Edinburgh Public-Transport

Edinburgh Public-Transport information

Trains

Waverley Station, at the Eastern End of Princes Street, could hardly be more central to the city. It is the main terminus for all mainline trains, including GNER trains from London King's Cross and Virgin Trains using the West Coast line. Trains also run further up the coast to Dundee and Aberdeen, via the distinctive Forth Bridge - an unforgettable feat of engineering. Various services also connect cross-country with Glasgow, some more direct than others and taking between 45mins-1hr30mins to arrive. You'll find local services of minimum use as most of Edinburgh's attractions are central to the city.

Buses

The main bus terminal for services arriving in Edinburgh from other UK cities is St Andrew's Square at the end of Rose St. The city bus service is generally very good, although the centre of Edinburgh is so small that there is little need to catch a bus anywhere. Buses are probably most useful for getting up and down Princes St, a walk which becomes rapidly tiring when you've done it once or twice. They are also good for getting down into Leith or if you are staying in the suburbs of the city. Most of the local bus services are run by Lothian Regional Transport, which has offices at 31 Waverley Bridge and 27 Hanover Street. A weekly city travelpass costs GBP12 and allows unlimited travel. A daily pass costs GBP2.30, adults; GBP2, children. These can be bought on the bus or from the Lothian Regional Transport offices (see above). Single journey fares are available from the bus driver when you board but you need to produce the exact change, and the driver will probably expect you to know what the fare is. If you're going to catch more than one bus in a day it's best to just ask for an all-day ticket - you'll probably save money and will definitely save yourself a lot of bother with small change.

Driving

It makes little sense to have a car in Edinburgh as the main attractions are all within easy walking distance. In any case, unless you know the city relatively well you'll find it a confusing place to drive round. The city council is deliberately discouraging cars because of chaotic traffic jams so you'll find yourself frustrated by one-way systems seemingly deliberately placed to prevent you from getting where you want to go. On top of that, parking in Edinburgh is ridiculously expensive, unless you're privy to the secrets of the city. Parking illegally, even for a second, is extremely inadvisable - in Edinburgh traffic wardens go round in gangs dispensing fines en masse. They also employ the eminently sensible practice of lifting cars onto trucks and removing them with no warning, should the car be considered to be causing a nuisance. That might be a little hard to explain to your hire company. But, having said that, a car does conveniently open up the picturesque outskirts of the city, particularly the Pentland Hills to the south-west of the city, which are hard to get to by public transport. The best advice, if you choose to self-drive, is don't bring your car into the city centre but park it at your hotel, or in the suburbs, and use public transport to get into the city. You will need to bring your overseas driving licence if planning to drive while in the UK. Your normal licence is valid for up to 12 months from the date of your entry. A current International Driving Permit is also accepted. Visitors bringing their own cars require green card insurance to ensure full insurance cover and you will need to carry your registration documents with you at all times. The minimum driving age is 17. You must drive on the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right. The driver and all passengers in the front and rear of the car must wear seat belts where fitted. Motorways in Scotland are toll-free, but you may be required to pay a toll to cross certain bridges. All distances and speed restrictions are posted in miles on UK roads. The speed limit in the United Kingdom is 70mph (112km per hour) on motorways, 60/50/40mph (96/80/65km per hour), on major roads outside towns where posted, 30mph (48km per hour), in built up areas and 20mph (35km per hour), in residential areas where posted.

Rent a Car

Click Here to find great deals on Car Hire in Edinburgh.

Taxis

There are a number of taxi ranks, including one at Waverley Station, or you can hail a cab in the street. The cost is high. During busy times taxis can become even more expensive as Edinburgh gets congested, especially in the narrow streets of old town.