, and restaurants line both sides. Think of it as Madrid’s Broadway.
The Temple of Debod is an actual Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC. Egypt gifted it to Spain. It looks out of place in Madrid, which makes it interesting.
Pass Through Different Neighborhoods
The routes take you through different areas, each with its own character. The Salamanca district has 19th-century architecture and high-end shopping along Serrano street.
Chueca (on City Sightseeing’s Red Route) is Madrid’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Right next door, Malasaña has a bohemian feel with vintage shops and indie cafés.
La Latina (also on City Sightseeing’s Red Route) is known for its tapas bars and Sunday flea market. This is where locals go to eat and socialize.
The modern routes show you Nuevos Ministerios, the government district with contemporary architecture and wide boulevards. It contrasts with old Madrid’s narrow streets.
Watch Madrid Life From the Top Deck
From your seat up top, you’ll see how people in Madrid live. Morning routes show locals grabbing coffee and churros at corner cafés. Afternoon routes reveal the lunch rush, with restaurants packed around 14:00 or 15:00 (Spaniards eat late).
You’ll see office workers taking smoking breaks, elderly couples walking tiny dogs, and teenagers skateboarding in plaza fountains. Street performers entertain crowds on Gran Vía.
Summer routes run under intense sun (bring sunscreen and a hat). Winter routes can be chilly up top, but most buses have sliding roofs for rainy weather.
Spot Real Madrid’s Home Stadium
Football fans get excited when the bus approaches Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This stadium holds 81,000 spectators and has hosted four European Cup finals.
Even if you’re not visiting inside, seeing it from the bus gives you a sense of its size. Match days create electric atmospheres around the stadium, with fans flooding the streets in white jerseys.
The stadium is currently undergoing renovations to add a retractable roof and 360-degree video screen.
Experience Madrid’s Parks and Green Spaces
The routes pass Retiro Park, Madrid’s most famous park with 125 hectares of gardens, fountains, and monuments. The Crystal Palace inside the park catches sunlight.
The Royal Botanical Garden (Real Jardín Botánico) dates from 1755 and contains over 5,000 plant species.
Madrid Río (on City Sightseeing’s Red Route) is a newer park along the Manzanares River where locals jog, cycle, and picnic.
Capture Photos from the Top Deck
The open-top deck gives you clear views for photography. You can shoot the Royal Palace against blue sky, capture Gran Vía’s Art Deco buildings, or photograph the Metropolis Building’s dome.
Sunny days provide the best lighting. Evening tours on Madrid City Tour or Big Bus give you golden hour light.
Sit on the front row of the top deck for completely clear views. The back rows still offer good perspectives but have other passengers’ heads in potential shots.
Join the Free Walking Tours
After your bus ride, take advantage of the included walking tours to explore specific areas on foot. Madrid City Tour and City Sightseeing both include guided walking tours with their tickets.
City Sightseeing’s “Gran Via y Los Asturias” tour meets at noon at Stop 1 (Museo del Prado) and lasts 90 minutes. It covers Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de Oriente.
Their “Secrets of the Royal Palace” tour departs at 18:00 from Plaza de Oriente, 8. You must register using a QR code provided when you board the bus. This 90-minute tour gives you street-level context around the palace area.
Madrid City Tour offers a two-hour guided walking tour through Madrid’s main sights. Ask the bus driver for details and registration.
FAQs
How long is each bus tour?
Madrid City Tour’s Historic Route takes 90 minutes and Modern Route takes 60 minutes. Big Bus Tours’ Blue Route lasts 90 minutes. City Sightseeing’s Red Route runs 75 minutes and Green Route takes 60 minutes.
These times can vary based on traffic conditions. Give yourself some buffer if you have plans afterward.
Can I get off the bus at stops along the route?
No. Since January 11, 2025, all Madrid bus tours operate as panoramic tours without intermediate stops. You board at the starting point, complete the circular route, and return to where you started.
This change affects all three operators due to municipal regulations. If you want to explore specific areas, take the bus tour first for an overview. Then return to neighborhoods that interest you using Madrid’s metro or on foot.
When will hop-on-hop-off service return to Madrid?
There’s no official date yet. The suspension is temporary, but it depends on when the Madrid city government lifts the current regulations affecting tourist buses.
All three operators are currently running panoramic tours until further notice.
Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Madrid City Tour and City Sightseeing buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps and designated spaces. Big Bus Tours is not wheelchair accessible.
If you need wheelchair access, choose either Madrid City Tour or City Sightseeing. Their buses have rear-door ramps and reserved spaces on the lower deck.
What time should I arrive at the starting point?
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your desired departure time. This gives you time to exchange your booking confirmation for a ticket, find the right bus, and get seated before departure.
During busy seasons (spring and summer), arriving 20-30 minutes early ensures you get seats on your preferred departure. This is especially true if you want front-row spots on the top deck.
What happens if it rains?
The buses continue operating in light rain. Madrid City Tour and City Sightseeing buses have sliding roofs that staff close to protect passengers on the upper deck.
Heavy rain or storms may cause temporary suspensions, but this is rare in Madrid. You cannot get a refund for bad weather since it’s beyond the operator’s control.
If rain is forecast, bring a light jacket. Even with the roof closed, you might get some spray.
Can I bring food and drinks on the bus?
No. All operators prohibit eating and drinking on the buses.
Are pets allowed on the buses?
Guide dogs and service animals are allowed on all buses. Regular pets are not permitted.
Can I smoke or vape on the bus?
No smoking or vaping of any kind is permitted on the buses. This applies to both decks.
Can I bring luggage on the bus?
Luggage is not permitted on any of the bus tours. These are sightseeing tours, not transportation services with luggage storage.
Drop your bags at your hotel or use luggage storage services in Madrid before taking the tour. City Sightseeing offers 10% discount at Lock & Enjoy luggage storage service.
Do the buses operate every day?
Madrid City Tour and City Sightseeing operate daily year-round. Big Bus Tours operates daily except December 25.
Local events sometimes cause route changes or temporary suspensions due to road closures. Check the operator’s website or app for updates on your travel day.
When is the best time to take the bus tour?
Take your tour early in your Madrid visit, on your first or second day. This gives you an overview of the city layout and helps you decide which neighborhoods to explore more later.
Morning departures (10:00-11:00) offer cooler temperatures in summer and good lighting for photos. Afternoon departures can be hot in July and August.
The night tours on Madrid City Tour and Big Bus Tours provide cooler comfort and views of illuminated monuments.
How often do buses depart?
Madrid City Tour departs every 15-30 minutes. Big Bus Tours departs every 30 minutes. City Sightseeing’s Red Route departs every 30 minutes and Green Route every 40 minutes.
Frequency can vary based on traffic and demand, but you won’t wait long for the next bus.
What should I bring on the bus tour?
Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection on the open-top deck. Sunglasses help with glare off Madrid’s light-colored buildings.
Bring your camera or smartphone for photos. Charge it fully beforehand since you’ll take lots of pictures.
Bring a light jacket even in summer. Moving air at bus speed creates a cooling effect that can feel chilly despite warm temperatures.
Is the commentary available for children?
Madrid City Tour includes special children’s channels in English and Spanish. The kid-friendly narration uses simpler language and focuses on fun facts.
Big Bus Tours’ live guides adapt their commentary when many children are aboard. They make jokes and point out things kids find interesting.
Can I use the same ticket for multiple days?
Madrid City Tour tickets are valid for 24 hours but limited to one ride per route. City Sightseeing offers 24-hour and 48-hour options with unlimited rides during that period. Big Bus Tours sells single-ride tickets.
City Sightseeing’s 48-hour tickets give you the most flexibility to ride multiple times over two days. Most people find one complete loop of each route enough.
Where can I find route maps?
Download PDF route maps from each operator’s website before your visit. Madrid City Tour also offers real-time bus tracking via their City Tour Worldwide app (available for iOS and Android).
Big Bus Tours provides route maps through their app with live bus tracking. City Sightseeing includes self-guided audio tour details on your voucher with app download instructions.
What if I miss my scheduled departure time?
For Madrid City Tour and City Sightseeing, just catch the next bus. Their frequent departures mean you’ll only wait 15-40 minutes.
For Big Bus Tours, go to Stop #1 at Fuente Neptuno and speak to a staff member. They’ll help you board the next available departure.