Visiting
Some helpful tips for planning your visit. Details of where and when to spectate at WOC 2024 will also be published here. In addition to watching the action on the big screen live in the race arena there are opportunities to go out into the “terrain” to see the action close up.
Welcome to Edinburgh
Scotland has always been a popular destination for orienteers. In 2015 we welcomed some 6,000 orienteers as WOC spectators and participants in the Scottish 6 Days and many of you took the opportunity to take in attractions including castles, beaches, mountains and traditional food and drink.
The VisitScotland website is a great place to go for further information on destinations, accommodation, what to see & do, getting around and Scottish History.
Edinburgh will prove to be one of the most exciting venues every to stage a World Orienteering Championships . As embargoed areas are gradually released during WOC there are opportunities for anyone affected by the embargoes to visit the many attractions – Edinburgh Castle, the 16th Century Palace of Holyroodhouse, Royal Mile, Royal Yacht Britannia, Royal Botanic Garden, Princes Street and many more. Enjoy the Scotch Whisky Experience and other cultural attractions such as the Scottish National Gallery and Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh is also home to several Michelin starred restaurants and boasts a wide range of different types of cuisine for those wanting to sample the culinary delights of the city.
Travel Methods/Routes
Edinburgh has great transport links to Europe and the rest of the World.
Rail: Waverley station in the city centre is served by direct trains (4.5hrs) run by LNER and Lumo from London Kings Cross, which is adjacent to the Eurostar terminal at London St Pancras.
Ferry: there is no direct ferry between Scotland and Europe, but DFDS has a daily sailing from Amsterdam to Newcastle, which is 90 minutes from Edinburgh by train.
Air: Edinburgh Airport is 12km west of the city centre. In addition to the direct European and international links, Edinburgh Airport has numerous daily scheduled services to several hub airports, including London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol. There are good tram and express bus links from the airport to the city centre.
Glasgow Airport, which is situated 45 miles from Edinburgh city centre, services over 300 flights daily to 126 destinations.
The Event Centre and all WOC 2024 venues are served by the city’s excellent
public transport system. This is usually the fastest and most reliable way of moving in Edinburgh, especially the city centre during the busy summer tourism season.
For route maps, journey planners and fare details, visit: Bus: Lothian Buses and Tram: Edinburgh Trams
More travel information can be found at VisitScotland here.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation providers in Edinburgh, but competitive rates will be offered by the University of Edinburgh at Pollock Halls with quality student accommodation as well as a quality hotel and bistro.
Hotels offering discounted rates to orienteers will be listed here. Further information on accommodation is available here.
More accommodation tips can be found at VisitScotland here.
Eating & Drinking
Scotland is famed for food and drink and no trip would be complete without sampling whisky and haggis, our national dish.
More food and drink information can be found at VisitScotland here, as well as some great tips at This is Edinburgh, Edinburgh’s official guide.
Lend a helping hand
Whether or not you plan to participate in our open races, we’d welcome your support in one of the many volunteer roles.