Edinburgh Bus Tours (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Edinburgh Bus Tours?
What makes it 88% Kids-Friendly: Three kids ride free per adult, child-friendly ‘Horrible Histories’ soundtrack and stops at zoo, Dynamic Earth and Camera Obscura excite ages 5-12, but no onboard toilets keeps score shy of perfect.
Positives:
- Free child travel: Up to three children (5–15 yrs) travel free per adult ticket, and under-5s always ride free.
- Flexible sightseeing: Hop-on hop-off format lets families set their own pace and choose favorite stops.
Challenges:
- Weather exposure: Top-deck seats offer best views but can be cold or wet—bring layers or rain gear.
- Limited lower-deck seating: Lower deck fills quickly; arrive early to secure a warm seat with kids.
What is Edinburgh Bus Tours?
- A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus service operating open-top double-decker vehicles
- A network of routes linking Edinburgh’s principal landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace
- A City Sightseeing franchise equipped with multilingual audio guides and accessible boarding facilities
What is so special about Edinburgh Bus Tours for with kids?
- Open-top bus with free rides for kids under 15
- Hop-on hop-off access to zoo, science center and optical illusions
- Kids-friendly audio commentary and earphones provided
- Flexible pace ideal for families with younger children
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows families to hop on and off at key stops without rushing and keeps kids engaged throughout the journey.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Edinburgh Bus Tours
Hop off at Edinburgh Zoo:
See penguins, pandas and meerkats across 82 acres of habitats.
Tip: Kids travel free with each adult—check zoo opening times before you board.
Explore Dynamic Earth:
Interactive science exhibits with live shows and a 4D experience.
Tip: Ask the bus driver for discounted tickets—upgraded to annual passes on purchase.
Visit Camera Obscura & World of Illusions:
Mirror maze, vortex tunnel and rooftop views of the city.
Tip: Under-5s enter free—book tickets online after 6pm for better rates.
Enjoy multilingual audio guides:
Includes adult commentary plus a “Horrible Histories” kids track.
Tip: Plug in the free earphones provided and select the children’s channel.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Edinburgh Bus Tours
- Book online: Reserve tickets online in advance to skip ticket lines at Waterloo Place.
- Start early: Catch the first bus around 9 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy quieter stops.
- Choose top-front seats: Front seats on the top deck give kids an unobstructed view of landmarks.
Reviews of Edinburgh Bus Tours
Holiness Ikpere
The tour driver Kate made it a very horrible experience for me and my family. We were listening to the tour guide when she shouted at us to keep quiet or join another tour bus. We told her we only laughed at the commentary on the tour but she kept shouting and being rude. She humiliated us and was fully racist towards us. I requested that I want to see the tour bus recording and take this furt...
R S
Among the various guided tours we had in England & Scotland , the Edinburgh Hop on Hop Off bus tour by Edinburgh Bus tours turned out to be excellent , primarily for two reasons - the scenic beauty of Edinburgh ofcourse and the tour Guide Mr.James Robertson - what communication skills man, mixing humour with history , much appreciated .
Jewels Travels
I took the blue route today from the marine. The driver and 2 other men on the bus were super nice. The commentary was easy to hear and the head phones were good. Many thanks for the ride, guys. 😀
Erica P
Recommend the in person tour guide, green tour. Our guide, Adi was fantastic lots of detail. Did the tour twice with different tour guides and sat on the opposite side to maximize the tour.
Marina Logan
When you're a tour guide and only have one day to see the city, booking the combined bus ticket is the best option. Had an amazing time on all three tours, but I would highlight the live guide trip. John Stewart was above and beyond all my expectations. Truly a guardian angel, giving people personalized advice when they shared their interests. I found the second-hand book shops, BTW. Thanks, Joh...
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh Bus Tours (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
In summer, buses run every 7–10 minutes—sit on the top deck with sunscreen. In winter, bring a raincoat and sit on the lower deck where it’s warmer.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult bus tickets | GBP 38 |
| Optional snack stops | GBP 10 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 48 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Edinburgh Bus Tours
Address: 19 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3BG, UK
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About Edinburgh Bus Tours
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 131 475 0618Explore Popular Things to Do
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