Edinburgh City Guide - Getting Around

Traveline (tel: 0871 200 2233; website: www.traveline.org.uk) provides information on all bus, coach and train routes within the Lothians. There is no light rail or underground system within the city and Edinburgh commuters rely on the frequent bus services, though a tram system is currently under construction. The first phase is expected to be completed in 2011.

Lothian Buses, 27 Hanover Street (tel: (0131) 555 6363; website: www.lothianbuses.co.uk), provides bus services within the city and to outlying districts, as does First Edinburgh (tel: 0870 872 7271; website: www.firstedinburgh.co.uk). The Council ‘Greenways Scheme' makes it illegal for drivers to park on the city's main arteries and gives buses exclusive, green tarmac lanes. As a result, the bus service flows fairly freely 0600-2400, after which the night bus service comes into operation.

There are a number of passes allowing reduced fares. Lothian Buses sell a Daysaver ticket giving unlimited travel on its routes (including those outside the city). Lothian Buses also sells weekly and four-weekly passes, which allow unlimited travel on Lothian Buses within these time frames. The FirstDay/FirstWeek and FirstMonth ticket covers travel on First Edinburgh buses in Edinburgh and the surrounding region with prices dependent on zones and duration of the pass.

All Lothian Bus passes can be purchased at the Waverley Bridge Ticket Centre, Waverley Bridge (tel: (0131) 555 6363), open daily 0830-1730 (summer) and 0830-1600 (winter).

Edinburgh's taxis are mainly black hackney cabs and can be safely hailed in the street. All are licensed and have meters fitted. Some form of driver ID should be prominently displayed. Taxi companies include City Cabs (tel: (0131) 228 1211; website: www.citycabs.co.uk) and Central Radio Taxis (tel: (0131) 229 2468; website: www.taxis-edinburgh.co.uk). A tip of 10% is also expected.

Driving around congested Edinburgh is increasingly more hassle than it is worth, so the general advice to visitors is to walk, cycle or use public transport. Visitors who do bring a car should be aware that parking can be problematic especially in summer. Metered parking (in force Monday to Saturday 0830-1830) is restricted in the city and a resident's parking permit is required in many areas. Failure to comply with parking regulations can result in a costly fine and the offending vehicle being towed away. The easiest option is for drivers to use one of the NCP toll car parks, such as at the St James Centre or Castle Terrace.

Regulations vary from company to company, however, in all cases, drivers will require a valid driving licence to hire a car in the UK. In most cases, this can be a national driving licence, although an International Driving Permit may be preferred if the licence is not in English. Separate proof of address is often required. A credit card is also essential. It is important for visitors to check what level of insurance is included in the price of car hire. In general, drivers have to be over 23 to hire a car.

Major car hire companies with a presence in the city include Avis (tel: (0131) 337 6363; website: www.avis.co.uk) and Hertz (tel: (0131) 556 8311; website: www.hertz.co.uk). Arnold Clark Car Rental (tel: 0845 607 4500; website: www.arnoldclark.co.uk) is a Scottish-based outfit.

Edinburgh is a reasonably cyclist friendly city with dedicated cycle lanes and plenty of parkland and nearby countryside ideal for exploring on two wheels. Bike Trax Cycle Hire, 11 Lochrin Place, Tollcross (tel: (0131) 228 6633; website: www.biketrax.co.uk), hires out a wide range of bicycles.