Best Edinburgh Bus Tours
Explore Edinburgh at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour that brings Scotland’s capital to life from every angle. Glide between world-famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Yacht Britannia, all while enjoying panoramic views from open-top decks. With flexible tickets and frequent departures, it’s the most convenient and scenic way to discover the city’s mix of ancient history, Georgian elegance, and lively modern culture.
How the Hop On Hop Off Bus Works in Edinburgh
The hop-on hop-off service in Edinburgh operates on several well-organised routes covering both the Old and New Towns, giving visitors a full picture of the city’s history and landscape. Buses typically run every 10–20 minutes from early morning until early evening, allowing you to plan your day easily. Routes such as the Edinburgh City Tour, Majestic Tour, and Regal Tour include around 14 to 20 stops, connecting major attractions from the medieval heart of the city to the waterfront at Leith. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, and some services even include live commentary for a more engaging experience. The open-top decks provide excellent vantage points over Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill, and Arthur’s Seat — making the journey itself part of the sightseeing experience.
Top Stops and Attractions
- Edinburgh Castle – Dominating the skyline from Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers sweeping views and centuries of Scottish history, from royal regalia to wartime relics.
- Royal Mile – The city’s most iconic thoroughfare, lined with shops, street performers, museums, and architectural gems leading down to Holyrood Palace.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse – The official Scottish residence of the British monarch, with elegant gardens and exhibitions exploring royal heritage.
- Royal Yacht Britannia – Moored in Leith, this floating palace gives an intimate glimpse into the private life of the Royal Family, complete with onboard cafes and boutique shops nearby.
- Calton Hill – A UNESCO World Heritage Site viewpoint, famous for its monuments and unbeatable panoramas of the city and Firth of Forth.
Why It’s Worth Taking
What makes the hop-on hop-off experience in Edinburgh truly special is how it ties together the city’s contrasting faces — from the cobbled medieval alleys of the Old Town to the neoclassical grandeur of the New Town and the maritime charm of Leith. The bus routes trace scenic paths that are difficult to cover on foot alone, climbing gentle hills and revealing hidden courtyards, gardens, and spires at every turn. Unlike many cities, Edinburgh’s compact yet hilly layout makes the open-top bus an efficient and comfortable way to explore without the strain of long uphill walks. You’ll capture unique perspectives over the city’s skyline, especially when the evening light glows on the stone buildings of the Old Town — a sight that defines the capital’s atmosphere.
Planning Tips
- Start your tour early in the morning to beat crowds at key attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, especially during summer and festival seasons.
- If you’re staying longer, consider a 48-hour ticket — it allows time to explore the Old Town one day and the waterfront districts like Leith the next.
- Bring a light jacket even on sunny days, as Edinburgh’s weather can change quickly — open-top decks offer the best views but can be breezy.
- Use stops near Waverley Bridge or Princes Street Gardens to connect easily with trains, trams, or local buses if you plan to venture beyond the city centre.
Tickets and Access
Hop-on hop-off tickets in Edinburgh are usually available in 24-hour or 48-hour formats, with options to combine multiple routes for broader coverage. Most services depart from Waverley Bridge or St Andrew Square, both conveniently located near the main railway station. Tickets can be bought online or directly from bus staff, and mobile QR codes are widely accepted. All buses are wheelchair-accessible, and audio commentaries come in several languages including English, French, Spanish, and German, with kid-friendly versions available on select routes. Some operators even include free walking tours or discounts at major attractions as part of their packages, adding extra value for visitors who want to make the most of their stay.
The hop on hop off bus in Edinburgh offers a relaxed way to explore major landmarks at your own pace, combining comfort, flexibility, and scenic views — ideal for first-time visitors who want to make the most of their time in Edinburgh.
Get ready to explore and learn about the city of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Discover the colorful and interesting stories behind each attraction like how the queen became fond of the Royal Yacht. Walk your way on some grounds that will let you have a panoramic view of nature surrounding the city.
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1. Royal Edinburgh Ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
Duration:
Flexible
- Hop-on-hop-off bus as much as you can for 48 hours while roaming Edinburgh.
- Avoid long lines to enter Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Yacht.
- Visit and learn about Mary Queen of Scots which is the most popular resident in Holyroodhouse.
- Explore Edinburgh at your own leisurely pace on board a
2. Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
Duration:
Flexible
- Unlimited hop-on-hop-off bus travel to visit Edinburgh’s tourist spots.
- 48 hours of ticket validity with limitless traveling.
- Create your itinerary from the 3 different routes offered on this sightseeing bus tour.
- Ride an open-top double-decker bus to enjoy the views of the city.
- Visit the National
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3. Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tours
Duration:
Flexible
- Have a unique sightseeing bus tourin midnight black color as you discover the mysterious spots of the city.
- Embark the Ghost bus and roam around the city with unlimited hop-on hop-off travel.
- Stop over Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket, National Museum of Scotland and the National Gallery.
- Get a chance to know the
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4. Edinburgh City Sightseeing Bus Tours
Duration:
Flexible
- Select from the different available departures available throughout the day.
- Unlimited hop-on hop-off travel for 24 hours.
- Discover Edinburgh at your own leisurely pace on board a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour.
- Explore Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, Greyfriar's Kirk, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile.
- Easy access
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5. City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Duration:
1 hour
- A hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Edinburgh with 14 stops.
- 24 hour / 1 day unlimited access.
- The modern open-top buses have Wi-Fi access and audio guides.
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6. Royal Edinburgh Ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Edinburgh Castle Admission
Duration:
2 days
- A convenient tourist pass allowing its holders to visit the most important royal attractions of the Scottish capital city.
- The ticket entitles its owners for a 2-day hop-on hop-off bus tour of Edinburgh.
- The 48-hour attraction ticket grants its holders to avoid waiting in lines at specified attractions.
