Please find some frequently asked questions below. If you have another question not listed here you can contact us, send an email to contact@eif.co.uk or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter.

How can I book tickets?

You can book tickets on our website or via telephone on +44 (0)131 473 2000. Our phone line opening times are:

9 May–3 Aug
Monday to Friday 12noon–5pm
Saturday and Sunday closed

4–27 Aug
Monday to Sunday 10am–8pm

The Edinburgh International Festival Box Office is based at The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE. You can book in person at The Hub at the following times:

9 May–3 Aug
By appointment only. Please email boxoffice@eif.co.uk or call 0131 473 2000 to arrange an appointment.

4–27 Aug
Monday–Sunday 12noon–5pm (open late on performance nights at The Hub).

I have access requirements. How do I find out more about your performances or booking process?

You can find out more information about our access provisions on our Access web page.

If you want to speak to the Access team, you can use the following contact details:

Phone +44 (0) 131 473 2056
The textphone prefix is 18001

SignLive
Email: access@eif.co.uk

What is your ticket return policy?

No refunds will be given except in the event of cancellation of a performance. Tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance to another performance of the same show, subject to availability. A £1.50 fee per ticket exchanged will be charged, as well as any difference in ticket price that may occur as a result of the ticket exchange. Ticket prices may vary from previously purchased prices.

We also offer optional ticket protection for all Edinburgh International Festival events. See our refund policy for further details.

What do I do if my train is cancelled and I miss a performance?

The International Festival encourages audience members to take out ticket insurance when buying tickets, as this allows a full refund through our insurance partner Secure My Booking should a performance be missed due to transport issues. Please also note that the city becomes significantly more crowded in August, which can add to travel times and there are risks of train delays due to strike action. See our terms for further details.

How will the Edinburgh International Festival keep staff and audiences safe?

The Festival will follow Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council health and safety recommendations at all times to ensure the safety of our audiences, artists and team.

As the recommendations are still changing, we encourage customers to continue to check our Visit Us page for the latest COVID-19 safety measures at the International Festival.

Will the COVID policies change depending on venue?

All venues will follow Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council advice on COVID-19 protocols as appropriate to the venue. Details will be included on our Visit Us page and on the individual venue pages.

Do you share the City of Edinburgh’s commitment to 2030 net zero carbon emissions?

Yes, the International Festival shares the City of Edinburgh’s commitment to the 2030 net zero carbon emissions target. You can see the our environmental action plan here.

What are the dates for the next Edinburgh International Festival?

The 2023 Edinburgh International Festival will be held from 4–27 August 2023.

What is the At Home programme?

Our At Home programme in partnership with abrdn offers audiences around the world the opportunity to discover artists from last year's International Festival at home for free. All details are available now on our At Home page. If you’re having any trouble viewing a performance online, please visit our At Home Support page.

Do you share City of Edinburgh’s commitment to 2030 net zero carbon emissions?

Yes, the International Festival shares the City of Edinburgh’s commitment to the 2030 net zero carbon emissions target. You can read our environmental action plan on our Sustainability page.