Getting around Edinburgh

The best ways to get around Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a compact city with efficient public transport. These are all your options for getting around.

Walking

The best way to discover the Old Town and its closes: routes and tips for exploring Edinburgh on foot.

Cycling

Cycle paths, green routes and bike hire for getting around Edinburgh and beyond.

Tram

The line linking the airport with the city centre, Leith and Newhaven: stops, times and tickets.

Bus

Routes, fares and tickets for Lothian Buses, Edinburgh’s most popular public transport.

Taxi

Black cabs, ride-hailing apps and fares for getting around quickly or reaching the airport.

Getting from the airport to the city

Tram, bus or taxi: the best ways to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre, and what they cost.

Tips for getting around Edinburgh

The city centre is small enough to explore on foot: the Old Town and the New Town are only a few minutes apart, and most sights are within walking distance of the Royal Mile. Comfortable shoes matter more than a travel card, because the streets are steep and many closes have steps. Here are our tips for walking around Edinburgh.

For longer journeys, buses cover the whole city and some routes run through the night, and the tram links the airport with the West End, Princes Street, Leith and Newhaven. You can pay by contactless card on the bus. Black cabs can be hailed in the street, and there are plenty of cycle routes if you prefer two wheels. Arriving by plane? Compare the options for getting from the airport to the city centre.