Transport Tips

Walking
Edinburgh is one of the most walkable cities in the UK. Most of the main attractions are located in or around the city centre and are within walking distance of each other.
However, be aware that Edinburgh is very hilly and has lots of stairs and steep streets. A walk that looks short on Google Maps can sometimes feel much longer than expected, especially if you’re heading uphill.

Buses
Edinburgh has an excellent bus network, making it easy to get around the city.
Most routes pass through or near the city centre, so navigating is straightforward. We recommend downloading the Lothian Buses app to check routes, live departure times and ticket information.
To pay, simply tap your contactless bank card or phone when boarding (you enter through the front door). There’s no need to buy a ticket in advance and you don’t need to tap out when leaving the bus. The system automatically applies daily fare caps, ensuring you never pay more than necessary.
A fun bonus: many of Edinburgh’s buses are double-deckers, so grab a seat upstairs for some great views of the city!
Local tip: It’s common for passengers to thank the driver when getting off the bus.

Tram
The Edinburgh Tram runs between Edinburgh Airport and Newhaven, passing through the city centre and Leith along the way.
Trams can be a convenient option if you’re staying near the tram line or travelling to and from the airport. They are generally reliable, although they aren’t always the fastest way to get around the city.
You can buy tickets at the ticket machines located at tram stops before boarding.

Taxis & Uber
Both taxis and Uber are widely available throughout Edinburgh and can be particularly useful late at night or when travelling with lots of luggage.
Most taxis accept contactless and card payments.

Trains
Edinburgh has excellent rail connections to destinations across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Popular day-trip destinations include Stirling, North Berwick, Musselburgh, and Glasgow. You can also travel further afield to places such as Inverness, Aberdeen and London.
Most services depart from Edinburgh Waverley, the city’s main train station.

It’s best to book through the ScotRail app.

Intercity Buses (CityLink/ Stagecoach)
Long-distance coaches are often a cheaper alternative to trains and connect Edinburgh with cities throughout Scotland and the UK.
Companies such as Citylink, Megabus, and National Express operate services to destinations including Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen and many more.
Most long-distance coaches depart from Edinburgh Bus Station in the city centre, located next to St Andrew Square.

Cars
You won’t need to rent a car while visiting Edinburgh. The city is an absolute parking nightmare and everything is doable by foot or public transport anyway.
But if you’re visiting from the UK or doing a Scotland road trip afterwards, you might bring your car anyway, so here are a few things you should know:

Condition of Scottish streets
Unfortunately, the streets in Scotland and especially in Edinburgh are not in a good condition. There are lots of deep potholes. Always drive slowly and don’t drive into oncoming traffic just to avoid a pothole. There are also lots of cobblestone streets in Edinburgh and construction sites, which make it even more difficult to drive here.
Also, street markings are often not maintained, which makes it hard for visitors to understand which lane they should be in, etc. Always be prepared for anything and drive slowly. Look at the street signs if the markings on the road are worn off.

Parking in Edinburgh
Parking in the centre of Edinburgh is not easy. There are no big parking lots or parking garages. During the week you have to pay for street parking and it’s often limited to a certain time or even reserved for residents only. On weekends there are lots of streets you can park on for free, but we still wouldn’t advise driving in if you don’t know the city well.
If you’re coming by car, park it somewhere on the outskirts of the city and take the bus in, or ask your accommodation if they provide a parking spot.