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10 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh: Unmissable Experiences for Every Traveler

10 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh: Unmissable Experiences for Every Traveler

Red City Sightseeing bus at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, the vibrant capital of Scotland, is steeped in history and culture and draws visitors from around the world. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful city is by taking a bus tour that showcases its iconic sights and attractions. With a wide range of tours, visitors can experience the city’s charm, architecture, and rich heritage comfortably and enjoyably.

Edinburgh bus tours cater to various interests, from historical and heritage tours to sightseeing and private tours. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of architecture, or want to soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting city, there’s a bus tour for every traveler. By hopping on and off the bus at various stops, visitors can take in the famous Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the bustling Royal Mile, among many other attractions.

Many of the top-rated bus tours in Edinburgh are environmentally conscious, with some even earning Gold Green Tourism awards. With knowledgeable guides providing live commentary, visitors will have a memorable experience and gain valuable insights into the city’s past and present. It’s time to climb aboard and discover the best of Edinburgh on a bus tour that suits your interests and schedule.

Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh

Red City Sightseeing bus driving along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, Scotland
Dmitry Naumov – stock.adobe.com

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, offers many exciting bus tours for visitors to experience and enjoy. Here are the top 10 bus tours in the city:

Hop on, Hop off, City Sightseeing

Edinburgh City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Bus
GetYourGuide / GetYourGuide

One of the most popular bus tours in Edinburgh, the Hop on Hop Off City Sightseeing tour allows visitors to explore key attractions at their own pace. Many buses stop at iconic locations such as Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Royal Edinburgh Ticket Bus Tour

Ross Fountain and the view of Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland
s4svisuals / Adobe Stock

This tour includes admission to the city’s royal attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Touring these prestigious locations by bus is a comfortable and efficient way to learn about Scotland’s royal history.

Lothian Buses Tour

Street view and the crowd at Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland
Richie Chan / Adobe Stock

Riders on the Lothian Buses Tour will experience a comprehensive exploration of Edinburgh’s attractions. Live guides will provide historical context for the charming streets and impressive architecture. This tour covers stops like the Royal Mile and the National Museum of Scotland.

Ghostly Bus Tour

Bus of the Edinburgh Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour
GetYourGuide / GetYourGuide

Those seeking a spookier experience may enjoy the Ghostly Bus Tour, which highlights Edinburgh’s haunted locations and dark history. Participants will travel through the city on a vintage double-decker bus to learn about Edinburgh’s paranormal past.

Multilingual City Tour

Front and exterior of the glasshouse at the Royal Botanical Garden, Edinburgh , Scotland
themorningglory / Adobe Stock

This tour caters to non-English-speaking visitors, offering audio guides in multiple languages. Participants can appreciate Edinburgh’s beauty and history in their language by covering attractions such as the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Leith.

Vintage Bus Tour

Buses of the Edinburgh Vintage Bus Tour
GetYourGuide / GetYourGuide

Travel back in time on a Vintage Bus Tour, where visitors can explore Edinburgh’s historic streets on a classic double-decker bus. This unique experience memorably combines history and sightseeing.

Best of Edinburgh Classic Bus Tour

Inside the Edinburgh Dungeon in Scotland
Edinburgh Dungeon / Facebook

This comprehensive tour takes visitors to a variety of highlights throughout the city, including the Edinburgh Dungeon, Greyfriars Bobby, and Johnnie Walker Princes Street. The Best of Edinburgh Classic Bus Tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an all-encompassing experience.

Whiskey Distillery Bus Tour

Tourists on  Edinburgh The Scotch Whisky Experience
GetYourGuide / GetYourGuide

Scotch whisky enthusiasts will appreciate the Whiskey Distillery Bus Tour, which takes participants to various regional distilleries. Tastings and guided tours provide insight into the production and heritage of this iconic Scottish drink.

Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies from Edinburgh

Panoramic view of Stirling Castle perched atop a hill, showcasing its historic architecture in Stirling, Scotland
cornfield / Adobe Stock

This tour ventures beyond Edinburgh, bringing riders to stunning locations such as Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies. These historical and natural wonders offer a unique perspective on Scotland’s beauty and history.

Edinburgh’s Majestic Bus Tour

Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, Scotland
Jean-Marie MAILLET / Adobe Stock

This hop-on, hop-off tour covers a more regal side of the city, with stops at attractions including the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Leith. It reveals the majestic aspects of Edinburgh in a convenient and accessible way.

Read Also: City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour of Inverness

Bus Tours from Edinburgh to the Highlands

Red Hop-on Hop-off bus driving on the road of  Edinburgh, Scotland
mino21 – stock.adobe.com

Bus tours from Edinburgh to the Highlands are an excellent way for tourists to explore Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Several reputable tour operators offer day tours from Edinburgh, with itineraries designed to provide an unforgettable experience.

Many bus tours travel through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Along the way, passengers can admire the stunning scenery of towering mountains, serene lochs, and dense forests. Some tours also make stops at historical sites like Dunkeld, an ancient cathedral, and Spean Bridge, a key location during the Jacobite Risings.

Another popular destination for bus tours is Glencoe. With its dramatic mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls, this majestic valley is steeped in history and plentiful natural beauty. Some itineraries may also include a stop in Fort William, a picturesque town near Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.

Loch Ness is yet another must-see attraction for visitors to the Highlands. Bus tours frequently include a visit to the loch and its surrounding villages, with some even offering a chance for a relaxing cruise on the water. Who knows – you might even glimpse the legendary Loch Ness Monster!

Tour operators strive to accommodate various interests by offering a range of themed tours. For instance, fans of the TV series “Outlander” may choose a tour focused on visiting key filming locations. History buffs can opt for a tour to explore notable landmarks steeped in Scottish heritage.

To make the most of your Highlands adventure, consider these popular bus tours from Edinburgh:

  • Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour
  • Loch Ness & Highlands Day Tour (Includes Cruise)
  • Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, and Glen Coe Day Trip
  • Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Fort William Full-Day Tour

Bus tours from Edinburgh to the Highlands offer a convenient and enjoyable way to discover Scotland’s beauty and history. Choose the right tour for you and prepare for an unforgettable experience.

Coach Tours from Edinburgh to England

Blue-Roads Touring website landing page
Blue-Roads Touring / Blue-Roads Touring

Coach tours from Edinburgh to England offer an exciting and convenient way to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes and remarkable sights. These tours cater to various interests, including historical sites, picturesque countryside, and bustling cities.

Several tour operators provide well-planned and guided coach tours from Edinburgh to England. Some popular destinations on these tours include Alnwick, Durham, Whitby, York, and the Peak District National Park. The tours often accommodate a wide age range, making them suitable for all types of travelers, from solo adventurers to families.

Here are some notable coach tours from Edinburgh to England:

  • Blue-Roads Touring: This operator offers a 10-day tour that covers Edinburgh, Alnwick, Durham, Whitby, York, Peak District National Park, Lincoln, and several other locations. Prices start from US $3,079, with an average daily cost of $308. These tours are fully guided and conducted in English, providing an in-depth cultural experience.
  • David Urquhart Travel: This company provides coach holidays from various pickup points across Scotland, including Edinburgh. Their tours often focus on picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights throughout England.
  • Shearings: With over 40 years of experience, Shearings offers coach holidays from Edinburgh to various destinations in the UK, including England. Prices for their coach holidays start from £259 per person.

When choosing a coach tour from Edinburgh to England, consider factors such as the tour’s length, destinations, and pricing, as well as your personal preferences and interests. Booking a tour with a reputable operator ensures a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey through England’s captivating landscapes and cities.

Day Trips and Excursions

Red bus of the Bright Bus Tours in front of National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Scotland
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Edinburgh offers a variety of day trips and excursions, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of Scotland. In this section, we focus on day coach trips departing from Edinburgh.

Day Coach Trips from Edinburgh

Aerial view of the St Andrews townscape in Scotland
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Day coach trips are a convenient and affordable way to explore the Scottish countryside. These tours typically use small, comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches, providing a more intimate experience than large buses. Several companies offer these journeys, with itineraries covering various regional attractions.

Here are some popular day coach trips from Edinburgh:

  • Scottish Highlands: Travel to the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, with stops at locations such as Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Fort Augustus.
  • Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs: Visit historic Stirling Castle, admire the beauty of Loch Lomond, and explore the charming villages of the Trossachs National Park.
  • Fife Coastal Tour: Discover the quaint fishing villages and magnificent coastline of the Kingdom of Fife, including St. Andrews, the home of golf.
  • Rosslyn Chapel & The Scottish Borders: Journey to the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel featured in The Da Vinci Code and ventured into the picturesque Scottish Borders region.
  • Read Also: City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour of Glasgow

These day tours introduce travelers to Scotland’s stunning landscapes, support local communities and provide an opportunity to learn about the country’s rich history and culture from knowledgeable local guides.

Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Map

Red City Sightseeing double decker tourist bus in Edinburgh, Scotland
Fotokon – stock.adobe.com

An Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Map is an essential tool for visitors exploring the city’s top attractions via hop-on, hop-off bus tours. These maps provide detailed information on the routes, stops, and landmarks, making it easy for travelers to navigate the city.

Most bus tours in Edinburgh cover iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Utilizing an Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Map, visitors can effortlessly plan their tour and hop on and off at their desired stops to explore the attractions at their own pace.

Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Maps can be found both online and in printed versions. Many bus tour operators offer their version of the map, detailing their specific routes and stops. Alternatively, tourists can find general maps of Edinburgh’s bus tours encompassing multiple operators, providing a comprehensive overview of available options.

Key features to look for in an Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Map include:

  • Routes: Clear and distinct lines representing the bus tour routes, with color coding for different routes, if applicable.
  • Stops: Highlighted bus stops to indicate where to board and disembark the buses.
  • Attractions: Icons or labels marking notable landmarks and sites along the routes.
  • Timings: Information on the frequency of the buses and duration of the tours.
  • Additional services: Details any extra services the tour operator offers, such as multilingual audio guides or discounted entry to attractions.

Overall, an Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Map is an indispensable resource for travelers who want to make the most of their bus tour experience in the city. With a wealth of attractions and an efficient bus tour network, visitors will have a memorable time discovering Edinburgh’s historic charm and fascinating stories.

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