Edinburgh Waverley Train Station is the primary station that serves the city of Edinburgh, is among the busiest in the country and offers plenty of shops, restaurants and services to visitors. The Station, dating back to the 18th century, is situated in a valley bisecting the city's medieval Old Town and the New Town. From here, you can explore a wide range of local attractions and services in both sections of town.
Those looking to explore the Scottish countryside will likely find themselves in the Waverley Station at some point. Visitors can find convenient lodging within walking distance of the station as well as plenty of shopping, dining and other amenities. The station was recently subject to a massive £130 million restoration project to make visiting the station, the entry point to the city itself, an experience to remember.
Highlights and features of the Edinburgh Waverley Train Station
The architecture of the Station is a wonder to behold, with high, vaulted ceilings and designs dating to the late 19th century, including the vast stained-glass dome that towers over the main concourse. Inside the station, you'll find a coffee shop, a public house and bar and restaurants with seating available so you can grab a meal, a cup of tea or a pint while waiting for your train.
A wide range of shops lines the station, so you can also browse for souvenirs, essentials, gifts and luggage. Within an easy walk adjacent to the station, you can find Waverley Mall and Princes Street, which offer big-box, name-brand stores and smaller boutique shops to browse. Plenty of hotels can also be found within easy walking distance of the station for convenient lodging.
History of Waverley Station
The original proposal for a train station to service Edinburgh began in the mid-1830s with the first station opening in 1842. By 1846, the North Bridge Station was established, and the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway General Station opened in May 1847. By 1868, the prior stations were acquired by North British Railway and demolished. The present station was built on the site of the Scotland Street tunnel.
The glass dome was added in 1897 and remains to this day. Between 2006 and 2014, the station saw sporadic improvements and updates, which have increased the natural light in the structure and added a wide range of facilities, shops and dining establishments to serve riders and visitors. Today, the Edinburgh Waverley Train Station is an ultramodern, updated hub for rail travel, but it still maintains its unique and historic Victorian sensibilities and beauty.
Good to know about the Edinburgh Waverley Train Station
Waverley Train Station offers access to major cities throughout Scotland and England. Cities and regions commonly served by Waverley Train Station include London, Glasgow, York, Inverness, Aberdeen and the Eastern Highlands. A passport photo booth allows you to keep your papers up to date, and WiFi service is available for you to stay connected. The station is concerned with the health and safety of travellers and observes all government standards and requirements to this end.
A car park is available but is not free. Contact the station for information on current rates. There are Blue Badge spaces available for disability access with a lift providing station access. Cycle parking is also available, but park at your own risk. It's also important to contact the railway by which you will be travelling, as many have their specific policies for baggage handling, safety and travel.
Edinburgh Waverley Train Station
Location: Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, UK
Phone: +1 (0)3457 114141
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