Getting to, and around, Edinburgh

flight

Wherever you are coming from, however you choose to travel, getting to Edinburgh is easy. Scotland’s capital is within reach by air, road, rail and sea with excellent UK, European and transatlantic connections.

Edinburgh is a national transport hub with extensive rail links throughout the UK, numerous direct scheduled flights from major airports both in the UK and overseas, and an excellent road network.

By Air

If you choose to travel by air, Edinburgh Airport is only 8 miles (12km) from Edinburgh city centre with frequent connecting services by Airlink bus, tram or taxi and a journey time of approximately 30 minutes.

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s busiest airport, serving 120 worldwide destinations with frequent direct flights from main international hubs including Amsterdam, Dublin, Paris, Geneva and Frankfurt, and direct long-haul services to the USA, Canada and the Middle East. In addition, if you are travelling via London, there is an average of 50 flights daily between the UK’s two capital cities.

For passengers who need extra assistance, Edinburgh Airport has introduced a Travelling with Additional Needs toolkit to make the journey through the airport as easy and stress-free as possible.

By Rail

Edinburgh has two city centre train stations, located at the east and west end of Princes Street, and within walking distance of many of the city’s hotels and conference venues. Edinburgh Waverley, at the east side, provides a step-free entrance and disability assistance

Both stations are linked to all major cities and airports in Britain, with a high-speed link from London in just over four hours.  National Rail Enquiries is the portal for UK rail travel and includes information on train times, fare enquiries and online ticket purchases.

By Road

A journey on the motorways and major road network to Edinburgh, will take you through some spectacular scenery. National Express is the main coach operator and offers direct connections from all major UK cities to Edinburgh St Andrew Square, the modern coach station in the heart of the city centre.

Local Transport Services

Once you get to Edinburgh, you'll find that getting around is just as simple. There are several options from Council licensed taxi operators, a public bus service or a modern new tram system. 

By Bus

Lothian Buses is Edinburgh’s award-winning public bus service and operates a frequent timetable in and around the city with a large fleet of modern vehicles which are all easy access. There are a variety of ticket types available and an ‘exact fare’ system is in operation or you can purchase a city smart card which gives you the freedom to top-up as you go or download the Transport for Edinburgh app for mobile ticketing. 

By Tram

Edinburgh’s modern new tram service launched in May 2014 and provides the quickest journey between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre at the east end, stopping at key transport links, conference & event venues including the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, business districts and shopping areas. 

Edinburgh Trams are environmentally friendly with zero on-street carbon emissions. They provide a smooth, fast service with easy access platforms and the low-floored trams are 100% wheelchair accessible.