Big Bus Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus
Edinburgh, Scotland
- 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.)
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh packs historical monuments, regal landmarks, cultural destinations, and more—and this hop-on hop-off bus tour provides a thorough introduction to the city’s top sights. Board and disembark as and when you wish. On-board commentary will share the stories behind landmarks such as the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and more.
- Discover many of Edinburgh’s top attractions, all in one bus tour
- This hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a flexible and accessible way to explore
- Learn stories about Edinburgh’s landmarks and history as you go
What's Included
- 24- or 48-Hour Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus
- Two Routes available: City & Britannia Tours
- Entertaining Audio Commentary available in 9 languages
- Dog friendly
- Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
- You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
Ticket Redemption Point
27 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3BG, UK
Itinerary
Big Bus Edinburgh City Tour (Red Route)
15 Stops
41 Points of Interest
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Operating Schedule: Summer (May–October): First departure at 09:00 from Stop 1 (Waterloo Place), every every 15minutes till 17:00 then every 20Minutes, last tour at 18:20. Winter (November–March): Departures from 09:00 every 15 minutes, last tour at 16:00. For the latest stop locations, timings, and live bus tracking, visit the Big Bus website or download the Big Bus App before you travel.
1
29 Waterloo Pl
2
St Andrew Square
3
Lothian Road
4
Bread Street
5
The Mound
6
George IV Bridge
7
Grassmarket
8
National Museum of Scotland
9
Canongate Kirk
10
Palace of Holyroodhouse
11
Dynamic Earth
12
Abbeyhill
13
Regent Road
14
Lauriston Place
15
John Knox House
Points of interest passed by on this route
Multrees Walk
Saint Andrew Square
Princes Street
Princes Street and Gardens
Scott Monument
St Cuthbert's Parish Church
Festival Square
Grassmarket
Greyfriars Kirk
Greyfriars Bobby
Museum of Fire
Edinburgh Castle
National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Usher Hall
Edinburgh College of Art
Edinburgh Farmers' Market
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Gladstone's Land
Writers' Museum
National Library of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
Museum of Childhood
John Knox House Museum
The Museum of Edinburgh
The Scottish Parliament
The King's Gallery
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Dynamic Earth
Arthur's Seat
Holyrood Park
Regent Road Park
The Burns Monument
Calton Hill
Nelson Monument
Observatory House
National Monument
Waverley Mall
Edinburgh Waverley Station
Irene Forte Spa, Edinburgh
Melville Monument
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.2
based on 427 reviews
audrey_W, Dec 2025
All day hop on hop off, a great way to get around the city. I do wish they used a live guide and not an audio recording though, I didn’t know what was being pointed out most of the time
Response from Host, Dec 2025
audrey_W thank you so much for your 5-star rating and for sharing your thoughts! We’re glad you enjoyed using the Hop-On Hop-Off service to explore the city. We appreciate your suggestion regarding live guides — currently, our tours include audio commentary to provide flexibility for all guests. Your feedback is valuable, and we’ll make sure to share it with our team for future improvements. Cheers! Gabriel - Big Bus Tours
Margaret_T, Nov 2025
The recorded narrative was pretty good. It would have been helpful to mention the # of the site to match the map. It ends at four. Don’t get too busy and miss the last bus!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Margaret_T,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! It really helps us to improve our services. We are happy to know that you enjoyed your afternoon with us! Knowing that our guests have a great time on our tours is incredibly important to us. We recommend using the Live Tracking feature in our app to assist you in planning your route for the day. We look forward to seeing you back on a bus soon! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
Skye_F, Oct 2025
Really liked how there’s the option to listen to commentary on the bus while’s it’s driving round to give you information about each area and stop alone the way.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Skye_F,
Thank you for your feedback! It means a lot to us to know that our guests enjoy their time on our tours. We offer regular training to our staff, to make sure you always receive a 5* service. We hope to see you again in the future! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
Ronald_N, Oct 2025
Drivers were friendly and patient. Buses were very clean and timely. Would have preferred an actual person instead of the recording for the narrative.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Ronald!
We are genuinely delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience on the Edinburgh tour, thanks to the drivers and the cleanliness of the bus. We have also taken note of your preference for the commentary. We look forward to seeing you again soon, and thank you for your review!
Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
Sheila_N, Oct 2025
What a great way to see the city. We rode the whole route first then decided where to hop off and on again
Great friendly driver and other staff
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Sheila!
We are thrilled to hear that your Edinburgh tour was an excellent way to explore the city with the help of the route and friendly staff. Thank you for sharing your review, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
Susan_W, Sep 2025
The tour covered the city center. Audio was very informative. Great to do on our first day. We got a good feel for the city.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello Susan, thank you for your feedback! We're delighted to know that you enjoyed our Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off tour. We can't wait to welcome you back on board soon. Best, Alice w/Big Bus Tours
Susan_T, Sep 2025
The bus drivers are amazing, they navigate the narrow streets with expertise! Lots of popular stops. The staff were also great!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello Susan, we are thrilled to learn that you had a wonderful time on our tour and that you were impressed by our bus drivers, who skilfully maneuverer through the narrow streets. We can't wait to welcome you back on board again soon. Thank you, Alice w/Big Bus Tours
Fred_G, Sep 2025
Excellent way for a sight seer to get around Edinburgh. Interesting recorded tour information, informative and entertaining.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hi Fred_G. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that the tour was excellent and insightful. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Stephen_W, Aug 2025
Without warning, the route was changed leaving us waiting for buses that were never coming, trying to travel to stops that were no longer on the route, having to use public transport and needing to book a taxi to return from Leith.
Fast to sell you tickets but no prior warnings given of removal of services.
Complaints ignored.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Stephen_W, we're sorry to hear that your Edinburgh tour was affected by route changes, leading to longer waiting times and missed buses. We regularly update our Service Information page, that is available on our website and app, with details on temporary detours or stop closures. You can also reach out to our Live Chat team, available 24/7, to help you plan your day. We hope to welcome you on board again soon! Alexa B @ Big Bus
Sarah_E, Jul 2025
We were unable to experience anything. I called to ask if there was anyway that we could get a voucher online ( yes, I know the site says you cannot) because my RA was acting up and I wasn't able to walk that far right now. I still wanted to pay but just asked for an accomodation. After 20 minutes my call was disconnected.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hello Sarah_E! Thank you so much for your feedback. We're really sorry to learn that you weren't able to get your tickets. You can definitely book online and simply show your vouchers at any stop you prefer. Additionally, if you require help, feel free to reach out to us through live chat, and our agents will be more than happy to assist you right away. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Lara_P, Jul 2025
Bus will take you to all the major locations, you might just have to sit in traffic, if you can't be bothered walking it's great otherwise you see much more on your feet.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Lara!
We're sorry to hear that you experienced more traffic than you expected. Thank you for your candid feedback! We do our best to keep an eye on traffic patterns, but occasionally they can surprise us too. We suggest visiting the main attractions early in the morning for a smoother experience. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!
Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
Cynthia_M, Jul 2025
It was a great experience and so convenient to hop on and off to see the sights. The only problem we had was finding the first stop to hop on. The stops weren't identified very well. Otherwise I would totally recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Cynthia!
We're glad to learn that you found our Edinburgh tour to be a great way to see all the sights. Thank you for your honest review and your kind words! We're sorry to hear that you had trouble finding the first stop you boarded. I can assure you that they are correctly marked on our map on both the website and the app, and each stop includes an address for your convenience. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
Jennifer_R, Jul 2025
Excellent way to get acclimated to the city if you have never been before! We learned a great deal, enjoyed the sights, and decided what places we wanted to visit. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Jennifer!
Your kind words truly mean so much to us, thank you for your lovely review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our Edinburgh tour as a fantastic way to explore the city, gaining knowledge, savoring the sights at your leisure, and having the freedom to choose what to see next. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
kathryn_w, Jul 2025
I was disappointed to find out that the ticket I bought did not include both routes that were listed. (I saw no other option other than the one I bought!)Also, the app was not accurate about the bus locations so we missed the bus at the stop we were trying to catch. The bus was clean and narration of landmarks was okay.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Kathryn!
It saddens us to learn that your ticket was missing both routes and that the app's live tracking feature wasn't accurate. We truly value your honest feedback! We recommend reviewing the inclusions before buying your tickets and checking our website in advance, as the Explore package is the sole option that includes both routes. Moreover, we want to emphasize that we are constantly working on improving the live tracking feature, particularly for Edinburgh, which is our latest addition. We're happy to hear that you found the buses clean and the commentary and landmarks acceptable, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
Richard_S, May 2025
Great way to get the feel for the city and also learn about the history. I would highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, we greatly appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Kelly_C, May 2025
The hours for on-season which includes May… stayed the bus ran until 7:55pm… and after waiting for 30 minutes (and seeing 3 Red tour buses stop) I called customer service and was told the bus stopped at 4pm on Sunday…. I told them what was on the web site regarding on-season and was told it was only 4pm…. The bus driver didn’t bother to “remind us” of this 4pm last pick up when we got off of the bus at 3pm….. thank goodness it was NOT raining but it was very cold and we didn’t see any of the main stops we wanted too… a total waste of money
Response from Host, May 2025
We are very sorry that we have not met your expectations and fallen below the standards we have set ourselves. I have refunded you in full which may take a few days to process. Please contact me directly gregor.forbes@mcgillsbuses.co.uk if you wish to share anything further.
Camille_P, May 2025
This company's pick up location was hard to locate compared to their competitors.
It was a decent enough tour, but could have a few more places that were easier to find to get onto the bus.
Additionally, there seemed to be a problem with the viator tickets the day we were in Edinburgh. Where viator kept telling me to get the voucher from my email, but when I clicked to get the voucher from my email, it took me back to the viator app. The people at the bus stop gave us tickets and let us on the bus as the viator app wasn't working.
Brent_L, Mar 2025
Good way to see the city . Bus was clean and audio was clear and informative. Csn hop off and on all day.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Many thanks Brent, very happy you enjoyed the tour and we appreciate you taking time to share your comments. I hope you had a lovely time in Edinburgh.
Annette_C, Jan 2025
Went on the 12 hr Glenfinnian, Glemcoe n Fort William experience. Great experience however, lunch bit short considering where bus parked and where needed to walk to to reach High St for most places to eat with only an hr, 15 mins to get there and back half hr left for lunch, could have been longer, viaduct experience was too long.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
HI Annette, thank you for the review, however I think you have possibly added it to the wrong business as we do not offer such tours. Sounds amazing though and hope you enjoyed it!
Michele_F, Dec 2024
We bought our tickets for thehop on hop off day pass in Edinburgh the same day and wanted to use this experience in the afternoon. We began looking for the bus around 3:00 PM. We could not find one and an hour later got on another bus by another company and were told our bus company had finished for the day and if we wanted a hop on experience with them we would need to buy their pass, which grudgingly we did. I contacted the tour operator immediately while on the new bus company tour yesterday and have yet to hear back. I am asking for a refund as I could see no where on the site description stating that the buses only ran in morning and early afternoon. First time I am disappointed with a Viator tour purchase - and we have had many with Viator.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi Michele, thank you for your review. We welcome all constructive feedback and will go out of our way to alleviate any concerns, queries or complaints. I have received your message via Viator this morning and am awaiting confirmation that the tickets have not been redeemed as we do in all cases before a refund is issued. Our services have their last tour leaving at 4 pm which is clearly stated on all tickets and our website. If you have any further queries please contact me directly where I will endeavour to answer them quickly. gregor.forbes@mcgillsbuses.co.uk Merry Christmas from all at Bright Bus.
Beverley_P, Nov 2024
Very informative. Able to get on and off at appropriate points to see all venues. Would recommend to anyone. Loved it.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
thank you Beverley, you must have missed all the snow on Saturday, delighted you enjoyed the tour and were able to make good use of the tours on your visit to Edinburgh, please visit us again soon!
Geraldine_C, Nov 2024
Driver didnt even tell us on handing in tickets to him , collect ear pieces for tour , half an hour on tour , one customers said u pick upearpieces at front by driver.
Driver was foreign not.very welcoming at all, 2pm bus i was on.
Had to get on another bus 15 min at end , driver on that bus was so welcoming.and funny , scottish man red hair glasses he a assit to company.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you Geraldine for sharing your feedback and I am very sorry that your first experience was a negative one. I am delighted that you encountered a colleague who did meet our own and you the customers expectations and delivered a positive experience. Please contact me directly gregor.forbes@mcgillsbuses.co.uk so I may learn more and will enable me to share more directly with those involved as we look to continually improve our tour and act on any opportunity we are given to do so.
Bruce_S, Oct 2024
Great overview of the history and geography of Edinburgh. Recommend it for traveller's and newcomers to the city.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you Bruce we really appreciate the review and are delighted you both enjoyed the tours and would recommend them, have a lovely time in Edinburgh!
Julie_A, Oct 2024
Was greata great time in Edinburgh
Very informative and good historical knowledge
We love hop on hop off
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thanks Julie for your lovely feedback, we are very happy you have found the commentary and our tours so great, we hope you enjoyed the remainder of your time in Edinburgh as well.
Maureen_C, Sep 2024
Throughly enjoyed this HOHO trip. Busses came often to each stop. I didn’t feel like too much time was wasted waiting for the bus. Would definitely book with this company again!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thanks Maureen for your feedback, delighted you enjoyed the tours and we hope you had a fantastic time in Edinburgh.
rosa_p, Sep 2024
Drivers should tell you if the stop u get off at the exhibit is closed! It’s a waste of tourist time on holiday
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you Rosa for taking the time to share this feedback, I will investigate the matter further. We hope to offer a welcoming and informed tour of the city so apologise if this is not the experience that you have encountered on your visit.
Marvin_H, Sep 2024
We enjoyed the customer service of the bus company. We really only took half the tour since we were dropped off in a museum and spent the rest of day there.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thanks Marvin, we pride ourselves on our customer service and our friendly nature so I am delighted that you have had such a positive experience. I hope you enjoyed the museum and the rest of your time in Edinburgh. Please come back and visit us again.
Monica_M, Sep 2024
Frequent stops! This makes getting around Edinburgh so easy. Would use this company again. It’s a great value for the money and having easy access to locations.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you Monica, we are very happy you enjoyed the tours and we would be delighted to welcome you back!
Kathie_C, Sep 2024
We always feel the best way to see a new city is a Hop On/Hop Off bus. It gives you a feel for the city and lets you plan on where you want to see more. The ongoing info on things we were passing was easy to hear and understand.
We would definitely do this again.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Delighted you enjoyed our new commentary and tour, we agree, a great way to get a feel for the city and why not get an extended ticket and use the tours as a form of transport when you are in Edinburgh. Hop on and hop off where and when you want!?! Thank you for your review!
Viachaslau_L, Sep 2024
Actually not something that I expected. Full row of seats have non-working guide devices. Ticket manager was so loud (almost yelling) that we heard her on second level of bus while she was at first. Do not recommend.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Firstly I am very sorry to hear that you encountered some issues with your experience and some of the team. Please contact me directly if you wish to share more detail from your experience so I may investigate further. gregor.forbes@mcgillsbuses.co.uk
From $29.58
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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