Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off — frequently asked questions
Tickets, schedules, kids, cancellations, audio guides and combos — everything we get asked about Edinburgh's two hop-on hop-off operators, in one place.
Which hop-on hop-off operator in Edinburgh is best?
Edinburgh Bus Tours offers three routes (City Sightseeing, Edinburgh Tour with live guide, Regal Tour) on one ticket, making it the most versatile choice. Big Bus runs two routes and includes a Britannia Tour to Leith. Both have similar ratings. Edinburgh Bus Tours has a wider stop network; Big Bus has a more focused city-centre loop and the added value of the Britannia detour.
Should I actually get off, or just ride the loop once?
Do one full loop without getting off to get an overview, then use the rest of your 24 h to hop off at the stops that interest you. The audio commentary gives you enough context to decide where to spend time.
How long is a full loop?
About 60–75 minutes for the main City Sightseeing loop (Edinburgh Bus Tours) or the City Tour (Big Bus), without getting off. The Edinburgh Tour (live guide) takes roughly 60 minutes. Allow extra time during Festival season and rush hour.
How long is a ticket valid?
24 or 48 hours from the moment you first scan the QR code on the bus. The timer starts at first scan, not at the time of purchase.
Can I cancel for free?
Most tickets offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the selected date. The exact policy depends on the reseller (GetYourGuide, Tiqets or Headout) and is shown during checkout. See our Tips page for a detailed breakdown.
Do the buses run every day?
Yes, both operators run daily year-round. Summer frequency is every 10–20 minutes; in winter, intervals may stretch to 30–45 minutes and some secondary routes may not run. Check the operator page for current schedules.
Are the audio guides in my language?
Edinburgh Bus Tours offers audio commentary in up to 13 languages on the City Sightseeing route, plus a live English-speaking guide on the Edinburgh Tour. Big Bus provides recorded commentary in up to 8 languages. Language availability may vary by route.
Is a 24 h ticket enough, or should I get 48 h?
For most visitors, 24 hours is enough to do one full loop plus 2–3 hop-off stops. Get the 48 h ticket if you want to explore multiple routes across two days or plan to visit attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse with plenty of time.
My child is 4 — do I need a ticket?
It depends on the operator. Edinburgh Bus Tours lets children under 5 ride free; Big Bus is free only for children under 3. A 4-year-old therefore rides free with Edinburgh Bus Tours but needs a child ticket with Big Bus. Children aged 5–15 (or 3–15 with Big Bus) pay a reduced child fare — and with Edinburgh Bus Tours up to three of them travel free with each paying adult on the 24-hour tickets. Check the operator page for current child policies.
Can I take a stroller on board?
Yes, folded strollers can be stored on the lower deck. Space is limited, so fold the stroller before boarding.
Do I need to print my ticket, or is the mobile voucher enough?
The mobile voucher is enough. Both operators scan QR codes directly from your phone screen. Save a screenshot as backup in case your battery dies or you lose signal.
Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Both operators have wheelchair-accessible lower decks with ramps. The open top deck is reached by stairs only. Let the driver know when boarding so they can deploy the ramp. Space is limited to one wheelchair per bus.
Can I use one ticket on both operators?
No. Edinburgh Bus Tours and Big Bus are separate companies. Each ticket works only on the operator you booked with. There is no shared pass between them.
Where is the best place to start the loop?
Waterloo Place (near the Balmoral Hotel) is the main departure point for both operators. It is central, well-signed, and has the highest bus frequency. You can also board at any stop along the route — the ticket activates at first scan, wherever you get on.
Should I get a combo ticket with Edinburgh Castle?
If you plan to visit Edinburgh Castle anyway, a combo ticket often saves 10–15 % compared to buying bus and castle tickets separately. The castle is Edinburgh's most visited attraction and a timed-entry ticket avoids the long walk-up queue. Check our combo section on the homepage for current deals.
Is there a family ticket for the 48-hour Grand pass?
Yes. The free-children rule covers the 24-hour tickets; on the 48-hour Grand pass children pay a child fare. For that pass Edinburgh Bus Tours offers a family ticket covering two adults and up to three children. Our price comparison includes it and shows it whenever it costs less than buying the tickets separately — the booking link then leads straight to the family ticket.