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Edinburgh Waverley puts you between the Old Town and New Town, with Princes Street on one side and the lanes leading towards the Royal Mile on the other. It is a convenient arrival point for a weekend in the capital or a few hours of exploring between trains.
A little planning helps you make the most of that location. Choose an exit that suits your first stop, decide what to do with your luggage and leave enough time for the walk back. Edinburgh’s hills mean that a short distance on a map can take more effort than expected.
Getting Your Bearings at Edinburgh Waverley
Waverley has several access points. The Waverley Bridge side is useful for Princes Street Gardens, while Market Street is a convenient starting point for the Old Town. The Waverley Steps route leads towards Princes Street, with lift and escalator options as well as stairs.
Platforms sit below the surrounding street level. Follow the signs for lifts if you have a wheelchair, pushchair or heavy luggage, and check the station’s current accessibility information if you need a particular route. Allow time to get from your platform to the street before starting a walking-time estimate.
Luggage Storage at and Near Waverley Station
Waverley has a staffed left-luggage service operated by Excess Baggage Company. Check the official station facilities guide for details before relying on it, particularly if you need an early drop-off or late collection.
If a location along your sightseeing route would be more convenient, you can also compare Waverley Station luggage storage options through Radical Storage. Its platform lists nearby partner businesses where you can book space for your bags. Check the individual address, as these neighbourhood locations are separate from the station’s staffed facility.
Compare the total price for your bags and booking period, including any mandatory charges. Check opening hours, item restrictions and collection arrangements before paying. For overnight storage, make sure the selected location accepts your full booking dates.
Keep your ticket, identification, medication and valuables with you. Build collection time into your return journey, especially if the storage address is on the opposite side of the station from your final stop.
Getting Between Edinburgh Airport and Waverley
The Airlink 100 bus and Edinburgh Trams both connect the airport with central Edinburgh. The bus serves Waverley Bridge; the tram requires a short walk from a city-centre stop, with St Andrew Square convenient for the station. Allow separately for waiting, walking and finding your platform.
| Transport option | Connection to Waverley | What to allow for |
|---|---|---|
| Airlink 100 bus | Waverley Bridge, beside the station. | Road traffic can affect journey time. Check the timetable and service updates for your departure. |
| Edinburgh Trams | Walk between St Andrew Square and the station. | Allow around 35 minutes on the tram between the airport and central Edinburgh, plus waiting and walking time. |
| Taxi or booked transfer | Agree the station pick-up or drop-off point with the driver. | Journey time and cost depend on traffic and the service booked. |
Check Lothian’s airport bus information or the Edinburgh Trams route and stops before travelling. Airport tram journeys need the appropriate airport fare. For an early flight or late arrival, check operating hours as well as the route.
What Can You Walk to from Waverley?
Several central sights are close enough to combine on foot, but there is no need to cover them all between trains. The times below are approximate planning allowances from a suitable station exit, excluding stops. Your pace, chosen route, crowds and accessibility needs can change them.
| Place | Approximate walking time | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| East Princes Street Gardens and Scott Monument area | 5–10 minutes | A nearby option for a short stroll; garden access depends on opening times. |
| Royal Mile around St Giles’ Cathedral | 10–15 minutes | An uphill approach to the central stretch of the Royal Mile. |
| Edinburgh Castle entrance | 20–30 minutes | A longer uphill walk; allow extra time before any booked admission. |
| Victoria Street and Grassmarket | 15–25 minutes | Slopes and uneven surfaces along the way. |
| Calton Hill viewpoints | 20–30 minutes | An uphill walk with steps on some routes, followed by time to enjoy the views. |
Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile runs through the Old Town, with the castle at its western, uphill end. Walking towards it gives you time to explore the street and its closes, the narrow passages between buildings, without committing to a full castle visit.
If you want to go inside, book through the official Edinburgh Castle ticket page and follow the conditions of your chosen ticket. Tickets can sell out in advance. Keep the visit separate from your walking allowance and leave a comfortable gap before your train.
Princes Street Gardens
The gardens offer a place to pause below the Old Town skyline. For a short visit, start with the eastern gardens near the Scott Monument rather than trying to walk their full length. Check gates and any event restrictions before making the gardens part of your return route.
Calton Hill
Choose Calton Hill if a city view matters more to you than fitting in another indoor attraction. Allow time for the climb and descent, and check the weather before setting out. If you are aiming for sunset, look up the time for your date and plan how you will return afterwards.
Victoria Street and Grassmarket
Victoria Street’s curved rows of shopfronts lead towards the Grassmarket, making this a useful pairing for browsing and a meal. Leave time for the climb back through the Old Town instead of judging the return solely by distance.
Plan Around the Time You Actually Have
With a short gap between trains, choose one nearby area and a café stop. Factor in leaving the station, any bag drop-off, collection and the walk to your departure platform before deciding how far to go. A connection that looks generous on your ticket can shrink quickly once those tasks are included.
With half a day, an Old Town walk and lunch may be enough. With a full day, choose a main attraction and build a relaxed route around it. Our one-day Edinburgh itinerary provides a fuller starting point that you can adapt to your arrival and departure times.
Where to Eat and Stay Near the Station
For a quick departure-day bite, Waverley has food and drink outlets. If you have longer, look around the Royal Mile, Rose Street or the Grassmarket for somewhere that suits your route and budget. Check kitchen hours rather than assuming a pub serves food whenever its doors are open.
Our guide to pubs in Edinburgh can help you shortlist a stop. If there is somewhere specific you want to eat, check its current menu and booking arrangements before setting out.
For an overnight stay, consider the route from the station as well as the advertised distance. Ask about lifts, steps and luggage storage if those affect your plans. Our guide to where to stay in Edinburgh compares areas for different types of visit.
Practical Tips Before Your Visit
- Pack a waterproof layer and shoes you are comfortable wearing on hills and uneven paving.
- Save your rail ticket, accommodation address and storage confirmation so you can retrieve them without a connection.
- Allow extra time in August. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs over several weeks, alongside other major events.
- Check your train’s live departure information and follow your operator’s boarding advice.
- Arrange Passenger Assist through your train operator if needed, and check for lift or route changes before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store luggage inside Edinburgh Waverley?
Yes. A staffed left-luggage service operates inside the station. Nearby partner-business storage is another option; compare addresses, hours and total prices before booking.
Is the airport tram stop inside Waverley Station?
No. St Andrew Square is a nearby tram stop, with a walk between the stop and Waverley. Include that connection time when planning a flight or rail departure.
Can I walk from Waverley to Edinburgh Castle?
Yes, but the route is uphill. Allow roughly 20–30 minutes from the station exit as a planning estimate, with more time for stops, crowds or a slower pace.
