Travel sustainably around Edinburgh
It’s easy to travel around Edinburgh in ways which reduce your impact on the environment. Most of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other, and longer journeys are well served by our extensive bus, tram and cycle network.
Explore Edinburgh by bus
Lothian Buses is one of Edinburgh’s biggest public transport providers and has continually invested in low-emission solutions like hybrid and fully-electric buses. By 2020, Lothian Buses have pledged to have their entire fleet operating at Euro 5 or above, to reduce particulates by 75%, reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by 98%, and meet the Scottish Government’s target of 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
All this means that bus is one of the most convenient and greenest ways to get around the city. Plan your journey around the city by bus .
Travel Edinburgh by tram
Edinburgh Trams offers a safe, reliable and efficient way of getting around the city. The tram route currently runs from Edinburgh Airport to York Place in Edinburgh’s city centre, stopping at Murrayfield Stadium, Haymarket Station and Princes Street along the way. Check out travel times and plan your journey.
Eco-friendly eating
Edinburgh has a huge range of cafes and restaurants which focus on sustainable, local and environmentally friendly menu options. Read Green Tourism’s hand-picked recommendations for the best eco-friendly places to eat out in the capital.
Green hotels in Edinburgh
How do you know if your accommodation is committed to sustainable tourism? In Scotland we have the Green Tourism Awards , which are given to hotels, restaurants and attractions that have excelled in a range of sustainable benchmarks including energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity, community involvement and more.
The following hotels have achieved Green Tourism accreditation.
Enjoy Edinburgh’s Nature and Wildlife
Edinburgh is the UK’s greenest city, with almost half of the city being classed as green space. The city is home to more than 130 public parks and more trees per person than any other city in the UK.
With so much natural beauty on our doorstep, make the most of the great outdoors in Scotland’s beautiful capital city by exploring the best of the nature and wildlife that the city has to offer. Explore some of our must-visit spots .
Events
Numerous sustainability-focused events are running in Edinburgh in the lead up to and during COP26. Find out about what events are going on in the capital .
