Edinburgh: the Royal City Tour From London

Edinburgh: The Royal City Tour from London promises an enchanting day trip for travelers. Departing from King’s Cross, the tour whisks you to the historic Scottish capital by 11:30 AM. With round-trip train tickets, reserved seating, and an open-top sightseeing bus, you’ll explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from the commanding Edinburgh Castle to stunning panoramic views. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour offers an efficient and excellent value for uncovering the charming wonders of Edinburgh.

Key Points

• Full-day rail tour from London to Edinburgh, including round-trip train tickets with reserved seats.
• Sightseeing open-top tour and entrance to Edinburgh Castle, featuring the Scottish Crown Jewels and the One O’Clock Gun tradition.
• Scenic train journey through the British countryside, with on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and food service.
• Arrival in Edinburgh around 11:30 AM, allowing for 30 minutes of free time before the return journey in the late afternoon.
• Overall positive customer reviews highlighting the tour’s clear explanations, smooth experiences, and great value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Edinburgh: The Royal City Tour from London is a full-day rail tour that takes travelers from London to the historic city of Edinburgh.

Priced from $297.78 per person, this unescorted tour includes round-trip train tickets with reserved seats, a sightseeing open-top tour of Edinburgh, entrance to Edinburgh Castle, a free city map and information guide, and a hop-on hop-off bus ticket.

The tour departs from London’s Kings Cross station and arrives in Edinburgh around 11:30 AM, allowing 30 minutes of free time.

The return train leaves Edinburgh in the late afternoon, arriving back in London around 10:30 PM.

Itinerary Details

This tour departs from London’s Kings Cross station, with the train journey taking approximately 4.33 hours to reach Edinburgh.

Travelers will arrive in the city around 11:30 AM, with 30 minutes of free time for initial exploration. The return train leaves Edinburgh in the late afternoon, arriving back at Kings Cross around 10:30 PM.

The itinerary includes:

• Sightseeing open-top tour of Edinburgh

• Entrance to Edinburgh Castle

• Free city map and information guide

• Hop-on hop-off bus ticket for flexible sightseeing

• Round-trip train tickets with reserved seats

Train Journey

While the train journey from London’s Kings Cross station to Edinburgh takes approximately 4.33 hours, travelers will find the scenic route through the British countryside to be both comfortable and enjoyable.

Reserved seats ensure a relaxing ride, and the train’s amenities, including Wi-Fi and food service, make the time pass quickly.

Reserved seating and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and food service ensure a comfortable and swift train journey.

Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley station around 11:30 AM, guests have 30 minutes to explore the city before embarking on the sightseeing tour.

The return journey in the late afternoon provides another chance to admire the beautiful landscapes as the train heads back to London.

Exploring Edinburgh Castle

One of the highlights of the Royal City Tour from London is the visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, the castle commands breathtaking views over the city. Visitors can explore the castle’s chambers, halls, and ramparts, uncovering its rich history:

• Discover the Royal Palace, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels

• Visit the Great Hall, an impressive 15th-century medieval banquet hall

• See the iconic One O’Clock Gun, a time-honored tradition dating back to 1861

• Admire the War Memorial, a poignant tribute to Scotland’s fallen soldiers

• Stroll along the ramparts for panoramic vistas of Edinburgh’s skyline.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sightseeing in Edinburgh

After exploring the grand Edinburgh Castle, the Royal City Tour from London offers visitors a chance to enjoy the captivating sights and sounds of Edinburgh’s historic city center.

The tour includes a sightseeing open-top bus that allows passengers to hop on and off at their leisure, enabling them to discover the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Scottish Parliament, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the picturesque Old Town.

| Landmark | Description | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Scottish Parliament | Neo-Renaissance architecture | 30 mins |

| Palace of Holyroodhouse | Seat of Scottish monarchy | 45 mins |

| Old Town | Charming medieval streets | 1 hour |

The tour’s flexibility and comprehensive inclusions ensure that visitors can maximize their time in Edinburgh, creating lasting memories of this enchanting Royal City.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

The hop-on hop-off bus tour allows visitors to explore Edinburgh’s top attractions at their own pace.

With a flexible itinerary, travelers can hop on and off the double-decker buses as they please, visiting sites like:

With a flexible itinerary, travelers can hop on and off the double-decker buses, visiting top attractions in Edinburgh at their own pace.

• Edinburgh Castle

• The Royal Mile

• Holyrood Palace

• Scottish National Gallery

• Grassmarket and Victoria Street

This convenient mode of transportation provides comprehensive commentary, enabling guests to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.

The hop-on hop-off tickets grant unlimited access, empowering visitors to create their personalized sightseeing experiences in Edinburgh.

Practical Information

Travelers should arrive at London’s Kings Cross Station at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled 8:00 AM departure.

Electronic tickets and vouchers will be sent via email one week before the tour or within 24 hours if booked last minute. No in-person check-in is required at the station.

The tour includes round-trip train tickets with reserved seats, a sightseeing open-top tour of Edinburgh, entrance to Edinburgh Castle, a free city map and information guide, and a hop-on hop-off bus ticket for flexible sightseeing.

The train journey takes approximately 4.33 hours, with an arrival time of around 11:30 AM.

Customer Reviews

Overall, 20 reviewers have given the Royal City Tour from London an impressive 4.5 out of 5 rating.

The Royal City Tour from London has received an impressive 4.5 out of 5 rating from 20 reviewers.

Travelers highlighted the clear explanations and smooth experiences throughout the trip. The tour’s transportation received a perfect 5/5 score, and passengers felt the tour offered great value for money.

Key strengths include:

• Efficient train travel with reserved seating

• Engaging open-top sightseeing tour of Edinburgh

• Convenient access to top attractions like Edinburgh Castle

• Helpful city map and information guide

• Flexible hop-on hop-off bus for independent exploration

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Day Trips From London?

Yes, travelers can combine this tour with other day trips from London. The tour’s flexible schedule and independent nature allow for easily integrating it into a wider London sightseeing itinerary.

Are There Any Student or Senior Discounts Available?

Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer any student or senior discounts. The standard price of $297.78 per person applies to all travelers, regardless of age or student status. However, the tour does provide good value with roundtrip train tickets and admission to key sights included.

Can I Book This Tour on Short Notice?

Yes, you can book this tour on short notice. The electronic tickets and vouchers are sent via email within 24 hours if booked last minute, so there’s no need to worry about in-person departures at the train station.

Is Photography Allowed Inside Edinburgh Castle?

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Edinburgh Castle. Visitors can take photos throughout most of the castle grounds and buildings, though some restrictions may apply in certain designated areas to preserve the historical integrity of the site.

Does the Tour Include Any Meals or Refreshments?

The tour does not include any meals or refreshments. Travelers are responsible for their own food and drinks during the tour, which allows for more flexibility in exploring Edinburgh at their own pace.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh: the Royal City Tour from London offers an exceptional value for travelers. Featuring efficient round-trip train travel, a guided sightseeing tour, and the iconic Edinburgh Castle, this day trip from London promises an unforgettable adventure. With excellent reviews and top attractions, it’s an ideal way to experience the historic and scenic wonders of Scotland’s capital city.

You can check availability for your dates here: