hop on off tour edinburgh

the brightest way to explore Edinburgh

Edinburgh City Tour

Boat & Bridges Tour

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what is Bright Bus?

We’ve got two Hop-On, Hop-Off open top bus tours – the City Tour or Britannia Tour – to take you to all the sights of Scotland’s capital city. You’ll be able to enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer from just £16 for 24 hours or £20 for two tours across two days. There’s commentary to suit all tastes, with 10 languages available.

New for 2024 is our Boat and Bridges Tour  in partnership with Forth Boat Tours, offering a unique perspective on Edinburgh and the iconic Forth Bridges. Take the tour for the day for £30, or grab our popular, all access ticket which gives you 7 days unlimited travel on the City Tour and Britannia Tour, Bright Bus Airport Express and the Boat and Bridges tour for just £40. There’s discounts for adult, concessions and groups too.

Bright Bus Airport Express is the fastest, cheapest, brightest way between the city and airport. With fares starting from £4.50 single and £15 a week, our comfy buses run up to every 10 mins at busy times from a choice of handy pick-up points across the city centre.

what you’ll see on our tours

Our City Tour takes you around the hustle and bustle of the historic city centre and winding around the cobbled streets of Old Town. You’ll discover all the secrets of ‘Auld Reekie’, its’ world class sights and its’ people.

Switch over to our Britannia Tour to experience royalty, visit Leith’s shore, see The Majestic Royal Yacht Britannia and more.

Or opt for our best value combo Explorer & Boat Tour ticket allowing unlimited travel on our two Bright Bus tours and a return ticket for the Bright Bus Airport Express and explore beyond the City to South Queensferry with further fun on the Forth Boat tour for £40 for a whole week!

the cheapest, fastest, brightest way to & from Edinburgh Airport

Travelling from Edinburgh airport and into the city has never been brighter. Bright Bus Airport Express is a fast and convenient way to travel between the Airport and the city centre. It has fewer stops and convenient pick-up points, reducing the need for walking in the city centre.

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Hop On Hop Off Edinburgh - Bus Tours

Edinburgh sightseeing bus tours, ( ) experiences found.

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Top Customer Reviews

Annette browne.

Great service, tickets are valid for 24 hours, so it gives plenty of time to get around and see the things you want to see. Information on board is very good, not overloading and boring, just the right amount to keep you engaged. Would highly recommend.

mia sakiman

Great purchase! The Bright Bus Edinburgh Combo was worth every penny. Easy to use, informative guides, and a fantastic way to explore the city

Douglas Wilson

This ticket gave us exactly what was described ie the hop on hop off experience around Edinburgh red route and access to a Castle tour provided by a third party. The standard commentary on the city sightseeing bus was clear and informative.

Experience Edinburgh in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Explore Scotland at your own pace during your sightseeing trip. This flexible tour stops at the top Edinburgh attractions, putting you in control of your own destiny during your vacation! See Edinburgh on a bus tour that includes discounts on attractions, eateries, and more. Or you can decide between a 24-hour or 48-hour tour that runs on three different routes. You can even see the capital of Scotland in a comfortable Mercedes mini-coach as part of a special tour. And, if you want to go all out, opt for a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour with fast-track entry to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood House Palace, and Royal Yacht Britannia. It’s one of the best things to do in Edinburgh!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is a hop-on hop-off edinburgh bus tour and how does it work.

Hop-on Hop-off Edinburgh bus tours run on designated routes with several stops across all major attractions of the city. The stops are strategically located and allow you to plan your own itinerary accordingly. You can hop on and hop off at the attraction of your choice. Add to that, you can buy a combo tour that lets you explore major tourist attractions at a discounted price. For instance, the Bright bus Edinburgh tour lets you explore the Holyrood Distillery and SHOUT Edinburgh for a wholesome experience.

Q: What are the key attractions covered in the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off tour?

The major attractions and landmarks covered in the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off bus tour include St Andrew Square, Lothian Road, Grassmarket, Lauriston Palace, Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh Castle, Lawnmarket, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, John Knox House, Royal Mile, Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate, Scottish Parliament, and so on.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Hop-on Hop-off Edinburgh tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops and timings change frequently.

Q: Are these tours guided?

Most of the tours accompany either a live guide or an audio guide which makes it great for history buffs looking for an immersive experience.

Q: What is the validity of the tour?

Depending on your travel plans and the availability of the tour, you can choose from 24h or 48h. The vouchers are valid anywhere between 6 months to 12 months and can be used anytime during that period.

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• You must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
• If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
• Any modifications made less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
• The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
• This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.

For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

City Sightseeing: Edinburgh Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

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• Special Offer: upto 3 Kids Go Free! per adult ticket. Limited Offer!
• Start your journey at Waterloo Place for a seamless bus tour experience.
• Visit Grassmarket, the historic marketplace in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.
• Explore the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street.
• Discover the medieval charm of John Knox House dating back to the 15th century.
• Explore scenic spots like Canongate, Holyrood, and Our Dynamic Earth.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted! No need to print.

Join on a City sightseeing hop on hop off bus tour starting at Waterloo Place, where you will be amazed by the Edinburgh's cultural and heritage gems. From the vibrant Grassmarket to the historic John Knox House, the journey unfolds through medieval architecture and iconic landmarks. Take leisurely strolls along Canongate and Holyrood, or delve into the wonders of science at Our Dynamic Earth. 

Red Route: First Bus: 08:45am, Last Bus: 05:57pm Loop: 60 Minutes Frequency:  12-15 Minutes 25th December (Christmas Day): the tour operates from 10am - 3pm every 20 minutes  31st December (New Year's Eve): the tour operates from 9am - 3pm every 30 minutes  1st January 2024 (New Year's Day): the tour operates from 11am - 4pm every 30 minutes

• 24 Hours Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Bus Ticket
• Upto 3 Kids Go Free! per adult ticket
• Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Kids Commentary
• Free Wi-Fi on board
• Discounts to access local attractions
• Special kids "Horrible Histories" commentary
• Hotel Transfers
• Entrance Fees

Redemption Info

The first stop is located at  Waterloo Place , but you can hop on or hop off the tour at any of the stops along the route. Voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver on board. Mobile vouchers and Printed vouchers are accepted at all stops. You will receive a ticket in exchange for your voucher, which you must keep until the expiry date/ tour. Please check your ticket to know when it expires. After exchanging your voucher for a ticket, your voucher will no longer be valid. In loss of voucher/ticket, company is not liable for any refund. Flexible Ticket: Your voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Operational Updates:  On Saturday 28th September: Due to an event taking place, parts of the Royal Mile and Holyrood will be closed between 6am - 3pm approximately. Between Chambers Street and Waterloo Place, buses will be diverted via Nicolson Street, West Richmond Street, Pleasance, Holyrood Road, Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Pleasance, West Richmond Street, Nicolson Street, South Bridge and North Bridge. Stops 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14 will be closed.

Know Before You Go

Useful downloads, cancellation policy, other edinburgh bus tours.

Edinburgh Bus Tours: Hop-On, Hop-Off City Bus (Choose Any One)

Bright Bus Tours: Edinburgh City Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Edinburgh Bus Tours: Grand Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour (Incl. 3 Tours)

Bright Bus Tours: Edinburgh City and Britannia Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Royal Edinburgh Ticket - Hop On Hop Off & Attraction Ticket

Bright Bus Tours: Britannia Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Customer reviews.

Brilliant see you soon Read More

Brilliant see you soon

Thank you for your valuable feedback. Happy to hear your thoughts. It is always interesting to see what our travelers think of our service.

Brilliant sightseeing tour. Staff helpful and courteous. Audio history of city excellent Read More

Brilliant sightseeing tour. Staff helpful and courteous. Audio history of city excellent

Wonderful, very easy and drivers are friendly. Read More

Wonderful, very easy and drivers are friendly.

Fortunately we had great weather so sat outside on the top. Commentary was very helpful and we did a complete loop first... Read More

Fortunately we had great weather so sat outside on the top. Commentary was very helpful and we did a complete loop first before hopping off anywhere. Very useful for getting round the popular sights.

Hop On Hop Off is great. Convenient and a great way to see a city and have convenient transportation. Read More

Hop On Hop Off is great. Convenient and a great way to see a city and have convenient transportation.

The tour was very well arranged with enoygb time to listen to the introduction to each location, time to get off and get... Read More

The tour was very well arranged with enoygb time to listen to the introduction to each location, time to get off and get on. The drivers were very patient and knowledgeable. The tour covered most of the city that would be hard to cover only on foot

Great experience! Read More

Great experience!

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More From Forbes

Inside an accessible and unique whisky tour in edinburgh, scotland.

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The Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh, Scotland understands the assignment that not everyone ... [+] will want to spend 90 minutes taking a tour about whisky so they have created a unique tour that is sure to please almost everyone.

Leave it to Diageo to do everything correctly when it comes to a whisky tour. In 2021, the multinational corporation opened the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street in Edinburgh, Scotland (the main thoroughfare in Edinburgh New Town) in a building that was once a department store and a bank. Now the building hosts a retail shop, specialized tours, a rooftop bar plus event and office space.

The main “Journey of Flavor” tour isn’t your normal alcohol tour. Far from it. I’ve been on whisky tours before and some can be dry or not very interesting for the many people who’ve been dragged by their whisky loving family member or friend. Diageo understood the assignment that many people going on this tour would not actually want to be there so...how do you make sure everyone has a good time?

The first thing the tour asked us to do is fill out a questionnaire about what flavors we gravitate towards. Do you like banana? Do you like smoke? After filling out this, the tablet gave us a color which would correspond to a wristband given to you by the tour guide. My color was pink for fruit.

The tour guide (ours was Xian, who was excellent) then gave our group an introduction. Who is a whisky drinker? A whisky drinker is anyone of drinking age and there is no wrong or right way to enjoy whisky be it neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. This refreshing attitude to dispel myths was a nice change from geekery that can feel exclusionary. Right out of the gate, Johnnie Walker wanted you to feel welcomed.

The history portion of the tour is unlike anything I've seen before where an actor explains the ... [+] history of Johnnie Walker using theatrics straight out of Broadway.

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The history portion was probably the most unique part of the tour. Instead of making you watch a video or casually explain the history of who Johnnie Walker was, they have an actor on stage act out the life of Johnnie Walker and the history of his iconic whisky. The actor uses props, music, flashing lights, video screens, and a conveyer walkway, something right out of Broadway. Although silly at times, it kept my attention.

After this, you were given a highball (whisky and soda) using the color corresponding to your wristband given to you at the beginning of the tour. You poured the drink yourself using special machines that save over 15,500 glass bottles a year, a nod to sustainability. There were also trays of garnishes you could add yourself from crystallized ginger to orange peel.

Even the raw materials and process rooms were interesting, using technology, bubbles full of smoke (yes, really) and animations that leapt from the walls. While being on this tour, you can tell that Diageo spared no expense, spending reportedly 150 million pounds (approx. 208 million USD) on the entire operation: a large cost albeit for a long term investment in the brand.

In the end, we went to a tasting room where our tour guide Xian poured us two more drinks. These included a selection of cocktails like highballs or old fashioneds with various garnishes or drams of the straight whisky. I sampled two drams: the 18 year blend and the collaboration Johnnie Walker did with the iconic Harris Tweed , which was my favorite.

The tour is 90 minutes and went by very quickly. Obviously the tour ended next to the gift shop where you can get a range of Johnnie Walker merchandise, including monogrammed, etched bottles and even an AI machine that allows you to design your own label based around the art of Scottish artist Scott Naismith . The rare room in the back is worth a stop just to gawk at the prices.

The Johnnie Walker experience is housed on Princes Street a quick walk from the Haymarket train ... [+] station.

The “journey of flavor” tour happens every twenty minutes on two identical floors in the building to accommodate more people and are offered every day except major holidays. Cost is 30 pounds (about $40) per person. Over 250,000 people have taken the tour in the past three years and the tour is offered in English, French, German, Mandarin and Portuguese (coming October 2024). You can book a few months in advance using their website so if you know your vacation will take you to Edinburgh, I recommend booking before you leave, especially if you plan to visit during the summer.

For those who want more immersive experiences which can also be booked online, Johnnie Walker does many other experiences like a chocolate and beer pairing (65 pounds or $87 a person) to more curated tastings for whisky aficionados.

And for an added treat, make an online reservation at their rooftop restaurant 1820 Bar, which has beautiful, instagramable views of Edinburgh Castle. The food list has snacks to a prix fixe menu that changes at lunch or dinner. The drinks list, including the excitedly exhaustive lineup of Diageo products, is also available.

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The Grand 48 ticket

Available options:, description, additional information.

48 hour ticket for all three City Tours (Edinburgh Tour, Regal Tour and CitySightseeing Edinburgh)

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