Waiting in Edinburgh overnight

[gray1404]

Is Edinburgh a safe enough place to wait overnight mid week? I am arriving on the last TEP at about 23:40 and meeting a friend at 05:00 how it hardly seems worth getting a hotel. Would I encounter an problems waiting in the station, I am assuming its 24 hours, and is it safe. Is there a suitable place I could wait?

 

[Highlandspring]

No, Waverley station closes overnight from 0045 to 0400 and this is strictly enforced.

 

[AlistairCowell]

Edinburgh Waverley station is closed from 00:45 to 04:00, so you won't be able to wait there.

 

[Robertj21a]

There's usually some space in the nearby park on Princes Street, the homeless and drunks shouldn't give you too much grief.

 

[Statto]

To pass the the time, you could get the bus to Edinburgh Airport, & wait there for a couple of hours then get back to the City just as the station reopens.

 

[TheAlbanach_]

Genting Casino on York Place should be open till 6am, don't have to gamble just drink and eat!

 

[InOban]

I remember this question before. Isn't there a 24hr MacD's somewhere near?
Edinburgh is well-supplied with night buses. I'm sure you could sit on one all night.

 

[Bletchleyite]

There's usually some space in the nearby park on Princes Street, the homeless and drunks shouldn't give you too much grief.

The park closes overnight (from dusk to dawn).

I remember this question before. Isn't there a 24hr MacD's somewhere near?
Edinburgh is well-supplied with night buses. I'm sure you could sit on one all night.

There is but I believe it switched to takeaway only overnight due to social issues.

It's not a great place to wait overnight at all really. The other poster's suggestion of the casino may be the best one if you can't get a hotel or hostel (which as it's the festival could be difficult).

Another possible option - take the Airlink bus to the airport and hang around there? People don't really bat an eyelid at people hanging around in airports overnight.

 

[Mag_seven]

I remember this question before.

Isn't there another thread asking exactly the same question somewhere?

EDIT: and here it is-

https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/possible-to-sleep-at-waverley-overnight.160134/

 

[DDB]

The festival is on so you could catch a couple of late night shows for at least the first part of your wait.

DDB

 

[gray1404]

It just seems pointless getting a hotel you see for 5 or so hours. I am a very light sleeper anyway. In the day time 5 hours is nothing but of a night that can drag.

 

[Bletchleyite]

It just seems pointless getting a hotel you see for 5 or so hours. I am a very light sleeper anyway. In the day time 5 hours is nothing but of a night that can drag.

My best in that regard was Oswestry Travelodge on the way to North Wales which I stayed at for approximately 3.5 hours - arrived about 0230, left again about 0600. Still, the sleep was definitely valuable over none at all or a fitful attempt in the car.

When I showed up they said they thought I wasn't bothering, when I checked out I just got a laugh.

 

[gazthomas]

Have you considered getting a hostel bed?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Have you considered getting a hostel bed?

Depends when the OP is going to be there. If it's the next few weeks during the Fringe that is likely to be at best difficult!

 

[Statto]

The park closes overnight (from dusk to dawn).



There is but I believe it switched to takeaway only overnight due to social issues.

It's not a great place to wait overnight at all really. The other poster's suggestion of the casino may be the best one if you can't get a hotel or hostel (which as it's the festival could be difficult).

Another possible option - take the Airlink bus to the airport and hang around there? People don't really bat an eyelid at people hanging around in airports overnight.

I did mention going to the Airport in my post, people do wait overnight at the Airports for early morning flights, especially if check-in is around 4am, but you don't have to be catching a flight, that would be the best option.

Another idea could be, catch the Scottish Citylink coach N900 to Glasgow & back, there's an mostly hourly overnight service, one departure at 01.00 from Edinburgh arrives in Glasgow 02.21, then catch the 3am from Glasgow back to Edinburgh arrives in Edinburgh 04.10, fare is £12 return.

 

[gray1404]

Thanks for your suggestions guys. Yes it will be next week so I doubt I would be able to find a cheap hostel to be honest which is a shame. It could work out really expensive.

 

[Statto]

Just too add, Lothian Buses Airlink 100 which is £7.50 return, there's also Lothian Buses Network Dayticket at £9 valid on All Lothian, Lothian Country and East Coast Buses, Airlink, Skylink and Edinburgh Trams. It also covers Nightbus and East Coast Buses’ NightHawk services until 04.30 the following morning.

Airlink 100 is every 15 minutes through the night.

Remember Lothian Buses are exact fare only, if you're paying on the bus.

 

[gray1404]

Many thanks for the suggestion but, to be honest, I won't bother with the bus option.

 

[Blinkbonny]

Thanks for your suggestions guys. Yes it will be next week so I doubt I would be able to find a cheap hostel to be honest which is a shame. It could work out really expensive.

Especially if you go to the Casino!

 

[route101]

Is there a reason you have to meet your Friend at 5am

The airport will be open , starbucks should be open

 

[mark-h]

it will be next week

During the festivals there are some venues with 5AM closing times (normal closing + 2 hours) but probably not places you would be able to spend a relaxing night. If you have luggage then that makes it more difficult.

The city centre should be relatively safe to walk around in- the earlier part of the night will be fairly busy.

[year round] There will be some central takeaways (some with eat in facilities) open until 2 or 3 AM. After that the nearest 24H shop (with a Costa Express and sometimes has hot food) is the Scotmid CO-OP on Nicolson Street EH8 9BY [closed August 2018]

What state do you need to be in when you meet your friend? Where do you meet them?