Edinburgh Big Bus Tour

This Edinburgh sightseeing bus offers an excellent opportunity to navigate the Scottish capital with ease. Passengers have the freedom to hop on and off at various stops, allowing for an immersive exploration of its historic avenues, stunning architecture, and enthralling tales.

Routes, Stops & Schedules

Featuring open-top double-decker buses equipped with English audio guides, this sightseeing bus in Edinburgh presents two distinct routes. Notable stops include the Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Scottish Parliament, National Museum of Scotland, and the Scott Monument. Each stop promises a captivating experience!

Below are the details for the routes, stops, and schedule of the sightseeing bus:

Route and stops for the Edinburgh sightseeing bus

Bus Lines

When purchasing your ticket, you can select from three ticket types tailored to your desired exploration time in Edinburgh and the specific routes that pique your interest.

The 24-hour ticket grants access to the red line, suitable for a brief introduction to the city’s highlights.

For a more thorough experience, consider the 48-hour ticket, which provides access to both the red and blue lines.

Red Line: This principal route traverses the Old Town and Georgian New Town, showcasing key attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, Dynamic Earth, and the Scottish Parliament.
During the period from October 27, 2025, to March 29, 2026, buses will run daily every 20 minutes from 9 am to 4 pm. The complete route takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Blue Line: This route ventures into northern Edinburgh, making it ideal for exploring the port area and the Leith district. Along the journey, sights include the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former residence of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Robert Burns Monument.
The journey on this route is approximately 55 minutes. From October 27, 2025, to March 29, 2026, it operates every hour from 9:05 am to 4:05 pm.

Be aware that bus times may be subject to change.

How It Works

Your ticket is valid for 24 or 48 consecutive hours starting from its first use. Throughout this duration, you are welcome to hop on and off at any stop as often as you wish. Although you will need to specify a start date when booking, the service can be utilized up to two weeks after the indicated date.