Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom.
The city is known for its stunning natural scenery, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene.
Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tour is the best way to explore Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock.
It offers panoramic city views, the Royal Mile, a bustling street stretching from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and more.
Edinburgh is renowned for its festivals, which attract visitors from around the world.
The city also offers plenty of opportunities for those seeking a taste of Scottish culture.
On your Edinb-urgh sightseeing bus tour, visit the extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat, located within Holyrood Park, which offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.
This article shares everything you should know before buying your Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets.
Top Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours Ticket
# 24-Hour Family-Friendly Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
# Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
# Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass with 3 City Tours
# Hop-On Hop-Off City or Britannia Tour
# Hop-On Hop-Off Combo City and Britannia Tour
# Edinburgh Pass
Why choose Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour
When exploring the vibrant city of Edinburgh, there’s no better way to soak up its rich history and breathtaking sights than with the hop-on hop-off Edinburgh bus tour.
Sightseeing HOHO bus tours offer a convenient and flexible way to navigate the city.
Hop-on hop-off bus in Edinburgh allows you to hop on and off at various stops, immersing yourself in the city’s iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, and hidden gems.
The HOHO bus tour features multiple carefully crafted routes that cover the city’s major attractions.
These routes include popular landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the picturesque Arthur’s Seat, and more.
With clearly marked stops along each route, you can easily plan your itinerary and decide which attractions to explore further.
You can disembark the bus at any stop that interests you and explore at your own pace.
As you travel through Edinburgh, the bus tour provides informative audio commentary in multiple languages.
This narration offers fascinating insights into the city’s history, culture, and significant landmarks, enhancing your experience and providing a deeper understanding of the places you visit.
The Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tour offers various ticket options to cater to your specific needs.
Where to buy tickets for Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour
You can purchase tickets for the hop-on hop-off Edinburgh online, the place where the bus tour starts (the main station), or each of the individual bus stops.
However, booking your tickets online is recommended to save the hassle of lining up and wasting time.
Online tickets are cheaper than what you will pay at the bus stops or the main station.
Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.
Go to the Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tour booking page, select your preferred date and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email.
Best Hop-on Hop-off bus tours in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers many kinds of sightseeing bus tours, and we have handpicked three of our favorites for you.
24-Hour Family-Friendly Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Hop on to a City Sightseeing Edinburgh bus tour and enjoy unlimited hop on, hop off for 24 hours.
Discover sights like Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket as you travel on an open-top, double-decker bus with panoramic city views.
Learn as you go with the informative onboard audio commentary and keep the kids entertained with kid-friendly historical stories by kids’ commentary.
Stop and hop off at St Andrew Square, Johnston Terrace, the Royal Mile, and more.
Use your 24-hour ticket to hop on and off as you please.
With great visitor attractions, museums, galleries, and restaurants to suit every taste and budget, Edinburgh’s got it all!
Buses run every 30 minutes.
These sightseeing HOHO bus tours operate all year round from 9 am to 4 pm.
Kids can enjoy the bus tour ride for free until 31 March 2024.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (13 to 59 years): £16
Child Ticket (5 to 12 years): Free
Senior Ticket (60+ years): £15
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
Explore Royal Edinburgh with three hop-on hop-off city tours plus guaranteed entry to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The ticket includes 48-hour unlimited travel on three HOHO bus tours of Edinburgh; Edinburgh City Sightseeing, Edinburgh Tour, and Majestic Tour.
Immerse yourself in the history and legends of the Scottish capital and understand why the Royals favored the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Save time and money with an easy-to-use attraction pass.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week except July, August, and September when it is open seven days.
All bus tours start from the north side of St Andrew Square, in the heart of Edinburgh City Centre.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (16 to 64 years): £65
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): 35
Senior Ticket (65+ years): £60
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass with 3 City Tours
Tour Edinburgh on three hop-on and hop-off bus routes with 24 or 48 hours of unlimited travel.
Take the City Sightseeing and Majestic tours with multilingual audio commentary.
The bus tour ticket will get you stunning views of Edinburgh from the open-top upper decks and learn the history of Edinburgh from entertaining audio guides.
You can hop off the majestic tour to see the Royal Yacht Britannia and get the city’s best views from the top deck on the Edinburgh Tour.
Explore the city with stop options like Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Live English-speaking guide is available on the Edinburgh Tour, and audio guides are available in up to nine languages on the City Sightseeing and Majestic tours.
Ticket Prices
24-Hour Pass
Adult Ticket (16 to 64 years): £22
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): Free
Senior Ticket (65+ years): £20
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
48-Hour Pass
Adult Ticket (16 to 64 years): £26
Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £24
Senior Ticket (65+ years): £26
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Must-see attractions in Edinburgh
Here are some must-see attractions you should not miss when on a hop-on hop-off Edinburgh bus tour.
Edinburgh Castle
Take a tour of the ancient Edinburgh Castle, discover its fascinating past, and take in the expansive views it offers of the city.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a historic route between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is lively and bustling because it is dotted with stores, pubs, and historical sites.
The Grassmarket
The Grassmarket is a bustling medieval marketplace with various stores, bars, and eateries. It has also been the location of public hangings and has a grim and fascinating history.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
This former royal yacht is now a museum in Leith’s historic port. Explore the wonderfully maintained vessel and learn about its history and royalties.
The Scottish Whisky Experience
Whiskey lovers shouldn’t miss up on this interactive tour that walks you through the production process. Discover the various regions of Scotland and sample some of its finest whiskies.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
This palace, located at the end of the Royal Mile, serves as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Explore the state apartments and the gorgeous gardens.
The Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is a cutting-edge architectural wonder close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Visit the open spaces to find out more about Scotland’s devolved government.
The National Museum of Scotland
Get off the bus and check out this fascinating museum to learn more about Scotland’s illustrious past and vibrant present. There is something for everyone, from modern exhibits to ancient treasures.
Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat
In this vast park, you may trek to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that is one of Edinburgh’s most recognizable monuments, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Benefits of Hop-on Hop-off bus tour in Edinburgh
Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Edinburgh offer several benefits for tourists.
Here are some of the key advantages.
Unparalleled flexibility
Unmatched flexibility is one of the best features of an Edinburgh sightseeing bus tour.
You can jump on and off at your pace, as designated bus stations are strategically located among the city’s biggest attractions and monuments.
You may spend as much time as you like exploring each place, whether you’re drawn to the famous Edinburgh Castle, the magnificent Holyrood Palace, or the energetic Royal Mile.
When you’re ready to continue your journey, you can board the bus again.
Comprehensive city sightseeing
Edinburgh teems with historical treasures, architectural marvels, and cultural landmarks.
The HOHO bus tour of Edinburgh offers a thorough sightseeing adventure, guiding you to the city’s most important attractions.
A deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s history is ensured as you move across the city, thanks to the enlightening pre-recorded audio commentary by professional guides who provide fascinating facts and tales about the city’s past.
Time and cost efficiency
Time is valuable, especially when exploring a city with much to offer.
Choosing the Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tour allows you to maximize your time.
The well-planned routes and consistent bus timetables ensure that you may see a wide range of sights quickly.
Furthermore, compared to other transportation or guided tours, the hop-on hop-off bus tour provides outstanding value for money by allowing visitors access to various sights for a single, low-cost ticket.
Panoramic views and comfortable travel
Set out on a sightseeing HOHO bus tour and get ready to be astounded by the spectacular panoramic views of the city.
From the bus’ upper deck, you can take beautiful pictures of Edinburgh’s skyline, including its well-known landmarks, luscious green areas, and picturesque neighborhoods.
Additionally, these buses have roomy seating, air conditioning, and even audio systems that let you listen to educational commentary in various languages to ensure your comfort throughout the voyage.
Ideal for first-time visitors
The hop-on hop-off Edinburgh tour is perfect for travelers visiting the city for the first time.
It offers a great city orientation, assisting you in getting your bearings and comprehending the layout of various neighborhoods.
You can design a personalized schedule for the remainder of your trip by visiting different stations and getting off at locations that catch your attention.
You can then decide which locales you’d want to revisit and explore in greater detail.
Insider tips for a successful bus tour
Follow these insider tips to get the most out of your Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tour and have a successful, enjoyable trip.
Plan your itinerary
To maximize your HOHO bus tour of Edinburgh, do preliminary research on the city’s major sites and landmarks.
Decide which locations are must-sees and adjust your itinerary appropriately.
Knowing which stops correspond to your interests allows you to make the most of each visit and maximize your time in the city.
Start early to beat the crowds
Consider beginning your hop-on hop-off Edinburgh tour early in the day for a calm, crowded-free experience.
The first buses of the day are generally less crowded, allowing you to acquire ideal seating and enjoy uninterrupted views of the city’s breathtaking sites.
Use the audio guide
Most hop-on hop-off buses in Edinburgh include multilingual audio guides.
Grab a set of headphones and listen to the enlightening commentary as you tour Edinburgh.
This will enhance your experience by providing historical context, intriguing information, and local insights about the attractions you pass by.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Although the hop-on hop-off bus tour offers simple access to the city, it is imperative to wear appropriate walking shoes.
Many of Edinburgh’s attractions and sites require walking from bus stops. You can visit the sites and enjoy your time on foot by donning comfy shoes.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing
Because the weather in Edinburgh can be unpredictable, it’s essential to dress appropriately.
Carry a small umbrella, a waterproof jacket, and a light sweater in case of sudden downpours or frigid gusts.
If you wear layers, you can change your outfit in response to the changing weather.
Use live bus tracking app
Stay current and plan your route effectively with the hop-on hop-off tour company’s live bus tracking app.
Using this useful feature, you can keep track of the buses’ locations in real time, ensuring that you never miss one and cutting down on the time you spend waiting at each stop.
Capture perfect shots
Remember to bring your camera or smartphone since the HOHO bus tour in Edinburgh provides excellent photo opportunities.
As you ride along, capture the sweeping views, historic landmarks, and charming streetscapes. Watch for distinct viewpoints and angles highlighting Edinburgh’s beauty in your photos.
Purchase attraction tickets
Many attractions require admission tickets; acquire these online to avoid standing and waiting in huge lines.
FAQs about Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
Here are some questions travelers usually ask before taking hop-on hop-off Edinburgh bus tour:
Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Edinburgh let you explore key attractions by boarding and disembarking at designated stops, offering unlimited flexibility.
You can choose to stay on board for a scenic journey or get off to explore, then continue your tour by boarding the next bus.
The buses on Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus tours run every 30 minutes.
Some of the popular attractions covered on the Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus tour are:
Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile
The Grassmarket
The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Scottish Whisky Experience
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Scottish Parliament
The National Museum of Scotland
Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat, and more.
You can get off the hop-on hop-off bus at any stop, explore the attraction, and get on the next bus to continue your journey.
On most hop-on-hop-off buses, passengers can listen to pre-recorded commentary by expert tour guides, available in multiple languages, like Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese.
The commentator narrates the city’s intriguing history, facts, figures, and stories about architecture and culture belonging to each landmark the bus passes through.
Yes, you can purchase Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tour tickets online in advance; you can select your desired date and purchase tickets.
This helps secure your spot, saves time, and prevents disappointment, especially during peak tourist seasons when tours often sell out quickly.
Yes, the hop-on hop-off buses in Edinburgh are generally air-conditioned to comfort passengers during the tour.
Some tour companies operate open-top double-decker buses so you can feel the wind blowing in your hair as the bus speeds down the city’s sleek roads.
Most Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus operators prioritize passenger comfort and safety by limiting luggage and large bags, typically offering storage for smaller bags in overhead compartments or under seats.
Policies regarding larger suitcases or bulky items may vary among operators.
You can usually bring small snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for personal consumption.
However, policies regarding bringing food and drinks on hop-on hop-off buses in Edinburgh can vary between tour operators. Thus, checking the food and drink policies with the tour operators is recommended.
Edinburgh hop-on hop-off buses offer wheelchair accessibility, with some equipped with ramps or lifts to assist individuals with mobility challenges in boarding and disembarking, ensuring ease and comfort for all passengers.
Hop-on hop-off bus tickets offer unlimited rides within their validity period, allowing passengers to freely board and disembark at various stops throughout the ticket’s specified duration.
You can download the Android or iPhone bus app in advance to live-track buses, view bus stop locations, and more.
You can choose between 24 or 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus and boat tour tickets in Edinburgh.
Tickets are valid from the time you board the bus.
A full loop without hopping off takes approximately 60 minutes.
The Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus tour is suitable for children, providing a fun and family-friendly way to see the city from an open-top bus.