Travelling around Scotland is generally safe as long as you do so with a sensible approach. You can find additional information and tips about using public transport safely in the Britsih Council, ‘Creating Confidence' booklet.

Buses

The main bus operater in Edinburgh is Lothian Buses who provide a large number of services during the day and also at night. Lothian night buses run from midnight to 4.30 am and include the service N25 which serves the Heriot Watt Edinburgh campus. They offer single journey tickets as well as unlimited journey, Student Ridacards.

In the Scottish Borders buses are operated by First Bus and in particularly the 95/X95 service which operates in and around Galashiels and connects to Edinburgh City Centre.

Taxis

In scotland there are private hire and public (normally black-cab) taxi companies. All taxis need to be registered (with either Edinburgh City Council or Scottish Borders Council in Galashiels). They must clearly display their licence details in their vehicle and the driver must wear an ID badge. You can pre-book taxis and can also hail one from the street if it is showing an orange 'taxi' light at the top. We recommend booking a taxi in advance where possible, and would avoid wallking alone to hail one.

Trains

Trains around Scotland are generally safe and reliable and are operated by Scotrail. The Borders Railway connects Galashiels with Edinburgh and may be of interest if you are studying at the Scottish Borders Campus.

Shuttle bus

Heriot Watt University operates a twice daily shuttle bus which travels between our Edinburgh and Scottish Borders Campus. Please see the following link for the current timetable.

Practical information