Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is a city steeped in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It feels like an ancient town dressed in modern garb. The city is home to castles, palaces, historic sites, museums, and countless activities. Whether you're enchanted by the medieval charm of the Old Town or the Georgian elegance of the New Town, a Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour is an excellent way to explore at your leisure. Several companies offer HOHO bus tours in Edinburgh, each with unique features and routes. This guide will help you compare the main operators to pick the tour that best suits your needs for an unforgettable experience in Edinburgh.
Things to know about Edinburgh HOHO tours
Before choosing a HOHO bus tour in Edinburgh, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Tour routes: Different operators cover various parts of the city, from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to more secluded gems such as Holyrood Palace and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
- Live guides vs. audio guides: Some tours offer live guides who provide commentary in English, while others use pre-recorded audio guides available in multiple languages. Consider what kind of experience you prefer.
- Ticket validity: Most HOHO bus tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours, allowing you to explore at your leisure. Check the validity period and make sure it aligns with your travel plans.
- Accessibility: Look for information on wheelchair accessibility, as not all buses are equipped to accommodate all passengers.
Extras: Some tickets include additional perks such as entry to certain attractions or free walking tours. These can add value to your ticket if you plan to visit those attractions anyway.
Comparison of Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off service providers
1. City Sightseeing Edinburgh
- Route highlights: City Sightseeing Edinburgh operates exclusively on the red route, featuring 14 stops around the city. Highlights include Holyrood, Waverley Bridge, and the John Knox House.
- Guides: Their audio guide is available in nine languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Portuguese.
- Ticket options: They offer 24-hour and 48-hour tickets. The 48-hour ticket includes all three of their routes, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the city. The 24-hour tour gives you unlimited access along the Red Route with audio guides in 9 languages.
- Ticket options: They offer 24-hour and 48-hour tickets. The 48-hour ticket includes all three of their routes, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the city. The 24-hour tour gives you unlimited access along the Red Route with audio guides in 9 languages.
- Frequency: Every 10-12 minute
- Extras: It includes Horrible Histories' kid's commentary, headphones, and free kids' tickets. The ticket is valid for up to 12 months from your chosen date. The 48-hour ticket offers discounts at the Royal Botanic Garden, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and more.
2. The Edinburgh Tour
- Route highlights: This runs on the Green Line, starting at Waterloo Palace. It passes Charlotte Square, St. Andrew Square, Lauriston Palace, and Canongate.
- Guides: The best part of The Edinburgh Tour is its live commentary, with the entire tour lasting 70 minutes.
- Ticket options: They offer a 24-hour ticket for 18 Euros, and children aged 5 to 15 can enter for free.
- Frequency: Every 10-12 minutes and every 30 minutes between November to April.
- Extras: Class 2 mobility scooters are allowed on board if a wheelchair-accessible space is available. Mobility scooters can also be folded and stored as luggage. All dogs, including assistance dogs, are welcome on our tour buses.
3. Bright Bus Tours
- Route highlights: Bright Bus Tours features 16 city stops, including Museum of Edinburgh, Holyrood Palace, Waverly Bridge, and The Mound. This tour lasts 1 to 1.5 hours and operates daily from 9am to 5pm, giving ample time to hop off and explore multiple Edinburgh sights.
- Guides: Explore Edinburgh’s top sights effortlessly with knowledgeable guides on board Bright Bus Tours. Discover insider secrets and historical insights while hopping off to explore at your own pace.
- Ticket options: They provide both 24-hour Hop-on Hop-off tickets for the Britannia Tour and the City Tour. You can also opt for the Edinburgh Explorer ticket that offers 7 days of unlimited travel on both tours along with a return ticket for the Airport Express. With no need to preselect travel dates, your ticket remains valid upon arrival in Edinburgh, simplifying your journey.
4. Majestic Bus Tours
- Route highlights: This tour is unique as it takes you to the north of the city center, showcasing landmarks other tours miss. You’ll get to discover the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Scottish Parliament, among other sites.
- Guides: No live commentary is available during the Majestic Bus Tours, but you’ll have a pre-recorded audio guide that is translated into English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Portuguese.
- Ticket options: Majestic Bus Tours offers the Grand 24 and Grand 48 tickets, each valid for 24 or 48 hours respectively. The added advantage of these tickets is access to all three routes. Tickets are valid for 6 months but are only usable on the activation date.
Which one you should go for
Choosing the right Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour in Edinburgh depends on your preferences and what you want to see and do:
- For first-time visitors: City Sightseeing Edinburgh offers a comprehensive overview of the city with multiple routes and great value extras. The 48-hour ticket is especially good for those who want to explore both the main sights and the outskirts of the city.
- For in-depth exploration: Edinburgh Bus Tours is ideal if you want to go beyond the city center and explore areas like Leith and the Royal Botanic Garden. Their live and audio guides provide a wealth of information, catering to those who want a more detailed exploration of Edinburgh.
- For a quick tour: The Edinburgh City Tour is perfect for visitors with limited time who want to see the main attractions of central Edinburgh with the benefit of live guide commentary. This tour is also great for those who prefer a more intimate and informative experience with fewer stops.
FAQs
It's advisable to buy your tickets online since it's usually cheaper and you get better deals.
Accessibility varies by operator, so it's best to check with the specific company before booking.
Yes, the buses operate in all weather conditions, although routes may be adjusted in severe weather. Buses are equipped with covered sections to keep you dry.
Small bags are usually allowed, but larger pieces of luggage might not be accommodated due to space constraints.
The tours run year-round, but the best time to enjoy the open-top buses is from May to September when the weather is generally milder.
