Edinburgh Castle

As of early 2026, standard online adult tickets are priced at £21.50, while walk-up tickets cost £24.00. For children aged 7 to 15, online prices are £13.00. The castle is open daily from 9:30 am, with closing times at 6:00 pm in the summer and 5:00 pm in the winter. Please note that from January 12 until Easter 2026, the Crown Room will be closed for refurbishment, though the Honours of Scotland will soon return to a new display. It is highly recommended to book a time slot in advance to guarantee entry.

A major highlight is the firing of the One o'Clock Gun, which takes place every day except Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. The castle is a large site with steep, cobbled paths that can be slippery when wet, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is vital. While a mobility vehicle is available to transport visitors to the highest point at Crown Square, many areas still involve steps. If you are a member of Historic Scotland, entry is free, but you must still book your timed slot online before arriving at the esplanade.

The castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile and is hard to miss. From Edinburgh Waverley Station, it is a 10 to 15-minute walk uphill. If you prefer to avoid the steep climb, several local buses including routes 2, 23, and 27 stop nearby at George IV Bridge. The Airlink 100 bus from the airport also drops passengers at nearby Princes Street. There is no public parking on-site, so visitors arriving by car should use the Castle Terrace NCP car park, which is the closest facility available.