Parking at the ERI

[HironsBirons]

Hi, I’ve got an appointment at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary next week and I’m trying to work out parking - I always hear horror stories, is it really that bad? My appointment is around 10, in the fertility department if that makes a difference. Thanks!

I've never been during the week, but my mum was in for months so we were there at weekends regularly at visiting time and there were always plenty of spaces. I know that there would be no clinics on but increased visiting so not sure if it would be roughly equivalent.

There is a smaller car park at the side (follow signs for maternity unit/Neonatal unit).

My DS had a long hospital admission (months) & I always managed to get parked there, even if was a bit of a wait sometimes.

Better than the main car parks at the front, especially at visiting times.

Remember you have to pay too!

Never had a problem, as long as you’re well enough to park in the further away sections. It is expensive though.

If I remember correctly, there is signage at the main entrance that will tell you which car parks have spaces available.

Thanks for all your replies. I don’t mind walking from the car to the hospital, so hopefully I’ll find a space! Fingers crossed anyway.

There is lots of parking but it is often full. However, if you are willing to wait a few minutes, the turnover is quite fast, so don't panic. Build in a bit of a buffer time wise. There is aIso a good park and ride off the ring road, but it's not as cheap as it used to be so you probably won't save any money. And it takes longer, obviously.
Good luck

I find I always get parked in the car park where you head towards the entrance and go right and round the roundabout.

Went for 10am this morning. I waited 10 minutes to get in, found a blue badge space and a woman with a 4 by 4 pushed her way in. She didn't even have a blue badge 🤬 I do. Managed to get in another space but I usually need to use the extra space to manoeuvre myself out the car with difficulty. But it wasn't a long wait. When I left at 1, there were stewards directing traffic.

Do the park and ride. I always have it is really quite easy, loads of buses take you right to the door. I've only ever had to wait a couple of minutes both ways. I would definitely recommend it.

Just wanted to say good luck @HironsBirons! I remember all too well over five years ago going to appointments in the fertility clinic at ERI. From having the 'interesting' examinations being given very low odds to then miraculously falling and telling the reception ladies to cancel my appointments as I was pregnant! Time to move along the corridor for the scans etc.. such incredible days. The kindness and professionalism of the staff will always stay with me. All the best!

My sleep medicine appointments are always afternoon or evening but never had a problem getting parked.

It's normally quicker to pay for parking at the front reception rather than wait ages in a queue for the machine.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I should be at the hospital about an hour before my appointment, so hopefully will be in plenty of time for a space.

@wellhelloyou ahh that’s so lovely! Hoping I have a similar outcome to you very soon. Glad you got your baby