18 Accessible Edinburgh: A Festival Guide Resources 19
be found on the above webpage. If you need to remain in your
wheelchair for your trip, do NOT purchase a ticket online, but
instead call 0141-332 9644 to ensure there is a wheelchair space
for you. Note that weight restrictions mean not all wheelchair
users can use the Megabus.National Rail Enquiry Service
08457 48 49 50; http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destina-
tions/disabled_passengers.aspxFor fare and timetable enquires, phone the National Rail Enquiry
Service or use the journey planner on the website. Full details
of all accommodations for passengers with disabilities can be
found on the above webpage, including links to different regions
and stations. Passengers with mobility restrictions who require
assistance are advised to book 24 hours in advance.ScotRail
0800 912 2901; 18001 0800 912 2901 (Assisted Travel Text-
phone for people who are hard of hearing); https://www.scotrail.
co.uk/plan-your-journey/accessible-travelUse the above numbers to book assistance at least four hours in
advance. Full details of all accommodations for passengers with
disabilities can be found via links on the above webpage. Reviews
of Edinburgh’s central stations can be found below.Scottish Citylink
0141-332 9644; http://www.citylink.co.uk/assistedtravel.phpThere are currently only three services that are fully accessible:
» M9 – Aberdeen to Glasgow/Edinburgh via Dundee
» M 90 – Inverness to Edinburgh/Glasgow via Perth
» 900 – Glasgow to Edinburgh
If you need to stay in your wheelchair for the journey, do NOT
purchase your ticket on the website; instead call the above num-
ber no less than 36 hours before you travel and check wheelchair
weight restrictions.Getting Around
Edinburgh is not overwhelmingly large, which makes finding your
way around a bit easier. It’s very much a city for walking, but be
aware there are lots of steep hills and stairs.Getting to Edinburgh
Airport
By all accounts, this is a very accessible airport, where much
thought has been put into making life easier for passengers with
disabilities.
The buses drop off right outside the terminal and taxis have a
specific drop-off area which isn’t too far from the entrance. The
car park has dedicated Blue Badge parking spaces at the closest
point to the airport. On approaching the terminal from the walk-
way there is a call point to summon assistance if required. There
are automatic doors and lifts up to the terminals. Once inside
a large and easy-to-read sign indicates the availability of assis-
tance for disabled visitors and directs people to the dedicated
assistance area for people who have booked assistance. Signage
is clear and easy to read, even from wheelchair height.
Accessible toilets are spacious, well appointed and signpost-
ed (including in Braille), and clean, but more than one reviewer
mentioned the heaviness of the doors.
Staff are universally praised for their friendliness and helpful-
ness; one reviewer remarked that although staff were meant to
take them only to the luggage carousel, they were escorted right
to the taxi rank, while another reported that although assistance
had not been booked, it was still readily available. Cafe staff are
also reportedly happy to take purchases to the table.
Airlink
http://www.flybybus.com; adult/child £4.50/
Airlink is great way to travel between the city centre (Waverley
Bridge) and the airport, with departures in each direction every
10 minutes for most of the day. All the buses are equipped with
ramps, a wheelchair space and priority seating for elderly and
disabled passengers. Audio announcements tell you where you
are and the next approaching stop. Scottish National Concession
cards are accepted. They even have on-board wi-fi!
Megabus
0141-352 4444; http://uk.megabus.com/passengers-with-disa-
bilities.aspx
It’s worth checking Megabus for cheap intercity bus fares from
Edinburgh to Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth.
There are various buses to Edinburgh from London and the
rest of the UK. Information for passengers with disabilities can