In short
- Walk 5 to 10 minutes south from the Royal Mile.
- Take Lothian Buses 23, 27, or 41 to George IV Bridge.
- Walk 15 minutes up a steep hill from Waverley station.
In this article
Getting to Greyfriars Kirkyard is simple. The cemetery is located at 26A Candlemaker Row. Walking through the Old Town is the most common approach. Local buses offer a quick alternative to avoid steep hills.
Where is Greyfriars Kirkyard located?
The cemetery is located at 26A Candlemaker Row in Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ.
It surrounds Greyfriars Kirk in the Old Town. The terrain covers about 2.5 acres of uneven, sloping ground. The official entrance sits right next to the Greyfriars Bobby statue.
How do I walk to Greyfriars Kirkyard from the Royal Mile?
Walk south down George IV Bridge for 5 to 10 minutes.
This is a straightforward, scenic walk through the Old Town. It takes about 10 minutes in total. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The cemetery grounds are uneven and unpaved.
Which bus goes to Greyfriars Kirkyard?
You can take Lothian Buses routes 23, 27, or 41.
Get off at the George IV Bridge stop or the Forrest Road stop. The ride takes 15 minutes from Princes Street. A single journey costs around £2.00. You can pay using contactless on all Lothian Buses.
How do I get to Greyfriars Kirkyard from Waverley Station?
Walk south up the hill to the Old Town, which takes 15 minutes.
This route involves a fairly steep climb up from the train station. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. Once you reach the top of the hill, head toward Candlemaker Row.
How much does it cost to get to Greyfriars Kirkyard?
Walking is free, while a local bus ride costs around £2.00 per single journey.
Entry to the kirkyard itself is completely free. If you book a guided history or ghost tour, tickets typically cost £15 to £25.
| Transport Method | Travel Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Walking (from Royal Mile) | 10 minutes | Free |
| Bus (from Princes Street) | 15 minutes | Around £2.00 |
| Train & Walk (from Waverley) | 15 minutes | Free to walk |
Can I take a tour to get there?
Yes, you can join a guided walking or ghost tour that walks you into the kirkyard.
These walking tours usually last 1.5 to 2 hours. Booking a specific tour is the only way to access locked sections like the 17th-century Covenanters' Prison.
Questions travellers ask
Is Greyfriars Kirkyard open all day?
Yes, the kirkyard is free to enter and is open daily, generally from dawn to dusk.
Do I need to pay to enter the kirkyard?
Entry to the kirkyard is completely free. Guided tours operated by private companies require paid tickets.
Where is the Greyfriars Bobby statue?
The bronze statue of the dog is located just outside the kirkyard entrance on Candlemaker Row.
