Edinburgh Getting Around

Getting from Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh International Airport is 8 miles west of the city centre. Airlink buses depart frequently between 05.00 and 24.00 and take around 30 minutes, with most buses stopping at Princes Street, Haymarket Station and Waverley Bridge. The N22 night bus goes to St. Andrew Square Bus Station. Taxis will take 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Walking

Edinburgh is quite a hilly city, but walking is always enjoyable. The centre is manageably compact, and most of the major sights are within easy walking distance of each other. Princes Street is the key to orientation and should be explored from end to end. The medieval cobbled streets of the Old Town are a delight to explore, as is the Royal Mile connecting the palace with the castle. The New Town north of Princes Street has well-planned wide streets and fine Georgian houses, and is easy to find your way around.

Bicycle

The city is a reasonably bicycle-friendly one, with cycle lanes and special car-free cycle routes heading out of the city. It is easy to rent a bicycle and good cycle maps are available.

Bus

Buses are frequent and efficient, with well-organised bus lanes guaranteeing a flowing service, and some vehicles are double-deckers, which are good for views. Most destinations in Edinburgh can be reached from Princes Street, and night buses leave from Waverley Bridge. Various passes are available, including one-day passes valid for destinations outside the city centre. Pay the driver the exact fare.

Taxis

Most taxis are black hackney cabs, which are licensed, have meters and are easy to hail in the street. There are also private mini cab companies. A tip of 10% is normal.

City Tours

City bus tours are an excellent way of seeing the sights, and getting a feel of the layout of the city. Most tours depart from Princes Street or Waverley Bridge. There are also plenty of organised Edinburgh walking tours.

Car

Edinburgh has complicated one-way systems, it is extremely difficult to park and traffic is often congested.