Navigating Edinburgh
Bus System
While walking is the best way to see the city, the best way to get about town and between campuses is by Lothian (maroon color) bus. We recommend downloading the Lothian app to view timetables.
If staying at Edinburgh Napier:
- Bus stops nearest to Orwell Terrace found on Dalry Road.
- To go to Sighthill Campus: take #4 from Dalry Road (Caledonian Village stop is 1 min walk from Orwell Terrace. Bus journey is approximately 15 minutes).
- To go to Craiglockhart Campus: take #25 from Dalry Road (Caledonian Village stop is 1 min walk from Orwell Terrace. Bus journey is approximately 15 minutes).
- To go to Merchiston: it's best to walk (12 to 14 mins) as there are no direct buses from Orwell Terrace.
In addition to Lothian, students can also use the bus company First. Both companies share the same bus stops, but the bus numbers are different and each company has its own ticket.
Fares
The maroon color bus costs £2.00 for adult standard fare, £4.80 for an unlimited day ticket (tap card or pay on the bus with exact cash). Students can purchase a Ridacard for £57.00 for 4 weeks, or £19 for 1 week. Bus passes can be purchased at Lothian Buses website, which also has route maps and schedules.
Exact change
If you want to purchase your single, return or day-ticket from the bus driver, you have to have the correct fare as the drivers cannot give you any change. The tickets are bought from small ticket vending machines on the bus, so remember to save your change for these occasions.
Timetable
The day buses run from 6 am until midnight. Outside this schedule, Edinburgh has night buses (the N lines).
To see timetables and purchase bus tickets or passes, visit Lothian webpage.
Trams
Edinburgh trams opened in May 2014. It has one route and 15 stops that link the airport with the new parts of the city.
Route
Edinburgh tram has one route that connects York Place with Edinburgh Airport. The route has 15 stops, all of them are wheelchair accessible.
The Edinburgh tram is not very useful for tourists except to go to and from the airport. The best way to get around the centre is by foot or by bus. It takes 35 minutes to get to Princes Street (the closest stop to the city centre) from Edinburgh Airport.
You can see the route map by clicking here.
Timetables
From York Place, trams run from 5:29 am until 11:08 pm. The first tram leaves from the airport at 6:15 am and the last one leaves at 10:45 pm. Trams operate every 8 – 10 minutes from Monday to Saturday and every 12 – 15 minutes on Sunday.
Fares
The prices vary depending on the zone and the type of ticket you choose:
- Single ticket (adult): £ 1.80 (US$ 2.30)
- Single ticket (children aged 5-15): £ 0.90 (US$ 1.10)
- Return ticket (adult): £ 3.40 (US$ 4.30)
- Return ticket (children aged 5-15): £ 1.80 (US$ 2.30)
- Day ticket (adults): £ 4.50 (US$ 5.70)
- Day ticket (children aged 5-15): £ 2.20 (US$ 2.80)
Getting to/from the Airport
- Single airport ticket (adults): £ 6.50 (US$ 8.20)
- Single airport ticket (children aged 5-15): £ 3.30 (US$ 4.20)
- Return airport ticket (adults): £ 9 (US$ 11.40)
- Return airport ticket (children aged 5-15): £ 4.50 (US$ 5.70)
Day airport ticket (adults): £ 10 (US$ 12.70)
- Day airport ticket (children aged 5-15): £ 5 (US$ 6.30)
Purchasing Tram Tickets
The tickets are purchased at the tram vending machines located at each tram stop. You will have to have the exact change or use a debit or credit card since the vending machines don’t give any change. Once you have bought your ticket, you will need to validate it on the tram or Lothian bus (within 30 minutes of purchase).
Don’t forget to buy your ticket before you get on the tram, otherwise you will have to pay a £ 10 (US$ 12.70) on-board fare.
Taxis
Taxis in Edinburgh are very similar to those in London; spacious, comfortable and elegant. The famous black cabs can take up to five passengers besides the driver.
Rates
- Tariff 1 (Monday – Friday 6 am – 6 pm): Initial time, £ 3 (US$ 3.80), each additional 210m, £ 0.25 (US$ 0.30)
- Tariff 2 (evening and weekend hours): Initial time, £ 4 (US$ 5.10), each additional 210m, £ 0.25 (US$ 0.30)
- Tariff 3 (Monday – Friday 6 am – 6 pm during Christmas and New Year): Initial time, £ 3.10 (US$ 3.90), each additional 188m, £ 0.35 (US$ 0.40)
- Tariff 4 (6 am Saturday - 6 am Monday during Christmas and New Year): Initial time, £ 5 (US$ 6.40), each additional 210m, £ 0.45 (US$ 0.60)
Extra payments
- If there are more than two passengers (over 5 years old): £ 0.30 (US$ 0.40) per passenger
- Call out charge: £ 0.80 (US$ 1)
- Airport pickup: £ 2 (US$ 2.50)
Navigating Stirling
Bus System
The University of Stirling has excellent bus links from Stirling city centre and some from Bridge of Allan. The Unilink shuttle bus between Stirling centre, the train station and the main University campus is one of the handiest and most regular services. A night bus service also serves the campus.
Most bus services to the campus run from either just outside Stirling's Rail Station or a two-minute walk away, in Murray Place.
Visit the Midland Bluebird website for the most up-to-date timetable information.
Buses to and from the campus and surrounding area are also operated by the providers listed below. Visit their websites for the most up-to-date timetable information:
Taxis
The main taxi ranks are located at Stirling Railway Station and Murray Place, not far from the city centre. Alternately call Saturn taxis on 01786 811111 to arrange a pick up.
Fares
Taxi fares to apply throughout the whole of Stirling Council Area. Any hire that terminates outside the Stirling Council Area - fare by agreement before journey commences.
- Fee 1 applies to rides from 7am to 11pm Monday to Saturday excluding public holidays and applies to all taxi vehicles.
- Flag Charge: £3.40. This is the starting fare for first half mile, then for each 86 yards thereafter it charges at £0.10
- Cost Approximation
3 miles = £8.60
6 miles = £14.70
10 miles = £22.90
- Fee 2 applies to rides starting between 11pm and 7am throughout the year, Bank Holiday dates and all day on a Sunday.
- Flag Charge: £4.00. This is the starting fare for first half mile, then for each 86 yards thereafter by calculating tariff 1 and increasing by 25%
- Cost Approximation:
3 mile = £10.40
6 mile = £18.00
10 mile = £28.30
- Fee 3 is only to be used when taxi or private hire vehicles are carrying 5 or more passengers. This fee is solely for the large vehicles and can never be used when traveling in a small taxi or private hire vehicle that can only carry 4 passengers.
- Flag Charge: £5.40. This is the starting fare for first half mile, then for each 86 yards thereafter by calculating tariff 1 and increasing by 60%.
- Cost Approximation:
3 mile = £13.60
6 mile = £23.40
10 mile = £36.50
- Christmas and New Year (applies to all taxi vehicles)
- Fee 2 will apply from 24 December at 11pm through to 27 December at 7am and 31 December at 11pm through to 3 January at 7am.
- During this period, Fee 3 can only to be used when taxi or private hire vehicles are carrying 5 or more passengers. This tariff is solely for the large vehicles and can never be used when traveling in a small taxi or private hire vehicle that can only carry 4 passengers.
Scottish Rail System
Network Rail Scotland spans over 2,000 miles, connecting major cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness, as well as many smaller towns and villages. The system is known for its scenic routes, including the West Highland Line, which runs through the stunning Scottish Highlands. To purchase tickets or to view timetables, visit the ScotRail webpage.
Navigating the UK
The UK rail website is a valuable resource for planning travel throughout the United Kingdom and Scotland, essential information on train schedules, routes, and ticket prices. The website allows students to plan their journeys, purchase tickets in advance, and access real-time updates on train arrivals and departures. Additionally, the website offers discounts and rail cards exclusively for students, making it an affordable and convenient option for travel throughout the UK.
For those seeking a lower cost option, Megabus offers budget-friendly coach travel across the UK, including Scotland, with fares as low as £1. Their website and app provide easy booking, real-time coach tracking, and onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and charging ports.
Navigating Europe
One of the most important things to consider when planning your travel is to book your transportation in advance. This will ensure that you have a guaranteed spot on the train, bus, or plane and will also save you money.
Depending on your destination, you may have multiple options such as trains, buses, and planes. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, trains are a great option for short distances as they are often faster than driving and more convenient than flying, while buses are often the cheapest option.
Additionally, consider using apps like Google Maps and other transportation apps, to check options and compare prices, it can save you a lot of time and money.
Finally, before you leave, make sure you have all the necessary documents and tickets, including your passport or ID card, and double-check your itinerary to make sure you don't miss your connection. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to book your transportation and travel around Europe with ease.
Flights
Exploring Europe through air travel can be a convenient option. To make the booking process easier, it's recommended to use flight search engines like Skyscanner or Kayak. These websites allow you to search for flights based on your desired dates and locations, and also show you the cheapest destinations/flights for your chosen dates. Another useful tool for finding the best deals is Lastminute.com or booking.com, which compare prices from multiple accommodations to help you get the best price. Additionally, consider booking directly with budget airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet, Vueling, and Iberia as they often offer discounted fares.
