Edinburgh is a bustling city with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. However, navigating the city centre can be a challenge, especially if you’re driving. Fortunately, the Edinburgh Park and Ride service offers a convenient and affordable solution.
With several locations throughout the city, Edinburgh Park and Ride provides a comprehensive service that allows you to park your car and then take a bus or tram into the city centre. This not only saves you the hassle of driving in busy traffic, but it also helps to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Whether you’re a visitor to the city or a local resident, Edinburgh Park and Ride is a great option for getting around. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the key locations and addresses, operating hours and accessibility, transport connections, parking information, directions and maps, and additional facilities available through this service.
Key Takeaways
- Edinburgh Park and Ride is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city centre.
- The service operates from several locations throughout the city, with bus and tram connections available.
- Parking is available at each location, and additional facilities such as bike storage and electric vehicle charging may be available.
Overview of Edinburgh Park and Ride
If you are planning to visit Edinburgh City Centre, using the Park and Ride service is an excellent option for you. The service is designed to reduce congestion and pollution in the city centre while providing visitors with an affordable and convenient way to travel.
There are seven Park and Ride sites around Edinburgh, including Ingliston West, Hermiston West, Newcraighall East, Ferrytoll North, Sheriffhall South, Straiton South, and Wallyford East. Each site offers free parking and frequent bus services to the city centre, making it easy for you to park your car and hop on a bus.
The car parks at the Park and Ride sites have ample spaces, and you can park your car for free for up to 24 hours. The service is open seven days a week, and you can use it any time of the day. The buses run frequently, and you can expect to catch one every 10 minutes or so during peak hours.
Using the Park and Ride service is an affordable way to travel to the city centre. The bus fares are reasonable, and you can save money by purchasing a day ticket or a family ticket. You can also use your contactless card or mobile phone to pay for your bus fare.
Overall, the Park and Ride service is an excellent option for anyone who wants to travel to Edinburgh City Centre. It is affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly.
Key Locations and Addresses
If you are planning to use the Park and Ride service in Edinburgh, there are five key locations to keep in mind. Each of these locations has its own unique characteristics and can be useful depending on where you are coming from and where you are headed.
Ingliston Park and Ride
Located in the west of Edinburgh, Ingliston Park and Ride is an excellent option if you are coming from the M8 or M9 motorways. The address of Ingliston Park and Ride is Ingliston Road, Ingliston, EH28 8NB. This location has 1000 parking spaces and is open from 6:30 am to midnight every day.
Hermiston Park and Ride
Hermiston Park and Ride is located in the west of Edinburgh, close to the Edinburgh Bypass (A720). The address of Hermiston Park and Ride is Riccarton Mains Road, Currie, EH14 5PX. This location has 800 parking spaces and is open from 6:30 am to midnight every day.
Newcraighall Park and Ride
Newcraighall Park and Ride is located in the east of Edinburgh, close to the A1 and the City Bypass (A720). The address of Newcraighall Park and Ride is Newcraighall Road, Newcraighall, EH21 8RX. This location has 450 parking spaces and is open from 6:30 am to midnight every day.
Straiton Park and Ride
Straiton Park and Ride is located in the south of Edinburgh, close to the City Bypass (A720) and the A701. The address of Straiton Park and Ride is Straiton Road, Loanhead, EH20 9NP. This location has 1000 parking spaces and is open from 6:30 am to midnight every day.
Wallyford Park and Ride
Wallyford Park and Ride is located in the east of Edinburgh, close to the A1 and the City Bypass (A720). The address of Wallyford Park and Ride is Haddington Road, Wallyford, EH21 8JX. This location has 300 parking spaces and is open from 6:30 am to midnight every day.
All of these locations have ample parking spaces available, making them ideal for commuters and visitors alike. If you are unsure which location to use, you can check the City of Edinburgh Council website for more information.
Operating Hours and Accessibility
General Operating Hours
When planning your visit to the Edinburgh Park and Ride facilities, it’s essential to note that they are open 7 days a week, providing convenient access for commuters throughout the week. The facilities operate from Monday to Sunday, ensuring that you can make use of the park and ride services regardless of the day you choose to travel.
Accessibility Features
The Edinburgh Park and Ride facilities are equipped with disabled parking spaces to ensure accessibility for all visitors. Additionally, the facilities also offer electric charging points for environmentally conscious commuters. To cater to your convenience, the park and ride sites are equipped with well-maintained and accessible toilets, ensuring a comfortable experience during your visit.
Transport Connections
If you’re planning to use the Edinburgh Park and Ride system, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s well-served by public transport connections. Whether you’re travelling by bus or train, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
Bus Services
Lothian Buses is the primary bus operator in Edinburgh, and it provides regular services to all of the city’s park and ride sites. You can catch a Lothian Bus from any of the park and ride sites to the city centre, and there are also services to other destinations across the city.
In addition to Lothian Buses, Stagecoach also operates a number of bus services in Edinburgh. These services connect the city with other destinations across Scotland, including Glasgow, Stirling, and Dundee.
Train Connections
If you prefer to travel by train, you’ll find that the Edinburgh Park and Ride system is well-connected to the city’s rail network. There are two main train stations in Edinburgh: Haymarket and Waverley.
Haymarket is the closest train station to the Ingliston and Hermiston park and ride sites, while Waverley is the closest station to the Newcraighall, Ferrytoll, Sheriffhall, Straiton, and Wallyford park and ride sites. Both stations are well-served by ScotRail, which operates regular services to destinations across Scotland.
When planning your journey, it’s worth checking the ScotRail website to see if there are any special offers or discounts available. You may be able to save money by booking your train tickets in advance.
Overall, the Edinburgh Park and Ride system is a convenient and affordable way to travel around the city. Whether you’re commuting to work or visiting Edinburgh as a tourist, you’ll find that the park and ride sites are well-connected to the city’s public transport network. So why not leave your car at home and take advantage of these excellent transport connections?
Parking Information
If you’re planning to use the park and ride service in Edinburgh, it’s important to be aware of the parking costs and regulations, as well as the security and facilities available.
Parking Costs and Regulations
The parking costs for the park and ride service in Edinburgh are reasonable and can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website. It’s important to note that parking is only allowed during the opening hours of the park and ride site, and overnight parking is not permitted. If you do park overnight, you risk receiving a parking ticket or having your vehicle towed away.
Security and Facilities
The City of Edinburgh Council takes security very seriously and all park and ride sites are monitored by CCTV. However, it’s important to take precautions and not leave any valuables in your vehicle. The park and ride facilities are well-maintained and include toilets and baby-changing facilities.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of the parking regulations or facilities, you can contact the Edinburgh City Council for more information.
Directions and Maps
If you’re planning to use the Park and Ride service in Edinburgh, you’ll need to know how to get there and how to navigate to the city centre. Here’s what you need to know.
Accessing Park and Ride Sites
There are seven Park and Ride sites operating in and around Edinburgh. These are located at Ingliston west, Hermiston west, Newcraighall east, Ferrytoll north, Sheriffhall south, Straiton south, and Wallyford east. Each site is accessible by car and has plenty of parking spaces available.
To access the sites, you’ll need to use the A8, A1, A71, or A720 City Bypass. You can find a full map of the Park and Ride sites on the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Navigating to the City Centre
Once you’ve parked your car at the Park and Ride site, you can use public transport to get to the city centre. Lothian Buses operates a frequent and reliable service from each site, with buses running every 10-15 minutes.
To plan your journey, you can use the Lothian Buses website or download the official app. You can also use Google Maps to get directions to your destination.
When you’re ready to return to the Park and Ride site, simply catch a bus back to the site where you parked your car. The buses run until late at night, so you can enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer without worrying about getting back to your car.
In summary, accessing the Park and Ride sites is easy and convenient, with plenty of parking spaces available. Once you’ve parked your car, you can use public transport to navigate to the city centre, with frequent and reliable bus services available.
Additional Facilities
Special Services
Edinburgh Park and Ride offers a range of special services to make your journey more comfortable and convenient. The Royal Highland Centre is staffed with friendly and knowledgeable personnel who can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Additionally, the park and ride is equipped with electric charging points for vehicles, making it an excellent choice for those who drive electric cars.
Amenities On-site
In addition to the park and ride facilities, Edinburgh Park and Ride also offers a range of amenities on-site. These include clean and well-maintained restrooms, vending machines for snacks and drinks, and covered waiting areas to protect you from the elements. The park and ride also offers ample parking space for vehicles of all sizes, so you can rest assured that your car will be safe and secure while you are away.
Whether you are commuting to work or visiting the city for leisure, Edinburgh Park and Ride is an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the hassle and expense of city centre parking. With its convenient location and range of facilities, you can enjoy a stress-free journey and focus on the things that matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for the Edinburgh Park and Ride services?
The operating hours for the Edinburgh Park and Ride services vary depending on the location. Generally, the services operate from early morning to late evening. However, it is best to check the specific operating hours for your chosen Park and Ride location before planning your journey. You can find this information on the official website of the City of Edinburgh Council.
Can I leave my vehicle overnight at any Edinburgh Park and Ride location?
No, you cannot leave your vehicle overnight at any Edinburgh Park and Ride location. The parking facilities are only for daytime use and the car parks are locked overnight.
How do I purchase tickets for the Edinburgh Park and Ride tram to the airport?
You can purchase tickets for the Edinburgh Park and Ride tram to the airport from the ticket vending machines located at the tram stops. You can also purchase tickets online or through the Transport for Edinburgh app.
What are the current prices for using the Edinburgh Park and Ride facilities?
The prices for using the Edinburgh Park and Ride facilities vary depending on the location and the length of stay. Generally, the prices range from £1 to £5 per day. You can find the current prices for each Park and Ride location on the official website of the City of Edinburgh Council.
Where can I find a map of all the Park and Ride sites around Edinburgh?
You can find a map of all the Park and Ride sites around Edinburgh on the official website of the City of Edinburgh Council. The map provides information on the location of each site, the facilities available, and the transport links.
Which Park and Ride is most convenient for accessing Edinburgh City Centre?
The most convenient Park and Ride for accessing Edinburgh City Centre depends on your specific location and travel plans. However, the Ingliston Park and Ride and the Hermiston Park and Ride are both located close to major transport links and provide easy access to the city centre.
