Travelling to Campus
Our aim
We aim to enable everyone to travel as safely and sustainably as possible by keeping our staff and student population well informed of their options.
Looking after our environment
Transport is the largest polluting sector in the UK, so it's important to think about how we can reduce our carbon footprint and make responsible transport choices.
Can you meet virtually?
You'll need to travel in for lectures, but look for opportunities to collaborate with others virtually online.
Changing it up
You'll find information about all modes of travel on this page, but we understand you won't always be able to travel by your preferred mode. We would encourage you to consider trying out different modes when you're able, for example if the weather's nice and you don't need to do the school run, why not try cycling?
Train travel
Services
Musselburgh station is right next to QMU and runs regular services to North Berwick (around 30mins) and Edinburgh City Centre (under 10mins travel).
Newcraighall can be reached in a 20 minute walk and offers services to Tweedbank and Edinburgh City Centre. For more information visit the Scotrail website.
As we are currently experiencing train disruption due to strike action, be sure to keep up to date with Scotrail services here. Note that industrial action is planned for early January 2023.
Bikes on trains
If you don't live in walking distance of a train station or don't want to walk from Newcraighall then why not consider cycling? You can take your bike on the train with you and store it on campus. For long distance routes you need to reserve a space on the train for your bike. More information on cycling and train travel can be found here.
Smartcard
Scotrail offer a free Smartcard which allows the fast purchase of tickets through the mobile app or at the station. These tickets are at an additional discounted rate, so it is worth getting to save those ££. See here for information on how to get your own.
Bus travel
Lothian Buses
Lothian buses service 30 and 45 run regular services from campus. Prentice 111 is available hourly within a short walk. Several other services are available to connect with at Fort Kinnaird. For more information, visit the Lothian Buses website.
Free bus travel for under-22s
If you are under 22 and live in Scotland, you are eligible for free bus travel. You will need to apply for a National Entitlement Card or Young Scot Card which you will need to have with you when travelling. See this Transport Scotland webpage for more information.
Tap and Cap
When you pay by contactless card on Lothian buses they automatically cap your spend to the price of a day ticket. This means unlimited travel around the city for only £4.40! Season tickets are also available at a cheaper student rate. See the Lothian Buses ticket information page for more information.
Prentice Buses
Prentice of Haddington bus services provide services between Fort Kinnaird or Edinburgh BioQuarter through to Haddington, Gullane and Drem. To find up to date service information visit their website: Prentice Buses Website
By bike
Why cycle?
- Cycling is free!
- Studies show cycling commuters have 45% lower risk of developing cancer
- Cycling is good for the environment
- Cycling makes us happier
- Cycling makes us healthier
Cycle routes
QMU is located on National Cycle Route 1 which provides a route into Edinburgh, meaning you can reach the City Centre in just 30 minutes by bike! National Cycle Route 76 is less than a minute away and provides a route into Dalkeith and beyond. You can find more cycle routes on the Edinburgh Council website.
Facilities
- Dr Bike mechanic on campus the last Thursday of every month
- Changing rooms and showers on campus
- Active travel lockers issued upon request
- GO e-bike's short-term rental e-bikes by Musselburgh train station
- Mechanical bike hire scheme (for staff and students at QMU)
- E-bike hire scheme (for staff only at QMU)
- Adapted cycle parking
- Dedicated cycle sheds for long-term cycle storage
- Free-to-use bike tools for staff and students
Cycle Connections
This is the dedicated branch of the active travel team that supports cycling at QMU. We run regular events so follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop. We also run the following bike hire schemes:
- Mechanical bike hire for staff and students (£40/ month with a helmet, lock, and lights)
- E-bike hire for staff only (£15/ month with a helmet, lock, and lights)
Contact us at Cycle Connections if you are interested in the hire scheme, or with any cycling-related questions.
On foot
Why walk/run?
- Travelling on foot is free!
- Walking can be a great chance to de-stress and chat with friends
- Walking/running is good for the environment
- Walking/running makes us happier
- Walking/running makes us healthier
Routes
QMU is located on National Cycle Route 1 which is a shared-use path that will take you into Edinburgh City Centre. From campus, you can easily walk to the coast too- perfect for a sunny day!
Facilities
- Active travel lockers issued upon request
- Changing rooms and showers on campus
- Free reflective bands are available from Cycle Connections to help you be seen at night
Multi-modal Commuting
Multi-modal commuting refers to using more than one style of transport for your commute.
For example, if you want to take public transport but cannot find a direct route, consider walking or running part of the way. This will make your journey more interesting and help you stay healthy. Get off the bus a few stops early to get even more benefits!
By car
Driving here
QMU can be accessed by car via the A1. We encourage you to travel by alternative means if possible as our car park is limited and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
Car Club and Car Sharing
By joining a car club or car share scheme, you will be helping make commuting by car more sustainable.
Enterprise Car Club offers cheap car hire all over the city. It's a great way to easily have access to a car without having to own one!
Alternatively, car sharing is a convenient and affordable way to commute. To find someone to share with visit the liftshare website.
Permits
To understand future travel demands due to COVID-19 we are implementing short duration permits for students in the early stages of semester. This may be subject to change, and users will be notified of any changes. Short duration permits will be available for students. Staff can buy day or annual permits, cost depending on the cars emissions. Register for a parking permit.
Car Parking Permits will not be required for the remainder of Semester 1 2020, to help support attendance at face to face blended learning / working and in line with Scottish Government guidance around minimising the use of public transport where practical.
Arrangements for Semester 2 from January 2021 will be reviewed prior to December 2020 taking account of relevant guidance, timetabling and other constraints.
