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Connecting Research Culture Conference 2026
Pink Poppy Flowers

John McIntyre Conference Centre

Getting to Edinburgh

We look forward to welcoming you to the Connecting Research Culture Conference 2026 in Edinburgh. 

This page contains information to help you plan your journey to the conference. We have organised the information by travel type to make it easier to find what you need. 

If you would like any additional information or support before travelling, please contact the conference team. 

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland's busiest airport and offers flights to and from more than 150 destinations worldwide. 

Key information 

  • Approximately 35 minutes by car from the venue. 

  • Direct flights are available from many UK, European and international destinations. 

  • Car hire services are available at the airport. 

  • Taxis are available directly outside the terminal. 

 

Getting from the airport 

  • Tram: Regular services connect the airport with Edinburgh city centre, Haymarket Station and Edinburgh Waverley Station. 

  • Bus: Frequent airport bus services (Bus 100) operate throughout the day. 

  • Taxi or private hire: Available from the airport terminal. 

  • Car: The venue is approximately a 35-minute drive away, depending on traffic. 

Please allow extra time during busy travel periods, particularly when travelling through airport security. 

Train

Edinburgh is well connected to destinations across the UK by rail. 

The city has two main railway stations: 

Edinburgh Waverley 

  • Located in the city centre. 

  • Edinburgh's main railway station. 

  • Connected to local buses, trams and taxi services. 

Haymarket Station 

  • Located west of the city centre. 

  • Connected to the tram network. 

  • Served by local and long-distance rail services. 

Typical direct journey times 

Departure Station                                               Journey Time 

Glasgow                                                                  46 minutes 

Manchester                                                            3 hours 7 minutes 

Birmingham                                                          4 hours 7 minutes 

London King's Cross                                          4 hours 23 minutes 

 

Additional services are available from many other UK cities. 

Helpful tip: Advance booking may offer lower fares and reserved seating.

Driving

Edinburgh can be reached via the M8, M9 and A1 road networks. 

Parking at the venue 

  • Standard parking is available in the Car Park 4 visitors' car park. 

  • A drop-off point is available near the entrance. 

  • Blue Badge parking bays are available. 

  • Additional on-street parking may be available nearby. 

Before you travel 

  • Traffic can be busy during peak commuting times. 

  • Major events in Edinburgh may increase journey times. 

  • Consider allowing extra travel time where possible. 

  • If using satellite navigation, enter the venue postcode before setting off. 

Local Transport

Edinburgh has an extensive public transport network. 

Options include 

  • Tram services 

  • Local buses 

  • Taxis 

  • Private hire vehicles 

These services connect the airport, railway stations, city centre and many hotels. 

Travel Support

If you would benefit from information in an alternative format, additional travel guidance, or support planning your journey, please contact the conference team before travelling. 

We are committed to helping all attendees have a positive and accessible conference experience. 

Getting Around Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a range of public transport options, including trams, buses and taxis. The information below is designed to help you plan your journey around the city and to the conference venue. 

Edinburgh Trams

Edinburgh Trams operate between Newhaven and Edinburgh Airport, with services running approximately every 7 minutes throughout the day. 

Key information 

  • The nearest tram stop to the venue is St Andrew Square. 

  • St Andrew Square is approximately a 35-minute walk from the venue. 

  • The tram journey between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre takes approximately 30 minutes. 

  • Trams are step-free and have dedicated spaces for wheelchair users and mobility aids. 

If you are travelling from the airport, you may wish to combine your tram journey with a short taxi ride or local bus service to reach the venue. 

Lothian Buses

Lothian Buses operate an extensive network across Edinburgh and are often the easiest way to travel around the city without a car. 

Key information 

  • Frequent services run throughout the city. 

  • Buses connect the city centre, railway stations, hotels and the conference venue area. 

  • Most buses are accessible and have designated priority seating. 

  • Journey planning information is available on the Lothian Buses website and mobile app. 

If you are unfamiliar with Edinburgh, planning your route in advance may help make your journey easier. 

Taxi and Private Hire

Taxis and private hire vehicles are widely available throughout Edinburgh and can be a convenient option if you would prefer to avoid changing between different forms of transport or walking longer distances. 

Local taxi services 

  • City Cabs: 0131 228 1211 

  • Central Taxis: 0131 229 2468 

  • Uber is also available throughout Edinburgh. 

Accessibility 

Edinburgh's black taxi services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles. 

If you require an accessible vehicle or have specific travel requirements, we recommend booking in advance where possible. 

Helpful tip

During busy periods, such as festivals, large events and peak travel times, journey times and waiting times may be longer than usual. 

If travelling to or from Edinburgh Airport, booking a taxi in advance may help make your journey easier. 

 

If you prefer to plan ahead, consider saving the venue address, hotel address and return journey details on your phone before travelling. This can reduce the amount of information you need to manage while moving around the city. 

Walking

Many parts of Edinburgh are within walking distance of each other, and walking can be a good way to explore the city. 

Please be aware 

  • Edinburgh is a historic city with many hills. 

  • Some streets are steep. 

  • Some walking routes include steps or uneven surfaces. 

  • Weather conditions can change quickly, so comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. 

If you have mobility, fatigue, balance or sensory considerations, you may wish to use public transport or a taxi for some journeys. 

Conference Venue

John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) 

The conference will take place at the John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC), located within the University of Edinburgh campus at the foot of Arthur's Seat. 

The venue offers flexible conference facilities and a range of spaces for keynote presentations, workshops and parallel sessions.

Accessibility Information

The venue recognises that accessibility needs vary from person to person. Providing clear and accurate information helps attendees plan ahead and feel more confident about attending. 

To support this, accessibility information for the venue has been independently assessed by AccessAble's trained surveyors, who visit venues in person to provide detailed access guides. 

Attendees are encouraged to review the AccessAble guide before travelling if they would like information about: 

  • Step-free access 

  • Entrances and routes through the building 

  • Accessible toilets 

  • Lifts 

  • Parking and drop-off points 

  • Seating and circulation spaces 

If you have any questions about accessibility or would like to discuss your requirements before the conference, please contact the conference team. We will do our best to support you and help you plan your visit.

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