Everything you need to know for your visit to the Festival City

Ticket exchanges & refunds

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 have partnered with Secure My Booking to offer optional ticket protection for all Edinburgh International Festival events. Ticket protection allows you to recoup 100% of the paid ticket price (including any fees) if you are unable to attend your event for any number of covered reasons, including illness, travel delays, adverse weather conditions and more. For more information, please visit securemybooking.com

Visit Scotland

Scotland is famous for its historic landmarks, its outstanding natural beauty and of course its vibrant festivals.

Discover fantastic things to do, holiday inspiration, places to stay, local tips and more from the Scottish tourist service at Visit Scotland.

Summer Festivals

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival| 14–23 July

Edinburgh Art Festival | 11–27 August

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo| 4–26 August

Edinburgh Festival Fringe | 4–28 August

Edinburgh International Book Festival | 12–28 August

You can find more information on Edinburgh’s ten major festivals at Edinburgh Festival City.

Transport

Plan your journey with the help of Traveline Scotland or download the Traveline Scotland app.

Waverley Station is located in the heart of the city. For timetables and fare enquiries go to National Rail.

Edinburgh Airport is eight miles outside the city centre, with regular bus and tram connections. For more information go to Edinburgh Airport.

Please consider the environmental impact of your chosen form of transport. Travelling by train or bus can often take the same length of time as flying when you consider check-in times. We encourage our audiences to think green and explore the city on foot, by bike or by public transport wherever possible. You can find an online guide to cycling and walking in the city at Edinburgh Council.

For information about bus and tram services visit Transport for Edinburgh or download the Transport for Edinburgh app.

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is a proud supporter of the Edinburgh International Festival. With branches at Edinburgh Airport, Seafield and Sighthill, Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is the perfect choice if you’re planning a trip to the Edinburgh International Festival in 2023. Their customers think so too, giving them a five-star Trustpilot rating.

Transportation apps including CityMapper and Gett operate in Edinburgh, along with many different taxi companies. If you're planning to travel by taxi, you may want to book your journey in advance to ensure you arrive on time at your chosen event.

Access

You can book accessible tickets:
Over the phone: +44 (0) 131 473 2056
Online at SignLive
In person, by appointment only

Disabled people can get a 30% off tickets when booking online. If you require a wheelchair space or a free essential companion ticket, please contact us by phone or via SignLive.

Visit our dedicated Access page for further information.

BSL Video Bookings with SignLive

We are working with SignLive to enable audiences to book tickets via an online BSL interpreting service. Download the SignLive app and find us listed in the SignLive Community Directory.

In-Person Bookings

If you require in person assistance with your booking you can arrange an appointment by contacting us on boxoffice@eif.co.uk or +44 (0) 131 473 2000.

The Edinburgh International Festival Box Office is based at:
The Hub
Castlehill
Edinburgh
EH1 2NE

Young Children Bookings

We advise you to contact us in advance to check if a performance is suitable for very young children. Please check our venue pages for further details about age guidance.

In venues where children under the age of two are admitted, there is no charge as long as the child sits on the lap of an adult. In venues where children aged two and above are admitted, you will require a seat and a paid ticket (we have a generous 50% discount for under-18s).

If your child becomes restless, you may be asked to leave the auditorium to avoid disturbing the enjoyment of other customers.

Car hires

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is a proud supporter of the Edinburgh International Festival. With branches at Edinburgh Airport, Seafield and Sighthill, Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental is the perfect choice if you’re planning a trip to the Edinburgh International Festival in 2023. Their customers think so too, giving them a five-star Trustpilot rating. They are delighted to offer ticket buyers a 20% discount on car hire. Use the code ‘FEST’ to claim the discount by visiting their website to book online, or call 0141 237 4374.

Terms and conditions

Hire must be collected between the 24 April – 31 August 2023 (both dates inclusive and subject to availability) to receive this offer. 24-hour minimum hire. Offer valid on daily car rental bookings only. Excludes vans, nine-seater vehicles, dual control hires and additional services (additional driver, dash cam, excess waiver, refund guarantee and child seats). The discount code ‘FEST’ must be quoted in person, over the phone or redeemed online. For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before hire. One day of vehicle hire will be charged for cancellations made less than 48 hours before the hire is due to commence. If you opt to pay the refund guarantee charge when booking, you can cancel at any time and receive a full refund, including the £5 original fee you paid for the guarantee. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. No alternative options available. Arnold Clark reserves the right to refuse rental and to amend terms and conditions without notice. Valid while stocks last.

Partner Hotels & Restaurants

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
1 Festival Square
EH3 9SR
+44 (0) 131 229 9131

One Square Bar & Brasserie
1 Festival Square
EH3 9SR
+44 (0) 131 229 9131

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
Princes Street
EH1 2AB
+44 (0) 131 222 8888

Edinburgh during the Festival can be a very busy place, so we recommend booking restaurants ahead of time, especially if you have a particular location in mind or a large party.