Edinburgh Rail Trip from London with Castle entry and Hop-on Hop-off bus

Great Experience!

This is a great experience if you have very limited time to explore Edinburgh, Scotland. Easy and complete instructions and itinerary, the only thing that has recently changed is that Edinburgh Castle is no longer giving free guided tours so you'll need to book and pay for a guided tour ahead of time or pay for an audio tour when you get there. Edinburgh Castle and the city are truly amazing - I could have spent days there! A truly extraordinary place!

Enjoyable day trip

Had a great time on this trip. The hop on hop off bus came with headphones that you could plug in to learn about the history of the city. Edinburg Castle was also lovely. The only downside is that we spend 9 hours in the train but only 6 hours in Edinburgh. I wish I had time to go to Dynamic Earth or one of the other museums.

Scottland

Do not get 1st class. If a couple, you share a table wiyh 2 others. Fight for leg room all the way there. Not worth it. The time in Edinburgh is way to short with 8 hours on the train. Bearly get to see anything but the castle.

Absolutely stunning

We had an amazing time. Countryside was absolutely beautiful architectural designs were incredible. Our only regret was we were only there for one day Could easily spend weeks there. Highly recommend if in Europe to visit Edinburgh.

Awesome Day Trip

We spent most of our time at the castle. It was beautiful there. However, the tour was interesting and informative.

A very manageable...

A very manageable roundtrip to Edinburgh from London. Lots of walking. Audio of tour on bus could be better and also sometimes timing of the place and description is off.

Interesting and fun

The tour was interesting and entertaining. The trouble was that the audio guide was not in sync with our location. However it was interesting to visit Edinburgh castle

Beautiful Edinburgh

Even though most of the castle was closed due to a “police incident “, what little we saw was wonderful! The entire city of Edinburgh is gorgeous even in the rain! Also Viator returned part of the entry fee without being asked due to the incident. Viator has always been the best!

Got scammed by Viator.

On Saturday October 21st, I was scheduled to take a first class train w/reserved seat to Edinburgh. Once in Edinburgh I was to have a ticket on a hop on/hop off bus, then an entry ticket to Edinburgh Castle. Storm Bebet was pounding Edinburgh. The train I was supposed to be on was overbooked. I had a reserved seat, but someone else was sitting in it. They also had a ticket for the same train, same seat. Cancelled trains caused them to overbook. Edinburgh Castle was closed that day and I don't know what was up with the Hop on Hop off Bus. So, I couldn't get transportation to Edinburgh due to "Fear of Death" travel warnings. Edinburgh Castle was closed. Viator is refusing to refund my money.

Great, but not long enough

It was a great experience and easy to get around with all of the tickets and instructions. My only complaint is that 5.5 hours is not enough time to spend in the beautiful city of Edinburgh

Fantastic voyage

By far the coolest thing the family did while visiting London & England! We highly recommend the day trip, Edinburgh was gorgeous!

Great day trip from London

We really enjoyed this tour. There is a lot to see in Edinburgh in just one day, but we were able to see everything we wanted to. There was good communication with the tour company. The only issue we had was with the vouchers that we were provided with. We would arrive at a venue and provide them with the vouchers, only to find out that they needed to be printed before being used. Since we didn’t get the links for the vouchers until we were on our trip, we were unable to print anything before going. Everything worked out though the way that it should have. Would definitely recommend!

Some of the most...

Some of the most memorable locations we found within Edinburgh were obviously the castle, St. Giles, and hiking Arthur’s Seat.

Book it yourself instead if you want good seats on the train

Read this adventure details carefully we new going into this it was an unguided tour and was perfectly fine with that. First and biggest issue was the train seats they chose for us were rear facing on both trips there and back meanwhile they coaches were relatively empty so we relocated ourselves. If you book this trip on your own you can choose much better seating. The Hop on Hop off bus pass completely useless just not enough time to even consider using it. Edinburgh castle was enjoyable but exchanging your voucher for a ticket was not clearly explained in the information packet so we had to get assistance for local staffing. I would not do this tour again nor would I recommend it to a friend.

Fun but distressing

The castle museum was very interesting and the bus tour guides friendly and helpful. Communication as to the exact train station in relation to the other stations was confusing. I did not receive our downloads of the actual tickets for the train, bus and castle. I had to call after already purchasing another 2 train tickets to get the situation resolved. This was very distressing and a huge cost. However, once I was able to contact the vendor to address this error… progress was made and issue was resolved. To have avoided this situation prior to potentially missing out train would have been much more clear. Train personnel don’t have knowledge to effectively help with these scenarios. Overall improvement in communication with clients throughout process leading up to use of tickets would be ideal.

Highly Recommend this Day Trip to Edinburgh!!

This is my first time using Victor, I did not know what to expect but I loved it. I got all the documents, tickets, etc. within 24 hours before my scheduled trip. The hop-on hop-off bus selected was great, I learned so much during the drive around the city. I got to see the castle, well worth including entry into the castle with my trip. The only issue I have is the time for the return ticket back to London Kings Cross. It would have been great if we had time to see some of the other sites that were recommended. There is so much to see in the castle, that it was difficult for us to make stops at the other sites and make it back to the train station for our 17:30 train back. Overall, I would definitely recommend this trip to friends and I might even do it again in the future.

The bus tour shared a lot...

The bus tour shared a lot of information that I had not had on previous trips to the same city. I wish we had more time to shop and look around. It wasn't really enough time.

Loved Edinburgh

Lots of fun, very convenient. Evan Evan's is always a win. First class was a great way to knock out breakfast, commute and a nice nap in comfortable seats

GREAT TRIP, BUT A LITTLE RUSHED, VERY HARD TO SEE MORE THAN 2 OR 3 LANDMARKS.

Edinburgh Castle was wonderful, but the trip was a bit rushed. The castle took at least 2 hours, it was easier to walk around than catch the bus.

Excellent Customer Service

There was a communication mixup on my part. The rail attendant helped us get in touch with Viator. The Viator agent corrected MY MISTAKE, with no problem, and rerouted us to Edinburgh with only a one hour loss to the planned day. I have told this adventure to AAA, and to my sister who currently has an activity planned with Viator . CUSTOMER SERVICE was EXCELLENT!!!

There can be only one! tour to pick

one of the most easy, fun trips i been on in awhile! so much to see, amazing train ride, and great service on the train. all the info you needed was emailed to me, platforms easy to find, and the train ride was wonderful. 4+ hours few by amazing Vip lounge with my ticket, internet, free snakes, warm building out of the cold. thanks

Great trip with a couple of snags

Edinburgh is beautiful and fascinating. My trip would have been better had there not been a cold, drizzling rain but that's Scotland in December, I suppose. The castle is phenomenal. Two complaints/suggestions: Better directions to the tour bus location from the train station is one. The other: Make sure people keep a close eye on the train schedules at Waverly station. My return train was cancelled at the last minute; I barely made it on to a preceding train back to London (and my seat was not first class, which is what I had paid for).

Disorganized and Chaotic

They didn’t send me a link for my Castle tickets. It took me over 1 hour to find the right person who was finally able to find my name and give me a ticket. It was super embarrassing and a huge waste of my already limited time. Oh also, they booked my train tickets wrong too. Had someone try to take my seat in one of the stations. I am autistic and I must say, it was HELL.

Outstanding

For a self guided tour, I was provided with an abundance of useful information that made me feel safe and secure on what each step on this journey that I got to choose myself in what direction and what order I went in. Edinburgh is a beautiful city, filled with character. An awesome value and experience. Thank you!

I do recommend

Easy and fast to book this tour. Very organized with full, complete and easy instructions since the beginning until the end.

Train to Edinburgh from London

The Edinburgh Castle was amazing! Hop on and Hop off tour was great. We saw the North Sea from the train.

DO NOT BOOK THIS TRIP!!!

PLEASE DO NOT BOOK THIS EXCURSION! This was the single worse excursion Because of the tour operator. They failed to provide the trip, then refused to issue a refund! There is no communication! I received an e-mail days before we left the US to go to London stating that the train could may not have tickets. I emailed twice and called once trying to find out if I needed to book on my own, but got no return call or replies ti my email. On my own, I book train tickets as a back-up. 3 days before the excursion that we were fine and they were able to secure train tickets. I canceled the tickets we purchased. The night before our excursion, I received a text from Viator with a link to download. That link provided instructions on our to secure our tickets. It instructed us to arrive at Kings across for 630 for a 703am train departure, and that tickets would be available at the redemption center. We checked the departure board and there were no departures scheduled for this time. Only a 730 and an 830- red flag#1. We arrived at the train depot at 620 and could not find a redemption center or a tour operator. We went to the ticket counter and they could not help us and instructed at typically this tour company gathered around the information center. He suggested that we wait in that area. We waited until 640, still no one! We called the number on our downloaded voucher (Viator). The representative attempted to help, but he finally said he couldn’t help us and gave us another number to call, but they didn’t open until 7. I explained our trip was scheduled to leave at 703, but he was still unable to assist. At this point a train station employee arrived at the information center, but she was unable to assist because she had never heard of a redemption center. At 700 we called the 2nd number provided. That representative could not help us, she just kept telling us to report to the redemption center at kings cross. I even gave the phone to the train station information desk to figure out where she was talking about., but no success because there is no redemption center, not was there a representative from the tour company. The Viator rep agreed at this point we should request a refund. She put in a request for a refund. At 725, We decided to spend another $700 for tickets on our own rather than miss out on the Scotland trip all together. Once on the train, I submitted a refund request. This request was denied, so I called the explain what happened. Again, the viator rep agreed that we should be issued a refund so she submitted another request to refund from the tour company. This morning I received a second denial. The tour company claims they sent the tickets via email 1 week before the trip. This is not true. I have searched my emails, junk files, etc - nothing from them at all. Only communication was from viator described above. We have now paid for this trip 3 times. It’s a lovely trip and worth doing, but please book directly through LNER. Download the app and buy your own tickets, the hop on hop off station is very near to the train depot when you depart. Again….PLEASE DO NOT BOOK THIS TRIP! YOU WILL REGRET IT! Viator should remove it from their offerings, it is not up to par with their other excursions!

Good trip expert the HOHO Bus

For the most part the trip was good value, but the HOHO Bus experience was terrible. The HOHO Bus industry as a whole needs to get back to Pre-COVID standards and remember the Traveler is the only reason they are still in business

It would have been a great tour if for not that problem

The hop on hop off bus company was not operating that day so we had to purchase tickets ourselves with another bus company

Highly recommend!

This was surprisingly a very pleasant day trip, we highly recommend it, hope the rail is brought up to current technology where it doesnt buckle under extreme heat.

Return trip to London was awful and there was no communication.

Edinburgh and the castle was great, but all trains returning to London were canceled or delayed. We had members of our party who had prescription medicine back in London so it was critical that we return and we had to push our way on to the last train. We never received any messages to let us know what was happening or what we should do. The kindness of a couple station workers is the only reason we made it back to London 5 hours later than scheduled.

Loved our train ride.

We loved the train ride to Edinburgh seeing all the beautiful countryside. The food was good and the attendants took good care of us.

Expensive

The train being late and the Hop On Hop Off bus not going to the Royal Mile and other stops. Really a lot of money for only getting to go to the castle.

Complete rip off

The description, the overview and the email confirmation all list as train ride, castle tour and hop on/off bus EXCEPT for this price it actually doesn’t include the bus portion. They tell you later you have to buy that extra. I priced out the train and castle separate and this tour is at a huge profit for them to not include what it shows in three places. I tried to communicate with the tour company and they argue they are right and won’t issue a credit back for the bus. They won’t change the destruction, overview and confirmation email either. Do yourself a favor and take the train without this company and get your castle tickets online. You’ll save money and a huge disappointment.

I never recieved the tickets for this trip.

The booking said that I couldn't pre print my tickets, and that they would be provided by someone at the train station the morning of the trip. I left the US and went to the UK. After I was there, I got a message stating that they decided that someone wouldn't be there and they had sent the tickets. I didn't recieve them. I let the company know that I didn't get the tickets. They said they sent them again, however, I never recieved them. I even went to the train station the morning of the trip just in case someone was there, but there wasn't anyone. I spent a whole lot of money on a trip that I didn't get to take because I never recieved the tickets. There was no refund.

I got stood up and never returned calls and emails

The guide never showed up. We tried calling and I sent a email. We were waiting for guided since 0600. We called numerous time and works from the train did as well. This was my little sister first time in Europe. Very disappointed she didn't get the proper experience.

Gtreat trip.

I have done this trip three times, the train ride is wonderful (there are no trains where I live) I love wandering around Edinburgh

Great way to see a beautiful city

The train ride was a little long, but worth it. Beautiful city with great history. Hop on Hop off bus was a wonderful way of seeing a great deal in one day.

Edinburgh Day Trip a Must

This was such a great trip. The train was good and Scotland was wonderful. I opted for the live tour guide icon the hop on hop off bus, it was much better than a recorded tour. The stops where at good points in the city. I had an excellent trip to Edinburgh!

Edinburgh Day Trip

Interesting city. Liked hop on hop off bus. Great old buildings for photos. Edinburgh castle was interesting. Lots of walking though. Long train ride for a few hours in Edinburgh.

Wonderful trip

This was a great day trip. Please note you are on your own. You receive a packet and instructions. City was beautiful. Would highly recommend if have short time to visit. Train trip great. Saw the English countryside

Great way to spend a day.

First, the train trip was outstanding. BUT with that said, I found it would have been cheaper and better to have booked everything individually. I would have gotten better seats on the train and the information I got from the tour was wrong in a number of places. I suggestion would be to take the three items (train, bus and castle) and book each on the web. The castle is amazing. BUT if you have problem with uneven streets and steep hills. The castles handicap service are extremely unreliable.

Absolutely the best day of our vacation!

We upgraded to first class in the way to Edinburgh and it made for a great beginning to our unforgettable trip. A lady met us in the train terminal and gave us all of our tickets, she explained everything to us and even directed to the train to board. The train ride was beautiful all the way up along the coast of the North Sea. We got off the train and right on to our Hop on Hop off bus and saw the beautiful city of Edinburgh! Worth every penny!!

Tour at your own risk

Did not know this was really do it yourself tour. No clue where to meet EE rep. When she showed up almost late, and gave everyone their envelope, it was obvious you were on your own. Train was pleasant. When we arrived in Edinburgh, had to hoof it to the bus. Bus was stuck in traffic but finally got off at castle. No directions to get to castle, rumor we missed our appointment, rushed from castle and took taxi to train station, got on wrong train. What a horrible experience. Evan Evans should be ashamed.

Edinburg Day Trip from London

The visit at Edinburgh itself was fantastic, with the visit to Edinburg Castle making the trip worthwhile.Be prepared to walk uphill a very long way! The train ride was the only difficult part of the trip. It was 4 1/2 hours up and 4 1/2 hours back. Bring a book if, like me, you can't sleep sitting up.

Save Your Money, Book Your Own Ticket

I wanted to show my daughter Edinburgh, but for various reasons, we didn’t have time for more than a day. We thought we were lucky when we found this day excursion. It included train tickets, castle tickets, and hop on, hop off bus tickets. We assumed we would be escorted on the trip. After we purchased the package, we were instructed to meet an agent at the railway station early in the morning. We got there about fifteen minutes early. The agent was late. Another woman who was doing a longer expedition with the same company became very anxious. Worried we were in the wrong spot and that we would miss our train to Scotland, she paced the station, looking for help. Finally, our agent arrived, about fifteen minutes late. She handed us our tickets in a white envelope. She advised us not to use the bus to go to the castle because it was easier to walk. Then she left. That was it. No one went with us. We were on our own. While the description doesn’t state there will be a guide, it also doesn’t make it clear that there won’t. When we got on the train, we discovered that we had horrible seats. They were backwards facing and in an area where we didn’t have a full view out the window. Fortunately, we found two unreserved seats and moved. When we arrived in Edinburgh, we had to download a map so we could find our way from the train station. In Edinburgh, we went to the Castle and thoroughly enjoyed it. We never used the bus tickets. We did not have time. At the end of the day, I would say that it would be far easier and less expensive to buy your own train tickets for a one day excursion. That way, you could choose your own seat. It’s also easy to get the castle tickets on line. For us, the bus tickets were a waste. I would not spend the money on another trip like this.

A free guided tour of the castle

Hop on hop of buses are a must for travellers, you learn so much about Edinburgh. There is free bus that gives 30minute tours just as good as the £15 bus tour. I loved the city. Quiet in comparison to London in August. There were queues to visit the royal jewel house. The staff were very helpful. Please note it is a lot of walking for those who have bad legs or feet. You can get a taxi right up to the gates of the Castle. Stand under the red clock inside the castle for free guided tours. There was so much to discover within the Castle walls thanks to our guide Brian.

A quick visit to Edinburgh by rail

Our visit to Edinburgh was a one-day excursion, since our main focus was London. It was a nice introduction to Edinburgh which made us realize that we needed to return for more than one day to city the town and get a better feel of the culture. We went in August and we later found out that August is a popular month for visitors. This explains the massive crowds in the streets and everywhere. The tour representative was at the specified train station with the necessary documents for us to take this excursion. The train was clean and on time. There was food for purchase if desired. The hop-on-hop off was a great way to see the town and get off when we wanted to. The historical information provided by the hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) guide was interesting and informative. I will be returning to Edinburg for a longer stay and will definitely use the HOHO option again.

Very helpful guide met us at Kings...

<p>Very helpful guide met us at Kings Cross Station and gave us information for when we arrived in Edinburgh.</p>

Long day, great old city

The coordination at the rail station in London was somewhat haphazard, but everyone got on. Edinburgh was fun to explore - everything close in, and with HO/HO, riding and walking was easy. Return train was crowded, many commuters, making for a long, long day.