First-Timer's Guide to Bus Tours in Edinburgh
By Editorial Team · Last updated 16/08/2026
- Best season
- May to September
- How to get there
- 4.5 hours by train from London King's Cross, or fly into Edinburgh Airport
- Avg. visit duration
- 2-3 days
If you're new to bus tours and considering exploring Edinburgh, we want to give you a clear idea of what’s on offer. There are currently 33 different bus tour options available in the city, catering to a huge range of interests and budgets. Prices can vary significantly, starting from just £20 and going up to a maximum of £670, so it's important to consider your desired experience when making your choice. The average rating across all tours is impressively high at 4.8 out of 5, suggesting that most visitors have enjoyed their time.
The duration of these tours is equally diverse, ranging from a relatively short 60 minutes up to a full 2880 minutes – so you can find a tour perfectly suited to how much time you want to dedicate to your exploration. It’s worth thinking about what kind of experience you're after. Many tours are shared experiences, offering an opportunity to meet fellow travellers, while some may offer more intimate, private options at a higher price point. The duration will naturally influence the cost, with longer tours generally costing more.
When comparing different tours, it’s beneficial to consider what is included in the price and the overall itinerary. Some tours focus on Edinburgh itself, while others venture further afield – for example, the top-rated tour, “Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe and Loch Shiel Tour from Edinburgh” at 5.0/5 with 196 reviews and a cost of £69, is a popular day trip that takes you beyond the city limits. That particular tour lasts for around 8 hours.
Ultimately, we believe exploring Edinburgh by bus tour offers an accessible and enjoyable way to see the sights. With such a wide variety of options available – covering different durations and price points – you’re sure to find something that suits your interests and budget. We hope this information has given you a helpful overview for your initial planning.