How to Get from Edinburgh Airport to the City Center: A Complete Guide

Taxi, tram or bus - what should you choose and how much does it cost?

If you're arriving at Edinburgh Airport and need to get to the heart of Scotland's capital, you have several convenient and efficient options. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best way to reach the city centre based on your preferences, budget, and schedule.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

AIRPORT BUS

I prefer to take the Airlink 100 airport bus from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre. I usually buy a return ticket, which is cheaper and allows me to use the return ticket on any date and time. Since I often fly to Ireland on a morning flight to meet my clients the same day, I can also use this bus to get to the airport early in the morning, as it operates 24 hours a day

The bus stop is not difficult to find. When you exit the terminal, keep left until you see the sign Bus stop A (about 100 meters away). If the bus is not in front of you, wait there. During the day, buses leave about every 10 minutes; the interval is a little longer at night, but nothing bad.

Cost:

£5.50 for an adult single
£8 for a return ticket

Buy a ticket for the airport bus

For your convenience, I recommend buying a bus ticket in advance. If you are only travelling to Edinburgh city centre, choose a one-way ticket (1-way ticket), but if you are flying back from the same airport, I recommend selecting a return ticket (Return/ Round trip); this option will also suit your wallet.

The buses are comfortable and traditional or double-decker. You can leave your suitcase on the lower deck and head to the upper deck to enjoy the beautiful views on the city ride and get a first impression of this beautiful city.

With free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and plenty of luggage space, this is an excellent option for both budget and comfort.

As I mentioned above, the Airlink 100 airport bus offers a 24-hour service on all days of the week. So it is also a good option for those whose flights depart early in the morning or arrive at midnight.

The journey time to the city centre is approximately 30 minutes and the stops are:

Haymarket - one of Edinburgh's two main railway stations, with very good connections and transfer options to other parts of the city. You can also find several affordable accommodation options here.

West End - a luxurious part of Edinburgh. Several good-quality hotels are located in this area;

Princes Street - located in the heart of the city. Cafes, shops, attractions, hotels - you can find everything here. It is also a good place to change trains if your accommodation is in an area where the tram does not run;

Waverley Bridge - a city centre stop from where you can get to both Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town.

Other buses also depart from Edinburgh Airport. You can travel to Glasgow or other parts of the city from here, but if your accommodation is in the city centre, this is the best route. There are also good transfer options at the hubs.

TRAM

The tram is a little more expensive, but also a convenient and well-connected transport option. Unfortunately, trams do not run at night, so this option is unsuitable for those whose flights arrive late or depart early in the morning.

The Edinburgh Trams directly connect the airport to the city centre. During peak hours, they run approximately every 7 and 15 minutes in the evening.

Journey Time: About 30 minutes

First Tram: 6:18 AM (Mon-Sat), 7:18 AM (Sun)
Last Tram: 10:48 PM

Prices for adults:
one way £7.50
open return ticket £9.50
3-day ticket with a return ticket to the airport £18
Prices for children aged 5-15:
one-way adult £3.80
open return ticket £5
3-day ticket with a return ticket to the airport £9

PS! Tickets must be purchased before boarding the tram. There are ticket machines at the tram stop.

The tram stops in the central districts of the city:

Haymarket - one of Edinburgh's two main railway stations, has good connections and transfer options to other parts of the city. Here, you will also find several affordable accommodation options;

Princes Street - located in the city centre. Cafes, shops, attractions, hotels - you will find everything here. It is also a good place to change if your accommodation is in an area where the tram does not run;

St Andrew Square - a good place to get off if you want to strengthen your body;

West End - a luxurious part of Edinburgh. Several good-quality hotels are located in this area;

York Place - the final tram stop. There are several restaurants and bars here and good connections to the Leith district.

TAXI OR AIRPORT TRANSFER

I recommend pre-ordering an airport transfer because the price is fixed in this case, and you will not be surprised at the moment of payment. Also, being tired from flying and airports, you will not have to wait in long taxi queues.

Make sure to book your airport transfer in advance

The airport also offers a taxi service, a convenient option if you prefer direct and private transportation to your destination.

CAR HIRE

Best for: Travelers exploring beyond Edinburgh
Journey Time: Varies based on destination
Cost: Prices vary depending on the rental company and vehicle type

🚗 If you plan to venture outside the city, renting a car at Edinburgh Airport may be ideal. Major car rental providers are located within the airport terminal.

WALKING OR CYCLING

Best for: Adventurous travelers with light luggage
Journey Time: Approximately 2 hours (walking) or 45 minutes (cycling)

🥾 Although less common, some travellers opt to walk or cycle from the airport to the city center. This option is best suited for those familiar with the area and comfortable navigating traffic.

WHICH OPTION IS BEST FOR YOU?

Fastest Option: Taxi or tram
Most Affordable: Airlink 100 bus
Best for Comfort and Convenience: Tram

By selecting the travel method that suits your priorities, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey from Edinburgh Airport to the heart of this vibrant city. 🌿Safe travels🌿