Edinburgh is a compact city that is easy to explore on foot, especially if you stay in the city centre. The main sights are around the Royal Mile, Princes Street and the surrounding neighbourhoods - you can easily cover the highlights in a day. However, the streets are steep and cobbled in places, so good footwear is essential.

Public transport is well-functioning and safe, although in most cases not essential for tourists. However, it is useful for trips out of the centre (e.g. to Leith Harbour, the Botanic Gardens, or the beaches of Portobello), for night transfers, or to/from the airport.

The 10 best hotels in Edinburgh

Public transport tickets

Public transport in Edinburgh is mainly provided by Lothian Buses, which operates the city's buses and trams. Tickets are valid for either the buses or the tram, not automatically for both modes at the same time (some combined tickets are exceptions).

• Single ticket (Flat Fare) - GBP 2 adults, GBP 1 children (bus).
• Tram ticket (separate) - GBP 2 in the centre, 7,50 gbp airport → centre.
• Day ticket - 5 GBP (valid unlimited on buses, not on trams).
• DAYticket Plus - 9 GBP - includes buses and trams.
• Children 5-15 years old get discounts, children under 5 free.
• Validity: not transferable, exception is day ticket.
• Payment: exact cash at the driver (coins and notes only up to 10 gbp) or by mobile app.

Mobile app:

• Transport for Edinburgh - tickets, timetables, maps,
• TfE m-Tickets - buy tickets on your mobile.

More information on the official website: lothianbuses.com.

Buses

Lothian buses are the most common means of transport in Edinburgh. They run regularly from early morning until midnight, with some routes operating at night.

• Services are frequent and reliable, and delays are usually minimal.
• All buses are low-floor and safe.
• You enter through the front door, and buy your ticket from the driver or on the app.
• Orientation: lines are numbered, with clear colour distinctions.
• Stops are clear, most with digital boards.
• Major hubs: Princes Street, Waverley Bridge, St Andrew Square
• Night services: NightBus (lines N1-N37), usually every half hour between midnight and 4:30am, ticket costs 3 gbp.

Tram

A tram line connects the airport with Edinburgh city centre. It is a modern, clean and comfortable mode of transport, ideal for both arrivals and departures.

• Operating hours: approx. 5:30-23:30.
• Interval: every 7 minutes.
• Main stops: Edinburgh Airport, Haymarket, Princes Street, St Andrew Square.
• The tram also runs to Leith Harbour and the Newhaven area (new from 2023).
• Tickets must be purchased before boarding the tram - from machines at the stops or via the app.

Official website: edinburghtrams.com.

Taxi and mobile app

Official taxis are black 'black cabs' which run by meter and can be stopped on the street or at pay stations in the centre.

• Starting rate. 3 gbp
• Journey within the centre: usually 6 gbp to 12 gbp
• Airport → downtown: approx. 30 gbp
• No need to haggle, but always make sure the driver turns on the meter

Mobile app:

• Uber - works fine,
• Bolt - available in some areas,
• FreeNow - often more convenient than a regular taxi,

Payment is possible by card or cash, depending on the settings in the app.

Travel by bicycle

Edinburgh is not typically a cycling city, mainly because of the hilly terrain and cobblestones. Nevertheless, cycling is possible and safe, especially in parks and along the Water of Leith Walkway or on cycle paths leading out of the city centre.

There is currently (2025) no bike share system operating in the city, which was cancelled during the pandemic and has not yet been reinstated. However, you can hire a bike from some hire shops, for example:

• Leith Cycle Co.,
• BikeTrax,
• Edinburgh Bike Tours.

Prices: approx 15-25 gbp per day, helmet, lock and map available free of charge.