Getting here
Edinburgh Castle is easy to spot from most parts of the city. The mighty fortress has dominated the skyline of Scotland’s capital for centuries.
Location
Edinburgh Castle
The Esplanade
Edinburgh
EH1 2NG
National Grid reference: NT 252 734
Telephone: 0131 225 9846
Essential local road repairs
Due to essential road repairs on The Lawnmarket by The City of Edinburgh Council access to the castle by vehicle is currently restricted (from Monday 2 December). If you have a blue badge you can still access the castle from Johnstone Terrace however please contact ecparking@hes.scot for prebooking and directions.
If arriving by coach please be aware that there is no large vehicle access to Johnstone Terrace. Temporary coach drop off and pick up as been created in Castle Terrace, with coach parking available in Regent Road and Inverleith Place.
Bicycle
Bike racks are available from November to April, and can be found on the left hand side as you enter the esplanade (behind the ticket box). They are not available from May to October, when the Tattoo stands are in place.
Tram
Trams leave the airport every 7 minutes from early until late. The journey to Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main shopping street, takes about 30 minutes. Visit edinburghtrams.com
Bus
The Airlink 100 express bus runs from the airport to the city centre. It takes 25 minutes to reach Waverley Bridge, next to the main railway station. Visit lothianbuses.com
Some hop-on, hop-off bus tours make a stop by the castle. Visit edinburghtour.com
Or look for local buses with the Mound or George IV Bridge on their route.
Rail
Waverley is Edinburgh’s main and most central station. It’s just a short walk to the castle, which can be seen from the station exits – though it’s uphill all the way.
Haymarket Station, also in the city centre, is to the west of Princes Street.
Air
Edinburgh Airport is within easy reach and has good bus and tram links to the city centre. Visit edinburghairport.com
Car
There is no public parking at Edinburgh Castle. Castle Terrace NCP is the nearest car park.
There are a small number of parking spaces available for ticket holders with Blue Badges on the Castle Esplanade. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Journey planners
Search for National Cycle Network routes on the Sustrans website.
Plan your journey by public transport using Traveline Scotland.
Let us know if you spot one of our sites in the wrong location. You can email digital@hes.scot.
