City & Cove · Edinburgh & East Lothian

Getting around: East Lothian to Edinburgh

Enjoy a coastal base and a day in the capital without making every outing a drive. Start with the location of your accommodation, then compare the whole journey: getting to the stop or station, the main trip and the last leg to your destination.

The 26 bus from Seton Sands

Lothian’s service 26 links Seton Sands with Edinburgh and continues to Clerwood. It is a useful option for guests planning a city day from the Seton Sands area. Check the destination display when returning: use the journey planner for a service that reaches your required stop. Service 26 timetable ↗. Allow extra time in city traffic, especially around major events. We do not quote a fixed journey time because the stop, traffic and service can change.

Longniddry station

Longniddry is an option to compare when staying around Seton Sands or the surrounding coast. ScotRail lists direct trains to Edinburgh Waverley, with an average train journey of about 21 minutes. This is the rail leg only: add your transfer to the station and onward travel in Edinburgh. Longniddry to Edinburgh trains ↗.

Prestonpans station

Prestonpans is another local rail option for the western part of East Lothian. Compare it with Longniddry using your exact property address and travel date. Station access, luggage and how you will get back to your accommodation all matter as much as the train journey. Prestonpans station facilities ↗.

Dunbar station for Thurston Manor stays

For a stay at Thurston Manor, compare a transfer to Dunbar station and an onward train to Edinburgh. The park is outside the town: plan the station transfer separately rather than expecting a train from the park. Use ScotRail journey planner ↗ to check the services for your date and Dunbar station information ↗ for facilities.

Coming back after a show or evening out

Check the last suitable train or bus before booking late tickets. Lothian also lists an N26 night bus between Haymarket and Seton Sands; it has its own timetable and ticket arrangements. Check N26 night services ↗. Do not assume daytime times or fares apply overnight. Arrange a taxi in advance if the public transport options do not fit your plans.

A simple checklist before you leave

Check live service updates, the return departure, your boarding stop and any connections. Confirm parking availability if driving to a station, and review step-free access or assistance arrangements if needed. Christmas, New Year, engineering work and event diversions can affect services. Timetables and fares are set by the operators; use their live information on the day.

Travel and event information checked 2 November 2026. Follow the official links for current times, dates, access and availability.