The Ghost Bus Tours (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Ghost Bus Tours?
What makes it 62% Kids-Friendly: Children 5–12 may buy a ticket and enjoy toned-down ghost stories, but loud effects, no onboard toilet and the night setting can frighten some, so parents should weigh suitability carefully.
Positives:
- Live family-friendly show: Actors tone down scares for younger audiences and involve kids in the fun.
- Historic vehicle ride: Experience the only surviving Necropolis Routemaster for a unique story-driven tour.
Challenges:
- No onboard toilets: Use Central Library facilities before boarding to avoid mid-tour disruptions.
- Jump scares and noise: Loud effects and smoke may spook kids under 8—consider headphones or skip louder parts.
What is The Ghost Bus Tours?
- A theatrical sightseeing attraction staged aboard a restored 1960s Routemaster 'Necrobus' painted in traditional funeral-service black
- A live comedy-horror production narrated by costumed conductors that explores Edinburgh's dark past
- A mobile historical showcase connecting iconic city landmarks through macabre storytelling
What is so special about The Ghost Bus Tours for with kids?
- Interactive 75-minute comedy-horror bus tour just for families
- Guided 15–20 min walk through Greyfriars Kirkyard with kid-friendly ghost tales
- Open-top Routemaster views of Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Grassmarket
- Actors engage children with live jokes and mild jump-scares
- Ride the only remaining black Necropolis Routemaster from the 1960s
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: The 75-minute bus show, 15-minute walk and seating time fit into 2-3 hours at a family-friendly pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Ghost Bus Tours
Board the Necrobus:
Hop on the classic 1960s black Routemaster for a live comedy-horror show on wheels.
Tip: Sit near the front for city views or at the back for gentler jump-scares with kids.
Explore Greyfriars Kirkyard:
Join a 15–20 minute guided walk through the graveyard with age-appropriate ghost stories.
Tip: Hold little hands near uneven stones and ask the guide to point out kid-friendly tales.
Spot Edinburgh landmarks:
See Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Grassmarket and Holyrood Palace from the open upper deck.
Tip: Point out each sight on a simple map to keep children engaged throughout the ride.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Ghost Bus Tours
- Book the family ticket: Save by booking the £51 family package for two adults and two children.
- Arrive early: Get seats together and choose front or back based on your kids’ preference for views or scares.
Reviews of The Ghost Bus Tours
LK Chocolate
Arrived at 8:09pm for the 9pm tour. The queue gradually built up. The tour operator (red branded jacket on) decided the front of the queue would be at the end, meaning everyone who turned up early was last on and those turning up just before were first on. When several groups told him he just said “I don’t know who arrived first” even though many of us were telling him so. The your advised to turn...
Stefan Van Der Werff
This Tour is absolutely great, its Funny and kinda Scary the bus is really cool and comfy. Tour guides do a great Jobs about telling All the dark things of Edinburgh! Love it
Moon Silver
Definitely a nice tour with a spooky touch for everyone who’d like to get to know more about the “dark side” of Edinburgh. Our guide Tommy Terror -and of course our driver Angus- were great and entertaining. I can recommend it to everyone who has an hour to kill and wants some comedic-spookiness. Butttt it’s nothing truly mind-blowing or an absolute “must-do”. Still! It’s lovely, fun and entertain...
Gudbjorg Glod Logadottir
We loved it! Tommy Terror our guide was very creative and lively. A true entertainer. We learned a lot about Edinburgh history and fell in love with the city. We highly recommend this tour
Anna L
The Ghost Bus picks you up from a local area. The bus was full when we went for Friday tour at 6pm. The MC Tommy was super enthusiastic and entertaining, he made sure to go to both upstairs and downstairs of the bus which was super. We got to see areas that were important to the locals as well as hear cool stories. The only downside, I wish we got to see a little more for the price for 1 hour driv...
When is the best time to visit The Ghost Bus Tours (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
Upper deck is open-air—dress in layers in colder months and bring sun protection in summer. Rain gear helps in Edinburgh’s unpredictable weather.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult tickets (2×£19) | GBP 38 |
| Child ticket (5–15 yrs) | GBP 14 |
| Lap seat (under 5 yrs) | GBP 0 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 52 |
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 The Ghost Bus Tours
Address: Central Library, 7-9 George IV Bridge, outside, Edinburgh EH1 1EG, UK
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About The Ghost 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 20 7240 273310 BEST nearby Activities
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