A query from an ignorant out-of-towner. I'm thinking of getting a train in from Midlothian and then transferring to a bus with a bike. I could do this transfer at Waverley (to bus station?) or Haymarket (coach stops outside). Which would be easier?
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Train to bus
(15 posts)- Started 2 years ago by amir
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Posted 2 years ago #
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Waverley I think, because the platforms at Haymarket are below street level with access only by stairs, escalator or lift. I suppose you might be able to get your bike in one of the lifts but I wouldn't bank on it.
Although the platforms at Waverley are also below street level I think I'm right in saying that you should be able to cycle (or walk pushing your bike) up the access ramp from platform level at Waverley.
No doubt someone with more recent experience of both stations than I have will be able to confirm/advise otherwise. (I've not taken a train for at least three years now, being (a) retired, so no need to travel for business, and (b) in possession of a bus pass, so all my public transport-based leisure travel within Scotland is by bus. That said, we are taking the train down to That London in August for a family member's wedding - assuming that any trains are actually running on the dates in question...)
Posted 2 years ago # -
Some platforms at Waverley you need to get a lift - bikes definitely fit in them. I can't remember if the Borders trains always go to the same platform, so perhaps not an issue for them.
Never tried a bike in the Haymarket lifts, but would be very surprised if they didn't fit.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Haymarket lifts have room for several bikes.
More an issue about where u want to go by bike
Buses stop right outside H.
So does the tram…
Posted 2 years ago # -
Is there a train from Midlothian to Haymarket?
Posted 2 years ago # -
Sometimes but I'd have to change trains on this occasions
Posted 2 years ago # -
If the bus is from the bus station that is done distance from Waverley. The bus stop at Haymarket is right outside the station
Posted 2 years ago # -
It's the other side of St Andrews Square* - Google Maps says three tenths of a mile or about 6 minutes walking time from the top of the ramp. Not what I'd really call "some distance", though obviously not as close as the bus stops outside Haymarket. But then if getting to Haymarket required a change of trains that could end up being no easier/quicker overall.
Posted 2 years ago # -
@Frenchy: Some platforms at Waverley you need to get a lift
Platforms 8, 9 & 10 IIRC - then again, I think they've been through a fairly major renumbering exercise not so long back so they might all be different now.
I can't remember if the Borders trains always go to the same platform, so perhaps not an issue for them.
I was under the impression that one or more of the new east-facing terminating platforms (platforms 5 & 6?) were dedicated to the Borders Rail trains, but it seems that is not/no longer the case, at least as far as I can tell from Realtime Trains: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:EDB/from/gb-nr:TWB?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt
Posted 2 years ago # -
Borders trains arrive at a number of platforms. Some do require a lift.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Can attest that my bikes fit in the Haymarket lifts, used them countless times.
I quite like Haymarket for mixed modes as there's not very far to go to transfer between train/bus/tram.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Thanks all. I have postponed the trip to a future weekend, when the weather looks better for up north.
Posted 2 years ago # -
A followup question, as I might actually try out the bus soon.
Is it possible to use the St Andrews Square entrance to access the bus station or do you have to go around to Elder Street? I have a very vague memory of an escalator with a sign prohibiting bikes.Posted 2 years ago # -
@amir - there is a lift so maybe bike held vertically on back wheel could fit? No stair option afaik so other way would be round Elder St.
If going for Ember then they leave on North side of St Andrew Square amid crowds waiting for assorted open top tour buses. Bit random / hard to spot.They don't use bus station to save time and money I think.
Only CityLink at bus station.Posted 2 years ago # -
Thanks laidback. Indeed it is Ember I wanted to go with so you've saved me a wasted diversion.
Posted 2 years ago #
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