Getting around Edinburgh
Planning to travel in Edinburgh? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Edinburgh experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations.
Ways to get around Edinburgh
Walking
Edinburgh offers a delightful walking experience, with its compact layout and scenic routes. The city’s topography, featuring a dormant volcano and seven hills, provides varied and picturesque walking paths. Cobblestone streets and historic architecture add charm to the journey. While the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain, it rarely deters exploration. Many attractions are within walking distance, making it convenient to navigate the city on foot. However, some areas may involve steep inclines, which could be challenging for some. Overall, walking is a practical and enjoyable way to explore Edinburgh.
Biking
Edinburgh offers a mix of cycling paths and roads that can make biking a practical way to get around. The city has dedicated bike lanes and paths, which help in navigating through its historic streets. However, the hilly terrain might be challenging for some riders. Weather conditions can also affect biking, as rain is common. While biking can be a convenient option for short distances, it’s important to consider these factors when planning a trip.
Car
Driving in Edinburgh can be challenging due to its narrow streets and historic layout, which can make navigating by car difficult. Traffic congestion is common, especially during peak hours, and parking can be limited and expensive in the city center. While the road infrastructure supports car travel, the availability of public transport options like buses and trams often makes them more convenient for getting around. Weather conditions can also affect driving, with rain and occasional snow impacting road safety.
Public Transit
The city features a robust public transportation system that makes getting around the city convenient. Buses operate 24 hours a day, providing frequent service across the city, including routes to the airport. The tram system connects key locations from the airport to the city center and beyond, with stops at major attractions and shopping areas. The city’s compact size and walkable streets complement public transit, making it easy to explore without a car. While the weather can be unpredictable, the extensive bus and tram networks ensure reliable travel options throughout the city.
Train
Trains in Edinburgh offer a convenient way to travel, connecting key locations like Edinburgh Waverley, Haymarket, and Edinburgh Park. These stations provide access to various destinations across Scotland and beyond. Trains run frequently, with some routes operating every few minutes, making it easy to plan trips. The city’s infrastructure supports seamless connections between trains and trams, enhancing accessibility. While trains are a great option for reaching many areas, some destinations might require additional transport modes due to distance or specific routes.
Reserve a ride in Edinburgh with Uber
Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Edinburgh. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to Edinburgh Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.
Rideshare and other services in Edinburgh, Scotland
Getting around Edinburgh without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.
Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Edinburgh.
Edinburgh-area airport car service
When your travel in Edinburgh takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.
Popular destinations in Edinburgh
Uber makes Edinburgh travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Edinburgh request rides to Edinburgh Waverley Station (EDB) more than any other spot.
Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Destination | Average price with UberX* |
|---|---|
Edinburgh Waverley Station (EDB) | £11 |
St James Shopping Centre | £11 |
Edinburgh Castle | £11 |
Vue Cinema | £11 |
Murrayfield Stadium | £14 |
Edinburgh taxis and other ride options
Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when you need to get around Edinburgh. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Whether you’re requesting a ride from the airport or to help you discover somewhere new, sign in online or open the app and enter a destination in Edinburgh.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Uber available in Edinburgh?
Yes. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around Edinburgh anytime, 24/7.
- What’s the most affordable way to travel in Edinburgh?
With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in Edinburgh. To get an estimated cost, sign in online or open the app and input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear. Scroll to explore what’s currently available.
- Can I get around Edinburgh without a car?
Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in Edinburgh, and let your driver take you where you want to go. (You might see other Edinburgh transportation options available in your app, too.)
- Can I rent a car in Edinburgh?
Sign in to your Uber account on Uber.com or open your Uber app to find out if car rentals are available in your city. If so, choose Rent and complete your reservation with a rental provider on Uber.com or using the Uber app. Then travel in Edinburgh or wherever the road takes you.
- How does Uber in Edinburgh help keep riders safe?
Your safety when traveling in Edinburgh is a top priority. In a few taps, you can access in-app features like the emergency assistance button to call authorities if you need help.
- Is Uber Eats available in Edinburgh?
Yes. Uber Eats offers pickup or food delivery in Edinburgh from your favorite restaurants. Browse lots of food delivery options, place your order, and track it by the minute.
Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.
Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.
Please note: some trips to and from the airport can also incur a surcharge to cover the minimum cost of parking at airport car parks. If dynamic pricing is in effect, the quoted fare will take the current rates into account.
*Sample rider prices are average UberX prices only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, or other factors. Flat rates and minimum fees may apply. Actual prices for rides and scheduled rides may vary.
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