Cordoba Hop on Hop Off tours

Get to know the most beautiful places in Cordoba in a jiffy and at the best price. How? With the tourist bus.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

11 min read

Cordoba Hop on Hop Off tours

Cordoba | ©Danny Foster

Cordoba is the Spanish city with the most World Heritage Sites, including La Mezquita-Cathedral, the historic centre, the colourful Fiesta de Los Patios and most recently the palatine city of Medina Azahara, listed in 2018. The history of this city makes every corner a site of interest.

When preparing your trip, it is not the things to see and do in Cordoba that are the main concern, but how to enjoy it all. The practical, comfortable, complete and cheap answer is with the Cordoba tourist bus, the only one of its kind in the city. In this post you'll find out how it works, stops, prices and its packages, will you join me?

How the Cordoba tourist bus works

Cordoba Tourist Bus| ©Magaly
Cordoba Tourist Bus| ©Magaly

The visit to Cordoba with the tourist bus is managed by City Sightseeing, a company with presence in a hundred cities all over the world.

The tourist buses or Hop On Hop Off buses are designed to make it easier for visitors to get around the city. In Cordoba visitors will find 22 stops and can hop on and off the bus as many times as they like - for the duration of their pass.

On the Cordoba tourist bus you can visit the most important sites of the city of the three cultures in just 80 minutes for an affordable price, from €18.

You'll have an audio guide in 10 languages at your disposal, and you can also access its route combinations, in my opinion, the perfect plus in public transport. You can change from one line or route to another by simply changing buses, you just need to wait for the bus at one of the connecting stops.

Buy your tickets for the Cordoba tourist bus

The different routes of the Cordoba tourist bus

Roman Temple of Cordoba| ©Eric Titcombe
Roman Temple of Cordoba| ©Eric Titcombe

On the Cordoba tourist bus you can choose between two routes. The first one, called the Red Route, is the most complete.

On board a panoramic bus you can go from the historic centre to the most modern area, where you will find the Victoria Market, the most famous gastronomic meeting place in the city.

There are 17 stops and the possibility - according to your ticket - of guided tours through the famous Cordoban courtyards and the essential Jewish quarter. It is also the perfect way to get tickets for the Mosque-Cathedral and visit it at a stop along the route.

The second option is the Blue Route, which offers an intimate tour of Cordoba. The tour is done by minibus and takes you through the narrow streets of the city to see the countless houses that have survived the Muslim, Jewish and Christian cultures. It is worthwhile to get to know the history through the small traces and details on this tour.

In 10 stops you will visit from the Roman Temple and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos to the most popular and historically interesting neighbourhoods. The specific stops on each route are:

The Red Route or Panoramic Route

    1. River Panoramic.
    1. Botanical and Zoological Gardens.
    1. Ciudad de los Niños (Children's City).
    1. San Basilio neighbourhood.
    1. Almodovar Gate.
    1. Victoria Market.
    1. Gran Capitán Avenue.
    1. Central Train/Bus Station.
    1. Palace of La Merced.
    1. Malmuerta Tower - Barrio de Santa Marina.
    1. Plaza Corazón de María.
    1. Barrio de San Lorenzo.
    1. Realejo- Barrio de San Andrés.
    1. Roman Temple.
    1. Portillo Arch.
    1. Roman Bridge.
    1. Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs - the Caliphal baths.

The Blue Route or Intimate Route

    1. Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs - Caliphal baths.
    1. Mosque-Cathedral.
    1. San Pedro quarter.
    1. Realejo - Quarter of San Andrés.
    1. Viana Palace.
    1. Palace of La Merced.
    1. Roman Temple.
    1. Tendillas Square.
    1. Portillo Arch.
    1. Panoramic view of the River.

Buy your ticket for the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

Timetable of the tourist bus of Cordoba

Inside the bus| ©-JvL-
Inside the bus| ©-JvL-

The timetable varies according to the route selected:

  • Panoramic or red route is available between 09:30 to 18:50 hours.
  • The intimate or blue route is available from 10:00 to 19:00.

Those opting for the last tour of the day should catch the bus at 18:00. Between each tour you will have to wait:

  • 60 minutes, in the case of the panoramic route.
  • 30 minutes for the intimate tour.

The buses are ready to provide you with the best service from Monday to Sunday. Don't miss the opportunity to take this tour, it's worth it.

Buy your tickets for the Cordoba tourist bus

Types of tickets for the Cordoba tourist bus

Corredera Square in Cordoba| ©Antena
Corredera Square in Cordoba| ©Antena

The tourist bus of Cordoba offers you 5 types of passes adapted to all budgets and needs. Get around the city without missing a single detail.

Iconic Pass: the basic one-day route

Looking for the best way to get to know Cordoba? Don't worry, with the tourist bus you've got it covered! With this pass you can access the 2 routes of the tourist bus at its multiple stops.

Combine both routes and you'll get the most out of your visit. Your Iconic Pass will allow you to explore the city for 24 hours from the moment you use it for the first time.

When time is short, choose the mini-route, an exciting tour of the city's highlights. Stops include the Caliph Baths, one of the best Arab baths in Cordoba, as well as the Mosque and the Plaza de las Tendillas.

For those with more time and who like to experience the historical heritage along with theflavours of the region, I recommend choosing the Red Line, which leads to the Victoria Market.

  • Audioguide in Spanish and 9 other languages plus a special one with commentary for children in Spanish.
  • Gastronomic walking tour. Drinks included. The starting point is the Victoria Market, at the stop of the same name, -number 6 of the panoramic route-. The appointment is every day at 13:00 hours.
  • Walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. This tour takes place once a day. You must be at the Puente Romano stop (stop number 16 on the red line) at 20:00 to take part in the tour. The tour lasts 60 minutes and the guide through the culture and history of Cordoba is offered in Spanish and English.
  • Ticket valid for 12 months.

Buy your tickets for the Cordoba sightseeing bus

Essential Pass: the basic two-day route

With your Essential pass you can make all available stops between the two City Sightseeing routes for 48 hours. That's enough time to lose yourself in the streets, knowing that you're just a few metres away from practical, safe and punctual transport.

One of the advantages of this pass is the access to the Palacio de Viana as well as the San Basilio courtyards, the best known of all the courtyards of Cordoba.

Both spaces are a visual delight, especially if you are visiting Cordoba in spring, you will be surrounded by vibrant flowers. If you prefer a more detailed visit, you can also book a guided tour of Cordobadedicated exclusively to them.
dedicated exclusively to them.

On the other hand, guided walking tours are still available. Take a tour of the Jewish quarter, a must-see in the city. See the Cristo de los faroles, walk past the Roman site of the Palacio de la Merced, have a tapa in the Plaza de la corredera and enjoy a good glass of wine with your lunch in the Mercado Victoria.

  • Audioguide in Spanish and 9 other languages, as well as a special audioguide for children in Spanish.
  • Access to the Viana Palace. On presentation of your pass you can enter the facilities from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Take the blue line (the minibus) and get off at the fifth stop, the Palacio de Viana.
  • Access to the courtyards of San Basilio. Use your pass from Wednesday to Monday between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. The nearest stop is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, located 350 metres away. It is available on both routes.
  • Gastronomic walking tour. Drinks included. The starting point is the Victoria Market, at the stop of the same name, -number 6 of the panoramic route-. The appointment is at 13:00 every day.
  • Walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. This tour takes place once a day. You must be at the Puente Romano stop (stop number 16 on the red line) at 20:00 to take part in the tour. The tour lasts 60 minutes and the guide through the culture and history of Cordoba is offered in Spanish and English.

Buy your tickets for the Cordoba sightseeing bus

Value Pass: bus, tours and entrance tickets

With the Roman Temple, the patios of Cordoba or the best flamenco shows in Cordoba, this city is full of points of interest and one of them is a common space between Jewish, Muslim and Christian parishioners: the Mosque-Cathedral.

That's why there is a special pass on the tourist bus that includes the Great Mosque of Cordoba: the Value Pass.

Nowadays it is known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and is one of the emblems of the city. With this pass you can book your guided tour within 48 hours of the ticket. All you need to do is call (+34) 673 28 98 48 or (+34) 672 69 09 01 and go to the meeting point with the tourist bus.

Is this the only tour included in this pass? Of course not. You can also combine your red line and blue line routes, opt for the walk through the Jewish Quarter, the gastronomic tour... Get to know the city at your leisure without worrying about transport.

  • Audioguide in Spanish and other 9 languages, apart from the special audioguide for children in Spanish.
  • Entrance to the Mosque of Cordoba for the duration of your pass. Coordinate your visit when you activate your ticket so you don't miss the inside of this magnificent temple.
  • Gastronomic walking tour. Drinks included. The starting point is the Victoria Market, at the stop of the same name, -number 6 of the panoramic route-. The appointment is at 13:00 every day.
  • Walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. This tour takes place once a day. You must be at the Puente Romano stop (stop number 16 on the red line) at 20:00 to take part in the tour. The tour lasts 60 minutes and the guide through the culture and history of Cordoba is offered in Spanish and English.

Carla's Tip

The guided tours are in English and Spanish. To participate in your language you have the following timetables: Monday to Saturday at 11:00 and 12:45 am or Sundays at 09:45 am. Mark it in your travel itinerary.

Supreme Pass: bus, tours, tickets and patios

Departing Tourist Bus| ©Inma G
Departing Tourist Bus| ©Inma G

Do you want a package with St. Basil's Courtyards, Mosque-Cathedral, Vienna Palace and 2 walking tours? Just choose the Supreme Pass.

Get to know Cordoba in its essence or the narrow streets of the old town. Your 48-hour ticket allows you to take a complete tour of the city including entrance fees and guides to the main sights of the city.

  • Audioguide in Spanish and 9 other languages, plus a special audioguide for children in Spanish.
  • Access to the St. Basil's Courtyards. Use your pass from Wednesday to Monday between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. The nearest stop is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, located 350 metres away. It is available on both routes.
  • Entry to the Mosque of Cordoba for the duration of your pass. Coordinate your visit when activating your ticket so you don't miss out on the inside of this magnificent temple.
  • Access to the Viana Palace. On presentation of your pass you can enter the facilities from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Take the blue line (the minibus) and get off at the fifth stop, the Palacio de Viana.
  • Gastronomic walking tour. Drinks included. The starting point is the Victoria Market, at the stop of the same name, -number 6 on the panoramic route-. The appointment is at 13:00 every day.
  • Walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. This tour takes place once a day. You must be at the Puente Romano stop (stop number 16 on the red line) at 20:00 to take part in the tour. The tour lasts 60 minutes and the guide through the culture and history of Cordoba is offered in Spanish and English.

Buy your tickets for the Cordoba sightseeing bus

Ultimate Pass: bus, tours, entrance tickets, patios and hammam

The Cordoba tourist bus offers an even more complete pass: theUltimate Pass. In the middle or at the end of the 48 hours your ticket lasts, relax Caliphate-style in a hammam.

The Arab baths stimulate your senses with music therapy, hot stone massages and steam baths to cleanse your body. This pass not only allows you to wander among the 22 stations of the entire circuit, walking tours and entrance fees, but also includes an appointment with the experts in the ancient hammans.

I invite you to find out everything you need to know about the best Arab baths in the city to convince yourself.

There's nothing like ending your 2-day tour of activities and visits in Cordoba by relaxing in these baths.

  • Audioguide in Spanish and 9 other languages, plus a special audioguide for children in Spanish.
  • Access to the courtyards of San Basilio. Use your pass from Wednesday to Monday between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. The nearest stop is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, located 350 metres away. It is available on both routes.
  • Entry to the Mosque of Cordoba for the duration of your pass. Coordinate your visit when activating your ticket so you don't miss out on the inside of this magnificent temple.
  • Access to the Viana Palace. On presentation of your pass you can enter the facilities from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Take the blue line (the minibus) and get off at the fifth stop, the Palacio de Viana.
  • Gastronomic walking tour. Drinks included. The starting point is the Victoria Market, at the stop of the same name, -number 6 on the panoramic route-. The appointment is at 13:00 every day.
  • Walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. This tour takes place once a day. You must be at the Puente Romano stop (stop number 16 on the red line) at 20:00 to take part in the tour. The tour lasts 60 minutes and the guide through the culture and history of Cordoba is offered in Spanish and English.

Buy your tickets for the Cordoba sightseeing bus

How long are the tickets for the Cordoba sightseeing bus valid?

Travelling by bus| ©Eva Maria Urbano
Travelling by bus| ©Eva Maria Urbano

12 months from the date of purchase. The 24 or 48 hours of the chosen pass are counted from the moment you use the ticket for the first time.

What is the cancellation policy of City Sightseeing Cordoba?

Travel Bus| ©Hecho Relevante
Travel Bus| ©Hecho Relevante

You have 90 days to cancel your ticket. The time starts from the date of purchase.

Does City Sightseeing Cordoba accept mobile vouchers?

Tourist Bus Ticket Office| ©Inma G
Tourist Bus Ticket Office| ©Inma G

Yes, on any of your tickets.