Edinburgh

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Buses

Buses are a key mode of transportation in Edinburgh, covering local, regional, and national travel.

Sections

1. Overview of the Bus System in Edinburgh

Edinburghโ€™s bus network is primarily operated by two main companies:

  • Lothian Buses: The largest and most popular operator, offering extensive coverage across the city and surrounding areas.
  • First Bus: Operates some routes connecting Edinburgh to other towns and cities in the region.

Lothian Buses is the go-to choice for most travelers within Edinburgh due to its reliability, frequency, and user-friendly services.

2. Bus Routes and Coverage

  • City Routes: Lothian Buses operates over 50 routes covering all major areas of Edinburgh, including the city center, suburbs, and key attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace.
  • Night Buses: Night services (marked as "N" routes) operate after regular services end, typically from midnight to 4:30 AM. These are ideal for late-night travelers.
  • Airport Bus: The Airlink 100 connects Edinburgh Airport to the city center in about 30 minutes. Skylink services (200, 300, and 400) provide additional connections to other parts of the city.
  • Regional Routes: Lothian Country and East Coast Buses connect Edinburgh to nearby towns and villages.

For route planning, use the Transport for Edinburgh app or Google Maps, which provide real-time bus information and route suggestions.

3. Ticketing Options and Costs

Lothian Buses offers a variety of ticketing options to suit different needs:

Single Tickets

  • Adult: ยฃ2.00
  • Child (5-15 years): ยฃ1.00
  • Valid for one journey on a single bus (no transfers).

Day Tickets

  • Adult Day Ticket: ยฃ5.00
  • Child Day Ticket: ยฃ2.50
  • Unlimited travel on Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams (city zone) for one day.

Ridacard (Season Pass)

  • Ideal for frequent travelers.
  • Weekly, monthly, and annual passes are available.
  • Prices start at ยฃ20 for a weekly pass (adult).

Contactless Payment

  • You can pay using a contactless debit/credit card or mobile payment (Apple Pay/Google Pay).
  • A daily cap ensures you wonโ€™t pay more than the cost of a Day Ticket (ยฃ5.00 for adults).

Family Tickets

  • Family Day Ticket: ยฃ10.00 (up to 2 adults and 3 children).
  • Great for families exploring the city.

Airport Tickets

  • Airlink 100: ยฃ5.50 (single) or ยฃ9.00 (return) for adults.
  • Skylink services: Standard single and day tickets apply.

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Onboard: Pay the exact fare in cash (no change given) or use contactless payment.
  • Online: Purchase tickets via the Transport for Edinburgh app.
  • Ticket Machines: Available at major stops and tram stations.

4. How to Use the Buses

  1. Boarding: Wait at the designated bus stop. Check the route number and destination displayed on the front of the bus.
  2. Payment: Tap your contactless card/device on the reader or show your pre-purchased ticket to the driver. If paying in cash, have the exact fare ready.
  3. Seating: Find a seat or stand in the designated area. Priority seating is available for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and those with disabilities.
  4. Requesting a Stop: Press the red "Stop" button when your stop is approaching. The bus will stop at the next designated stop.

5. Accessibility

Edinburghโ€™s buses are designed to be accessible for all passengers:

  • Low-Floor Buses: All Lothian Buses are wheelchair accessible with low floors and ramps.
  • Priority Seating: Reserved for passengers with reduced mobility.
  • Audio and Visual Announcements: Stops are announced and displayed on screens inside the bus.
  • Assistance Dogs: Allowed on all buses.

If you require additional assistance, drivers are trained to help passengers with mobility needs.

6. Schedules and Frequency

  • Peak Hours: Buses run every 5-10 minutes on major routes during peak times (7:00 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM).
  • Off-Peak Hours: Frequency decreases to every 10-20 minutes.
  • Night Buses: Operate every 30-60 minutes, depending on the route.

Timetables are available on the Lothian Buses website, the Transport for Edinburgh app, and at major bus stops.

7. Local Tips for Navigating the Bus System

  • Plan Ahead: Use the Transport for Edinburgh app or Google Maps to check routes, schedules, and real-time bus locations.
  • Exact Change: If paying in cash, ensure you have the exact fare as drivers do not provide change.
  • Avoid Peak Times: Buses can get crowded during rush hours, so plan your travel accordingly.
  • Know Your Stop: Familiarize yourself with the name of your destination stop to avoid missing it.
  • Be Polite: Thank the driver when exiting the busโ€”a common courtesy in the UK.
  • Weather Considerations: Edinburghโ€™s weather can be unpredictable, so dress appropriately if you need to wait at outdoor bus stops.

8. Key Bus Routes for Tourists

  • Airlink 100: Edinburgh Airport to city center.
  • Route 22: Connects the city center to Leith and Ocean Terminal (Royal Yacht Britannia).
  • Route 35: Passes through the Old Town, Grassmarket, and Holyrood.
  • Route 26: Links the city center to Portobello Beach.

9. Additional Resources

  • Transport for Edinburgh App: Offers route planning, live bus tracking, and ticket purchasing.
  • Lothian Buses Website: Provides detailed route maps, timetables, and fare information.
  • Customer Service: Visit the Lothian TravelHub on Waverley Bridge for in-person assistance.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll find Edinburghโ€™s bus system to be an affordable, convenient, and efficient way to explore the city and its surroundings. Safe travels!