I have a bunch of family going to the Tattoo late (930) show on Saturday August 9. I am guessing the show will be over at 1130, with 20 minutes exit time. I am having a hard time determining which buses will be running and which one(s) to take to Ocean Terminal. One person will be moving slowly so I am trying to be sure about where to pickup the bus. Any insight and/or suggestions appreciated, thanks.
I think you may be disappointed, in the normal Saturday timetable the last tram and buses are all gone before eh time you estimate that you will be out. Even worse, there is an Oasis concert nearby that evening, for which there is an announcement of some extra buses whilst no word on that subject for the Tattoo. Are you sure about that end time?
I've just been looking at the Lothian buses website journey planner. They say to walk (downhill) for 14 minutes to the Scott Monument on Princes Street from where night bus N16 runs every 30 minutes all night to the Ocean Terminal, from 0025 onwards.
The bus destination is a residential suburb called Silverknowes.
You have to put in a time after 0010 on the Sunday morning, or look at the timetables page.
This is a bit hard to find, not very intuitive. You sort of need to know night buses run then second guess the system. And all the origin and destination are points no tourist would normally visit. In this case Torphins and Silverknowes.
I understand that may not be suitable for you but that is the option I can see. I suppose a taxi is your other option if the walk is too far.
Here’s the bus website:
You can get an app for your phones too.
Edinburgh has always had night buses, so I’m hoping you’ll find the one you need.
well done finding that night bus, I can't believe they have a journey planner that won't go over midnight!
I think I've found an almost answer to the original question. The final route 35 out to the Ocean Terminal departs from the National Museum of Scotland stop in Chambers Street which is close to the castle exit at 23:52 which is is touch and go based on OP estimates. Rather annoyingly there are two N35s which will bring you back to the castle after midnight but none go outwards.
And I'm concerned about what time the wave of walkers back from the Oasis concert will arrive in Princes Street..
the show lasts approx 90 minutes, so that should give you more leeway.if you walk down the Mound from the castle you may be able to get one of the last trams, hopefully they will be running a little later,not sure what buses run from Princes Street to Ocean terminal but there will be a couple.
As to the Lothian buses app,it was changed last year and as a local resident I just can't get my head around the new app. There are electronic displays at most bus stops that will give you info on what buses are running and how long you will have to wait.
Thanks to all, some replies confirm my bewilderment. I will endeavor to move my familial herd to catch the last 35 at the Museum of Children or the National Museum of Scotland stop in Chambers Street. Otherwise we will try to take the N16 from Scott Monument on Princes Street.
from decades of experience of Edinburgh at that time of year the buses will be running late due to the amount of traffic both motor and pedestrian .I always add at least 20 minutes to any bus journey i take.
With a family situation and a member who will move slowly, maybe a taxi or Uber will be your best bet?? Granted, like all the modes of transport, it will be busy and you may have to wait a bit before a taxi or Uber arrives. But that’s what I would do for a family.
