The 9 Best Edinburgh Bus Tours

1.Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,932 reviews · 1h 15m · from $28Our pick

Join a costumed guide such as Tommy Terror or Eerie Ian aboard Edinburgh’s midnight-black vintage double-decker. In 75 minutes, you’ll hear tales of Burke and Hare, executions, witches, plague victims, and hauntings while passing Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, and Holyrood Palace. Expect jokes, theatrical scares, and a short graveyard stop.

“I loved this tour!! The guide, Tommy Terror was amazing- very knowledgeable and funny. The bus was comfortable and cozy. I only wish the tour was longer! Highly recommend”

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2.Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,761 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $24Best value

Board a vintage Routemaster at 7-9 George IV Bridge for an English-language evening ride through Edinburgh’s darker past. Your guide covers Burke and Hare, witch hunts, executions, Greyfriars, Grassmarket, and Maggie Dickson, with theatrical effects and stops near major Old Town sights. Guides may include Tommy Terror or Sinead O’Horror.

“It gives a bus journey around Edinburgh city with good knowledge of the history. 1hr long, easy to find the pick up point.”

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3.Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,736 reviews · from $102Top rated

Use three hop-on hop-off routes for 48 hours and visit Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Start at Waterloo Place, where staff arrange your castle entry time. Green buses feature live guides such as Scott and Mike, while audio tours cover several languages at the attractions.

“Take the bus and leave this driving to us, best sums it up!”

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4.City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,683 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Use a 24-hour City Sightseeing pass to circle Edinburgh aboard an open-top double-decker bus. The 70-minute route links Waterloo Place, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood, Dynamic Earth, and Carlton Hill. Audio runs in nine languages, with a kids’ commentary option, and up to three children travel free with each paying adult before March 31, 2026.

“Fab experience in Edinburgh the drivers of the city sightseeing were simply amazing, really friendly, good spirit, helpful and knowledgeable. My children and I had the best time going through the various sights. Thank you very much for a lovely break in your amazing city”

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5.Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass with 3 City Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,193 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $33

Use one ticket on Edinburgh’s three bus routes for 24 or 48 hours. Hear live English stories on the green Edinburgh Tour, or choose audio in nine languages on the red City Sightseeing and blue Majestic routes. Stop at Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood, the Botanic Gardens, Leith, and Royal Yacht Britannia.

“Fun, informative. Got to see many parts of city by 3 routes available”

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6.Big Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour by Open-Top Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,079 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $24

Start at Waterloo Place and use a 24 or 48-hour Big Bus ticket to reach Edinburgh’s main sights. The City Tour covers the Old Town and Holyroodhouse, while the Britannia route reaches the Royal Yacht, Botanic Garden, and Leith. Expect recorded commentary in nine languages, open-top views, helpful staff, and some walking between stops.

“Very convenient, excellent way for those with mobility issues especially to see the sights”

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7.Royal Edinburgh Ticket – Hop-On Hop-Off and Attraction Admissions

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,023 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $105

Use one 48-hour pass on Edinburgh’s three sightseeing routes, with live English guiding on the Edinburgh Tour and multilingual audio on the other two. Your ticket includes Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse in season, and Royal Yacht Britannia. Waterloo Place is the main redemption point.

“Easy access and friendly helpful staff. Can do all major sites in one day but suggest doing them in two”

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8.Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour City & Britannia Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 767 reviews · 2 days · from $34

Use one 48-hour ticket on Edinburgh’s City and Britannia routes. Ride an open-top bus past the castle, Grassmarket, Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum, then continue to Leith, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Botanic Garden. Audio commentary comes in nine languages, and friendly drivers help you plan your stops.

“A good way of getting around Edinburgh over a short stay.”

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9.Vintage Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea or Gin

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 699 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $57

Ride Edinburgh’s vintage Red Bus Bistro for 90 minutes while enjoying prosecco, tea, coffee, sandwiches, warm scones, quiches, cakes, and optional Edinburgh Gin cocktails served in teapots. Staff such as Helen, Jimmy, Mark, and Steven add humor and helpful landmark notes, though this is more a moving tea room than a formal sightseeing tour.

“It was amazing! We loved every second of it 🥰 cant wait to join again sometime!”

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