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Students
Our buses are an essential part of everyday life in Edinburgh. Whether you’re heading to class, off for a night on the town or catching up with friends over a coffee, Lothian Buses has your travel covered.
With a variety of payment options and frequent services 365 days a year, Lothian Buses are here to help you navigate the city effortlessly. Hop on board and start exploring the city today!
Find the bus stop for your chosen bus service via the flag at the top of the bus stop. You can also find your closest stop on the Bus & Tram App.
When you see your bus approaching, signal to the driver that you wish to board by extending your hand.
There are different ways to pay for your travel: contactless, pre-purchased tickets using our app, season ticket Ridacards or cash (exact fare only). Under 22s, over 60s and disabled customers can also travel for free on our services by presenting a valid Scottish NEC/Young Scot NEC when boarding the bus.
As you approach your destination, please make sure you press the stop button to let the driver know in plenty of time that you wish to disembark. If you signal too late for the driver to bring the bus to a safe stop, you will have to wait until the next stop to disembark. You can also track your journey in the Bus & Tram App.
Contactless payments with daily and weekly capping – let us work out the cheapest adult daily or weekly fare for you!
Pre-purchase tickets for all of our services using the Bus & Tram app.
Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, ApplePay, GooglePay. | Please note that American Express is NOT accepted.
Please be aware that cards issued outside of the UK may incur overseas transaction fees applied by your bank or card issuer.
You can pick up your Student Ridacard from one of our TravelHubs, handily located in Edinburgh’s city centre at either Shandwick Place or Waverley Bridge.
| 1 Week Advance Purchase | £23.00 |
| 4 Week Advance Purchase | £68.00 |
| Annual Direct Debit (Paid Monthly) | £58.00 |
| Annual Advance Purchase | £660.00 |
| Exclusive Student 9-Month Advance Purchase (available from 24 August to 31 October only) | £570.00 |
*To purchase a student Ridacard, you’ll need a currently valid, photo-ID matriculation card from one of the following Universities and Colleges: Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh Theological Seminary, Heriot-Watt University, Newbattle Abbey College, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, SRUC (formerly Scottish Agricultural College), The Edinburgh College (formerly Edinburgh’s Telford College, Jewel & Esk College and Stevenson College) and University of Edinburgh. Full details can be found in our Ridacard Terms & Conditions.
Edinburgh College
Edinburgh Napier University
University of Edinburgh
Heriot-Watt University
Queen Margaret University
Newbattle Abbey College
Edinburgh Theological Seminary
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
West Lothian College
Simplify your late night travel
Most of our night services run from around midnight until 4.30am every day with tickets from £3.50.
Lothian has partnered with Strut Safe to provide additional support after your late-night travels. Strut Safe is a friendly voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door.
Together, we’re committed to enhancing your experience in Edinburgh, ensuring you feel supported and connected as you navigate the city late at night.
