Bus Service
Bus Services Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a well-organized and efficient bus network that serves the city and surrounding areas. Buses are Edinburgh’s most widely used form of public transport, offering frequent and affordable services.
Main Bus Operators
| Operator name | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Operator | * Lothian Buses, The largest and most widely used bus company in Edinburgh. * Runs over 50 routes, covering the city and nearby areas such as Musselburgh, Midlothian, and West Lothian. * Offers modern, environmentally friendly buses with free Wi-Fi, USB charging, and contactless payment options. |
| First Bus | * Operates regional routes connecting Edinburgh with West Lothian, Falkirk, Stirling, and Glasgow. * More focused on commuter and long-distance routes than city center transport. |
| Stagecoach | * Provides long-distance bus services connecting Edinburgh with Fife, Perth, Dundee, and Aberdeen. * Routes include express services (X-series) and local buses in areas beyond Edinburgh. |
| Megabus | * Operate intercity coach services linking Edinburgh with cities across Scotland and the UK, including Glasgow, Inverness, and London. |
Bus Routes
| Bus Routes | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Day Bus | * Operate from early morning (around 5 AM) to midnight. * Most routes run every 10–15 minutes during peak hours. Key routes: Number 22: Ocean Terminal – Princes Street – Gyle Centre Number 26: Seton Sands – Princes Street – Clerwood Number 35: Edinburgh Airport – Leith – Ocean Terminal |
| Night Bus | * Available between midnight and 4:30 AM. * Routes cover major areas such as Princes Street, Leith, and Edinburgh Airport. * Bus numbers prefixed with “N” (e.g., N22, N26, N37). |
| Express & Airlink | * Airlink 100: Express bus connecting Edinburgh Airport to Waverley Bridge (city center) in about 30 minutes. * Skylink 200, 300, 400: Additional airport connections covering different areas. * Park & Ride Express Services: Links commuter parking lots outside the city with central Edinburgh. |
Tickets & Payments
| Types of Tickets | Payment Methods |
|---|---|
| Adult Single | Contactless Payment: Accepted on all buses. |
| Child Single | Lothian Buses App: Digital ticketing with discounts and real-time bus tracking. |
| Day Ticket | Ridacard: Unlimited travel pass for frequent users. |
| Airport Bus |
Accessibility
- Low-floor, wheelchair-accessible buses on all routes.
- Real-time tracking via digital boards at bus stops and mobile apps.
- Audio & visual announcements for stops, helping visually and hearing-impaired passengers.