Explore Edinburgh at Your Own Pace with the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

For travelers wanting to get a broad view of Edinburgh’s historic sites, the City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a flexible and engaging way to explore. Priced at $24.84 per person, this tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes for a full loop, with a 24-hour validity period that lets you hop on or off as often as you like. The open-top double-decker buses ensure you get panoramic views of the city’s skyline, while onboard commentary enriches your understanding of Edinburgh’s landmarks.

This tour stands out for its convenience and accessibility, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time. While it does not include entry to attractions or food, the flexible schedule and family-friendly policy—up to 3 children travel free with each full-paying adult—add to its appeal. The frequency of buses, with departures every 8 to 10 minutes, ensures minimal wait times, even during busy periods.

Key Points

Flexible 24-hour hop-on hop-off access allows unlimited riding and exploration at your pace
Open-top double-decker buses provide excellent views of Edinburgh’s skyline
Stops include major landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile, and Our Dynamic Earth
Onboard commentary in 9 languages offers rich context about the city’s history and sights
Buses run every 8 to 10 minutes during peak season, ensuring short waits
Children up to 3 per adult travel free, making it a family-friendly option

For broader city exploration in Edinburgh, we've covered these other tours

Edinburgh’s Landmarks and Stops Highlighted on the Route

The tour’s route includes 15 stops across Edinburgh, each offering a glimpse into the city’s diverse attractions. Starting at Waterloo Place, the bus takes you by St. Andrew Square, a vibrant hub of the city’s shopping and dining scene. Moving along Lothian Road, you’ll see cultural venues and lively streets before reaching the historic Grassmarket area, famous for its pubs and lively atmosphere.

One of the key stops is at the National Museum of Scotland, where you can hop off to explore exhibits about the nation’s history, science, and culture. The High Street stop leads you into the heart of the Old Town, close to Hyndford’s Close and Canongate Kirk—sites that reveal Edinburgh’s medieval past. The route also includes a visit to Holyrood Palace and the Our Dynamic Earth attraction, perfect for those interested in Scotland’s natural history.

The Experience of Riding the Edinburgh Bus Tour

Riding the open-top double-decker bus offers a chance to enjoy panoramic city views and a relaxed atmosphere. The audio commentary, available in 9 languages, enhances the experience with historical insights about each landmark, buildings, and districts. The friendly onboard staff and well-maintained buses contribute to a comfortable journey.

The frequency of departures means that in peak seasons, buses leave every 8 minutes, helping to avoid long waits. The route duration without hopping off is about 70 minutes, but the flexibility allows for as much or as little sightseeing as desired. Many reviews mention the useful commentary and how it helps visitors understand the significance of sights like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.

Practical Tips for Using the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The tickets are valid for 12 months from the purchase date, offering flexibility if plans change. Buses depart from Stop 1 starting at 8:45 am, with the last trip leaving at 6 pm. Most travelers can participate, with accessible options near public transportation.

A key consideration is that stops may be out of service during some scheduled maintenance or special days, such as Sunday, 25th May, when several stops are temporarily unavailable until 1 pm. The buses run daily during their operating hours, and confirmation is received at booking.

Comparing the Full Route to Other Edinburgh Tours

This hop-on hop-off tour provides an affordable and rundown of Edinburgh in comparison to guided walks or specialized tours. Unlike guided walking tours with fixed schedules, this option allows maximum flexibility—you can hop off at attractions like Holyrood or Canongate and rejoin at your convenience.

However, it does not include entry tickets to attractions, so planning visits to sites like Edinburgh Castle requires separate tickets. Reviewers mention that not all stops may be accessible during some days, and bus frequency can vary, especially outside peak season. Still, the well-rated guides and clean buses make it a reliable choice for city-wide sightseeing.

While you're exploring Edinburgh, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Family-Friendly Side of the Tour

Children up to 3 per adult travel free, making this a cost-effective option for families. The audio commentary includes free headphones and a kids’ version, which keeps younger travelers engaged. This tour is suitable for families with young children and travelers looking for a stress-free way to see Edinburgh’s highlights without extensive walking.

The Value for Money and Customer Satisfaction

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 2,466 reviews, this tour receives high praise for reliable timing, clean buses, and friendly staff. Many reviewers appreciate the informative commentary, which enhances their understanding of Edinburgh’s history and landmarks.

Some reviews mention timing issues, such as buses not always stopping at every designated stop or waiting times exceeding 25 minutes at certain times. However, overall customer satisfaction remains high, and the value for the price—especially with kids going free—is considered excellent.

Limitations and Considerations

The audio commentary may sometimes be out of sync, making it harder for some to follow along, especially during busy or windy days. Stops may occasionally be unavailable, and buses might be crowded during peak times. The tickets purchased through Viator have some restrictions, such as use validity starting at midnight after purchase, which can be confusing.

Travelers should also note that food and drinks, hotel transfers, and entry tickets are not included in the tour price, so plan those separately. Despite these minor drawbacks, the tour remains a convenient and enjoyable way to see Edinburgh’s key sights.

Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: A Practical Choice for Sightseers

This City Sightseeing Edinburgh bus tour provides a great overview for those who want a flexible, accessible way to explore the city’s landmarks. The 24-hour ticket lets you plan your day with ease, hopping off at sites like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, or Our Dynamic Earth.

The quality of service, from friendly staff to well-maintained buses, earns consistent praise. The audio guides in multiple languages ensure you gain insights into Edinburgh’s history, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.

While it may not have the depth of a guided tour or include entry to attractions, it offers excellent value, especially for families with children, thanks to free kid tickets. For first-time visitors or those wanting to maximize their time, this hop-on hop-off bus tour is a reliable and cost-effective way to see Edinburgh’s highlights.

Ready to Book?

City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

4.5

“We always like to use the Hop on Hop off on our first day in a new city. It's a great way to get the lay of the land.”

— Rosie R, May 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the full route without hopping off?
The full route lasts about 70 minutes.

Can I hop off and rejoin later?
Yes, tickets are valid for 24 hours, allowing unlimited hopping on and off at any stop.

Are children allowed free on this tour?
Up to 3 children per full-paying adult can travel free.

What stops are included in the route?
Stops include Waterloo Place, St. Andrew Square, Grassmarket, National Museum of Scotland, Hyndford’s Close, Canongate, Holyrood Palace, and Our Dynamic Earth.

Is the commentary available in multiple languages?
Yes, onboard commentary is available in 9 languages with free headphones.

What are the operating hours?
Buses run daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with the first departure at 8:45 am and the last at 6 pm.

Are the buses accessible for travelers with mobility needs?
Yes, the tour is near public transportation, and many stops are accessible.

Can I buy tickets in advance?
Yes, tickets are valid 12 months from purchase and can be bought online or at stops.

What should I expect during busy periods?
Buses run every 8 to 10 minutes during peak season, but wait times can occasionally be longer.

Is food or attraction entry included?
No, food, drinks, and attraction tickets are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.