Transport
Edinburgh is easy to get around by public transport. It has a comprehensive bus network covering the whole city, and there are also many taxis for hire.
There are also several cycle routes linking the major University areas.
Distances between most University sites are not great, so for many people walking is another realistic and healthy option.
Buses
Lothian Buses and First Edinburgh operate regular bus services throughout the city.
Most buses run at intervals of between 10 and 20 minutes during the day, but are less frequent in the evenings (after 7.00pm) and on Sundays.
After midnight, a night bus service operates with most routes running once an hour.
Bus stops have information on the bus companies and route numbers that serve them. Most bus stops also have detailed timetable information.
A real-time electronic information system - Bustracker - has been introduced at many bus stops, including those on routes which run through the George Square campus and Pollock Halls areas.
Bustracker screens display the route number, destination and predicted arrival time of the next few buses due at the stop.
Just wait at the appropriate bus stop for your bus to arrive. It helps if you signal to the driver that you wish the bus to stop for you.
Cost
Single tickets
For adults, single (one-way) journeys cost £1.50, whatever the distance travelled. (Lothian Buses fares quoted; First Edinburgh's are similar.)
Pay your fare to the driver when you get on the bus.
Make sure you have the correct money for your fare. Buses running within Edinburgh do not give change.
Day tickets
Both bus companies have day tickets providing unlimited travel on their own buses on the day of purchase.
They are not interchangeable; you can't use a Lothian Buses day ticket on a First Edinburgh bus, and vice-versa.
Lothian Buses day tickets cost £3.50 for adults, First Edinburgh's costs are similar.
Buy your day ticket from the driver on the first bus you get on. Keep it safe with you, as you'll need to show it to the bus driver on any subsequent journeys you make that day.
Season tickets
Season tickets are available in a variety of forms, and can reduce the cost of travel.
Some season tickets allow for unrestricted travel, while others may have limits and conditions attached. Full details are available from the bus companies themselves.
The best advice is to work out what routes you will need to use, and how much they cost per day, then check out the cost of a season ticket.
All season tickets give the best value if you are prepared to take them over a long period of time. It is possible to get them for a week, a month, or a year.
Further information
Lothian Buses operate a Travelshop at Waverley Bridge, near the railway station, open Monday - Saturday 08:30hrs - 18:00hrs and Sunday 09:30hrs - 17:00hrs.
There are other Lothian Travelshops at Hanover Street and Shandwick Place.
First Edinburgh information leaflets are available from the Scottish Citylink Desk in the Bus Station at St Andrew Square.
Traveline has impartial information on transport matters, including details of routes and timetables.
Taxis
Hundreds of licensed taxis provide reliable transport, day and night, for up to five persons per taxi. Some taxis are adapted to carry wheelchairs.
Fares are metered and strictly regulated.
Taxis can be found at designated taxi ranks in the city, such as Waverley Station or Pollock Halls, or you can simply hail taxis as they pass on the street.
Taxis can also be called by phone. For getting around the city in general, try City Cabs. Airport Taxis specialise in getting to the airport.
Taxi drivers know the city well, and will give advice if you're unsure about your destination.
It's usual to give taxi drivers a tip of between 10 and 15% of the fare.
This article was published on May 10, 2013