How to get to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) Train Station

Travel from Edinburgh city centre Edinburgh Waverley train station

Edinburgh is a historical gem which serves as the Scottish capital since the 15th century. The city evokes a unique atmosphere, featuring smoky, Gothic architecture blended into an extinct volcano backdrop and spreads across seven hills. Edinburgh is receptive and bustling yet relatively modest enough that you can walk practically anywhere. The city's meandering, typically revamped lanes are packed with great, welcoming eateries and quaint pubs.

Also, Edinburgh boasts one of the most reliable rail systems in the country, with two mainline train stations, including Haymarket and Waverley stations. Waverley station is the second busiest in Scotland and the primary train station serving the city, providing frequent intercity and regional train connections. The station sits about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) from the city centre, placing you only a few moments away. You can access Edinburgh city centre by walking, taking less than 10min. Get more information about train station in Edinburgh by going through the Omio magazine, Omio The Window Seat.

How far is it from Edinburgh city centre to Edinburgh Waverley train station?

Waverley station is conveniently located within 0.4 miles (0.6 km) from the city centre. The station's prime location offers easy access to the city centre about 5min away. The distance to Edinburgh city centre from Waverley station can vary depending on the route you use. However, this difference is negligible as the travel duration is almost the same. You can easily find and book your train to Edinburgh with Omio, only a few clicks away.

What is the best way to get to Edinburgh Waverley train station from Edinburgh city centre?

The best way to travel from the city centre to Edinburgh train station is walking. Edinburgh is among the most walkable cities in the UK, providing spacious, clean paved walkways. Also, it is no secret that Edinburgh is home to picturesque architecture, offering you beautiful views as you stroll to the city centre. Moreover, taking a walk to the train station from the city centre is the basic approach to improve your overall health, offering low-impact exercise.

Waverley train station is located about half a mile from the city centre, making it conveniently accessible even for travellers with carry-on luggage. Should you wish to drive to the train station from the city centre, you can do so as Waverly station features a parking area. This travel mode to the train station is particularly suitable for travellers with limited mobility.

Where is the airport in Edinburgh and how to get there?

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the primary aerial gateway into Edinburgh, servicing frequent domestic and international flights. EDI is the busiest airport in Scotland and sits in the Ingrid neighbourhood of the capital city. The airport is located about 6.8 miles (11 km) from Waverley station and offers various travel options. Transportation options from EDI to the train stations include buses, trams, taxis, shuttles, and town cars. The most budget-friendly way to travel to Waverley station from the airport is driving, which takes about 19min.

Another reliable, cost-effective transportation mode to the train station is public buses, which depart every 15min. The Scottish city link and bus line 100 buses offer the airport to Waverly station journeys, which take about 30min. For a quick and more private travel experience, catch a taxi ride to Waverly station, which takes about 19min. Train connections are also available at EDI to Waverley station and are operated by Edinburgh Trams. The train journeys take about 35min to the Waverly station, departing from Edinburgh Airport station every 15min.

How accessible is Edinburgh train station for those with limited mobility?

Waverley Station is dedicated to offering a convenient experience for travellers with limited mobility. The station features accessible platforms, facilities, and amenities to facilitate easy movement within the station. Also, the Waverly station assistance team has a mobility vehicle and wheelchairs available at the train station to ease mobility for disabled travellers. All entrances at Waverley train station are step-free, and the lifts link the concourse to the footbridge and platforms. For a hassle-free experience, remember to contact the train station in advance to book for assistance. Alternatively, you can contact your train provider to request assistance in advance to avoid inconveniences. However, if you don't reserve assistance in advance, you can request a special assistance service from the station staff.

Edinburgh Train Station. Source: Shutterstock

Night trains to/from Edinburgh Waverley

Waverley station services long-haul train connections from England. The train journeys depart from London to Edinburgh and are operated by the Caledonian Sleeper train service. The night trains to Edinburgh provide a unique journey experience between the two countries, featuring some of the most enthralling sights the United kingdom has to offer and an unwinding escape from the day trains' hassles.

Travelling by train in Edinburgh: Sustainable journey

Trains offer a sustainable way of travel compared to private cars and flights. Trains are fuel-efficient and ferry more travellers per connection compared to public buses, flights, and cars. Also, the large capacity helps decongest the traffic, minimise transport infrastructure deterioration, and enhance social cohesion among travellers. Trains offer sustainability as they emit relatively fewer greenhouse emissions compared to flights and cars. Moreover, trains are safer than road transportation options, experience lesser accidents.

Local tips: Edinburgh train station points of interest

Although Edinburgh's main station was edged to the accolade of Scotland's busiest, it boasts 20 platforms which are the most of any train station in Scotland. If you seek to enjoy the savoury specialities in Edinburgh, Waverley station is a great starting point for culinary adventures. The station features various on-site restaurants and cafés where you can grab a bite or enjoy a drink. Should you wish to refresh after a long train journey to Edinburgh, you can do so at the showers in Waverley station. The showers are located in the toilet block and are accessible at a charge. If you seek to explore Scotland's murky past, visit The Edinburgh Dungeon, only a few strides from the train station.

Embark on the ultimate underground tour through the city's creepy history at the Edinburgh Dungeon, featuring a 70min interactive and immersive tour. For relaxing treats, check out The Balmoral Spa, within walking distance from Waverley station. Featuring the finest standards of individualised care, the Balmoral Spa provides a haven of comfort and absolute relaxation.

• Scotch Whisky Bar
• Little Fish Tours
• City Art Centre
• Hebrides Bar
• Malt Shovel

What to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a lot to offer from stunning architecture, rich history, art galleries, fun-filled nightlife, lush green spaces, thrilling outdoors. To experience some of the best architecture in Edinburgh, take a casual stroll along the Royal Mile and into the narrow Old Town alleyways. This stretch reveals Edinburgh's eclectic blend of architectural wealth. Explore the oldest section of Edinburgh Castle or enjoy the Gothic architecture at Scott's Monument.

Outdoorsy visitors will relish exploring the city's extensive green areas and surrounding rolling hills. If you seek a scenic hike, proceed to Arthur's Seat, which is the main section of Holyrood Park. This highlight seats 823 ft (251 m) above sea level on an old volcano, offering awe-inspiring views of the city. Also, Edinburgh features an eclectic food scene, which is often overlooked. You will find many cosy Scottish pubs and restaurants serving a diverse range of international cuisines, including classic Scottish, Italian, Chinese, and English specialities.