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

Greenside, Edinburgh



Explore Edinburgh with a hop-on, hop-off tour with access to 2 sightseeing routes, the City and Britannia Tours. Explore landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, and Leith's scenic waterfront.

Edinburgh Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

This hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Edinburgh suits visitors who want flexible exploration of the city’s main attractions over 48 hours.

Description

Explore Edinburgh at your own pace with a 48-hour ticket valid on two routes: the City Tour and the Britannia Tour. Begin your journey at Waterloo Place and visit landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The City Tour covers Edinburgh’s historic centre, while the Britannia Tour takes you to the Royal Botanic Garden and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Enjoy panoramic views from the open-top double-decker bus or stay seated inside. Audio commentary is available in nine languages, providing detailed information about each stop. Your ticket also offers discounts at select local attractions and shops.

City Tour Stops

  • Waterloo Place
  • St Andrew Square
  • Lothian Street
  • Bread Street
  • The Mound
  • George IV Street
  • Grassmarket
  • National Museum of Scotland
  • Canongate Kirk
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse
  • Dynamic Earth
  • Abbeyhill
  • Regent Road

Britannia Tour Stops

  • Waterloo Place
  • St Andrew Square
  • The Shore
  • Victoria Quay
  • Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Fishmarket Square
  • Royal Botanic Garden

Includes

  • 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket
  • Access to City Tour and Britannia Tour
  • Audio commentary in nine languages
  • Dog-friendly bus

Excludes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Important Information

  • The service runs daily except 25 December and 1 January; reduced hours on 24, 26, and 31 December.
  • The City Tour operates every 15 minutes until 5 pm, then every 20 minutes; full tour duration approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
  • The Britannia Tour runs every 60 minutes and takes about 55 minutes.
  • Infants aged 3 and under travel free without a ticket.
  • Dogs, including service animals and pets, are permitted on board.
  • Download the Big Bus Tours app for real-time tracking, stop details, and service updates.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To get the most from your ticket, arrive early to secure a seat, download the app, and bring weather-appropriate clothing for open-top sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The combo includes a 48-hour ticket valid on two routes: the City Tour of Edinburgh’s historic center and the Britannia Tour visiting the Royal Botanic Garden and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
The ticket is valid for 48 hours, allowing flexible travel on both the City Tour and Britannia Tour routes.
The tour begins at Waterloo Place in Edinburgh, with multiple stops around the city’s main attractions.
Yes, the hop-on, hop-off format allows you to disembark and reboard at any designated stop within the 48-hour validity period.
The tour stops near Edinburgh Castle but does not include entrance tickets; these must be purchased separately.
Yes, the tour features audio commentary providing information about Edinburgh’s landmarks along both routes.
Most buses on the Edinburgh Hop-On, Hop-Off routes are wheelchair accessible, but it is recommended to check the tour website for specific accessibility details.
Yes, the Britannia Tour route includes a stop at the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh.
The City Tour covers key landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The bus tour runs year-round, but check the website for current operating hours and seasonal schedules in Edinburgh.

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