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Hop-on Hop-off Edinburgh Map, Routes & Stops

If you’re thinking of visiting Edinburgh, opting for a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour is a smart and stress-free way to see the city, especially if you’re short on time or want a flexible, laid-back sightseeing experience. These tours give you unlimited rides along routes that stop right near major sights like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace, so you can get off to explore whenever you want and hop back on when you’re ready to move on. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the open-top deck and learn about Edinburgh’s rich history through multilingual audio commentary.

The Edinburgh bus tours timetable is designed for ease, with buses running frequently so that you’re never waiting long. Take a look at the different routes and stops offered by bus operators in Edinburgh to maximize your sightseeing experience and make the most of your time in this grand city.

Edinburgh City Sightseeing maps, routes & stops

Red Route
Blue Route (Regal Tour)
Green Route (Edinburgh Tour)
  • Best suited for: Travelers looking to experience Edinburgh's top attractions and scenic views
  • Major sights: Lothian Road, Grassmarket, Lawnmarket & Regent Road
  • First bus: 8:45am from Stop 1, Waterloo Place
  • Last bus: 6pm from Stop 1, Waterloo Place
  • No. of stops: 14
  • Frequency: Every 10 minutes
  • Full loop duration: 70 minutes
  • Best suited for: Nature and royal enthusiasts eager to explore Edinburgh’s gardens and landmarks.
  • Major sights: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse
  • First bus: 8:40am from Stop 1, Waterloo Place
  • Last bus: 5:25pm from Stop 1, Waterloo Place
  • No. of stops: 9
  • Frequency: Every 15 minutes
  • Full loop duration: 80 minutes
  • Best suited for: History buffs and culture enthusiasts seeking to delve into Edinburgh's rich heritage.
  • Major sights: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse
  • First bus: 8:50am from Stop 1, Waterloo Place
  • Last bus: 5:50pm from Stop 1, Waterloo Place
  • No. of stops: 9
  • Frequency: Every 15 minutes
  • Full loop duration: 65 minutes

Recommended tours:

  • City Sightseeing: Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
  • 3-Route Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Edinburgh Big Bus map, routes & stops

Blue Route (Britania Tour)
Red Route (City Tour)
  • Best suited for: Travelers who want to explore Edinburgh’s waterfront attractions and Georgian squares.
  • Major sights: Royal Yacht Britannia, Royal Botanic Garden, Victoria Quay
  • First bus: 9:05am from Stop 1, Waterloo Place
  • Last bus: 6:05pm from Stop 1, Waterloo Place
  • No. of stops: 7
  • Frequency: 1 hour
  • Full loop duration: 55 minutes
  • Best suited for: Visitors hoping to see Edinburgh’s top highlights with ease.
  • Major sights: The Mound, St Andrew Square, Grassmarket
  • First bus: 9am from Stop 1, Waterloo Place
  • Last bus: 6:20pm from Stop 1, Waterloo Place
  • No. of stops: 13
  • Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes
  • Full loop duration: 70 minutes

Recommended tours:

  • Big Bus: Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
























Book Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off tickets

City Sightseeing: Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Free cancellation
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Extended validity
Flexible duration
Audio guide
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3-Route Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Free cancellation
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Flexible duration
Guided tour
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Edinburgh: Royal Attractions Tickets + 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
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Flexible duration
Audio guide
Guided tour
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Big Bus: Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
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Flexible duration
Audio guide
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Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets
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Audio guide
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from
£37.05
Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets + Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
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Audio guide
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from
£31.35
Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Zoo Tickets + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
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Guided tour
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from
£47.50
Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Gin Tasting + Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
Audio guide
Guided tour
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from
£43.70

Frequently asked questions about Hop-on Hop-off Edinburgh bus tours

What are Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off bus tours?

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off bus tours are a convenient and flexible way to explore the city's top attractions at your own pace. You can hop on and off the bus at any of the designated stops along the route, allowing you to visit iconic landmarks and hidden gems with ease.

How many Hop-on Hop-off operators can I find in Edinburgh?

There are two Hop-on Hop-off bus operators in Edinburgh: Big Bus and City Sightseeing.

What are the top sights I can expect to see on the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off bus tours?

On your route, you will see the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Andrew Square, Grassmarket & other iconic landmarks.

How frequently do the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off buses run?

Buses usually run every 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the operator’s routes and time of day.

Can I use my ticket on different Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off bus routes?

Most tickets allow you to switch between different routes, giving you the flexibility to explore various parts of Edinburgh with a single ticket. However, City Sightseeing has two separate tickets, with one offering access to the Red Route, and another offering access to all three routes in the city.