Our Guide to Getting Around Edinburgh

1. Walking        

Walking is the best way to get around Edinburgh, especially in the city centre. Most attractions in the Old Town and New Town are within walking distance of each other, making the city highly accessible on foot. You’ll find the majority of points of interest clustered in these areas, from Edinburgh Castle to the Scott Monument.   

Walking lets you soak in the atmosphere like a local and avoid traffic. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes — Edinburgh’s hilly terrain and cobblestone streets can be challenging, but the views are worth it.       

2. Bus   

Buses in Edinburgh are an excellent public transport option, and they’re often the best way to travel around Edinburgh, especially beyond the city centre. Lothian bus services cover extensive routes, connecting popular spots like Portobello Beach to central locations. 

To buy tickets, tell the bus driver your destination or tap your contactless card for a single journey. You can also use the Transport for Edinburgh app for digital tickets.   

Edinburgh buses run frequently, are wheelchair friendly and are a cost-effective way to explore the city. Keep an eye out for night buses if you’re out late, so you can easily find your way back to your accommodation.         

3. Trams   

Edinburgh trams are a convenient option to get around the city. Some popular tram stops include St Andrew Square, West End, and the City Centre.  

You’ll find that trams are a smooth Edinburgh transport method to visit shopping areas and many other popular spots in the city. They also run frequently, and you can buy tickets at machines at the stops or use contactless payment onboard.  

The fare is similar to other methods of public transport, except for the airport route which costs slightly more. If you’re looking for an exciting and cost-effective journey from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre, be sure to check out Bright Bus Airport Express!  

4. Cycling  

Pedalling through Edinburgh can reveal charming streets and hidden nooks that you might miss by other transportation means. Renting a bike also gives you more freedom than a car in the busy city centre and lets you cover more ground than walking. 

It’s a great form of transport in Edinburgh, as it’s fun and eco-friendly, and you can easily reach parks or coastal areas. You can find regular and electric bikes for rent at various stations across town, making it easy to hop on and off as you please.  

Just be cautious on busy streets and remember to follow traffic rules. Many hotels also offer bike rentals, or you can book a cycling sightseeing tour as an active way to experience Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods and scenic routes.       

5. Taxis & Ride-Sharing   

Taxis and ride-sharing services provide convenient night travel and door-to-door service in Edinburgh, though they’re often more expensive than public transport. You’ll find taxi ranks throughout the city, or you can hail a black cab on the street when its light is on. These iconic cabs are spacious and accessible for wheelchair users. 

Drivers generally know the city well and can offer local insights. Fares start with a base rate and increase by distance and time, with higher rates at night. You can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt for potentially lower prices.   

Whether you choose a traditional cab or a ride-share, this option proves handy for airport transfers, rainy days, or when you’re carrying heavy luggage, despite the higher cost.     

6. Train 

While trains aren’t the primary form of Edinburgh public transport within the city, they’re excellent if you’re planning day trips to other parts of Scotland. Edinburgh has two main stations: Waverley in the city centre and Haymarket in the west end. To use the train, buy your ticket online, at the station, or sometimes onboard.    

Remember to keep your ticket for boarding and possible inspections during your journey. Trains connect Edinburgh to nearby towns and cities like Glasgow, Stirling, and St Andrews, offering scenic routes and a comfortable way to travel on day trips beyond the city.      

7. Hop-On Hop-Off Bright Bus Tours     

At Bright Bus Tours, we offer one of the best ways of getting around Edinburgh while sightseeing. Our hop-on hop-off bus tours around Edinburgh cover major attractions like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood Palace. Here’s how to travel around Edinburgh with us:   

• Choose from our City Tour or Britannia Tour, starting at just £16 for 24 hours or £20 for two tours across two days. 
• Enjoy commentary in 10 languages as you explore the city’s highlights.
• Try our new Boat and Bridges Tour, which features views of Edinburgh and the Forth Bridges from the water.  
• Our Airport Express service is the fastest and cheapest way to get between the city centre and Edinburgh Airport, with fares starting from just £4. 

Our open-top tours are a convenient way to discover the Scottish capital’s top sights at your own pace. 

Travel around Edinburgh with comfort and ease with Bright Bus Tours. Book your tickets today to start your Edinburgh adventure!    

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