
The Royal Mile during the Edinburgh Fringe festival, Edinburgh
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
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Edinburgh
With an abundance of history, top quality attractions and beautiful architecture, Edinburgh is a city that you won't forget in a hurry. There's lots to fill your time, from unforgettable historic sites and world-class festivals to fantastic shopping and mouth-watering dining. Explore the Medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town, which sit side by side, and visit unique attractions throughout the city on a holiday in Edinburgh. Come visit Edinburgh, one of Time Out's best top cities in the world.
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Travel to and around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is linked to by an extensive network of roads, rail services and flights which makes travel to the city possible from every corner of the world, while the city's compact size makes exploring easy.
Getting to
Bus and coach
Most buses to Edinburgh, including Citylink and National Express, arrive at the Edinburgh Bus Station that is located on St Andrew Square in the city centre.
Tram
Edinburgh Airport is directly linked to the city centre via a quick and convenient tram network. Pre-book your tram ticket online via the Edinburgh Ticket website so you’re ready to go as soon as you arrive. You can access lots of offers and money saving discounts by showing your Edinburgh Ticket at a range of attractions too.
Train
Most train services to Edinburgh end at Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket rail stations. There are regular services from/to other parts of Scotland and the UK on a frequent basis.
Visit ScotRail for help planning a trip by train
Check Virgin Rail, TransPennine Express, LNER and Caledonian Sleeper
Flying
Edinburgh Airport is situated only 5 miles (8 km) to the west of Edinburgh. You can travel from the airport to the city centre by tram, bus, taxi or car. Depending on the time of day, the average journey time can take approximately 25 minutes.
A regular airport bus is operated by Airlink 100 and runs every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day arriving at Waverley Bridge.
Driving
Edinburgh is well linked to the rest of Scotland and UK through an extensive road network, making access to the capital easy by car.
Edinburgh to Glasgow - just over an hour along the M8
Edinburgh to Aberdeen - approximately 2.5 hours
Edinburgh to Inverness - approximately 3.5 hours
Edinbrugh to Newcastle - approximately a 2.5 hour drive
Edinburgh to Manchester and Birmingham - 4 and 6 hours respectively
Getting around
Bus and coach
The local bus network is second to none. Lothian Buses transports residents and visitors across the city throughout the day and night including a regular 24 hour service to Edinburgh Airport operated by Airlink100, while First Buses connect Edinburgh with towns and villages further afield.
Plan your journey within Edinburgh with Lothian Buses
Plan your journey further afield with First Group
New self-driving bus route
Sit back and take in the views across the Firth of Forth on a self-driving bus! Launching in May 2023, you can travel between two transport exchanges across the Forth Road Bridge.
It’s the most ambitious and complex autonomous bus pilot in the world!
Tram
Trams run from York Place in the city centre to Edinburgh Airport in a journey time of approximately 35 minutes.
Find ticket prices and plan your journey with Edinburgh Trams
Taxi
There are over 1,000 cabs circulating around the city. You can hail one in the street or pick it up from one of the taxi ranks within the city centre.
Places to stay
The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Accommodation ideas
Whether you’re looking for an elegant 5-star hotel, a quirky B&B, a self-catering apartment or a budget friendly hostel, there are lots of accommodation options throughout Edinburgh.
A tip from your local expert

VisitScotland Information Centre
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Help and advice
You can also get advice from our accredited iKnow partners, with excellent local expertise, travel advice and insider tips about must-see attractions and great accommodation in the local area.
Find our iKnow Partners in this areaPlaces to eat

The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh
© The Colonnades at the Signet Library
Food & Drink Ideas
From Michelin-starred meals to the best pizzas, Edinburgh offers an array of outstanding dining options making eating out in Edinburgh a culinary delight.
Map of Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh
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Things to see & do
Planning your Edinburgh getaway? Discover staggering architectural and natural beauty and some of the most inspirational attractions in Scotland, many of which can be enjoyed for free.
2 Days
Walking
A weekend in Edinburgh
Make the most of two days in the capital with our superb itinerary and discover all the fantastic experiences you can have.
15 hidden gems and things to do in Edinburgh
Explore some of Edinburgh's best secret spots and hidden gems, from stunning city views to a tranquil Japanese Friendship garden.

Free attractions in Edinburgh
Find free things to do in and places to go in Edinburgh, including the National Museum of Scotland, Botanic Gardens and more.

Leith: One of the World's Coolest Neighbourhoods
Explore this corner of Edinburgh, overlooking the Firth of Forth and filled with lots of hidden gems.

Shopping in Edinburgh
Luxury brands, high street stores and beautiful boutiques, we have it covered.
Museums & galleries in Edinburgh
From science to medicine museums to portrait galleries, there's sure to be a place that will thrill you.
What is Edinburgh known for?

Dancers performing at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Did you know?
There are many things Edinburgh is famous for like its world-famous festivals, literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture.
Unique Experiences

Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Spread across eight floors, including rooftop whisky bars and dining experiences, and with spectacular views over the city, this is one of the capital’s top spots to visit!
Routes, Trails & Tours

Rosslyn Chapel
Edinburgh offers a fantastic range of tours available for something different to do for a day or night out, as well as a great array of routes and trails to discover on foot or by bike.
What's New & Events
Discover Edinburgh's packed programme of events happening throughout the year, as well as new attractions coming to the city soon.
Port of Leith Distillery
Learn more about Port of Leith Distillery.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
See one of the greatest spectacles on earth, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Christmas Markets and Winter Festivals
Christmas in Edinburgh is hard to beat.

Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Learn more about Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

Edinburgh International Science Festival (1 - 16 April 2023)
Discover the Edinburgh International Science Festival

Scotland Opens its Doors in September
Doors Open Days offers access to places that are often closed to the public, giving visitors the key to some of the country’s best-kept sites.

Six Nations Rugby
Find out more about Six Nations Rugby,
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