bus tours of edinburgh

The Edinburgh Bright Bus Tour

SCOTLAND’S OFFICIAL OPEN TOP TOUR AND AIRPORT CONNECTION

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Welcome to the brightest way to enjoy Edinburgh

We’ve got two Hop-On, Hop-Off open top bus tours – the City Tour or Britannia Tour – to take you to all the sights of Scotland’s capital city. You’ll be able to enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer from just £16 for 24 hours or £20 for two tours across two days . There’s commentary to suit all tastes, with 10 languages available.

BrightBus Airport Express  is the fastest, cheapest, brightest way between the city and airport. With fares starting from  £4 single  and  £15 a week , our comfy buses run up to every 10 mins at busy times from a choice of handy pick-up points across the city centre.

What you’ll see on our tours

Our  City Tour  takes you around the hustle and bustle of the historic city centre and winding around the cobbled streets of Old Town. You’ll discover all the secrets of ‘Auld Reekie’, its’ world class sights and its’ people.

Switch over to our  Britannia Tour  to experience royalty, visit Leith’s shore, see The Majestic Royal Yacht Britannia and more.

Our best selling combo tickets mean you can buy Two Tours across two days for just  £20 , or you can combine a Airport Express return journey with unlimited travel on our tours with the Experience Edinburgh ticket for £25 for a whole week !

Airport to Edinburgh

Cheapest, fastest, brightest way to and from Edinburgh Airport

Travelling from Edinburgh airport and into the city has never been brighter. The BrightBus Airport Express is a fast and convenient way to travel between the Airport and the city centre. It has fewer stops and convenient pick-up points, reducing the need for walking in the city centre.  Find out more here!

Our BrightBus team

Our friendly BrightBus team are always here to help you. From tickets to advice and top tips, they’re easy to find and even easier to talk to! Once aboard one of our tour and airport buses, all you need to do is sit back and relax until you’re ready to delve into the nooks and crannies of this great city. Exploring Edinburgh has never been simpler!

BrightBus Biggest Little Bus Fan

Do you know any little people who love our buses and what we do? We’re on the hunt to find our Biggest Little Bus Fan, find more more here .

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Unveiling Edinburgh's wonders: A vibrant red City Sightseeing bus meanders through the streets, revealing iconic attractions to delighted tourists.

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City Sightseeing Edinburgh: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour | KIDS GO FREE Special Offer!

Activity schedule, key highlights.

  • Inclusions & Exclusions

Ticket is valid for 24 hours

Buses run between 9am to 4pm, every 30 minutes. Full loop takes 60 minutes.

Just hop on at any of the stops and show your e-voucher to the bus driver and you’re good to go! The first stop is Waterloo Place.

You can hop off at any of the stops

  • Personalise your Edinburgh travels with this 24-hour hop-on, hop-off ticket
  • Hop on and off as you like to get up close with your favourite attractions
  • Kids go free with a full paying adult ticket. Offer valid for bookings with travel until March 31st 2024!
  • From Edinburgh Castle to the Farmer’s Market, the trail covers it all
  • Enjoy an immersive multilingual commentary on board
  • Keep your kids engaged with the ‘Horrible Stories’ commentary
  • Both printed and smartphone vouchers accepted!
  • Your voucher will be valid for 12 months from the date chosen at the time of booking

KIDS GO FREE OFFER: Kids go free with a full-paying adult ticket. Offer valid for bookings with travel until March 31st 2024!  Up to three kids can travel free per adult ticket. Please still add child tickets to the cart when making your purchase.

The ever-popular Edinburgh Hop-on, Hop-off tour allows you to explore this historic city at your own pace and create your perfect sightseeing itinerary, hopping on and off the buses as you wish. 

Conducted on an open-topped double-decker bus, the tour has an exceptional array of stops - all strategically located to get you up close to your favorite attractions. From the spectacular Edinburgh Castle to the 15th-century John Knox House and The Queen’s official residence - the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the comprehensive route covers it all. Not to mention there’s an engaging audio commentary available on board in different languages so that you don’t miss out on a single story of this incredible city. We got your kids covered, too, with the award-winning ‘Horrible Stories’ commentary available for them in English. 

Some of the hop-on, hop-off stops are: 

  • Waterloo Place
  • St. Andrew Square
  • Lothian Road
  • Grassmarket
  • Lauriston Place
  • Johnston Terrace
  • Chambers Street
  • John Knox House
  • Our Dynamic Earth
  • Regent Road

About the Supplier:  City Sightseeing is one of the leading tour operators offering hop-on, hop-off services across 100 locations worldwide. They have been providing quality services since 1998.

Please note that the stops and timings are subject to change.

  • 24-hour Hop-On, Hop-Off ticket
  • Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian
  • Kid's Commentary in English
  • Free headphones and WiFi onboard
  • Entrances to attractions, unless specified

Useful downloads

Please note.

Voucher information:  You can show your voucher on your smartphone or other devices. (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

Kids go free offer: Kids go free with a full-paying adult ticket. Offer valid for bookings with travel until March 31st, 2024!

Up to three kids can travel free per adult ticket. Please still add child tickets to the cart when making your purchase.

Voucher Validity:  12 months from the date chosen at the time of booking.

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes

Timings and stops are subject to change. The updated route map will be available on the buses.

Edinburgh is a functioning city and weather, traffic, and events may occasionally cause disruption.

Stop 7 has moved back to Lawnmarket from its temporary location near the castle.

If you are traveling by cruise, you might want to keep the following details in mind:

  • Don’t forget to check the exact location of Edinburgh port before you arrive.
  • If you are coming into Leith, you can take a shuttle from the terminal to Waterloo Place (Stop Number 1).
  • If you are coming into South Queensferry (Hounds Point), you can take a shuttle from the terminal to Charlotte Square, which is an approximately 10-minutes walk from Stop Number 2.
  • Finally, if you are coming to Newhaven, you can take a local bus to central Edinburgh which will take you approximately 30 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Jason mobey.

Great way to see the City; kids loved it too.

Michael Fulcher

No issues, easy process to purchase tickets

Amanda Williams

Great service from friendly staff

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bus tours of edinburgh

girl gone london

9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh in 2024 (local approved)

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

Located near the coast of Scotland, Edinburgh promises unique sightseeing opportunities and Edinburgh bus tour options.

You might know that Scotland is famous for haggis, kilts, and Irn-Bru, but did you know that it’s also the home of the Writer’s Museum, the Museum of Childhood, and the Museum of Fire?

Whether you’re into the spookier side of things, or simply want to relax with afternoon tea, there’s a bus tour option in Edinburgh to suit every kind of tourist.

Opt for a regimented Edinburgh sightseeing bus tour or hop-on and hop-off Edinburgh bus at your leisure – the choice is yours.

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, don’t worry: the best Edinburgh bus tour is this Edinburgh afternoon tea bus tour .

Here we’ve compiled a list of the nine best bus tours in the city, including Edinburgh open top bus tours and Edinburgh city bus tours.

Read on to find your fit and book a tour today.

Don’t forget that Edinburgh is the UK’s second-most visited tourist destination and so booking bus tours and experiences in advance is highly recommended. 

bus tours of edinburgh

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Edinburgh bus tour is this Edinburgh afternoon tea bus tour.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Edinburgh Bus Tours

1. edinburgh afternoon tea bus experience.

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 670+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

bus tours of edinburgh

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

  • Handmade sandwich selections
  • Dine on home-baked warm scones with cream, jam, and strawberry garnish
  • Drink coffee and tea
  • Enjoy delicious cupcakes

The Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience is a fantastic choice for non-British natives to sample the quintessential British way of life.

If you’re British, it’s a great gift for non-British family and friends – to show off what Britain is best at: scones and cups of tea.  

Atop a vintage Routemaster bus, you’ll take in the sights of Scotland’s second-biggest city.

Expect to see Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament building, and Holyrood Palace.

Included in the tour is a selection of tasty food and drink that’s so British, you’ll be surprised that King Charles isn’t joining you onboard.

Sample scones and sandwiches, all washed down with cups of tea. 

The accommodating staff allow you to take pictures and will stop the bus to make sure you can get the best possible snaps of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

If you want a bus tour with an entertaining and quirky experience thrown in, this is the tour for you.

2. Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off City Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 220+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 10 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

  • Free headphones to keep
  • Free return bus tickets to Edinburgh Zoo on the company’s local services
  • Sightseeing of significant cultural landmarks
  • A flexible way to explore the city

Picture the scene.

You’re sat on a bus tour and spot something you find interesting.

You ask if the bus can stop so you can get off and explore, but the driver informs you that it’s not that kind of bus tour.

Luckily, you won’t have that problem with the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off City Tour.

You can ride the bus as much or as little as you want to.

Stops are very close together, meaning that if you see something you like you can simply hop off at the next available opportunity.

We recommend stopping off at the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market – an opportunity to meet friendly Scottish people as you sample local food and drink.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is also on the route, promising a look inside the whisky-making process.

If you’re planning to stay on the bus for the whole route, and see the sights from inside, don’t forget to pack lunch to make your journey extra cozy.

3. Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1,600+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 15 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

bus tours of edinburgh

  • Ride on a vintage double-decker bus
  • A spooky bus tour with descriptions of Edinburgh’s past
  • A professional guide
  • A chance to see Edinburgh’s historic attractions

This tour is not for the easily spooked.

Onboard, you’ll discover the twisted secrets of Edinburgh’s dark past. 

Safely behind the windows of the bus, you’ll hear the stories of lost spirits, shocking tortures, and bloody murders as you pass significant landmarks.

You’ll pass by Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirk, Grassmarket, and more.

Did we mention you’ll have to get off the bus sometimes to get up close to the grizzly action? Prepare to be frightened. 

Your knowledgeable guide will have you sitting on the edge of your seat as they delve into stories of ghosts and witches. 

You’ll need to take a long walk afterward to clear your head.

Just make sure you don’t walk near the historic sites where misery befell ancient Scots. 

Being such a quirky experience, it’s incredibly popular – and so it’s advised you book ahead to avoid missing out. 

4. City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1,600+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

bus tours of edinburgh

  • 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass
  • Audio commentary in 10 languages
  • Commentary option for kids
  • Discounts at local attractions

Looking for a bus tour that allows you to set your own pace?

The City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is the perfect tour for you.

The joy with this service is that you can hop-on and hop-off as much as you like during a 24-hour time window.

There are 13 stops in total which pass dozens of interesting places. When you choose to hop off and explore is up to you.

Art lovers will adore the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and history buffs will marvel at the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The National Museum of Scotland promises something for everyone with exciting events and exhibitions happening throughout the year.

Still not sure?

Don’t take our word for it.

The City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a 5-star award-winning tour and Gold Green Tourism award winner.

5. Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Britannia Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 250+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

  • Comprehensive audio description of the sights
  • Stops including the Royal Botanic Garden 
  • Flexible travel

This tour is the perfect choice if you’re looking to cram as much into your Edinburgh visit as possible.

The route is only 1 hour 30 minutes, meaning you can see dozens of famous Scottish landmarks in a short space of time.

Alternatively, you can hop off to take a closer look at your favorite places, knowing you can hop back on at any time.

One of two services run by the same operator, this route includes the Royal Botanic Garden, the Gallery of Modern Art, and Edinburgh Castle.

Every passenger is gifted a pair of headphones to listen to audio commentary about the locations they can see from the window. 

While not passing the Royal Yacht Britannia, you can get off the bus at Ocean Terminal which is just a one-minute walk away.

6. Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.7 out of 5 Stars, 380+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

bus tours of edinburgh

  • Spot the iconic Edinburgh Castle
  • See the bridge used by the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movie franchise
  • Drive through the Scottish Highland where the 007 movie Skyfall was filmed
  • See Ben Nevis – Britain’s tallest mountain

Hoping to experience Edinburgh as part of a bigger day out?

You’re in luck!

The Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Tour delivers spectacular views across Scotland.

Movie fans will love what’s in store.

You’ll journey through the Scottish Highlands and see where they filmed scenes from the James Bond movie Skyfall. 

You’ll also be able to snap pictures of the incredible bridge used by the Hogwarts Express throughout the Harry Potter movie series.

Do you remember the scene where the flying car is driving alongside the Hogwarts Express?

That was filmed here, and it’s even more beautiful in real life.

A lunch stop at Ben Nevis allows you to grab a bite to eat and stretch your legs, before hopping back on the bus.

Fans of Edinburgh needn’t worry.

4You’ll be departing from and arriving back into the city, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities en route including Edinburgh Castle. 

7. Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  4.8 out of 5 Stars, 190+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

bus tours of edinburgh

  • Entry to the Vindolanda Roman Army Museum
  • Round-trip transportation from Edinburgh
  • An informed guide with expansive knowledge about Roman Scotland
  • Take pictures of Hadrian’s Wall

You’ve heard of the phrase ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’, but have you ever heard of the phrase ‘when in Scotland, do as the Romans do’?

We neither, but you’d be amazed to discover just how much Roman history there is in Scotland.

Between the 1st and 4th centuries AD, the Romans were in Scotland. Evidence of that relationship remains in spectacular landmarks such as Birdoswald – one of the best-preserved Roman forts in the world.  

If you’re a fan of ancient civilizations or know someone who is, we couldn’t recommend this tour more highly.

Your bus driver and tour guide are well-read on Roman history and are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

8. Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Scottish Highlands Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.7 out of 5 Stars, 3660+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh

  • Option to add a Loch Ness boat cruise
  • Live onboard commentary from an expert guide
  • An air-conditioned bus to transport you between locations
  • Opportunity to take pictures of beautiful Scottish scenery

Hoping to join the famous list of people who have seen the Loch Ness Monster?

Then this tour is for you.

Traveling on an eco-certified bus, expect to learn all about the history of the Loch Ness Monster (or Nessie as the locals affectionately say) that stalks the Scottish waters.

You’ll also see some unique-looking hairy cows and take pictures of stunning mountainous regions.

To take your visit to the next level, why not book a Loch Ness boat cruise?

Maybe you’ll see Nessie up close, or at the very least enjoy the tranquil stillness of the world’s most famous loch.

If mysterious creatures lurking in the water is too far-fetched for you, you’ll enjoy the optional extra of Urquhart Castle – a ruined fort along the banks of the loch.

The castle is steeped in history. In fact, it was a significant spot in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

You’ll have time to explore the loch and surrounding areas before heading back to Edinburgh and passing many tourist attractions.

9. Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.6 out of 5 Stars, 100+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

bus tours of edinburgh

  • Learn about Scotland’s ancient history
  • Explore Stirling Castle
  • Unlock the secrets of the Da Vinci Code.
  • See where Robert the Bruce battled the English in 1314

History fanatics, rejoice!

The Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey Tour is perfect for you.

It offers a full day to explore Scotland’s most famous medieval landmarks.

You’ll spend most of the day outside of Edinburgh, but be sure to look out of the bus windows as you leave and arrive back to take in the sights and add some locations to your bucket list.

In Dunfermline, you’ll find the final resting place of Robert the Bruce before moving to Stirlingshire and learning about William Wallace. 

If you’ve read the Da Vinci Code novel, then you know the theory that Rosslyn Chapel is where the Holy Grail is buried.

Whether that’s true or not no one knows, but we like to think so.

You’ll visit Rosslyn Chapel as part of this tour.

Be sure to take in the sheer history that has existed in this place since it was built in 1446.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

  • 11 Best Cotswolds Tours from London in 2023
  • 11 Best Scottish Highlands Tours from Edinburgh in 2023
  • 5 Best Open Top Bus Tours in London
  • 9 Best Outlander Tours in Scotland in 2023
  • 9 Best Oxford Ghost Tours in 2023
  • 5 Best Ghost Tours in Bath, England
  • 9 Unique London Tours
  • 9 Best Day Tours to Oxford from London
  • 7 Best Stonehenge Tours from London
  • 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
  • 5 Best Tours of York, England
  • 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
  • 21 Best London Walking Tours
  • 11 Best London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours
  • 11 Best Beatles Tours in London
  • 11 Best London Museum Tours
  • 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
  • 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
  • 13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford
  • 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
  • 9 Best London Literary Tours
  • 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
  • 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
  • 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
  • 11 Best London Bus Tours for Families
  • 17 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
  • 17 Best London Foodie Tours
  • 13 Best Ghost & Haunted Tours in Edinburgh
  • 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
  • 11 Best Private Tours in London
  • 11 Best Ghost Tours in London
  • 11 Fun Tours of Royal London
  • 13 Isle of Skye Tours for a Magical Time
  • 13 Mysterious Tours of Loch Ness
  • 7 Best James Bond Tours in London
  • 7 Best Paris Tours from London
  • 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
  • 7 Best Tours of Bath from London
  • 7 Best Black Cab Tours from London
  • 11 Best Downton Abbey Tours in the UK

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system.

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

bus tours of edinburgh

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

bus tours of edinburgh

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Heart of Scotland Tours

  • Tour 1 – Loch Ness & the Highlands
  • Tour 2 – Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky
  • Tour 3 – Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian’s Wall
  • Tour 4 – The Best of Scotland in a Day
  • Tour 5 – The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle
  • Tour 6 – St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife
  • 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
  • 3 Day Tour – Isle of Skye & the Highlands
  • 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
  • View All Private Tours
  • 1 Day Tour – The Best of Scotland in a Day
  • 1 Day Tour – Loch Ness & the Highlands
  • 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
  • 3 Day Tour – The Isle of Skye & the Highlands
  • 4 Day Tour – Inverness & the Isle of Skye
  • 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
  • 6 Day Tour – The Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye
  • 7 Day Tour – The Complete Tour of Scotland
  • Departure Point
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Accommodation Explained
  • Our Story – The Wee Red Bus
  • John Muir Trust
  • Our Vehicles
  • Sustainable Tourism

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION – All group tours depart from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie’s Restaurant) .

Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh

Heart of Scotland Tours - small group bus tours in Scotland

Very small groups of around 12 passengers.

For over 20 years we’ve been carefully designing 5-star, award-winning guided tours which include famous sights and hidden gems that most tourists never see. Travelling safely in a very small group of around 12 passengers means:

  • More time off the Wee Red Bus and extra photo stops
  • Getting off the beaten track and away from the crowds
  • Relaxing in plenty of personal space
  • Simple cancellation/rebooking policy – change or cancel up to 24 hours before departure (day tours) and up to 8 days before departure (overnight tours)

Whether it’s a private tour with family and friends or one of our ever-popular scheduled tours, we’re here to help. Our 2024 small group Scotland tours are now available to book .

Loch Ness Sign Aspect Ratio 635x400

Tour 1 Loch Ness & the Highlands bus tour from Edinburgh

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Tour 2 Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky bus tour from Edinburgh

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Tour 3 Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian's Wall bus tour from Edinburgh

bus tours of edinburgh

Tour 4 The Best of Scotland in a Day

Alnwick Castle 3 Aspect Ratio 635x400

Tour 5 The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle

Swilcan Shutterstock Scaled Aspect Ratio 635x400

Tour 6 St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife

Overnight tours.

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2 Day Tour Inverness & the Highlands

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3 Day Tour Isle of Skye & the Highlands

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5 Day Tour The Grand Tour of Scotland

Private tours.

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Private Tours of Scotland

Stb

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bus tours of edinburgh

Edinburgh Bus Tours launch new service connecting all major city attractions

Edinburgh Bus Tours launched its brand-new Regal Tour over the weekend.

Joining the existing live guide-led Edinburgh Tour, and CitySightseeing Edinburgh Tour on March 24, the Regal Tour brings to life the city’s royal connections, taking in key attractions such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse , The Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

The tour also takes in the bustling communities of Leith and Newhaven, where visitors can hop off to explore the independent shops, bars and restaurants lining Leith Shore and Newhaven Harbour.

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A multilingual audio commentary will also highlight all the key sights across the city.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Edinburgh Bus Tours, said: “We’re delighted to welcome visitors on board our new Regal Tour, which adds another dimension to our already fantastic five- star tour portfolio. We hope visitors to the city will take advantage of our ‘hop-on-hop-off’ tours and take the opportunity to explore our stunning capital city from the top deck. All of our tickets include excellent added value offers from key partners across the capital.

“The launch of the Regal Tour marks an exciting moment in our long history in the city of Edinburgh and we look forward to welcoming visitors on board.

“With Edinburgh Bus Tours, visitors can be confident of quality, reliability and value for money”.

Neil Christison, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said: “It’s great to see Edinburgh Bus Tours investing in the visitor experience in the city and expanding their exceptional tour offering. Edinburgh is steeped in the history of Scotland’s monarchs, and recent events have shown there remains a keen fascination from visitors to our royal connections. Bus tours are a fantastic way to get around Edinburgh and help encourage visitors to explore beyond the city centre and into the bustling communities of Leith and Newhaven.”

Edinburgh Bus Tours’ visitors can enjoy exclusive discounts and offers to other city attractions, such as Lind and Lime Gin Distillery, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and the Real Mary King’s Close. Customers can also buy tickets for the following attractions directly from its ticket sellers and drivers:

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Edinburgh Zoo
  • Edinburgh Dungeon
  • Dynamic Earth

Edinburgh Bus Tours launched its brand-new Regal Tour on Sunday March 24.

Edinburgh Bus Tours - official hop on-hop off guided tours

Four great bus tours

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Edinburgh Tour

  • Live guide in English
  • See the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle and the Georgian New Town
  • Tour lasts up to 75 minutes
  • Easy access for all including space for a Class 2 Mobility Scooter

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Majestic Tour

  • Multi language commentary (10 languages)
  • See the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Royal Yacht Brittania and Leith's beautiful shoreline

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CitySightseeing Tour

  • Multi language commentary (9 languages)
  • See Edinburgh's Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill

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3 Bridges Tour

  • Includes a bus tour and a boat trip on the Firth of Forth
  • See the Forth Road and Rail Bridges, Queensferry Crossing and stunning views across the Firth of Forth
  • Tour lasts 3 hours
  • No products in the basket.

Royal Edinburgh Ticket

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  3. City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Edinburgh

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  6. Edinburgh Bus Tours GRAND24 Ticket

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COMMENTS

  1. Edinburgh Bus Tours

    Edinburgh Tour. One of our live guides will show you the highlights of Edinburgh including Edinburgh Castle, Scottish Parliament, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Famous Royal Mile. Find out more. Regal Tour. ... Edinburgh Bus Tours App; TourHub; Accessibility; About us; Careers; Buy Now;

  2. THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Bus Tours (Updated 2024)

    2. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh. 991. Full-day Tours. 6+ hours. Edinburgh is a long way from Loch Ness, Scotland's most famous lake—even Glen Coe is an almost 3-hour drive. Let your driver…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 96% of travelers.

  3. Bright Bus Tours

    Welcome to the brightest way to enjoy Edinburgh. We've got two Hop-On, Hop-Off open top bus tours - the City Tour or Britannia Tour - to take you to all the sights of Scotland's capital city. You'll be able to enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer from just £16 for 24 hours or £20 for two tours across two days. There's commentary ...

  4. Edinburgh Bus Tours

    See Edinburgh on a bus tour that includes discounts on attractions, eateries, and more. Or you can decide between a 24-hour or 48-hour tour that runs on three different routes. You can even see the capital of Scotland in a comfortable Mercedes mini-coach as part of a special tour.

  5. THE 5 BEST Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

    5 places sorted by featured. Clear all filters. BEST SELLER. 1. City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. 988. Audio Guides. 1 hour. An Edinburgh city sightseeing bus tour means you can enjoy all the benefits of a guided tour—including hassle-free transport….

  6. Edinburgh Tour

    Download the Edinburgh Bus Tours App for live bus times, information on discounts and attractions. Available free for iPhone and Android. Finding Us. Our tours all start at Waterloo Place (stop ZG), just off Princes Street. You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

  7. Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tours with City Sightseeing

    24-hour Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus tour. done. 1-day Glasgow hop-on hop-off bus tour. done. Stops near all the major sights in Edinburgh and Glasgow. done. Access to Red Route. From. $38.11.

  8. THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Bus Tours (w/Prices)

    An Edinburgh bus tour is the perfect way to hear commentary on city sights and get a panoramic overview. This City Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh lets you hop on and off at several strategically placed stops as many times as you like. Board the open-top double-decker bus and travel the entire route, or stop at Edinburgh Castle, the National ...

  9. Edinburgh: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

    Tour Edinburgh at your own pace with a 24-hour ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus. 3 Kids Go Free per paying Adult until 31st March 2024! Hop off at Edinburgh Castle and get great city views. Learn as you go with the informative on-board audio commentary. Keep the kids entertained with kid-friendly historical stories. Full description.

  10. Edinburgh Bus Tours

    Edinburgh. Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Duration Approx.: 24 hours. 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour with panoramic views of Edinburgh. 13 bus stops located near main sights and attractions across the city. Audio guide available in 9 languages plus kids' commentary. Book Now.

  11. City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

    An Edinburgh bus tour is the perfect way to hear commentary on city sights and get a panoramic overview. This City Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh lets you hop on and off at several strategically placed stops as many times as you like. Board the open-top double-decker bus and travel the entire route, or stop at Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum and many more. Buses depart regularly and ...

  12. The BEST Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off tours 2024

    10. Edinburgh: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Explore Edinburgh at your own pace with an award-winning hop-on hop-off open-top bus tour. Enjoy the onboard commentary that describes the history behind the city. Stop at locations like St Andrew Square, Johnstone Terrace, the Royal Mile. See sights like Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket.

  13. Edinburgh: Hop-On Hop-Off City or Britannia Bus Tour

    The City Tour buses come every 10 minutes from 09:00 till 18:40 which is the last bus of the day. The Britannia tour buses come every hour from 09:00 till 18:00 which is the last bus of the day. From $20.22 per person. Check availability. Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today. Give this as a gift.

  14. City Sightseeing Edinburgh: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

    Conducted on an open-topped double-decker bus, the tour has an exceptional array of stops - all strategically located to get you up close to your favorite attractions. From the spectacular Edinburgh Castle to the 15th-century John Knox House and The Queen's official residence - the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the comprehensive route covers it all.

  15. 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh in 2024 (local approved)

    Your bus driver and tour guide are well-read on Roman history and are on hand to answer any questions you may have. CHECK Tour Prices and Availability Here. 8. Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Scottish Highlands Tour. RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars, 3660+ reviews | TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours 30 minutes | BOOK NOW.

  16. Edinburgh Bus Tours

    The popular Royal Edinburgh Ticket bundle includes all three city tours PLUS guaranteed entry to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Royal Yacht Britannia. The 3 Bridges Bus and Boat Tour (running April - October) heads out of the city with a half day tour to South Queensferry where you will board a 90-minute cruise of the Firth ...

  17. Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off City Tour

    Discover and book Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off City Tour on Tripadvisor. Help. 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: 300251P1. +1 855 275 5071.

  18. Heart of Scotland Tours: Small Group Bus Tours from Edinburgh

    Stay up to date with our newsletter. Discover the beauty of Scotland with Heart of Scotland Tours. Offering premium Scotland bus tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. Explore the Highlands, historic sites, and more in 2023 and 2024. Book your unforgettable journey now!

  19. CitySightseeing Tour

    Tour Description. See all the main attractions with CitySightseeing Edinburgh. Take in the wonderful history of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket. Visit the Scottish Parliament, National Museum of Scotland and the Palace of Holyroodhouse all within walking distance of our CitySightseeing route.

  20. Majestic Tour

    Edinburgh Tour. One of our live guides will show you the highlights of Edinburgh including Edinburgh Castle, Scottish Parliament, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Famous Royal Mile. Find out more. Regal Tour. This multi-language tour will take you to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia and Leith. Find out more.

  21. Edinburgh Bus Tours launch new service connecting all major city ...

    Edinburgh Bus Tours launched its brand-new Regal Tour over the weekend. Joining the existing live guide-led Edinburgh Tour, and CitySightseeing Edinburgh Tour on March 24, the Regal Tour brings to ...

  22. Tours

    Edinburgh Tour. Live guide in English. See the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle and the Georgian New Town. Tour lasts up to 75 minutes. Easy access for all including space for a Class 2 Mobility Scooter. Find out more.