Edinburgh Private Black Cab Tour: 4-Hour City Guide

See Edinburgh at your own pace in a private cab

A 4-hour private guided tour of Edinburgh in a black cab for up to 6 passengers, with a driver and guide officially recognized by the City of Edinburgh Council. The route covers Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Calton Hill, Arthur's Seat, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and other landmarks you choose. Pickup and drop-off at any Edinburgh location (airport, hotel or cruise port) are included, and you can customize stops to suit your interests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Royal Mile20m
2. Scottish Parliament20m
3. Palace of Holyroodhouse20m
4. Arthur's Seat10m
5. Edinburgh Castle10m
6. Calton Hill35m
7. Stockbridge Market20m
8. Rosslyn Chapel20m

Edinburgh city highlights tour

• Visit Edinburgh Castle (drive by)
• Explore the Royal Mile
• See Holyrood Palace area
• View Arthur's Seat
• Tour Old Town Edinburgh
• Tour New Town Edinburgh
• Visit Scottish Parliament
• Stop at Greyfriars Kirkyard
• Visit Surgeons Hall Museums
• See Water of Leith Village
• Visit Calton Hill for views
• Explore Stockbridge Market
• Visit Rosslyn Chapel (optional)

The experience

The tour runs 4 hours and moves through the city in a private LEVC black cab with air conditioning and heating. Your guide is a local professional recognized by Edinburgh's council, and the vehicle holds up to 6 passengers, so you're traveling with people you know. Water and soft drinks come with the ride. The route is yours to shape: the standard itinerary covers the Royal Mile, Old Town's medieval streets, New Town's Georgian squares, Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill with its panoramic views, Arthur's Seat (an extinct volcano), and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You can ask to add Rosslyn Chapel, famous from The Da Vinci Code, though fitting it in means dropping another stop from the 4-hour window.

Pickup happens at your hotel, cruise port, or airport, anywhere in Edinburgh. The driver waits 15 minutes at the meeting point. If you're traveling from a cruise ship, give the operator your ship name, docking time and re-boarding time at booking so the return aligns with your departure. The cab itself is fully insured with public liability coverage, and the guide handles the narration and pacing, so you're not navigating or timing the day yourself.

Photo stops and short walks are built into the 4 hours. Greyfriars Kirkyard, Surgeons Hall Museums, Stockbridge Market and the Water of Leith village can be included depending on what interests you. Because it's a private tour, you're not waiting for other groups or following a fixed schedule that doesn't match your speed: the guide adapts to how long you want to spend at each place.

What’s included

• Private LEVC black cab with air conditioning and heating.
• professional local guide recognized by the City of Edinburgh Council.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• pickup and drop-off at any Edinburgh location including airport, hotel or cruise port.
• photo stops and short walks at landmarks like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, Arthur's Seat and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Options for this experience

4 options

Private tour for a group of 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:30Private tour for 4 people, pickup is included

Private tour for a group of 5 peopleUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:30Lasts 4 hours, pickup is included

Private tour for a group of 6 peopleUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:30Pickup is included

Private tour for a group of 7 peopleUp to 7 per booking · Guide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:30Private tour for 7 people, pickup is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Love Scotland and Edinburgh Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to cover Edinburgh's main sights without driving yourself or following a group schedule: the private cab and customizable route let you spend more time at what interests you and skip what doesn't. If you're arriving by cruise ship or flying in, the included pickup means you don't arrange separate transport to start the day.

Traveler reviews

4.81★★★★★★★★★★

74 verified traveler reviews

5 ★68

4 ★2

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the difference between the private tour options for 4, 5, 6 and 7 people?

The private tour is priced per vehicle, which holds up to 6 passengers. If your group is 4, 5 or 6 people, you book the option matching your size. The 7-person option is not available because the cab's maximum capacity is 6.

Can I visit Rosslyn Chapel on this tour?

Rosslyn Chapel can be added to the itinerary, but because the tour is 4 hours fixed, including it means you'll skip other stops like Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat. The guide will help you decide which attractions fit the time you have.

Does the tour include entry to Edinburgh Castle or other attractions?

The tour covers a drive-by and drive-through of Edinburgh Castle and visits to outdoor sites like Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat. Paid entry to attractions like the castle itself, Rosslyn Chapel or Surgeons Hall Museums is not included. The guide can arrange these if you want, but they cost extra and reduce time for other stops.

What happens if my cruise ship is delayed or can't dock?

At booking, provide your ship name, docking and re-boarding times so the driver can time your return. If the ship cannot dock due to weather, the operator offers a partial refund.

Is there anywhere in Edinburgh you won't pick me up from?

Pickup and drop-off are available at any Edinburgh location: hotel, airport, cruise port or another address. The price and itinerary stay the same regardless of where you start.

What's included in the tour price?

The private black cab, the professional local guide, bottled water and soft drinks, and pickup and drop-off anywhere in Edinburgh are all included. Gratuities and paid entry to attractions are separate.