Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Istanbul Bus Tours: Prices, Maps & FAQs
By 🇹🇷🚌Istanbul, a city where Europe meets Asia, is packed with iconic sites — from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to the Grand Bazaar and Topkapı Palace. A Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour is a great way to get your bearings and travel comfortably across the city’s expansive and sometimes chaotic landscape.
Here’s your complete guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Istanbul Bus Tours, including prices, routes/maps, and helpful FAQs:
🕌 Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Istanbul Bus Tours
1. Big Bus Istanbul – Official HOHO Red Bus
- Price:
- ~€40 (1-day Classic ticket)
- ~€48 (2-day Premium ticket)
- ~€60 (Deluxe ticket with Bosphorus cruise & museum entry)
- Route: Covers 12 key stops, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Galata, Taksim, Dolmabahçe Palace, and crossing the Bosporus Bridge into Asia 🌉
- Map: 📍 Big Bus Istanbul Map
- Best For: First-time visitors and cruise travelers
2. GetYourGuide Big Bus Istanbul Ticket
- Price: ~€40
- Includes: Audio guide, mobile ticket, free cancellation
- Best For: Easy online booking 📱
3. Tiqets Istanbul HOHO Bus Pass
- Price: ~€40
- Route: Same as Big Bus Istanbul
- Best For: Last-minute bookings
4. HOHO + Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Combo
- Price: ~€60
- Includes: HOHO bus pass + 90-minute cruise on the Bosphorus 🚤
- Best For: Panoramic views of both European & Asian shores
5. HOHO + Topkapı Palace & Museum Entry
- Price: ~€65
- Includes: Bus + skip-the-line palace ticket 🏛️
- Best For: Ottoman history lovers
6. HOHO + Blue Mosque + Hagia Sophia Walking Tour Add-On
- Price: ~€55
- Includes: Bus + guided walking tour of Sultanahmet’s top monuments
- Best For: Architecture and cultural fans
7. HOHO + Asian Side (Beylerbeyi Palace) Extension
- Price: Included in HOHO route
- Includes: Stop across the Bosporus with optional entry to Beylerbeyi Palace 🕌
- Best For: Cross-continental views
8. HOHO + Turkish Delight Tasting & Spice Bazaar Add-On
- Price: ~€45
- Includes: Bus + tasting tour in Eminönü 🍬
- Best For: Foodies and market lovers
9. Night Panoramic HOHO Tour (Non-Hop-Off)
- Price: ~€30
- Duration: ~90 minutes
- Best For: Illuminated cityscape, mosques, and bridges ✨
10. Private Istanbul HOHO-Style Van Tour
- Price: ~€200–€300 per group
- Includes: Chauffeur + guide, custom route with hotel pickup
- Best For: VIP or group travel
🗺️ Key Hop-On Hop-Off Stops in Istanbul
| Stop | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Sultanahmet Square | Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome |
| Topkapı Palace | Ottoman residence & museum 🏛️ |
| Galata Bridge / Karaköy | Fish market, cafés, Galata Tower access |
| Dolmabahçe Palace | Ottoman-era waterfront palace |
| Taksim Square | Modern shops, nightlife, Istiklal Street 🛍️ |
| Golden Horn / Pierre Loti | Scenic viewpoint, cable car access 🌄 |
| Beylerbeyi Palace | Asian side royal residence 🕌 |
| Egyptian Spice Bazaar | Historic market and food stalls 🌶️ |
❓ FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off Istanbul
✅ Is a HOHO bus worth it in Istanbul?
Yes.
Istanbul is sprawling, traffic-heavy, and full of must-see neighborhoods. HOHO buses help connect key districts comfortably and include cross-Bosphorus travel.
🕒 How long is the full loop?
- Full tour: ~2 hours
- Buses every: ~30 minutes (in peak season)
📍 Where do buses start?
- Main departure point:
- Sultanahmet Square (Hagia Sophia stop)
- You can hop on at any official stop
🗣️ Is there audio commentary?
Yes!
- Multilingual audio guides in English, Turkish, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, and more 🎧
📱 Are mobile tickets accepted?
Yes.
Book through Big Bus, GetYourGuide, or Tiqets and scan from your phone.
🕘 When do buses operate?
- Daily, year-round
- First bus: ~10:00 AM
- Last departure: ~5:00 PM
- Winter schedules may vary
♿ Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes — HOHO buses in Istanbul are wheelchair accessible on the lower deck.
Would you like a custom HOHO sightseeing day plan for Istanbul — combining palaces 🏰, mosques 🕌, food markets 🧆, and ferry cruises 🌊?
Or I can create a Google Map with all HOHO stops, walking shortcuts, and food tips — just say the word! 🚍✨
