how long does edinburgh bus tour take

Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

City Sightseeing: 24-Hour Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Discover the best of Edinburgh on this unlimited 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus tour, giving you maximum convenience.
• Get access to the Red Route, with over 14 stops dotted around the Scottish capital, near all major sights with buses arriving every 10-12mins.
• Learn about the city's iconic attractions through the audio guide available on board and enlighten your kids with the kid's commentary ‘Horrible Histories.’
• The open-top double-decker bus will give you the best views of the city, including Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, the Royal Mile and Johnston Terrace.
• 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• Access to Red Route
• Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian
• Horrible Histories' kid's commentary
• Free kids' tickets
• Flexible validity for up to 12 months from your selected date
• Entry tickets to attractions

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

• First bus: 8:45am from Waterloo Place
• Last bus: 5:57pm from Waterloo Place
• Frequency: every 10 to 12mins
• Popular stops: Lothian Road, Grassmarket, Lawnmarket & Regent Road

Join the tour at any stop and hop on and off throughout your ticket's duration.

• Tip: Want to take a break from exploring? Savor Scottish cuisine: haggis, fish and chips, and Scotch whiskey by exploring local spots for authentic flavors.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Wheelchairs must be no larger than 70cm wide, 120cm long, and 135cm high to board the bus. If unsure, contact the service provider.
• Just a heads up, each bus can only accommodate 1 wheelchair at a time. If there is already a passenger in a wheelchair, please wait for the next one.
• Children aged 3 and under travel for free. Child tickets must be added to the cart at the final stage of booking.
• Small and well-behaved dogs allowed onboard.
• These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

3-Route Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Access to Royal Attractions

• Grab the ticket offering 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off tours and get stunning views of Edinburgh from the open top upper decks.
• Enjoy access to 3 different routes , each with over 12 convenient stops, and hop on and off as many times as you like.
• What's more? Upgrade your tour to include entry tickets to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
• Tune into the entertaining audio guide in multiple languages for kids narrated by Terry Deary or listen to your live guide and learn all about the city's history.
• Pass by several must-see spots, including Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
• 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off tour of Edinburgh
• Access to 3 routes: City Sightseeing, Edinburgh tour, Regal tour
• Entry to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, the Palace of Holyroodhouse (optional)
• Audio commentary in English, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Scottish, German, Portuguese, Spanish & Chinese (City Sightseeing & Edinburgh tours)
• English-speaking guide (Edinburgh tour)
• Children's audio guide by Terry Deary (City Sightseeing tour)
• Free headphones onboard (City Sightseeing & Edinburgh tours)
• Discounts at the Royal Botanic Garden, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse & more ( full list here )

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

City Sightseeing tour (classic route)

• First bus: 8:45 am from Waterloo Place
• Last bus: 5:57 pm from Waterloo Place
• Frequency: every 10-12 mins
• Popular stops: Historic Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile

Edinburgh tour (across Old Town and Georgian New Town)

• First bus: 9:10am from Waterloo Place
• Last bus: 3:40pm from Waterloo Place
• Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Regal tour (leaving city center to the coast at Newhaven)

• First bus: 9:20am from Waterloo Place
• Last bus: 3:50pm from Waterloo Place
• Frequency: every 15 mins
• Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Tip: Don’t forget to grab discounted tickets to iconic food places like Street Pizza by Gordon Ramsay, Hard Rock Cafe, and Bread Street Kitchen & Bar
• Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.
• Low-floor ramps are available for easy access.
• Screens are conveniently available on the lower decks of City Sightseeing and Regal route buses.
• Your guide dogs and dogs are welcome aboard.
• Great news! If you're traveling with children aged 15 and under, they can hop on board for free with the 24-hour ticket.

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural festivals. It is home to famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur's Seat, as well as a vibrant food and drink scene and world-class museums.

But getting around the old city can be confusing for a new visitor. With Edinburgh’s Hop On Hop Off Buses , you can get to explore all the top spots in the city. And, with this convenient mode of transport, all you need is one ticket!

Read on to learn more about Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Why Choose Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours?

• Visit Iconic Landmarks: See all of the city’s top attractions from the open-top buses that are ideal for sightseeing.
• Easy and Convenient: Explore the best of the city without worrying about your commute with just one ticket.
• Save Money: Hop-on hop-off bus tours will help you save money as you won’t have to spend on local transport fares to get from one spot to the other.
• Pre-Recorded Commentary: There are audio guides in 9 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian, as well as a special kid's commentary to give you information on all the attractions you will visit.

For more information on the special features and inclusion, please check your tickets.

Edinburgh On Hop Off Bus Tour Timetable

• Timings: 9:05 AM to 5:25 PM
• Closures: 24, 25, 26 & 31 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan
• Timings: The first bus is at 9:10 AM and the last bus is at 3:40 PM
• Frequency: Every 30 mins

Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Visitor Tips and Guidelines

• Know What Your Ticket Includes:  Most hop-on hop-off bus tour operators have multiple ticket options. Some may not include all the routes on the tour, while others may even offer additional perks like a boat ride or a walking tour. 
• Plan Your Route:  Find out the routes that your hop-on hop-off bus will take (all tour operators offer a map of their routes), so you can decide which stops you would like to get off at beforehand. It is also important to know which major attractions are near the stops. 
• Schedule Your Stops:  If you want to tour any of the attractions near the bus stops, make sure you know how long the tour will be, and when the next hop-on hop-off bus will stop. 
• Buy Attraction Tickets: Many attractions require entry tickets, be sure to purchase these in advance online to avoid standing and waiting in long queues.
• Peak Hours:  If you can you the time and day of your bus tour, find out what the rush hours are in New York during your visit, so you can avoid getting stuck in traffic. 
• Try to Take the Tour Twice:  If you have time, consider first making a full loop on the bus without getting on or off the bus. It may seem like this defeats the purpose of a “hop-on hop-off” tour, but this way you can get an overview of Edinburgh with a good seat and view for the entire trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

A. Yes, Edinburgh has a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

A. You can buy Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tickets online.

A. Yes, you can avail Edinburgh hop-on hop-off tickets online.

A. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour ticket prices start from £16.

A. Hop-on hop-off buses in Edinburgh allow you to get on and leave the bus at any of the designated stops to see the major city landmarks whenever you want.

A. Edinburgh hop-on hop-off buses run between 10 AM to 6 PM and arrive at a frequency of 15 minutes.

A. Yes, there are audio guides available for adults in 5 languages on the New York hop-on hop-off bus tours, including English, Spanish, Italian, French & German.

A. Yes, Edinburgh’s hop-on hop-off bus tours are accessible to wheelchair users.

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Scotland Welcome

• Attractions

Hop On Hop Off: Grand 24 Ticket

Culture Vultures, Family Friendly, First Timers

Discover Edinburgh with the iconic hop on hop off City Sightseeing Bus Tour

Are you ready to explore the magnificent Scottish capital? See as much of Edinburgh as possible on 3 different hop on hop off busses.

To begin with, you could start your journey at St Andrew’s Square. Alternatively, you could join the bus at any stop along the route. Either way you will enjoy all the City Sightseeing Bus Tour has to offer. Prepare yourself for an adventurous journey all around the heart of Edinburgh. Furthermore, we’ll take you to many great locations, all of which give Edinburgh its character and heritage.

Buy your ticket online today and start planning your sightseeing! 24-hour ticket for all three City Tours (Edinburgh Tour, Majestic Tour and City Sightseeing Edinburgh)

Edinburgh Tour (green bus)

Explore Edinburgh’s city centre with one of our tour guides. Take in the spectacular buildings including Edinburgh Castle. Likewise, the Scottish Parliament and the architecture of the Georgian New Town will dazzle you along thee route.

Majestic Tour (blue bus)

The Majestic Tour heads north of Edinburgh’s city centre towards the port of Leith. In particular, enjoy highlights including Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh & The Royal Yacht Britannia. Finally, who could forget the Queens official residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

City Sightseeing Tour (red bus)

See all the main attractions with CitySightseeing Edinburgh. There’s multi-language commentary and a special Horrible Histories commentary for your children, narrated by Terry Deary himself!

Jump aboard all of our city tours with our 24-hour unlimited access ticket

Select participants and date

• Adult Number of Adults
• Child 5-15yrs
• Number of Students Number of Students

Checking Availability With Our Providers

• Edinburgh Castle
• Holyrood Palace
• The Royal Mile
• Royal Yacht Britannia
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Scottish Parliament
• Dynamic Earth
• National Museum of Scotland
• Greyfriars Bobby
• Green Bus has live guide
• Red bus has audio guide in 9 languages
• 24 hour unlimited access on all 3 official Edinburgh Bus Tour hop on hop off buses.
• Entry to any of the attractions

Meeting Point

How long is my ticket valid, do children need to be accompanied, is the bus accessible, can i bring my dog, can i join the bus at any stop.

Enjoy this experience with our trusted partners: Edinburgh Bus Tours

FREE CANCELLATION

Plan ahead risk free. Cancel at least 24hrs before your booking for a full refund

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Hop on Hop off Edinburgh Bus Tours

Whenever we're offering one of our free Edinburgh walking tours, there's always a chance that we'll get asked about all the double decker buses driving through the city.

With that in mind, we created this post to cover each of the hop on hop off bus tours available in Edinburgh.

We provide details about locations included on each route, how to get tickets, how to save money on admission and more.

City Sightseeing

Bright bus tours.

• Edinburgh Tour
• Majestic Tour

Pros and Cons

Hop on hop off bus tours are a great way to learn a lot of details about Edinburgh.

In addition to the tour, you’ll also have the chance to jump off the bus at a variety of notable and historic landmarks throughout the city.

Although this service can be very useful, some travelers will get more out of a hop on hop off bus tour than others.

This is one of the most popular hop on hop off bus tour companies in the world, and it’s no surprise that they’ve made a name for themselves in Edinburgh.

Currently, they offer just one route and 14 total stops throughout the city, including landmarks such as Holyrood, Waverley Bridge, the John Knox House and much more.

No matter where you’re traveling from, chances are you’ll be able to understand their audio guide, as it is currently available in the following 9 languages:

English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Portuguese.

They also have a commentary designed specifically for kids!

Iconic Ticket Prices

• 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Access to the Red Route (14 stops)
• £16/Adults | £15/Seniors & Students
• Kids between the ages of 5-15 are FREE

NOTE: This tour is included with at least one tourist pass, and it is also part of a combo ticket. Check our deals section for more details.

Ultimate Ticket Prices

• 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus
• Entrance to Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Entrance to Edinburgh Castle
• Entrance to The Royal Yacht Britannia
• £65/Adults | £60/Seniors & Students | £35/Children (5-15)
• Kids under the age of 5 are FREE

Essential Ticket Prices

• 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Glasgow Bus Tour
• £32/Adults | £9/Children

Purchase tickets or learn more .

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With at least 7 hours to experience the full tour, you’ll have more than enough time to hop off and explore multiple sites at your leisure.

Once you’ve finished looking around, just jump back on and continue the tour!

Tickets are valid for a total of 3 months after purchase, giving you plenty of time to use them.

If you decide not to use your ticket, it can be returned for a full refund up to 24 hours before the chosen date of your tour.

If you’re looking for a somewhat more affordable option, this company offers some of the best prices for hop on hop off Edinburgh bus tours.

In addition to their competitive pricing, they also have a total of 16 stops in the city, including the Museum of Edinburgh, Holyrood Palace, Waverly Bridge, Johnston Terrace, The Mound and more.

Much like their competitors, Bright Bus Tours also provides its audio guide in the following 9 languages: English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, Japanese, Russian and Chinese.

Edinburgh Ticket Prices

• £16/Adults | £14/Seniors & Students | £8/Children
• Family Ticket (2 Adults + 3 Children): £32
• Free for children under the age of 5

Britannia Ticket Prices

Edinburgh + Britannia Ticket Prices

• £20/Adults | £18/Seniors & Students | £10/Children
• Family Ticket (2 Adults + 3 Children): £40

NOTE: This hop on hop off bus tour is included with an Edinburgh tourist pass that you can use to save even more money. Check our deals section for more details.

This tour takes about 1 - 1 ½ hours to complete and tickets last from 9 am - 5 pm each day, giving you plenty of time to jump off and see several different locations in Edinburgh.

• Edinburgh Bus Tour

As with their competitors, this company provides a very similar service of 14 stops throughout the city, and their prices are pretty much exactly the same as other hop-on-hop-off bus tours in Edinburgh.

This tour includes stops at such sites as Waverley Bridge, the John Knox House, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Dynamic Earth, Charlotte Square, and the Museum of Scotland.

Unlike some of their competitors, customers can expect live guides to provide commentary in English.

If you’d rather stick to live commentary, this is one of the best options in Edinburgh.

They also offer access to all three of the other major bus tours, and this offer is accessible via both their 24 and 48 hr tickets.

24-Hour Ticket Prices

• £22/Adults | £20/Seniors & Students
• Free for children under the age of 15

48-Hour Ticket Prices

• £26/Adults | £24/Seniors & Students | £13/Children

NOTE: This tour is included on at least one tourist pass and it’s also part of a combo package. Check our deals section for additional information.

The full tour is about 1 hour in length and they provide service from 9 am - 5:30 pm during the summer and 9 am - 4 pm in the winter.

With 7 hours to take a 60 minute tour, you should have a lot of time to stop at several notable locations and get a good look at quite a few landmarks in Edinburgh.

Tickets are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase when you buy them online. Once activated, they will be valid for that day.

• Majestic Bus Tour

This is the one hop on hop off bus tour in Edinburgh that will take you North of the city centre to see several additional landmarks not included on other tours.

During this outing you’ll have the opportunity to see and learn about sites like the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Royal Botanic Garden, Scottish Parliament and more.

This bus tour does not include live commentary, but the audio guide is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Portuguese.

With only 13 stops on the Majestic bus tour, this is the least extensive service on our list, but it also provides transportation to and coverage of sites that aren’t available from any other hop on hop off bus tour.

Of course, if you're interested in some of the hop-on hop-off bus tours in Edinburgh, there's actually a Multi-Tour Ticket that includes admission to all of them for just £4 more!

Ticket Prices

Multi-Tour Tickets

• £20/Adults | £19/Seniors & Students

This tour lasts for approximately 1 hour and it is available from 9 am - 6 pm during the summer and 9:30 am - 4:30 pm in the winter.

No matter when you visit Edinburgh, you should be able to stop off at multiple locations and get a good look at several popular landmarks during the 7 ½ - 9 hours you’ll have on this hop on hop off bus tour.

Your ticket will be valid for a total of 6 months, but once it is activated, you’ll only be able to use it on the date of activation. 

This section will cover each of the deals that are currently available for Edinburgh hop on hop off bus tours.

We’ll start off with combo packages and finish things off with details about tourist passes.

Grand 48 Combo

Although each Edinburgh hop on hop off bus tour is only available for 24 hours, there is one combo deal you can use to get a 48 hour bus ticket which includes admission to 3 of the 4 tours on this post.

This combo package includes the following bus tours at one flat price for 2 days:

• City Sightseeing Tour

There are a lot of advantages to purchasing one ticket which covers multiple bus tours, but the main benefits are that you can enjoy live commentary, audio guides in several languages, and coverage of popular royal landmarks in Edinburgh.

Grand 48 Combo Prices:

• Family Ticket (2 Adults + 3 Children): £59
• Free for children under the age of 5.
• Purchase the Grand 48 Combo or learn more .

In addition to this option, there is also a Grand 48 + Combo Pass which includes an additional bus and boat tour which will take you to Queensferry and Inchcolm Island.

Royal Edinburgh Ticket

This option includes a Grand 48 ticket in addition to the following popular activities and attractions:

• Fast-track entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Fast-track entrance to the Royal Yacht Britannia
• Fast-track entrance to Edinburgh Castle

If you're interested in visiting these locations at some point during your trip to Edinburgh, this is an excellent way to save both time and money on tickets.

• £69/Adults | £65/Seniors & Students | £36.50/Children
• Purchase the Royal Edinburgh Ticket or learn more .

Tourist Passes

Every Edinburgh hop on hop off bus tour is included with at least one tourist pass, each one covering admission to several additional attractions or activities.

Most bus tours are only available through a prepackaged pass known as the Royal Edinburgh Ticket.

This ticket includes the Grand 48 combo package in addition to tickets for Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

If you’re more interested in Bright Bus Tours, the Edinburgh City Pass includes admission for this 24 hour hop on hop off service in addition to more than 20 popular attractions in the city.

Here are some of the more popular activities included with tourist passes in Edinburgh:

• Edinburgh Castle | £19.50
• The Royal Yacht Britannia | £17
• Edinburgh Dungeon | £14
• Butterfly and Insect World | £8
• Scott Monument Museum | £8
• Harry Potter Tour | £12
• Forth of Firth Boat Tour | £15
• Dynamic Earth | £16
• Edinburgh Zoo | £20

Depending on which pass you choose and how you use it, you should be able to save at least 25% - 60% off general admission prices.

For more details, please read our post covering Edinburgh tourist passes .

If all else fails, you can also check websites such as Groupon to see if they are offering any deals for hop on hop off bus tours in Edinburgh.

In addition to the deals you can find on these sites, they also frequently offer additional promo phrases you can use to save an extra 10% - 20% off admission prices.

Before you purchase any tickets on these sites, make sure to check both the top and bottom of the page for promo codes you can use to save even more money!

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Excellent Overview

If you’re looking for a tour that covers all the basics about the history of this city, taking a hop on hop off bus tour should do the trick. 

In addition to learning about Edinburgh, you’ll also get a good sense for where everything is located and how to get around with ease.

Simple to Use

You can start your tour at any of the included stops along the mapped routes and buses run quite frequently, making this a fairly easy service to use.

Even better, you can hop off at any of the designated stops, take as much time as you want to look around, and get back on the bus afterward!

Reasonable Prices

Edinburgh hop on hop off bus tours range from £10-£24 on average for adults and £6-£15 for kids, making this a fairly affordable activity.

Live Tour Guides

In addition to the audio guides that you can listen to on these outings, some hop on hop off bus tours also include live commentary from professional tour guides.

Even if this is a wise investment for most visitors, some travelers may find that a hop on hop off bus tour doesn’t provide enough value for them.

Here are some of the cons you should think about before making a purchase.

General Commentary

Although you can learn a lot of useful information by taking a hop on hop off bus tour, the details their guides provide are typically very general.

If you’re looking for a more detailed tour, this may not be the best option available in Edinburgh.

Not Very Efficient

While it’s nice that you can jump off and explore the city at your leisure, doing so also makes it difficult to finish your tour as quickly as possible.

If you’re looking for a faster and more efficient tour of Edinburgh, you may want to consider another alternative.

No Assigned Seating

Some fully guided bus tours include assigned seating, ensuring you’ll always have a place to sit.

Unfortunately, hop on hop off bus tours offer first-come, first-serve seating, so you never know which seat you’ll get!

If having a window seat or just being able to sit while riding from one site to the next is important to you, it might be necessary to consider another type of tour.

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Edinburgh Bus Tours

Explore the capital city of Scotland with Bright Bus Tours — the brightest way to see Edinburgh. Our Edinburgh bus tours cover the city’s most extraordinary sights, including the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur’s Seat.

Our Bus Tours in Edinburgh

Book a big bus tour of Edinburgh with Bright Bus Tours — the official hop-on, hop-off Edinburgh sightseeing bus in Scotland. You’ll benefit from easily accessible Edinburgh bus tour stops located at the city’s top sights and affordable tickets. Take in all of the incredible attractions the city has to offer with a knowledgeable tour guide and bus driver.

From insider secrets to city sightseeing with tons of free time to explore and learn about Scottish history, an Edinburgh bus tour ticket offers the best value way to explore. There’s no need to try and navigate the city all on your own or worry about parking – we efficiently take you through the best stops so you can focus on taking it all in. Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia, stroll through relaxing gardens, and marvel at world-class art! Edinburgh has it all. 

The Britannia Tour

Immerse yourself in history and royalty with our Britannia bus tour of Edinburgh. Take a look at some of the best attractions you can look forward to on our Edinburgh tours by bus.

Royal Yacht Britannia 

Our Edinburgh bus tours wouldn’t be complete without the crown of our hop-on, hop-off trip. You’ll be amazed to learn from a Bright Bus tour guide that the Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the top attractions in the UK.

As you step off at stop 5 of our bus tours from Edinburgh, you’ll be walking the same steps that tons of famous figures, like Nelson Mandela, have walked. You can even explore Queen Elizabeth’s favourite room!

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art holds one of Edinburgh’s most incredible selections of contemporary artworks. With our open-top bus tour in Edinburgh, you’ll hop off at stop number 9 and admire a sculpted garden and a gallery boasting incredible modern and avant-garde displays.

Newhaven Harbour

At stop number 4 from our tourist bus in Edinburgh, you’ll discover a small harbour once used to fish and build ships. All the way back in the 1400s, King Hames III and IV had impressive ships built here! Now, you can dine here in style when you hop off our Edinburgh tour bus. You can even check out the Armada Stone, a famous bronze plaque rumoured to pay homage to the Spanish Armada.

Stockbridge

Coming in at stop number 8 from our bus tours in Edinburgh, Scotland is Stockbridge, one of the most charming villages near the city centre. Soak up the atmosphere, sample some artisan food, or buy a few craft items as mementoes. Stop by one of the many quaint coffee shops for a quick break from the Edinburgh bustle before heading to Circus Lane for some postcard-worthy snaps!

Royal Botanic Garden

Our hop-on, hop-off Britannia bus tour stop 3 takes you to the Royal Botanic Garden, a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Established in the 17th century, The Botanics, as the locals call it, is home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse plant collections! Enjoy a peaceful stroll or grab a bite at the café.

Join our daily tours and discover the most picture-perfect and intriguing places in Edinburgh. 

The City Tour

Our City Tour is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Edinburgh. Our bus tours in Edinburgh cover some incredible spots like the historic Old Town, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Waterloo Place, and more! Here are a few of the stand-out spots we’ll visit.

Edinburgh Castle

Learn about the city’s royal history with a stop at Edinburgh Castle – stop 8 on our City Tour. Stroll through some of the oldest halls in the city, explore the Great Hall and the chapel, and listen out for the sound of the One o’clock Gun! You can even stop at Edinburgh’s castle for a meal if you’re getting hungry along the way on our bus tours in Edinburgh, Scotland.

St Andrew Square

Immerse yourself in some peaceful greenery at St Andrew Square! Stop 2 on our City Tour gives you access to one of the most beautiful garden squares in the city, home to the Melville Monument. Stop for a coffee or indulge in a meal to fuel up for the day. You can also explore nearby George Street, one of Scotland’s main shopping streets.

Johnston Terrace

Stop 13 on our open-top bus in Edinburgh is Johnston Terrace, a stunning old section of town that will blow your mind! You can enjoy a variety of attractions here, from the Whisky Experience to the Granny Green Steps. One of the most iconic town sights on the tour, the King’s wall carving, can be found here. A lot of visitors also enjoy checking out the Cannonball House, the Celtic Chapel, and the old Edinburgh town wall.

The National Museum of Scotland

If you’re a history buff, get off at stop 9 of our hop-on, hop-off Edinburgh bus tours for the National Museum of Scotland. The museum takes city sightseeing in the Old Town to a whole new level, from learning about old animal habitats and admiring vintage fashion trends to getting afternoon tea or learning about cultural diversity in Scotland’s capital.

Edinburgh Bus Tours – FAQs

Have a few questions about our Edinburgh bus tours? Take a look at our frequently asked questions below.

How long do Edinburgh bus tours last?

We wish your Edinburgh tour could last forever! However, if you’re going for the city Edinburgh tour, the journey will take around an hour and ten minutes. For the Britannia Edinburgh Tour, the journey will be an hour and a half. You’re free to hop on and hop off our city centre Edinburgh tour all day if you want, whether it’s at the start from Waterloo Place or elsewhere!

How often do buses stop during an Edinburgh tour?

Both of our Edinburgh bus tours start at Waterloo Place and depart at 10 and 15-minute intervals. You can hop on and off at any of our stops, just check our routes before planning your adventure!

What time do Edinburgh bus tours end?

The last of our Edinburgh bus tours will leave at 4 pm and last the full duration of the adventure. Make sure to book an Edinburgh tour ticket in advance so you don’t miss out on our captivating routes!

What is a two-tour combo ticket?

With a two-tour combo ticket, you can access the world of our incredible Edinburgh routes in 48 hours! The ticket will give you access to both our Britannia and city tours over 48 hours, meaning you can take your time enjoying Edinburgh’s landmarks and attractions without rushing through them. If you don’t have as much time to spend on our tour buses in Edinburgh, you can also opt for a single ticket, which is valid for 24 hours.

Do you still have a few more questions about our Edinburgh bus tours? Get in touch with the friendly team at Bright Bus Tours and we’ll be happy to help!

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Bright Bus Tours: The Edinburgh Tour Bus for Affordable Adventures

Bright Bus Tours has been championing city sightseeing in Edinburgh since 2019. We understand that it’s not just about the famous attractions and sights; it’s about the incredible journey along the way. 

Other than our awesome bus tours in Edinburgh, we also provide the cheapest and fastest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre with our convenient Bright Bus Airport Express . Our tour buses connect you directly to our hop-on, hop-off Scotland bus tours.

Our dedication to your city tour experience earned us a 5-star rating for customer service and a 4-star rating in quality assurance from Visit Scotland. A hop-on, hop-off open bus tour in Edinburgh isn’t just about city sightseeing; we also provide insider secrets and tips to provide you with a local experience of the city. 

Bright Bus Tours is the brightest and most affordable way to take a city tour in Edinburgh. Here are a few benefits of taking in the sights with us:

• A fun alternative to exploring the city on foot
• Cost-effective airport transfers
• Partnership discounts
• Two-ticket discount options
• Student ticket discounts
• Accessible tour buses
• Dogs allowed on tour
• Private tour options

Our Edinburgh sightseeing tours are the best way to experience Scotland’s capital city on a budget. Book an Edinburgh bus tour with Bright Bus Tours today!

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Everything you need to know about edinburgh bus tours.

• October 25, 2017

Smoke-stained buildings watch the busy streets with ancient eyes, silhouetted against a white sky that shows off just a sliver of sunlight as if blue skies were one of the city’s many hidden secrets. An open top bus tour in Edinburgh is one of the best ways to experience Scotland’s unique capital.

Edinburgh offers so much to see that every visitor should try to stay for more than a day. But if a day is all you have, it’s still possible to get a good look at this amazing place. The best way to do this is to take an open top hop-on hop-off bus tour of the beautiful city.

This was a new experience for me as I usually like to explore places on foot, and try to stay away from overly touristy activities like group tours, but it’s now one of my favourite ways to see the main sights of a city in a short amount of time.

Edinburgh’s hop-on-hop-off bus tours

There are three different Edinburgh hop-on-hop-off bus tours that all leave from Waverley Bridge – the City Sightseeing Tour (red bus), The Edinburgh Tour (green bus) and The Majestic Tour (blue bus). Though all three bus tours stop at Holyrood Abbey, Canongate Kirk, John Knox House and Market Street; the rest of their routes take a different path through the city.

Single tickets are the cheapest option and can be used over a 24-hour period. There are also 24-hour and 48-hour packages which combine all 3 tours.

Those who only have a few hours in the city can stay on the bus for the entire trip. Though the full tour is advertised as 1 hour long, some stops may take a bit of extra time, so plan for the trip to take at least an hour and a half.

The City Sightseeing Tour: Red Bus

Edinburgh’s  City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour  shuttles visitors around the city center with an audio commentary in nine different languages about the sights and history around Edinburgh. Many of the stops are the same as the Edinburgh Tour, though this is the best option for those who would like to hear the commentary in their own language. This is the only one of the three routes to stop at Lothian Road and Loristan Place.

• Waverley Bridge 
• Lothian Road  (St John’s Church)
• Grassmarket  (Historic Old Town)   G
• Lauriston Place  (Edinburgh College of Art)
• Johnston Terrace  (Saturday Farmers Market)   G
• Lawnmarket  (Edinburgh Castle)
• Chambers Street  (National Museum of Scotland)
• John Knox House   G B
• Canongate Kirk  (Museum of Edinburgh)  
• Holyrood Abbey & Scottish Parliament  
• Our Dynamic Earth  (Arthur’s Seat)   G
• Regent Road  (Calton Hill)
• Hanover Street   G
• Market Street (Edinburgh Dungeon)     G B

G:   Edinburgh Tour (Green Bus) Transfer      B :  Majestic Tour (Blue Bus) Transfer 

The Edinburgh Tour: Green Bus

The  Edinburgh Tour  is also a great way to see the main sights around the city center and features a live commentary in English only. This hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Edinburgh’s city centre adds on a stop at Charlotte Square, where you can view the beautiful Georgian architecture and statue of Prince Albert.

I opted for the Edinburgh Tour on my visit, and wasn’t disappointed. Though the live commentary was a bit hard to hear at times due to a few different groups of excited tourists, the guide’s positive energy and sense of humour made this tour more enjoyable than a pre-recorded one.

• Holyrood Abbey & Scottish Parliament   B R
• Our Dynamic Earth  (Arthur’s Seat)   R
• Canongate Kirk  (Museum of Edinburgh)   B R
• John Knox House   B R
• Chambers Street  (National Museum of Scotland)
• Grassmarket
• Johnston Terrace  (Saturday Farmers Market)   R
• Lawnmarket  (Edinburgh Castle)   R
• The Mound  (Scottish National Gallery)
• Charlotte Square
• Hanover Street   R
• Market Street  (Edinburgh Dungeon)   B R

B:  Majestic Tour (Blue Bus) Transfer     R:   City Sightseeing (Red Bus) Transfer 

The Majestic Tour: Blue Bus

The  Majestic Tour  makes a stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens before taking visitors to the coastal districts of Leith and Newhaven. This hop-on-hop-off tour is great for those who have already seen much of the city center, and gives an opportunity to get some different views of the Edinburgh skyline from Ferry Road or take a tour of the famous Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. An audio commentary is provided along the way in 10 different languages.

• Canonmills 
• Royal Botanic Garden
• Ferry Road   
• Newhaven Harbour & Lighthouse  
• Leith Cruise Terminal 
• Ocean Terminal (Royal Yacht Britannia)
• Great Junction Street  (Leith Mills)
• Elm Row (Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre)   
• Holyrood Abbey & Scottish Parliament   G
• Canongate Kirk (Museum of Edinburgh)    G R
• John Knox House   G R
• Market Street (Edinburgh Dungeon)    G R

G:   Edinburgh Tour (Green Bus) Transfer    R:   City Sightseeing (Red Bus) Transfer 

Things to know about Edinburgh bus tours

• Tickets can be purchased from the info centre at Waverley Bridge, from the bus drivers or online before your trip.

• Make sure you grab a brochure, or download one from the website in advance to be aware of the deals and discounts you’re eligible for with your bus ticket.

• The top level of Edinburgh’s hop-on-hop-off double-decker busses is open to the elements. There is a covered area at the front, but it may not shield you from the rain and wind, and may be full by the time you get on board. It’s best to dress warm!

• All 3 Edinburgh hop-on-hop-off bus tours offer free wifi on board.

• Each of the 3 hop-on-hop-off tours of Edinburgh mentioned in this article are wheelchair accessible.

• Children under 5 years old travel free.

• Busses usually run every 20-30 minutes, though be prepared for delays due to traffic, etc. During busy seasons, you should also be prepared for the possibility of busses filling up, which might mean waiting for the next one.

• When you’re ready to hop back on the bus, just look for the bus stop with the “hop on, hop off here” sign – this will show which of the 3 tours pick up at that stop.

Are you planning a trip to Scotland?

I’ve created a  printable travel planner  that will help make trip planning a breeze. This 7-page PDF has spots to fill in hotel and flight details, emergency info, must-do activities and more. It is available as an instant digital download in the Onwards + Upwards shop.

You can also check out my big list of the best free travel apps , which can help you plan every aspect of your trip. This useful post also includes some basic information on travel SIM cards and VPNs.

Be sure to check out my guide on  how to choose the best hotel for your trip . I’ve compiled a list of tips based on my own experiences as a tourist, flight attendant, and hotel front desk clerk. Once you’ve found your perfect accommodation, you can read my advice on  how to stay safe and healthy at your hotel .

*Please note that this article was written prior to the Covid-19 pandemic so some information may have changed. I am not affiliated with City Sightseeing, nor did I receive any discounts or compensation for writing this post.

Alli is an ex-flight attendant and 4-time expat from Canada. During her time abroad she has swum with sharks in Africa, rescued puppies in the Pacific Islands, jumped off mountains in Europe, explored historic ruins in the Middle East and crafted lattes 35,000 ft in the air. She now studies graphic design and enjoys lazy days at home with her cat Smokey.

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Lothian Buses

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Visitor Guide

We extend a warm welcome to all visitors. There’s so much to see and do in Edinburgh and the Lothians – with our help you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience.

• Getting around

Planning your journey

Paying for your ticket, getting to the airport, arriving by train, edinburgh bus tours, getting around edinburgh and the lothians.

We operate over 70 routes, and our family of services includes

We also operate Edinburgh Bus Tours , five-star sightseeing bus tours showcasing the very best that the city has to offer. Visit the website to see the amazing memories you could make on-board these great hop-on, hop-off tours. Download the Edinburgh Bus Tours app now!

This is easy when you use our online Journey Planner . Key in details of where you’re staying and your destination and we’ll tell you the best bus options and times. If you don’t know the postcode, don’t worry; the street or place name is usually enough.

Bus route maps and timetables can be downloaded here or you can pick them up  at one of our TravelHubs .

Download our app

Also, we recommend that you download our app ; it provides real-time information on bus departure times and live service updates. You can buy your bus tickets in advance by loading m-tickets to your phone – this will save you the trouble of finding coins for your fare.

You can pay for a SINGLEticket and DAYticket when you get on the bus. Just tell the driver what ticket you want, pop the coins in the box or tap your contactless card/device , take your ticket and find a seat.

If paying by cash, make sure you have coins with you before getting on the bus. You will need to have the exact money as our drivers cannot give you change (except on Airlink). 

• SINGLEticket £2.00 (valid in city zones)
• DAYticket £5.00 (valid in city zones)

Please keep your ticket for the duration of your journey.  If you buy a DAYticket, remember to show it to the driver each time you board the bus. 

It’s easy to get to the airport from the city centre with our airport buses.

Our Airlink 100 express service operates 24/7, connecting the city centre with the airport.  We operate two other airport services: Skylink 200, which links North Edinburgh to the airport and Skylink 400 connecting the south of the city.

• Adult Single: £5.50
• Adult Open Return: £8.00
• Adult Network DAYticket: £12.00
• Child Single: £2.75
• Child Open Return: £4.00
• Child Network DAYticket: £6.00

You will need to have the exact money on Skylink services as our drivers cannot give you change. Contactless payments are accepted on all our services, and our season ticket – Ridacard – is valid on all of our airport buses.

Edinburgh has two main train stations and they are both located centrally.

Most visitors arrive at Waverley Station, just off Princes Street where there are great bus connections.  Haymarket Station is a ten minute walk from Princes Street, and equally well served with bus links to the airport and across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Make amazing memories with  Edinburgh Bus Tours .

These bus tours are a great favourite with visitors and the perfect way to relax and see the sights from the top deck. You can enjoy a live guide or listen to a multi-lingual commentary through headphones. 

With itineraries ranging from one hour to two-days, whatever time you’ve got to spend here  you’ll see the best of Edinburgh with  these ‘hop on, hop off’ tours.

Download the official Edinburgh Bus Tours app to find sights near your stop, view live bus times, learn more about attractions, discover exclusive discounts and more! Edinburgh Bus Tours operates 3 great tours:

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Edinburgh Grand Ticket Options (2 Bus Tours)

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

Grand Tour: Daily

24 hours or 48 hours (take your pick)

Bus takes 3 hours and cruise is 90-minutes

CitySightseeing:  9am - 4pm, every 30 minutes

Edinburgh Tour:  9:19am - 3:40pm, every 30 minutes

Majestic Tour:  9:20am - 3:50pm, every 30 minutes

From 24 March tours run later and at a higher frequency. 9am – 6 pm every 10-15 mins

For exact departure times please check time table at the departure point.

Redeem your voucher for tickets at Waterloo Place (stop ZG), just off Princes Street

Hop on the bus at any of the stops to start the tour.

You can hop off at any of the stops

• Access top three bus tours for price of one! - Edinburgh, Majestic and City Sightseeing Tour
• Enjoy travelling around the city with our economical 24 or 48 hours hop-on, hop-off ticket
• Three comprehensive routes that covers all major attractions in the city
• See everything in the city, from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Feast your eyes on the bustling city from our open-top buses
• Explore Edinburgh’s history and legends with some riveting commentary onboard
• Both printed and smartphone vouchers accepted!

Experience the best hop-on, hop-off experience in Edinburgh that brings together three exceptional services for you - City Sightseeing, Majestic and Edinburgh Bus Tours. Valid for either 24 or 48 hours, depending on the ticket option you choose, the three routes comprehensively cover all the major attractions in the city - from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the Farmer’s Market, and gives you full flexibility to explore the city at your own pace. While the Edinburgh Route comes with a riveting live commentary on board, the other buses have equally engaging multilingual audio commentary to keep you hooked to the city.

Some of the stops covered

• Royal Botanic Garden
• Canongate Kirk
• Edinburgh Castle
• Burns Monument
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• The Royal Yacht Britannia

…. And more!

Majestic Edinburgh Hop-on, Hop-off Tour:  The hop-on, hop-off bus goes north through the Georgian New Town and stops at the Royal Botanic Garden before heading down to the coast at Newhaven, Leith and Royal Yacht Britannia. From Britannia, the tour heads back up to the city center via the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh Hop-on, Hop-off Tour: Your hop-on, hop-off bus heads towards New Town with its elegant Georgian houses. After Charlotte Square the bus turns back south, passing the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery, towards the Old Town. After driving through Grassmarket with its exciting shops and pubs, you pass the Scottish Parliament and the Dynamic Earth attraction at Calton Hill. 

City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-on, Hop-off Tour: The hop-on, hop-off bus sets off along Princes Street. Look up to see stunning views of Edinburgh Castle perched on its crag. After driving along Canongate, you will pass the Scottish Parliament and Calton Hill until you see the south The King’s official residence in Scotland.

Choose from the following ticket options:

• Grand 24 Ticket:  valid for 24 hours
• Grand 48 Ticket:  valid for 48 hours

Please check the USEFUL DOWNLOADS section for the route maps.

• 24 or 48 hours Hop-On, Hop-Off Ticket (as per the option selected)
• 3 Hop-On, Hop-Off bus Tours (Edinburgh Tour, Majestic Tour, City Sightseeing)
• English-speaking guide on the Edinburgh Tour only
• Audio commentary in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese on all routes (Also Gaelic on Majestic tour)
• Entrance fees to attractions

Useful downloads

• City Sightseeing route map
• Majestic Tour Route Map
• Edinburgh Route Map

Please note

Voucher information: You can show your voucher on your smartphone (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes

Edinburgh is a functioning city and weather, traffic and events may occasionally cause disruption.

Timings and stops are subject to change. The updated map will be available on the bus.

Due to works at Ocean Terminal – home of Britannia, The Royal Yacht will be closed 11-23 March ( also we now know 25-28 June) .

Customer Reviews

Anita subtil.

A good overall view of Edinburg, more complète than just the réd line, which takes just over an hour. We definitely recommande the Grand Tour instead, if one has the time.

David Glass

We did 2 of the bus tours, the City Sightseeing and the Regal Tour. Would highly recommend as an enjoyable and educational way to see historic Edinburgh. The City Sightseeing tour is approximately 1 hour start to finish and the Regal Tour is 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Tina Glover

Great overview of the city!

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How long does Edinburgh Hop on Hop off take?

Edinburgh Hop on Hop off bus tours generally take around 1 hour to complete a full loop of the city. This includes stops at various attractions and points of interest along the way. The buses run between 9am to 4pm, with a bus arriving approximately every 30 minutes.

1. How long is a tour with Edinburgh Bus Tours?

City tours with Edinburgh Bus Tours typically last approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the city’s main attractions and landmarks.

2. How long does the Forth Bridges Bus & Boat Tour last?

The Forth Bridges Bus & Boat Tour* lasts approximately 3 hours, providing an extended experience that includes both bus and boat travel. It is recommended to check the timetable online or with the tour provider for the specific schedule.

3. Is it worth taking a Hop on Hop off tour in Edinburgh?

Many visitors highly recommend taking a Hop on Hop off tour in Edinburgh. It provides a convenient and informative way to explore the city and its various sights. The tour offers flexibility to hop off at any stop and spend more time at the attractions of interest.

4. How long is the interval between buses on the Hop on Hop off tour?

On the Hop on Hop off tour, the buses operate daily from 9am to 6pm, with buses arriving approximately every 30-40 minutes. This allows for convenient transportation between stops and flexible exploration of the city.

5. How long should I set aside to visit Edinburgh Castle?

It is recommended to set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle. However, please note that the opening times for the independent museums within the castle may vary. It is advisable to check the specific timings beforehand.

6. Can you visit Edinburgh Castle for free?

Free entry to Edinburgh Castle is available on the first Sunday of each month from Sunday 01 October 2023 to Sunday 03 March 2024. However, please note that a maximum of 2 adults and 6 children can be booked per transaction. Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 years or over.

7. Is it worth going inside Edinburgh Castle?

Visiting Edinburgh Castle is considered a must for those visiting the city. The castle offers a rich historical experience, including a fabulous museum, stunning views of the city, and various attractions such as St Margaret’s Church. The walk up to the castle is also an interesting experience, with cobbled streets and charming shops and cafes along the way.

8. How does the Hop on Hop off bus tour work?

The Hop on Hop off bus tour follows a specific route with stops near major city attractions. Passengers can board the bus at any designated stop and hop off at any attraction they wish to visit. They can then hop back on the next available bus when they want to continue their tour.

9. Does the Hop on Hop off bus have a toilet?

Unfortunately, the Hop on Hop off bus does not have a toilet on board. However, there are usually restroom facilities available at the various stops along the tour route.

10. Are the Hop on Hop off buses accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, the Hop on Hop off buses are wheelchair accessible. They have ramps that enable wheelchair access to all vehicles within the fleet. Each bus can accommodate one wheelchair, although if the second customer is able to transfer to a fixed seat, a second wheelchair can be accommodated in a fixed position.

11. How do tourists get around in Edinburgh?

Tourists in Edinburgh can get around using various modes of transportation. The city offers a DAYticket that can be used on both trams and buses within the city zone. Taxis are also available and can be hailed on the street or found at popular attractions. However, it’s worth noting that taxi rides can be expensive, so taking the bus or tram is a more economical option.

12. Can you pay cash on the Hop on Hop off bus?

Yes, you can pay for the Hop on Hop off bus tour with cash. The friendly bus drivers have credit card machines onboard, allowing for cash or credit card payments.

13. How walkable is Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a very walkable city, especially within the central areas. It is possible to walk from one end of Edinburgh to another in less than an hour, apart from the suburbs in the outer parts of the city. Walking around Edinburgh is generally safe at any time.

14. What are the stops on the Edinburgh Hop on Hop off bus?

Some of the stops on the Edinburgh Hop on Hop off bus tour include Waterloo Place, St. Andrew Square, Lothian Road, Grassmarket, Lauriston Place, Johnston Terrace, Lawnmarket, and Chambers Street. These stops conveniently cover various attractions and landmarks within the city.

15. How much does the Hop on Hop off bus tour in Edinburgh cost?

The cost of the Hop on Hop off bus tour in Edinburgh can range from £10-£24 for adults and £6-£15 for children on average. The prices may vary depending on the specific tour provider and any additional inclusions or discounts. It is recommended to check with the tour provider for the exact pricing.

16. Does the Hop on Hop off bus go to Edinburgh Castle?

Yes, the Hop on Hop off bus tour does make a stop at Edinburgh Castle. The buses usually allow passengers to disembark at the castle, providing an opportunity to explore this iconic attraction.

17. What is a bus with a toilet called?

Most coach buses that have toilets onboard are simply referred to as coach buses with onboard toilets. These toilets are typically self-contained and do not require a connection to a sewer system.

18. What happens when you flush the toilet on a bus?

On a bus with a toilet, flushing the toilet typically activates a mechanism that seals off the waste and transports it into a holding tank. Buses with onboard toilets often use products, such as blue formaldehyde, to mask the odor and maintain hygiene.

19. Do you need a hop card to catch the bus?

For bus and train travel in some regions, including Auckland, New Zealand, an AT HOP card is required. Cash payments are not accepted on AT buses, and it is advised to use an AT HOP card for convenience. Paper tickets for trains can be purchased from ticket machines or customer service centers, and cash fares may apply.

20. Where does the Hop on Hop off tour start from?

The Hop on Hop off tour in Edinburgh allows passengers to join at any of the designated stops along the route. The first buses usually start from Westminster Bridge, Tower Hill, Buckingham Palace Gate, and Haymarket, with full routes running from 8:30am to 4:00pm every ten minutes, and every 20 minutes from 4:20pm to 5:20pm.

21. What does hop on hop off service mean?

Hop on hop off service refers to a sightseeing bus service that allows passengers to board the bus at designated stops and disembark at any attraction or point of interest along the route. Passengers have the flexibility to explore each location at their own pace and can hop back on the next available bus when they wish to continue the tour.

22. What does hop on hop off mean?

Hop on hop off refers to the flexibility of boarding and disembarking a bus or tour at different stops along its route. Passengers have the freedom to get off the bus at any location they wish to explore further and can hop back on the next available bus when they are ready to continue their journey.

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Taylor Swift in Cardiff: Concert start time, likely setlist and road closures

• Taylor Swift
• principality stadium
• Monday 17 June 2024 at 5:41pm

For one night and one night only, multi-Grammy award winning Taylor Swift is bringing her Era's tour to Wales.

The 3-hour extravaganza kicks off at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Tuesday 18 June.

It promises to take Swifties on a journey through Taylor Swift's almost 20-year career, with hits including 'Shake It Off', 'Cruel Summer' and 'I Knew You Were Trouble'.

With more than 70,000 fans expected to attend, research by Barclays suggests Ms Swift's visit is expected to boost the Welsh economy by around £64 million.

So, what do you need to know ahead of this blockbuster night?

When does it start?

The Principality Stadium doors will open for revealers at 4pm. Those with early entry tickets will be admitted an hour earlier, at 3pm.

The show is scheduled to start at 6pm and Taylor's warm up act is set to start at around 7pm.

Taylor, herself, is then expected to make her appearance on stage at 8pm.

Who is supporting Taylor?

Taylor has been supported throughout her European tour by Paramore, who are led by her friend Hayley Williams.

The Tennessee rock band's hits include ‘Still Into You’ and ‘Ain't It Fun’.

What will she be performing?

According to the website Setlist.fm, Taylor has opened all of her shows with the 2019 hit, 'Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince'.

It's also expected fans can be treated to 'Karma' to close the performance, but be warned - don't expect an encore!

Other hits she has performed during the tour include, 'You Belong With Me', 'Look What You Made Me Do', 'Long Live', 'Blank Space', and 'I Can Do It With a Broken Heart'.

Will the roof be closed?

Yes. According to the Principality Stadium the roof will be closed for the Taylor Swift performance.

How do I get there?

There will be several road closures across the capital to accommodate the tens-of-thousands of fans who will be descending on the Principality Stadium.

According to VisitCardiff, the High Street, Saint Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street and Central Square are among the roads that will be completely closed from midday.

Closures will have an impact on bus services. Cardiff Bus has warned people to "allow extra time for your journey" but says it has more staff across the city to help travellers get to their destinations.

For Swifties driving to the capital for the show there is limited parking available, but Park and Ride facilities are operating on the outskirts of the city.

At previous events, there had been criticism that the transport infrastructure was not up to the challenge major events pose.

The last time Cardiff hosted Ed Sheeran, concert-goers were stuck in car parks for hours and there were tailbacks on the M4 . When international superstar Beyonce performed in the Welsh capital, no trains were running on several routes due to engineering works on rail lines.

There isn't any planned disruption for the Taylor Swift gig, but Transport for Wales have warned that "trains are expected to be very busy". There will be "additional capacity where possible on routes in/out of Cardiff".

A queueing system will be in place outside Cardiff Central after the performance. TfW have told customers "to allow plenty of time for their journey".

Are there still tickets?

The short answer is no. When tickets for her Cardiff show went on sale, the gig sold out within minutes. A few tickets did come out afterwards, but fans snapped them up almost instantly.

However it is possible to get your hands on a resale ticket. AXS and Ticketmaster, the official ticket merchant for the event, have warned fans to be very cautious of scammers if they are looking to purchase a resale ticket.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…

Trixie Mattel’s Going to Take a Break—But Not Just Yet

The drag superstar discusses the new season of Trixie Motel , her upcoming drag pause, and how YouTube has impacted her career.

While most commoners’ Pride months are filled with parades, drinking, and rainbow memorabilia, for drag performers, the month of June can be quite the marathon. It’s all about the gigs and looks, the bookings and boys. It may be cliché, but to quote Lady Gaga, it literally is, “No sleep, bus, club, another club, another club, another club, another club, plane, next place.”

For Trixie Mattel, it’s felt like Pride since 2015. First gaining attention for her turn on season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race where she placed sixth, the superstar used that moment as a launch pad. She has since won season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars , become a YouTube darling, judged Queen of the Universe on Paramount+, and most recently premiered Trixie Motel: Drag Me Home on Max. She’s released music, is a successful DJ and podcast host, and has a makeup company. She’s the Jennifer Hudson of Drag Race , taking a non-winning finish and milking it for all it’s worth. (EGOT for Trixie when?)

“Kelly Clarkson probably could still be Kelly Clarkson if she hadn’t won,” Mattel says. “Winning is a bonus, and I say that as somebody who’s won as well. Drag, for me, has never been about waiting for other people to tell me when it’s my moment. It’s never been about waiting for other people to give me my chair or my flowers and say, now you’re the star. I’ve never felt like I needed that validation. I just always believed in myself.”

Below, Trixie discusses the new season of Trixie Motel , a brand new Pride video with YouTube, her upcoming break from drag, and how the art form has evolved and changed.

You’ve come so far since your first season of Drag Race . When you look back, what do you wish you could have told Trixie during that season. What did you need to learn still?

I always thought Trixie was very marketable and cool and had mass appeal. I just really believed in myself, even if my skill set maybe wasn’t there. When you lose Drag Race , there’s a moment RuPaul says to you that you are not America’s next drag superstar. I’m just delusional enough that I thought that has nothing to do with me. One person’s idea of me is [just] one person’s idea of me. It doesn’t matter who it is.

I really was there to compete, but I hadn’t really even conceptualized what I could do with it, because everything I’ve gotten “successful” for as Trixie is self-made projects or my records, where I write all the music and play the guitar and sing it, or my DJ tours where I make the visuals and DJ and do the makeup. I’m still on tour doing all my own hair and everything. I feel like I just took the back door through everything. In the beginning, I was the only one who saw the potential, but I really didn’t let that bother me.

I was like, I’m really about to smoke all of you. I’m funny. I can sing, I can dance. I can tell jokes. I look great. I love business . That’s the thing. I think a lot of artists feel like if you’re interested in the business half of it, you’re kind of a sell-out. And maybe that’s true, but I have always found the sales part of showbusiness very artistically stimulating and rewarding. I love selling things. That’s fun for me. It’s like a little game.

That speaks a lot to your grit and drive.

My house was really built brick by brick, and for a long time it was just me. For most gigs, I was often selling my own merchandise. I remember when Violet [Chachki] won Drag Race , she was doing an aerial number with her crown on and spinning. I was standing in the back of the room with a suitcase out of drag selling Trixie shirts. I’ve never been afraid of the industry half of drag. I always knew that I was willing to get up earlier and stay later and work harder than other drag queens.

In a world with nepo babies, I came from nothing. I was [from] the poorest family in a small town. I grew up in a trailer with six people. My expectations for what I could do for myself were so low, because even when I went to college and got my first job, I felt rich. I felt so successful that I could pay my bills. When I was lip-syncing at Hamburger Mary’s Milwaukee, the fact that I could pay my bills, pay my rent doing drag, I felt like Beyoncé. I never expected to keep going. I save all my money, because I always think this probably will go away. If I want to quit someday, I will quit, and I’ll quit with a lot of dignity because I did it all.

You really have done it all, too. How do you maintain this energy? Do you just live off of Red Bull and Five Hour Energy?

I can’t really do it anymore. I’m going on a three or four month sabbatical: July, August, September, and October. I’m not even doing social media, so I’m going to really be gone for a while.

I’m probably not going to come back at the full speed of Trixie anymore. The Trixie we know, the Trixie that is on every YouTube video, on every show, and every TV show, I just can’t sustain that anymore. This giant rat wheel that I’ve been running on, I need to pull back a lot. So it will be honestly this phase of everybody being like, “You’re everywhere. How do you do it?” You do it by running yourself in the ground. I want a family, and I want a life, and I haven’t really had that. I’ll probably grow a beard. Besides, the other drag queens have been waiting for me to take my high heel off their throats for years. They love it when I get a sick day. Those fucking bitches love it when I get sick. They love it.

.css-1aear8u:before{margin:0 auto 0.9375rem;width:34px;height:25px;content:'';display:block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1aear8u:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/elle/static/images/quote.fddce92.svg);} .css-1bvxk2j{font-family:SaolDisplay,SaolDisplay-fallback,SaolDisplay-roboto,SaolDisplay-local,Georgia,Times,serif;font-size:1.625rem;font-weight:normal;line-height:1.2;margin:0rem;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.125rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-1bvxk2j{font-size:2.375rem;line-height:1.2;}}.css-1bvxk2j b,.css-1bvxk2j strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1bvxk2j em,.css-1bvxk2j i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;}.css-1bvxk2j i,.css-1bvxk2j em{font-style:italic;} The Trixie we know ... I just can’t sustain that anymore.”

The second season of Trixie Motel just dropped on Max called Trixie Motel: Drag Me Home . What interested you about the hospitality space?

For me it was a return to the hospitality space. My first job at 13 was scooping ice cream at a place called Lickety Split, and then I worked at a chicken restaurant. Then I was a cocktail server, and then I worked at a sub sandwich store, and then I was a barback. I’ve had all of the hospitality jobs. I feel like I am not a normal celebrity business owner.

I’m not like a normal celebrity makeup company. I worked six years behind a makeup counter, so I feel very in touch with these things. I’ve been to every gay bar and motel on the planet at this point, so I just thought I know what makes a good hotel experience and I know what makes a great clear special, magical nightlife experience.

Why Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is a lot like Trixie. It’s super sixties, super California, super Americana, and it’s frozen in time. Trixie really matches the Palm Springs vibe. Trixie belongs here. So it just worked out. Could you imagine the Trixie Hotel in the middle of Los Angeles? It would kind of look like a tourist trap, but in Palm Springs it fits right in.

You recently filmed a pride video with YouTube about the history of drag. What excited you about this video and filming with Juno Birch?

I love working with Juno, we’re the secret drag queens of YouTube. Drag’s gotten so big in the past decade. When I started getting really into house music, I felt a duty to go learn everything I could about how house music happened. I think with drag, the drag as we know it has only been this way for a decade. It’s cool to look at how this became this, became this. It’s like the cover of one of those Animorphs books or the evolution of woman. It’s very cool.

In the video, you talk about the definition of drag and how that’s changed and evolved. How would you define drag now?

I have a loose interpretation of drag because to me, my drag icons were RuPaul, Elvira, Kiwi. I love character actors, specifically when they play with gender. I don’t even have a good definition of it because honestly. It’s always growing and changing. I mean, even with Trixie, I don’t really think of myself as the drag industry. I think of myself as the Trixie Mattel industry. The rest of these hoes, their brand is drag and my brand is Trixie.

My goal with Trixie was to originally create a character that I could use to critique Americanized beauty and celebrity because Trixie is thin, rich, stupid, and blonde. She originally had blue eyes. She’s hyper sexualized, capitalistic, self-indulgent, horny, and ultimately like a B-minus person. I always meant for Trixie to caricature the worst parts of Americanized Caucasian beauty and wealth. For Trixie, I think it’s always about money, and it’s always about, “How good do I look? How does my butt look in this? How much money are we making today? But can we bring the focus back to me?” I wanted to create a character that was a little bit like Michael Scott or something from The Office, where it’s like he’s not a bad person, but he doesn’t always have the tools to be a good person in the moment. I always think of Trixie as a heart of gold that we only see circumstantially. I just thought a character based on kid’s toys was a great vehicle to do that, because my sense of humor is so dark. I think the look of the character being kind of Toys“R”Us lightens the load a little bit.

I don’t really think of myself as the drag industry. I think of myself as the Trixie Mattel industry. The rest of these hoes, their brand is drag and my brand is Trixie.”

Why is YouTube important to you as a platform?

I love the freedom of it. I love just sitting in my house and coming up with an idea for a video and then stepping in and screaming. It’s everything I love about TV without all the emails. We just get an idea, do it, have fun with it, and release it. So much of TV and so much of film is waiting for 10 straight white guys above you to sign a piece of paper saying you can do this. On YouTube, there’s so much freedom. You can just get a dumb idea as an independent artist and go make it today. It’s just our TV station.

Do you read the comments and ever take that feedback?

I read the comments, but I certainly don’t take feedback. I think it’s a really slippery slope to start chiseling away at your content to shape it the way people who don’t like you want it to be. The people who like you are the ones you should really make something for. Positive comments mean so much more to me. A comment is basically, “This was my experience with this,” “My experience made me think this,” or whatever.

Where does Trixie end and your life begin? Do you view every time you put on drag as getting into character?

I do. I know in Trixie Motel and stuff, you see me in drag and you see me out of drag. But when I’m in drag, I really feel like a completely different person. I walk different, I talk different. My sense of humor is different. I’m flirty and loud and cutting and very dry and obnoxious. I think out of drag, I’m really just an introvert.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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