Edinburgh Castle Skip the Line Entry Tickets I Reserve Yours Now

What does Edinburgh Castle skip the line really mean?

Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets mean you won’t have to wait in the general ticket purchase queue. At your reserved time, you enter through a priority entrance and proceed to the security check. While all visitors must go through security, fast-track ticket holders usually move faster and spend less time waiting outside.

How long are the queues at Edinburgh Castle?

Beefeater leading a morning tour at the Tower of London with visitors gathered around.

Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most visited landmarks, attracting over 2 million visitors yearly. Queues can get long, especially from spring to early autumn.

Peak season (April to September): Ticket queues can take 40-70 minutes.
Shoulder months (October to March): Waits often last 15-35 minutes.
With Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets: Typically pass through in 10-20 minutes, even at busy times.

Types of queues at Edinburgh Castle

Queue type	Location	Skip with STL tickets?	Avg. wait time	Who is it for?
Ticketing queue	Main entrance plaza	Yes	30-60 mins (peak)	Visitors without pre-booked tickets
Security check	Inside main gate	No	10-20 mins	All tourists
Timed entry line	Priority Gate	Yes	5-15 mins	Guests with fast-track tickets
Group entrance	Meeting point outside Castle	Yes	5-15 mins	Tour groups, families, guided bookings

How to actually skip the lines at Edinburgh Castle

Fast-track tickets help, but a little planning goes a long way:

Book in advance: Secure your preferred time slot online. This alone can save 30–60 minutes at peak times.
Go with a guided tour: Entry is often through a priority group entrance, and a guide handles tickets and security. You also get expert insights on the castle’s history.
Arrive early or later in the day: Morning slots just after opening or post-3 pm usually see shorter queues. Midday is busiest.
Avoid peak tourist days: Weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays get crowded.
Consider weekday visits: Tuesdays and Thursdays tend to be quieter, especially in the afternoon.
Don’t rely on walk-up tickets: Same-day entry without pre-booking can involve long waits and no guaranteed slot.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets

Why book Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets?

They save time by letting you bypass the regular ticket line. You get guaranteed entry at a specific time and avoid peak-hour crowds.

Do Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets include security checks?

Yes. Everyone must go through bag checks, but fast-track holders usually move faster due to smaller queues.

Can I buy Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets at the castle?

Very limited walk-up tickets may be available, but during peak season it’s safer to book online.

Do Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets include access to all areas?

Guided tours cover the castle grounds and key outdoor points. Interior buildings can be explored independently after your tour. Some areas, like the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels), may be temporarily closed. Check your ticket details.

What if I arrive late for my timed slot?

You may need to wait for the next available slot. Staff try to accommodate late arrivals but it’s not guaranteed.

Do Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets work for families or large groups?

Yes. Each person must have a valid ticket. Large groups benefit from a guided tour with priority entrance.

Are Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets useful in winter or low season?

Yes. While crowds are smaller, queues still form in the mornings and around holidays. Fast-track tickets help minimize waiting.

What’s the best time to visit Edinburgh Castle with fast-track tickets?

Early morning or after 3 pm are typically less crowded. Midday and weekends are busiest. Guided tours often have priority entrance, making them ideal for a smooth visit.

Explore Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour with an expert local guide in English in just 45 mins, with free time to explore later.

Everything you get: Entry to Edinburgh Castle with a guided walking tour of the grounds led by a local English-speaking guide for 45 mins, plus free time to explore the castle on your own. Get access to an Edinburgh city audio tour on a digital app to learn more about the city as well.
Why choose this: From traditions like the One O’Clock Gun to military secrets, gain valuable insights from your local guide that you may miss otherwise.
Upgrades: Enhance your tour with an extended 1.5-hour tour, skip-the-line entry to the Edinburgh Castle, or a Royal Mile small-group guided walking tour.

Inclusions

Entry to Edinburgh Castle
45-min express guided tour of Edinburgh Castle (outside the castle)
Free time for independent exploration of Edinburgh Castle
Expert local English-speaking guide
Edinburgh city audio tour (digital app)

Additional paid upgrades:

1.5-hour extended guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
2.15-hour guided tour of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
Small group of max. 20 guests

Exclusions

Headset and mobile device

Edinburgh Castle internal audio guide (£3.50)
Transportation
Gratuities

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID if requested at the entrance.
Download the audio app before reaching the meeting point to dodge any network glitches at the location. Simply scan the QR code on your voucher and follow the instructions to download the Vox City app and the city map in your preferred language. If you encounter any problems, contact customer@voxcity.com or contact customer support live 24/7 through the website.
Carry your earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

What’s not allowed

Luggage, large bags, and bags over 30L in volume are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.
Due to venue restrictions, your pets are not permitted.
Drones are strictly prohibited on the premises.
Access to the roof is not permitted in poor weather conditions.

Accessibility

The experience is not fully wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps within the castle grounds and surrounding areas.

Additional information

The guided tour takes place outdoors around Edinburgh Castle. Entry to interior buildings is not included during the guided portion, but you may explore them independently after the tour.
Specific stops during the tour are assigned by castle authorities and may vary.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10-15 mins before your scheduled start time.
If Edinburgh Castle is unexpectedly closed on the day of your visit, tickets to Holyrood Palace will be provided instead if available.
Meeting points may vary by tour. Ensure you check your booking confirmation for details.
Please note the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) will be closed from January 12 to Easter in 2026.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Step into Scotland’s royal legacy with an exclusive combo of two iconic royal residences.

Everything you get at Edinburgh Castle: Skip the lines and enter Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour led by a local expert in English. Dive into the castle’s history, from the One O’Clock Gun, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and tales of the castle’s military past.
Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Standard entry to the official royal residence in Scotland, including access to the historic State Apartments, including Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, and the 12th-century abbey ruins with a multimedia guide.
Why choose this combo: Save money and visit both royal residences at opposite ends of the Royal Mile in a single day with a scenic walk between them.
Upgrades: Enhance your Holyroodhouse Palace visit with a special Christmas guided experience in a small group setting and get a complimentary guidebook.

Inclusions Edinburgh Castle

Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
Guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
Expert local English-speaking guide

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
Multimedia guide in 9 languages

Additional paid upgrades:

Palace of Holyroodhouse

2-hour private Christmas tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse State Apartments
Expert English-speaking guide
Complimentary guidebook
Small group of max. 25 guests

Exclusions Edinburgh Castle + Palace of Holyroodhouse

Transport
Food and drink

What's not allowed

Edinburgh Castle

Luggage, large bags, and bags over 30L in volume are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.
Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
Drones are strictly prohibited on the premises.
Access to the roof is not permitted in poor weather conditions.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm are not allowed in this experience.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
In consideration of other visitors, mobile phones must be switched off inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Accessibility

Edinburgh Castle

The experience is not fully wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps within the castle grounds and surrounding areas.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, except in some parts of Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Concessionary rates for disabled visitors and a complimentary companion ticket are only available to book directly with Royal Collection Trust.

Additional information

Edinburgh Castle

The guided tour takes place outdoors around Edinburgh Castle. Entry to interior buildings is not included during the guided portion, but you may explore them independently after the tour.
Specific stops during the tour are assigned by castle authorities and may vary.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 mins before your scheduled start time.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
You may be subject to security checks. Some items may have to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of your visit.
For safety and security reasons, a one-way route operates inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Last admission time is 3:15pm.
Under 5s must be booked with a paid ticket.
The tour is only available when the Palace is closed to other visitors.
Please arrive at least 15 mins before your scheduled tour time.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Step into Edinburgh’s Old Town with a guide and uncover centuries of real stories, legends, and historic landmarks.

Everything you get: A 2-hour 15-minute English-guided walking tour with a Mercat Storyteller. Stroll the Royal Mile, hear historic tales, skip the line into Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy a 45-minute guided introduction before exploring the castle on your own.
Why choose this: Ideal for history lovers and visitors who like in-depth walking tours. Learn how Edinburgh’s past shaped its streets, people, and iconic buildings still standing today.

Inclusions

90-mins walking tour of Royal Mile and Old Town
Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
45-min introduction to Edinburgh Castle
Live English-speaking guide
Exclusive multi-sensory experience delivered through TourTalk audio devices

Exclusions

Transportation between attractions

Food and drinks

This tour only covers the upper half of the Royal Mile.
For safety reasons, guests under the age of 5 years are not allowed on this experience.
Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside the castle for security reasons.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Safety first! This experience is restricted to people with cardiac issues.
Complimentary admission is offered to carers accompanying a paying visitor.
If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel or upon arrival at your destination.
Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Explore Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour with an expert local guide in English in just 45 mins, with free time to explore later.

Everything you get: Entry to Edinburgh Castle with a guided walking tour of the grounds led by a local English-speaking guide for 45 mins, plus free time to explore the castle on your own. Get access to an Edinburgh city audio tour on a digital app to learn more about the city as well.
Why choose this: From traditions like the One O’Clock Gun to military secrets, gain valuable insights from your local guide that you may miss otherwise.
Upgrades: Enhance your tour with an extended 1.5-hour tour, skip-the-line entry to the Edinburgh Castle, or a Royal Mile small-group guided walking tour.

Inclusions

Entry to Edinburgh Castle
45-min express guided tour of Edinburgh Castle (outside the castle)
Free time for independent exploration of Edinburgh Castle
Expert local English-speaking guide
Edinburgh city audio tour (digital app)

Additional paid upgrades:

1.5-hour extended guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
2.15-hour guided tour of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
Small group of max. 20 guests

Exclusions

Headset and mobile device

Edinburgh Castle internal audio guide (£3.50)
Transportation
Gratuities

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID if requested at the entrance.
Download the audio app before reaching the meeting point to dodge any network glitches at the location. Simply scan the QR code on your voucher and follow the instructions to download the Vox City app and the city map in your preferred language. If you encounter any problems, contact customer@voxcity.com or contact customer support live 24/7 through the website.
Carry your earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

What’s not allowed

Luggage, large bags, and bags over 30L in volume are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.
Due to venue restrictions, your pets are not permitted.
Drones are strictly prohibited on the premises.
Access to the roof is not permitted in poor weather conditions.

Accessibility

The experience is not fully wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps within the castle grounds and surrounding areas.

Additional information

The guided tour takes place outdoors around Edinburgh Castle. Entry to interior buildings is not included during the guided portion, but you may explore them independently after the tour.
Specific stops during the tour are assigned by castle authorities and may vary.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10-15 mins before your scheduled start time.
If Edinburgh Castle is unexpectedly closed on the day of your visit, tickets to Holyrood Palace will be provided instead if available.
Meeting points may vary by tour. Ensure you check your booking confirmation for details.
Please note the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) will be closed from January 12 to Easter in 2026.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Step into Scotland’s royal legacy with an exclusive combo of two iconic royal residences.

Everything you get at Edinburgh Castle: Skip the lines and enter Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour led by a local expert in English. Dive into the castle’s history, from the One O’Clock Gun, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and tales of the castle’s military past.
Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Standard entry to the official royal residence in Scotland, including access to the historic State Apartments, including Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, and the 12th-century abbey ruins with a multimedia guide.
Why choose this combo: Save money and visit both royal residences at opposite ends of the Royal Mile in a single day with a scenic walk between them.
Upgrades: Enhance your Holyroodhouse Palace visit with a special Christmas guided experience in a small group setting and get a complimentary guidebook.

Inclusions Edinburgh Castle

Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
Guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
Expert local English-speaking guide

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse
Multimedia guide in 9 languages

Additional paid upgrades:

Palace of Holyroodhouse

2-hour private Christmas tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse State Apartments
Expert English-speaking guide
Complimentary guidebook
Small group of max. 25 guests

Exclusions Edinburgh Castle + Palace of Holyroodhouse

Transport
Food and drink

What's not allowed

Edinburgh Castle

Luggage, large bags, and bags over 30L in volume are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.
Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
Drones are strictly prohibited on the premises.
Access to the roof is not permitted in poor weather conditions.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm are not allowed in this experience.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
In consideration of other visitors, mobile phones must be switched off inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Accessibility

Edinburgh Castle

The experience is not fully wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps within the castle grounds and surrounding areas.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, except in some parts of Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Concessionary rates for disabled visitors and a complimentary companion ticket are only available to book directly with Royal Collection Trust.

Additional information

Edinburgh Castle

The guided tour takes place outdoors around Edinburgh Castle. Entry to interior buildings is not included during the guided portion, but you may explore them independently after the tour.
Specific stops during the tour are assigned by castle authorities and may vary.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 mins before your scheduled start time.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
You may be subject to security checks. Some items may have to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of your visit.
For safety and security reasons, a one-way route operates inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Last admission time is 3:15pm.
Under 5s must be booked with a paid ticket.
The tour is only available when the Palace is closed to other visitors.
Please arrive at least 15 mins before your scheduled tour time.

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Step into Edinburgh’s Old Town with a guide and uncover centuries of real stories, legends, and historic landmarks.

Everything you get: A 2-hour 15-minute English-guided walking tour with a Mercat Storyteller. Stroll the Royal Mile, hear historic tales, skip the line into Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy a 45-minute guided introduction before exploring the castle on your own.
Why choose this: Ideal for history lovers and visitors who like in-depth walking tours. Learn how Edinburgh’s past shaped its streets, people, and iconic buildings still standing today.

Inclusions

90-mins walking tour of Royal Mile and Old Town
Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle
45-min introduction to Edinburgh Castle
Live English-speaking guide
Exclusive multi-sensory experience delivered through TourTalk audio devices

Exclusions

Transportation between attractions

Food and drinks

This tour only covers the upper half of the Royal Mile.
For safety reasons, guests under the age of 5 years are not allowed on this experience.
Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside the castle for security reasons.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Safety first! This experience is restricted to people with cardiac issues.
Complimentary admission is offered to carers accompanying a paying visitor.
If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel or upon arrival at your destination.
Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Guided Tours

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

Explore Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour with an expert local guide in English in just 45 mins, with free time to explore later.

Everything you get: Entry to Edinburgh Castle with a guided walking tour of the grounds led by a local English-speaking guide for 45 mins, plus free time to explore the castle on your own. Get access to an Edinburgh city audio tour on a digital app to learn more about the city as well.
Why choose this: From traditions like the One O’Clock Gun to military secrets, gain valuable insights from your local guide that you may miss otherwise.
Upgrades: Enhance your tour with an extended 1.5-hour tour, skip-the-line entry to the Edinburgh Castle, or a Royal Mile small-group guided walking tour.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr. 15 min.

Audio guide

Combos

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Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour + Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets

Step into Scotland’s royal legacy with an exclusive combo of two iconic royal residences.

Everything you get at Edinburgh Castle: Skip the lines and enter Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour led by a local expert in English. Dive into the castle’s history, from the One O’Clock Gun, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and tales of the castle’s military past.
Everything you get at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: Standard entry to the official royal residence in Scotland, including access to the historic State Apartments, including Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, and the 12th-century abbey ruins with a multimedia guide.
Why choose this combo: Save money and visit both royal residences at opposite ends of the Royal Mile in a single day with a scenic walk between them.
Upgrades: Enhance your Holyroodhouse Palace visit with a special Christmas guided experience in a small group setting and get a complimentary guidebook.

‌

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Guided tour

Walking Tours

NEW

Secrets of the Royal Mile Tour and Entrance to Edinburgh Castle

Step into Edinburgh’s Old Town with a guide and uncover centuries of real stories, legends, and historic landmarks.

Everything you get: A 2-hour 15-minute English-guided walking tour with a Mercat Storyteller. Stroll the Royal Mile, hear historic tales, skip the line into Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy a 45-minute guided introduction before exploring the castle on your own.
Why choose this: Ideal for history lovers and visitors who like in-depth walking tours. Learn how Edinburgh’s past shaped its streets, people, and iconic buildings still standing today.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

2 hr. 15 min.

Guided tour

Top things to do in Edinburgh

What does Edinburgh Castle skip the line really mean?

How long are the queues at Edinburgh Castle?

Types of queues at Edinburgh Castle

How to actually skip the lines at Edinburgh Castle

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour + Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets

Secrets of the Royal Mile Tour and Entrance to Edinburgh Castle