More about: Cordoba Hop-On Hop-Off Buses
Cordoba is the Spanish city with the most World Heritage Sites, including La Mezquita-Cathedral, the -historic quarter, the colorful Fiesta de Los Patios and most recently the palatial city 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 tourist bus of Cordoba, the only one of its kind in the city. In this post you will learn how it works, stops, prices and its packages, will you join me?
How Córdoba's tourist bus works
The visit to Cordoba with the tourist bus is managed by City Sightseeing, a company with presence in a hundred cities around the world.
The tourist buses or Hop On Hop Off are designed to facilitate the tour of the visitors around the city. In Cordoba visitors will find 22 stops and can get on and off the bus as many times as they wish - for the duration of their pass.
In the tourist bus of Cordoba 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 will have at your disposal an audio guide in 10 languages, and you can also access their combinations of routes, in my opinion, the perfect plus in public transport. Go from one line or route to another by simply changing bus, you only need to wait for the transport at one of the connecting stops.
The different routes of the tourist bus of Cordoba
In the tourist bus of Cordoba you can opt for any of its 2 routes. The first one, called Red Route, is the most complete.
On board a panoramic bus you can go from the historic center to the most modern area, where the Victoria Market is located, 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 courtyards of Cordoba and the essential Jewish quarter. In addition, it is a 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 goes into the narrow streets of the city to see the countless houses that have survived the Muslim, Jewish and Christian culture. It is worthwhile to know the history through the small traces and details in 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 neighborhoods. The specific stops of each route are:
The Red Route or Panoramic Route
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- River Panoramic.
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- Botanical Garden and Zoo.
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- City of the Children.
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- Neighborhood of San Basilio.
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- Almodovar Gate.
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- Victoria Market.
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- Gran Capitán Avenue.
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- Central train/bus station.
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- Palace of the Merced.
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- Tower of the Malmuerta - Barrio de Santa Marina.
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- Plaza Corazón de María.
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- Neighborhood of San Lorenzo.
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- Realejo- Barrio de San Andrés.
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- Roman Temple.
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- Arch of Portillo.
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- Roman Bridge.
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- Alcazar of the Christian Kings - the caliphal baths.
The blue route or intimate route
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- Alcazar of the Christian Kings - caliphal baths.
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- Mosque-Cathedral.
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- Quarter of San Pedro.
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- Realejo - Barrio de San Andrés.
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- Palace of La Merced.
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- Roman Temple.
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- Tendillas Square.
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- Arch of Portillo.
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- Panoramic view of the River.
Schedules of the tourist bus of Cordoba
The schedule is variable according to the selected route:
- The 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 hours.
Those opting for the last tour of the day should catch the bus at 18:00 hours. Between each tour you will have to wait:
- 60 minutes, in the case of the panoramic route.
- 30 minutes for the intimate route.
The buses are ready to provide you with the best service from Monday to Sunday. Do not miss the opportunity to take this tour, it is worth it.
Types of tickets for the Cordoba tourist bus
The tourist bus of Cordoba offers you 5 types of passes adapted to all budgets and needs. Go through the city without missing any 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 have it covered! With this pass you can access the 2 routes of the tourist bus at its multiple stops.
If you combine both routes you can 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 withthe flavors 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.
- Tour of the Jewish Quarter on foot. It takes place once a day. You must be at the Puente Romano stop (stop number 16 of the red line) at 20:00 hours to participate in the tour. The duration of the tour is 60 minutes and the guide through the culture and history of Cordoba is offered in Spanish and English.
- Ticket valid for 12 months.
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. It will be enough time to get lost in the streets knowing that just a few meters away you have a 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. Meet the Cristo de los faroles, pass in front of 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, plus a special audioguide for children in Spanish.
- Access to the Viana Palace. Showing 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 closest stop is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, located 350 meters 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 1:00 p.m. every day.
- Tour of the Jewish Quarter on foot. It takes place once a day. You must be at the Puente Romano stop (stop number 16 on the red line) at 8:00 p.m. to participate in the tour. The duration of the tour is 60 minutes and the guide through the culture and history of Cordoba is offered in Spanish and English.
Value Pass: bus, tours and 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.
For this reason, there is a special pass on the tourist bus that includes the Great Mosque of Cordoba: the Value Pass.
Today 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. You only need to 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 routes of the red line and blue line, opt for the walk through the Jewish Quarter, the gastronomic tour... Get to know the city at your leisure without worrying about transportation.
- 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 activating 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 1:00 p.m. every day.
- Tour of the Jewish Quarter on foot. It takes place once a day. You must be at the Puente Romano stop (stop number 16 on the red line) at 8:00 p.m. to participate in the tour. The duration of the tour is 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 conducted in English and Spanish. To participate in your language you have the following schedules: 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, entrances and patios
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 historic center. Your 48-hour ticket allows you to make 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 courtyards of St. Basil. Use your pass from Wednesday to Monday between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. The closest stop is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, located 350 meters away. It is available on both routes.
- Entrance to the Mosque of Cordoba for the duration of your pass. Coordinate your visit when activating your ticket so you don't miss the inside of this magnificent temple.
- Access to the Viana Palace. Showing 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 of the panoramic route-. The appointment is at 1:00 p.m. every day.
- Tour of the Jewish Quarter on foot. It takes place once a day. You must be at the Puente Romano stop (stop number 16 on the red line) at 8:00 p.m. to participate in the tour. The duration of the tour is 60 minutes and the guide through the culture and history of Cordoba is offered in Spanish and English.
Ultimate Pass: bus, tours, entrances, patios and hammam
Cordoba's 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 the senses between music therapy, hot stone massages or body cleansing with steam baths. This pass not only allows you to stroll 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 learn everything you need to know about the best Arab baths in the city to convince you.
Nothing like ending the 2-day tour of activities and visits in Cordoba relaxing in these baths.
- Audioguide in Spanish and 9 other languages, plus a special audioguide for children in Spanish.
- Access to the patios of San Basilio. Use your pass from Wednesday to Monday between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. The closest stop is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, located 350 meters away. It is available on both routes.
- Entrance to the Mosque of Cordoba for the duration of your pass. Coordinate your visit when activating your ticket so you don't miss the inside of this magnificent temple.
- Access to the Viana Palace. Showing 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 of the panoramic route-. The appointment is at 1:00 p.m. every day.
- Tour of the Jewish Quarter on foot. It takes place once a day. You must be at the Puente Romano stop (stop number 16 on the red line) at 8:00 p.m. to participate in the tour. The duration of the tour is 60 minutes and the guide through the culture and history of Cordoba is offered in Spanish and English.
How long are the tickets for the Cordoba sightseeing bus valid?
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?
You have 90 days to cancel your ticket. The time starts from the date of purchase.
Does City Sightseeing Cordoba accept mobile vouchers?
Yes, on any of your tickets.