Category: News – Archived

Lothian’s Doors Open Day 2024Much-loved event to take place on Saturday 28 September at Marine depot

Marine depot
Marine depot

We are delighted to announce that Doors Open Day returns on Saturday 28 September 2024, this year at our Marine depot!

As a result of ongoing works at our Central depot, we have taken the decision to throw open the doors of our Marine garage instead where visitors can look behind-the-scenes at operations in this busy location.

While this year’s event will be a little different due to the change of venue, there will still be something for everyone at Lothian’s Doors Open Day. Check out below what you can do and who you will meet on the day:

  • Vintage bus display courtesy of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum
  • Fully electric truck from VOLVO
  • A Sustainability Stall featuring one of Lothian’s brand-new double deck electric buses plus children’s activities.
  • Face painting and glitter tattoos from Stina Sparkles
  • Stallholders including Edinburgh Zoo, Harry’s Treats, Strut Safe, VOCAL (Lothian’s Charity of Choice), Lothian Retail Stall, etc.
  • Lothian’s Training School Team with driver training buses.
  • Bus display including Lothian, East Coast Buses, Lothian Country, Eve Coaches, Lothian Motorcoaches, Edinburgh Bus Tours, and Lothian support vehicle.
  • The chance to have a go on an e-cargo bike, courtesy of Porty Community Energy (18+ only).
  • A team from ZF (provider of products and systems for vehicles).
  • Kids’ zone activities (including Didi Cars, a mini disco and bouncy castles).
  • Representatives from the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy.
  • A team from Police Scotland with a patrol car and van.
  • Burgers, Hot Dogs, soft drinks, teas, and coffees courtesy of Lothian’s own in-house catering team.

Lothian’s Doors Open Day takes place on Saturday 28 September from 1100 – 1500 hrs. While completely free to attend, we strongly encourage donations to our Charity of Choice partner, VOCAL, who do invaluable work supporting unpaid carers across Edinburgh and Midlothian. Volunteers from VOCAL will be there with donation buckets and card machines to take contributions from visitors – please give generously.

We look forward to seeing you there!

10K events in the city on Sunday 22 SeptemberRoad closures and service diversions will be in effect

This Sunday (22 September) sees the return of the Women’s and Men’s 10K Edinburgh events in the city.

Various streets in the city centre will be closed to allow the events to take place, with diversions in effect. For full diversion information, please see below.


Plan. Buy. Travel. Your journey starts here. Download the new Bus & Tram mobile app. Available now on Android and iOS. Learn more.

We advise that customers plan ahead if travelling around this time and allow extra time to complete their journey. Service diversion information is also available on the Service Alerts page. Download our mobile app to keep up-to-date on the go.

Lothian Buses

Diversion in effect between 0830 hrs – 1300 hrs

Between Potterrow and Semple Street, buses will be diverted via Lauriston Place, West Tollcross and Ponton Street heading northbound.
 
Between Morrison Street and Bristo Place, buses will be diverted via Earl Grey Street, Lauriston Place and Forrest Road heading southbound.

Diversion in effect between 0915 hrs – 1115 hrs

Between Hanover Street and Chapel Street, buses will be diverted via George Street, South St. David Street, Waverley, North Bridge, South Bridge and Nicolson Square in both directions.

Diversion in effect between 0900 hrs – 1300 hrs

Between West Maitland Street and Lothian Road, buses will be diverted via Torphichen Street, Dewar Place and Morrison Street heading eastbound.

Between Lauriston Place and Haymarket, buses will be diverted via West Tollcross, Ponton Street, Semple Street and Morrison Street heading westbound.

Diversion in effect between 0900 hrs – 1300 hrs

From Princes Street, buses will be diverted via Shandwick Place, West Maitland St/Torphichen Street loop, Dalry Road and Gorgie Road in both directions.

Diversion in effect between 0915 hrs – 1115 hrs

Between North Hanover Street and Home Street, buses will be diverted via George Street, Frederick Street, Princes Street, Lothian Road and Earl Grey Street in both directions.

Diversion in effect between 0915 hrs – 1115 hrs

Between North Hanover Street and Home Street, buses will be diverted via George Street, Frederick Street, Princes Street, Lothian Road and Earl Grey Street in both directions.

Between North Hanover Street and Home Street, buses will be diverted via George Street, Frederick Street, Princes Street, Lothian Road and Earl Grey Street.

Diversion in effect between 0900 hrs – 1300 hrs

From Princes Street, buses will be diverted via Shandwick Place, West Maitland St/Torphichen Street loop, Dalry Road and Gorgie Road in both directions.

Diversion in effect between 0830 hrs – 1300 hrs

Between Easter Road and South Bridge, buses will be diverted via Regent Road, Waterloo Place and North Bridge in both directions. 

Diversion in effect between 0830 hrs – 1130 hrs

From George Street, Airlink 100 buses will operate to and terminate at George Street opposite The Dome. Journeys to the Airport will commence from George Street (Stop GL) opposite The Dome.

East Coast Buses

Diversion in effect from 0830 hrs to 1300 hrs

Service 124 will terminate at Usher Hall, with eastbound journeys commencing from Semple Street.

Lothian Country

Diversion in effect between 0900 hrs – 1300 hrs

Between Princes Street and Gorgie Road at Balgreen, buses will be diverted via Shandwick Place, West Maitland St/Torphichen Street loop, Dalry Road and Gorgie Road in both directions.

Diversion in effect between 0900 hrs – 1300 hrs

Between Princes Street and Gorgie Road at Balgreen, buses will be diverted via Shandwick Place, West Maitland St/Torphichen Street loop, Dalry Road and Gorgie Road in both directions.

Doors Open Day Special tours to Seafield *Ballot now CLOSED*Take a tour of our Coachworks facility at Seafield during our Doors Open Day celebrations

*Due to an overwhelming response, our ballot is now closed. Winners will be contacted directly with more details on how to claim their seats on their preferred tour.*

As part of our Doors Open Day 2024 event at our Marine depot on Saturday 28 September, we will be running a limited number of special tours to our Seafield Coachworks to show a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes.

Each tour will last around 20 minutes and will showcase our Body Shop area, our Spray booth and paint area where individual panels are painted, the metal shop and wood shop.

The tours will show visitors the everyday roles of our dedicated team at the facility and a never-before-seen look at some of our vehicles before they are prepared ready for service out on the roads.

For your chance to take part in one of our tours, please fill in the entry form. Winners will be selected via a ballot of all entries. Winners will be contracted directly with instructions on how to claim their place on the tours on the day which will commence at Marine Garage.

Please note that each entry is for a maximum of 2 adults and up to 2 children. Limited spaces are available on each tour. All visitors to Seafield will be required to meet at Marine Garage and must show confirmation email that they were successful in the ballot.

We are excited to offer this amazing tour as part of our Doors Open Day celebrations and can’t wait to welcome you into our Seafield Coachworks to show you the amazing work that goes on every day.

Public holiday on Monday 16 SeptemberLothian to operate Saturday Service

View of Princes Street as the sun sets.

A Saturday Service will be in operation on Monday 16 September due to the public holiday, with special timetables on Services 15, 45 and 47/47B.

Download the Service 15 Public Holiday timetable
Download the Service 45 Public Holiday timetable
Download the Service 47/47B Public Holiday timetable

Normal weekday services will operate on Lothian Country and East Coast Buses (with the exception of school services, which will not run).

Our TravelHubs at Shandwick Place and Waverley Bridge will be open as normal between 0830 – 1730 hrs, and customers requiring support can get in touch in the usual ways via email, social media or by phoning the bus information line on 0131 555 6363.

Two large sporting events to take place in EdinburghRugby and football events on Saturday 30 December

Customers are being advised to plan ahead if travelling in the city on Saturday 30 December due to two coinciding sporting events.

The 1872 Cup takes place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 30 December (kick-off 1500 hrs), with Hearts FC facing Ross County FC at Tynecastle Park (kick-off also 1500 hrs).

A crowd of around 37,000 is expected to descend on the city for the decisive 1872 Cup match between Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors, and coupled with the match at Tynecastle which starts at the same time, the city is expected to be very busy. 

If travelling by car from outwith the city, please consider using Park & Ride facilities. 

Contactless

With contactless payments accepted on all our services, it’s never been easier to plan a journey to BT Murrayfield Stadium, and with our daily/weekly capping model, so you’ll never pay more than you need to for your travel! 

If you’re travelling with others, you can also use contactless to purchase paper tickets. Read our contactless and TapTapCap FAQs. 

M-tickets

M-tickets offer you the flexibility of pre-purchasing any combination of ticket types and quantities for use on all our buses and Edinburgh Trams and loading them on your phone before you travel. Just activate your ticket as you board the bus and show your phone screen to the driver.

Our adult and family tickets can be bought in advance on our m-tickets app. Some discounted ticket bundles are also available.

Find out more about Mobile Ticketing. 

Download the app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

Cash

Cash fares are accepted on all our services. Please be aware that the exact fare is needed when paying with cash on our buses because our drivers cannot give change.

Concessionary

Under 22s and over 60s can travel for free provided they hold a valid Young Scot NEC/Scottish NEC.

Download our mobile app to help plan your travel to the game (or back into town for post-match celebrations, fingers crossed!). View service alerts, track buses and more, all from your smartphone.

SG Murrayfield

For security reasons supporters are urged where possible not to bring bags to Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Bags larger than A4 size (21cm x 30cm) will not be permitted unless required for medical or childcare reasons. Bags A4 size or smaller will be searched prior to entry into the stadium. Please note: there will be no bag drop facility at the stadium.

Locations around the city can be found here:

For more information about match day, visit the Scottish Rugby website.

Tynecastle Park

Matchday information is available on the Hearts FC website.

Service diversion information for Torchlight Procession and Hogmanay celebrationsRoad closures and bus diversions planned for 29 December to 1 January

Various streets in the city centre will be closed from 1800 hrs until 2300 hrs (approximately) on Friday 29 December for the annual Torchlight Procession, and again between 1800 hrs on Saturday 30 December and 1000 hrs on Monday 1 January for Hogmanay celebrations.

Torchlight Procession Diversions

Various streets in the city centre will be closed from 1800 hrs until 2300 hrs approximately on Friday 29 December to allow the annual Torchlight Procession to take place.

This will affect Services 2, 9, 12, 23, 27, 35 and 47. Details of service diversions can be found below, on our Service Alerts page and on the homepage of our mobile app.

 

Service 2 (eastbound) – between Morrison Street and South Clerk Street, buses will be diverted via Lothian Road, Earl Grey Street, Brougham Street, Melville Drive and Hope Park Terrace.
Service 2 (westbound) – between South Clerk Street and Morrison Street, buses will be diverted via Hope Park Terrace, Melville Drive, Brougham Street, Home Street, Thornybauk, Ponton Street and Semple Street.
 
 
 
Service 9 (both directions) – between Hanover Street and Chapel Street, buses will divert via George Street, South St. David Street, Waverley, North Bridge, South Bridge and Nicolson Square.
 
 
 

Service 12 (journeys to/from Portobello) – between Usher Hall and Causewayside, buses will be diverted via Earl Grey Street, Brougham Street and Melville Drive.

Service 12 (journeys to/from Potterrow) – between Usher Hall and Potterrow, buses that would usually terminate at Potterrow will terminate at Bread Street.
 
 
 

Service 23 (both directions) – between North Hanover Street and Home Street, buses will be diverted via George Street, Frederick Street, Princes Street, Lothian Road and Earl Grey Street.

Service 27 (both directions) – between North Hanover Street and Home Street, buses will be diverted via George Street, Frederick Street, Princes Street, Lothian Road and Earl Grey Street.
 
 
 
Service 35 (both directions) – between Fountainbridge and Easter Road, buses will be diverted via Lothian Road, Princes Street, Waterloo Place and Regent Road in both directions.
 
 
 
Service 47 (both directions) – between Earl Grey Street and South Clerk Street, buses will be diverted via Brougham Street, Melville Drive and Hope Park Terrace in both directions.
 
 

Hogmanay Celebrations Diversions

City centre bus services will be diverted between 1800 hrs on Saturday 30 December and 1000 hrs on Monday 1 January due to numerous Hogmanay celebrations taking place.

This will affect Services 1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33,  34, 37, 43, 44, 47, 100, 113, 124, X18, X27, X28, X5, X6, X7, N3, N11, N16, N22, N25, N26, N30, N31, N37, N43, N44, N113, N124, N107, N18, and N28.

Details of service diversions can be found below, on our Service Alerts page and on the homepage of our mobile app.

Services X5 X6 X7 113 124 (to Edinburgh) – From Abbeyhill, buses will serve Regent Road and terminate at Waterloo Place (Stop ZJ) for the duration of this closure.

Services X5 X6 X7 113 124 (to East Lothian) – From Waterloo Place, buses will operate a one way loop back to Abbeyhill via Waterloo Place, Leith Street, Antigua Street and London Road.
 
 
 
Services X18 X27 X28 (both directions) – Between Haymarket/West Approach Road and Usher Hall, buses will divert via Torphichen Place, Morrison Link (X18), West Approach Road and Lothian Road in both directions.
 
 
 
Between 1800 hrs on Saturday 30 December and 1700 hrs on Sunday 31 December

 
 
Services 1 4 19 26 34 44 (eastbound) – Between Princes Street (West End) and Waverley Steps, buses will divert via South Charlotte St, North Charlotte St, Queen Street, Frederick Street, George Street and South St. David St when heading eastbound.


Services 1 4 19 34 44 (westbound) – Between Waverley Steps and Princes Street (West End), buses will divert via South St. David St, George Street, Frederick Street, Queen Street, North Charlotte St and South Charlotte St when heading westbound.

Service 26 (westbound) – Between Waverley Steps and Princes Street (West End), buses will divert via South St. David St, George Street, Hanover Street, Queen Street, North Charlotte St and South Charlotte St when heading westbound.
 
 
Services 3 30 33 37 (eastbound) – Between Princes Street (West End) and Waverley Steps, buses will divert via South Charlotte St, North Charlotte St, Queen Street, Hanover Street, George Street and South St. David St when heading eastbound.
 
Services 3 30 33 37 (westbound) – Between Waverley Steps and Princes Street (West End), buses will divert via South St David Street, George Street, Frederick Street, Queen Street, North Charlotte St and South Charlotte St when heading westbound.
 
 
 

Service 29 (both directions) – Between Howe Street and Waverley Steps, buses will divert via Frederick Street, George Street and South St. David St in both directions.

Service 31 (both directions) – Between Shandwick Place and Waverley Steps, buses will divert via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street, Queen Street, Hanover Street, George Street and South St. David St in both directions.
 
 

Services 10 11 16 25 (eastbound) – Between Princes Street (West End) and Waverley Steps/York Place, buses will divert via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street, Queen Street, Frederick Street, George Street then North St. David Street (Services 10 & 11) or South St. David Street (Services 16 & 25) when heading eastbound.

Services 10 11 16 25 (westbound) – Between York Place/Waverley Steps and Princes Street (West End), buses will divert via North St. David Street (Services 10 & 11), South St. David Street (Services 16 & 25), George Street, Hanover Street (Services 10, 11 & 16) or Frederick Street (Service 25) then Queen Street, North Charlotte Street and South Charlotte Street when heading westbound.
 
Service 24 (both directions) – Between Lothian Road and Queen Street Gardens, buses will operate non-stop via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street and Queen Street in both directions.

 
Service 100 (both directions) – Between West End and St. Andrew Square, buses will divert via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street, Queen Street and North St David Street in both directions.

 
Service 43 (both directions) – Between Queensferry Street and St. Andrew Square, buses will divert via Princes Street, South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street, Queen Street and North St. David Street in both directions.

 
Services 3 30 31 33 (eastbound) – Between West Maitland Street/West Approach Road and Nicolson Street, buses will divert via Torphichen Place, Morrison Link (Services 3, 31 & 33), West Approach Road, Lothian Road, Earl Grey Street, Lauriston Place, Forrest Road, Bristo Place, Potterrow and Nicolson Square when heading eastbound.

Services 3 30 31 33 (westbound) – Between Nicolson Street and West Approach Road/Haymarket Junction, buses will divert via Nicolson Square, Potterrow, Teviot Place, Lauriston Place, Lady Lawson Street, East Fountainbridge, Lothian Road, West Approach Road, Morrison Link and Morrison Street (Services 3, 31 & 33) when heading westbound.

 
Service 9 (both directions) – Between Bellevue and Bristo Place, buses will divert via Broughton Street, Leith Street Gyratory, Leith Street, North Bridge, South Bridge and Chambers Street in both directions.
 
Service 100 (both directions) – Between Haymarket and St. Andrew Square, buses will divert via Palmerston Place, Chester Street, Randolph Crescent, Queen Street and North St. David Street in both directions.

 
 
Services 1 34 (eastbound) – Between Fountainbridge and Leith Street, buses will divert via Lothian Road, Lauriston Place, Forrest Road, Chambers Street, South Bridge and North Bridge when heading eastbound.

Services 1 34 (westbound) – Between Leith Street and Fountainbridge, buses will divert via North Bridge, South Bridge, Chambers Street, Bristo Place, Lauriston Place, Lady Lawson Street and East Fountainbridge when heading westbound.
 
 
Services 4 26 44 (both directions) – Between West Maitland Street and Abbeyhill, buses will divert via Palmerston Place, Chester Street, Randolph Crescent, Queen Street, York Place, Leith Street Gyratory, Leopold Place and London Road in both directions.

Service 19 (both directions) – Between Dean Bridge and Abbeyhill, buses will divert via Randolph Crescent, Queen Street, York Place, Leith Street Gyratory, Leopold Place and London Road in both directions.

Service 25 (both directions) – Between West Maitland Street and Elm Row, buses will divert via Palmerston Place, Chester Street, Randolph Crescent, Queen Street, York Place, Leith Street Gyratory and Antigua Street in both directions.
 
 
Services 10 11 16 (both directions) – Between Elm Row and Home Street buses will divert via Leith Street, North Bridge, South Bridge, Chambers Street, Forrest Road/Bristo Place and Lauriston Place in both directions.
 
 
Service 43 (both directions) – Between Dean Bridge and St. Andrew Square, buses will divert via Randolph Crescent, Great Stuart Street, St Colme Street, Queen Street and North St David Street in both directions.
 
 
Service 24 will operate in two separate sections during this period.
Service 24 (to/from West Granton) – Buses will operate normal route to Queen Street Gardens West and will start northbound journeys at Howe Street (Outside The Paint Shed).
 
 
Service 24 (to/from Royal Infirmary) – Buses will operate normal route to Brougham Street (Tollcross) and will start southbound journeys on Lothian Road (Outside The Raging Bull Pub).
 
 
Services 23 & 27 will operate in two separate sections during this period.
Services 23 27 (to/from Trinity/Silverknowes) – Buses will operate normal route to Dundas Street and will start northbound journeys at Dundas Street (Abercromby Place).
 

 
Services 23 27 (to/from Greenbank/Hunter’s Tryst) – Buses will operate normal route to Home Street (Tollcross) and will start southbound journeys on Lothian Road (Outside The Raging Bull Pub).
 
 
Services 19, 22, 29, 36, 37 & 47 will operate in two separate sections during this period.
Service 29 (to/from Silverknowes) – Buses will operate normal route to Queen Street Gardens West and will start northbound journeys at Howe Street (outside The Paint Shed).
 
 
Services 19 22 36 37 47 (to/from North Edinburgh) – Buses will operate normal route to Drumsheugh Place and will start northbound journeys on Drumsheugh Place (outside Johnsons Dry Cleaners).
 
 
Service 22 (to/from Gyle Centre) – Buses will operate normal route to West Approach Road and terminate at Usher Hall (Stop XF).
 
 
Services 29 37 (to/from Midlothian) – Buses will operate via South Bridge, Leith Street, Leith Street Gyratory and Elm Row in both directions.
 
 
Services 36 47 (to/from Morningside/Penicuik) – Buses will operate normal route to Tollcross and will start southbound journeys on Lothian Road (Outside The Raging Bull Pub).
 
 
Services N16 N25 N26 (Eastbound) – Between Princes Street and Waverley Steps, buses will be diverted via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street, Queen Street, Frederick Street and George Street heading eastbound.
 
Services N3 N30 N31 N37 N44 (Eastbound) – Between Princes Street and Waverley Steps, buses will be diverted via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street, Queen Street, Hanover Street and George Street heading eastbound.
 
 
Services N3 N22 N25 N30 N37 N44 (Westbound) – Between Waverley Steps and West End, buses will be diverted via North St David Street, George Street, Frederick Street, Queen Street, North Charlotte Street and South Charlotte Street heading westbound.
 
Services N11 N16 N26 (Westbound) – Between Waverley Steps and West End, buses will be diverted via North St David Street, George Street, Hanover Street, Queen Street, North Charlotte Street and South Charlotte Street heading westbound.
 
 
Services N18 N28 N43 (Both Directions) – Between Princes Street (West End) and Waverley Steps, buses will operate via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street, Queen Street, Frederick Street, George Street and South St David Street in both directions.
 
 
Services N107 N113 N124 (both directions) – Between Princes Street (West End) and Waverley Steps, buses will operate via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street, Queen Street, Frederick Street, George Street and South St David Street in both directions.
 
 
Services 3 30 37 (Eastbound) – Between Princes Street (West End) and Waverley Steps, buses will divert via South Charlotte St, North Charlotte St, Queen Street, Hanover Street, George Street and South St. David St when heading eastbound.
Services 3 30 37 (Westbound) – Between Waverley Steps and Princes Street (West End), buses will divert via South St David Street, George Street, Frederick Street, Queen Street, North Charlotte St and South Charlotte St when heading westbound.
 
Service 29 (both directions) – Between Howe Street and Waverley Steps, buses will divert via Frederick Street, George Street and South St. David St in both directions.
 
 
Services 11 16 25 (eastbound) – Between Princes Street (West End) and Waverley Steps/York Place, buses will divert via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street, Queen Street, Frederick Street, George Street then North St. David Street (Service 11) or South St. David Street (Services 16 & 25) when heading eastbound.
 
Services 11 16 25 (westbound) – Between Waverley Steps and Princes Street (West End), buses will divert via South St. David Street, George Street, Hanover Street (Services 11 & 16) or Frederick Street (Service 25) then Queen Street, North Charlotte Street and South Charlotte Street when heading westbound.
 
 
Service 24 (both directions) – Between Lothian Road and Queen Street Gardens, buses will operate non-stop via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street and Queen Street in both directions.
 
 
Services 26 34 44 (eastbound) – Between Princes Street (West End) and Waverley Steps, buses will divert via South Charlotte St, North Charlotte St, Queen Street, Frederick Street, George Street and South St. David St when heading eastbound.
 
Services 34 44 (westbound) – Between Waverley Steps and Princes Street (West End), buses will divert via South St. David St, George Street, Frederick Street, Queen Street, North Charlotte St and South Charlotte St when heading westbound.
 
Service 26 (westbound) – Between Waverley Steps and Princes Street (West End), buses will divert via South St. David St, George Street, Hanover Street, Queen Street, North Charlotte St and South Charlotte St when heading westbound.
 
 
Service 100 (both directions) – Between West End and St. Andrew Square, buses will divert via South Charlotte Street, North Charlotte Street, Queen Street and North St David Street in both directions.
 
 
Services X6 X7 124 (both directions) – Between Waverley Steps and West End, buses will divert via Princes Street, South St. David Street, George Street, Frederick Street, Queen Street, North Charlotte Street and South Charlotte Street in both directions.
 
 
Services X18 X27 X28 (both directions) – Between Waverley Steps and West End, buses will divert via Princes Street, South St. David Street, George Street, Frederick Street, Queen Street, North Charlotte Street and South Charlotte Street in both directions.
 

Get your skates on to Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay with Lothian Buses!Travel by bus to all the festive fun in the city

Photo by Matt Beech

Edinburgh’s Christmas is the ultimate destination for festive family fun this winter in the capital, and Lothian Buses are ready and waiting to be your sleigh to all the action!

Running until Saturday 6 January 2024, Edinburgh’s Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events, delicious food and drink, plus so much more.

Nowhere on earth rings in the new year quite like Edinburgh, and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023 is set to be bigger and better than ever! And with our special Hogmanay Service, we’ll be standing by to get all the revellers home safely after the bells.

Learn more about Edinburgh's Christmas
Learn more about Edinburgh's Hogmanay

There are four sites for Edinburgh’s Christmas: East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens, George Street, and St Andrew Square, all a stone’s throw away from Princes Street which most Lothian services travel through.

With Lothian’s mobile app, planning your travel has never been easier! Just type the site or attraction you want to visit into the search bar and the app will show you what services will take you there at your chosen time! Download the app now!

For site maps, visit the Your Visit page on Edinburgh’s Christmas.


Visit our Timetables page to plan your visit to Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay.

Travelling into town between 23 December and 7 January? Don’t forget, we have special festive timetables in place.

Download our Christmas and New Year Timetables Leaflet or visit our news section for further information.

There’s something for everyone at this year’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, including the welcome return of the Torchlight Procession, Night Afore Disco Party and much, much more.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the world famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party returns to the city centre to ring in 2024, along with Concert in the Gardens headlined by PULP!

Plan your Hogmanay travel with Lothian – download our Christmas and Hogmanay Timetables Leaflet for more information.

Various streets in the city centre will be closed from 1800 hrs until approx. 2300 hrs on Friday 29 December for the annual Torchlight Procession, affecting Services 2, 9, 12, 23, 27, 35, and 47.

Diversion information is available on our Service Alerts page or on the homepage of the mobile app.

There will also be numerous road closures in the city centre, resulting in diverted services, due to Hogmanay events between 1800 hrs on Saturday 30 December and 1000 hrs on Monday 1 January.

Diversion information is available on our Service Alerts page or on the homepage of the mobile app.

Simplify your festive travel with Lothian!Plan your travel this Christmas and Hogmanay across Edinburgh and the Lothians

Lothian’s special timetables for the Christmas and Hogmanay period are now available to help customers plan ahead for their festive journeys across Edinburgh and the Lothians, whether travelling to visit friends and family, or heading out on the town to celebrate the season.

Download Lothian Network Festive Timetables 2023/24
Download Lothian Country Festive Timetables 2023/24
Download East Coast Buses Festive Timetables 2023/24

Service Diversion information

Due to various festive events taking place in the city centre resulting in road closures, bus services may be subject to diversions. Notably, there are service diversions in place for the Torchlight Procession on Friday 29 December and on Hogmanay (Sunday 31 December).

All diversion information can be found on our Service Alerts page or the homepage of our mobile app.

Summary of Services

A quick summary of service levels over the festive period can be found below.

A Weekday Service will be in effect on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses, Lothian Country and NightBus/NightHawk services.

A Saturday Service will be in effect on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses, Lothian Country and NightBus/NightHawk services.

A Sunday Service will be in operation on Christmas Eve (Sunday 24 December) on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses, Lothian Country and NightBus/NightHawk services.
 
Services will finish earlier than normal, with last journeys through the city centre at approximately 2130 hrs.
 
Airlink’s last departure from Edinburgh Airport will be at 0050 hrs, and the last departure from the city centre will be at 0009 hrs.

A Special Service will be in operation on Monday 25 December (Christmas Day) on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses and Lothian Country services.

Airlink services will operate up to every 30 minutes.

Nightbus/Nighthawk services will not run.

A Special Service will operate on Boxing Day (Tuesday 26 December) on Lothian Buses, East Coast Buses, and Lothian Country services.

Airlink will operate a Sunday Service (night-time journeys will not run).

No service will operate on Nightbus/NightHawk.

A Saturday Service will operate on Wednesday 27 December on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses and Lothian Country services.

Please note that Service 15, Service 45 and Service 47B will operate to a Public Holiday timetable.

Nightbus/NightHawk services will not operate.

A Saturday Service will operate on Thursday 28 December on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses, and Lothian Country services.

Please note that Service 15, Service 45 and Service 47B will operate to a Public Holiday timetable.

Nightbus/NightHawk services will operate to Weekday timetables.

A Saturday Service will operate on Friday 29 December on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses, and Lothian Country services.

Please note that Service 15, Service 45 and Service 47B will operate to a Public Holiday timetable.

Nightbus/NightHawk services will operate to Weekday timetables.

A Saturday Service will operate on Saturday 30 December on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses, and Lothian Country services.

Nightbus/NightHawk services will operate to Saturday timetables on the morning of 30 December.

Please note that there will be diversions in the city centre for the Torchlight Procession. Details will be available on the Service Updates pagecloser to the time of the event.

A Special Service will operate on Sunday 31 December (Hogmanay) on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses and Lothian Country.

Nightbus/NightHawk services will operate a Sunday timetable on the morning of 31 December.

Services will finish earlier than normal, with last journeys through the city centre at approximately 2130 hrs.

Please note that diversions will be in place across the city centre for Hogmanay celebrations in the capital. Details will be available on our Service Alerts page and homepage of the mobile app.

Airlink’s last departure from Edinburgh Airport will be at 0050 hrs, and the last departure from the city centre will be at 0009 hrs.

Download the Hogmanay Special Service leaflet.

A Special Service will operate on Monday 1 January 2024 (New Year’s Day) on Lothian Buses, East Coast Buses, and Lothian Country services.

Airlink will operate a normal service (no night-time journeys) with the first service departing the city centre at 0400 hrs, and the first departure from Edinburgh Airport at 0430 hrs.

A Hogmanay Special service will operate for Nightbus/NightHawk services.

Download the Hogmanay Special Service leaflet.

A Sunday Service will be in operation on Tuesday 2 January 2024 on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses and Lothian Country services.

Nightbus/Nighthawk services will not run.

A Saturday Service will operate on Wednesday 3 January 2024 on Lothian Buses and Airlink services.

East Coast Buses and Lothian Country services will operate to a Weekday Service (with the exception of school services which will not run).

Nightbus/NightHawk services will not run.

Please note that Service 15, Service 45 and Service 47B will operate to a Public Holiday timetable.

A Saturday Service will operate on Thursday 4 January 2024 on Lothian Buses and Airlink services.

East Coast Buses, Lothian Country and Nightbus/NightHawk services will operate to a Weekday Service (with the exception of school services which will not run).

Please note that Service 15, Service 45 and Service 47B will operate to a Public Holiday timetable.

A Saturday Service will operate on Friday 5 January 2024 on Lothian Buses and Airlink services.

East Coast Buses, Lothian Country and Nightbus/NightHawk services will operate to a Weekday Service (with the exception of school services which will not run).

Please note that Service 15, Service 45 and Service 47B will operate to a Public Holiday timetable.

A Saturday Service will operate on Saturday 6 January 2024 on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses, Lothian Country and NightBus/NightHawk services.

A Sunday Service will operate on Sunday 7 January 2024 on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses, Lothian Country and NightBus/NightHawk services.
A Weekday Service will operate on Monday 8 January 2024 on Lothian Buses, Airlink, East Coast Buses, Lothian Country and Nightbus/NightHawk services, including school services where applicable.

Festive Opening Hours

Plan your travel with our mobile app!

To plan your travel across Edinburgh and the Lothians over the festive period, download our mobile app!

You’ll have access to live bus times and service diversion information, all at your fingertips, for the latest news while you’re on the move. Download at the link below or search ‘Transport for Edinburgh’ in the App Store or Google Play.

Download now!

Haymarket Terrace to close overnight for resurfacing worksServices to be diverted for 5 nights from Monday 6 November

A road ahead closed sign.

Due to resurfacing works, Haymarket Terrace will close in both directions from Monday 6 November between 1900-0300 hrs for 5 nights.

 
Service 12 (westbound)
Between Morrison Link and Corstorphine Road, buses will be diverted via Morrison Street, West Maitland Street, Palmerston Place, Douglas Gardens, Belford Terrace, Belford Road, Ravelston Dykes and Murrayfield Road heading westbound.
 
Service 12 (eastbound)
Between Corstorphine Road and Morrison Link, buses will be diverted via Murrayfield Road, Ravelston Dykes, Belford Road, Belford Terrace, Douglas Gardens, Palmerston Place and Torphichen Place heading eastbound.

Service 12 will operate non-stop between Palmerston Place stops and Corstorphine Road Tennis Courts.
 
Services 26, 31 & N26
Between Princes Street and Corstorphine Road, buses will be diverted via Queensferry Street, Queensferry Road, Queensferry Terrace, Ravelston Dykes and Murrayfield Road in both directions.

Service 100
Between Princes Street and Corstorphine Road, buses will be diverted via Queensferry Street, Queensferry Road, Queensferry Terrace, Ravelston Dykes and Murrayfield Road in both directions.

Service X18 (both directions) & N18 (westbound)
Between Princes Street and Corstorphine Road, buses will be diverted via Queensferry Street, Queensferry Road, Queensferry Terrace, Ravelston Dykes and Murrayfield Road in both directions.
 
Services 26 31 100 X18 N18 N26 will operate non-stop between Queensferry Street stops and Corstorphine Road Tennis Courts.