Edinburgh Summer Sessions

Edinburgh Summer Sessions is easy to reach by air, rail or coach. The closest airport is Edinburgh Airport, just about 5 miles from the city centre. A modern tram runs between the airport and downtown Edinburgh every 7–10 minutes ([www.edinburghairport.com](https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links/trams#:~:text=Trams%20depart%20every%207%20minutes%2C,last%20tram%20departs%20at%2022%3A48)), carrying passengers to the city centre in around 30 minutes ([www.edinburghairport.com](https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links/trams#:~:text=Services%20are%20scheduled%20to%20run,between%20the%20airport%20and%20Newhaven)). The frequent Airlink 100 coach also connects the airport to Princes Street and Waverley Station in roughly 25 minutes ([rossbandstand.org](https://rossbandstand.org/getting-here#:~:text=If%20you%E2%80%99re%20flying%20in%20for,system%20operates%20between%20Edinburgh%20Airport)). For those arriving by train, Edinburgh Waverley is the main station and it's only about a 5-minute walk to Princes Street Gardens ([rossbandstand.org](https://rossbandstand.org/getting-here#:~:text=We%E2%80%99re%20only%20five%20minutes%20from,Rail%20Enquiriesto%20plan%20your%20journey)). ScotRail trains link Edinburgh with cities across Scotland – for example, Glasgow is just over an hour away (around 75 minutes) by rail ([www.scotrail.co.uk](https://www.scotrail.co.uk/train-times/edinburgh-waverley-to-glasgow-central#:~:text=The%20average%20journey%20time%20from,download%20a%20timetable%C2%A0for%20more%20details)) – and longer-distance services reach England as well (London can be reached in around 5–6 hours by direct train ([www.scotrail.co.uk](https://www.scotrail.co.uk/train-times/edinburgh-waverley-to-london#:~:text=The%20average%20journey%20time%20from,download%20a%20timetable%C2%A0for%20more%20details))). Coaches like National Express and Megabus stop near the city centre (just north of Waverley Station and a short walk from Princes Street).

Getting around the city is straightforward. Princes Street runs right beside the Gardens, so several trams and buses stop within easy walking distance ([rossbandstand.org](https://rossbandstand.org/getting-here#:~:text=Edinburgh%E2%80%99s%20tram%20servicesare%20also%20a,right%20next%20to%20the%20Gardens)). Lothian Buses routes are frequent and cover most of the city and suburbs. If you're driving, note that on-street parking is not allowed on Princes Street ([rossbandstand.org](https://rossbandstand.org/getting-here#:~:text=Car)), but there are car parks nearby (for example, the NCP car park on Castle Terrace is a short walk from the venue ([rossbandstand.org](https://rossbandstand.org/getting-here#:~:text=Car))). The City of Edinburgh Council also operates park-and-ride sites on the outskirts of town, which offer a convenient alternative to inner-city parking ([www.smmrsessions.com](https://www.smmrsessions.com/locations/edinburgh/getting-here#:~:text=There%20are%20several%20park%20and,park%20and%20rides%20in%20Edinburgh)). Drivers can park at these lots and then take shuttle buses or trams into the city. Finally, Edinburgh has accommodation to suit every budget: hotels from large city-center chains to quaint guesthouses line the Old Town and New Town just minutes from Princes Street Gardens, and hostels provide cheap options. Because summer is peak tourist season, it's wise to book lodging early.