Skip the queue at every major attraction
Edinburgh City Pass
One pass. Unlimited city.
The Edinburgh City Pass, sold through MyScottishPass, bundles 20+ paid experiences into a single purchase – covering tours, paid attractions, a hop-on hop-off bus, and a return airport tram journey. A separate 'Pass + Castle' version adds direct Edinburgh Castle entry. This page covers what each option includes, how the pricing stacks up against buying tickets individually, and which visitors are most likely to get genuine value from it.
Everything in the pass
What's included
Standard City Pass
Covers 20+ experiences including Camera Obscura (normally £24.95), the Holyrood Distillery Tour (normally £25), Hidden Vaults Tour (normally £24), Dynamic Earth Science Centre (normally £20), and a range of walking tours. Available in 1-day (£55), 2-day (£75), and 3-day (£90) adult versions.
Pass + Edinburgh Castle
Adds direct entry to Edinburgh Castle (normally £19.50–£21.50) to the standard pass. Priced at £70 for 1 day, £90 for 2 days, and £105 for 3 days (adult). This is the option to choose if the Castle is on your list – the standard pass includes only a walking tour near the Castle, not entry.
Return airport tram included
All City Pass options include a return Edinburgh Tram journey between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre, normally £9.50 return. This alone covers a meaningful portion of the 1-day pass cost if you're arriving by air. Note: the pass does not cover regular Lothian Buses or tram services within the city.
24-hour Big Bus hop-on hop-off
The pass includes a 24-hour hop-on hop-off city tour with Big Bus Edinburgh, normally priced at approximately £20. Useful for orientation on a first visit, with commentary past key landmarks including the Castle, Holyrood, and the New Town.
What's not included
The Real Mary King's Close – one of Edinburgh's most popular paid attractions – is not included in the Edinburgh City Pass as of our research (verify before booking, as inclusions can change). The Palace of Holyroodhouse, regular Lothian Bus and tram services, and the national free museums are also outside the pass.
Where to buy
Buy directly through MyScottishPass, or via Forever Edinburgh (the city's official tourism site). Also available via GetYourGuide and Viator. Some included experiences – particularly Edinburgh Castle on the 'Pass + Castle' version – require advance slot booking through the pass portal, especially June through August.
Compare options
City Pass pricing
1-day City Pass
1 calendar day
£55
- check_circleAccess to 20+ experiences from day of activation
- check_circleReturn airport tram included
- check_circle24-hour Big Bus hop-on hop-off
- check_circleBest for a packed single-day itinerary
2-day City Pass
2 consecutive calendar days
£75
- check_circleAccess to 20+ experiences across two days
- check_circleReturn airport tram included
- check_circle24-hour Big Bus hop-on hop-off
- check_circleEnough time to combine tours, distillery, and a science centre
- check_circleBest value for a weekend trip
3-day + Castle Pass
3 consecutive calendar days
£105
- check_circleAll City Pass experiences plus Edinburgh Castle entry
- check_circleReturn airport tram included
- check_circle24-hour Big Bus hop-on hop-off
- check_circlePriority booking for Castle required – plan ahead
- check_circleBest option for a full Edinburgh visit with the Castle
Prices as of our research and subject to change — see the FAQs below for where to buy each option and how to verify current pricing.
Common questions
FAQs
Is the Edinburgh City Pass worth the money?
The 1-day pass (£55) breaks even if you use three mid-range inclusions. Camera Obscura (£24.95) + Holyrood Distillery Tour (£25) + Hidden Vaults Tour (£24) comes to £73.95 at the door – a saving of nearly £19 on the pass price. Add the Big Bus tour (£20) and you're at roughly £94 of retail value for £55. The case is strongest for visitors doing two or more paid tours or experiences per day. If you're mainly visiting Edinburgh's free museums or spending most of your time at Edinburgh Castle alone, the pass is harder to justify.
Does the Edinburgh City Pass include Edinburgh Castle?
The standard Edinburgh City Pass does not include direct entry to Edinburgh Castle – it includes a walking tour with Edinburgh Castle as a stop, which is different from full admission. To get actual castle entry, you need the 'Pass + Castle' version, which costs £70 for one day or £105 for three days (adult). Edinburgh Castle independently costs approximately £19.50–£21.50, so the upgrade is worth it only if you're also doing several other included experiences. Always pre-book your Castle slot through the pass portal – it sells out in summer.
Where do I buy the Edinburgh City Pass?
Buy directly through MyScottishPass, the official pass operator, or via Forever Edinburgh (Edinburgh's official tourism site). It's also available on GetYourGuide and Viator. Buying directly is recommended so you can access the booking portal to reserve time slots for experiences that require them, including Edinburgh Castle. The pass activates the first time you scan at an attraction, so you can buy ahead of your trip.
Ready to explore Edinburgh?
Your pass activates the moment you first scan it.