Edinburgh Airport: how to get to the city center and back
All the ways to get from the airport to Edinburgh
Organizingholidays in Edinburghstarts from the moment you land. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is 13 km from the city center and offers several transportation options. This guide compares costs, duration, and convenience to help you choose the one that best fits your budget and schedule.
Tram (Edinburgh Trams)
Departure:stop outside arrivals (main exit).
Arrival:Princes Street (St Andrew Square stop), then continues to Leith.
Duration:35 minutes.
Frequency:every 7-10 minutes (from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM). Less frequent on Sundays.
Cost:£8 single, £12 round trip (valid for 30 days). Children under 5 free, ages 5-15 £4.
Payment:contactless (card or phone), ticket machine, app. Does not accept cash.
Advantages:comfortable, spacious, central stops. Free Wi-Fi on board.
Disadvantages:does not reach Waverley train station (the nearest stop is St Andrew Square, a 5-minute walk).
Airlink 100 Bus
Departure:stop outside arrivals (marked).
Arrival:Edinburgh Waverley Bridge (next to the train station).
Duration:25 minutes (20 during off-peak hours).
Frequency:every 10 minutes (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). At night (11:00 PM - 5:00 AM) every 30 minutes.
Cost:£8 single, £12 round trip. Children 5-15 years £4.
Payment:contactless, exact cash, app.
Advantages:faster than the tram, arrives at Waverley (ideal if you're taking a train).
Disadvantages:regular buses (not particularly luxurious). Can get stuck in traffic (rare in Edinburgh).
Skylink 200 and 300 Buses
Route:connect the airport to the suburbs and non-central neighborhoods (e.g. Gorgie, Murrayfield, Leith).
Cost:£5 single (standard Lothian Buses fare).
Duration:45-60 minutes.
Advantages:economical.
Disadvantages:slow, do not go directly to the city center. Useful only if your hotel is in the suburbs.
Taxi (Black Cab)
Departure:arrivals exit, taxi queue.
Arrival:any address in the city.
Duration:25-30 minutes.
Cost:£25-35 (fixed for the city center, but without a visible meter). The meter starts at £4 and increases by about £2 per km.
Payment:cash (not recommended, few have change) or card (most accept).
Advantages:door-to-door, available 24/7, no booking required.
Disadvantages:expensive, queue at arrival (especially at night and on weekends).
Uber and ride-sharing
Cost:£20-30 for the city center.
Duration:25 minutes.
Booking:Uber app (or Bolt, Free Now).
Advantages:often cheaper than a taxi, you can see the price before getting in.
Disadvantages:you have to exit the arrivals area and go to the ride-sharing parking (signposted). There is no Wi-Fi coverage everywhere to book.
Car rental
Companies:Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt – all available at the airport.
Cost:from £30 per day (for a compact car) to £80 (SUV).
Attention:the center of Edinburgh is not suitable for cars (ZTL, expensive parking). Rent only if you plan excursions outside the city.
Advice:if you rent, exit the airport southbound (A720) to avoid the city center.
Quick comparison
| Transport | Cost | Duration | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tram | £8 | 35 min | Those staying on Princes Street or Leith |
| Airlink 100 | £8 | 25 min | Those arriving at the station or hotels near Waverley |
| Skylink | £5 | 50+ min | Hotels in the suburbs, low budget |
| Taxi | £25-35 | 25 min | Families with suitcases, night schedules |
| Uber | £20-30 | 25 min | For those who want a fixed price |
How to get back to the airport from the city center
Tram:last run at 1:00 AM (after midnight, every 30 minutes). First run at 5:00 AM.
Airlink 100:24 hours a day. The stop is at Waverley Bridge.
Taxi:book with the City Cabs app for night schedules (similar cost).
Tips for night or very early flights
If you have a flight before 6:00 AM, the Airlink 100 leaves Waverley Bridge at 3:30, 4:00, 4:30. You arrive at the airport in 25 minutes.
The tram does not operate between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
Taxis and Uber are available but expensive (about £35). Book with the app the night before to avoid waiting.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way from the airport to the city center?
Skylink 200/300 (£5), but it is slow and does not go to the city center. The best compromise is the tram or Airlink (£8).
Can I pay for the tram with cash?
No. Only contactless (card, Apple Pay, Google Pay) or a ticket purchased at the machine (accepts cards and cash, but gives change only in coins).
Do children pay for the tram?
Under 5 free, 5-15 years £4 single.
How much does a taxi from the airport to Leith cost?
About £35.
Are there private shuttles?
Yes, companies like Edinburgh Airport Transfers, but they cost as much as a taxi (£25-30) and you need to book online.
Can I take the night bus if I land at 1:00 AM?
Yes, Airlink 100 departs every 30 minutes even at night. The tram is stopped.
Where do I buy tram tickets?
At the machine at the airport (before boarding) or contactless directly on board (tap the card on the yellow reader).
Is the tram accessible with large luggage?
Yes, there are dedicated areas for luggage (near the doors). There is no extra charge.
Choose the transport that suits your needs
Yourvacation in Edinburghstarts off on the right foot if you choose the transport that suits your needs. The tram is modern, scenic, and convenient for those staying on Princes Street. The Airlink 100 is the fastest and goes to the station. The taxi is the only door-to-door option but costs three times as much. Avoid car rental unless you are leaving the city. With a budget of £8 per person, trams and buses are excellent. Remember: late at night and early in the morning, the Airlink 100 is your best friend.
For a complete overview of periods, itineraries, budgets, and transport in the Scottish capital, check out our complete guide to holidays in Edinburgh.
Review date:March 21, 2026