How to find us
Directions
The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh is situated on Blackford Hill, to the south of the city, and should not be confused with the pre-1893 Royal Observatory (or City Observatory) on Calton Hill. The Royal Observatory is sign-posted from the Cameron Toll roundabout, Mayfield Road and Blackford Avenue.
From Edinburgh Airport
Leave the airport and join the A8 heading for Edinburgh. Proceed along this road until you reach the Gogar roundabout. Turn right onto the A720 city bypass southbound. Leave the bypass at Straiton Junction. Follow the signs to Edinburgh South and City Centre (A701). Follow along Howdenhall Road and continue down Liberton Brae. Take a left-hand fork onto Mayfield Road. At the lights, turn left onto West Mains Road and continue until you come to the red sandstone archway at the foot of Observatory Road. Turn left and go to the top of the hill.
From the City Bypass: (by car)
Leave the bypass at Straiton Junction. Follow the signs to Edinburgh South and City Centre (A701). Follow along Howdenhall Road and continue down Liberton Brae. Take a left-hand fork onto Mayfield Road. At the lights, turn left onto West Mains Road and continue until you come to the red sandstone archway at the foot of Observatory Road. Turn left and go to the top of the hill.
From the City Centre: (by bicycle)
The Royal Observatory is a 20 minute cycle from the city centre. It is on a steep hill but many staff, students and visitors do cycle to the site. Bicycle shelters and racks, showers and changing facilities are available to visitors and staff. Please note, however, that the showers and changing facilities are not available to the general public coming to the Visitor Centre because they are located in office buildings.
From Cameron Toll Shopping Centre: (bus + 20 minute walk)
Many buses regularly travel from the City Centre to Cameron Toll Shopping Centre including the 3, 8, 12, 24, 29, 31, 33, 37 and 37A. Alight at Cameron Toll Shopping Centre. Walk west (left) on Lady Road. Cross the Craigmillar junction and continue walking on Esslemont Road. Go straight across to West Mains Road. Continue walking until you come to Observatory Road on your left. Go through the red sandstone archway and continue to the top of the hill.
From Blackford Avenue: (bus + 10 to 15 minute walk)
Take the 24 from Princes Street or the 41 from the Mound (Art Galleries) in Edinburgh’s City Centre and alight at Blackford Station. Walk along the second half of Blackford Avenue (away from the City Centre) until you reach the red sandstone archway at the bottom of Observatory Road. Turn right and climb the hill. Every half hour the 41 continues up the second half of Blackford Avenue to Kings Buildings so you can alight close to the red sandstone arch.
From Glasgow Airport
Leave the airport and travel eastbound on the M8 towards Glasgow, stay on the M8 through Glasgow and proceed along the M8 towards Edinburgh. The M8 terminates at Junction 1, Hermiston Gate. Turn right and join the A720 city bypass southbound. Leave the bypass at Straiton Junction. Follow the signs to Edinburgh South and City Centre (A701). Follow along Howdenhall Road and continue down Liberton Brae. Take a left-hand fork onto Mayfield Road. At the lights, turn left onto West Mains Road and continue until you come to the red sandstone archway at the foot of Observatory Road. Turn left and go to the top of the hill.
