Edinburgh is an easy city to visit: compact, safe and well connected. Here is the practical information for arriving, getting around and staying.
Getting there
- By air: Edinburgh Airport (EDI), about 13 kilometres west, is Scotland's busiest, with direct flights from many European cities, especially in summer. From the airport the tram reaches the centre (Princes Street, St Andrew Square) in about 35 minutes, and the Airlink 100 express bus reaches Waverley station in about half an hour. A taxi costs around £25-35.
- By train from London: East Coast Main Line trains leave from King's Cross and arrive at Waverley station, in the heart of the city, in about four and a half hours; book ahead for cheap fares. The Caledonian Sleeper night train leaves Euston in the evening and arrives in the morning.
- From Glasgow: trains roughly every quarter of an hour, in under an hour.
Getting around
The centre is walkable, although with all the hills and steps comfortable shoes are a must. Lothian buses cover the whole city with a flat fare and a daily cap, paid by contactless card or app. The tram links the airport, Haymarket, Princes Street, Leith and Newhaven. Bikes are a good option along the cycle paths of the Water of Leith and old railway lines. Driving in the centre is not advisable: a low-emission zone has been in force since 2024 and parking is expensive.
Where to stay
- Old Town: to soak up the medieval atmosphere, a few steps from everything; noisy in August.
- New Town: elegant, central and well served, with hotels in Georgian buildings.
- Haymarket and West End: handy for the airport tram and the station.
- Leith: cheaper and trendy, with excellent restaurants, linked by tram.
- Southside, Newington and Bruntsfield: B&Bs and guesthouses at lower prices.
In August and at New Year prices soar and you need to book months ahead; in summer many university residences offer rooms. Since 24 July 2026 a visitor levy of 5% of the accommodation price has applied for the first five nights.
Climate and when to go
The weather is changeable and often windy; even in summer you need a jacket. Highs range from about 7 degrees in winter to 19-20 in summer. May, June and September offer the best balance of weather, prices and crowds; August is Festival month.
Useful information
- Documents: passport and ETA (see travelling after Brexit).
- Money: sterling; Scottish banknotes are valid throughout the UK.
- Consulates: several European countries, including Italy, have consulates in Edinburgh.
- Emergencies: 999 or 112.
See also the neighbourhoods, the festivals and the Edinburgh guide.