Waverley Station is an essential part of Edinburgh’s travel infrastructure. If you are taking a trip and know that you will be traveling to or through this station, there are a couple of things you may want to know first.
Read on to discover how to make traveling through Waverley Station a breeze.
Do Your Research
The key to really any type of traveling is to do your research in advance. This can include things like learning how to get your transport to and from the station, familiarizing yourself with the station facilities beforehand, and most importantly, becoming aware of their rules and policies. This way, you can know exactly what to expect on your travel day.
Transportation To and From the Station
The train will only get you so far. It is crucial to know where you are going and how you are going to get there once you get off the train. Here is a list of different means of transportation and where they typically depart from.
- Local Buses: Depart from North Bridge and Princess Street.
- Airport Busses: Depart from Waverly Bridge
- Taxi: The taxi rank can be found on Market Street
- Pick up/Drop off: If you are getting picked up by a car, the pick up/drop off points are on Market Street and Calton Road
Familiarize With the Facilities
Familiarizing yourself with the facilities before your travel day can eliminate confusion and save lots of time when you get to the station. Here are a few things you should be on the lookout for.
- Restrooms: Located in the main concourse and various platforms
- Showers: Located in the main concourse within the restrooms
- Tickets and Information: Located in the main concourse
- Telephone: Located on platform 14 as well as the main concourse
- Lost and Found: Located in the luggage office
Read up on Their Rules and Policies
Reading up on the rules and policies will allow you to know what you can and cannot do while on the train and in the station. No one wants to get stopped by security, so here are a few things to be aware of while visiting Waverley Station.
- Food Policy: Bringing your own food and alcohol is allowed.
- Camera Policy: Taking pictures is allowed without flash photography or lighting
- Bag Policy: You can bring as many as you want.
- Rules: There is no smoking, leaving bags unattended, or photography of secured areas.
Be Prepared
Now that you have done the necessary research. It is time to prepare for your travel day. There are several things to keep in mind that can ensure your preparedness. So, here are a few things that can help you with that.
Arrive Early
Arriving early for your train will allow you to promptly locate the platform, check bags, and board, as well as leave room for any unforeseen hold-ups like traffic and a busy station. Being 30 minutes early is a great time to shoot for.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Comfortability is the key to enjoyable travel. No matter how long your train ride is, wearing comfortable clothes can make all the difference. It is recommended that you wear warm, stretchy clothes. Basically, whatever you would typically wear when lounging around your home. Bringing a pillow and blanket may be a great addition as well.
Bring Food and Snacks
Bring your favorite foods and snacks. While stations have plenty of great options for food, you may find it best and cheaper to just bring the food that you know you love from home. There is nothing worse than having to spend money you don’t want to spend because you forgot your snacks at home.
Bring Something to Keep You Occupied
Train rides can be long-winded. Sometimes the scenery outside the windows is captivating and enjoyable to watch Other times, it may feel like it is dragging on forever. If you are worried that you may get bored and want something to help pass the time along, bringing a book or a device with downloaded movies can do just the trick. A book especially is a great way to pass the time and relax as you begin your trip.
Store Your Luggage
Did you know that there is luggage storage in Waverley Station? This is probably the most useful travel amenity that the station has to offer. Say Waverley Station is just a stop on the way to your destination, but you really want to get off and explore Edinburgh for a few hours. You would have to take your bags all over the city while you see the sights.
Well, instead of carrying them, you can simply drop them off in storage in the station and freely walk about the city. Once you are done, just pick them up and board your next train.
The Bottom Line
Traveling by train is a great way to enjoy the countryside while getting where you’re going. Just be sure to research the train station, prepare for your trip, and store your luggage. If you do all of these things, you will be well on your way to making your trip through Waverley Station feel like a breeze.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Travel category
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