Getting to Edinburgh and around.
Trains, the airport, trams and buses
Arriving
Edinburgh Airport is to the west of the city, around eight miles from the city centre; the journey takes about half an hour by taxi. There are also good public transport links. Airlink Buses depart every ten minutes from the airport to the centre with dropoff points at Haymarket train station in the West End and Waverley train station just off Princes Street in between the Old Town and the New Town. Trams also depart from outside the main terminal into the New Town every seven minutes between 7am and 7pm and every 15 minutes outside peak times. The main bus station is in the New Town on Elder Street in between St Andrew Square and the St James Quarter.
On foot
Getting around Edinburgh is relatively easy. It’s a compact - if hilly and cobbled - city and walking is a good way to explore, dipping into little alleys and wynds, zigzagging across its leafy parks, curving round the elegant Georgian crescents.
Tip: Pack your trainers!
Buses and Trams
There is a good public transport network of buses and trams if you want to venture further to neighbourhoods such as Portobello or Leith. Buy a day ticket valid on Lothian buses and trams if you’re going to be hopping on and off.
Tip: You need exact change to buy a single ticket on the bus.
Cycling
Although many of Edinburgh’s streets are cobbled there’s a good network of offroad cycle paths around the city. And if you’re worried about the hills, most rental companies offer e-bikes alongside road and hybrid bikes.
Tip: The Tartan Bicycle Company and Cycle Scotland also offer self-guided, guided and bespoke bike tours.
Tartan Bicycle Company tartanbiketours.co.uk
Leith Cycle Co leithcycleco.com
Cycle Scotland cyclescotland.co.uk
Park and Ride
There are seven park and rides spread around the city. Six are directly on the outskirts: Ingliston and Hermiston to the west, Sheriffhall and Straiton to the south and Wallyford and Newcraighall to the east. The seventh, Ferrytoll, is to the north across the Forth Bridge. All offer regular, prompt access into the city.
Parking
Most hotels don’t have car parks. Some, such as The Balmoral, offer valet parking. The Malmaison in Leith has a large free car park. Edinburgh Council website lists multi storey car parks around the city: edinburgh.gov.uk
Tip: Central area street parking is charged until 6.30pm (8.30am start) Monday to Saturday, and until 6.30pm (12.30pm start) on Sunday. Elsewhere, charges apply until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Free outside these hours.
Electric Vehicle Charging points
There are charging points around the city, visit ChargePlace Scotland’s site chargeplacescotland.org
By train
Edinburgh Waverley stands right in the middle of the city, between the Old Town and the New Town, with trains from Glasgow, the north and London.
Haymarket, the city's second station, is handy for the West End.
From the airport
Edinburgh Airport is about eight miles west of the centre, and trams run from outside the terminal into the New Town.
Airlink buses run to Haymarket and Waverley, and a taxi takes about half an hour.
Getting around
The centre is compact and best seen on foot, but it is hilly and cobbled, so bring comfortable shoes.
Lothian buses and the tram take you further out to Leith and Portobello, and one day ticket covers both.
Edinburgh’s weather is mild but changeable all year. Summers typically see temperatures between 11°C and 20°C, while winter temperatures hover around freezing, bringing occasional snow. Rain and wind are common year-round, so it’s always sensible to pack waterproof clothing and layers, even in warmer months.
Regular trams and buses run from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre. Mainline trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverley, located centrally, or at Haymarket, just west of the city centre. Once you're here, the compact city centre is easily navigable on foot, allowing you to stroll comfortably between key sights. Edinburgh also has an efficient bus and tram network, ideal for longer distances or rainy days, and taxis are plentiful, particularly at night or for airport journeys.
A car isn't necessary and can be inconvenient in central Edinburgh, due to limited parking, one-way systems, and restricted zones. Most visitors get around on foot, with public transport, taxis or a hired bicycle for longer trips.
Two or three days provide enough time to visit major attractions like Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Royal Mile. However, extending your stay to four or five days lets you slow down and explore neighbourhoods like Stockbridge, Leith, or Dean Village, and perhaps venture out on a day trip to nearby locations such as North Berwick or the Scottish Borders.
Start with Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the skyline, and the views from Arthur’s Seat. The historic Royal Mile connects the castle to Holyrood Palace, providing a fascinating walk through Old Town. Make time for the National Museum of Scotland or the National Gallery. The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith was once the floating palace of the Queen, and The Real Mary King’s Close takes you into underground Edinburgh. For quieter charm, wander Dean Village, Princes Street Gardens, or take in city views from Calton Hill.
Edinburgh famously hosts numerous festivals, notably in August when the Festival Fringe, International Festival, and Military Tattoo take place. These events bring extraordinary performances but also attract huge crowds. New Year’s Eve, or Hogmanay, is equally spectacular, featuring fireworks, concerts, and street parties, so planning well in advance is recommended. The Beltane Fire Festival on Calton Hill, held at the end of April, provides an atmospheric celebration marking the arrival of summer.
More of Edinburgh.
See and doThe castle, the palace, galleries and closes
Eat, drink and shopOld pubs, Leith's restaurants and good coffee
Where to stayRooms on the Royal Mile and beyond
History and storiesCastle Rock, the Old Town and the New
ItinerariesDays we have walked, stop by stop
What is on in EdinburghSomething new from the city every day