Your Car-Free Guide to Murrayfield Stadium

Attending a major event, a thrilling rugby match, or perhaps the highly anticipated Oasis reunion tour at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium? Navigating Edinburgh without a car to reach this iconic venue might seem daunting, but thankfully, the city offers a superb array of public transport options that are both efficient and convenient. Forget the hassle of parking and traffic; with a bit of planning ahead, you can enjoy a seamless journey to one of Scotland's premier sporting and entertainment arenas.

Murrayfield Stadium, officially known as the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, is nestled on the outskirts of Edinburgh city centre, making it surprisingly accessible. While it's just a short drive from Edinburgh Castle, the real beauty lies in the diverse public transport network connecting it to every corner of the capital and beyond. Whether you're a local or travelling from further afield, preparing your journey in advance will ensure you arrive relaxed and ready for the action.

The Public Transport Hub: Buses to Murrayfield

Buses are arguably the most straightforward and cost-effective way to reach Murrayfield Stadium from Edinburgh city centre and surrounding areas. Lothian Buses operates an extensive network throughout Edinburgh, with numerous routes servicing the stadium directly or with a short walk. The journey from central Edinburgh, for example, can be as quick as 10 minutes and typically costs between £1 - £2, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers.

Key Lothian Bus Services to Murrayfield:

• From Edinburgh City Centre: Look for services 1, 3, 12, 22, 25, 26, 30, 31, or 33. Many of these will drop you off on Corstorphine Road, just north of the stadium, or nearby streets like Roseburn Street.
• From Lothian Road to Roseburn Street: A direct bus service takes approximately 7 minutes, including transfers, and departs every 10 minutes, offering a very frequent option.
• Direct Service from Princes Street: Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Princes Street and arriving at Murrayfield Road. Services are frequent, departing every five minutes, and the journey takes approximately 12 minutes.
• From Hermiston Park & Ride: Service 25 offers a direct link.
• From Livingston: Lothian Country services X27/X28 provide connections. Be aware that additional zonal fares may apply on these longer routes.
• From Edinburgh Airport: The Airlink 100 service is a convenient option, stopping near Scottish Gas Murrayfield before continuing to the City Centre.
• From Ingliston Park and Ride: Service X12 can take you to the stadium area.
• From Bathgate and Newbridge: Lothian Country service X18 is available, with additional zonal fares applicable.

Paying for Your Bus Journey:

Lothian Buses offer various payment methods for ease of travel. You can pay by contactless card or device, which is the most convenient option. If paying by cash, it's crucial to note that buses operate an exact fare system, meaning drivers cannot give change. Always check the latest fare details on the Lothian Buses website closer to your travel date, especially for specific event days.

Essential Bus Travel Tips:

On event days, buses will be exceptionally busy. It's highly advisable to allow extra time for your journey. For real-time travel information and journey planning, utilise the Lothian Bus app or check their Twitter feed for immediate updates. Be aware that diversions are common after major events, so factor this into your onward travel plans post-concert or match.

Beyond Lothian Buses, other operators also serve the Murrayfield area:

• First Bus: Services 23, 24, and 38 stop on Corstorphine Road, providing another option from various parts of the city.
• Scottish Citylink: The 900 Service from Glasgow also stops on Corstorphine Road, offering a direct route for those travelling from Scotland's largest city.

Glide to the Gates: Trams to Murrayfield

For a fast, frequent, and incredibly convenient journey directly to the stadium entrance, Edinburgh Trams are an outstanding choice. The Murrayfield Stadium tram stop is located just outside the venue, offering unparalleled access.

Tram Routes and Connections:

Edinburgh Trams provide direct services from several key locations:

• Edinburgh Airport: Ideal for visitors flying in for events.
• Ingliston Park & Ride: An excellent option for drivers who wish to avoid city centre congestion and park their car outside the city.
• Edinburgh Gateway & Edinburgh Park Station: Convenient for those arriving by train from other parts of Scotland.
• Haymarket Station: A major transport hub just a short tram ride away.
• St Andrew Square: Located in the city centre, a brief walk from Waverley Station, providing a direct link from the heart of Edinburgh.

Tram Frequency and Accessibility:

Trams run frequently throughout the day, with extra services often put on during major events to handle increased passenger numbers. All trams are fully low-floor, making them easily accessible for prams, luggage, and wheelchairs. The Murrayfield tram stop itself is fully accessible, equipped with lift facilities to street level, ensuring a smooth experience for all passengers.

Purchasing Tram Tickets:

It is vital to purchase your tram ticket *before* boarding. You can do this using the ticket machines located at every tram stop or via the Transport for Edinburgh App. Day return tickets are available for travel within the City Zone or from the Airport. Have your ticket ready for inspection upon arrival at the Murrayfield Stadium tram stop. For the most up-to-date information on fares and services, checking the official Edinburg Trams website is always recommended.

Train Connections: Haymarket as Your Gateway

While there isn't a direct train station at Murrayfield, Haymarket Railway Station serves as a crucial hub for those arriving by train. Haymarket is well-connected to various parts of Scotland and is approximately a 20-minute walk from Murrayfield Stadium. Alternatively, from Haymarket, you can easily hop on an Edinburgh Tram service directly to the stadium stop.

For those arriving at Edinburgh Waverley Station, in the heart of the city centre, you have a couple of options: either take a short walk to the St Andrew Square tram stop for a direct tram to Murrayfield or embark on a longer walk directly to the stadium.

Embrace the Journey: Walking to Murrayfield

For the active traveller, walking to Murrayfield Stadium can be an enjoyable and scenic option, especially on a pleasant day. From Waverley Station in the middle of the capital, the stadium is approximately a 45-minute walk. While this might sound substantial, it's a manageable distance, and the route offers plenty of amenities along the way.

Suggested Walking Route from City Centre:

From Princes Street, head west onto Shandwick Place (A8), which naturally leads onto Atholl Place, then onto Haymarket Terrace. Continue on the A8 until you reach Roseburn Street, where you'll turn left (at the Roseburn Bar). This route is relatively straightforward and mostly flat.

Walking Tips:

• Hydration: If you plan to walk, especially on a warm day or before a high-energy event, it is advisable to hydrate with water beforehand.
• Amenities: The route is well-served by a wide range of shops, bars, and restaurants, including the popular Murrayfield Bar just past Roseburn Street, which is a favourite among rugby fans and event-goers. This provides opportunities for refreshments or a quick bite along the way.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as 45 minutes can feel longer if your footwear isn't suitable.

Park & Ride: Your Smart Solution

For those travelling from outside Edinburgh by car but wishing to avoid city centre traffic and parking woes around the stadium, Edinburgh's comprehensive Park & Ride system is an excellent solution. These sites allow you to park your vehicle for free and then complete your journey to Murrayfield via public transport.

Using Park & Ride is particularly recommended during major events like the Oasis reunion tour, as it significantly reduces congestion around the stadium and ensures a smoother arrival and departure.

Park & Ride Sites Serving Murrayfield:

Below are several key Park & Ride locations, detailing their services to Murrayfield:

1. Ingliston Park & Ride

• Location: 2 Eastfield Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LS, just off the A8/Edinburgh Airport junction.
• Spaces: 1,085 (including 46 disabled spaces).
• Parking: Free.
• Connections to Murrayfield: This is arguably the best Park & Ride for Murrayfield as it is served by Edinburgh Trams with a direct service straight to Murrayfield Stadium, the City Centre, and Edinburgh Airport. It's also served by Lothian Buses service 35 (operating through the City Centre to Ocean Terminal).
• Notes: Parking is not permitted between 2 am - 4 am.

2. Hermiston Park & Ride

• Location: Riccarton Mains Road, Currie, Midlothian, EH14 5PX, near Heriot-Watt University campus.
• Spaces: 450 (including 22 disabled spaces).
• Parking: Free (maximum vehicle height 1.9m/6ft 3in).
• Connections to Murrayfield: Parking is available 24 hours a day, with overnight parking for up to three nights. Lothian Bus service 25 serves Hermiston and stops at Saughton and Gorgie, which is approximately a ten-minute walk to the south of the stadium.

3. Sheriffhall Park & Ride

• Location: Old Dalkeith Road, Dalkeith, EH22 1FF, accessed by the A1, A7, and A68 main roads.
• Spaces: 561 (including 15 disabled spaces).
• Parking: Free, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Connections to Murrayfield: Lothian Buses service 33 calls at Sheriffhall and stops on Gorgie Road, approximately a ten-minute walk to the south of the stadium.

4. Ferrytoll Park & Ride (From the North)

• Location: A90, Inverkeithing, KY11 1LN, just north of the Forth Road Bridge in Fife.
• Spaces: 1,040 (including 37 disabled spaces).
• Parking: Free, vehicles can be left overnight at no charge.
• Connections to Murrayfield: There is no direct bus route between Ferrytoll Park & Ride and Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium. However, there are regular Stagecoach bus services (X54, X55, X59, X61, X62) into the city centre, where you can connect to services heading to Murrayfield.

5. Wallyford Park & Ride (From the East)

• Location: A199, Haddington Road, Musselburgh, EH21 8JX, off the A1.
• Spaces: 300 (including 13 disabled spaces).
• Parking: Free, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Connections to Murrayfield: Similar to Ferrytoll, there is no direct bus route from Wallyford Park & Ride to Murrayfield. Regular buses run into the city centre for connecting services.

6. Straiton Park & Ride (From the South)

• Location: Straiton Road, Straiton, EH20 9NW, just off the Edinburgh City Bypass.
• Spaces: 600 (including 37 disabled spaces).
• Parking: Free, maximum vehicle height 1.9m (6ft 3in), open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
• Connections to Murrayfield: No direct bus route to Murrayfield. Regular buses into the city centre for connecting services.

Always double-check details closer to your event date, as public transport schedules and Park & Ride availability can sometimes be subject to change, especially during large-scale events.

Quickest Option: Taxis to Murrayfield

If speed and convenience are your top priorities and budget is less of a concern, a taxi is the fastest way to get from Edinburgh city centre to Murrayfield. A taxi journey typically takes around 7 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately £12 - £15. Taxis are readily available throughout Edinburgh, particularly at major transport hubs like Waverley Station and Haymarket Station, and at taxi ranks across the city centre.

Navigating Event Days: Essential Tips

Attending a major event at Murrayfield, such as a sell-out concert or a Six Nations rugby match, requires a bit of extra foresight. Here are some crucial tips to ensure a smooth journey:

• Plan Ahead: This cannot be stressed enough. Check bus, tram, and train schedules in advance, especially for evening events.
• Allow Extra Time: Public transport will be busy. Factor in potential delays due to crowds, especially when travelling close to kick-off or concert start times.
• Check Real-Time Information: Utilise apps like the Lothian Buses app, Edinburgh Trams app, or Twitter feeds for live updates on services and any diversions.
• Consider Your Return Journey: Be aware that after events, there are normally diversions in place for buses and trams. Plan your onwards travel post-concert or match carefully.
• Cash vs. Contactless: Have both options available for bus fares, remembering the exact fare rule for cash.
• Hydrate: If you plan on walking, even a short distance from a bus or tram stop, ensure you stay hydrated, particularly on warm days.

Comparative Travel Options to Murrayfield Stadium

To help you decide the best way to travel, here’s a quick comparison of the main car-free options:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get from Edinburgh to Murrayfield Stadium by bus?

The bus journey from Edinburgh city centre to Murrayfield Stadium can take as little as 7 minutes from Lothian Road to Roseburn Street, or around 10-12 minutes from Princes Street, depending on the specific service and traffic conditions.

Is there a direct bus between Edinburgh city centre and Murrayfield Stadium?

Yes, there are multiple direct bus services from various points in Edinburgh city centre, including Princes Street, to Murrayfield Stadium or very close by. Services depart frequently, often every 5-10 minutes.

What's the fastest way to get to Murrayfield without a car?

The fastest way to get to Murrayfield Stadium without a car is by taxi, which takes approximately 7 minutes. However, the tram is also very fast and direct, taking around 10-15 minutes from central locations or Edinburgh Airport, directly to the stadium stop.

Can I walk to Murrayfield Stadium from Waverley Station?

Yes, you can walk from Waverley Station to Murrayfield Stadium. The walk is approximately 45 minutes and is a relatively straightforward route through the city. It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.

Are the trams to Murrayfield Stadium accessible?

Yes, Edinburgh Trams are fully accessible. They feature low-floor designs with dedicated spaces for wheelchairs. The Murrayfield tram stop itself is also fully accessible, equipped with lift facilities to street level.

With these comprehensive options, getting to Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium without a car is not only feasible but often the most stress-free way to arrive. By choosing the right mode of transport for your needs and planning your journey, you can focus on enjoying your event rather than worrying about logistics.

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