This story is accurate and up to date as of 10:00 hrs on Tuesday 21 July.
Due to an ongoing incident and road closure by authorities on Princes Street, tram services are currently unable to serve Princes Street – Newhaven and are continuing to operate a part route service between Edinburgh Airport – West End.
Tram stops between Princes Street – Newhaven will be closed until further notice as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
The safety of our customers and colleagues is of the upmost importance. Whilst our operational team assess the tramline, full service will not resume until it is safe for us to do so.
Ticket acceptance is currently in place with ScotRail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Waverley only and on Lothian Buses services 16 and 25, and also Service 17 (airport return tickets from Ocean Terminal or Newhaven only).
Ticket acceptance is also in place for Airlink 100 customers with return tickets for travel between West End/Haymarket and Edinburgh Airport.
Follow the Edinburgh Trams X page for regular updates, download the Bus & Tram App or check the Edinburgh Trams website for service updates and journey planning before travelling.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to your journey. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep customers updated.
FAQs
Why are buses and trams not serving Princes Street?
Princes Street is partially closed following a building fire which took place in the early hours of Thursday 9 July.
Which bus services are affected?
All affected services, including diversion information, can be found on Lothian's Service Updates page or on the Bus & Tram app.
Why are trams only running between Edinburgh Airport and the West End?
Agencies responsible for the site at Princes Street have advised that it is not currently safe to move a tram through the closed area in any capacity, which is why trams continue to run between Edinburgh Airport and West End.
We will continue to monitor the situation with the relevant authorities and changes in service will be implemented with their guidance. We will keep customers updated with any changes.
Will my journey take longer?
Yes, it’s likely journeys will take longer. Diversions and congestion in the city centre are having a knock-on effect across our network. We advise customers to allow extra time to complete their journey, particularly during peak periods.
Can I still travel into the city centre?
Yes. Services continue to operate into the city centre but please check our Service Updates or Bus & Tram app before travelling and allow extra time for your journey.
How long will Princes Street be closed for?
We do not know at this time - this is a decision that will be taken by the relevant authorities. When it is deemed safe for buses and trams, we will communicate this to our customers on our websites, mobile app and social media channels so please continue to check there for further information.
Why is this disruption affecting buses across other parts of the network?
Although the road closure is confined to Princes Street, the resulting congestion unfortunately is having a much wider impact across our network. While we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption, some delays are unavoidable until the closure is lifted and traffic conditions return to normal.
I have tram tickets – will they be accepted on buses while trams are only operating part-route?
Yes, tickets are being accepted between the West End and Newhaven on Lothian Services 16 and 25, and also Service 17 (airport return tickets from Ocean Terminal or Newhaven only).
I’m travelling to/from Edinburgh Airport – what public transport options are available?
Edinburgh Trams are currently operating between Edinburgh Airport and the West End. Airlink 100 is operating between Waverley Bridge in the city centre to the airport via Queen Street (on diversion). Details can be found on our website.
Tram ticket acceptance is also in place on Lothian's Service 17 from Ocean Terminal to Edinburgh Airport (airport return tickets from Ocean Terminal or Newhaven only).
Where can I find live updates?
Live updates can be found in the following places:
- Service Updates
- Bus & Tram App
- Lothian X / Edinburgh Trams X
- 0131 555 6363 (24-hour phoneline)
- City of Edinburgh Council
