Edinburgh Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour

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Duration75 minutes
Daily
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Overview

Discover Edinburgh's darker past with plenty of laughs along the way. On this evening tour you board a restyled vintage double-decker bus where a live guide and performer, playing a strange conductor, tells tales of executions, body-snatchers, plagues and hauntings as the bus winds through the city at dusk. The show mixes real history with theatre and comedy for about 75 minutes, with admission included. It is perfect for couples, friends and families with older children who enjoy a spooky night out.

Highlights

A theatrical evening tour aboard a restyled vintage double-decker bus
Live guide and performer mixing comedy with spine-tingling stories
Real tales from Edinburgh's history of crime, plague and punishment
See the Old Town and its landmarks lit up after dark
About 75 minutes, easy to fit before or after dinner
Several evening departures to choose from

Full Description

The Vintage Ghost Bus

The tour takes place on a classic vintage double-decker bus, restyled inside with dark, elegant decor and theatrical touches. Your host, a conductor with a sinister sense of humour, sets the mood from the moment you step aboard, and the bus itself becomes the stage for the show.

An Edinburgh ghost bus tour is a good choice if you want the atmosphere of a ghost walk without long walks on cold evenings or steep cobbles. The performance is interactive, so expect a few surprises and some audience participation. Is the ghost bus tour in Edinburgh worth it? For a fun, easy evening that mixes history with entertainment, most guests say yes.

Edinburgh's Old Town After Dark

Edinburgh's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the backdrop for many of the stories. Built along a volcanic ridge crowned by Edinburgh Castle, the medieval city was packed with tall tenements and narrow closes, where disease, poverty and crime were part of daily life for centuries.

As the bus moves through the city, the host brings to life figures from Edinburgh's past, from notorious criminals to the people who robbed graves to supply the city's famous medical schools in the early 19th century. The castle and the spires of the Old Town look especially dramatic lit up at night.

Dark Tales of Edinburgh's History

Edinburgh has more than its share of grim history: public executions were held in the Grassmarket until the late 18th century, plague victims were sealed away in the Old Town, and Scotland held some of Europe's largest witch trials. The Greyfriars Kirkyard is said to be among the most haunted graveyards in the world.

The show weaves these true stories into its script with plenty of humour, so it is spooky rather than truly frightening. The exact route and any short stops can vary, and your host shares tips on where to go for other Edinburgh ghost tours, vault visits and night-time viewpoints.

Itinerary

Boarding in central EdinburghMeet the bus at the set boarding point shortly before your chosen evening departure.
Meet your conductorThe host introduces the show and the rules of the ride as the bus sets off.
Through the city at duskRide through the Old Town and surrounding streets while the stories unfold.
Finale and returnThe show ends back in central Edinburgh, about 75 minutes after departure.

What's included

Ghost bus tour through Edinburgh
Live English-speaking guide and performance
Admission fees

Not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Tips

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children — a child price for ages 0–15
A short visit — about 1.5 hours

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers

Not suitable for

Young children who are easily frightened
Travellers looking for a serious history lecture (this is comedy theatre)

Meeting point

There is no hotel pickup. The bus boards at a set point in central Edinburgh, within walking distance of Princes Street and the Old Town; the exact boarding spot is sent with your booking confirmation. Evening departures are usually available at around 18:00, 19:30 and 21:00. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Important information

Arrive 15 minutes early; the bus leaves on time
The show contains dark themes, jump scares and some adult humour
Admission to the show is included
Food and drinks are not included
Dress warmly for waiting outside on Edinburgh evenings
The route and any short stops may vary

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the Edinburgh ghost bus tour cost?

The booking panel on this page shows the current price for this tour, for adults and children.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. The bus boards at a set point in central Edinburgh; the exact spot is in your confirmation.

How long is the ghost bus tour?

About 75 minutes.

Is the ghost bus tour suitable for children?

Children can join with an adult, and there is a child rate. The content includes dark themes and jump scares, so it suits older children best; use your judgement for younger ones.

What should I wear and bring?

Warm clothing and a sense of humour. Keep bags small, as space on board is limited.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Often yes, subject to availability. Check the evening departures in the booking panel.

What is the difference between the options?

This page offers one option: the evening comedy-horror ghost bus tour with a live guide and performance.

Is the tour scary?

It is spooky and full of surprises, but the comedy keeps it light. Most guests laugh as much as they jump.

Do we get off the bus?

The show takes place mainly on board. Any short stops depend on the route that evening.