Bridge CollumnTravel to UK and Edinburgh

UK Visas

If you are travelling from overseas you may require an entry visa. A European visa does not guarantee entry to the UK. Please use this link to the UK Visas site to find out if you need a visa and if so how to apply for one.

Insurance

Please note that it is your responsibility to have adequate travel insurance to cover medical and other emergencies that may occur on your trip.

Air Travel

Edinburgh International Airport serves many UK and international cities. When travelling a great distance is sometimes cheaper or more efficient to travel via Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Dublin or other European hubs instead of changing at London airports. Your travel agent should be able to advise you. Otherwise try visiting airline websites such as:

Information about flights is also available by telephone from Edinburgh Airport on +44 (0)131 333 0000.

Taxis are available from the airport and the journey to the city centre will cost around £18 to £20 pounds.

The airport bus service stops at a limited number of places, including Haymarket, en route to Waverley Bridge in the city centre. The journey takes around 25 minutes and a return ticket costs £6. The Airport Shuttle website has timetable information.

Rail Travel

Edinburgh City Centre has two main railway stations. Waverley Station at the east end of Princes Street is the terminus for all trains but some trains, from the north and the west, also stop at the smaller Haymarket Station. Alighting at Waverly station is more convenient for visiting ICMS at 15 South College Street whether you continue by taxi, by bus or on foot. (You can get a number of buses on Princes Street (opposite the Scott Monument) to South Bridge or Nicolson Street. However the installation of a tram system in the city means the traffice is diverted from time to time. Please consult the Lothian Buses website in case of disruption.)

Contact National Rail Enquiries on + 44 (0) 8457 48 49 50 for routes, timetables and booking information.

Road Travel By Car

If you prefer to drive within the UK you can get directions to central Edinburgh from these websites:

Please refer to the Finding ICMS page for information about our location and about parking in Edinburgh.

Road Travel By Bus

Many UK towns and cities are linked by a network of bus routes. The main operators are:

Other Useful Links For Travellers

  • Edinburgh Tourist Board
    This Getting Here & Getting Around section gives information on travelling to and within Edinburgh. The rest of the site gives information about the city and its attractions.
  • BBC Weather Centre - Scotland
    The BBC weather forecasting service page for Edinburgh. This shows a 5 day forecast and a more detailed 24 hour forecast is also given here.
  • The Met Office
    The UK weather forecasting service’s 5 day forecast for south east Scotland.
  • Traveline
    This website gives general information about travel within the UK. It is useful if you want to combine rail and bus travel. The telephone number is 0870 860 2860.