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Everything about tourist attractions

Edinburgh Zoo – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect and see

Edinburgh Zoo is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions, attracting more than 800,000 visitors annually.

The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing more than 200 different species from around the world.

It is an extraordinary wildlife experience for kids and adults alike.

Koalas, Penguin parades, Budongo Trail, etc., are some of the highlights of this century-old Zoo.

Edinburgh Zoo is a great destination for animal lovers of all ages, offering a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most fascinating creatures up close.

This article shares everything you must know before booking your tickets for Edinburgh Zoo.

Top Edinburgh Zoo Tickets

# Edinburgh Zoo ticket prices # Hop-On Hop-Off City or Britannia Bus Tour

Table of contents

What to expect at edinburgh zoo, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, edinburgh zoo ticket prices, edinburgh zoo tickets, how to reach edinburgh zoo, opening hours of edinburgh zoo, how long does edinburgh zoo take, best time to visit edinburgh zoo, penguins rock, the budongo trail, brilliant birds, koala territory, wallaby outback, wee beasties, edinburgh zoo gardens, edinburgh zoo koala, edinburgh zoo tiger, penguin parade, gay penguins, edinburgh zoo elephants, edinburgh zoo giraffes, edinburgh zoo dinosaurs, edinburgh zoo map, restaurants at edinburgh zoo, edinburgh zoo reviews, faqs about edinburgh zoo.

Visiting Edinburgh Zoo promises a delightful experience for animal enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in wildlife conservation.

You can enjoy the charm of the penguin parade as these charismatic birds waddle around their enclosure and explore various penguin species.

Immerse yourself in the Budongo Trail, an exhibit designed to replicate the natural habitat of chimpanzees, observe intelligent behavior, and gain insights into primate conservation.

Engage yourself in unique animal encounters and experiences offered by the zoo and interact with certain animals under the guidance of expert zookeepers.

Learn how the Edinburgh Zoo contributes to global efforts in protecting endangered species through breeding programs and partnerships.

Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, enhancing the overall ambiance of the zoo, and enjoy scenic views of Edinburgh and its surroundings from different areas within the zoo.

At the end of your trip, explore the gift shops for souvenirs and memorabilia.

Whenever you feel tired or hungry, take a break at one of the zoo’s cafes or restaurants to enjoy a meal or snack.

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Tickets for Edinburgh Zoo are available online or at the box office window at the zoo.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because the attraction sells a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Once you purchase Edinburgh Zoo tickets , they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.

Walk up to the Edinburgh Zoo admissions area and show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

The regular Edinburgh Zoo ticket for adults between 16 and 64 is priced at £23. 

Children between three and 15 years get a discount and pay only £14.

Seniors (65+ years) and students (16+ years with valid ID cards) also pay a discounted price, and tickets cost £20.

Infants up to two years old can enter the zoo for free. 

This ticket gets you complete access to the Zoo, including –

• All animals in the Zoo
• All keeper talks planned for the day
• All educational events and activities
• All the restaurants

You can go to the top of Edinburgh Zoo and see Pentland Hills’s stunning views and the city’s skyline.

Book this popular ticket and spend an unforgettable day at Edinburgh Zoo, home of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and over 2,500 incredible animals worldwide.

You can immerse yourself in the dinosaur walk-through exhibition and see prehistoric beasts come to life around you against the backdrop of Scotland’s capital.

Comfortable shoes are recommended as there will be walking on some sloping surfaces.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (16 to 64 years): £23 Child Ticket (3 to 15 years): £14 Student Ticket (16+ years with valid ID): £20 Senior Ticket (65+ years): £20

Kids aged two years and younger can enter for free.

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The zoo is set on the south-facing slopes of Corstorphine Hill, giving extensive views of the city.

Address:  134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, United Kingdom. Get Directions . 

You can take a car or travel by public transport. 

If you are in the city, it is best to catch a bus to Edinburgh Zoo – Lothian’s Bus Nos 12, 26, or 31 take you straight to the Zoo entrance.

You can board any of the bus numbers mentioned here and get off at Edinburgh Zoo , Edinburgh Zoo (Stop 2) , or Edinburgh Zoo (Stop 1) .

Bus Nos. – 100 Airlink, Airport Express, Ember, X18, 12, 26, 31, N26, X38, N18

Airport to Edinburgh Zoo

If you plan to travel from  Edinburgh Airport  to Edinburgh Zoo, take the  Airlink 100 express bus , which offers frequent departures, comfortable seating, and free WiFi.

An Airlink 100 Express leaves the airport every half hour and reaches the Edinburgh Zoo in 20 minutes. 

Two stations serve the city of Edinburgh – Waverley Station and Haymarket Station . 

We suggest you travel to these stations on  Scotrail’s trains .

Once you get down, follow the bus recommendations above to reach the Zoo. 

If you wish to travel by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.

We don’t recommend getting to the attraction by car because the slots in Edinburgh Zoo’s car parking are limited.

Since the Zoo is in a residential area, you may find some parking nearby during the day.

There are numerous parking lots around the zoo.

All through the year, Edinburgh Zoo opens at 10 am, but its closing time changes according to the season. 

During the peak season of April to September, the Zoo closes at 6 pm, and in the winter months of November to February, it closes at 4 pm. 

During the shoulder months of October and March, Edinburgh Zoo closes at 5 pm. 

The Edinburgh Zoo is closed on Christmas Day. 

Some of the Edinburgh Zoo’s indoor enclosures, such as the Koala Territory, Wee Beasties, etc., can open later than the stated opening hours and may close 30 minutes before closing.

The sloping parkland of Edinburgh Zoo covers an area of 33 hectares (82 acres) and is made up of many enclosures.

Instead of bars and cages, this Scottish Zoo has large, open enclosures and uses ditches and moats to separate the animals from the visitors. 

As a result, exploring this famous Zoo takes a bit more time, but visitors get back with a better sense of satisfaction. 

If you are visiting as a family with kids and plan to attend keeper talks, feeding sessions, etc., you will need 4 to 5 hours to explore the Edinburgh Zoo.

However, if you are a bunch of adults and want to wrap up soon, you can cover most animal exhibits in two hours.

You won’t have to waste your time at the zoo’s ticket counter if you purchase tickets in advance .

The best time to visit Edinburgh Zoo is when they open at 10 am.

There are four advantages of starting early – the animals are most active early in the morning, the temperatures are still moderate, the crowd is yet to get in, and you have the whole day to explore.

We recommend weekdays for a peaceful visit because it gets crowded on weekends and school holidays.

When you start early, you can explore for a few hours, have lunch at one of the three restaurants, and then begin exploring the Zoo again. 

Important:  When you buy Edinburgh Zoo tickets online , you can skip the long lines at the ticket office.

What to see at Edinburgh Zoo

If you are out with your family and kids, we recommend you spend four to five hours exploring as much of the Zoo as possible. 

However, if you are hard-pressed for time, here is our list of the Edinburgh Zoo highlights. 

The centerpiece of Penguin Rock is the massive outdoor pool containing 1.2 Million liters of water.

In this enclosure, you will see more than 100 Penguins amongst the mock sandy beaches and rocky areas, making it seem as real as possible.

Don’t miss the famous penguin parade!

Edinburgh Zoo’s Budongo Trail is an innovative, interactive Chimpanzee enclosure.

This exhibit is a sizeable indoor-outdoor environment that can house up to 40 chimps.

The Zoo authorities have customized this enclosure for the Chimps and the visitors.

While the Chimps get a network of rooms with different conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, the visitors get up-close viewing galleries, plasma screens, interactive displays, etc.

Brilliant Birds is a new walkthrough aviary with exotic species from around the World.

See if you can spot the Bali Starling and Nicobar pigeon.

Kids love this must-see exhibit in Edinburgh Zoo because they get to feed the birds.

Only four Koalas are in captivity in the UK and in Edinburgh Zoo’s Koala Territory.

Goonaroo, Alinga, Tanami, and Kalari are active throughout the day and provide excellent viewing.

This exhibit operates on slightly reduced opening hours, so ask for the day’s timings on arrival.

The newly built Wallaby Outback is right next to the Koala Territory.

It houses a small herd of Swamp Wallabies.

If you are lucky, you can spot a Joey popping its head out of its mother’s pouch.

Opened in 2017, Wee Beasties is the Zoo’s latest indoor attraction.

It is an opportunity to discover unusual species worldwide and get closer to reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

This exhibit is behind Penguin Rock and is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

Before this place became a Zoo in 1913, the site was a Nursery.

The tradition continues even today with a specialized team in place to manage the Zoo’s Gardens.

With 120 plus species, Edinburgh Zoo is one of the most diverse tree collections in the Lothians.

Edinburgh Zoo animals

Edinburgh Zoo is home to more than a thousand animals from all around the World.

During your visit to the RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, you can see them in their animal enclosures and attend their keeper talks.

Edinburgh Zoo is home to the UK’s only Queensland Koalas. 

The Zoo’s adult male Koala is the 16-year-old Goonaroo, and the female Koala is named Alinga (which means Sun). 

The other two Koalas in the enclosure are the four-year-old male Tanami and the two-year-old female Koala called Kalari. 

Kalari is Alinga’s daughter. 

You can meet them all at the Koala Territory. 

The Tiger Tracks at Edinburgh Zoo is home to Dharma, a three-year-old Sumatran Tigress who came from Fota Wildlife Park.

The Zoo recently upgraded the Tiger Tracks to three times its previous size.

It now has a spectacular ground-level viewing tunnel and a high-level viewing area for visitors.

The new Tiger Tracks has climbing structures, a feeding post, heated rocks for the Tigeress to relax on, ponds to cool down in, and a new house.

Edinburgh Zoo Penguins

The Edinburgh Zoo hosts three kinds of penguins: king, rockhopper, and gentoo penguins. 

Visitors can find them at Penguin Rock, Europe’s largest outdoor penguin pool, 65 meters long and 3.5 meters deep (213 feet long and 11.5 feet deep).

Rockhopper Penguins are the smallest species of the 100-plus penguins at Edinburgh Zoo but have ‘huge’ attitudes. 

Fun Fact: King Penguins were one of the first species to be kept at Edinburgh Zoo and bred in 1919. It was the first captive breeding of the animal anywhere in the World, so Edinburgh Zoo’s logo features a King Penguin. 

The famed Penguin March is Edinburgh Zoo’s top attraction, and visitors are known to time their visit around the Penguin Parade.

This parade isn’t something the Zoo planned.

Back in the 1950s, one of the gates was accidentally left open, and a Gentoo Penguin walked out.

The other Penguins followed the leader as the ZooKeeper waited to see what would happen next.

The tradition continues, just that now the gate is opened intentionally.

Many wonder if Edinburgh Zoo has gay penguins.

Even though rare, same-sex penguin partners do exist.

Some of the most popular Gay Penguins the World has seen so far are – 

• Roy and Silo , Central Park Zoo, NYC
• Skip and Ping , Berlin Zoo
• Sphen and Magic , Sydney Zoo 

In 2016, comedian Daniel Sloss spoke about the gay Penguins he had encountered in Edinburgh Zoo ( watch video ).

He followed up with  an update  on what happened when one of the gay Penguins died.

However, when writing this, we couldn’t find evidence of gay Penguins in Edinburgh Zoo. 

Edinburgh Zoo used to have elephants in the days, as shown in the video below.

Sally was one of the most popular elephants at Edinburgh Zoo. Sally’s photograph taken in 1965

However, as of today they don’t have any elephants in Edinburgh.

Visitors to Edinburgh Zoo had last seen Giraffes in 2004. 

After going without a Giraffe for almost 15 years, the Zoo started  a campaign  on World Giraffe Day 2019 called ‘Stick Your Neck Out for Giraffes.’

The Zoo authorities plan to collect £100,000 to create a unique Giraffe house with open spaces to roam and high-level walkways so visitors can come face to face with the animals.

The Edinburgh Zoo does have its share of Dinosaurs. 

They are part of a ‘Lost Worlds’ Chinese lantern festival in which 600-plus illuminated dinosaur lanterns are spread all over the Zoo.

This Edinburgh Zoo dinosaurs special usually runs from mid-November to January end of every year. 

With more than 1000 animals to see, it is wiser to have a copy of the Edinburgh Zoo map to navigate the various exhibits.

Besides the animal enclosures, a map helps you identify visitor services such as restaurants, restrooms, souvenir shops, etc.

Carrying the Edinburgh Zoo’s layout is highly recommended if you are traveling with kids because you won’t waste time finding the various exhibits and, in the process, get exhausted.

Edinburgh Zoo has two restaurants, one café (and some kiosks) offering a wide range of food and drinks to help visitors recharge themselves.

All these food outlets serve both adult and child portions. 

The Gannet is the latest edition to Edinburgh Zoo boasting a menu packed full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients for the whole family to enjoy.

The Gannet fish bar is open seven days a week, from 10 am to 3 pm.

Location:  Next to the main lawn

Grasslands Restaurant

Grasslands Restaurant is the main catering outlet at Edinburgh Zoo. 

Some items on the menu are freshly made pasta, salads, stone-baked pizza, and some seasonal dishes.

The food gets served at the table, and the setting is perfect for families, couples, or solo visitors.

Grasslands Restaurant is open from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm during the peak season. And during the lean season, it closes half an hour early. 

Location: Mansion House, in the middle of the Zoo

Penguins Café

The Café serves a selection of breakfast rolls, ciabattas, salads, and soup.

If you are visiting with kids, check out the ‘Penguins Lunch Bags’ on offer.

Families also stop by the Penguins Cafe for their cakes and Walls and Mackie’s ice creams.

This outlet is open from 10 am until half an hour before the Zoo closes.

Location:  Penguins Cafe overlooks the Penguins Rock

Picnic at Edinburgh Zoo

The Zoo authorities don’t allow visitors to set up their picnics inside restaurants or cafes. 

However, there are plenty of benches and picnic areas provided. 

We recommend the picnic area on the hilltop and the one in front of the Mansion House (main lawn).

Edinburgh Zoo is a highly-rated tourist attraction.

Check out two Edinburgh Zoo reviews we picked from  Tripadvisor , which will give you an idea of what to expect.

1. Amazing Day Out

Edinburgh Zoo is one of my favorite zoos in the UK as it has a wide range of animals—for example, Pandas, Koalas, Tigers, Lions, etc. 

One of my favorite things about the Edinburgh Zoo is its Penguin parade. The public lined outside a certain area and opened the door of the Penguin cage, allowing the Penguins to come out for a walk if they wished. This was such a unique opportunity. 

We spent around 5 hours there and at a very reasonable price. We will be back! –  TravelWithChar , Southampton, UK

2. Day at the Zoo

A lovely day at the Zoo. It was such a great setting, with lots of nice areas to sit (even though it was cold). Seeing so many baby animals was amazing – three Lion cubs, a baby Chimp, and a baby Koala.

Seeing the Pandas was amazing. The zookeepers were all very informative. There are lots of interactive things to see and do as well. –  Kelly T , Bristol, UK

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Edinburgh Zoo:

To avoid disappointment on the day of your visit, we recommend visitors book in advance . Tickets are limited and may sell out during school holidays and weekends – please remember to book your ticket online. The last entry is one hour before closing, and we advise giving yourself at least two hours to get around the park.

It is a city zoo, so parking spaces are limited and only available on a first-come, first-served basis. The car park is popular and fills up early in the day (sometimes before 11 am during school holidays and sunny weekends). All car park users will need to take a ticket from the barriers on arrival and have this validated to exit the car park without paying full price (£10) at the machine. Parking for zoo visitors is £3.

Free mobility vehicles are available for those needing extra help navigating the zoo hills. Upon arrival, please ask the admission team for more information. Wheelchairs are also available for hire on a first-come, first-served basis. Steep slopes and steps are signposted with alternative routes, and an  updated mobility map is available  for visitors.

Sources # Visitscotland.com # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Shubhajyoti Sengupta

He is an active adventurer who loves to push himself physically and mentally while exploring the world. His travels are usually to natural environments or remote locations which include active physical activities and experiences he has never tried before. He loves backpacking and independent traveling with a low budget. Favorite Cities: Reykjavik, Kathmandu, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Capri

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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We can't wait to welcome you to Edinburgh Zoo! Below you'll find information on ticket prices (save by booking online) and group rates and car park charges.

If you are looking to purchase tickets or vouchers as gifts, please visit our online shop and choose the relevant gift admission e-voucher.

For unlimited visits to Edinburgh Zoo, join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland for wild discounts, exclusive updates and unforgettable days out. Find out more about membership.  

Online prices

Adult: £26.50 (£24)

Child (3 – 15): £17 (£15.45)

Child (Under 3): Free

Concession*: £24 (£21.50)

(price without donation)

Eligibility for concessions

• Full time students only with valid student ID featuring a valid expiry date
• Young Scot cards
• Unemployed person with proof, such as a letter from DSS or a post office card
• Senior citizens, aged over 65
• Blue badge holders

Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 or over at all times. 

The prices with donation include a voluntary 10% donation towards our conservation projects. 

Young Scot cards are not accepted as proof of student ID.

Walk-up prices

Adult: £29.50 (£26.80)

Child (3 – 15): £19 (£17.20)

Concession*: £27 (£24.50)

Car parking

All visitors who use our car park will be required to pay for parking, apart from members who can continue to park for free as part of their membership benefits. 

All car park users will need to take a ticket from the barriers on arrival and can validate and pay by card/contactless at the pay station or by cash in admissions. Members, blue badge holders and experiences need to go to admissions to get their tickets validated. Members can also do this at the members gate.

Visitors: £3.00

Member: Free

Coaches: £20.00 (or free by arrangement)

Bring your herd

If you have 15 people or more in your party, you are eligible for discounted rates.

Group adult: £21.25

Group concession: £19.25

Group child: £13.75

To make a booking or find out more, please email [email protected]

Edinburgh Zoo is located on a hill, so we recommend that visitors wear comfortable footwear. Some of our indoor enclosures/attractions may open later than the stated opening time and may close 30 minutes prior to the zoo's stated closing time.

Dogs are not permitted into Edinburgh Zoo as they can cause stress to some of our animals. We only permit assistance dogs. See our policy for more details. 

For the safety of other visitors and our animals, we reserve the right to refuse admission to any visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Keep in touch with wildlife

Be the first to hear about our latest offers, animal stories, event news and learn about the work we do for preserving endangered wildlife.

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Getting cheap tickets to Edinburgh

The fantastic range of fare types on our coaches means that affordable travel to Scotland’s historic capital has never been easier. If you’re able to be flexible with journey times and take advantage of Coachcards, you could enjoy extra discounts, even if you’re only booking up to three days in advance.

Things to do in Edinburgh

There’s so much to see and do in Edinburgh that it can be hard to know where to begin.

Where to eat

Teuchters Landing

When the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, comfort food calls – and no place does warming grub like Teuchters. Their quirky ‘mug menu’ offers a selection of hot meals, from homely mac ‘n’ cheese to soup of the day, all for an affordable price.

The Scran & Scallie

The brainchild of two Michelin-starred chefs, Edinburgh’s Scran and Scallie certainly won’t disappoint. Couple a Highland burger with a ‘Hoose Cocktail’ for a classic pub meal with a twist or, if you’re looking for a true taste of Scotland, why not tuck into a hearty portion of haggis, neeps and tatties?

The Witchery

A short walk from Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery’s 16th century charm is hard to beat. Hide from the Scottish chill in the warm, wood-panelled dining room as you sample the signature steak tartare or the roasted venison loin. The Witchery also has a fantastic selection of wines – but with over 800 to choose from, it’s certainly not for the indecisive.

Where to drink

Join in the hustle and bustle of Grassmarket

Walk through the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh’s Old Town and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to pubs and bars. Named after its dark history of public hangings, The Last Drop is anything but chilling, so duck inside for a warming malt whisky or a foamy pint. Alternatively, if cocktails are more your thing, head to award-winning Dragonfly to sample a Sparkling Tatanka or an Espresso Martini.

Wander along the waterfront in Leith

Known for its maritime history, Leith offers a vibrant, up-and-coming harbour-side of nocturnal activity. Head to King’s Wark for a fuss-free pint of real ale or, for a little bit of modern quirk, try a Pomegranate Daiquiri or a Honey Margarita at The Lioness of Leith – plus, with burgers featured in the Lonely Planet guide for 2019/2020, it's not a bad place for a bite either!

Find a touch of class on George Street

Edinburgh’s George Street is a popular stomping ground for affluent students and trendy young professionals. Although its bars tend to be a little pricey, they’re perfect for a special occasion. Add a little sparkle to your evening at The Dome, famed for its glittering Christmas lights and crystal chandelier or, for something a little more affordable, step into Candy Bar & Kitchen for a good range of craft beers, wines and cocktails.

Where to shop

Stockbridge

Located to the north of the city centre, Stockbridge is bursting to the seams with many of the city’s best independent shops. Browse the fantastic array of jewellers, galleries, gourmet food and second hand vendors for unique souvenirs and one-of-a-kind trinkets before taking a break in one of the area’s bohemian cafés for a bite to eat. The weekly Sunday market also draws locals and visitors from far and wide – and crammed with local produce, from Scottish smoked salmon to artisan breads and specialist cheese, it’s not hard to understand why.

Ocean Terminal

One of Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centres, Ocean Terminal boasts over 70 high street favourites, including Scotland’s flagship Superdry store. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants overlooking the beautiful waterfront of Leith, as well as a beauty spa, gym, soft play area and cinema. Frequent bus services run between Ocean Terminal and the city centre, so jump on to enjoy a relaxing day of retail therapy.

Princes Street

Where else can you browse the biggest names in high street shopping, enjoy the lush greenery of Princes Street Gardens and take in views of Edinburgh Castle all at once? Princes Street has to be one of the most picturesque places to shop in all of the UK, don't miss your chance to experience it for yourself.

Top tourist attractions

Step back in time at Edinburgh Castle

Part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle is not to be missed. Although the oldest parts date back the 12th century, additional building work has been added throughout the ages, making it a true record of the city’s cultural past. The castle also houses the Crown Jewels (or the ‘Honours of Scotland’) – and when you need to refuel after a busy day, why not try out one of the castle’s two traditional cafés for a hearty soup or an afternoon tea?

See the giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo

Given its exotic array of animals from across the globe, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that Edinburgh Zoo is in fact in Scotland. Come face to face with the Sumatran tigers in the visitor viewing tunnel, or meet the friendly koalas after venturing through the eucalyptus gardens. The zoo’s biggest attraction is the giant panda exhibit, home to Tian Tian and Yang Guang – the only ones of their kind in the UK. Viewing spaces are limited, so be sure to book in advance if you don’t want to miss out.

Soak up the atmosphere of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

Running through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Royal Mile is bursting full of things to see and do. Observe the city from a new perspective through the Camera Obscura, try a traditional tipple at the Scotch Whisky Experience or, if you really want to delve into Scotland’s historical past, visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre for immersive narrative events that bring Edinburgh’s rich bygone heritage back to life.

Things to do for kids

Hunt for clues on the Edinburgh Treasure Trail

Starting on Market Street, Edinburgh’s self-guided Treasure Trail will lead you through the must-see spots of the city’s scenic Old Town. Keep your eyes peeled as you search for clues on existing buildings and monuments, working your way towards the hidden treasure.

Take a trip down memory lane at The Museum of Childhood

Displaying everything from dolls to school uniforms, this museum offers a fantastic day out for the whole family. The recreated Victorian street and the 1930s sound clips will immerse the little ones in a pre-internet world of wonder – and when they tire of looking at teddy bears and train sets, the dressing up area and puppet theatre are sure to keep them out of mischief.

Get creative at Doodles

Let the kids unleash their artistic side at Edinburgh’s first informal ‘do it yourself’ ceramic workshop. Make a rainy day colourful as you paint, splash, doodle and dab on your choice of mugs, bowls, teapots and more. It’s worth noting that the glazing process can take up to 4-5 days, so it’s best to plan this for the start of your trip.

Edinburgh in one day

See the sights of Edinburgh by bus

When you’re a little short on time, guided bus tours are a great way to see the best of what Edinburgh has to offer. The various hop-on, hop-off routes take you past all of the top tourist spots, including Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Grassmarket and much more, all in just one hour – and with well-informed guides or audiobooks on hand along the way, you’ll become an Edinburgh expert in no time.

Take in the city from Arthur’s Seat

Sitting 251m above sea level, Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park boasts the best views in Edinburgh. Play a quick game of Eye Spy as you spot the famous landmarks across the city’s spectacular skyline, or take a picnic for some much needed refreshment when you reach the summit. Some areas of the park are steep and rocky, so make sure you pack your walking shoes.

Get cultural in the National Museum of Scotland

Housing over 20,000 pieces, the National Museum of Scotland has something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the nation’s fascinating past, from its prehistory to the present day, through the museum’s diverse collections of art, technology and natural artefacts. Entry is free – however, some temporary exhibitions may require tickets.

Hidden gems

Dunbar’s Close Garden

Just moments away from the bustling Royal Mile, this oasis of calm is one of the city’s most peaceful spots. The perfect place to rest your feet after a busy day of sightseeing, the secret 17th century gardens are beautifully maintained, boasting seasonal plants and leafy hedges to enjoy all year round.

Tom Riddle’s grave

For Harry Potter fans, the grave of Thomas Riddell in Greyfriars Kirkyard should not be missed. Although the spelling is slightly different, the two hundred year old memorial is widely rumoured to have inspired the name of JK Rowling’s notorious Lord Voldemort – just don’t say his name out loud.

The Cauldron

Following the same vein of witchcraft and wizardry, The Cauldron's potion cocktail-making class is a huge amount of fun for couples and friends. Plus, it doesn't even matter if alcohol is your thing as all cocktails can be made into mocktails for a truly inclusive experience.

Popular routes

• Birmingham to Edinburgh
• London to Edinburgh
• Manchester to Edinburgh

Popular Routes from Edinburgh

• Edinburgh to London

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Customer reviews

Don't take our word for it.

Travel blogger, Rose, of WhereGoesRose.com fame recently went on her first Scottish adventure by coach. Find out why she loves to travel this way and what she thought of Scotland in her blog.

Thinking of travelling to Edinburgh with the little ones? Kirsty from LifeWithTheBoys.co.uk was surprised to find there was plenty to keep her family busy, as well as how simple travelling with a child on the coach was. Find out more below.

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Open Return Information

Book your return

Your Open Dated Return is valid for 3 months from your outbound journey. To guarantee your seat on your return you need to confirm your ticket before you travel on www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call 0371 781 8181.

Open Dated Return Information

If your return date is not yet known, open return tickets provide flexibility. When travelling within the UK, the return journey can be made within 3 months of the outward date of travel. To guarantee your seat on your return journey you need to confirm your ticket before you travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call us on 03717 81 81 81. Lines open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm (calls to this number are charged at local rate). Valid on any day throughout the year.

Open returns are not available on European journeys.

Wheelchair accessibility

Accessible coaches.

The majority of stops along the routes listed below are accessible to wheelchair users but are subject to change. Please call us to check the latest situation before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

To see a list of accessible coach routes please visit our Accessibility page.

Assisted Travel Helpline

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

03717 81 81 81 - ( option 3)  (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week). Calls to this number are charged at local rate.

For more information please visit our Disabled travellers page.

Passengers & Wheelchair accessibility

Passenger descriptions.

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult (16+) and Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by an adult (16+). Please note, you may be required to show proof of age at any point during your journey. Failure to do so, may result in the full adult fare being charged.

Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).

Disabled Children

Should be booked as Children. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our Assisted Travel Helpline.

We strongly recommend that you bring a car seat appropriate to your child's age, but ask you to take responsibility to fit the seat.

Booster Seats

Children aged between approximately 4-11 years old, or up to 150cm tall, may use booster seats. We carry a limited number onboard most coaches.

If travelling with a child, you may be required to show proof of age when buying tickets or at any point during your journey. Failure to do so may result in the child being required to pay the full fare for the journey on that day.

Booster seats

Children aged between approximately 4 years and 11 years or up to 150cm tall may use booster seats, we carry a limited number onboard most coaches along with our comfort fit seat belts.

Disabled children should be booked as children rather than 'Disabled'. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or you wish to book assistance with travel please call our Assisted Travel Helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

You can find a list of accessible coach stops on our Accessibility page .

Please call us 36 hours prior to travelling to check the latest status.

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance we recommend that you contact us on the following local rate telephone number: 03717 81 81 81 (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week) 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

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Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged between of 26 and 59 inclusive.

Child 0 - 12 inclusive

Children aged 12 or under travelling on any European service must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Unaccompanied children will not be carried

Young persons (13 - 25)

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Young persons aged 16 or 17 years can travel alone on European services but only if they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Senior (60 and over)

Passengers aged 60 and over are entitled to receive a small discount on European journeys. On European journeys a 50% discount is given to carers, please call us on 08717 818177 to book.

Please select your passenger type first and then add your coachcards.

We have three different Coachcards available, each offering savings of 1/3 on all of our Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares all year round.

Prices shown include your coachcard discount, your coachcard number will be required during the booking process.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

The Grand 48 ticket

Available options:, description, additional information.

48 hour ticket for all three City Tours (Edinburgh Tour, Regal Tour and CitySightseeing Edinburgh)

Related products

Edinburgh Tour

The Grand 24 ticket

CitySightseeing Edinburgh Tour

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Hop On Hop Off Moscow - Bus Tours

Enjoy Moscow sightseeing at your own pace and explore the dynamic Russian capital on value-for-money Moscow hop-on, hop-off tours. Explore the charming city on double-decker buses with multiple routes covering popular Moscow attractions. Enjoy marathon sightseeing and discover the city at your own pace on a fun and flexible City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off Moscow bus tour that takes you around the city while providing an informative commentary on the buses about the points of interest. So, what are you waiting for? Start booking!

Hop On Hop Off

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Experience Moscow in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

The capital city of Russia, Moscow is home to the largest number of billionaires in the world. The city is the key political and socio-economic center of Russia and was named after the river Moskova. The city boasts a rich history spanning over eight centuries and is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Arbat street in Moscow is over 500 years old. With over 6 million passengers using the metro every day, Moscow’s metro is among the busiest in the world.

A hop-on hop-off Moscow bus tour aboard the double-decker buses is the easiest and most convenient way of sightseeing around this busy city. You can pick 48 hr ticket option to see the entire city at your own pace. The engaging commentary and complimentary walking tour work like icing on the cake. Make sure to book early and try an add-on boat tour to make the most of your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book a moscow hop-on hop-off tour.

March to May is the best time to plan a visit to Moscow. The days are long with significant sunshine which makes this time ideal for exploring the city. January is the coldest month so make sure to avoid it if you have a low tolerance for chilly weather. However, you will be able to score some good deals on airfare and accommodation during this time.

Q: How does it work?

Moscow bus tour offers you the convenience and flexibility to get off at the nearest designated stop. No tour guide, you set your own itinerary. You’ll find all the stops are located strategically at all the major attractions, making your touring as hassle-free as possible. And then, when you’re ready to continue, return to a designated bus stop, show your pass, and hop back on the bus and onwards towards your next attraction. So, go ahead and make a whole loop of the route once you have your tour ticket, get familiar with the city and pick out your favorite places to visit and then return to them during your stay.

Q: How many days are enough to explore Moscow?

We recommend at least two to three days to explore Moscow at a relaxed pace and cover most of its prominent attractions while enjoying shopping and local cuisine.

Q: What is the validity of the ticket?

There are several ticket options available to you, depending on your length of stay. Each bus tour will have validity from 24, 36, 48 to 72 hours. And the great thing is you can plan ahead as the vouchers are valid anywhere between 6 months to 1 year and can be used at any point during that period. Check the product page or bus tour operator for complete details.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Moscow hop-on hop-off tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops, and timings change frequently.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
• BUENOS AIRES
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

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Hop On Hop Off in Moscow

City Sightseeing: Moscow Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

• The Bus Tour offers unlimited 360° panoramic views of main sights of Moscow.
• Access to audio-guide in 10 different languages which enables to know about Moscow’s history and traditions.
• The three-bus tour routes and 40+ stops around Moscow completes the trip. Draw an itinerary to explore the city on your own.
• There can be a boat tour and bus tour to enjoy panoramic views of Moskva River.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted. (No need to print)
• 24 / 48-Hours Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket
• Red Line Audio Guide: Russian, English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Farsi
• Green Line Audio Guide: Russian, English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic
• Orange Line Audio Guide : Russian English, German, Spanish, Italian, French
• Guided walking tour
• Boat Tour (If option selected)
• Red Route: Schedule: 10:00 - 18:00 , Loop: 60 Minutes, Frequency: 15 Minutes
• Green Route: Schedule: 10:00 - 18:00 , Loop: 120 Minutes, Frequency: 30 Minutes
• Orange Route: Schedule: 10:00 - 18:30 , Loop: 140 Minutes, Frequency: 30 Minutes

Wheelchair Access, Heating Please note that face masks must be worn on board the bus. Orange Route is temporarily suspended   

Operational Details: Walking Tour

• Daily at 10:45 a.m.
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Meeting point: next to the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius (Kitay-Gorod metro station)

Capital River Boat Tour

• May - October: from 11:30am to 6:30pm (Subject to change)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Departure Point: Zaryadye Park Pier

No Cancellation Charges  up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. 100% cancellation fee applied within 24 hours of travel date.

Hop On Hop Off Moscow Bus Tours

Moscow, the capital of Russia, is the largest and the most populous city in the country. Present on the banks of the Moskva river, this city serves as the cosmopolitan hub of the country. Carrying  871 year old rich history, this city has played an integral part of Russia’s development and therefore plays an integral role in all the aspect. Majority of the population of Russia lives in Moscow, and the city is responsible as the scientific, historical, political and architectural hub in the region. Moscow is a blend of the old and new Russian culture. The Kremlin complex in the center of the city holds the cultural and historical values of the city. Moscow was also the capital and most important part of the USSR and thus holds many gems throughout the city from that era. Not only that, but the city also brags of timeless elements from the Tsars and other rulers who ever ruled Russia. Moscow has been a hub of many social ideologies and home to popular poets and artists. When in Moscow don’t miss out The Moscow Kremlin, the colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral, the symbolic center of Russia as the Red Square and Lenin's Mausoleum, which also serves as the resting place of Vladimir Lenin and his body has been preserved there since 1924.

Other Cities in Russia

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For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

• Krasnopresnenskaya • 6 min walk
• Barrikadnaya • 6 min walk

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