Edinburgh Travel Guide—Transportation Tips (Part 1)
Edinburgh, UK, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and it deserves to be explored thoroughly! Here’s a detailed transportation guide for Edinburgh, covering how to get there, city transportation, and travel options for nearby attractions.
1. How to Get to Edinburgh from London
① Train (Highly Recommended!)
Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours (direct service), depending on the schedule.
Departure Station: London King's Cross.
Arrival Station: Edinburgh Waverley.
Advantages:
-- Direct access to the city center, avoiding airport transfers.
-- Scenic views along the way (especially the coastal stretch between Newcastle and Edinburgh).
-- Spacious seating (comfortable), with charging points, dining cars, etc.
Ticket Tips:
-- Use Trainline or National Rail apps to compare prices.
-- Choose Off-Peak hours (non-rush hours) for cheaper fares.
② Plane (Moderate Cost-Effectiveness)
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours flight + time needed to arrive at the airport in advance.
London Departure Airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Luton (LTN), Stansted (STN).
Edinburgh Arrival Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
Suitable for: Those with tight schedules who want to save travel time.
Disadvantages: Requires early arrival at the airport, strict baggage limits (especially budget airlines).
③ Long-Distance Bus (Economical but Time-Consuming)
Duration: Approximately 8-9 hours (longer for overnight buses).
Operators: National Express (frequent services, comfortable seating), Megabus (low prices, often offers special deals but requires early booking).
Ticket Tips:
-- App Purchase: Download National Express or Megabus apps to check tickets anytime.
-- Third-Party Platforms: Trainline (compare train and bus options), Omio.
-- On-Site Purchase: Victoria Coach Station ticket office in London (not recommended, as tickets may sell out).
Departure Station: London Victoria Coach Station.
Arrival Station: Edinburgh Bus Station (St Andrew Square).
Suitable for: Those on a tight budget and not in a hurry.
Disadvantages: Narrow seating, overnight services may affect rest.
Tips: UK highways occasionally experience congestion, so allow for buffer time.
④ Driving
Distance: Approximately 650 km.
Duration: 7-8 hours (excluding breaks).
Route: M1/A1 highway (A1 recommended for scenic coastal views).
Suitable for: Those planning to explore along the way (e.g., York, Newcastle).
Notes:
-- Exercise caution on certain sections of the Scottish Highlands.
-- Parking in Edinburgh’s Old Town is challenging (consider parking outside the city, such as Q-Park).
2. Edinburgh Airport to City Center
① Tram:
Route: Edinburgh Airport → City Center (York Place Station).
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes, with services every 7 minutes.
Suitable for: Those with light luggage staying near New Town or Princes Street.
② Airlink 100 Bus:
Route: Airport → Waverley Train Station.
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes, with services every 10 minutes.
Suitable for: Those staying in Old Town or needing direct access to the train station.
③ Taxi/Uber:
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes to the city center.
Suitable for: Night arrivals or group travelers.
3. Getting Around Edinburgh
① Bus (Lothian Buses):
Coverage: Major city attractions, including Calton Hill, Leith Port, etc.
Recommended Apps:
-- Lothian Buses (real-time route information).
-- Google Maps (plan bus/walking routes).
② Walking:
Old Town attractions (Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace) are concentrated and easily accessible on foot.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as some cobblestone streets are uneven.
③ Cycling:
Rental Points: Just Eat Cycles (electric bikes).
Recommended Route: Water of Leith Walkway (Dean Village → Leith Port).
4. Edinburgh to Nearby Attractions
① Train (ScotRail):
Recommended Routes:
Forth Bridge: Edinburgh Waverley → North Queensferry Station.
Glasgow: Approximately 50 minutes.
Ticket Tips: Use Trainline app or self-service machines at train stations; book in advance for cheaper fares.
② Bus (Citylink/Megabus):
Highlands Day Trip: Take a bus to Stirling (approximately 1 hour).
Rosslyn Chapel: Lothian Bus Route 37 (approximately 30 minutes).
③ Car Rental:
Recommended Providers: Enterprise or Europcar.
Notes: Parking in Old Town is challenging; consider parking outside the city (e.g., Q-Park Holyrood).