How to get around Edinburgh | Intrepid Travel UK

Edinburgh is a really easy city to get around. Most of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other, but there's also an excellent public transport system to help you get to where you want to go. Operated by Transport for Edinburgh, the city’s main public transport options include trams, buses and bicycle hire. There's always the option to rent a car or jump in a cab, but when the city is so compact and the public transport is cheap, it’s not usually necessary. Here’s what you need to know about getting around in Edinburgh.

Walking

One of the best ways to discover the beauty of Edinburgh is by walking. The city is small and many popular attractions are located within a short walk of each other. The beauty of walking is that you’ll stumble on hidden gems on streets that are only accessible to pedestrians, including the labyrinth of alleyways along the Royal Mile in Old Town.

Getting around by bike

Cycling is a fun, fast and eco-friendly way to nip around the city. There are loads of cycling paths throughout the city, many of which are traffic-free so you can ride at a leisurely pace and take in the views.

There's no need to rent a bike from a bicycle shop. Transport for Edinburgh has partnered with Just Eat Cycles for hassle-free bike rental. All you need to do is download the app, buy a pass, find an electric or pedal bike (the app will tell you where the closest one is) and unlock it using your phone. When you’re done, simply park it at one of the 63 stations around the city and end the trip. Rental costs start at £1.50 for single-trip access, or £3 for multi-trip access. The first three minutes are free on electric bikes, after which you'll be charged a fee of £0.10 per minute. Pedal bikes are free for the first 60 minutes, with a fee of £0.05 per minute after. Visit Edinburgh Cycle Hire for more information.

Getting around by bus

Edinburgh has an excellent public bus service. The main bus company is Lothian Buses (operated by Transport for Edinburgh) which provides over 50 routes throughout the city centre, the outskirts, and Edinburgh Airport. You can buy tickets onboard using a contactless debit/credit card, on the Lothian Bus travel app or with cash. Just note that drivers don’t offer change so try to have the exact amount if possible. Single adult fares are £1.80 or you can buy a day ticket for £4.50 which gives you unlimited day travel on Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. All buses have at least one wheelchair-accessible space and are designed with safety and accessibility in mind.

Getting around by tram

Edinburgh Trams are comfortable and convenient. The tram route runs from Edinburgh Airport to York Place in the city centre every seven minutes (07:00-19:00) and every 15 minutes (19:00-07:00) with regular stops along the way including Haymarket, West End and Princes Street. The total journey time is around minutes. Tram fares start at £1.80 for a single trip, £3.40 for return or £4.50 for a day ticket. If you're travelling to/from the airport, an adult ticket costs £6.50 one way or £9.00 return (a return ticket is open-ended so you can use it whenever). You can buy tickets on the Transport for Edinburgh mobile app and ticket vending machines on tram platforms.

Getting around by car

You can hire a car in the city or at Edinburgh Airport. The drive to the city from the airport takes around 25 minutes. Popular car rental companies include Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Budget, Alamo and Europcar. Parking in the city can be a little tricky as it can take a while to find a spot. Many on-street parking spaces are restricted or reserved for residents, so you’ll need to find pay-and-display car parks. Renting a car might be a good option if you’re travelling onto other destinations in Scotland.

Getting around by taxi

There are several taxi companies that operate in the city centre. You can hail a cab quite easily on the street, or book online or by phone. Popular taxi companies include Central Taxis, City Cabs, Starcab, Direct Cabs, Capital Cars and Comcab. Fares are usually based on a meter. If the traffic is busy and you’re only going a short distance, it’s usually quicker and cheaper to walk. You can also use rideshares like Uber which are usually cheaper than taxis.

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