Edinburgh: Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour

If you’re heading to Edinburgh and are curious about its darker side — but want to keep things fun and lighthearted — the Edinburgh: Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour might just be your perfect evening activity. This guided tour takes you around the city’s most haunted spots aboard a vintage double-decker bus, blending ghost stories with comedy and a touch of theatrical flair.

What we love about this experience? First, its lively and engaging guide brings Edinburgh’s eerie tales to life with humor and authenticity. Second, the chance to see some of Edinburgh’s most iconic sights from the comfort of a beautifully restored bus adds a unique twist to sightseeing. One thing to consider is that the stories are quite gruesome and may not be suitable for very young children or sensitive souls.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, spooky stories, and good-natured humor. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends looking for a memorable night out, this experience offers just enough creepiness with plenty of laughs.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of comedy and dark history makes for an entertaining yet educational experience.
• Beautifully restored vintage bus adds charm and immersive atmosphere.
• Guide’s storytelling is highly praised for being both funny and informative.
• The tour covers famous Edinburgh landmarks, blending sightseeing with ghost stories.
• It’s cost-effective at around $28 per person, offering good value for a 75-minute experience.
• The tour operates in English and lasts roughly 75 minutes, with multiple starting times available.

This is not your typical city tour. It’s a theatrical, storytelling adventure done from the coziness of a vintage double-decker bus, painted in traditional midnight black. The bus’s interior is decked out with atmospheric lamps and curtains, creating a spooky yet charming setting. The tour is led by a lively guide, affectionately called Tommy Terror in many reviews, who shares tales of Edinburgh’s ghostly inhabitants, infamous murders, and the city’s dark past.

The bus’s route takes you through both the Old Town and New Town, stopping at or passing by some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, Greyfriar’s Kirk, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. For history buffs, these sites are fascinating even without the ghost stories, but on this tour, they become part of a haunted narrative that adds a layer of mystery and excitement.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Theatrical Element and Guide’s Role

What makes this tour memorable is the theatrical flair and the guide’s ability to switch between humor and horror seamlessly. Reviews often mention how the guide, Tommy Terror, is both hilarious and knowledgeable, striking a good balance between comedy and creepy tales. His storytelling, sometimes accompanied by special effects or dramatic pauses, keeps everyone engaged.

The guide’s performance is a highlight, with many reviews praising his enthusiasm, humor, and ability to stay in character. As one reviewer put it, “Tommy Terror was an excellent guide, enthusiastic, funny, and full of facts.”

The Atmosphere and Setting

The vintage bus itself is part of the charm. The stories are delivered in a cozy, atmospheric environment that feels like stepping into a ghostly movie set. The lighting, decor, and occasional smoke effects (some reviews mentioned a bit too much smoke towards the end) contribute to the spooky vibe.

Because the bus is a classic London-style double-decker, it provides a distinct visual contrast to Edinburgh’s historic streets — giving you a different perspective of the city’s beauty and darkness as you pass through.

Tour Route and Highlights

The tour covers more than just stories; it’s a sightseeing trip with a dark twist. You’ll see the city’s most haunted sites, and learn about some of Edinburgh’s notorious figures like Burke and Hare, along with tales of witches, grave robbers, and plague victims.

Highlights include:

• Hearing about executions, murders, and hauntings still reported today
• Learning about Burke and Hare, infamous for their gruesome murders
• Visiting sites where women were drowned or burned as witches
• Enjoying the nighttime views of Edinburgh lit up, adding to the spooky atmosphere

The Length and Price

The tour lasts about 75 minutes, making it a manageable but immersive experience. For around $28 per person, it’s quite reasonable considering the entertainment and storytelling involved. The price includes admission fees, the bus ride, and the live guide, which many other ghost tours might charge extra for.

It’s worth noting that the tour is a no-frills experience in terms of amenities — no food, drinks, or recording allowed — but that’s typical for a theatrical storytelling bus. The main focus is on the stories, the atmosphere, and the city views.

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Practical Details and What to Expect

You’ll meet just outside the Edinburgh Central Library at 7-9 George IV Bridge, a central location easy to find. Arrive on time — latecomers are not admitted once the tour starts. The guide speaks English, and the tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding some flexibility.

The bus is decorated to enhance the spooky ambiance, and the tour includes atmospheric lighting and small effects that heighten the sense of mystery. Personal belongings are at your own risk; the company isn’t responsible for lost items, so keep your valuables close.

A common theme in reviews is how entertaining and funny the guide is, making the hour fly by quickly. Some mention that the stories are gruesome enough to be a little unsettling — perfect for those who enjoy a spooky thrill — but generally not overly frightening.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults and older teenagers who enjoy ghost stories, history, and humor. It’s not designed for young children due to some grisly details and jump scares. If you’re looking for a fun, spooky night with friends or a partner, this tour hits the right notes.

For those who like their historical tales served with a bit of theatrical dramatization and some laughs, the comedy horror angle adds a fresh twist to traditional ghost tours.

Absolutely, if you’re after a lighthearted but spooky way to explore Edinburgh’s darker streets. It offers a great value at $28, combining sightseeing, storytelling, and entertainment in a cozy vintage setting. The guides receive high praise for their engaging performances and wealth of stories, making the experience memorable.

However, keep in mind that this isn’t a spooky scare-fest; it’s more of a theatrical, humorous ghost story ride. The darkness, special effects, and storytelling make it a perfect activity for those who enjoy a little thrill with their history. If you’re sensitive to gruesome tales or prefer more traditional ghost walks, you might want to consider other options.

The Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour stands out as a fun, engaging way to explore the city’s haunted tales without taking things too seriously. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a good story, a good laugh, and a bit of spooky ambiance rolled into one.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The stories are quite gruesome and include some jump scares, so it’s best suited for teenagers and adults. Younger kids might find it too intense.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 75 minutes.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers admission fees, the bus tour, and a live guide.

Where do I meet the tour?
You meet just outside the Edinburgh Central Library at 7-9 George IV Bridge; arrive promptly.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the guide speaks English.

Are there any restrictions on recording or bringing food?
Video recording and eating/drinking (except bottled water) are not permitted on the bus.

What is the atmosphere like?
The vintage bus, atmospheric lighting, and occasional effects create a cozy yet spooky vibe perfect for storytelling.

Would you recommend this tour?
Definitely, especially if you enjoy a mix of history, humor, and ghost stories. It’s a unique way to see Edinburgh’s dark side with a smile.

If you’re after a memorable, fun-filled night that combines a bit of Edinburgh’s haunted past with theatrical flair, this ghost bus tour will deliver. Just be ready for some spooky tales, lots of laughs, and a beautifully restored vintage bus ride through the city’s historic streets.

You can check availability for your dates here: