Edinburgh Waverley is the city's main railway station and the busiest transport hub in Scotland. It is located in the heart of Edinburgh, literally in the valley between the historic Old and New Towns, just a few minutes' walk from all the main attractions - the Castle, the Royal Mile, the Scott Monument and Princes Street shopping.

The station is unique in its position below city level, nestled between two elevated parts of the city centre. Pedestrian bridges and the city's main roads run across its roof, so at first glance you won't even notice the dozens of trains rumbling beneath you. The station is large and can take a while to navigate, but the signage is clear and the staff are helpful.

The best hotels near the station

Transport, connections and services

Waverley connects Edinburgh with the rest of Scotland and the rest of the UK. It is the terminus for direct trains from London, Glasgow, Inverness, Newcastle or Manchester. There are also high-speed LNER lines that connect the city with London in around 4.5 hours. For trips into the surrounding area, you can easily reach places such as North Berwick, Stirling or the Highlands border.

The station has modern facilities:

Luggage storage (including self-collection boxes).
Shops and supermarket (Sainsbury's).
Cafes and fast food outlets (Costa, M&S Food, Starbucks).
Currency exchange, ATMs, toilet facilities.
24-hour operation of the main lobby.

There is also a VisitScotland information centre at the station where you can take free maps of the city and get advice on travel tips.

Princes Street Gardens - the green heart of the city

One of the biggest bonuses of Waverley station is its close proximity to Princes Street Gardens - the largest city park in Edinburgh city centre. The park was created on the site of the former Nor Loch, which was drained and converted into public gardens in the 19th century. Today it divides the Old and New Towns and forms a tranquil area with views of Edinburgh Castle.

From the park you can admire:

Scott Monument up close, the base of which can be found to the east of the station
Floral Clock, the largest floral clock in the world (functional, with a different theme each year)
Ross Fountain, a 19th century cast iron fountain overlooking the castle
Seasonal Markets, such as Christmas markets or summer attractions

The park is ideal for a short walk after arriving in town, but also as a place for a coffee "to go" or a picnic in the grass overlooking the town's landmark. In the summer it is very busy, in the winter the atmosphere is peaceful.

Access and orientation

The station has multiple entrances - the main entrances are from Princes Street, Market Street and also from North Bridge where there is a lift and staircase connecting the platform to the upper level of the city.

Public transport: tram station and dozens of bus routes directly outside the station (Princes Street / Waverley Bridge stops)
Train companies: LNER, ScotRail, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast
Parking: Limited, walking or public transport recommended

Our tips

If you're travelling early in the morning or late in the evening, expect some limited shops and services - but the station remains open.
To help you find your way around, use the interactive maps available at nationalrail.co.uk,
The lobby is often used as a venue for small cultural events or promotional stalls - you might find free whisky tasting or live music.
Princes Street Gardens offers the best views of the castle just after you arrive from Waverley - be sure to stop and look around for a while.