Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus Tour 2026
Audio guide in 9 languages | 14 bus stops | Reserve now & pay later
About Hop-on Hop-off Edinburgh Bus Tour
Board the Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus and explore the entire city! With this 24-hour pass, you can get on and off anywhere, and discover Edinburgh at your own pace. The bus stops at every main attraction, including Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, and more. It’s an open-topped double-decker bus, so there are great views as you travel. There’s also an audio commentary on the bus, so you can learn Edinburgh’s history while traveling.
Choose any of the 14 stops to get on and off wherever you want. City sightseeing is easy on this bus tour! Just explore Edinburgh at your own pace.
The bus stops are all near Edinburgh’s main landmarks. Get off to see sights like:
- Grassmarket
- National Museum of Scotland
- St. Andrew’s Square
- High Street
The Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Tour is on an open-roof double-decker bus. You’ll enjoy a great view of Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and more!
Listen to an audio guide on the bus. Available in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese. Kids' commentary available.
You’ll receive a 24-hour pass, so you can use the entire day to discover all of Edinburgh! It might be best to start at 8:45, when the first bus starts running.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund. You can also just reserve your spot without paying. Only pay once you’re 100% sure you’ll use the bus.
RESERVE NOW & PAY LATER!
Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot without any upfront payment!
Amazing option for a short trip
We were only in Edinburgh for two days, and wanted to see as much as we could. The Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is perfect for that. The bus really takes you through all of the city; the Old Town, the New Town, and everything in between. And the views from the open upper level are amazing, even on a cloudy day like ours. We got off at Johnstone Terrace because we wanted to see Edinburgh Castle. Our other stop was Grassmarket, to meander around the Old Town. I highly recommend this!
Well organized and very good for kids
Had a great experience. We got on the first bus to make the most of the day, and it was exactly on time. In fact, throughout the day, we never waited long for a bus to arrive. Turns out the buses run every 10 minutes! The bus driver was also very kind. We also weren’t sure where to get off for the Royal Mile, and he pointed us in the right direction. My favorite part, though, was the kid-friendly Horrible Histories. That audio guide was perfect for our 7-year-old. You don’t get a lot of kid-intended content on most sightseeing tours!
DESCRIPTION
Hop-on Hop-off Edinburgh Bus Tour
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus pass, valid for 24 hours
- Audio commentary in 9 languages
- Audio commentary for kids; Horrible Histories edition
- Headphones to listen to the audio
- 14 stops near all of Edinburgh’s top attractions
- Up to 3 free child tickets with one adult ticket
- English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese
DISCOVER EDINBURGH AT YOUR OWN PACE
With 14 stops, the Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus takes you all over the city. Explore Edinburgh at your leisure, visiting what interests you most. For example, get off at the High Street to walk down the famous Royal Mile. This picturesque street is full of medieval buildings and interesting exhibitions. Another option is Johnstone Terrace - the best spot to visit Edinburgh Castle. Once a royal fortress and military stronghold, the fortress has existed since the 11th century! The Grassmarket is another great attraction. It used to be a market place, as well as the site of public hangings!
TAKE IN SWEEPING VIEWS WHILE YOU TRAVEL
If you’re tired, just driving on the Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a lot of fun. It’s a double-decker bus, with an open rooftop, so sitting up top gets you great views! The bus takes you through both the Old Town and New Town, so you can easily see the difference in neighborhoods. In the Old Town, families lived in cramped conditions, in tall and narrow buildings. You’ll also see medieval buildings and mostly Reformation-era architecture. The New Town, on the other hand, has elegant Georgian architecture, with wide streets and large formal squares. It was built in the 18th and 19th centuries.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO GUIDE TO LEARN EDINBURGH’S HISTORY
While you explore Edinburgh, an audio guide will teach you about the sights you’re seeing. For example, learn about the attacks on Edinburgh Castle. In its over 1,100 years of history, the fortress survived at least 23 sieges! In fact, the 12th-century St. Margaret’s Chapel is still the original building. The Grassmarket was also turbulent - it’s where public executions happened. In fact, there’s even a myth about Maggie Dickson, who came back to life after her hanging. However, if you’re bringing your little ones, there are kid-friendly options. Just choose the Horrible Histories stories for PG-13 versions.
ACT FAST & SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW!
Easy & fast booking process!
See where you can board the Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus!
Good to know before you go
- The first departure from Waterloo Place is at 8:45 AM.
- The last departure from Waterloo Place is at 6 PM.
- Buses usually run every 10 minutes, but in summer will arrive every 8 minutes.
- The entire bus route takes 70 minutes.
- The Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus is fully equipped with mobility facilities. There is also a subtitled screen for those who are hard of hearing.
- Your little ones travel for free! Three children can travel free of charge per every adult ticket. However, child tickets still need to be added to the basket.
Meeting Point
Board the Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Tour at any of the 14 bus stops. Simply choose whichever location is most convenient for you, and just board the bus there.
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!
Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!
FAQ - Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus Tour
Where does the Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus start?
The first stop on the bus tour is technically Waterloo Place. However, you can board the bus at any of the 14 stops. Just choose the one that is most convenient for you.How long does the Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus take?
If you were to ride the bus route from beginning to end, without getting off, it would take exactly 70 minutes. In other words, an hour and 10 minutes.Can you start the Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Tour at any stop?
Yes. You can board the Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus at any of the 14 stops. Just pick whatever stop is closest to you.What should I visit with the Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Tour?
It depends on what you enjoy! Edinburgh Castle is a popular, impressive fortress that’s a family favorite. The Royal Mile and Grassmarket are a fun way just to stroll through Edinburgh’s city center. They’re also great for shopping and restaurants. Finally, the National Museum of Scotland is amazing for history and art lovers.How long is my Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Ticket valid for?
It is valid for 24 hours since your first use. To get the most out of it, we suggest using it first thing in the morning. The first bus is at 8:45 AM.What else should I visit while in Edinburgh?
You can book the Edinburgh Castle Tour to visit one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a must for first-time visitors who want to experience Scottish history up close. If you’re looking for something fun and different, try a Harry Potter Tour Edinburgh or a Whisky Tasting Tour Edinburgh. Once you’ve explored the highlights, use the rest of your trip to venture beyond the city. A Loch Ness Day Trip from Edinburgh is perfect for nature lovers, while a Highland Tour from Edinburgh offers breathtaking scenery and charming villages.Don’t wait! Book now!
- Valid for 1 day
- Audio guide available in 9 languages
- Reserve now & pay later
- Free cancellation
- Easy booking process