Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

If you’re hunting for something different to do in Edinburgh after dark, a ghost bus tour might just be your cup of tea. This isn’t your average city sightseeing—it’s a lively, slightly eerie adventure that takes you through some of the city’s most haunted spots, all from the cozy comfort of a vintage double-decker bus. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, plenty of reviews make it clear that it’s a popular choice for visitors craving a mix of history, humor, and a touch of the supernatural.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its engaging storytelling and entertaining guides who keep the stories lively and fun. Plus, the chance to see iconic sights like Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Kirk at night adds a special vibe. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s pacing can feel a bit swift—some reviews mention it rushing through stories, which might leave those wanting more detail a tad disappointed. It’s best suited for those who love a good spooky story paired with a fun, atmospheric ride.

If you’re after a relaxed, memorable evening that combines history, theatrics, and a dash of ghostly mystery, this tour could be just the ticket. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy theatrical storytelling or want a different way to explore Edinburgh’s darker history. Families with older kids or groups looking for a lively night out will probably enjoy it too, but it’s primarily aimed at adults and teen travelers who appreciate a spooky twist.

Key Points

• Unique transport: A vintage double-decker bus adds charm and nostalgia to the experience.
• Haunted sites: Pass by Edinburgh’s major landmarks like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Greyfriars Kirk, all with spooky stories.
• Engaging guides: Expect lively, theatrical commentary that brings Edinburgh’s dark past to life.
• Good value: At around $29, you get a fun, hour-long journey packed with stories and atmosphere.
• Comfort and convenience: Mobile ticketing and a centrally located meeting point make planning straightforward.
• Potential for speed: Some reviews mention stories feeling rushed, so if you love in-depth tales, this might feel a little quick.

A Deep Dive into the Ghost Bus Experience

What to Expect from the Tour

This ghost bus tour has a clear focus: taking you on an evening journey through Edinburgh’s most haunted and historically dark streets. You meet your guide at the Central Library, right in the heart of the city, and hop aboard a Routemaster double-decker bus. The vehicle itself looks charmingly vintage, perfectly set up for a spooky night ride.

Once seated either upstairs or downstairs, the real fun begins. Your guide—often described as lively, humorous, and theatrical—starts telling stories about Edinburgh’s bloody past. From tales of infamous executions and grave robbers to witch hunts and ghost sightings, the stories are designed to entertain and thrill. The guide’s energetic style, as many reviews praise, makes the history memorable and keeps everyone engaged.

The Stops and Sights

Throughout the 1-hour journey, the bus passes several historic landmarks. You’ll glide past Edinburgh Castle, where stories of royal intrigue and battle are intertwined with ghostly legends. The Royal Mile offers a glimpse of the city’s ancient thoroughfare, along with tales of spectral sightings and sinister happenings.

The bus also visits Greyfriars Kirk and its famous graveyard, which is said to be haunted by the wandering spirits of the dead. Many reviews mention the thrill of peering out at these sites from the comfort of the bus while hearing chilling anecdotes. The Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Grassmarket area also feature in the stories, highlighting their dark histories—like the bloody executions that once took place there.

The Stories and Atmosphere

The stories aren’t just dry facts; they’re delivered with theatrical flair, including clever tricks and surprises that surprise even seasoned ghost story fans. The reviews rave about guides like “Tommy the Terror,” who blends comedy and horror seamlessly. Guests often mention how the lively commentary, combined with the eerie nighttime views, makes for a memorable experience.

A common highlight for many is the story of Maggie Dickson, who was famously “half-hanged” but survived and became part of local legend. The guide’s storytelling, mixed with atmospheric sounds and surprises, creates a spooky ambiance that’s perfect for a dark Edinburgh evening.

How the Tour Compares in Value

At around $29 per person, this experience offers a solid bang for your buck. It’s a short but lively tour that packs in lots of stories and sights, especially considering the entertainment value. Many reviews agree that it’s a good deal, especially when factoring in the fun guides and unique transport.

The fact that it’s a mobile ticket and departs from a central location makes it convenient and easy to fit into a night out around the city. And, because most travelers book about three weeks in advance, it’s clearly a popular choice.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

The positives are evident in reviews praising the guide’s humor and storytelling, the fun atmosphere, and the chance to see Edinburgh’s famous landmarks from a different perspective. Several people mention that guides like “Tommy the Terror” make the experience memorable with their theatrical antics.

However, some guests found the story-telling a bit rushed at times—if you’re someone who loves detailed accounts, you might wish for longer or more in-depth stories. The fast pace might leave some wanting more time at each stop to absorb the stories or take photos.

Who Will Love It?

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers, history buffs with a sense of humor, or those who enjoy theatrical storytelling. It’s ideal for groups looking for a fun night out that mixes history with entertainment. While not necessarily tailored for families with young kids, older children or teens who enjoy ghost stories and lively guides will likely find it entertaining.

Practical Details

• Duration: About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, a perfect length for a quick evening activity.
• Price: $28.98 per person, offering good value considering the lively storytelling and sightseeing.
• Meeting Point: Central Library, 7-9 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
• Availability: Most travelers book about 22 days in advance, which shows how popular it is.
• Group size: Limited to a maximum of 54 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate.
• Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and it’s near public transportation.
• Language: Conducted in English.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, atmospheric way to experience Edinburgh’s darker side, this ghost bus tour is hard to beat. It combines historic landmarks with ghost stories delivered in an engaging, theatrical style that keeps the mood lively. The vintage bus adds charm, and the guides’ humor ensures the journey is anything but dull.

The experience is especially good for those who appreciate storytelling, a bit of theatrical flair, and outdoor sightseeing with a spooky twist. While the stories may feel quick at times, many guests leave with a good laugh and a few chilling tales to share.

This tour isn’t a deep-dive into every detail of Edinburgh’s haunted past, but it’s a memorable, fun way to see some of the city’s most iconic sites after dark and hear the ghost stories that have haunted its pavements for centuries. If you’re visiting Edinburgh and want something a little different from the usual, it’s worth considering.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it could be suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy ghost stories and theatrical storytelling. It’s mainly geared toward adults and groups looking for a fun night out.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, making it a manageable and engaging experience without feeling too long.

Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is the Central Library at 7-9 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. It’s centrally located and accessible by public transport.

What’s included in the ticket?
Your ticket covers the guide and transport on a Routemaster vintage bus. Food and drinks are not included, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you notify at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour are not refunded.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the tour is conducted in English. Be sure to arrive 20 minutes early, as latecomers cannot join once the tour starts.

In the end, this ghost bus tour offers a lively, fun way to experience Edinburgh’s haunted charm. Whether you’re a history lover, a fan of ghost stories, or just looking for a different kind of evening activity, it’s likely to leave an impression—and maybe a few chills.