Partial closure of Princes Street – bus & tram information

Princes Street is partially closed following a building fire which took place in the early hours of Thursday 9 July.

All affected services, including diversion information, can be found on our Service Updates page or on the Bus & Tram app.

Agencies responsible for the site at Princes Street  have advised that it is not currently safe to move a tram through the closed area in any capacity, which is why trams continue to run  between Edinburgh Airport and West End.

We will continue to monitor the situation with the relevant authorities and changes in service will be implemented with their guidance. We will keep customers updated with any changes.

Yes, it’s likely journeys will take longer. Diversions and congestion in the city centre are having a knock-on effect across our network. We advise customers to allow extra time to complete their journey, particularly during peak periods.

Yes. Services continue to operate into the city centre but please check our Service Updates or Bus & Tram app before travelling and allow extra time for your journey.

We do not know at this time – this is a decision that will be taken by the relevant authorities. When it is deemed safe for buses and trams, we will communicate this to our customers on our websites, mobile app and social media channels so please continue to check there for further information.

Although the road closure is confined to Princes Street, the resulting congestion unfortunately is having a much wider impact across our network. While we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption, some delays are unavoidable until the closure is lifted and traffic conditions return to normal.

Yes, tickets are being accepted between the West End and Newhaven on Lothian Services 16 and 25, and also Service 17 (airport return tickets from Ocean Terminal or Newhaven only) for those travelling to/from Edinburgh Airport.

Edinburgh Trams are currently only operating between Edinburgh Airport and the West End. Airlink 100 is operating between Waverley Bridge in the city centre to the airport via Queen Street (on diversion). Details can be found on our website.

Airlink 100 return tickets are being accepted on Edinburgh Trams from West End/Haymarket to Edinburgh Airport.

Service 17 offers connections from the north of the city, linking Ocean Terminal to the airport with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes. Ticket acceptance is in place for Edinburgh Trams customers while Princes Street remains closed (airport return tickets from Ocean Terminal or Newhaven only). The service offers connections with Newhaven, Granton, East Craigs, and Ingliston Park and Ride.

Service 18 operates from the south-east of the city, with a total journey time of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, providing connections to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Fairmilehead, Edinburgh Napier University (Sighthill), the Gyle Shopping Centre and Ingliston Park and Ride.

Services 17 and 18 are part of Lothian’s regular city network, with single adult fares of just £2.40. They’re also included in contactless fare capping, which automatically applies the cheapest daily or weekly cap based on the journeys you make.

Live updates can be found in the following places:

• Service Updates
• Bus & Tram App
• Lothian X / Edinburgh Trams X
• 0131 555 6363 (24-hour phoneline)
• City of Edinburgh Council