Local Transport
On Foot — the Best Choice
Edinburgh is a compact city — Old Town, New Town, Princes Street, Grassmarket, and Arthur's Seat are all within a 30-minute walk. On foot, you see the closes, the views, and the details you miss on the bus. But: Edinburgh is HILLY. The Old Town sits on a volcanic ridge, and the streets rise steeply. Comfortable shoes are a must. Heels: Forget it.
Lothian Buses
The city bus network is reliable, affordable, and extensive:
- Single fare: £1.80 (Exact change! The bus does not give change). Better: Pay contactless with a credit card (automatic daily cap).
- Day ticket: £4.80 — worth it from 3 rides.
- Night buses: On weekends (Fri/Sat), night buses run until about 4 am.
Tram
The Edinburgh Tram connects the airport via Haymarket and Princes Street with the New Town. Useful for airport transfer and the route to Ocean Terminal (Royal Yacht Britannia). Single fare: £1.80 (city), £7 (airport).
Rental Car
Not recommended for Edinburgh itself — parking is expensive (£3–4/hour in the center), many streets are narrow, and the city is better experienced on foot. However: For day trips to the Highlands, St Andrews, or the coast, a rental car is the best option. Note: Left-hand traffic!
Achtung
Left-hand traffic! When crossing the street, LOOK RIGHT FIRST — this is counterintuitive and dangerous for continental Europeans. At the zebra crossings in the city center, "LOOK RIGHT" is written on the asphalt — this warning is serious.
