Visit Edinburgh Using the City of Edinburgh Council Ingliston Park and Ride
- Amanda Vosloh-Tedford
- Aug 21, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 4
When visiting Edinburgh, Scotland’s captivating capital, finding convenient and affordable parking can be a challenge. However, the City of Edinburgh Council offers a fantastic solution for drivers with its well-maintained Park and Ride services. Among these, the Ingliston Park and Ride stands out as a top choice for easy access to the city center. Located just off the A8, this facility provides free parking and inexpensive transportation options, making it an ideal starting point for your Edinburgh adventure.
Ingliston Park and Ride is perfect for those planning a day trip to Edinburgh. Whether you're coming from other parts of Scotland or driving your own car during a trip, this Park and Ride service makes exploring the city stress-free. Instead of worrying about navigating narrow streets or finding expensive city center parking, simply park your car at Ingliston and take advantage of the regular bus and tram services that connect directly to key locations in Edinburgh.
In addition to Ingliston, the City of Edinburgh Council operates several other Park and Ride locations, including Hermiston, Sheriffhall, Straiton, and Newcraighall.
Not only is this service incredibly convenient, but it’s also cost-effective. Each facility offers free parking and reasonably priced transportation options, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers. Whether you're planning to visit the historic Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, or explore the city's many museums and galleries, using the the City of Edinburgh Council Park and Ride system is an excellent way to ensure your trip to the city starts off on the right foot.
Table of Contents
Location & Hours
The Ingliston Park and Ride is open daily from 04:00 - 02:00. It is located on the west side of Edinburgh at:
2 Eastfield Road, Newbridge
EH28 8LS
Do note that there is no parking permitted while the lot is closed from 02:00 - 04:00.
Overnight parking is NOT allowed and vehicles found in violation of this strict rule will be towed. If you need to leave your car overnight, considering utilizing the nearby Hermiston Park and Ride instead.
Ingliston Park and Ride Details
The Ingliston Park and Ride offers 1,085 parking spaces, including 46 disabled spots, all free of charge.
Simply park and use one of the three public transportation options available:
Edinburgh Tram (check route information)
Lothian Buses (check timetable)
Flixbus
Note that vehicles and contents are left at the owner's risk, as Edinburgh City Council and its agents do not accept liability for theft or damage.
It's also important to realize that this log frequently fills up during major events at Murryfield. You may want to check for posted events before you travel, although additional parking is usually available at the nearby Hermiston Park and Ride as well.
Other Park & Rides
As previously mentioned, there are several other City of Edinburgh Council Park and Ride locations surrounding the city.
Direction | Spaces | Cost | Overnight | |
West | 450 | Free | Up to 3 nights | |
South | 561 | Free | Flexible; usually 5 nights | |
South | 600 | Free | Up to 7 days | |
East | 565 | 50p / 24hrs |
What to Expect
Getting There & Parking
The Ingliston Park and Ride is easy to find, situated close to Edinburgh Airport. As you approach the area, look for clear signs directing you to the Park and Ride. Once you arrive, you should have little trouble finding parking spaces and locating the visitor center.
Signage & Directions
The site is well-marked, with clear signs guiding you to the parking area, tram stop, and bus stop. If you're unfamiliar with the area, you’ll find the directions easy to follow. Additionally, information boards provide details on tram and bus schedules, so you can plan your journey into Edinburgh without any confusion.
Facilities at Ingliston Park & Ride
While the Ingliston Park and Ride is primarily a transport hub, it does offer a few basic amenities. There are restrooms available on site, which is a great convenience if you're planning a full day in the city. However, food options are limited. There aren't any cafes or restaurants at the Park and Ride itself, so it's a good idea to bring snacks or grab something to eat before you arrive. Alternatively, you can eat once you arrive in the city!
Using the Edinburgh Tram
The tram is a popular (and my preferred!) choice for its frequency and convenience. Trams run every 7-10 minutes during peak times and slightly less frequently in the evenings. The tram stop is located right next to the parking area, and it's clearly signposted. You can purchase tram tickets from the vending machines located at the visitor center or tram stop. The machines accept both card and cash payments, making it easy to buy tickets on the spot.
Adult Single Trip Ticket: £2 Adult Day Return Ticket: £3.80
Adult DAY Ticket (Unlimited Tram/Bus): £5
Multi-day tickets are also available.
**Note, I recommend the Adult DAY Ticket for easy travel around Edinburgh as well!
Using the Lothian Buses
We did use the bus, but if you prefer this mode of transportation, Lothian Buses provide regular services to and from the city center. Buses typically run every 10-15 minutes, with additional services during peak hours. The bus stop is also conveniently located close to the parking area, and like the tram, the stops are well-marked. You can buy bus tickets directly from the driver, though it's advisable to have the exact fare ready, as drivers may not be able to provide change.
My Experience
We did a second driving tour of Scotland in May 2024. As we'd missed Edinburgh the first time, seeing the city was a priority this trip!
Our Airbnb was located in Saline, Scotland, which was about a 35-minute drive from the Ingliston Park and Ride. Although this was perfect for our needs (we had our dogs with us), I do recommend checking for places to stay in Stirling, Scotland if you're looking for more activity. This city has a lot to offer, including Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and the Stirling Distillery.
Finding the Ingliston Park and Ride with GPS was easy and we had no trouble parking.
We opted for the Edinburgh Tram as our method of transportation and were VERY please with it. There was some momentary confused caused by a small trailer that seems to have sold tickets sometime in the past (or maybe it's only open during the peak season), but ultimately purchased tickets from the kiosk inside the nearby visitor center. If we'd known, we would have just bought them down by the tram tracks.
Personally, I recommend getting the DAY Ticket (city zone), which provides unlimited tram and bus rides for only £5. Unfortunately, this was suggested to us by the attendant on the tram after we'd already purchased the basic adult tickets. While it didn't impact our visit much, if you plan on seeing multiple areas of Edinburgh it's definitely the best value.
Our first stop of the day was Edinburgh Castle, so we chose to exit the tram at Princess Street. It's also located opposite The Mound and near the Royal Scottish Academy Building.
I'll write more about our time in the city soon. Meanwhile, consider some of these top attractions:
After a lovely day in Edinburgh, we caught a returning tram from Princess Street. All was well with our vehicle and we were able to continue our Scotland trip without issue.
Overall, I highly encourage the use of the Ingliston Park and Ride, as well as the other City of Edinburgh Council Park and Ride locations!
Recommendations
If you're traveling during peak seasons, try to get to the Park & Ride earlier. While there are plenty of spots, it does sometimes fill up.
Comfortable shoes are a MUST in Edinburgh. Even with the day pass, you'll be doing a lot of walking on often uneven ground. These Karrimor Weathertite shoes are a good buy and have served me well on my travels, but find walking shoes to suit your needs and style!
Book you city activities in advance - especially popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle! Tours can also sell out quickly during peak times.
Check the weather in advance and come prepared. I generally bring my rain jacket along even if the forecast is clear, as conditions can change quickly.
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