11/12/2020
Navigating Edinburgh's Parking: Your Comprehensive Guide
Edinburgh, a city steeped in history and vibrant culture, offers a wealth of attractions from the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the bustling Princes Street to the charming Royal Mile. Known for its thriving arts scene, it hosts the world-renowned Fringe Festival, alongside numerous theatres and galleries. For visitors looking to explore this magnificent capital, understanding parking options is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience. This guide will delve into the specifics of Q-Park facilities in the city centre and the convenient free park and ride service at Ingliston, ensuring you can make the most of your time in Edinburgh.
- Q-Park: Secure City Centre Parking
- St James Quarter Car Park: A Premier Parking Hub
- Ingliston Park and Ride: Free and Convenient
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the current prices for parking at the Ingliston Park and Ride?
- How frequently do trams run from Ingliston Park and Ride to the city centre?
- Can one walk from Ingliston Park and Ride to Edinburgh Airport, and if so, how long does it take?
- Are there any provisions for leaving a vehicle overnight at Ingliston Park and Ride, and what are the associated costs?
- What is the maximum duration a vehicle can be parked at the Ingliston Park and Ride?
- Does Ingliston Park and Ride offer direct bus services to Edinburgh Airport?
Q-Park: Secure City Centre Parking
Q-Park operates two prime locations in Edinburgh, offering safe and secure parking solutions for those wishing to explore the city on foot or via public transport. These car parks are strategically positioned to provide easy access to Edinburgh's main attractions.
Q-Park OMNI
Located within the OMNI shopping centre, Q-Park OMNI provides convenient access to a wide array of entertainment and retail options. Whether you're catching a film, enjoying a meal, or indulging in some retail therapy, this car park places you at the heart of the action.
Q-Park Quartermile
Situated beneath the modern Quartermile development, Q-Park Quartermile offers another excellent option for city centre parking. Its location provides good access to the southern end of the city centre, including the University of Edinburgh and the historic Grassmarket area.
St James Quarter Car Park: A Premier Parking Hub
A significant addition to Edinburgh's parking infrastructure is the St James Quarter car park, offering extensive facilities for visitors. This car park is designed to cater to a high volume of users, with a focus on convenience and modern amenities.
Capacity and Accessibility
The St James Quarter car park boasts an impressive 1,600 parking spaces spread across 3 levels. It is a mere few minutes' walk from key landmarks like the Edinburgh Playhouse and Princes Street, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city. Both overnight and all-day parking options are available, providing flexibility for visitors.
Getting There
Access to the car park is straightforward, with two main entrances:
- Via St James Place: EH1 3BP
- Via Leith Street: EH1 3AS
The maximum vehicle height permitted is 2.1 metres.
Facilities at St James Quarter
The car park is equipped with a range of facilities to enhance the visitor experience:
- 1,600 parking bays over 3 levels
- 70 dedicated disabled parking spaces
- 45 electric car charging points
Parking Rates and Payment
The St James Quarter car park operates on a cashless basis. Current rates are as follows:
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | £4.20 |
| 2 hours | £7.30 |
| 3 hours | £10.50 |
| 4 hours | £15.20 |
| 5 hours | £18.40 |
| 6 hours | £21.70 |
| 7 hours | £24.90 |
| 8-24 hours | £28.20 |
Additionally, for a limited time, a set £5 overnight tariff is available for bookings between 5:30 PM and 8:30 AM. For detailed terms and conditions, it is advisable to download the Q-Park app.
EV Charging
PodPoint provides 45 EV charging points at St James Quarter. Users can check charger availability and pay via the PodPoint app. Charging costs are separate from parking fees:
- Daytime (8:30 AM - 5:30 PM): £0.75 per kWh
- Evening (5:30 PM - 8:30 AM): £0.45 per kWh
Please remember to bring your own charging cable for your EV.
Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
As of June 1st, 2024, the St James Quarter car park is located within Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone (LEZ). This zone operates continuously, 24/7, restricting access to vehicles that do not meet minimum emission standards or exemption criteria. For more information and to check your vehicle's compliance, please visit the Edinburgh City Council website.
Ingliston Park and Ride: Free and Convenient
For those seeking a more economical and less stressful way to access Edinburgh city centre or the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston Park and Ride offers an excellent solution. This facility is managed by the City of Edinburgh Council and provides a gateway to the city via efficient public transport links.
Location and Accessibility
Ingliston Park and Ride is conveniently situated just off the A8 Airport Junction on Eastfield Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LS. It offers over 1,000 free car parking spaces, making it a highly attractive option for visitors and commuters alike.
Public Transport Links
The primary advantage of Ingliston is its seamless integration with Edinburgh's public transport network:
- Trams: Trams run frequently (every 7-10 minutes) from early morning until late night, providing a direct link to the city centre in approximately 25 minutes. The tram stop is located within easy walking distance of the car park.
- Buses: Several bus services operate from Ingliston, connecting to various parts of the city, including Edinburgh City Centre, Edinburgh Park, Sighthill, Chesser, and Ocean Terminal. Services like the 200, 400, and X18 offer direct routes, while the 747 connects to the Gyle Centre.
Operating Hours and Restrictions
Ingliston Park and Ride is open seven days a week from 04:00 to 02:00. It is important to note that there is no parking permitted between 02:00 and 04:00. During major events, such as those at Murrayfield Stadium, the car park can fill up quickly, and alternative parking may be available at Hermiston Park and Ride.
Facilities and Amenities
Ingliston Park and Ride provides the following amenities:
- Over 1,000 free parking spaces
- Electric vehicle charging points
- A kiosk for customer information and ticket sales (open 07:30-15:30 daily)
- Public toilets (open during kiosk hours)
- Lift access to all levels of the car park
Security
The car park is well-lit and equipped with CCTV, offering a secure environment for your vehicle.
Tickets and Timetables
Tickets for bus and tram services can be purchased from the kiosk at Ingliston, online, or via the Transport for Edinburgh app. Adult ticket prices for the city zone include:
| Ticket Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult Single | £2.00 |
| Adult Day Return | £3.80 |
| Adult DAYticket | £5.00 |
| Adult LATEticket | £4.50 |
| Adult Airport Single | £7.50 |
| Adult Airport Open Return | £9.50 |
| Adult Network DAYticket | £9.00 |
For the most up-to-date information on timetables and prices, it is recommended to check the official websites for Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.
Nearby Attractions
Ingliston Park and Ride serves as an excellent starting point for exploring:
- Edinburgh Airport: A short drive or tram ride away.
- Royal Highland Show: Located at the Royal Highland Centre, a short walk from the park and ride.
- Edinburgh City Centre: Easily accessible via tram or bus, allowing you to explore attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Scottish Parliament.
- Ocean Terminal: A shopping and leisure complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current prices for parking at the Ingliston Park and Ride?
Parking at Ingliston Park and Ride is free of charge.
How frequently do trams run from Ingliston Park and Ride to the city centre?
Trams run every 7-10 minutes from Ingliston Park and Ride to the city centre, with the journey taking approximately 25-30 minutes.
Can one walk from Ingliston Park and Ride to Edinburgh Airport, and if so, how long does it take?
Yes, it is possible to walk to Edinburgh Airport from Ingliston Park and Ride. The walk takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Are there any provisions for leaving a vehicle overnight at Ingliston Park and Ride, and what are the associated costs?
Ingliston Park and Ride is open from 4:00 AM to 2:00 AM. There is no parking between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, so overnight parking as commonly understood is not permitted. You must remove your vehicle before the 2:00 AM closure.
What is the maximum duration a vehicle can be parked at the Ingliston Park and Ride?
While there is no strict maximum duration within the operating hours (4:00 AM to 2:00 AM), vehicles must be removed before the 2:00 AM closure. It is not a 24-hour facility.
Does Ingliston Park and Ride offer direct bus services to Edinburgh Airport?
No, Ingliston Park and Ride does not offer direct bus services to Edinburgh Airport. However, the Edinburgh Trams service from Ingliston Park and Ride to the city centre does stop at Edinburgh Airport, providing a convenient connection.
By understanding these parking options, you can ensure a hassle-free visit to Edinburgh, allowing you to focus on enjoying all that this historic and vibrant city has to offer.
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