Trip Scam

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Getting around Edinburgh

How to travel around Edinburgh — 5 options, what they cost, and which booking apps fix the fare before you go.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Walking

Walking
Photo: alljengi · CC BY SA 2.0 · source

The centre is compact but genuinely steep, with stairs everywhere.

2. Trams

Trams
Photo: todoleo · CC BY SA 2.0 · source

One line from the airport through the centre to Newhaven.

3. Lothian Buses

Lothian Buses
Photo: www.theedinburghblog.co.uk · CC BY 2.0 · source

An excellent network with a day cap and contactless payment.

4. Trains to Glasgow and the Highlands

Trains to Glasgow and the Highlands
Photo: 96tommy · CC BY 2.0 · source

Glasgow in fifty minutes; the West Highland Line is one of the world's great rail journeys.

5. Airport tram or bus

Airport tram or bus
Photo: thisisedinburgh · CC BY 2.0 · source

Both around thirty minutes, the bus slightly cheaper and more frequent.

Booking apps in United Kingdom

Agreeing the fare in an app before you travel removes the argument at the end of the journey, which is where most transport scams happen. Links go to each app's official page — lookalike apps are themselves a scam.

Uber

Widely available, though licensing differs by local authority.

Bolt

Usually cheaper than Uber where both operate.

Citymapper

Journey planning across tube, bus, rail, bike and walking, with live disruption.

Trainline

Books national rail and coach travel across operators in one place.

More about Edinburgh