Getting Around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is compact and easy to find your way around. Most festival venues in the city centre are within walking distance and there is an excellent bus service across Edinburgh. There are taxi ranks dotted around the city centre and black cabs with an ‘available’ light on can be flagged down in the street. Walkers and cyclists will need to be aware the city is quite hilly in parts!
Edinburgh is currently developing its city transport network and a new tram system will be in place in 2011. Until then access to some city streets will be restricted and those getting around the city by car will need to prepare for re-routed streets and some traffic delays. For the most up to date information pick up a copy of the Official Edinburgh Festivals Map available throughout the city, at most Festival box offices and major venues from August.
The best ways to discover Edinburgh and get around the city is on foot. Walking from the Scott Monument on Princes St to venues such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, the King’s Theatre and the Pleasance takes just 20 minutes, and venues outside of the city centre, such as The Shore in Leith, can be reached with a comfortable 45 minute walk.
Edinburgh’s extensive bus routes cover the entire city and its outskirts. Single fares are £1.20, day tickets give unlimited journeys for £3 and most festival venues are on if not nearby the main bus routes. For more information on bus services please visit www.lothianbuses.co.uk.
Black cabs and other taxi services are available throughout the city. The traditional taxi (mostly black but not always!) can be picked up at one of the city’s many taxi ranks as well as flagged down on the street while other hackney services have to be booked in advance. Taxi fares are calculated on distance and waiting times and a taxi ride across the city centre can cost between £6 and £10. For these short journeys it can often be quicker to walk. If you have time, plan your route between venues online in advance or check out the Edinburgh Festivals map and you’ll realise how compact Edinburgh’s city centre is.
Travelling in your own car, you’ll need to be aware of parking restrictions throughout the city. There are a number of short-term pay and display parking areas but many more are zoned so check before leaving your car and make sure to top up the parking meters when your time expires.
During busy times, athletic rickshaw drivers can be seen cycling around the city. These are a fun way to see the city but are at least twice as expensive as taxis and the fare can vary depending on the amount of uphill climbs in your journey. Agree your journey price in advance and let pedal power take you where you want to go.
LATEST NEWS
Trams are being introduced into Edinburgh. By 2011, visitors will be able to enjoy a modern, fast and reliable link from the Airport, through the City Centre and on to Leith. This is a massive investment in the future of the city; and will make it faster for visitors to get straight to the heart of the Festival, and also connect to many more venues and accommodation options on the route in to the city from the Airport and down to Leith.
As a result, however, this major infrastructure project does mean that some roads are closed to traffic (and, occasionally, pedestrians); whilst others might operate diversions. Be sure to pick up a Venue Map on arrival in to the city to help you get around; and check out the Edinburgh Festivals Daily Guide for day-to-day updates and advice.
