Getting around in Edinburgh
Buses, trams, trains and walking.
Edinburgh is a walking city
The Old Town, New Town, Holyrood and Calton Hill all sit within about 30 minutes of each other on foot, so most visitors barely need transport. The catch is the hills: the Royal Mile climbs steadily to the Castle, and closes and stairs link the Old Town with Princes Street. Wear comfortable shoes, and expect cobbles.
Lothian buses: tap and cap
Lothian Buses cover almost the whole city. Following the February 2026 fare revision, an adult single costs about £2.40 and a City Day ticket about £6.00. You can tap a contactless card or phone and fares cap automatically at a daily limit. Drivers do not give change, so use contactless or the Transport for Edinburgh app. Source: Lothian Buses (fares revision, February 2026), checked 2026-10-10
The tram runs on one line
Edinburgh Trams run from the airport through the West End and Princes Street to Newhaven in Leith. It is most useful for the airport and for reaching Leith. You cannot pay on board: tap a contactless card on the platform reader before boarding, or buy a ticket from the machine. Source: Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses ticket information (2026), checked 2026-10-10
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