Getting around Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Public Buses. Buses run 24 hours a day in Edinburgh and have frequent services.
- Edinburgh Trams. Edinburgh trams has 15 stops that connect Edinburgh Airport with the New Town.
- Edinburgh Taxis. Spacious, comfortable and elegant, Edinburgh’s taxis are very similar to London’s black cabs.
Is it easy to get around Edinburgh without a car?
Edinburgh’s public transport system is nothing to scoff at. It might not be quite as finessed as London’s, but there are direct routes to all four corners of the city. From 24-hour bus services to a vast network of cycle paths, here’s what you need to know about getting around Edinburgh, Scotland.
How do people get around in Edinburgh?
Run by Transport for Edinburgh, the city’s primary public transportation options include buses, trams, and rental bikes. The main bus company, Lothian Buses, operates more than 50 routes, connecting locals and travelers to the city center as well as the surrounding suburbs and Edinburgh Airport.
Is it easy to travel in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is an easy city to get around in; most places in the city centre are within walking distance of each other, there is a good public transport system, and cycling is an easy and popular means of getting around.
Is public transport free in Edinburgh?
How to access the free bus scheme for young people. Young people aged 5 to 21 and living in Scotland can now apply to access free bus travel. If you’re unable to apply online, you can visit one of our libraries.
How many days in Edinburgh is enough?
For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least two or three days in Edinburgh, which will give you enough time to explore the city centre and see the main sites.
Is it a difficult walk up to Edinburgh Castle?
As a historical site, the castle complex can be difficult to access and navigate, especially for those with mobility difficulties – the whole site is on a steep hill, rising to a summit, and there are staircases around both the interior and exterior spaces, with uneven surfaces throughout.
Is Edinburgh a walkable city?
The city ranked highly across the board, topping the global chart as the most beautiful and the most walkable city in the world. Edinburgh is also much loved as a great place for a stroll through nature and has heaps of new exciting things to do.
What is the best way to explore Edinburgh?
Buying a hop-on-hop-off ticket for one of the bus tours is by far one of the best ways to see the city – and get around it. The brightly coloured tour buses all depart from St Andrews Square northside.
Can you walk into bars in Edinburgh?
People are required to pre-book two hour slots, so you’ll need to plan ahead with walk-ins not allowed. There will be table service only, so no ordering at the bar! Physical distancing must be adhered to at all times, with people required to stay at least two metres apart unless the venue is operating a one metre rule.
What is the best month to visit Edinburgh?
The best time to visit Edinburgh is June through August when the average high temperatures rise to a balmy 65 degrees Fahrenheit. But this is also the city’s busiest time for tourism, especially in August when festivals fill up the calendar.
Is Edinburgh expensive?
According to a new report, Edinburgh is the most expensive UK city for students to live in. The NatWest Student Living Index finds that the Scottish capital is the only city where student spending exceeds their income.
What do I need to know before going to Edinburgh?
10 Useful Things To Know Before You Visit Edinburgh
- (Most) souvenir shops on the Royal Mile should be avoided.
- English money is legal in Edinburgh.
- Some men wear kilts.
- Locals grumble about the festivals.
- It’s cold.
- Avoid Edinburgh during the festival (if you’re not attending it)
Do you need tickets to walk around Edinburgh Castle?
You will still need a ticket to walk around the castle. The outer walls are basically at the side of the mountain/hill with a long drop, and you need a ticket to walk along the outer walls.
Can you walk around the grounds of Edinburgh Castle for free?
Edinburgh Castle
Entry to the castle is not free, but you can walk up to it and take in the fantastic views. Edinburgh Castle tickets are cheaper if you buy online (£18 per adult) but paying at the gate will cost £21.
How much is a hop on hop off bus in Edinburgh?
Reasonable Prices
Edinburgh hop on hop off bus tours range from £10-£24 on average for adults and £6-£15 for kids, making this a fairly affordable activity.
Is it better to stay in Old or New Town in Edinburgh?
Old Town and the Royal Mile is the best area to stay in Edinburgh for sightseeing (especially for first-timers). While the New Town with its numerous restaurants is an excellent location for shopping and dining out.
Can you walk everywhere in Edinburgh?
Walk Everywhere. As a fairly compact city, many places in Edinburgh’s city centre are within walking distance of each other. Walking can be faster than taking a bus or taxi at peak times, driving a hire car around town can be challenging, and parking can be expensive.
Is food expensive in Edinburgh?
While meal prices in Edinburgh can vary, the average cost of food in Edinburgh is £31 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Edinburgh should cost around £13 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.
Is Edinburgh Castle worth entering?
Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction.
How much time do I need at Edinburgh Castle?
2 hours
You should set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle. Opening times for the independent museums at the castle may vary.