Edinburgh: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour City & Britannia Combo

Key Points

• Valid for 48 hours: Explore Edinburgh at your own pace with a combined City and Britannia Tour.
• Two routes: Visit over 20 stops across the city, including Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, and Grassmarket.
• Royal Yacht Britannia: Gain access to the historic yacht and the Royal Botanic Garden on the Britannia route.
• Open-top bus experience: Enjoy panoramic views from double-decker buses, with audio commentary in 9 languages.
• Convenient start point: Tours begin at Waterloo Place outside 27 Waterloo Place, Princes Street.
• Dog-friendly buses: Bring along pets for the ride, as the buses welcome dogs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Edinburgh: A Two-Day Hop-On, Hop-Off Adventure with 20+ Stops

The Edinburgh Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour offers an accessible and flexible way to see the city’s most famous sights over two days. With one ticket valid for 48 hours, visitors can explore the historic city center and the scenic outskirts at their own pace, hopping on and off at more than 20 stops.

This tour combines two routes—the City Tour and the Britannia Tour—giving a rundown of Edinburgh’s landmarks and attractions. Starting at Waterloo Place, the tours are operated on open-top double-decker buses that provide excellent panoramic views of the city’s architecture and landscape. The audio commentary available in nine languages enriches the experience with interesting facts and stories.

While the bus service allows for easy access and relaxed sightseeing, it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. This means travelers should plan to meet at the designated starting point. The buses are wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly, making this option suitable for a variety of travelers, including those with mobility needs or traveling with pets.

From Waterloo Place to the Heart of Edinburgh

The tour begins at Waterloo Place, outside 27 Waterloo Place in front of the Princes Street Suites. This central location makes it straightforward to find the start point, especially given the clear signage and helpful staff.

Once aboard, travelers can choose to stay on the bus for the full route or hop off at any stop to explore further. The City Tour takes you past key attractions such as St Andrew Square, Lothian Street, The Mound, and the National Museum of Scotland. These stops focus on Edinburgh’s historic and cultural core, including Grassmarket and Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Britannia Tour departs from the same starting point but focuses on the city’s scenic waterfront and royal history. Highlights include Victoria Quay, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Royal Botanic Garden. The Royal Yacht Britannia is a major draw, offering inside access to the historic vessel and insights into the royal family’s visits.

Discover Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse with Ease

A central highlight of the City Tour is the chance to visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, and Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. The tour’s flexible nature allows visitors to hop off and explore these sites in detail, then rejoin the bus when ready.

The audio commentary offers history and context for these iconic landmarks, helping visitors appreciate their significance. The stops at Grassmarket present a lively atmosphere with historic pubs and shops, perfect for a quick walk or a meal.

While the tour doesn’t include fast-track entry to attractions, the convenience of transportation reduces walking and waiting time, making it easier to plan your sightseeing schedule.

Scenic Waterway and Garden Visits on the Britannia Route

The Britannia Tour emphasizes Edinburgh’s scenic waterfront and royal maritime history. The Royal Yacht Britannia is a key attraction, accessible via this route, where visitors can tour the historic vessel and view the Queen’s private quarters and the officer’s lounge.

Additional scenic stops include the Royal Botanic Garden, which offers peaceful gardens and impressive plant collections. The Victoria Quay area nearby provides lovely views of the Forth estuary, perfect for photography or a leisurely stroll.

The audio guide adds context to these sites, enriching the visit with historical insights and interesting tidbits about the royal fleet and the city’s maritime heritage.

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Open-Top Bus Comfort and Expert Audio Commentary

Traveling on the double-decker open-top buses ensures you enjoy spectacular views of Edinburgh’s skyline, architecture, and surrounding landscapes. The audio commentary is available in nine languages, providing an informative narrative about each stop and landmark.

Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the timely service. The buses are noted for cleanliness and plenty of space, making the ride comfortable even during peak times. The driver-led commentary adds a personal touch, with guides sharing insights and answering questions.

The low volume of the audio has been mentioned as a minor drawback in some reviews, so using headphones may enhance the experience.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour departs from Waterloo Place, a well-known central location in Edinburgh, which makes it easy to access. No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so travelers should plan to meet at the start point.

The tickets are purchased online, with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in planning. The ticket is valid for 48 hours, allowing ample time to explore the city and surrounding attractions.

The bus service is wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly, ensuring inclusivity for different needs. The timing of stops and frequency of buses are generally praised for allowing a relaxed pace and efficient sightseeing.

The Value of a Two-Day Tour with Multiple Routes

Many reviews highlight the great value of the 48-hour ticket, which covers both the City and Britannia routes. Visitors can see everything from Edinburgh’s historic castles to the scenic waterfront without feeling rushed.

The combination of two routes means that travelers can easily switch from urban sightseeing to scenic and royal visits, making this tour suitable for a wide range of interests. The price point is considered reasonable, especially given the comprehensive access and multiple stops.

The flexibility to hop on and off at over 20 locations means you can tailor your sightseeing to your preferences, spending extra time at the attractions that interest you most.

Final Thoughts on the Edinburgh Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

This tour offers a practical and comprehensive way to experience Edinburgh over two days. The two routes, covering more than 20 stops, and the scenic views from open-top buses make it a convenient choice for visitors with limited time.

The access to Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Botanic Garden enriches the experience, especially for those interested in royal history and scenic landscapes. The audio commentary adds depth to each stop, making the tour both enjoyable and educational.

While the lack of hotel pickup may be a minor inconvenience, the central starting point and easy booking process help compensate. The dog-friendly policies and wheelchair accessibility broaden the appeal, ensuring everyone can enjoy this sightseeing option.

The high ratings and positive reviews reflect its value and quality, making it a reliable choice for exploring Edinburgh comfortably and conveniently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ticket valid for multiple routes?
Yes, the 48-hour ticket grants access to both the City Tour and the Britannia Tour.

Are the buses accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring my dog on the bus?
Absolutely, the buses are dog-friendly, allowing pets to join the ride.

Does the tour include entry to attractions?
No, the tour provides transportation and commentary, but entry fees to sites like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia are not included.

What languages is the audio commentary available in?
The commentary is available in nine languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Italian.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Waterloo Place, outside 27 Waterloo Place in front of Princes Street Suites.

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