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The School of Biological Sciences is located at the King's Buildings campus and is part of the College of Science and Engineering, one of the largest groupings of its kind in the United Kingdom.

Teaching, research and administration activity is situated throughout the School over several building complexes:

Ashworth Laboratories	Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research	access via Gate 2 on West Mains Road or Gate 3 on Mayfield Road
Mary Brück Building	School Finance, Staffing, Research Administration and Graduate School	access via Gate 3 on Mayfield Road
Darwin/Michael Swann/Daniel Rutherford/C H Waddington building complex	Institute of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology	access via Gate 4 on Mayfield Road
James Clerk-Maxwell Building	Biology Teaching Organisation and Technical Workshop	access via Gate 4 on Mayfield Road
Peter Wilson Building	School Offices	access via Gate 1 on West Mains Road
Roger Land Building	Institute of Cell Biology, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology	access via Gate 1 on West Mains Road
Centre for Regenerative Medicine	Institute for Stem Cell Research	CRM Building, Edinburgh bioQuarter, Little France

The King’s Buildings is approximately two miles south of the city centre. There are a number of transport options available to this location.

Travelling to King’s Buildings

On foot or by bicycle

From the city centre/University central area, head south along Buccleuch Street and Causewayside to Mayfield Road, which brings you to the northeastern corner of the campus at the junction with West Mains Road (pedestrian/bicycle access to campus).

Bike parking is available here and at many other locations around the campus.

By taxi

From the city centre, journey time is approximately 20 minutes and will cost £8 -£10 depending on the time of day. Please advise your driver to enter campus via the gate nearest to the building you require.

Taxis can be hailed on street or at any ranks situated throughout the city centre, Waverley Railway Station and St Andrews Square Bus Station.

By car

Parking on campus is restricted to permit holders only. Visitors may request a day parking permit from the Institute Secretary. Failure to display a University parking permit will result in a costly fine.

There is limited on-street parking around the edge of campus. Restrictions apply at certain times of the day.

By bus

Edinburgh has an excellent local bus service with Lothian Buses service numbers 12, 24, 38 and 41 all passing the campus. A one-way ticket costs £1.80  or you can purchase a Day Ticket, £4.50 direct from the driver. Services run regularly throughout the day, however there is a restricted service in the late evening and at weekends.

Alternatively, the 3, 7, 8, 29, 31, 37, 47 and X47 Lothian Buses services run close by to Craigmillar Park/Lady Road junction. King’s Buildings is then a five-minute walk away.

Internal Shuttle Bus

During semester time only a regular shuttle service runs between the King’s Buildings campus and the Central area throughout the week. This service is available to both students and members of staff. The pick up/drop off point at the King's Building is outside Murchison House.

By air

King’s Buildings is approximately 12 miles (20 km) from Edinburgh Airport. Travel to campus can be made either by taxi (£20 - £25 per journey), by Airlink Bus (£7.50 return - route ends in the city centre) or by car.

If travelling from the airport by car, the simplest route is to exit the airport and follow signs for the city bypass A720 (south). Exit at Straiton Junction and follow the signs for the city centre.

At the junction of Liberton Road and Mayfield Road, take the left-hand road (downhill) and King’s Buildings is approximately 0.25 miles (0.5 km) ahead on the left.

Travel from the airport to the city centre can also be made by tram (£9.00 return - route ends in city centre). Travelling the full tram route takes around 35 minutes.

By train

The main railway station in Edinburgh is Waverley Station. There are a number of taxi ranks in and around the station, including Waverley Bridge and Market Street. You can also catch a number of buses to King’s Buildings from Princes Street or North Bridge.

Access for disabled people

University maps showing general access features, gradients and transport links that have been developed by the Disability Office.

Please do not hesitate to contact us in advance of your visit if you have any queries about access.