Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FINDING AN
address
In Edinburgh, roads can change names
for no apparent reason. To complicate
matters, the city—with the exception of
Old Town—is checkered with squares,
terraces, and circuses that can interrupt
whatever street you're trying to follow.
Also the same name can be used for a
lane, street, terrace, crescent, avenue,
road, square, or garden: Make sure that
you've not confused Argyll Place with
Argyll Street.
House numbers can run sequentially
on straight streets or clockwise or coun-
terclockwise on circuses or squares—if
they are numbered at all. Get a map. If
you're looking for a specific location, get
the name of the nearest cross street.
GETTING AROUND
Because of its narrow lanes, known as “wynds” and closes, you can only explore Old
Town in any depth on foot. Edinburgh is fairly convenient for the visitor who likes
to walk (see chapter 9 for some suggested strolls), as many of the attractions are on
or near the Royal Mile and close to one of the major streets of New Town. Remem-
ber, if you're here from overseas, the cars drive on the left. If you're crossing, traffic
closest to you approaches from the right.
BY BUS
Until the new trams are completed (see below), the city's numerous
buses will continue to provide the chief method of public transportation in Edin-
burgh. Fares depend on the distance traveled, with the adult one-way (single)
minimum fare
of £1.20 covering the principal Edinburgh districts. If you plan
multiple trips in 1 day, purchase a
Day Ticket
(see above) that allows unlimited
travel. Be advised that bus drivers will not give change, so carry the correct amount
in coins or purchase a pack of 20 tear-off tickets (called “City Singles”) for £24. At
Travelshops, 1-week
Ridacard
passes, which allow unlimited travel on buses, can
be purchased for £13 adults, £11 students, and £9 juniors.
In addition, the tourist buses that terminate at Waverley Bridge offer hop-on, hop-
off at any of their stops on the set circuit of primarily Old and New Towns. See
p. 101 in chapter 8 for details.
Visitors can find advance tickets and further information in the city center at the
Waverley Bridge Travelshop,
Waverley Bridge, open Monday to Saturday 8:15am
to 6pm and Sunday 9:30am to 5:15pm, or at
27 Hanover Street
Travelshop,
open
Monday to Saturday 8:15am to 6pm. For details on fares and timetables, call
&
0131/555-6363,
or visit
www.lothianbuses.co.uk.
BY TAXI
You can hail a “black” taxi similar to those in London, or pick one up at a
taxi stand. Fares start at around £1.50 in the day, and a typical trek across town might
cost about £7. Taxi ranks are at High Street near North Bridge, Waverley and Hay-
market stations, Hanover Street, North Street, Andrew Street, and Lauriston Place.
Fares are displayed in the front of the taxi and charges are posted, including extra fees
for night drivers or destinations outside the city limits. You can also call a taxi. Try
City Cabs
at
&
0131/228-1211
or
Central Taxis
at
&
0131/229-2468.
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