Local Buses
Edinburgh's local buses are run mainly by Lothian Buses. They're clean, frequent, and cover every part of the city — perfect for sightseeing and day-to-day travel.
How to Use the Bus
Boarding
Enter through the front door and wait for passengers to get off first.
Paying
You can pay using:
- Contactless (tap once when boarding)
- Mobile apps (m-tickets)
- Cash (exact change only)
Getting Off
Press the red stop button before your stop. Screens and announcements show where you are.
Accessibility
All buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible. Space is available for prams and mobility devices.
Tickets & Fares
Single Ticket
Best for one-off journeys
Day Ticket
Unlimited travel all day
TapTapCap
Daily and weekly caps using contactless
Child Tickets
Reduced fares for under-16s
Night Bus Fares
Slightly higher, but still affordable
Useful Tourist Routes
Route 22
Princes Street ↔ Leith
Great for reaching the Shore, bars, and restaurants.
Route 35
Old Town ↔ Royal Yacht Britannia
Perfect for visiting Ocean Terminal and the yacht.
Route 26
City Centre ↔ Portobello Beach
A scenic ride to Edinburgh's seaside.
Maps
You can download a full city bus map or view a simplified tourist version showing the most popular routes.
Tips for Tourists
Avoid peak commuter hours (8–9am, 5–6pm)
Google Maps works well for planning
Buses can be busy during festivals