In a nutshell
- Would you like to take a hop-on hop-off bus in Lisbon? Very cool! We recommend the yellow sightseeing buses from Yellow Bus.
- Not only can you take a hop-on hop-off bus with this company, but you can also book boat tours or take the hop-on hop-off tram.
- In this article, we give you all information about the hop-on hop-off companies in Lisbon, as well as tips on tickets and routes. Let’s go!
The most important information about Hop-on Hop-off in Lisbon
The hop-on hop-off buses are great for sightseeing in Lisbon if you don’t want to walk too much.
There are two major bus companies in Lisbon:
- Yellow Bus (yellow buses)
- Gray Line/Lisbon Sightseeing (red buses)
The routes and offers of both companies vary a little, so we will now introduce you to both hop-on hop-off companies in more detail.
Our tip: Yellow Bus Lisbon
We recommend the yellow hop-on hop-off buses from Yellow Bus in Lisbon. The offer is super wide and in addition to the buses there is also a hop-on hop-off tram and hop-on hop-off boats.
These routes are available from Yellow Bus:
- Belém Line (bus)
- Modern Lisbon (bus)
- Lisbon Hills (tram)
- Boat tour across the Tagus (boat)
On the YellowBus website you can download the map with the different stops on the routes.
You can either buy individual tickets for each hop-on hop-off route or combine them.
24-hour tickets
If you want to take a hop-on hop-off tour for a day or within 24 hours, there are only single tickets for one route to choose from.
| Route | Prices (24h) | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Belém Line | 22 € | Book ticket |
| Modern Lisbon | 22 € | Book ticket |
| Hop-on Hop-off Tram | 25 € | Book ticket |
| Hop-on Hop-off Boat | 24 € | Book ticket |
48-hour tickets
If you take a two-day hop-on hop-off tour, you combine at least two routes.
| Route | Prices (24h) | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Belém Line + Modern Lisbon (bus) | 28 € | Book ticket |
| Both busses + Tram | 38 € | Book ticket |
| Both busses + boat | 38 € | Book ticket |
| Both busses + Oceanarium entry | 48 € | Book ticket |
72- or 96-hour tickets
If you are in Lisbon for three or four days, get an all-in-one package. This includes all hop-on hop-off routes.
Book the 72 & 98h all-in-one hop-on hop-off ticket Lisbon
Which hop-on hop-off route is the best?
A trip on tram line 28E is a must when traveling to Lisbon – you can also take the hop-on hop-off tram on this route. We would therefore opt for this if we only had one day.
The trip to Belém is also worthwhile, as there are many highlights in the district, such as the Torre de Belém and the original Pastéis de Nata. That’s why we think the 48-hour combined bus + tram ticket is a very good deal.
Modern Lisbon is not a must-see for us if you travel to Lisbon for the first time – but the district is definitely beautiful.
We also recommend a boat tour across the Tagus. Personally, we would book this separately as a sunset tour, which is offered by Yellow Bus, but you can also book a sailing boat tour with GetYourGuide.
Book a sunset tour on a sailing boat
The alternative: Gray Line
The second hop-on hop-off company in Lisbon is Gray Line. These are the red buses.
Gray Line offers these routes
- Belém Line (bus)
- Castelo Line (bus)
- Oriente line (bus)
- Cascais Line (bus)
- Boat tour across the Tagus (boat)
Walking tours in Lisbon are also included with some ticket options.
The routes and stops of the red hop-on hop-off buses in Lisbon are similar to those of Yellow Tours. Note, however, that the line to the Castelo de São Jorge is not as cool an experience as the tram ride.
However, this company offers buses to Cascais.
24-hour tickets
Gray Line buses also only offer tickets for one line for 24 hours. You can choose between the line to Castelo, Oriente or Belém. The tickets cost 24 euros each.
Book the 24-hour ticket for the red hop-on hop-off bus Lisbon
48-hour tickets
Within 48 hours, you can combine all lines in Lisbon as you wish.
- Two lines: 28 euros
- Three lines: 32 euros
- Four lines: 36 euros
- One line + boat: 38 euros
- Two lines + boat: 42 euros
Book the 48-hour ticket for the red hop-on hop-off bus Lisbon
72-hour tickets
If you would like to travel on the Gray Line buses for 72 hours, there is an all-in-one ticket that includes all lines.
Book the 72-hour ticket for the red hop-on hop-off bus Lisbon
Comparing hop-on hop-off companies in Lisbon
We have compiled the most important points of comparison between the two hop-on hop-off companies in a short and compact table.
| Yellow Bus | Gray Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Prices for 48 hours (2 Llines) | 28 € | 28 € |
| Routes | 4 routes | 5 routes |
| Citypass discount | No discount | Included in the Lisbon Digital Pass |
| Frequency | Every 20-30 minutes | Every 30-60 minutes |
| Combination options | With oceanarium | - |
| Operating time | 09:00-19:00 h | 09:20-18:00 h |
| Children free of charge | Up to 3 years | Up to 5 years |
Our conclusion on hop-on hop-off in Lisbon
If you don’t want to walk much, hop-on hop-off is a great way to explore Lisbon. You’ll pass lots of sights, and the boat and tram rides are a great addition to the buses.
However, Lisbon also has lots of pretty alleyways, streetart and a very special flair – the best way to get to know this side of Lisbon is on foot.
Learn more about cool city tours in Lisbon
FAQ about Hop-on Hop-off in Lisbon
Is a hop-on hop-off tour in Lisbon worthwhile?
Yes, especially if you’re not so good on foot.
Then we think the mixture of bus, streetcar and boat is really cool for sightseeing.
But you can also discover the most important highlights in Lisbon on foot.
Should you buy your hop-on hop-off ticket in advance?
Yes, it can get busy on site. So it’s better if you already have your ticket.
Is hop-on hop-off in Lisbon barrier-free?
That depends on the tour you choose. It’s best to check this again when booking.
Is hop-on hop-off Lisbon a good idea with children?
Yes, you can do a great hop-on hop-off tour with children.
But of course, it all depends on whether your children enjoy it.
Are there alternatives to the hop-on hop-off bus in Lisbon?
Yes, you can also explore the city on foot or by public transport.
Are dogs allowed on the hop-on hop-off Lisbon?
Yellow Bus allows you to take small pets in carrying baskets if they do not occupy a seat.
Are the hop-on hop-off buses included in the Lisboa Pass?
No.
However, the 48h hop-on hop-off bus from Gray Line is included in the Lisbon Digital Pass.
How long does hop-on hop-off Lisbon take?
The bus trips take around 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 50.
Can you take a hop-on hop-off in Lisbon if you are taking a cruise?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off buses stop directly at the cruise terminal.
How did you like our article about hop-on hop-off in Lisbon?
These were our recommendations for the best hop-on hop-off companies in Lisbon. Have you ever taken a hop-on hop-off bus in Lisbon? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.