Planning your route to Holyrood Palace is fairly straightforward once you know the best transport options available. This guide covers everything from trains and buses to parking, walking routes, and accessibility, helping you figure out the easiest, quickest, or most scenic way to reach the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK
Holyrood Palace stands at the very end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, right beside Holyrood Park and the Scottish Parliament. The palace sits in one of the city’s most historic areas, surrounded by landmarks, museums, and panoramic viewpoints like Calton Hill.
Closest landmark: Dynamic Earth, around 0.8 km away
Lothian Buses service the Holyrood area frequently. Bus 26 is one of the easiest options, passing through Princes Street and Canongate before stopping near the palace entrance. Several other local routes also stop close to Holyrood Park and the Scottish Parliament.
Take the Edinburgh Tram to St. Andrew Square, then continue toward the Royal Mile on foot. The route passes Leith Street and Canongate, making it a pleasant walk through some of Edinburgh’s busiest historic streets.
Edinburgh Waverley is the nearest major railway station to Holyrood Palace and connects easily with cities across Scotland and the UK. From the station, walk down the Royal Mile through Canongate to reach the palace in about 15 minutes.
Driving via the A702 is usually the fastest option from central Edinburgh. The route passes several major landmarks, including the Scottish Parliament and Calton Hill, before reaching the palace area near Holyrood Park.
On-site parking: Limited parking nearby, but no large visitor car park directly at the palace
Nearby parking lots:
Most nearby parking facilities include accessible parking bays, though spaces can fill quickly during weekends and summer afternoons.
Walking to Holyrood Palace along the Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s most scenic city walks. The route passes historic landmarks like St Giles’ Cathedral, Canongate Kirk, and the Scottish Parliament, with plenty of cafés, narrow closes, and street performers along the way before reaching the palace beneath Arthur’s Seat.
| Mode of transport | Travel time from Edinburgh Waverley | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Train + walk | 15 mins | $$ | Fast regional travel |
Bus | 15 mins | $ | Budget-friendly sightseeing |
Tram + walk | 23–30 mins | $ | Convenient city travel |
Car/taxi | 10–20 mins | $$–$$$ | Flexibility and comfort |
Walking | 20 mins | Free | Exploring Edinburgh on foot |
Holyrood Palace is located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile at Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, beside Holyrood Park and the Scottish Parliament.
The easiest route is usually from Edinburgh Waverley Station. From there, it’s a straightforward 15-minute walk down the Royal Mile to the palace entrance.
Edinburgh Waverley Station is the nearest major railway station and is within walking distance of the palace.
Yes, several Lothian Bus routes stop close to the palace. Bus 26 is one of the most commonly used routes for visitors heading toward Holyrood.
There’s limited parking directly nearby, but several public parking facilities operate within walking distance, including Broad Pavement and Abbeyhill car parks.
For most visitors arriving into Edinburgh, the train to Edinburgh Waverley followed by a short walk is typically the quickest and simplest option.
Yes, much of the palace complex and surrounding approach routes are accessible. Public buses and Edinburgh Waverley Station also provide accessible facilities for visitors with mobility needs.