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Late buses after Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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.

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Posted by
10186 posts

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.

Posted by
2737 posts

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.

Posted by
2 posts

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.

Posted by
2737 posts

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.

Posted by
1500 posts

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.