Big Bus Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off City and Britannia Bus Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Hop aboard Scotland’s official open-top tour and discover Edinburgh from the best seats in town! With a combined two-tour ticket, you’ll explore both the Edinburgh City Tour and the Britannia Tour, giving you access to the capital’s most iconic sights.
Hop on and hop off as much as you like to take in incredible landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, National museum of Scotland, Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Palace, Greyfriars Bobby, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the stunning Royal Yacht Britannia (attraction tickets sold separately).
Your ticket is valid for 48 hours, so you can pack in as many sights as you like, all at your own pace. And with our fun and friendly team on hand to help, we’ll make sure your Edinburgh adventure is unforgettable—on board and beyond!
Book now and see the Edinburgh your way, with Bright Bus Tours
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Your ticket, your schedule! Buy in advance and activate when you board
Valid for 48 hours with unlimited hop on- hop off
Mobile ticket
Dog friendly
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Multilingual audio commentary in 9 languages + free headphones
Please note Royal Yacht Britannia attractions tickets are not included.
What To Expect
Duration:1 hour 10 minutes
Operating Schedule:Britannia Tour: First tour departs from Waterloo Place at 09:00 then every hour till 16:00 which is the last tour of the day.
Waterloo Place
Opposite to Apex Hotel
Saint Andrew Square
Stop 208440 East pavement, south of Chambers Street
Shore
Stop 207210 west pavement, south of Commercial Street
Victoria Quay
Royal Yacht Britannia
Fishmarket Square
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Duration:1 hour
Operating Schedule:Summer Season May-Aug: The first tour departs from Waterloo Place at 09:00 and at frequent intervals until the last tour departs at 16:00 Off Peak Seasons Apr/Sep/Oct: The first tour departs from Waterloo Place at 09:00 and every 15 minutes until the last tour departs at 18:00, terminating at 19:05 Winter Season Nov-Mar: The first tour departs from Waterloo Place at 09:00 and every 15 minutes until the last tour departs at 16:00, finishing at 17:10. *Christmas Day and New Year's Day we are closed* Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, Boxing Day, and 2nd of January special timetable check with the staff on street for times.
Waterloo Place
Opposite the Apex Hotel
Saint Andrew Square
North Side
Lothian Road
Next to the Body Snatcher Watch Tower
Bread Street
The Mound
George IV Bridge
Grassmarket
National Museum of Scotland
Canongate Kirk
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Dynamic Earth
Abbeyhill
Regent Road
Options
48 Hour Hop on Hop Tour
Duration: 2 days: Unlimited use valid for 48 hours from time of first use
2 Central Routes: Edinburgh City & Britannia routes. With up to 18 stops over the 2 routes.
Reviews
162 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Total fail.
MaryL H,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
1.003 different hop on/off companies with multiple routes each. Very confusing about where/which bus to take. Recorded guide difficult to hear. Driver talking loudly to others on walker. We finally got off and stayed off.
Okay
Ida S,
Jul 23, 2025
- Viator
3.00Missed a lot of the trip due to weather and not able to find our way. Saw some interesting things and was grateful for a roof due to the rain. Probably should have only bought one pass as we didn't have time to do both routes.
Buses never come
Matthew B,
Jul 19, 2025
- Viator
1.00Buses do not come very often - idea of bus every 10 minutes is a lie. Waited in the rain as every other bus came, but not the Big Bus.
Ok running late had to miss a few stops
Michelle N,
Jul 11, 2025
- Viator
3.00Cheaper version but you get what you pay for. Was running late had to miss a few stops. Wasn’t very welcoming getting on as he was obviously in a hurry.
Great experience. will do it again.
ANNABELLE F,
Jul 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a great experience doing hop on hop off specially if you don't know the place. I will recommend this to all of you who want to have a great experience in Edinburgh Scotland you have so much to see. I'm glad we did it.
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Operated by Bright Bus Tours Hop On Hop Off