Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 24-Hour Ticket

Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock

Edinburgh Castle stands on an extinct volcano that dominates the skyline, and its crown of walls and towers is visible from almost every route the bus takes. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a useful way to appreciate its position before you decide whether to go inside. The Castle holds the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, and it has been fought over for centuries.

If you are planning to visit Edinburgh Castle, hop off at the nearest stop on Johnston Terrace or the Royal Mile and allow at least two hours. Entry tickets are separate from your bus ticket, and it is wise to book in advance in busy months. Opening hours change by season, so check ahead.

The Royal Mile and the Old Town

The Royal Mile runs downhill from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, linking the medieval Old Town's closes, cathedrals and museums. Commentary on the bus explains how families once lived in tall, cramped tenements, and how the city later spread into the planned streets of the Georgian New Town.

The route passes the area around the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street and George IV Bridge, which are close to many of the city's museums and cafes. Whether you want to walk the Royal Mile or simply ride, the bus lets you choose. Wear comfortable shoes, as the cobbled streets are steep in places.

Grassmarket, the Mound and the New Town

The Grassmarket is a lively square beneath the Castle rock, once the site of markets and public hangings, and today lined with independent shops, cafes and pubs. The commentary tells of its history while the Castle looms above. The bus also crosses The Mound, where the Old and New Towns meet, and passes elegant George Street and St Andrew Square in the Georgian New Town.

For visitors asking where to get a hop-on hop-off bus in Edinburgh, the start point is around George Street, and buses run frequently in summer and less often in winter. Timetables and stop closures can change with events and seasons, so check the map you receive with your ticket.

Holyrood, Dynamic Earth and Calton Hill

At the eastern end of the route you reach the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Scotland, and the Scottish Parliament building opposite. Nearby, Dynamic Earth is a science centre that tells the story of the planet, and it is popular with families.

On the return the bus climbs Regent Road beneath Calton Hill, where the Burns Monument and city views await. A full loop takes about seventy minutes without hopping off, so allow a whole day if you want to visit attractions. With a 24-hour ticket you can start in the afternoon and finish the next morning.