Maps & Directions
The Balmoral originally opened in 1902 as the North British Hotel, a traditional railway hotel adjacent to Waverley Station in Edinburgh. Located in the heart of the city at 1 Princes Street, overlooking Edinburgh Castle, The Balmoral's majestic clock tower is an Edinburgh landmark which can be seen from all around. Given that the hotel is adjacent to the station, the clock is always set two minutes fast to ensure people don't miss their trains - except on New Year's Eve of course!
Directions to The Balmoral Hotel
By CarWe advise that you research your journey using an online map provider or Edinburgh A-Z before undertaking your journey, particularly if you are travelling from the west. There are ongoing diversions caused by the Edinburgh Tram Project which are anticipated to last until the beginning of 2014. If you have any queries please contact our concierge desk directly.
FROM THE SOUTH If you are driving up to Scotland from the south you should reach the City Bypass (A720) which circulates around the southern area of the city. If you are approaching Edinburgh via the A701 through Straiton there is no need to join the City Bypass. If you are approaching from the south on any other road, join the City Bypass and exit at the Straiton junction and follow signs to the city centre. From the exit road off the A720, proceed towards the city centre along the A701 (along Birdiehouse Road, Liberton Gardens, Liberton Brae and Liberton Road) until you reach the Cameron Toll junction. Here turn left on to Craigmillar Park which will bring you into the immediate city centre. The name of the road will change every few blocks (Minto Street, South Clerk Street, Clerk Street, Nicolson Street, South Bridge and finally North Bridge). Once you are travelling down North Bridge you will see The Balmoral Hotel at the end of the road on the left. Turn left at the bottom of North Bridge and park in front of our main entrance. Our doorman will attend to your car and luggage from here on.
FROM THE EAST Enter the city outskirts via the A1. After passing The Queen Margaret University on your right, proceed straight across the next junction then continue along the A1 by turning left on to Milton Road at the second junction. Continue along the A1 by following Willowbrae Road, and then London Road. At the end of London Road turn left at the roundabout on to Leith Walk and proceed up the hill. Take the first turning off the following roundabout, and continue up the hill (Leith Street) past the John Lewis store on your right. At the traffic lights at the top of Leith Street, turn right and proceed straight through the next set of lights. Park in front of our main entrance. Our doorman will attend to your car and luggage from here on.
FROM THE NORTH From The Forth Road, follow the A90 all the way to the city centre. Once you have passed over The Dean Bridge, take the first left turn in to Randolph Crescent. Turn left on to Great Stuart Street, then right in to Ainslie Place and right again on to St. Colme Street. Proceed along St. Colme Street on to Queen Street and continue until you are diverted right by the Edinburgh Tram Works on to North St. David’s Street. Proceed straight ahead through St. Andrews Square on to South St. David’s Street and then turn left on to Princes Street. You will see The Balmoral Hotel on the opposite side of the road. Proceed straight through the traffic lights on Waterloo Place and go all the way around the small roundabout at the top of Waterloo Place, and make your way to our main entrance. Park in front of our main entrance. Our doorman will attend to your car and luggage from here on.
FROM THE WEST The route to The Balmoral Hotel from the west is beset with diversions due to the ongoing Edinburgh Tram Works so please take extra care if using satellite navigation or GPS as these devices will not register the diversions. From the west, join the A8. Just prior to The Haymarket junction you will encounter yellow diversion signs. Follow the diversion signs through the West End suburbs. You will eventually reach Randolph Crescent. Turn left in to Randolph Crescent. Turn left on to Great Stuart Street, then right in to Ainslie Place and right again on to St. Colme Street. Proceed along St. Colme Street on to Queen Street and continue until you are diverted right by the Edinburgh Tram Works on to North St. David’s Street. Proceed straight ahead through St. Andrews Square on to South St. David’s Street and then turn left on to Princes Street. You will see The Balmoral Hotel on the opposite side of the road. Proceed straight through the traffic lights on Waterloo Place and go all the way around the small roundabout at the top of Waterloo Place, and make your way to our main entrance. Park in front of our main entrance. Our doorman will attend to your car and luggage from here on.
Please note, we have no car park on-site. However, our Doorman can park your car in the hotel's secure garage, which is located off-site. The cost is £27 per night. By TrainThe Balmoral is adjacent to Waverley Station, which is served by direct links from all around the country, in addition to the frequent main-line service from London King's Cross. Edinburgh Airport is eight miles from The Balmoral, approximately 25 minutes by car.
By AirIf you are arriving by rail or air, please let us know if you require assistance with your luggage or would like to be met and transported to the hotel.