Central Area

The Central Area is located next to the Meadows on the south side of the city centre, within easy cycling distance of the city's main transport hubs. It is well connected to the rest of the city by national and local cycle routes.

• CycleStreets Journey Planner
• Sustrans National Cycle Network
• City of Edinburgh Council Quiet Routes

The University provides a range of bike parking facilities across the Central Area. These can be viewed on the map above by selecting the “Cycle Facilities” layer.

• Further information about cycling at the University.

The Central Area is located on the south side of the city centre and is extremely well served by bus. Buses routes from all over the city run to the Central Area of the University. The majority of  bus services are operated by Lothian Buses. The University also provides a shuttle bus for staff and students between the Central Area and the King's Buildings.

There are too many services to list individually here, but in general:

Central Area can be easily accessed by any buses which serve Bristo Place, Clerk Street, or Lauriston Place – all less than 5 minutes’ walk away.

Plenty of buses also serve Tollcross and Princes Street, which are both less than 15 minutes’ walk away.

Inter-city coaches use Edinburgh Bus Station, near St. Andrew Square, which is about 25 minutes’ walk from the Central Area.

• Further information about travelling by public transport.
• Lothian Buses website.
• Central Area - King’s Building Shuttle Bus

The Central Area is about 15 minutes’ walk from Waverley Station, which is the main train station in Edinburgh. Scotrail provide train services to/from the rest of Scotland. LNER run fast services to Newcastle, York, and London King’s Cross. For trains to other parts of the UK, check the National Rail website.

• Scotrail website
• LNER website
• National Rail website

Edinburgh Tram services run from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven, via the city centre and Leith. The closest stop to the Central Area is Princes Street: 15 minutes’ walk from the Central Area.

• Edinburgh Trams website

The Central Area is located on the south side in the city centre. Traffic congestion can be a problem, and parking is strictly controlled. We recommend against travelling by car unless it is essential for your journey.

The postcode for George Square is EH8 9JZ. You can use the map above to find the address for a specific buildings.

University car parks

A number of University car parks are located in the Central Area and are managed by the Transport and Parking Office. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only, and are subject to the University’s Parking Regulations. Permits are available for visitors to the University.

• Further information on driving
• Information on parking at the University of Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh Council parking

City of Edinburgh Council control on-street parking in and around the Central Area. On-street parking is by residents' permit, or in pay-and-display bays.

Note that the pay-and-display bays in George Square and Buccleuch Place are managed by the Council, not the University. University car parks are clearly signposted as such on their entrances.

From June 2024, a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will be enforced by the Council. This covers much of the University’s Central Area. Driving a non-compliant vehicle into the LEZ will result in a penalty charge notice.

• Map of City of Edinburgh Council parking bays.
• Information about Edinburgh’s LEZ.