What is the cancellation policy?

The cancellation policy varies by ticket type. For the 'Edinburgh Explore' and 'Edinburgh Essential' tickets, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least one hour before your visit. The 'Edinburgh Discover' ticket has the same policy. However, the 'City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free' ticket is non-refundable once booked. This means if your plans change, you should check the specific ticket type for its cancellation terms.

What is included in the ticket?

Each ticket type includes unlimited hop-on, hop-off bus travel for either 24 or 48 hours, depending on your selection. The 'Edinburgh Explore' and 'Edinburgh Essential' tickets allow travel across multiple routes, while the 'Edinburgh Discover' ticket is limited to the City Route. All tickets come with pre-recorded commentary available in nine languages, providing insights into Edinburgh's landmarks. However, none of the tickets include hotel pick-up/drop-off or food and drink.

How is the ticket delivered and used?

Tickets are delivered as a PDF voucher, which you can show either on your mobile device or as a printed copy when boarding the bus. You must book for a specific date, but no timeslot is required. When you arrive, simply present your ticket to the bus staff or a member of the street team to gain access. It's important to keep your ticket handy for easy boarding.

Who can purchase tickets?

Tickets are sold to adults aged 16-99 and children aged 4-15. The 'City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free' ticket is available for adults and seniors. This makes the tour suitable for families, solo travellers, and history enthusiasts alike, allowing for a flexible and engaging experience.

How far in advance should I book?

You should book your tickets for a specific date, but there is no requirement for a specific timeslot. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons. This allows you to plan your itinerary and make the most of your sightseeing experience in Edinburgh.

Any tips for visiting attractions?

When visiting attractions in Edinburgh, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as you may be exploring on foot after hopping off the bus. Download the Big Bus Tours App for real-time bus tracking and detailed maps, which can help you plan your stops effectively. Starting your tour early in the day can also maximise your sightseeing time, allowing you to enjoy more of the city's iconic landmarks.

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

Edinburgh

Experience the charm of Edinburgh with a 24 or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus tour, exploring iconic landmarks at your own pace.

Explore Edinburgh's top attractions at your own pace with a 24 or 48-hour ticket.
Visit iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace.
Enjoy engaging audio commentary in 9 languages for a richer experience.

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September 2026

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Edinburgh Discover - 24-Hour Hop-on, Hop-off

Choose your date

September 2026

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Change the date or party above

What's included

24-hour hop-on, hop-off access
Unlimited travel on the City Route (Red Line)
Travel on an open-top, double-decker bus
Pre-recorded commentary in 9 languages

About this ticket

Your ticket gives you 24 hours of unlimited travel on the open-top buses along the City Route (Red Line). You can hop on and off at any of the designated stops to visit attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Pre-recorded commentary in nine languages is available throughout the tour.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks

Practical info

Your ticket is valid for 24 hours from the moment it is first scanned on your chosen travel date. You can board the bus at any stop along the City Route; a recommended starting point is at Waterloo Place. This ticket is for adults aged 16-99 and children aged 4-15.

How to redeem

You will receive a PDF voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device or as a printed copy to a member of staff when you board the bus at any stop.

Important notes

Cancellations are fully refunded if made up to 24 hours before your travel date. The ticket becomes non-refundable once it has been activated.

Cancellation up to 1h before

Instant confirmation

Cancellation up to 1h before

Mobile voucher accepted

Secure payment

A 24-hour pass for unlimited travel on the Big Bus City Route around Edinburgh's central landmarks.

Choose your date

September 2026

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Change the date or party above

City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

A hop-on, hop-off bus tour from the City Sightseeing operator, which includes a 'Kids Go Free' offer.

Hop-on, hop-off bus tour access · 'Kids Go Free' offer (please check terms with operator) · Wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible buses

Non-refundable

From

£16.65

per person

What's included

Hop-on, hop-off bus tour access
'Kids Go Free' offer (please check terms with operator)
Wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible buses

About this ticket

This ticket from City Sightseeing gives you access to their hop-on, hop-off tour, with buses running frequently. The full tour loop takes around 70 minutes if you stay on board. Your voucher is valid for 12 months from the travel date you select.

Practical info

Your voucher is valid for 12 months from your selected travel date. The full, non-stop tour loop lasts approximately 70 minutes. This ticket is for adults (16-59) and seniors (60+). Please check with the operator for details of the 'Kids Go Free' offer.

How to redeem

You will receive a PDF voucher. Show the mobile or printed voucher when you board the bus at any of the stops along the route.

Important notes

This ticket is non-refundable after booking.
The 'Kids Go Free' offer is mentioned, but child passenger types are not available for this ticket. Please verify eligibility and terms with the operator directly.
This tour is operated by City Sightseeing, not Big Bus Tours.

Non-refundable

Instant confirmation

Non-refundable

Mobile voucher accepted

Secure payment

A hop-on, hop-off bus tour from the City Sightseeing operator, which includes a 'Kids Go Free' offer.

Edinburgh Essential - 48-Hours Hop-on, Hop off

A 48-hour pass giving you two full days of unlimited travel on the Big Bus City Route.

48-hour hop-on, hop-off access · Unlimited travel on the City Route (Red Line) · Travel on an open-top, double-decker bus · +1 more

Cancellation up to 1h before

From

£16.90

per person

What's included

48-hour hop-on, hop-off access
Unlimited travel on the City Route (Red Line)
Travel on an open-top, double-decker bus
Pre-recorded commentary in 9 languages

About this ticket

Your ticket provides 48 hours of unlimited travel on open-top buses along the City Route (Red Line). This gives you two days to hop on and off at any stop, letting you explore sights like the Scottish Parliament and Old Town. Commentary is available in nine languages throughout the journey.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks

Practical info

Your ticket is valid for 48 consecutive hours from the moment it is first scanned on your chosen travel date. You can board the bus at any stop on the City Route; the main departure point is at Waterloo Place. This ticket is for adults aged 16-99 and children aged 4-15.

How to redeem

You will receive a PDF voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device or as a printed copy to a member of staff when you board the bus at any stop.

Important notes

Cancellations are fully refunded if made up to 24 hours before your travel date. The ticket becomes non-refundable once activated.

Cancellation up to 1h before

Instant confirmation

Cancellation up to 1h before

Mobile voucher accepted

Secure payment

A 48-hour pass giving you two full days of unlimited travel on the Big Bus City Route.

Edinburgh Explore - 48-Hour Hop-on, Hop-off Across 2 Routes

A 48-hour pass for unlimited travel on both the City and Britannia sightseeing routes.

48-hour hop-on, hop-off access · Unlimited travel on the City (Red) and Britannia (Blue) routes · Travel on an open-top, double-decker bus · +4 more

Cancellation up to 1h before

From

£18.90

per person

What's included

48-hour hop-on, hop-off access
Unlimited travel on the City (Red) and Britannia (Blue) routes
Travel on an open-top, double-decker bus
Pre-recorded commentary in 9 languages
Complimentary headphones
Wheelchair accessible buses
Dogs are permitted on board

About this ticket

Get 48 hours of unlimited travel across two different routes: the City Route and the Britannia Route. In addition to the city centre highlights, you can travel out to Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Botanic Garden. Commentary in nine languages and free headphones are provided on the bus.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks
No toilets on board

Practical info

Your ticket is valid for 48 consecutive hours from its first scan on your chosen date, and covers both the City and Britannia routes. You can board at any designated stop. This ticket is for adults aged 16-99 and children aged 4-15.

How to redeem

You will receive a PDF voucher. Show the voucher on your mobile device or as a printed copy to a member of staff when you board the bus at any stop.

Important notes

Cancellations are fully refunded if made up to 24 hours before your travel date. The ticket becomes non-refundable once activated.

Cancellation up to 1h before

Instant confirmation

Cancellation up to 1h before

Mobile voucher accepted

Secure payment

A 48-hour pass for unlimited travel on both the City and Britannia sightseeing routes.

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Edinburgh with the Big Bus Tours Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour. This open-top bus experience allows you to explore the city’s rich tapestry of history and culture at your leisure. With options for both 24 and 48-hour tickets, you can hop on and off at your favorite attractions, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle and the historic Royal Mile. Listen to engaging audio commentary available in nine languages, bringing the city's fascinating stories to life as you journey through its streets.

As you navigate through Edinburgh, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deeper into the city's treasures. Stop by the Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse, or take a hike up Arthur's Seat for breathtaking views. The flexibility of this tour means you can spend as much time as you wish at each site, making it perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers. With the Big Bus Tours App, you can stay updated on live bus tracking and route information, ensuring you make the most of your sightseeing experience.

What to expect

When you join the Big Bus Tours in Edinburgh, you'll find yourself immersed in the city's vibrant atmosphere. As you ride atop the open bus, the stunning architecture and historic landmarks unfold before your eyes. The audio commentary will guide you through the tales of Edinburgh's past, from its Enlightenment era to its intriguing legends.

You'll have the freedom to hop off at any stop that piques your interest. Whether you want to explore the depths of the National Museum of Scotland or take a leisurely stroll along the Royal Mile, this tour offers the perfect blend of convenience and adventure. Capture unforgettable moments as you discover the beauty and history of Edinburgh.

Things to note

Download the Big Bus Tours App for real-time bus tracking and route updates.
Check the bus schedule to plan your stops effectively.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring attractions on foot.
Consider starting your tour early to maximize your sightseeing time.
Keep your ticket handy for easy access when boarding the bus.

Location

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What visitors think

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Frequently asked questions

The cancellation policy varies by ticket type. For the 'Edinburgh Explore' and 'Edinburgh Essential' tickets, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least one hour before your visit. The 'Edinburgh Discover' ticket has the same policy. However, the 'City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free' ticket is non-refundable once booked. This means if your plans change, you should check the specific ticket type for its cancellation terms.