Edinburgh: Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour

This intriguing tour offers a 75-minute journey through Edinburgh’s dark, haunted corners aboard a beautifully restored vintage double-decker bus. Combining theatrical storytelling, historical tales, and dark humor, it’s a lively way to explore one of Europe’s most spooky cities. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over 3,000 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find it both entertaining and insightful.

We particularly appreciate how the tour balances dark history with humor—creating an experience that’s both spooky and fun. And for those who enjoy vivid storytelling, guides like Tommy Terror and Ian have been praised for their knowledgeable, engaging, and humorous narration.

A potential drawback? The tour lasts only 75 minutes, which might leave some wanting a bit more detail or longer exploration. Also, considering it’s a lively, theatrical experience, it’s probably best suited for older children and adults rather than young kids.

Overall, if you love ghost stories, enjoy a good laugh, and want a different perspective on Edinburgh’s historic sites, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Engaging storytelling combines comedy and horror, perfect for a fun, spooky night.
• Beautiful vintage bus adds charm and atmosphere, making the experience visually appealing.
• Guides like Tommy Terror are praised for their humor, knowledge, and ability to keep guests entertained.
• Historical sites like Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriar’s Kirk are featured, with stories about murders, executions, and hauntings.
• Value for money is high at $28, offering a unique mix of entertainment and education.
• Limited duration means an intense, fast-paced experience—ideal for a quick night adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour

What is the Ghost Bus Experience?

Imagine riding through the streets of Edinburgh on a vintage, midnight black double-decker bus, decorated with atmospheric lamps and window curtains. This isn’t just a sightseeing tour—it’s a theatrical show designed to entertain, scare, and educate. The bus itself, once part of the mysterious Necropolis Bus Company, survived only because it narrowly escaped a fire that destroyed its fleet in 1967. Now beautifully refurbished, it’s the perfect setting for tales of the city’s gruesome past.

The Route and Sights

As you set off from outside the Edinburgh Central Library, the tour takes you through both the Old Town and New Town, showcasing the city’s most iconic monuments—Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, Greyfriar’s Kirk, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. Each stop is paired with stories of murders, tortures, and executions that happened right in or around these landmarks.

What makes this tour stand out is the storytelling approach. Instead of dry historical facts, guides weave tales of grave robbers Burke and Hare, witches drowned or burned at the stake, and plague victims—stories that make history come alive with a mixture of suspense and humor.

The Theatrical Element

The guides, especially noted for their enthusiasm and humor, create an almost theatrical atmosphere. Reviewers rave about guides like Tommy Terror, who masterfully combine sharp wit with a wealth of historical knowledge. The interaction with guests, especially children, is handled with care, making sure everyone feels involved without breaking character.

Guests frequently mention the high-quality acting and storytelling—some compare it to movie-quality performances. Tommy Terror, in particular, is praised for his funny, engaging style that keeps everyone entertained.

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The Storytelling and Dark Humor

The stories are not only spooky but also laced with dry humor and clever commentary. For example, tales of Burke and Hare, the infamous body snatchers, are delivered with a mischievous twist, making the gruesome historical details more palatable. Several reviews highlight the balance of humor and horror, which keeps the experience lively and accessible.

Reviewers like William mention, “Tommy Terror was fantastic, with movie-quality acting and stories,” emphasizing how well the guide’s performance adds to the tour’s enjoyment. Others like Adrianna appreciate how they learned loads about Edinburgh’s ghostly past while having a good laugh.

The Atmosphere and Effects

The ambiance inside the bus, with atmospheric lighting and occasional effects, enhances the spooky vibe. Some reviews note the special effects and atmospheric smoke, which add a dash of theatrical fright. However, a few mention that the smoke at the end was a little overwhelming, so sensitive guests might want to keep that in mind.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts around 75 minutes, making it an ideal short activity to spice up an evening. The group size can fill the bus fully—every seat seems to get snapped up quickly, especially since many reviews mention last-minute bookings and discounts. The intimate group allows for lively interactions, though it can get crowded.

Pricing and Value

At $28 per person, this tour offers good value—combining entertainment, education, and a lively atmosphere. Reviewers like Zoe and Sara talk about how much fun they had, especially appreciating the funny and interesting stories that added to their overall Edinburgh experience.

Practicalities

Meeting outside the Edinburgh Central Library ensures easy access. It’s essential to arrive on time because latecomers are not admitted once the tour begins. The tour includes a live guide speaking in English, with a focus on maintaining an engaging narrative throughout.

Food, drinks, luggage, and video recordings are not permitted, which helps keep the atmosphere respectful and free from distractions. The bus itself is a historic vehicle, adding to the authentic vibe of the experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure-seeking travelers who enjoy a good story, a laugh, and some spooky thrills. It’s especially suited for teenagers and adults who appreciate a theatrical approach to history and ghost stories. Families with older children have also enjoyed it, as long as they’re comfortable with some creepy, gruesome tales.

If you’re interested in Edinburgh’s darker past but want it served in a fun, theatrical way, this tour delivers. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a nighttime activity that blends history, humor, and a touch of spooky magic.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is generally best for teenagers and adults, as some stories are quite gruesome and may include jump scares. Younger children might find the tales too scary or intense.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, making it a quick but immersive experience suitable for a lively evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts just outside the Edinburgh Central Library at 7-9 George IV Bridge and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is there any parking nearby?
While not specified, the meeting point is centrally located, likely accessible by public transportation or short walk from city parking options.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket includes admission fees, the bus ride, and a live guide who narrates the stories in English.

Is photography allowed?
Video recording is not permitted, but you’re free to take photos before or after the tour, as long as they don’t disturb the experience.

Final Thoughts

The Edinburgh Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour offers a truly unique way to explore the city’s haunted streets—blending dark history with a humorous, theatrical flair. It’s well-loved for its knowledgeable guides, spooky tales, and lively atmosphere, making it a memorable addition to any Edinburgh visit.

For travelers who enjoy a lighthearted approach to ghost stories, appreciate historical tales told with humor, or simply want an engaging way to see the city after sunset, this tour provides fantastic value at an accessible price point.

While it’s not a deep dive into Edinburgh’s history, the entertainment factor and theatrical storytelling make it a worthwhile experience, especially if you’re after a night of fun and mildly spooky thrills.

In essence, this tour shines for those craving a mix of storytelling, comedy, and a dash of fright—delivered in a charming vintage setting. It’s a perfect choice for history buffs with a sense of humor, families with older kids, or anyone who loves a good ghost story told with flair.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby