Edinburgh’s compact size, impressive architecture, lush parks, and nearby coast make it a cyclist’s dream. The city’s interconnected cycle paths and scenic routes allow you to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, giving you a more authentic experience. A standout is the Sky to Sea Bike Tour, which takes you from Arthur’s Seat to Portobello Beach, offering a perfect blend of city sights and natural landscapes. Whether you prefer electric bikes for hills or traditional bikes for a workout, Edinburgh’s bike tours cater to various tastes and fitness levels. We especially like tours that combine city highlights with scenic seaside stops, giving you a full day of adventure in just a few hours.
For those wanting to see Edinburgh’s most famous sights along with hidden corners, there’s a range of options. From quick city loops to full-day Highlands excursions, these bike tours are a fantastic way to make the most of your visit. Below, you’ll find a detailed rundown of the top bike tours, carefully chosen for their uniqueness, reviews, and value.
1. Edinburgh Sky to Sea Bike or E-Bike Tour with Transfer
At number 1, the Sky to Sea Bike or E-Bike Tour offers an impressive 4.75-hour ride covering Edinburgh’s natural landscapes, from Arthur’s Seat to the sandy beaches of Portobello and the historic Port of Leith. This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive outdoor experience without sacrificing comfort — you have the option of riding an electric or manual bike, making it accessible for all fitness levels. The guide will take you past key landmarks like Holyrood Palace, the extinct volcano with city views, and Edinburgh’s ancient railway line, ending with a stroll through UNESCO World Heritage streets.
Guests love how this tour balances physical activity with sightseeing, especially praising the hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off. One reviewer notes, “This was a wonderful way to see Edinburgh…Johann was outstanding and very knowledgeable,” confirming the tour’s high quality. The price of $91.97 offers great value considering the variety of sites covered, and the flexibility of bike types makes it suitable for active travelers and casual cyclists alike. Expect to pedal approximately 16 miles on a mix of city trails and scenic paths.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a full, active day exploring Edinburgh’s outskirts and coastline in comfort.
2. Edinburgh City Bike Tour – Choice of E-Bike or Manual
Number 2 on our list is the Edinburgh City Bike Tour, which offers a shorter, more focused 2.5-hour experience. This tour emphasizes avoiding the crowds and discovering lesser-known spots around the city, making it perfect for travelers who want to see more than just the Royal Mile. You’ll cycle along the Union Canal, through Bruntsfield Links, and across The Meadows, with a stop at Arthur’s Seat to get up close with the volcanic rocks. It’s a relaxed pace, with the option of riding an electric bike or a traditional one.
What stands out is its small-group format, with a maximum of 15 people, ensuring personalized attention and easy navigation through narrow streets and parks. Reviewers highlight the enthusiastic guide and the ability to access places buses can’t reach. One notes, “This was an enjoyable and knowledgeable tour,” emphasizing its intimate feel. It’s great for travelers short on time but eager to cover a lot of ground, especially if you’re interested in combining city sights with some fresh air and exercise.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a quick, engaging overview of Edinburgh’s hidden corners without the rush of larger tours.
3. Edinburgh: Scenic Bike Tour
Coming in at number 3 is the Scenic Bike Tour, which offers a 3-hour ride through some of Edinburgh’s most breathtaking spots. This tour is especially appealing for its focus on scenic views, including Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat, and the historic city center. It includes stops at the Scottish Parliament and a walk to the top of Arthur’s Seat, offering panoramic vistas that are well worth the effort.
Guests rave about the personalized experience, often mentioning how the guide’s humor and knowledge made the ride fun despite some hills. One reviewer pointed out, “The e-bikes made the hills a breeze,” highlighting the tour’s suitability for all levels. The route along the Innocent Railway Path and through Meadows Park mixes urban and natural scenery seamlessly, making it a relaxing yet visually stunning ride.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a scenic overview of Edinburgh with manageable hills and a knowledgeable guide.
4. ‘A Wee Pedal’s’ Award-Winning Circular Cycle Tour of Edinburgh!
This Award-Winning Circular Cycle Tour ranks high for its small-group intimacy — maximum six participants. Covering approximately 20 miles over 4.5 hours, it takes you from Craigmillar Castle to Dean Village, Leith, and Portobello Beach. The route follows mostly traffic-free cycle paths along the Union Canal, Water of Leith, and through quiet neighborhoods. It offers a comprehensive look at Edinburgh’s history, architecture, and seaside charm, with opportunities to stop for photos, refreshments, or a quick chat about local life.
Reviews note the tour’s relaxed pace, with one saying, “It’s a great experience and highly recommendable,” especially praising the guide’s local knowledge. The tour is well-suited for cyclists who enjoy a leisurely ride with plenty of cultural insights, making it a good fit for families or those seeking a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Best for small groups looking for a full, relaxed exploration of Edinburgh’s scenic outskirts and historic sites.
5. Edinburgh: Sightseeing Bike Tour
The Sightseeing Bike Tour offers a 3-hour route that combines city highlights with seaside scenery. It’s a well-rounded option for those wanting to explore both the urban core and the coast using either a regular bike or an e-bike. The tour covers parts of the city less crowded by travelers and includes tales and facts from your guide along the way.
Guests appreciate the balance of urban exploration with relaxing stops, especially mentioning the fun tunnel ride and the visit to Portobello Beach. One reviewer wrote, “Loved the variety of areas we saw, from the town to the country,” confirming its appeal for active, curious travelers. This tour is especially suited for those who want a guided, engaging experience that’s flexible and includes some light exercise.
Bottom Line: An all-around choice for travelers who want a blend of city and seaside cycling in a friendly group setting.
6. ‘A Wee Pedal’s’ Family Friendly Cycle Tour to Edinburgh’s Coast
Number 6 is the Family Friendly Cycle Tour, designed for all ages and fitness levels. Covering about 12 miles in three hours, it takes you from Craigmillar Castle to Holyrood Park and out to the coast, with plenty of stops for ice cream or coffee. This tour is perfect for families or travelers looking for a relaxed pace, with all safety gear included and options for E-bikes.
The highlight is the ride through the Victorian railway tunnel and the views of Arthur’s Seat, followed by a seaside break. Reviewers mention how well the guide adapts to different ages and abilities, with one saying, “Everybody loved this tour,” emphasizing its family-friendly nature. It’s a gentle, scenic introduction to Edinburgh’s history and landscapes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or leisurely riders wanting to combine sightseeing with a fun trip to the beach.
7. Scottish Highlands Freedom Bike & E-Bike Tour with Transfers
At number 7, this Highlands Tour takes biking beyond Edinburgh into Scotland’s stunning mountainous regions. Over around 9 hours, you’ll visit Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park, Doune Castle, and Balquhidder, often called Rob Roy’s resting place. The tour features the choice of a manual or electric mountain bike, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making it a hassle-free way to explore.
Guests love the mix of on-bike adventure and historical sites, praising the guide’s knowledge and the picturesque scenery. One review highlights, “Johann’s exceptional guiding made the long day enjoyable,” and guests note that the route offers a great balance of activity and relaxing sightseeing. With a price of $226.31, it’s best suited for those with a full day to spare and a passion for rugged landscapes and castles.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a full-day, scenic escape into Scotland’s wild beauty with manageable biking.
8. Stunning Edinburgh E-bike Tour max 10 people small group
Number 8 features the Stunning Edinburgh E-bike Tour, which covers the city’s most iconic sights plus lesser-known areas in just under 3 hours. With a maximum of 10 participants, this guided ride emphasizes off-the-beaten-path corners and picture-perfect spots like Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, and Dean Village. The e-bikes provide easy pedaling up hills and through narrow streets.
Reviewers praise the tour for its fast pace and expert guide, with one mentioning, “The path we took was incredible, and the guide made navigation fun.” The tour is ideal for travelers who want to see the best of Edinburgh efficiently, with the assistance of e-bikes making the hills effortless.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a quick, comprehensive, and fun city tour with minimal physical effort.
9. Edinburgh: Cycle Tour to the Coast (family friendly)
This Family-Friendly Cycle Tour offers a 3-hour adventure that starts at Bridgend Farmhouse and takes you under Arthur’s Seat to Holyrood Park and then to Portobello Beach. It’s designed for all ages and fitness levels, with scenic views and gentle riding. Kids and adults alike enjoy the relaxed pace and the opportunity to see Edinburgh’s parks and coast in one trip.
Guests note how well the guide manages the group’s pace and provides engaging commentary. The route includes riding through the extinct volcano area, with plenty of room for photos and breaks. It’s ideal for families wanting a stress-free way to explore Edinburgh’s natural spaces and seaside.
Bottom Line: Great for families or casual cyclists seeking a well-paced, scenic day out.
10. ‘A wee pedal’s’ E-bike tour of Arthur’s Seat and beyond
Number 10 is the E-bike Tour of Arthur’s Seat, a favorite for its small group size and focus on Edinburgh’s most famous landmark. Covering around 17 miles over about 2.5 hours, it’s designed to keep riding safe and comfortable — especially with the e-bikes that help manage the hills. Highlights include Craigmillar Castle, Holyrood Park, and the Scottish Parliament, with plenty of photo stops.
Reviews emphasize the knowledgeable guides, with comments about how easy and enjoyable the ride is, even in rainy weather. One reviewer said, “Our guide Gill was very knowledgeable and took us to many places we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.” It’s suited for those who want a manageable yet interesting ride around Edinburgh’s highlights, especially with the added support of e-bikes.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting to combine sightseeing with manageable biking, especially in variable weather.
11. Edinburgh: 20-mile cycle tour (mostly traffic free)
This 20-Mile Cycle Tour is a longer, more immersive ride that covers a full circuit of Edinburgh’s scenic and historic sites. Starting at Bridgend Farmhouse, the route takes in Dean Village, Leith, Holyrood Park, and Portobello. The 4.5-hour tour is mostly on paved paths, with little time on busy roads, making it accessible for most riders.
Guests value how much of Edinburgh they see in one trip, with one reviewer saying, “We felt like we were riding with a friend, seeing parts of the city I didn’t know existed.” The guide’s local insights and the well-planned route make this an excellent choice for those with some cycling experience wanting a thorough exploration. The ride includes stops at iconic areas like the Royal Botanic Garden and the seaside at Portobello.
Bottom Line: For experienced cyclists wanting a comprehensive, mostly traffic-free circuit of Edinburgh.
12. Edinburgh: E-Bike Tour with Scenic Views
Finally, the E-Bike Scenic Views Tour offers a relaxed 2-hour ride through Edinburgh’s most photogenic spots, including Holyrood Palace and Dean Village. With electric support, you can effortlessly ascend Arthur’s Seat and take in breathtaking vistas of the city and beyond. The tour emphasizes scenic viewpoints and hidden corners often missed by standard tours.
Reviewers love the smooth ride and the expert guidance, noting that it’s an excellent fit for those wanting a shorter but richly scenic experience. The e-bikes make tackling the hilly sections a breeze, allowing more time to appreciate the views.
Bottom Line: Great for short visits or those wanting an easy way to enjoy Edinburgh’s panoramic beauty.
How to Choose Your Perfect Edinburgh Bike Tour
When selecting a bike tour, consider your fitness level, time availability, and interests. If you’re after a full day of outdoor adventure, the Sky to Sea Bike or E-Bike Tour offers a comprehensive experience. For those short on time but eager to see a mix of city and coast, the Edinburgh Sightseeing Bike Tour or the Stunning Edinburgh E-bike Tour are excellent options.
Families or casual cyclists will appreciate the Family Friendly Cycle Tour, while avid riders seeking longer routes might enjoy the 20-mile circuit.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates and bike type. Consider the weather—many tours operate rain or shine, but having proper gear can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh’s bike tours offer something for every traveler. Whether you want a quick city spin, a scenic coastal adventure, or a full-day Highlands expedition, the options are plentiful and well-reviewed. For active explorers, the Sky to Sea Tour is a top pick for its variety and scenery. If you prefer a shorter, intimate experience, the small-group A Wee Pedal tour or the Stunning Edinburgh E-bike Tour will serve you well.
No matter your choice, biking is a fantastic way to see Edinburgh from a fresh perspective. Just remember to dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and book early to secure the best experience. Happy cycling!