Edinburgh

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Ticketing

A guide to purchasing tickets for public transportation, including integrated options for buses, trams, and trains.

Sections

1. Public Transportation Options in Edinburgh

Edinburghโ€™s public transport system is primarily operated by:

  • Lothian Buses: The main bus operator in the city.
  • Edinburgh Trams: A single tram line connecting the city center to Edinburgh Airport.
  • ScotRail: The train service for regional and national travel.

2. Ticketing for Buses and Trams

Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams share an integrated ticketing system, making it easy to switch between the two.

Types of Tickets

  1. Single Ticket:

    • Buses: ยฃ2.00 for adults, ยฃ1.00 for children (aged 5โ€“15).
    • Trams: ยฃ2.00 for adults, ยฃ1.00 for children (within the city zone).
    • Airport Tram Single: ยฃ7.50 for adults, ยฃ4.00 for children (from/to Edinburgh Airport).

  2. Day Ticket:

    • Unlimited travel on Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams (excluding the airport tram).
    • Cost: ยฃ5.50 for adults, ยฃ2.75 for children.

  3. Family Day Ticket:

    • Unlimited travel for up to 2 adults and 3 children.
    • Cost: ยฃ11.00.

  4. Ridacard (Season Pass):

    • Offers unlimited travel on buses and trams (including the airport tram).
    • Cost:
      • 1 week: ยฃ22.00 for adults, ยฃ11.00 for children.
      • 4 weeks: ยฃ60.00 for adults, ยฃ30.00 for children.
      • Annual: ยฃ630.00 for adults, ยฃ315.00 for children.
    • Requires an initial ยฃ3.00 card fee and a photo for registration.

  5. Airport Open Return Ticket:

    • For tram travel to/from the airport.
    • Cost: ยฃ13.50 for adults, ยฃ7.00 for children.

  6. Contactless Tap & Cap:

    • Use a contactless bank card or mobile payment to tap on buses or trams.
    • Daily cap: ยฃ5.50 for adults (same as a Day Ticket).
    • Weekly cap: ยฃ22.00 for adults (Mondayโ€“Sunday).

How to Purchase Tickets

  • Onboard Buses: Pay with exact cash (no change given) or use a contactless card/device.
  • Tram Stops: Purchase tickets from ticket machines before boarding (contactless or card payments accepted).
  • Lothian Buses App: Buy and store mobile tickets for buses and trams.
  • Ridacard: Purchase and top up at Lothian TravelHubs (e.g., at Waverley Bridge or Shandwick Place).

3. Ticketing for Trains

ScotRail operates train services for travel within Edinburgh and to other parts of Scotland and the UK.

Types of Tickets

  1. Single and Return Tickets:

    • Prices vary depending on the distance and time of travel.
    • Off-peak tickets are cheaper and valid outside rush hours.

  2. Season Tickets:

    • For regular commuters, offering unlimited travel between two stations.
    • Weekly, monthly, and annual options are available.

  3. Flexipass:

    • A carnet of 10 tickets for flexible travel between two stations.

  4. Railcards:

    • Discount cards offering up to 1/3 off fares (e.g., 16-25 Railcard, Senior Railcard, Two Together Railcard).
    • Cost: ยฃ30 per year.

How to Purchase Train Tickets

  • Online: Via the ScotRail website or mobile app.
  • At Stations: From ticket machines or ticket offices.
  • Contactless Payment: Available for short journeys within Edinburgh and nearby areas.

4. Local Considerations

  1. Exact Change on Buses:

    • If paying cash on buses, ensure you have the exact fare as drivers do not provide change.

  2. Validate Tram Tickets:

    • Tram tickets must be purchased and validated before boarding. Failure to do so may result in a fine.

  3. Contactless Payment:

    • Contactless payment is widely accepted and convenient. Remember to use the same card/device for all journeys to benefit from daily/weekly caps.

  4. Accessibility:

    • Buses and trams are wheelchair accessible. Priority seating is available for those with mobility needs.

  5. Peak Hours:

    • Public transport can be busy during peak hours (7:30โ€“9:30 AM and 4:30โ€“6:30 PM). Plan accordingly.

  6. Edinburgh Airport:

    • The tram is a convenient option for reaching the city center from the airport. Alternatively, the Airlink 100 bus (ยฃ5.50 single, ยฃ9.00 return) is a popular choice.

  7. Tourist Passes:

    • Consider the Edinburgh City Pass or Royal Edinburgh Ticket for combined access to attractions and unlimited public transport.

5. Tips for Visitors

  • Download the Transport for Edinburgh app for real-time bus and tram information.
  • If staying for a week or more, consider a Ridacard for cost savings.
  • Always check the zone map for tram travel to ensure you purchase the correct ticket.
  • For train travel, book tickets in advance for long-distance journeys to secure the best fares.

By understanding the ticketing system and following these tips, youโ€™ll find it easy to navigate Edinburghโ€™s public transport network. Let me know if you need further assistance!