City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
4.5
City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
By City Sightseeing Edinburgh
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About
An Edinburgh city sightseeing bus tour means you can enjoy all the benefits of a guided tour—including hassle-free transport and onboard audio commentary—but still explore the sights at your own pace. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can hop on and off at attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and Arthur’s Seat, or stay on board and take in the views aboard an open-top double-decker bus.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-99
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Audio guide: German, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
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Highlights
- Convenient hop-on hop-off transport on an open-top double-decker bus
- Multiple city stops include Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Grassmarket
- Onboard audio commentary ensures you don’t miss anything
- Buses depart regularly: save time for more sightseeing
- KIDS GO FREE - Up to 3 children travel for free with every full paying adult
- 24 hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Multilingual audio commentary in 9 languages + free headphones & kids commentary!
- Vouchers valid for 12 months from travel date selected at check-out
What's not included- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entry to attractions
- Make your way to any of the City Sightseeing bus stops to validate your 24-hour ticket, then hop aboard one of the open-top double-decker city sightseeing buses. Stay on board for the entire circuit or jump off at any of the stops along the way to tour the sights, visit the city’s museums, or stroll around the UNESCO-listed Old Town on foot. While on board, don’t forget to plug in your headphones and listen to the onboard audio commentary, which points out all the main attractions along the way and offers background history and fun facts to help you get the most out of your visit.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2065EDI- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Visit Scotland 5 star award-winning tour and Gold Green Tourism award winner
- First departure from Stop 1 at 8:50am
- Last departure from Stop 1 at 4:20pm
- Buses run every 30 minutes
- Tour duration without hopping off is 60 minutes
- Mobile and printed paper vouchers are both accepted on this tour and can be redeemed at any of the stops along the route
- Vouchers are valid for 12 months from travel date selected at check-out
- Kids go free! Up to 3 kids can travel for free per adult ticket. Child tickets must be added to basket when purchasing tickets. Valid for travel before 31st March 2025
- Due to resurfacing works, the Lawnmarket will be closed until early March 2025. Stops 6 and 7 will be out of use
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2065EDI
From
£18.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 283bernadettea0 contributionsA good introduction to EdinburghWe enjoyed finding our way around the city using the sightseeing bus and having the useful information given there. The map was also used a lot. Thanks to the drivers and the discounts provided for tickets to the castle and the dungeon show.Written 20 November 2023
- Kathleen H A0 contributionsBest hop on hop off guided tour of EdinburghGreat guide on green bus tour with Colin as our guide. Pointed out places to go after we got off. Sense of humor added to his delivery.Written 9 October 2023
- Sadiethompson760 contributionsBuss TourThe tour was fantastic! Johnny the guide and the Silver Fox made the trip memorable. He was very knowledgeable and shared some great stories.Written 3 August 2023
- hollydI27PI0 contributionsSurprising, informative and delightfully funnyBooked a last minute hop on hop off bus tour thinking it would be a way to waste an hour or so and get around the city, but the tour guide, Johnny, made the experience so much more! The hilarious and informative commentary added a personal touch to the rich history provided by Johnny at the front of the bus- driven expertly by our lovely driver Ryan! It was such a lovely, although brisk, day that we sat at the back of the bus but still felt very included by Johnny- seriously can’t give enough praise to the guys! fully recommend even if you’re a local looking for a good chuckle or a bit of extra info you didn’t know you needed. :)Written 25 April 2023
- KayLarry0 contributionsHop on hop off busWe bought a 48 hour ticket from Peter Richardson, a very friendly and helpful member of staff. This included 3 tours, and of course hop on hop when you fancy visiting an attraction. The green bus has a live guide and makes this tour more interesting for the ad libs. I would recommed staying on for the hour get your bearings then stay on and visit the attractions you want to see. To see the amazing architecture from the top of the bus is quite something and makes Edinburugh one of the most beautiful cities I have visited in Europe. The imposing castle built upon the sheer rock face dominates the Edinburugh skyline. A must see.Written 10 February 2023
- BCMorgan0 contributionsA great way to see the cityOur first open top bus experience. It was really good to see all around the city and hop on and off whenever we wanted. Great value for money, £16 per adult and under 16s free.Written 30 October 2021
- Morag S0 contributionsTourMy son is over from Germany for a holiday after working through the lockdown there. He wanted to see more of Edinburgh so decided to do this tour. The rep at Waverly said the cost was £10 which he was very happy with, on reaching St Andrew's Square the rep quoted £16, it was abundantly clear to this woman that my son's 1st language was not English and saw a chance to get more money, telling him that he could do 2 tours despite being told repeatedly that he only was 1 day in Edinburgh and wanted to do the 1 tour, in the end my son paid the £16 to basically shut her up which in my opinion and his may have been her objective, not a good impression of our beautiful Edinburgh. The tour itself was in my son's opinion wonderful and if it had not been for this person would have received 5 stars.Written 12 September 2020
- SelbyKarl0 contributionsNot COVID safeBooking was easy. Tour was average. However if you want to stay COVID-safe please don’t book. We got on at St Andrews square sat upstairs and wore our masks. People were social distanced however all seats were available for use rather than some marked not for use. This meant as we went round the upstairs was full and potentially 10 other people within a 2M radius. We felt very uncomfortable and got off. Happy to loose the money on the rest of the tour in order to stay safe.Written 8 September 2020
- lisaloach19770 contributionsLove an open top busWe book open top buses whenever we can and the Edinburgh ones were great. You can hop on and off as much as you like and they are very informative. The ones in Edinburgh are particularly good as you can jump on any of them it doesn’t have to be just the red or blue ones. They go all the way to the docks so handy for hopping off to take a tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia. The green busses have live tour guide on a mic and they are very funny.Written 21 August 2020
- 488petem0 contributionsGood routes but lacklustre, generic informationMe and my partner were visiting Edinburgh for the day and she - a local from a nearby town - and I were looking for an informative and fun bus tour of the city. The website and booking tickets is great, the promise of, "Horrible Histories" team input and narration was an attraction too, despite us both being in our late forties! We were disappointed though. The narrator on the recorded soundtrack was like Ewan McGregor with a broom shoved somewhere to keep him on track, sorry to be crass, but we both agreed on that. There was no mention of the toll gates, Deacon Brodie, any of the executions, sanitation improvements over the years, only scant mention of the infamous Burke and Hare... And one laughable mention of an architect who was, "competent". Really? I appreciate with tourists you have to have a clean, generic script, but for goodness sake, add a bit of life and interest to make the narration more interesting. must try harder. We switched to the Horrible Histories soundtrack but there were so few items, it just wasn't worth it. When I return to the city, I'll try one of the many other bus companies.Written 18 August 2020
- Dubya6660 contributionsBrilliantKept two young children mesmerised for over an hour - witty and informative commentary, careful driving, great views - best open top bus tour in the city!Written 3 August 2020
- Brandon F0 contributionsNice way to travelJust the fact that it takes you to Edinburgh castle is good enough, can be expensive to park near the castle. It'll take you to pretty much any touristy place within Edinburgh that you want. Nothing special but it beats walking.Written 2 March 2020
- 39jonm0 contributionsCompetitor £10 cheaper.Purchasing the ticket from Groupon was no cheaper than buying from the staff at Waverley Bridge. Even more annoying that their competitor was £10.00 cheaper. Although, Enjoyed the tour and drivers was very friendly.Written 1 February 2020
- Lillybet19720 contributionsWell worth itLovely staff, great tour. We were able to go around a few times to get our bearings and then hop on and off. The ticket lady was very helpful and the drivers were very welcoming and polite.Written 24 January 2020
- WelshRover750 contributionsOne day in EdinburghHad a great time. What a vibrant place to visit. Loved the castle and Holyrood palace. A great atmosphere as the city got ready for New Year. We walked the Royal Mile..Written 15 January 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
1,132 reviews
Excellent
714
Very good
272
Average
73
Poor
33
Terrible
40
ozcookie1
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia1,006 contributions
We had a group of six including three kids so had purchased the pass allowing us access to all three buses (green, blue and red). The kids loved the horrible histories tour commentary (so much so that we adults started listening). Don’t envy the drivers navigating those roads. Staff were incredibly helpful and the drivers especially super friendly. Thoroughly recommend if you want to reliable transport. The blue bus was great for getting us out to the Britannia.
Written 20 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It sounds like you really made the most of our free child ticket offers on our GRAND24. It's so good to hear how much you all enjoyed our Horrible Histories commentary - I shall pass this review on to the wonderful Terry Deary too.
Thank you for choosing our GRAND24 and for exploring Edinburgh with us. It has been a bit chilly of late - it's good to have the inside or outside option upstairs - we hope you enjoyed the views.
The whole team will be proud to read how welcome you were made to feel.
Many thanks from us all.
Elaine
Written 23 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue B
Nailsea, UK484 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We were recommended using these tour buses & so pleased we did. What a perfect & easy way to get around sight seeing Edinburgh. We bought the Grand 48 ticket which was for two days use to hop on & off the red, blue or green buses. You can purchase tickets at any stage, you get headphones, a map & clear commentary in your chosen language. Buses are exceptionally clean & dog friendly. Every bus driver was helpful & happy & made us feel like we were on holiday. You can sit downstairs or upstairs in a partially open top or cover if raining.
Written 6 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I love both the title of your review and the content which is a great overview of what future customers will get when they hop on our tours.
Thank you for choose our tours and for taking the time to share your feedback here, we all really appreciate it.
Many thanks
Elaine
Written 8 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
P J Avery
St. Augustine, FL1,176 contributions
Purchased the Royal Edinburgh Ticket which gave us 48 hour access to three different routes that took us all over the city, plus paid admission to three main attractions including the Edinburgh Castle which often is sold out.
Started our first trip on the green bus which had a live narration of the sights/history of Edinburgh. Best way to start our tour of the city. Plus on the blue/red lines they provided headphones for us to listen to. Our 8 year daughter really enjoyed it. She would often speak up and tell us what she heard. We believe we got our moneys worth!
Really appreciated the accessible to the various parts of the city on this tour without us having to drive/fight for a parking spot.
A MUST DO if you are visiting Edinburgh.
Started our first trip on the green bus which had a live narration of the sights/history of Edinburgh. Best way to start our tour of the city. Plus on the blue/red lines they provided headphones for us to listen to. Our 8 year daughter really enjoyed it. She would often speak up and tell us what she heard. We believe we got our moneys worth!
Really appreciated the accessible to the various parts of the city on this tour without us having to drive/fight for a parking spot.
A MUST DO if you are visiting Edinburgh.
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LOVING your last line and we agree, our Royal Edinburgh is a must do if visiting Edinburgh.
I'm glad you all enjoyed all three tours and guaranteed entry to the three Royal attractions.
Huge thanks from us all
Elaine
Written 17 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Randy T
Avon, IN624 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Our cruise ship just happened to anchor in Edinburgh harbor the day of the Taylor Swift concert, so city was packed with people. Streets were packed and attempting to move anywhere on foot was challenging, not to mention that streets of Edinburgh can be steep since the area around the city is hilly. Looks like we paid about $56 for the hop 0n/0ff sightseeing bus, which was more expensive compared to other cities, but probably less than attempting to hire Uber-X or taxis to take us around. It was difficult to take any great photos while the bus was moving, but at least we could hop on and off at the stops we most wanted to see.
Written 16 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for joining us from your cruise during a very busy week. I'm not sure how many in your party but if you arrived at Newhaven you possibly bought our multi tour ticket so you could use the Regal Tour to get you to and from the city before transferring to a city centre tour. Our prices compare favourably to other cities.
I'm glad we got you away from the busy streets and helped you avoid the majority of Edinburgh's hills. It sounds like you enjoyed hopping on and off to explore further.
Many thanks
Elaine
Written 20 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shazia Yousuf
19 contributions
We did the Green and the Blue buses, taking the package is cheaper so we did that. One bus took us within the city, although we had done that on foot but it was a different experience to hear stories and facts about all the different landmarks. Our guide, I wish I remembered her name, even gave her recommendation for restaurants to try. We did go by her recommendation and oh we are glad we listened to her!
The other route takes you a bit farther from the centre.
The tickets are valid up to 24 hours so you can hop on and off at your own pace. It is a great way for tourists to enjoy and explore Edinburgh, I highly recommend it.
The other route takes you a bit farther from the centre.
The tickets are valid up to 24 hours so you can hop on and off at your own pace. It is a great way for tourists to enjoy and explore Edinburgh, I highly recommend it.
Written 28 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nin6
Germany220 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We traveled in October 2023. We were blessed with the very best weather. This offer allowed us to get to all of our destinations without any problems and we also enjoyed the audio tour. We had effortlessly managed to get the front seats on the 2nd floor of the bus several times, which made the very best photo opportunities possible. For the price I would recommend this every time again, because if you have also made the tour, you can still use the ticket as a city ticket during 24 hours to get where you want...
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Well done on getting the prime seats on the top deck - i bet you have some great pics.
We really appreciate you choosing our tour and taking the time to share your feedback here.
I'm pleased you made full use of the hop-on, hop-off ticket to get yo around the city too.
Many thanks
Elaine
Written 24 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cynthia
6 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
I am 82 years old and recently travelled to UK/Europe - and have to highly commend the Hop On Hop Off Bus in Edinburgh - which had 3 different Lines (Blue, Red and Green) - one could travel on with just one ticket, and was extremely reasonably priced for multiple days. The buses were very comfortable, the drivers extremely helpful and the audio program explaining and describing every tour attraction was incredibly helpful and very entertaining too. One of the best things about them was they were extremely frequent, so one didnt have to wait very long if you missed one bus. I would suggest anyone who is travelling to Edinburgh for the first time to make sure you do this at least one day - it is an incredibly satisfying way of exploring a new city on your first visit.
Written 25 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia11241
I love your comprehensive review of your time with us in Edinburgh.
We appreciate you recommending our tours so highly as a great way to explore the city.
I am really please to hear how welcoming you found the whole team.
Many thanks from us all.
Elaine
Written 16 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jayem76
Leeds, UK139 contributions
Mar 2023
We (me and my pensioner aged Mum) were in Edinburgh for only a couple of days, so we thought the best way to see as much as possible was to jump on the sightseeing tour bus! We boarded on Waterloo Place after getting our tickets from the staff that are on the street just before you get to the boarding point. We sat upstairs under the covered section got ready for our tour. We decided to do one full circuit first, then decide where to get off second time round. Our guide for our first trip was Johnnie(ably assisted by driver James) ,who was extremely knowledgeable and informative. We decided after our first circuit to go round again as far as Edinburgh Castle so we could explore the Royal Mile, so after the bus returned to Waterloo Place we stayed on. For this second circuit the lovely Elaria took over guide duty, and for someone who does not have English as a first language she did a marvellous job (she's Italian). She got a bit overwhelmed with the support she was getting from the passengers, because she thought she was doing badly, but she was amazing. She clearly has the passion for the city that's needed. After exploring the Royal Mile we re-boarded the bus back to the starting point. The ticket was valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase, so we had time for another circuit the following morning before catching our train home (our guide for this trip was Blair, the driver was Neil) . If you are short on time, or want an informed and relaxed way to the see as much of the city as possible I can heartily recommend jumping on board!
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jayem76
What a lovely review of our live guided Edinburgh Tour. Thank you for taking the time to mention each member of the team by name - they will be over the moon to hear how much you enjoyed exploring Edinburgh with them.
It sounds like you really made the most of the 24 hour validity and learned loads about our beautiful city.
Many thanks
Elaine
Written 14 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Audu UA
14 contributions
I had a fantastic time on the City Sightseeing Edinburgh tour! From the moment I arrived at the easy-to-find pick-up location, I felt the excitement in the air. The tour buses arrived regularly, making it a breeze to hop on.
For the best experience, I highly recommend grabbing a seat on the top deck with the open roof. The panoramic views of Edinburgh’s stunning landmarks are absolutely breathtaking!
As you roll through the city, the audio guides provide fascinating insights into each site, bringing the history to life. And the flexibility of the tour is a game-changer—feel free to hop off at any stop that piques your interest, explore at your own pace, and easily catch another bus every 12 minutes. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich culture and beauty of Edinburgh!
For the best experience, I highly recommend grabbing a seat on the top deck with the open roof. The panoramic views of Edinburgh’s stunning landmarks are absolutely breathtaking!
As you roll through the city, the audio guides provide fascinating insights into each site, bringing the history to life. And the flexibility of the tour is a game-changer—feel free to hop off at any stop that piques your interest, explore at your own pace, and easily catch another bus every 12 minutes. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich culture and beauty of Edinburgh!
Written 31 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JLondon2014
Frome, UK44 contributions
Visited Edinburgh on a very wet day so thought the hop on hop off bus would be a good way to see the city without getting soaked. It was not! The bus was too busy to get a seat for quite a few stops so we couldn’t plug into the commentary. When we did eventually get a seat the windows were so steamed up you couldn’t see out anyway! I can see that it would perhaps be a better experience in nice weather but overall was a bit of a waste of money in the rain.
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The weather has been mixed this last wee while. Sorry if you joined us on a rainy day and felt you didn't get the full experience. We know people don't choose to visit Scotland for the sunshine! Using the tours to find out more about the city and to reach key sites can be an advantage in the rain - to save you walking. Our team are always on had to assist if you need to clear a window.
Ticket validity is also key as valid a full 24 hours allowing you to hop on and off as you please and make the most of the discounts and offers available with your ticket.
Thanks for your feedback.
Elaine
Written 17 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are children 2 years old allowed? I’m only seeing ticket options for 5 year and up
Written 19 October 2024
Emmyanne93
Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Is there a link to where I can buy tickets? Or do you have to be there and buy tickets on the day?
Written 1 May 2024
Is the Chinese audio in Mandarin or Cantonese? There are two Chinese audio options, can you please let me know which one is in Cantonese, if available?
Written 7 March 2024
I would contact the tour operator for this question. I listened to English only.
Written 8 March 2024
We are arriving for the Christmas markets. I was wondering if getting the hop-on hop-off bus would be a great way to see all the Christmas lights?
Thanks in advance
Written 1 November 2023
The Edinburgh Christmas lights are in the City Centre. They probably are best experienced by strolling around Princess Street, St Andrew Square and George Street.
So saying, the hop-on hop-off bus is an excellent way of discovering Edinburgh and its environs.
Written 2 November 2023
We were lucky as we had parking at our hotel.
Written 16 September 2022
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