Accessible Edinburgh

Where to Stay

Edinburgh offers over 500 hotels with accessible and family friendly accommodation options, including sleek city centre hotels, eco-friendly retreats and luxurious country houses. Look up VisitScotland's list of accessible hotels >

Getting around

Travel can be challenging for everyone, but if you have any kind of disability or travelling with young children or elderly travellers, you may be worried about getting the assistance you need. If you have a specific query, or wish to clarify anything, this page will provide you with the direct contact information you need.

Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport is committed to providing all their passengers with excellent customer service and a seamless journey. If you require special assistance when travelling, this page will give you more information about what is available at Edinburgh Airport >

Trams, trains, taxis and buses

All Lothian buses in Edinburgh are easy access and across their 70 services they provide:

- Low entrances that can “kneel” to kerb height to give step-free or shallower access where possible
- Retractable boarding ramp for wheelchair access
- Completely flat areas on the lower deck (no internal steps to worry about)
- High visibility handrails
- A dedicated wheelchair space
- More than 50% of journeys are now on buses with a specific buggy space

Drivers are also specially trained to help you enjoy the full benefit of their buses. You can find out more on Lothian Buses' website > 

Other bus and tram services in Edinburgh also offer easy access and you may wish to check these sites out when you are planning your visit.

Stagecoach (for Jet 747) >

Citylink (for Citylink Air) >

Edinburgh Trams >

ScotRail >

Taxis

To travel further across the city, the entire fleets of Edinburgh’s two main black cab firms are wheelchair accessible, with over 900 taxis between them. Taxis can enter most places in Edinburgh, including the Castle Esplanade (though for events such as the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo it's important you let the relevant event team know beforehand, contact details for whom can be found on event websites).

For more information and advice, contact City Cabs (+44 (0)131 228 1211) or Central Taxis (+44 (0)131 229 2468).

Parking

There are 90 disabled person’s parking places in Edinburgh, which are always marked in light blue. Take a look at City of Edinburgh Council's map to find parking close to you > 

Toilets

Edinburgh participates in the National Key Scheme (NKS), which offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets across the country. For more details, please see Disability Rights UK >

Edinburgh's Festivals

Edinburgh’s Festivals are a world showcase of humanity’s skill, talent and ingenuity, and everyone should have the chance to enjoy them. At the busiest times during summer, there can be thousands of show in hundreds of venues - many of them temporary, unconventional and, unfortunately, sometimes inaccessible.

However, the festivals and venues have made great efforts to offer more accessible locations, better staff training and a wider range of inclusive performances including British Sign Language interpretation, Audio-Description and Relaxed performances. This continuing work is aimed at offering a great experience to anyone and everyone who wants to experience the world's leading festival city. Find out more at the Festivals Edinburgh website > 

Other resources

If you're visiting Edinburgh as a conference delegate, or are organising an event and want to know more about accessibility in our city, you can find tailored information and details of what to expect on Convention Edinburgh's website >

Older travellers may like to read about the adventures of the Silver Surfers, who visited attractions in the Edinburgh and Borders area that may be suitable to those with limited mobility. Read their highlights >

For disabled travellers, Euan's Guide is a vital resource which features access reviews from disabled people and their friends and families. Read the latest at euansguide.com >

Lonely Planet offer a free PDF that has detailed information about accessible Edinburgh. You can download it here >

Read more about accessible Edinburgh on our blog >