Edinburgh Park and Ride: Prices, Routes, Times & Map
Edinburgh has several Park and Ride sites around the edge of the city. Most sites offer free parking, while Newcraighall has a small daily charge. Therefore, your best option usually depends on the road you use to reach Edinburgh. In addition, your preferred bus, tram, or train connection can make one site much more convenient than another.
AROUND EDINBURGH
Quick Answer: Which Edinburgh Park and Ride Should You Use?
If you arrive from the west, Ingliston is usually one of the simplest choices. It combines free parking with a direct tram connection. Therefore, you can leave the car outside the centre and continue by tram.
Hermiston is another useful western option. However, it can suit longer stays better because its car park has 24-hour access and a more flexible overnight policy.
Drivers approaching from the east can consider Newcraighall or Wallyford. Meanwhile, Sheriffhall and Straiton work well for southern approaches. If you are travelling from Fife, Ferrytoll is usually the most logical Park and Ride choice.
Finally, think about your return time before choosing a site. For example, Ingliston does not allow normal overnight parking. By contrast, some other sites allow overnight stays.
Best Choices by Journey Type
Edinburgh Park and Ride Prices in 2026
Parking is free at most of the main Park and Ride sites. Therefore, these locations can be much easier on your budget than central Edinburgh parking.
Newcraighall is the main exception in this guide. However, its daily parking charge remains very low compared with many central car parks.
Free Parking Radar
Remember the Public Transport Fare
Free parking does not mean the whole journey is free. In addition, you normally need a valid tram, bus, or train ticket.
As a result, compare the parking cost and the onward fare together. That approach gives you a more realistic total trip cost.
Edinburgh Park and Ride Comparison
Each site has a different advantage. Therefore, there is no single Park and Ride that is best for every driver.
For example, Ingliston is useful for tram travel. Meanwhile, Hermiston can suit an overnight stay. Newcraighall, on the other hand, provides a useful rail connection.
Compare the Main Sites
| Site | Parking | Spaces | Connection | Car Park Access | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ingliston | Free | 1,085+ | Tram / bus | 04:00–02:00 | Normally no |
| Hermiston | Free | About 450 | Bus | 24 hours | Up to 3 nights |
| Newcraighall | Low daily charge | About 565 | Train / bus | 24 hours | Check operator |
| Sheriffhall | Free | About 560 | Bus | 24 hours | Allowed |
| Straiton | Free | Smaller site | Bus | 04:00–02:00 | No |
| Wallyford | Free | About 300 | Bus / train | 24 hours | Check operator |
| Ferrytoll | Free | Large site | Express bus | 24 hours | Yes |
Ingliston Park and Ride
Ingliston is one of the best-known Edinburgh Park and Ride sites. Because it sits close to the A8 airport junction, it is especially useful for drivers arriving from the west.
Parking Price
Parking at Ingliston is free. Therefore, you only need to budget for the onward public transport fare.
Parking Spaces
The site provides more than 1,000 spaces. In fact, the current tram operator page lists more than 1,085 spaces.
As a result, Ingliston is much larger than several other Park and Ride options around Edinburgh.
Trams from Ingliston
Edinburgh Trams serves the Park and Ride directly. During the daytime, trams currently run as often as every seven minutes.
Early in the morning and later in the evening, services are less frequent. However, they generally run every ten minutes during those periods.
From Ingliston, you can travel toward Haymarket, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, and Newhaven. Therefore, the tram can remove the need to drive through the busiest central streets.
Opening Hours
Ingliston is normally open from 04:00 until 02:00 each day. However, normal overnight parking is not allowed.
Special arrangements can apply during certain major events. Nevertheless, do not rely on an event exception for an ordinary trip.
Is Ingliston Good for the City Centre?
Yes, especially if you prefer the tram. In addition, the frequent daytime service makes it easy to avoid central Edinburgh traffic.
Hermiston Park and Ride
Hermiston is another useful option on the western side of Edinburgh. It is close to the A71 and the A720 City Bypass.
Why Choose Hermiston?
Parking is free. In addition, the car park provides 24-hour access.
Because overnight parking is allowed for a limited period, Hermiston can suit trips that continue beyond one day. Therefore, it is more flexible than Ingliston for some visitors.
Bus Connections
Several Lothian services connect with Hermiston. However, bus routes and timetables can change over time.
For that reason, check the current journey planner before leaving home.
Overnight Parking
Hermiston currently permits parking for up to three nights. As a result, it can be one of the better Park and Ride choices for a short city break.
Newcraighall Park and Ride
Newcraighall sits on the eastern side of Edinburgh. Therefore, it can work well when you approach from the A1.
Parking Price
Unlike most sites in this guide, Newcraighall has a small parking charge. Even so, it remains a low-cost alternative to many central Edinburgh car parks.
Train Connection
One of Newcraighall’s main advantages is its rail connection. Because trains run toward Edinburgh Waverley, you can reach the centre without using a city-centre car park.
In addition, rail can be attractive when road traffic is heavy. Therefore, Newcraighall is worth considering if your final destination is near Waverley or another rail-connected area.
Bus Alternative
Bus services also serve the area. As a result, you are not limited to the train.
Overnight Stays
ScotRail operates the car park. Therefore, check the current operator conditions before leaving your vehicle overnight.
Other Edinburgh Park and Ride Sites
Ingliston, Hermiston, and Newcraighall cover many journeys. However, they are not always the most convenient options.
Depending on your approach, Sheriffhall, Straiton, Wallyford, or Ferrytoll may save you extra driving.
Sheriffhall Park and Ride
Sheriffhall sits south of Edinburgh. Therefore, it can be useful for drivers approaching from that direction.
Parking is free, and the site provides 24-hour access. In addition, overnight parking is allowed.
Bus services connect the site with Edinburgh. However, check the current timetable before relying on a particular route.
Straiton Park and Ride
Straiton is another southern option. Because it is close to the A701, it can help you avoid driving farther into Edinburgh.
Parking is free. However, the site does not allow normal overnight parking.
Bus boarding arrangements have changed over time. Therefore, check the current stop location before your trip.
Wallyford Park and Ride
Wallyford is useful for drivers approaching from the east. In addition, the area has both bus and rail connections.
Parking is free and access is available around the clock. However, overnight conditions should be checked with the current operator.
Ferrytoll Park and Ride
Ferrytoll is north of the Forth. Therefore, it is especially useful for drivers travelling from Fife.
Parking is free. In addition, the site provides 24-hour parking and express bus links.
Overnight parking is also permitted. As a result, Ferrytoll can be more flexible than some Edinburgh-side sites.
Bus and Tram Fares
Most Park and Ride car parks are free. However, the onward journey normally requires a paid ticket.
Ingliston Tram Tickets
Ingliston is within the City fares zone. Therefore, trips between Ingliston and central Edinburgh use City Zone fares.
Before boarding, make sure you have a valid ticket or use the operator’s current contactless option. Otherwise, you may not have a valid fare for the journey.
Lothian Bus Tickets
Lothian services connect several Park and Ride sites. However, not every journey uses exactly the same fare structure.
For example, routes beyond the main city area can differ. Therefore, check your exact journey before travelling.
Train Fares
Newcraighall and Wallyford can also connect with rail services. Consequently, compare the train fare with the bus option when both are practical.
Overnight Parking at Edinburgh Park and Ride Sites
Overnight rules vary from site to site. Therefore, never assume that a 24-hour car park automatically permits a multi-day stay.
Hermiston
Hermiston allows limited overnight parking. In addition, its 24-hour access makes late collection easier.
Sheriffhall
Sheriffhall also allows overnight parking. Therefore, it may suit drivers approaching from the south who need to leave the car until the next day.
Ferrytoll
Ferrytoll permits overnight parking. As a result, it is a practical option for longer trips from Fife.
Ingliston
Ingliston does not allow normal overnight parking. Therefore, collect the vehicle before the restricted overnight period.
Straiton
Straiton also prohibits normal overnight parking. Consequently, choose another site if you will return the next morning.
Newcraighall and Wallyford
Operator conditions matter at these sites. For that reason, confirm the latest overnight rules before your journey.
Which Park and Ride Is Best for Your Direction?
The easiest choice often depends on where your journey begins. Therefore, start with the side of Edinburgh that you reach first.
Arriving from the West
Ingliston is ideal if you want a tram. Meanwhile, Hermiston can be better if overnight parking matters.
Arriving from the East
Newcraighall and Wallyford are the main eastern choices. In addition, both areas provide rail options.
Arriving from the South
Sheriffhall and Straiton can reduce the need to drive deeper into Edinburgh. Therefore, both deserve consideration from southern approach roads.
Arriving from Fife
Ferrytoll is the obvious starting point for many drivers. Because it sits north of the Forth, you can park before reaching central Edinburgh traffic.
Ingliston
Choose it for a direct tram into the city.
Hermiston
Consider it when overnight parking matters.
Newcraighall
A good choice when a train connection suits your trip.
Sheriffhall
Useful for southern approaches and overnight stays.
Straiton
Useful for a daytime trip from the A701 side.
Ferrytoll
A practical option for drivers coming from Fife.
Using Park and Ride for Edinburgh Events
Large events can make Edinburgh roads much busier than usual. Therefore, Park and Ride can be especially valuable on event days.
Ingliston and the Royal Highland Centre
Ingliston is close to the Royal Highland Centre. In addition, the tram operator promotes the stop for major events there.
During major events, services can be busier. However, extra trams may operate for selected events.
Murrayfield Events
The tram also serves Murrayfield Stadium. Therefore, Ingliston can be convenient for matches and concerts.
Even so, the car park may fill earlier than on a normal day. As a result, arriving early is a sensible plan.
Accessible Parking and Travel
Several Edinburgh Park and Ride sites provide accessible parking bays. However, facilities are not identical at every location.
Ingliston
Accessible parking is available at Ingliston. In addition, the tram stop is located directly beside the Park and Ride.
Newcraighall
Newcraighall also provides accessible parking. Because the rail station is part of the site, it can suit travellers who prefer a train connection.
Ferrytoll
Accessible bays are available at Ferrytoll. However, some parts of the parking layout may be more suitable than others for step-free access.
Therefore, check the current accessibility information before travelling if step-free movement is essential.
Five Checks Before You Use Edinburgh Park and Ride
A quick check can make the return journey much easier. Therefore, use this short routine before driving to the site.
1. Choose the Right Side of Edinburgh
First, select a site that matches your approach road.
2. Check the Parking Rules
Next, confirm the opening hours and overnight policy.
3. Check the Public Transport Timetable
Then, make sure the bus, tram, or train still runs when you plan to return.
4. Check the Fare
After that, confirm the current ticket price for your onward journey.
5. Allow Extra Time
Finally, arrive earlier during festivals, matches, or major events.
What to Check Before Leaving the Car
Before You Park
Before You Board
Edinburgh Park and Ride Map
Use the map below for general orientation. However, it does not replace the current directions for your chosen site.
Plan the Final Approach
Before setting off, open the specific Park and Ride in your navigation app. That way, you can approach from the correct road instead of driving toward central Edinburgh first.
In addition, live navigation may show current road closures or congestion. Therefore, check the route shortly before departure.
Choose the site that matches your approach. Open Google Maps
Official Edinburgh Park and Ride Resources
This guide is designed to make the options easier to compare. However, operator pages should remain your final source for live routes, fares, opening times, and disruptions.
City of Edinburgh Council
The Council lists Edinburgh Park and Ride locations and site information. Therefore, it is a useful starting point when comparing facilities.
Edinburgh Trams
Use Edinburgh Trams for current Ingliston stop information. In addition, check the live timetable before a late return.
Lothian Buses
Several Park and Ride sites connect with Lothian services. Because routes can change, check the current journey planner before setting off.
Ferrytoll
Fife Council manages Ferrytoll. Therefore, use its official page for current parking and facility details.