Explore the top attractions in Edinburgh at your own pace with 2 hop-on hop-off bus tours!
About
Local Currency
Timezone
Country Code
Language
Best Months
Must-Dos
Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital city.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its medieval streets, historic buildings, and iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Discover the elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town, home to vibrant shops, cafes, and galleries.
Hike up Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
When to visit
The best time to visit Edinburgh is from May to September when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities like exploring Edinburgh Castle, hiking Arthur's Seat, and attending the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are enjoyable.
Consider visiting in August during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, although accommodation prices may be higher, and the city is busier.
Avoid the winter months (December to February) when temperatures are cold, and daylight hours are shorter, although this period offers festive events like the Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations.
Getting around
Explore Edinburgh's historic landmarks and iconic sights by walking or taking advantage of the city's excellent bus network, which offers comprehensive coverage of the city center and surrounding areas, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur's Seat.
To travel between Edinburgh and other cities in Scotland or England, consider using ScotRail's intercity train services or booking a seat on a luxury coach, providing comfortable and scenic journeys for both short and long-distance travel.
Tips
- Discover Edinburgh's rich history and cultural landmarks with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, offering stops at attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace.
- Think about acquiring the Edinburgh City Pass for access to top attractions and discounts at restaurants, and unlimited use of public transport within the city.
- Utilize Edinburgh's efficient bus and tram network to navigate the city and visit areas like Leith and the Edinburgh Zoo.
- Delight in Scottish cuisine, including dishes like haggis, whisky, and traditional Scottish breakfast, at local pubs and restaurants.
- Pack warm clothing and waterproof layers, as Edinburgh's weather can be cool and rainy, especially in the autumn and winter months.
- Take a walk up Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding countryside.
Comparison of Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
Recommended | ||
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Price | From £18 | From £24 |
Provider | City Sightseeing LTD | Lothian Buses |
Rating | 4.7(36 reviews) | 4.7(67 reviews) |
Valid for | 1 day | - |
Start time | ||
Duration | 1 hour | |
Last admission | ||
Delivered by post | ||
Smartphone tickets accepted | ||
Instant ticket delivery | ||
Mobile App | ||
Skip the Line | ||
Fast Track | ||
Wheelchair accessible | ||
Kid friendly | ||
Open top | ||
Free Wifi | ||
Max group size | ||
Best times | ||
Live guides | English French German Italian Japanese Portuguese Russian Spanish | |
Audio guides | English French Scottish Gaelic German Italian Japanese Portuguese Russian Spanish | |
Digital guides | ||
What's included | - 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour - Access to Red Route - Audio guide in 9 languages plus kids' commentary | - Use of the hop-on hop-off buses with Edinburgh Tour, Majestic Tour, and City Sightseeing Tour for 48 hours (if 'Grand 48' or 'Grand 48+' selected) - Use of the hop-on hop-off buses with Edinburgh Tour, Majestic Tour, and City Sightseeing Tour for 24 hours (if 'Grand 24' selected) - 3 Bridges Bus & Boat Tour ('Grand 48+' only, April-early November only) |
What's not included | - Admission to venues | |
Free cancellation | ||
Free rescheduling | ||
Price | From £18 | From £24 |
Discount code | ||
Buy | Buy |
Edinburgh Bus Tour Hop-On Hop-Off
- Edinburgh
- United Kingdom
- Europe
Book Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Edinburgh tickets online and discover 'Auld Reekie' at your own pace
About
Smartphone tickets accepted
Wheelchair accessible
Kid friendly
Open top
Free cancellation
Free rescheduling
Highlights
Explore Edinburgh with access to one bus tour route with multiple stops, covering all major sights and attractions
Experience top-notch audio commentary in 9 languages, including a captivating 'Horrible Histories' edition for kids
Enjoy ultimate flexibility with tickets valid for a full year, ensuring convenience and adaptability
Validity
- Valid for:24h
- Once activated, your ticket is valid for 24 hours.
What's Included
24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Access to Red Route
Audio guide in 9 languages plus kids' commentary
What's Not Included
Admission to venues
Itineraries
Stops:
Waterloo Place
St. Andrew Square
Lothian Road
Grassmarket
Lauriston Place
Johnston Terrace
Lawnmarket
Chambers Street
John Know House
Canongate
Holyrood
Our Dynamic Earth
Regent Road
Exceptional timetables:
25 Dec 2023: 10:00-15:00, every 20 minutes
31 Dec 2023: 09:00-15:00 every 30 minutes
1 Jan 2024: 11:00-16:00, every 30 minutes
Useful Download
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation is possible until 24 hours before your visit date.
- Rescheduling is possible until 24 hours before your visit date.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- United Kingdom
- Europe
Want to see the best of Edinburgh? You'll need this all-access pass, with three sightseeing bus tours, live guides and multi-language commentary
About
Duration:
1 hourWheelchair accessible
Kid friendly
Open top
Free cancellation
Free rescheduling
Live guides:
English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish.Audio guides:
English, French, Scottish Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish.Highlights
Discover the best of Edinburgh with unlimited access to three sightseeing bus tours
Routes are designed to cover every major attraction and landmark in the city, so you'll see Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the National Royal Yacht Britannia, and more
Opt for the 'Grand 48' for 48 hours of unlimited travel on three routes. Or go for the 'Grand 48+' and get an extra boat tour on the Firth of Forth
What's Included
Use of the hop-on hop-off buses with Edinburgh Tour, Majestic Tour, and City Sightseeing Tour for 48 hours (if 'Grand 48' or 'Grand 48+' selected)
Use of the hop-on hop-off buses with Edinburgh Tour, Majestic Tour, and City Sightseeing Tour for 24 hours (if 'Grand 24' selected)
3 Bridges Bus & Boat Tour ('Grand 48+' only, April-early November only)
Itineraries
Edinburgh Tour (yellow-green buses):
Every 15 min, about 1 hour, no tours 24-26 Dec
Live commentary
Highlights: Palace of Holyroodhouse - Parliament - Old Town - Nat. Museum of Scotland - Grassmarket - Castle - New Town
Majestic Tour (yellow-blue buses):
Every 15 min, about 1 hr, no tours 25 Dec, 1 Jan
Audio commentary
Highlights: New Town - Royal Botanic Garden - Royal Yacht Britannia - P. of Holyroodhouse - Parliament - Old Town
City Sightseeing Tour (red buses):
Every 15 min, about 1 hr
Commentary in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin + commentary for children
Highlights: Grassmarket - E. Castle - Nat. Museum of Scotland - Old Town - P. of Holyroodhouse - Calton Hill - New Town
3 Bridges (April-November, 'Grand 48+' only):
Bus tour to South Queensferry + 75-minute cruise aboard the Forth Belle on the Firth of Forth
Opening Hours
Edinburgh Tour
Majestic Tour
City Sightseeing Tour
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation is possible until 24 hours before your visit date.
- Rescheduling is possible until 24 hours before your visit date.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh
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