Edinburgh: Royal Attractions Tickets + 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (Royal Edinburgh Ticket)

Your experience

Visiting Edinburgh? This all-inclusive combo ticket is just what you need. With three routes and access to iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, you can see all of the city.

Royal Attractions

Start at Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's Crown Jewels and the iconic One o'Clock Gun. Next, board The Royal Yacht Britannia for a glimpse of life at sea for the Royals. End your day at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, His Majesty's official Scottish residence, exploring grand State Apartments and Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers. A regal adventure through time!

Edinburgh HOHO

Zip around the city on cool double-deckers, hopping on and off as you please! With 50+ stops across three routes, you'll hit all the hotspots. Tune into multilingual audio guides or catch the lively English guide exclusively on the green route.

Red route

• First bus: 8:45am from Waterloo Place

• Last bus: 6:00pm from Waterloo Place

• Frequency: Every 30 mins

• Popular stops: Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile

Green route

• First bus: 8:50am from Waterloo Place

• Last bus: 5:50pm from Waterloo Place

• Frequency: Every 30 mins

• Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Blue route

• First bus: 8:40am from Waterloo Place

• Last bus: 5:25pm from Waterloo Place

• Frequency: Every 30 mins

• Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Know before you go

What's not allowed

Royal Attractions

• Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside the Edinburgh castle.

Accessibility

Royal Attractions

• Parts of Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse are wheelchair accessible.

• The Royal Yacht Britannia experience is wheelchair accessible.

Edinburgh HOHO

• This experience is wheelchair accessible.

• Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.

• Your guide dogs and pet dogs are welcome aboard.

Additional information

Royal Attractions

• The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except from 25 May to 8 September 2025, when it remains open daily.

• Holyrood Palace is closed between June 26 and July 4, 2025. Entry to The King's Gallery and a Palace Guidebook are offered as an alternative to Royal Edinburgh Ticket customers.

• Entry to the Edinburgh Castle is guaranteed – when you validate your prepaid voucher you will be offered a choice of entry slots. This cannot be booked in advance. Even if the Castle’s own website is sold out, tickets are allocated for Royal Edinburgh Ticket customers.

• Note that the ticket lets you visit Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia within 48 hours. If you need to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse outside of that timeframe, your ticket will still be valid.

• The 48 hours start when you validate your voucher – you will be issued a Royal Edinburgh Ticket with a tear off portion for Britannia and the Palace. You will also receive a tour ticket to get you on and of the tours. At that point we shall reserve your Castle entry.

• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult or senior citizen during their visit.

The Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is designed to provide maximum flexibility and convenience for exploring this captivating city. With a comprehensive route that covers all major sights, including Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Parliament, and the National Museum of Scotland, you can craft your own itinerary. Each bus offers comfortable seating and panoramic views, ensuring you don't miss any of the stunning architecture or picturesque landscapes. The tour features engaging audio commentary that brings Edinburgh's history and culture to life, offering stories and facts about each landmark you pass. Tickets typically offer 24 hours of validity, allowing ample time to hop on and off as frequently as you wish. This service is an excellent way to cover significant ground efficiently, making it simple to visit multiple attractions without the complexities of public transport or taxis. Whether you're interested in ancient history, royal tales, or vibrant city life, the Hop-on Hop-off tour provides a perfect starting point for your Edinburgh adventure.

Booking your Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour online offers several advantages, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable visit. Secure your tickets in advance to guarantee your spot, especially during peak travel seasons, and avoid potential queues at ticket booths. Online booking provides instant confirmation and often allows for mobile ticketing, reducing the need for paper vouchers. It also simplifies your travel planning, letting you budget and organize your itinerary before you even arrive in Edinburgh. Many online platforms offer flexibility with ticket validity, allowing you to activate your pass on a day that suits your schedule.

Edinburgh's history is a tapestry woven with ancient tales of kings, queens, battles, and enlightenment. The concept of sightseeing tours, including bus tours, evolved to help visitors navigate and appreciate this rich heritage. While the specific history of Edinburgh's Hop-on Hop-off bus tours isn't a singular event, it's part of a global trend that began in the mid-20th century, offering tourists a flexible way to explore major urban centres. Edinburgh, with its iconic castle, historic Old Town, and elegant New Town, presented an ideal landscape for such a service. These tours became popular for their convenience, providing commentary that contextualises the city's millennia of history, from its volcanic origins to its role as a key player in the Scottish Enlightenment. The routes are carefully designed to showcase landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, dating back to the 12th century, and the medieval Royal Mile, alongside more recent architectural wonders, reflecting Edinburgh's continuous evolution. The modern Hop-on Hop-off tour, with its multi-lingual audio guides, continues to be a vital tool for visitors to understand and immerse themselves in the deep historical layers of Scotland's capital.

The Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour usually commences operations in the morning, typically around 9:00 AM, and the last bus departs in the late afternoon, often around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. The frequency of buses varies by season, with more frequent services during peak tourist months (summer) and less frequent during winter. It is advisable to allow plenty of time to experience the tour fully, especially if you plan to hop off at multiple locations. Please note that schedules may be adjusted for public holidays or special events in the city.

Edinburgh is a city that enchants year-round, but for the most comfortable Hop-on Hop-off bus tour experience, consider visiting during the spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is generally milder with fewer crowds than the peak summer season. Summer (June-August) offers longer daylight hours and often warmer temperatures, but also sees a significant increase in visitors, particularly during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. Winter can be picturesque, especially around the festive period, but bus tours may have reduced operating hours and frequencies, and the weather can be cold and wet.

On an Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, you'll witness the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, and explore the historic Royal Mile leading down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland. The journey will take you past the magnificent St Giles' Cathedral, the modern Scottish Parliament Building, and Dynamic Earth. You'll also see the National Museum of Scotland, home to diverse collections, and the bustling Grassmarket area. Other notable sights include Greyfriars Kirkyard, known for the story of Greyfriars Bobby, and the vibrant New Town with its Georgian architecture, including Princes Street and George Street, offering excellent shopping opportunities and views of the Scott Monument.

When planning your Hop-on Hop-off bus tour in Edinburgh, remember that tickets are typically valid for 24 hours from your first use, not necessarily a calendar day. Consider starting your tour early in the day to maximize your time, especially if you intend to visit multiple attractions. Keep an eye on the weather forecast; even in summer, Edinburgh can experience all four seasons in one day, so layers are advisable. The buses offer pre-recorded commentary, so bring your own headphones if you prefer, though disposable ones are usually provided. While food and drinks are generally permitted, it's best to consume them discreetly and keep the bus tidy. Have a map of the route handy to plan your stops effectively.

For a pleasant experience on the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off bus tour, passengers are requested to remain seated while the bus is in motion. Please ensure all personal belongings are kept secure. Prams and wheelchairs can usually be accommodated, but space may be limited; priority is given to wheelchair users. Respect fellow passengers and keep noise levels to a minimum, especially when listening to audio commentary. Emergency exits and safety instructions are located on board. Follow the directions of the bus driver and crew at all times for your safety and comfort.

An Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is highly worth visiting for its unparalleled convenience and comprehensive coverage of the city's key attractions. It's an excellent option for visitors seeking an efficient way to see and learn about Edinburgh's rich history and vibrant culture without the stress of navigating public transport. The flexibility to hop on and off allows for personalised sightseeing, catering to individual interests and pace. With engaging commentary and panoramic views, it offers a relaxing yet informative introduction to Scotland's capital, making it ideal for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wishing to explore the city with ease.

As the Hop-on Hop-off bus tours originate from and circulate throughout central Edinburgh, access is convenient from most parts of the city. You can reach the main starting points or any designated bus stop via local Lothian Buses services, or by walking if you are staying in the city centre. Edinburgh Waverley train station is centrally located and a short walk from several key bus stops. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available to take you to your preferred starting point.