Trainspotting Walking Tour of Edinburgh

Choose the Trainspotting tour. Choose to walk. Choose a guide that lived in the area where the books were set and who will take you on a journey around Edinburgh that takes in one of the classic and best remembered books and screen adaptations in the past 20 years. Ranked as 10th by the British Film Institute in the list of greatest British films, the 1996 classic Trainspotting starred Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle.

With the same cast returning to the sequel released 20 years later, the story set in Edinburgh about drug addiction and poverty created a cult following amongst its fans.

This 3 hour Trainspotting tour is a perfect tour for fans of both the Irvine Welsh novels, Trainspotting and its follow up Porno, as well as both films directed by Danny Boyle. On this location tour, you will see iconic sites from both films as well as scenes featured in both books.

Starting from the very first location we see in the first Trainspotting movie in central Edinburgh where Renton is being chased by security the tour then weaves its way through sites that include the car park where Renton narrowly escapes from Begbie in T2. The walk will include some of the historic streets in the old town that were used in the chase including the Grassmarket, The Royal Mile. You will also see where Renton hits the car in T1 and the pub where the glass scene took place in the book.

As part of the tour, there will be a short tram journey (approx £2) from Edinburgh to Leith.

Heading north from central Edinburgh to Leith where the original story was set you will see the site of old Leith Station from the novel and which gave birth to the ironic title of ‘Trainspotting’. No tour of Edinburgh is complete without a pub visit and you’ll see where Begbie read Spuds writings in a local pub that used to be a part of the long gone Leith station. You’ll also see one of the places where Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh met fellow aspiring authors when he was coming up with ideas for Trainspotting.

The tour will end at the pub of choice for drug addicts Renton, Spud, Sickboy and Begbie from Irvings novel where Begbie attacked a fellow customer with a snooker cue.

The Trainspotting Tour is also a great way to see iconic sites in central Edinburgh including the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Princes St Gardens, Calton Hill, the Scott Monument and much more.

Departure from Edinburgh

Meet your guide on Princes Street in Edinburgh where you’ll begin your journey into the world of Trainspotting.

Castle Terrace Car Park, Kings Stables Road

See the location of Renton’s dramatic escape from Begbie in T2, set beneath the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

Princes Street, Edinburgh

Visit the site of the bookstore robbed at the start of Trainspotting, one of the film’s early and memorable scenes.

The Black Bull Pub

Stand where Renton is hit by a car in Trainspotting and where Spud experiences visions of the past after leaving the gym in T2.

Top Floor Flat Overlooking Scrapyard, Salamander Place

Visit the setting for Sick Boy’s modern docklands apartment, overlooking the scrapyard seen in T2.

Port o’ Leith Pub

Stop at this iconic Leith pub, a place closely connected to Irvine Welsh while writing Trainspotting and considered a spiritual home of the story.

Banana Flats

See the location used as the fictional home of Simon “Sick Boy” Williamson in Trainspotting and T2.

Central Bar

Visit the setting where Begbie reads Spud’s writings and scenes connected to the Port o’ Sunshine cellar take place.

180 Leith Walk

See the pub associated with Renton, Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie, known for one of Begbie’s most infamous moments involving a snooker cue.

End of Tour in Leith

Your tour concludes in Leith, where you can continue exploring the area at your leisure.

Accommodation Suggestions

If you’re staying overnight, we recommend checking out Booking.com – click here for convenient hotel options.

Travelling to Edinburgh by Train

Edinburgh can easily be reached by train. Save money by booking your tickets in advance through the trainline website.

Is the tour accessible?
– This guided tour is not accessible for wheelchair users or parents with prams or buggies due to the uneven surfaces on the route. British Sign Language is not provided on the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?
– Owing to the adult content of the Trainspotting tour, this tour is not suitable for children.

Does the tour still go ahead if there is bad weather?
– Yes, unless on very rare occasions when we have to cancel e.g Force Majeure

– Free Cancellations – Cancel for free up to 24 hours before departure—no questions asked.

– Unlimited Rescheduling – Change your tour date as many times as you need without extra charges.

– Save £££s Booking Direct – Enjoy the guaranteed lowest price when you book directly with us (the direct operator of the tour).

– Hassle-Free Booking Experience – Get excellent customer service with your questions answered quickly and easily by our expert team who know the tours better than anyone.

– Trip Protection Insurance – Add extra peace of mind with optional trip protection insurance available at checkout.

– Inclusions: Professional guide

– Exclusions: Single tram journey to Leith (£2), Gratuities (optional)