Getting here

Helpful travel information for getting to the Book Festival site at Edinburgh Futures Institute

Adult and two kids walking into Book festival with sign that says 'Welcome to Edinburgh International Book festival' behind them

Welcome

Come on in! We can’t wait to welcome you to our home at Edinburgh Futures Institute on the edge of Edinburgh's Old Town from 15-30 August 2026. Did you know it used to be the Royal Infirmary Hospital building? (We know that some of our audience members have even been born here - maybe you were one of them?) We think its blend of old and new architecture really captures the vibe of the Book Festival – something for everyone. And there's plenty of nooks and crannies for reading as well.

Our big, bold main entrance is just off Middle Meadow Walk at the junction with Porter’s Walk, you can't miss it.

Opening hours

Our Festival site is open daily from Sat 15 – Sun 30 August from 09:30-23:00.

The Book Festival is free to enter and enjoy, so pop on down to see what’s going on. Savour food, drink, and relaxation at the indoor café, Courtyard pop-ups. Or nearby green spaces, with cosy indoor nooks for shelter if needed.

You can check out our event listings to see what’s happening each day and to see ticket prices.

Image of Book Festival entrance with Edinburgh Futures Institute building in the background with bright blue sky.

How to find us:

The main Book Festival entrance can be found at the corner of Porters Walk and Middle Meadow Walk (right next to Starbucks). 

If using What 3 Words ///linked.dame.humans 

Address: 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF 

We’d love it if you could get to us in the most sustainable way possible. 

Getting here

By bus (Lothian Bus)

Numbers 12, 23, 27, 35, 45, 47 and 47B stop on Lauriston Place in both directions, and many other bus routes have stops 5 minutes walk away or less. 

By train

Waverley Station is within walking distance, but please bear in mind that Edinburgh is especially busy during August, and you will have to navigate visitors and performers lining the streets. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the Book Festival and find your event venue. 

By bicycle

There are racks in The Courtyard, which are unsupervised, and bikes are left at your own risk. 

By car

The closest car park is Q-Park Quartermile, Simpson Loan, EH3 9AU with 374 parking spaces and 10 disabled spaces. For a map of City of Edinburgh Council parking bays, see here. 

More information

For information on reaching the Book Festival by public transport, visit the Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams or Traveline Scotland websites.