How To Get Around Edinburgh
Getting Around Edinburgh: The Best Ways to Explore the City
Edinburgh is a city made for exploring, with its winding cobbled streets, historic landmarks, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re hopping on a bus, strolling through the Old Town, or jumping in a taxi to your next adventure, getting around is all part of the experience. The city is compact enough to walk between many key attractions, yet well-connected with public transport when you want to cover more ground quickly.
With the Edinburgh City Pass, you’ll have access to some of the city’s top attractions, from dynamic museums to fascinating underground vaults. So, let’s dive into the best ways to move around the city, ensuring you make the most of your time while discovering all that Edinburgh has to offer.
Public Transport
Edinburgh Buses
Buses are one of the easiest ways to get around Edinburgh, and with Lothian Buses running regularly across the city, you’ll never have to wait long for a ride. Don’t worry about having to have the exact change, all buses accept contactless payment so just tap your card when when you get onboard and walk on!
- Which buses take you where?
- Bus 35 – A great option for getting to Dynamic Earth from the city centre.
- Buses 11, 16, or 23 – These will take you close to attractions like The Georgian House.
- Bus 31 – Handy for reaching attractions a little further out.
- Pricing: A single adult ticket costs £2. The buses have a ‘tap, tap,cap’ system where it limits the cost of travel to £4.80 for a day, no matter how many buses you get on (make sure you use the same card each time)!
If you’re traveling between experiences, just hop on, sit back, and enjoy the views of Edinburgh’s stunning streets as you make your way to your next stop.
Edinburgh Trams
The Edinburgh Trams offer a smooth and scenic ride between the airport and the city centre, stopping near major tourist hubs.
- Best for: Getting into the city before you start your Edinburgh adventure.
- Stops near attractions:
- St Andrew Square – A short walk to John Knox House and the start of many Old Town tours.
- West End – Close to The Georgian House and a lovely wander to Dean Village.
Lothian Bus & Tram App
To make traveling even easier, download the Lothian Bus & Tram App. This handy app lets you plan routes, check live bus and tram times, and even buy mobile tickets, so you don’t have to worry about carrying exact change. It’s a great way to streamline your journey and ensure you’re never waiting too long for your next ride.
Taxis & Private Hire
Getting around Edinburgh by taxi or rideshare is a convenient and comfortable option, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with a group. Whether you’re hailing one of the city’s iconic black cabs, booking a private hire car, or using a rideshare app, there are plenty of options to help you get from one attraction to the next quickly and easily.
Taxis & Rideshares in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s iconic black cabs are easy to spot and can be hailed on the street or picked up from taxi ranks. Perfect if you’re short on time or just want a hassle-free ride between attractions.
- Example fares:
- Waverley Station to Dynamic Earth – Around £7.
- Old Town to Dean Village – Around £8.
Ubers & Private Hire Cars
Uber and private hire companies like Capital Cars are great options if you prefer booking a ride in advance.
- Example journey times:
- Holyrood Distillery to Edinburgh Hidden Vaults Tour – About 6 minutes by car.
- Dynamic Earth to John Knox House – Around 5 minutes.
Walking Around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is an incredibly walkable city, and many of the Edinburgh City Pass attractions are just a short stroll apart. Plus, walking lets you soak in the city’s medieval charm, hidden closes, and breathtaking views.
Walking distances between key attractions:
- Waverley Station to Edinburgh Castle – 0.7 miles (about 15 minutes)
- Edinburgh Castle to The Royal Mile – 0.2 miles (about 5 minutes)
- The Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace & Dynamic Earth – 1 mile (about 20 minutes)
- Princes Street to John Knox House – 0.5 miles (about 10 minutes)
- The People’s Story Museum to Edinburgh Vaults Tour – 0.3 miles (about 6 minutes)
If you love discovering a city on foot, Edinburgh is perfect. Be sure to take a moment to capture some of the city’s most Instagrammable spots, including:
- Victoria Street – A colorful, winding street said to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
- The Vennel Viewpoint – A hidden gem offering a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle.
- Dean Village – A picturesque riverside escape that looks like something from a fairytale.
- Calton Hill – The perfect place for panoramic shots of the city skyline, especially at sunset.
- The Royal Mile Closes – Hidden alleyways that make for atmospheric and unique photos.
Just be prepared for some hills—this city wasn’t built on flat land!
Cycling Around Edinburgh
If you’re up for a bike ride, Edinburgh has cycle lanes across the city which makes it much easier (and less scary) to cycle your way around the city! The city’s hilly terrain can be a challenge, but it’s a fun and active way to explore.
Where to Hire Bikes in Edinburgh
- Bike Station – A popular choice for renting bikes, located near Haymarket.
- Leith Cycle Co. – Offers various types of bikes for hire, including electric bikes.
- Cycle Scotland – Located in the city centre, with a range of bikes and guided tour options.
Ready to start your Edinburgh Adventure?
The Edinburgh City Pass offers free entry to multiple experiences in the city, all in one easy-to-use ticket.
Created by locals who know Scotland like the back of their hand, the Edinburgh city pass is your key to unlocking unforgettable experiences while saving up to 40% along the way. Plus, we’ve added in some amazing recommendations and extra savings just for you. So kick back, relax, and let us handle the planning so you can have a truly brilliant Scottish break.