English
English
Route name: Near Stop 7, Grassmarket (Red Route)
Attraction timings: 9:30am to 6pm
Big Bus Edinburgh Bus Tours
Routes
TimelineMap
1. Waterloo Place
Waterloo Place
1 minute walk
Calton Hill
5. Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Yacht Britannia
4 minutes walkPort of Leith Distillery
5 minutes walk7. Royal Botanic Garden
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
1 minute walkTimelineMap
8. National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
10. Holyrood Palace
Palace of Holyroodhouse
1 minute walk13. Regent Road
Robert Burns Monument
1 minute walkSee Edinburgh’s 20 must-sees in a self-paced tour by bus with a multilingual audio guide.
- Hop on and off at your own speed through 24 or 48 hours of Edinburgh’s castles, cobbled lanes, and lively streets full of history and layered charm.
- Choose one or both routes for unlimited rides up to 20 must-see landmarks, with buses swinging by every 10–60 minutes to serve Edinburgh two ways.
- Plug into the multilingual audio guide that plays like a personal podcast with stories and nuggets about everything you’re breezing past on the ride.
- Spot the crown-shaped towers of Edinburgh Castle, stroll the cobbled Old Town, wave to Britannia, meet Bobby the pup, and gaze at Calton Hill’s columns.
See Edinburgh’s 20 must-sees in a self-paced tour by bus with a multilingual audio guide.
- Hop on and off at your own speed through 24 or 48 hours of Edinburgh’s castles, cobbled lanes, and lively streets full of history and layered charm.
- Choose one or both routes for unlimited rides up to 20 must-see landmarks, with buses swinging by every 10–60 minutes to serve Edinburgh two ways.
- Plug into the multilingual audio guide that plays like a personal podcast with stories and nuggets about everything you’re breezing past on the ride.
- Spot the crown-shaped towers of Edinburgh Castle, stroll the cobbled Old Town, wave to Britannia, meet Bobby the pup, and gaze at Calton Hill’s columns.
Inclusions
- 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Access to Red & Blue routes (based on option selected)
- Audio guide in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese & Mandarin
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
Hop-on Hop-off Route - Red Route
The Red route is your classic Edinburgh adventure, expect sweeping views of dramatic castles, grand monuments, and winding medieval streets, all narrated with lively stories as you loop through the city’s historic heart.
Popular stops: The Mound, St Andrew Square, Grassmarket
Hop-on Hop-off Route - Blue Route
The Blue route is a journey from Edinburgh’s elegant city centre to its bustling waterfront, mixing stately Georgian squares with the salty tang of the Port of Leith.
Popular stops: Waterloo Place, Victoria Quay, Royal Yacht Britannia
Accessibility
- Most buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs and pets are welcome on board the bus.
Additional information
- The 48-hour ticket needs to be redeemed on the selected date so you can enjoy the validity.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
4.4(796)
Combo (Save 8%): Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour & City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Experience
from £57
£52.44
8% off
Pair a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass for a convenient and cost-effective combo.
- What you get at Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour: Entry to Edinburgh Castle with a 45-minute outdoor guided walk led by an expert, followed by free time to explore the castle interiors independently, with the Edinburgh city audio tour included on a digital app.
- What you get with the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: A 24-hour Red Route pass with a multilingual audio guide, free child tickets, access to the Horrible Histories kids’ channel with headphones, and flexible validity for up to 12 months from your selected date.
- Why choose this combo: Enjoy a focused 45-minute guided exploration of Edinburgh Castle, then use the hop-on hop-off bus to reach key city sights at your own pace, without juggling separate transport or bookings. Lock in your castle tour start time and fill the rest of the day with ease.
Pair a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass for a convenient and cost-effective combo.
- What you get at Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour: Entry to Edinburgh Castle with a 45-minute outdoor guided walk led by an expert, followed by free time to explore the castle interiors independently, with the Edinburgh city audio tour included on a digital app.
- What you get with the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: A 24-hour Red Route pass with a multilingual audio guide, free child tickets, access to the Horrible Histories kids’ channel with headphones, and flexible validity for up to 12 months from your selected date.
- Why choose this combo: Enjoy a focused 45-minute guided exploration of Edinburgh Castle, then use the hop-on hop-off bus to reach key city sights at your own pace, without juggling separate transport or bookings. Lock in your castle tour start time and fill the rest of the day with ease.
Inclusions
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
- Entry to Edinburgh Castle
- 45-min express guided tour of Edinburgh Castle (outside the castle)
- Free time for independent exploration of Edinburgh Castle
- Expert local English-speaking guide
- Edinburgh city audio tour (digital app)
Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
- Access to Red Route
- Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian
- Horrible Histories' kid's commentary
- Headphones
- Free kids' tickets
- Flexible validity for up to 12 months from your selected date
Exclusions
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
- Headset and mobile device
- Edinburgh Castle internal audio guide (£3.50)
- Transportation
- Gratuities
What to bring
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
- Carry a valid photo ID, as it may be requested at the entrance.
- Download the audio app before arriving to avoid connectivity issues. Scan the QR code on your voucher to get the Vox City app and city map in your preferred language.
- Bring earphones for the best immersive audio experience.
What’s not allowed
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
- Large luggage, bags over 30L, and suitcases are not permitted inside the castle.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Drones are strictly prohibited.
- Roof access may be restricted in poor weather.
Accessibility
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
- The castle is not fully wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps across the grounds.
Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Edinburgh buses are wheelchair accessible.
- Wheelchairs must measure no larger than 70cm wide, 120cm long, and 135cm high. Contact the provider if unsure.
- Only one wheelchair can be accommodated per bus; if occupied, please wait for the next bus.
Additional information
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
- The guided tour takes place outdoors; interior buildings are not included.
- Stops are assigned by castle authorities and may vary.
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
- If the castle is unexpectedly closed, Holyrood Palace tickets may be provided if available.
- Meeting points may differ; confirm details in your booking.
- The Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) will be closed from January 12 to Easter 2026.
Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Children aged 3 and under travel for free, but child tickets must be added at checkout.
- Well-behaved dogs are allowed onboard.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why choose the Edinburgh Big Bus tours?
Wide city and harbour coverage
Big Bus offers two well-designed sightseeing routes: the City (Red) Route, which takes you through iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and the Royal Mile, and the Britannia (Blue) Route, which extends out to the scenic waterfront and the Royal Yacht Britannia. With both routes included in one ticket, you get comprehensive coverage of the city and harbour areas.
Flexible ticket options & ease of travel
Travellers can choose between 24-hour or 48-hour passes, giving them complete freedom to explore at their own pace. Whether you want to see everything in one busy day or spread sights over two relaxed days, Big Bus makes it easy to tailor your visit.
Comfortable open-top buses with great views
Big Bus uses open-top double-decker buses that offer panoramic views of Edinburgh’s dramatic skyline, medieval architecture, and coastal scenery. It’s an ideal option for visitors who want to enjoy the city without constant walking, especially on hilly routes or when covering long distances between attractions.
Multilingual audio guide and engaging commentary
Every ride includes a multilingual audio guide packed with engaging facts, historical stories, and helpful context. It enhances the journey by turning each stretch of road into a sightseeing experience with meaningful insights into Edinburgh’s culture and landmarks.
Convenience, value for money, and user-friendly features
With a single ticket covering transport to many of Edinburgh’s top attractions, Big Bus provides an affordable and time-efficient sightseeing option. The service is easy to use and offers useful tools like live-tracking and route information through its app, making your sightseeing smooth and stress-free.
Big Bus tours Edinburgh routes, stops, and maps
City Route (Red Route)
For a classic Edinburgh adventure, hop on the red route to see dramatic castles, grand monuments, and winding medieval streets, all narrated with lively stories as you loop through the city’s historic heart.
- First stop: Waterloo Place
- Timings: 9am to 6:20pm
- Frequency: Every 10 to 20 minutes
- No. of stops: 13
- Full loop duration: 70 minutes
Britania Route (Blue Route)
Hop on the blue route and journey from Edinburgh’s elegant city centre to its bustling waterfront, mixing stately Georgian squares with the salty tang in the air.
- First stop: Waterloo Place
- Timings: 9:05am to 6:05pm
- Frequency: Every 1 hour
- No. of stops: 7
- Full loop duration: 55 minutes
Highlights of your Edinburgh Big Bus tour
Edinburgh Castle
Read more
Suggested Edinburgh Big Bus tour itineraries
24-hours
48-hours
Only spending a day in Edinburgh? Here’s a flexible itinerary you can follow using a Big Bus Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off pass.
- Start at Waterloo Place around 9am and hop on the City (Red) Route and enjoy relaxed morning views as the bus takes you toward the Old Town.
- Visit Edinburgh Castle next! Hop off near the Old Town stop to explore the city’s most iconic fortress, known for panoramic views and centuries of Scottish history.
- Next, walk the Royal Mile & Old Town, where you can wander through cobbled streets, browse shops, and grab lunch while soaking in Edinburgh’s medieval charm.
- In the early afternoon, stop at the National Museum of Scotland to spend some time exploring interactive exhibits covering Scottish culture, science, nature, and world history.
- Switch to the Britannia (Blue) Route in the late afternoon to enjoy a scenic ride toward Edinburgh’s waterfront for a refreshing change of pace.
- End your day at the Royal Yacht Britannia or The Shore. Explore the historic royal ship or unwind with a harbour-side stroll and dinner as the day draws to a close.
Day 1: Historic core & castle highlights
Spend two days exploring Edinburgh's top attractions with the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off pass. Here’s how you can spend two whimsy-filled days.
- Start early and ride the City (Red) Route to Edinburgh Castle, where you will explore ramparts, royal history, and panoramic city views.
- Late morning, around 11am, wander down the Royal Mile, browsing shops, marvelling at street performances, and admiring historic architecture.
- Next, hop off at St Giles’ Cathedral for a quick visit to this iconic medieval church.
- Grab lunch in Old Town, then pop into the National Museum of Scotland to explore Scottish culture, history, and natural science exhibits.
- Hop back on the bus and ride toward Princes Street Gardens, where you can stroll through green lawns and take photos with castle views.
- As evening sets in, ride toward Calton Hill to enjoy sunset views over Edinburgh’s skyline. Grab dinner at a local restaurant nearby.
Day 2: Waterfront, royal yacht & relaxed exploration
- Begin your second day of sightseeing by riding down the Britannia (Blue) Route toward Royal Yacht Britannia, where you get to explore the historic ship at Ocean Terminal / Leith harbour.
- From there, hop off at The Shore, Leith and stroll through the harbour’s side streets and brunch by the water.
- Hop back on and ride to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Spend a relaxing hour among exotic botanical collections and landscaped grounds.
- Hop back on and head to Arthur’s Seat. Hike up this short, iconic hill for sweeping city and sea views.
- End your day by riding through New Town and its main boulevards. Hop for dinner at a nearby spot and afterwards, end your trip with an evening stroll, enjoying the sights and sounds of Edinburgh at night.
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Big Bus tours
How do Big Bus Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off buses work?
These buses let you board and disembark at various stops along a pre-designated route, providing a flexible way to explore key attractions.
What are the major inclusions of the Big Bus Edinburgh bus tour ticket?
The Big Bus Edinburgh bus tour includes audio guides in 9 languages and a mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking features.
How many routes does Big Bus Edinburgh offer?
There are two routes you can hop on with a Big Bus Edinburgh bus tour ticket. Britania Route (Blue) takes you to the city’s waterfront, while the City Route (Red) will take you through Edinburgh’s classic landmarks and castles.
How frequently can I expect Big Bus tours to roll around in Edinburgh?
Depending on the route you take, Big Bus tours arrive every 10 minutes to an hour.
Are the Big Bus Edinburgh tours accessibility friendly?
Your guide dogs are welcome onboard, and most buses are wheelchair accessible. However, we recommend getting in touch with the operator ahead of your tour to ensure that your needs can be safely accommodated.
How long is my Big Bus Edinburgh ticket valid for?
You can purchase a 24/48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Edinburgh ticket, depending on your needs and budget.
From happy customers
Craig
United KingdomMärz, 2026
+ 2 more
It was amazing had a lovely day all that wasn't great was the prices for the cookie Sunday the cookie wasnt even warm we seen all the animals and had good fun
Combo: Edinburgh Zoo Tickets + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Ms
United KingdomMärz, 2026
Easy to use app . Tickets were sent by email and wassap immediately after id paid. Bought tickets in the morning before we went to zoo as wanted to check weather no problem whatsoever however is March maybe not a goid idea to do this height of summer Season.
Combo: Edinburgh Zoo Tickets + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Jackie
United StatesMärz, 2026
+ 1 more
Although it was a bit blustery, we enjoyed our first visit to Holyrood Palace and Abbey. The audio tour guide was easy to use and quite informative.
One of the indoor highlights of the tour was the room with the purported blood stain marking Rizzio's place of death near Mary Queen of Scots bedchamber. Ah, intrigue!
The grounds next the Palace and the Abbey ruins were a delight to walk through with the presence of early spring flowers.
Overall, the Holyrood Palace self-guided tour was an informative and pleasing way to spend part of our day visiting Edinburgh.
Combo: Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets
Michaela
United KingdomFeb., 2026
We really enjoyed our visit with my daughters and friends, comparing the present with the past and what we know about Mary, Queen of Scots. The sweet endings was the green garden and authentic coffee in the courtyard.
Combo: Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets
Fatehyab
IndiaDez., 2025
Loved the dungeon experience
Everyone was extremely engrossed in their roles and felt like we were actually present
Had a wonderful time
Combo: Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets + Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Carole
United KingdomOkt., 2025
I had visited before but it was my daughter's first visit and she was picked as Sweaty Betty - she thoroughly enjoyed this and the Judge was particularly excellent in her role. We had a really enjoyable visit, with staff engagement making us laugh and scream in equal measure. I would certainly return to the Edinburgh Dungeons.
Combo: Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets + Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Astrid
GermanyApr., 2026
We really enjoyed the red and green tours. All the drivers, guides, and staff were in good spirits and very friendly. The buses were very punctual and clean. We’ll definitely do it again on our next visit!
View original review in German
3-Route Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Fernando
Apr., 2026
A very comprehensive tour. It’s very user-friendly, and the bus schedule is very convenient. The audio guide is very interesting.
View original review in Spanish
City Sightseeing: Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour