3-Route Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

City sightseeing tour (Classic red route)

On the classic red route, catch the St Andrew Square, where elegant Georgian architecture greets you. Ascend toward the majestic Edinburgh Castle at Lawnmarket, then dive into the rich history at John Knox House. This route is lined with iconic sights that you just can't miss!

Schedule

• First bus: 8:45am from Waterloo Place
• Last bus: 6:00pm from Waterloo Place
• Frequency: every 10-12 mins
• Popular stops: Historic Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile

Edinburgh tour (Green route)

The Green Route takes you to the city center from the stately Waterloo Place, where Edinburgh’s grand Georgian architecture sets the stage. You'll continue along the Lothian Road, bustling with life, before delving into the medieval allure of Grassmarket. This route captures the essence of Edinburgh’s rich history and stunning architecture in a seamless loop.

Schedule

• First bus: 8:50am from Waterloo Place
• Last bus: 5:50pm from Waterloo Place
• Frequency: every 10-12 mins
• Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Regal tour (Blue route)

This route blends Edinburgh’s historic grandeur with its modern allure, offering a scenic and cultural journey through the city. Hop off at Holyrood for a taste of Scotland’s regal heritage. You'll also pass by Newhaven’s maritime charm, The Shore’s cozy waterfront, and Ocean Terminal’s bustling atmosphere.

Schedule

• First bus: 8:40am from Waterloo Place
• Last bus: 5:25pm from Waterloo Place
• Frequency: every 15 mins
• Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse

3-Route Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Discover the stunning Scotland capital of Edinburgh on this 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off tour that includes three routes and fifteen stops, covering the city’s old and new regions with an open-top double-decker bus. You can explore iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Mile at your own pace without any time limits. With a live guide on the green route spinning tales of the city's past, multilingual audio guides in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch, and discounts at popular sights like the National Museum of Scotland, Grassmarket, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, this tour offers an extensive overview of Edinburgh’s rich history and culture. The bus stops at key attractions every 15 to 20 minutes, giving you ample time to hop off and dive into Scottish heritage with ease.

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Your tour stops at Edinburgh Castle where visitors can explore one of Scotland's most famous historical sites built around the year 1130. Spanning over 9 acres, this fortress stands atop a volcanic plug and reaches an elevation of approximately 460 feet above sea level. Key features include the Scottish Crown Jewels housed in the Crown Room, Mons Meg, a massive medieval siege weapon, and St Margaret's Chapel, Scotland’s oldest surviving building dating back to around 1136. Visitors typically spend about two hours exploring the castle’s various attractions including military museums and exhibitions. Unique compared to other castles, Edinburgh Castle plays a significant role in Scottish history as it has been involved in numerous battles and sieges throughout the centuries, making it an essential stop for understanding Scotland's past.

Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse

The tour takes you next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse where guests can step back into time at this official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The palace was founded by King David I around 1128 and expanded significantly during James IV’s reign in the early 16th century. Covering approximately 3 acres, it includes a royal chapel, state apartments decorated with portraits of Scottish kings, and gardens designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Visitors usually spend about an hour exploring its grand interiors and learning about its historical significance through guided tours or audio guides available in multiple languages. Unlike other palaces, the Palace of Holyroodhouse remains active as a working royal residence, hosting official events and ceremonies that continue to shape Scotland's cultural heritage.

Stroll Along the Royal Mile

The tour route then leads you along the iconic Royal Mile where visitors can experience one of Edinburgh’s most historic thoroughfares stretching approximately 0.5 miles from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Built over centuries, this vibrant street features notable landmarks such as St Giles' Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament Building. The Royal Mile is lined with shops, cafes, and traditional pubs that offer a glimpse into Scotland's modern-day culture alongside its rich history. Tourists typically spend around 1-2 hours walking along this bustling corridor, taking in the architecture and local atmosphere. Unique compared to other city centers, the Royal Mile encapsulates Edinburgh’s past and present, making it an essential part of any visitor’s itinerary.

Tour Highlights

• Explore iconic landmarks at Edinburgh Castle
• Enjoy 24/48-hour pass with unlimited hop-on/hop-off access
• Listen to live guide in English on the Green Route
• Experience multilingual audio guides in six languages
• Discover the Palace of Holyroodhouse and its royal history
• Walk along the historic Royal Mile stretching 0.5 miles
• Access discounts at attractions like National Museum of Scotland
• Convenient stops every 15-20 minutes throughout the city

Perfect for tourists, history buffs, and culture enthusiasts, this hop-on hop-off tour provides an unparalleled view of Edinburgh’s landmarks through its flexible format. The 24/48-hour pass allows you to explore attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Mile at your own pace, offering a comprehensive understanding of Scotland's rich heritage while enjoying the convenience of the tour's extensive network.