Getting around Edinburgh
There are many ways to get around Edinburgh. Depending on where your accommodation is based you may need to catch a bus, tram or cycle to your campus. More information on these services can be found below.
Campus maps to navigate around University buildings
Cycling
One of the most popular modes of transport around Edinburgh for students is cycling. There are many ways of getting a bike and once you have one it's important to keep it maintained and ensure it has lights so you are visible to other road users and pedestrians.
Buses
Young Persons' Free Bus travel Scheme
People under the age of 22 years can travel for free on public bus services across Scotland. To be eligible, you must apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC).
Applicants must be resident in Scotland for at least 6 months of the year.
Lothian Buses
The main bus operator in and around Edinburgh is Lothian Buses. Lothian Buses offer different ticket types:
- Single fare
- Day Ticket (unlimited travel for one day)
- Ridacard (unlimited travel for one week - one year)
Lothian Buses also has a contactless payment system, which automatically charges you the cheapest daily fare for the journeys you’ve made.
You can download the Transport for Edinburgh App for your smartphone which will allow you to quickly check your bus times on the go: Transport for Edinburgh App
Lothian Buses contactless payment system
Skylink Buses
Skylink buses (Lothian Buses service 200 and 400) are two additional buses which go to the airport via other areas of the city.
Trams
Edinburgh’s tram line links Edinburgh Airport with the city centre and Leith. The journey takes around 30 minutes to reach the centre, or 45 minutes to Leith.
Trains
The main train station in Edinburgh is Waverley Station. You can buy tickets, make reservations and get travel information at the Edinburgh Rail Travel Centre in Waverley station.
Fare and timetable information is available online. If you are aged between 16 - 25 years or a Mature Student you can get 1/3 off your rail price on any journey in the UK, which is a huge discount if you were traveling by train regularly.
Taxis
Edinburgh's black taxis can be hailed in the street, booked by phone, or found at one of the many central taxi ranks.
Private Hire Cabs must be booked by phone in advance. They must display their taxi licence inside the car on the dashboard.
Further information
The University's Transport & Parking website has a wealth of information to help you get around in Edinburgh.