
Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 476 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour worth booking?
Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour is a 1.2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $12 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 476 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (476)
- Duration
- 1.2 hours
- From
- $12 per person
Discover Edinburgh with a Big Bus hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour. Explore the city at your own pace on the City Tour or Britannia Tour, with stops at top attractions including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Palace
What you get
- Dog friendly
- Access to City Tour (available with all options)
- 24- or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket
- Access to Britannia Tour (available on 48-Hour Tour on City & Britannia Routes option only)
- Audio commentary available in 9 languages
About this experience
Discover Edinburgh with a Big Bus hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour. Explore the city at your own pace on the City Tour or Britannia Tour, with stops at top attractions including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Enjoy panoramic views and engaging onboard audio commentary throughout your journey. Start your adventure at Waterloo Place and choose the route that suits you best. From historic landmarks to hidden gems, Big Bus makes sightseeing in Edinburgh easy, flexible, and fun — whether you’re relaxing on the top deck or travelling inside the bus.
What's included
Included
- Dog friendly
- Access to City Tour (available with all options)
- 24- or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket
- Access to Britannia Tour (available on 48-Hour Tour on City & Britannia Routes option only)
- Audio commentary available in 9 languages
Not included
- Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
Options you can book
48-Hour City & Britannia Tours
Duration: 2 days: This option includes 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus access for travel on the City & Britannia Routes. Travel on 2 routes: Unlimited Hop-on, Hop-off Access on both the City and Britannia Tours.
48-Hour Edinburgh City Tour
Duration: 2 days: This option includes 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus access for travel on the City Route. Edinburgh City Tour: Hop on Hop off over 10 central stops!
24-Hour Edinburgh City Tour
Duration: 1 day: This option includes 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus access for travel on the City Route. Edinburgh City Tour : Hop-on, Hop-off at over 10 central stops.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, pt, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bright Bus Tours Hop On Hop Off
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 1.2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $12 to $30
- Booked in 30 days
- 167
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour cost?
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Prices start at $12 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 476 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour?
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Around 167 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 1.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Bus Edinburgh 24 or 48 hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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