Bus services will return to Princes Street from Saturday 29 August following the reopening of the road, which was closed due to a building fire on 9 July.
While buses are returning to Princes Street, please note there will be some changes to bus stopping patterns with bus stops eastbound between Castle Street and Frederick Street closed. Please see map below.
- Service 24 towards West Granton will not serve stop [PA] for the duration of the works. Alternative bus stops are available at [XC] Lothian Road (foot) and [GT] Frederick Street.
- Service X47 towards Frederick Street will not serve stop [PA] for the duration of the works. Alternative bus stops are available at [QC] Queensferry Street and [GT] Frederick Street.
- Airlink 100 towards City Centre will not serve drop-off stop [PF] for the duration of the works. Alternative set-down stops are available at [SC] Shandwick Place and [GJ] Hanover Street.
- Lothian Country Services X18, X19, X27, X28, 43 will not serve drop-off stop [PF] for the duration of the works. Alternative set-down stops are available at [SC] Shandwick Place, [QC] Queensferry Street, [XC] The Exchange and [PK] Princes Street Scott Monument.
- NightBuses will follow the same revised stopping pattern as their daytime service. For example, NightBus N16 will serve stop [PA] as per daytime Service 16.
Subject to final testing tonight (Friday 28 August), full tram services between Edinburgh Airport and Newhaven will also resume from the start of service on this date.
We would like to thank customers, residents, local businesses and partners for their patience during what has been a prolonged and significant period of disruption.
We recognise the impact this has had across the city, particularly for those travelling to and from Leith and Newhaven, and for local businesses affected by the disruption.
As bus and tram services resume, customers are encouraged to check the latest travel information before travelling, available via our websites, the Bus and Tram app and our social media channels and allow extra time to complete their journey.
Finally, we would like to acknowledge the close collaboration of our partners, including the emergency services, the City of Edinburgh Council and other agencies involved in responding to this incident. Their collective efforts have helped ensure services can begin to return safely and efficiently for the benefit of Edinburgh’s residents, visitors and businesses.
FAQs
Is Princes Street reopening in both directions?
Yes, Princes Street will reopen in both directions. Eastbound, vehicles will be reduced to one lane adjacent to the site of the building fire with all vehicles and cycles operating on the offside carriageway.
Will Edinburgh Trams be able to operate full route from start of service on Saturday morning?
Yes, tram services will return to full route between Edinburgh Airport and Newhaven subject to successful testing on Friday 28 August.
How frequent will Edinburgh Trams be?
Edinburgh Trams services will return to its usual timetable.
Will there be speed restrictions in place for buses and trams?
Yes, an advisory 15mph speed limit will be in effect until further notice.
When will ticket acceptance end?
There will be a 48-hour grace period in place for ticket acceptance following the reopening of Princes Street.
Are all bus stops on Princes Street going to be open?
No, there will be some changes to bus stopping patterns with bus stops eastbound between Castle Street and Frederick Street closed. Please refer to map below.
Will Airlink 100 return to normal route into the City Centre?
Yes, Airlink 100 will return to normal route.
Please note that Airlink 100 towards City Centre will not serve drop-off stop [PF] until further notice. Alternative set-down stops are available at [SC] Shandwick Place and [GJ] Hanover Street.
