Experience medieval history, festivals, and dramatic landscapes. Tourist Bus Tours to Visit Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Edinburgh - Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours & Tickets

  • United Kingdom
  • Europe

Experience the medieval history, lively festivals, and dramatic landscapes of Edinburgh, where ancient castles, vibrant festivals, and scenic hills await exploration. Wander through the historic streets of the Old Town, attend the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, or hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views. Whether you're exploring historic sites or enjoying cultural events, Edinburgh promises a journey filled with tradition, excitement, and Scottish spirit.

Recommended
4.7
(103 reviews)
2
Tours
Ready to discover the stunning Scottish capital?. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours Ticket Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Edinburgh Bus Tour Hop-On Hop-Off

  • Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Ready to discover the stunning Scottish capital?.

Recommended
See the best of Auld Reekie with this handy pass, covering multiple routes. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours Ticket Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • 1 hour

See the best of Auld Reekie with this handy pass, covering multiple routes.

About

Local Currency

GBP - £

Timezone

GMT (UTC +0)

Country Code

+44

Language

English.

Best Months

May, June, July, August.

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

Ready to discover the stunning Scottish capital?. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours Ticket Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh Bus Tour Hop-On Hop-Off
See the best of Auld Reekie with this handy pass, covering multiple routes. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours Ticket Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Recommended
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Edinburgh
Price
From
£18
From
£24
ProviderCity Sightseeing LTDLothian Buses
Rating
4.7(36 reviews)
4.7(67 reviews)
Valid for1 day -
Start time
Duration1 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
Ready to discover the stunning Scottish capital?. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours Ticket Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Edinburgh Bus Tour Hop-On Hop-Off

4.7(36 reviews)
  • 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.
Valid for 1 day.

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:

  • 1

    Waterloo Place

  • 2

    St. Andrew Square

  • 3

    Lothian Road

  • 4

    Grassmarket

  • 5

    Lauriston Place

  • 6

    Johnston Terrace

  • 7

    Lawnmarket

  • 8

    Chambers Street

  • 9

    John Know House

  • 10

    Canongate

  • 11

    Holyrood

  • 12

    Our Dynamic Earth

  • 13

    Regent Road

Exceptional timetables:

  • 1

    25 Dec 2023: 10:00-15:00, every 20 minutes

  • 2

    31 Dec 2023: 09:00-15:00 every 30 minutes

  • 3

    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.
Ready to discover the stunning Scottish capital?. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours Ticket Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Edinburgh Bus Tour Hop-On Hop-Off

4.7(36 reviews)
  • Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Ready to discover the stunning Scottish capital?.

From
£18
per person
See the best of Auld Reekie with this handy pass, covering multiple routes. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours Ticket Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Edinburgh

4.7(67 reviews)
Recommended
  • 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 hour

Wheelchair 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):

  • 1

    Every 15 min, about 1 hour, no tours 24-26 Dec

  • 2

    Live commentary

  • 3

    Highlights: Palace of Holyroodhouse - Parliament - Old Town - Nat. Museum of Scotland - Grassmarket - Castle - New Town

Majestic Tour (yellow-blue buses):

  • 1

    Every 15 min, about 1 hr, no tours 25 Dec, 1 Jan

  • 2

    Audio commentary

  • 3

    Highlights: New Town - Royal Botanic Garden - Royal Yacht Britannia - P. of Holyroodhouse - Parliament - Old Town

City Sightseeing Tour (red buses):

  • 1

    Every 15 min, about 1 hr

  • 2

    Commentary in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin + commentary for children

  • 3

    Highlights: Grassmarket - E. Castle - Nat. Museum of Scotland - Old Town - P. of Holyroodhouse - Calton Hill - New Town

3 Bridges (April-November, 'Grand 48+' only):

  • 1

    Bus tour to South Queensferry + 75-minute cruise aboard the Forth Belle on the Firth of Forth

Opening Hours

Edinburgh Tour

Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Majestic Tour

Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

City Sightseeing Tour

Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation is possible until 24 hours before your visit date.
  • Rescheduling is possible until 24 hours before your visit date.
See the best of Auld Reekie with this handy pass, covering multiple routes. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours Ticket Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Edinburgh

4.7(67 reviews)
  • Edinburgh, United Kingdom

See the best of Auld Reekie with this handy pass, covering multiple routes.

From
£24
per person

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From its iconic Edinburgh Castle and historic Royal Mile to its lively festivals, charming pubs, and picturesque parks, Edinburgh offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors.
The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is mild, and the city comes alive with festivals, outdoor events, and cultural celebrations. Visitors can enjoy long daylight hours for exploring the city's attractions and outdoor spaces.
Edinburgh boasts many top attractions, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the historic Royal Mile, and the magnificent Holyrood Palace. Visitors can also explore the charming neighborhoods of Old Town and New Town, stroll through the beautiful Princes Street Gardens, and climb Arthur's Seat for panoramic views of the city.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Edinburgh, from hiking, biking, and picnicking in Holyrood Park to sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the nearby Firth of Forth. Visitors can also take scenic walks along the Water of Leith Walkway or explore the city's many green spaces and nature reserves.
Edinburgh has a rich cultural heritage, with world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues. Visitors can explore the works of Scottish artists at the Scottish National Gallery, learn about Scottish history and culture at the National Museum of Scotland, or catch a performance at the Edinburgh Playhouse or the Usher Hall.
Edinburgh has an efficient and well-connected public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains, making it easy to get around the city and its surrounding areas. Visitors can also explore the city on foot, with many attractions and landmarks within walking distance of each other.
Edinburgh is generally a safe city for travelers, but it's essential to take common-sense precautions like staying aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Visitors should also be cautious when crossing streets and using public transportation, and keep their belongings secure.
Edinburgh offers a variety of traditional Scottish dishes for visitors to try, including haggis, neeps, and tatties (a dish made from sheep's stomach, turnips, and potatoes), traditional Scottish breakfast (featuring black pudding, Lorne sausage, and tattie scones), and cranachan (a dessert made from whipped cream, whisky, honey, and raspberries).
Edinburgh hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, the Edinburgh International Festival in August, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August. Other popular events include the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations on New Year's Eve and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August.
In addition to its well-known attractions, Edinburgh is home to many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These include the charming Dean Village, the picturesque Stockbridge neighborhood, and the secret gardens of Dunbar's Close. Visitors can also explore the underground vaults of Old Town or take a day trip to the nearby coastal town of North Berwick.
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