How to get to Edinburgh Castle
Most visitors arrive on foot. The castle is in the Old Town at Castlehill, postcode EH1 2NG, and every route ends with a climb. There is no public car park at the castle, so the options are the walk from Waverley station, the tram to Princes Street or a city bus to the Royal Mile.
Plan your arrival time around your entry slot, not the station timetable. A standard Edinburgh Castle ticket is for a chosen date and entry time, and the castle recommends at least 2 hours for the main sights. Leave time for the walk, the gate and a bag check.
On foot, by tram and by bus
The three ways into the Old Town from the centre.
Walking from Waverley
The castle lists the distance from Waverley as 0.4 miles, with an ascent. The Princes Street tram stop is also 0.4 miles away. Haymarket station is about 1 mile. No walking time is guaranteed, so allow extra if you have luggage, small children or limited mobility. The streets to the castle are steep and cobbled in places.
Tram in the city
Fares in the city zone are £2.40 for an adult single and £4.60 for a day return, and the City Day ticket costs £6. City Day does not cover the airport route or Airlink 100. Buy or activate your ticket before boarding, or tap on and tap off correctly. From Princes Street you walk up to the castle.
Lothian city buses
Routes 9, 23 and 27 serve Hanover Street, The Mound and George IV Bridge, which are a short walk from the Royal Mile. Since 22 February 2026 an adult single in the city costs £2.40 and a child single £1.20, and a City Day ticket costs £6 for an adult or £3 for a child. Diversions can happen at short notice, so check the current route before you set out.
Climbing inside the castle
The main ascent inside the castle is about 350 m, and the steepest part is 15 degrees. Paths are cobbled and uneven, with steps. Wear shoes with grip, and do not count on the whole castle being step-free. The Great Hall and the National War Memorial have ramp access, while the Prisons of War and the royal apartments involve steps.
Our pick: the city by bus
Our take: a 24-hour pass with stops near the castle and Waverley.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Edinburgh Castle tickets and Old Town tours
Castle entry, Royal Mile walks and tours with a central meeting point, with live prices and availability.
From Edinburgh Airport to the castle
Two options, with 2026 adult and child fares.
| Option | Journey | Adult single | Adult open return | Child 5 to 15 (single / return) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport tram | About 30 minutes to Princes Street, about every 7 minutes | £7.90 | £9.50 | £4 / £5 |
| Airlink 100 bus | About 25 minutes to Waverley Bridge, up to every 10 minutes by day and up to every 20 minutes at night | £6 | £8.50 | £3 / £4.25 |
The tram operator gives a small discount for advance online tickets: 40p on an adult single and 30p on a child airport ticket. The Airlink journey time is an approximation and depends on traffic. Both routes end in the centre, not at the castle gate, so add the uphill walk. For most visitors, the tram to Princes Street is the simpler choice, since the castle is 0.4 miles from the stop. Pick the Airlink if you prefer a bus or arrive at night, when it still runs up to every 20 minutes.
The old Skylink numbers 200 and 400 were replaced by routes 17 and 18 in April 2025. Do not plan around the old numbers.
By car, by coach and for visitors with access needs
Parking and drop-off near the castle are limited.
Parking
The castle has no public car park. The nearest is Castle Terrace NCP. A few spaces on the Esplanade are kept for guests with access needs, and they are limited from May to October when the Esplanade is restricted for the stands. Do not count on a space there, and ask ahead if you need one.
Coaches
Because of local roadworks, large vehicles cannot use Johnstone Terrace. Groups are dropped off temporarily on Castle Terrace, and coaches park on Regent Road or Inverleith Place. There is no fixed end date, so check the current arrangement with the castle before you travel.
Bags and luggage
There is no left luggage at the castle. Suitcases and rucksacks of 30 litres or more are not allowed, and bags can be searched. If you arrive by train with large bags, leave them elsewhere first.
Mobility and the Tattoo season
Plan for the hill and the cobbles. During the Military Tattoo season the Esplanade is restricted from May to October, and bike racks are not available in those months. Read the Military Tattoo guide for the dates of the next edition.
Plan the rest of your visit
Pages that go with your journey.
Getting to Edinburgh Castle: frequently asked questions
How far is Edinburgh Castle from Waverley station?
The castle gives the distance as 0.4 miles, uphill. The Princes Street tram stop is also 0.4 miles away, and Haymarket is about 1 mile.
How do I get from the airport to the castle?
Take the tram to Princes Street, about 30 minutes, or the Airlink 100 bus to Waverley Bridge, about 25 minutes. Then walk uphill. Adult single fares in 2026 are £7.90 on the tram and £6 on the bus.
Can I park at Edinburgh Castle?
No. There is no public car park at the castle. The nearest is Castle Terrace NCP, and a few spaces on the Esplanade are limited to guests with access needs.
Does a tram day ticket work for the airport?
No. The City Day ticket for £6 does not cover the airport route or Airlink 100. The airport tram has its own single and return fares.
Is the castle accessible for wheelchair users?
Parts are, but not all. The Great Hall and the National War Memorial have ramp access, while the Prisons of War and the royal apartments have steps. The ground inside is steep and cobbled.
Is this the official Edinburgh Castle website?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not the website of Historic Environment Scotland or Edinburgh Castle, and it is not connected to any transport operator.