Prices & times
Tickets often sell out far in advance, especially over the summer months. Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry. Once tickets are sold out online, there will be no further tickets available at the castle.
If you are a Member your ticket will be free, but to guarantee entry please book in advance. Not a member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
Admission prices
| Ticket categories | Online price | Walk-up price |
| Adult (16-64yrs) | £19.50 | £22.00 |
| Concession (65yrs+ and unemployed) | £15.50 | £17.60 |
| Child (7-15yrs) | £11.40 | £13.20 |
| Family (1 adult, 2 children) | £38.50 | £43.50 |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | £56.00 | £63.50 |
| Family (2 adults, 3 children) | £66.50 | £75.00 |
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Concession price: this applies if you can show proof that you’re aged 65+ or unemployed. Please note this does not apply to students.
Admission prices are subject to change.
Free and discounted admission
For all our free and discounted admission, book online to guarantee entry.
- Free entry to our sites for Historic Scotland members. You must show your valid membership on arrival
- Not a Member? Join now to start enjoying the benefits
- Half price entry in your first year for English Heritage, Manx and Cadw members and free entry for renewal and life members
- Free entry for carers who accompany visitors with disabilities. Tickets are limited to two carers per transaction
- £1 entry with valid Young Scot Card shown on arrival
- Free entry for current members of the British Armed Forces. Book online using the HM Forces ticket type. You will need to show a valid MOD 90 card on arrival. Free entry only applies to the serving member
Opening times
Set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle.
| Dates | Opens | Last entry | Closes |
| Daily, 1 April to 30 September | 9.30am | 5pm | 6pm |
| Daily, 1 October to 31 March | 9.30am | 4pm | 5pm |
| 24 December | 9.30am | 3pm | 4pm |
| 1 January | 11am | 4pm | 5pm |
Opening times for the independent museums at the castle may vary.
Closed
The Argyle Tower (which shows the 'Fight for the Castle' exhibition) is currently closed.
The Royal Scots Museum will be closed for school visits on the following dates:
17 Apr (until 1pm); 1 May (all day); 8 May (until 1pm); 16 May (all day); 22 May (until 1pm) and 5 Jun (until 1pm).
25 and 26 December
Check for closures
Adverse weather or other reasons beyond our control may cause a site to close. We advise checking ahead if the forecast is poor or you are making a long journey. Current unexpected and short term closures.
