How to get here

Getting to Edinburgh and the University is easy no matter where you are coming from or how you choose to travel.

On this page you'll find general information about how to get to the city of Edinburgh, and details of how to navigate the city and find University buildings.

Getting to Edinburgh

Edinburgh International Airport receives daily flights from more than 20 UK and 40 European airports, as well as daily transatlantic flights. Flights from international destinations are also scheduled throughout the week.

The airport is about 12km from the city centre. The 30-minute journey can be easily made using the frequent airport bus or tram services, or by taxi.

Edinburgh International Airport

Airlink airport buses

Edinburgh Trams


Edinburgh has excellent rail links throughout the UK.

The East Coast mainline, which links Edinburgh and London King’s Cross, is the UK's fastest intercity railway: you can travel between the cities in around 4 hours.

Or, if you prefer to travel overnight, a sleeper service runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley 6 nights a week.

There are great links to other cities too. The journey to Glasgow only takes 45 minutes, while York, Newcastle, Inverness or Aberdeen can be reached in about 2 hours.

All trains arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of the city, although some trains also stop at Haymarket, which is a smaller station in the West End.

National Rail enquiries

ScotRail


If you are travelling on a budget, buses are often your best bet. Edinburgh is well placed on the Scottish motorway network so getting here is easy with regular bus services from all major UK cities.

Buses and coaches arrive at St Andrews Square bus station in Edinburgh's city centre.

Citylink

National Express

Megabus


Travel times by road are less than you might think. From the south: Birmingham is about 5 hours away; Manchester and York, 3 hours; Newcastle, 2 hours. From the north: Inverness is about 3 hours away; Aberdeen, 2 hours.

Route information for drivers can be found on the RAC or AA websites.

RAC Route Planner

AA Route Planner

City of Edinburgh Council: parking in the city


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Can there anywhere be a more beautiful and beguiling city to arrive at by train? To emerge from the bustling, subterranean bowels of Waverley Station and find yourself in the very heart of such a glorious city is a happy experience indeed.

Bill Bryson

Travelling to the University

Find more information on travelling to and around our campuses on the Transport and Parking website.

 

If you’re travelling to Edinburgh by bus or train, you can follow our walking directions from the stations to George Square, which is close to many University buildings in the central area campus.

Walking directions to Central campus from the train and bus stations (185.78 KB / PDF)

Finding University buildings and offices

As an urban University, you'll have no trouble finding us once you arrive in the city centre.

Parking

If you are visiting the University by car, please be aware that parking is limited at some of our campuses.

Getting around the city

Edinburgh is a compact city and is easy to get around on foot, by bike or by public transport.

Related links

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