Waverley Steps
Historic steps connecting Princes Street to Scotland's busiest station, now fully accessible with modern amenities and panoramic city views.
The Waverley Steps connect Edinburgh's Princes Street to Waverley Station, one of Scotland's busiest railway hubs. Named after Sir Walter Scott's iconic novel, these historic steps have been dramatically transformed with modern accessibility features including glass-covered walkways, escalators, and lifts. Serving approximately 14,000 passengers daily, the steps offer a unique blend of Victorian heritage and contemporary design, providing step-free access to the station for the first time in over 140 years.
A brief summary to Waverley Steps
- Edinburgh, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Princes Mall rooftop area during clear weather to enjoy unobstructed views of Edinburgh's skyline and iconic landmarks including the Castle and surrounding hills.
- Use the lifts during peak hours if you prefer to avoid crowds on the escalators and stairs, as the 16-person capacity allows for more spacious passage.
- Allow extra time if exploring the nearby historic staircases such as Jacob's Ladder and the Scotsman Steps, which offer different perspectives on Edinburgh's topography and literary heritage.
- The glass canopy provides weather protection, but Edinburgh's weather can change rapidly—bring a light jacket even in summer months.
- Read the literary quotations displayed throughout the station to deepen your appreciation of Sir Walter Scott's influence on Scottish culture and Edinburgh's identity.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Walking from Princes Street
The Waverley Steps are directly accessible from Princes Street in Edinburgh's city center. From the main shopping area, walk toward the eastern end of Princes Street where you'll see clear signage for Waverley Station. The steps are immediately adjacent, with the modern glass-covered entrance featuring escalators and lifts. Walking time from the center of Princes Street is approximately 5–10 minutes depending on starting point. This is the most direct pedestrian route with no terrain challenges.
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Bus from Edinburgh City Center
Multiple bus routes serve the Waverley Station area. Services 3, 7, 8, 14, 29, 30, 33, and 37 stop at or near Princes Street with direct access to Waverley Steps. Journey time from the city center is typically 5–15 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. Buses run frequently throughout the day with reduced service in early morning and late evening. Single fares cost approximately £1.80–£2.00 GBP, with day passes available for around £4.50 GBP.
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Taxi or ride-share from Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport is approximately 13 kilometers west of Waverley Steps. Taxi journey time is typically 25–40 minutes depending on traffic conditions, with fares ranging from £25–£35 GBP. Ride-share services such as Uber operate in Edinburgh with similar journey times and comparable pricing. Both options provide direct drop-off at Princes Street near the steps entrance.
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Train to Waverley Station
If arriving by train from elsewhere in Scotland or the UK, you'll arrive directly at Waverley Station. The Waverley Steps provide the primary pedestrian exit from the station to Princes Street. The modern lift and escalator access makes this route accessible for all passengers. Journey times from Glasgow Central are approximately 50 minutes, from Stirling approximately 1 hour, and from London King's Cross approximately 7 hours.
Waverley Steps location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Waverley Steps
A Literary Gateway to Scotland's Capital
The Waverley Steps stand as one of Edinburgh's most significant pedestrian thoroughfares, serving as the primary connection between Princes Street and Waverley Station. Named after Sir Walter Scott's groundbreaking 1814 novel "Waverley," these steps embody the literary heritage that defines Edinburgh as a UNESCO World City of Literature. Scott's novel fundamentally transformed Scotland's global image, reviving interest in Scottish culture, language, and traditions that had nearly disappeared under British rule. The station itself, along with the nearby Waverley Bridge, perpetuates this literary legacy, with station walls and floors adorned with quotations from the author. This naming choice reflects Scotland's profound gratitude to Scott for essentially placing the nation on the world's cultural map.Engineering Marvel Meets Historical Preservation
For 140 years, the Waverley Steps presented a significant accessibility challenge, with no step-free access available to passengers. This changed dramatically with the completion of the Waverley Steps Improvement Project in August 2012. The £16 million transformation, completed over an intensive 18-month period, introduced two 16-person lifts that connect Princes Street to the station via the Princes Mall rooftop, alongside new escalators and covered stairways. The project was technically demanding, requiring contractors to balance modern accessibility standards with sensitivity to Edinburgh's historic character. The result is a weather-proof glass canopy that shelters the entire approach, creating a bright, stylish entrance that respects the location's historical significance while meeting contemporary needs.Daily Passage of Thousands
Approximately 14,000 passengers traverse the Waverley Steps each day, making it one of Edinburgh's busiest pedestrian routes. The steps form a vital artery connecting the city's commercial heart on Princes Street to Scotland's busiest railway station. This constant flow of travelers—commuters, tourists, and business visitors—creates a dynamic atmosphere where Edinburgh's past and present converge. The covered access and modern facilities ensure that passengers of all abilities can navigate this crucial junction, from families with pushchairs to elderly travelers and those with mobility challenges.Architectural Integration and Urban Context
The Waverley Steps exist within a complex urban landscape where multiple historic staircases define Edinburgh's character. Nearby, Jacob's Ladder ascends from the valley behind the station toward Calton Hill, while the Scotsman Steps spiral upward connecting North Bridge to Market Street. These various staircases collectively tell the story of Edinburgh's topography and urban development, with the Waverley Steps representing the most heavily trafficked and recently modernized example. The steps' integration with Waverley Station—itself undergoing a broader £130 million roof project—positions them as part of a comprehensive modernization effort aimed at delivering a 21st-century rail experience while preserving the city's architectural heritage.Panoramic Vistas and Sensory Experience
One of the most celebrated features of the improved Waverley Steps is the spectacular view of Edinburgh's world-famous skyline accessible from the Princes Mall rooftop area. The renovated rooftop provides an elevated vantage point where travelers can pause and appreciate the city's iconic landmarks before descending into the station. The glass canopy design allows natural light to flood the passage while protecting users from Edinburgh's frequently inclement weather. The combination of modern materials, improved lighting, and architectural openness creates a surprisingly pleasant passage through what was historically a somewhat gloomy and utilitarian thoroughfare.Accessibility and Modern Convenience
The transformation of the Waverley Steps represents a significant milestone in Edinburgh's commitment to inclusive public infrastructure. The step-free access achieved through the lift system eliminates barriers that had existed for generations, allowing parents with strollers, elderly passengers, and people with disabilities to access the station with dignity and ease. The escalators provide an intermediate option for those who prefer not to use lifts, while the traditional stairs remain for those who choose them. This multi-modal approach ensures that the steps accommodate diverse needs and preferences, making Waverley Station genuinely accessible to all passengers for the first time in its history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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