Edinburgh is a good city for families, but the journey from the airport to your accommodation needs a few practical decisions, especially around luggage and car seats.
Public transport with children
The Airlink 100 bus has child fares: children aged 5-15 pay GBP 3.00 single (adults GBP 6.00). Luggage and pushchair space can be limited during busy periods, and managing a stroller plus suitcases on a crowded bus can be stressful.
The tram has fares from GBP 7.90 for an adult and GBP 4.00 for a child, and trams run about every 7 minutes. You still manage everything yourself.
If you have older children who can handle their own bags, public transport can work well. With a baby or toddler plus luggage, it is hard work.
The car seat problem
Do not count on an Edinburgh black cab having a child car seat. If your child needs a car seat, your options are:
- Bring your own travel car seat
- Book a private transfer and request a car seat at booking
- Check with the driver before you travel in a cab without one
Family transport options compared
| Option | What it costs | Car seat | Luggage ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airlink bus | Per person: GBP 6.00 adult, GBP 3.00 child 5-15 | N/A | Limited at busy times |
| Tram | Per person: from GBP 7.90 adult, GBP 4.00 child | N/A | Floor space, no dedicated rack |
| Black cab | Per vehicle: metered on the council tariff, plus any airport charge | Do not count on one | Check the cab size |
| Private transfer | Per vehicle: quoted when you book | Request at booking | State luggage at booking |
Fixed-price private transfer
EDI Edinburgh City Center
From€107for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €107 per vehicle, about €27 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Bus and tram fares are the operators' published prices as checked in October 2026 and are revised regularly. The key structural difference: bus and tram charge per person, a cab or transfer charges per vehicle, so compare the totals for your whole family on the day.
Edinburgh-specific tips for families
- The Old Town is hilly and cobbled. If your hotel is on the Royal Mile or in the Grassmarket, door-to-door transport may be worth it
- Festival season (August) can make taxi availability tight, so consider pre-booking if you are visiting then
The practical recommendation
For families with young children and a car seat, a pre-booked transfer where you request the seat at booking is the option that lets you arrange one in advance. For families with older children, a black cab or the Airlink bus can work. And if everyone can carry their own bag, the Airlink at GBP 6.00 an adult and GBP 3.00 a child is a low-cost choice.
Sources (checked 2026-10-17)
- Airlink 100 fares (single GBP 6.00, return GBP 8.50, child GBP 3.00 / 4.25), 24/7 operation, frequencies, Network ticket valid on Airlink: https://www.lothianbuses.com/our-services/airport-buses/
- Tram: airport fares from GBP 7.90 adult and GBP 4.00 child, trams every 7 minutes, first tram 06:30 and last tram 22:52 from the airport, stop list: https://edinburghtrams.com/
- City of Edinburgh Council taxi fare table in force from 25 July 2026 (Tariffs 1-4, extra passengers, airport Pick-up and Drop-off Zone charge wording, outside-city rule): https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/40420/taxi-fare-table-from-25-july-2026
When a private transfer from EDI is the right choice
- Travelling with small children: child seats are requested at booking for the exact ages, so you are not relying on a taxi that may have none.
- Strollers, cots and luggage: a minivan takes everything in one go, door to door, with no stairs or platform changes.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Edinburgh City Center is from €107, about €27 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
EDI → Edinburgh City Center from €107Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
EDI Edinburgh City Center
From€107for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €107 per vehicle, about €27 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Edinburgh Airport taxis have child car seats?
Do not count on it. Bring your own seat, or request one when you book a private transfer.
Can I take a stroller on the Airlink 100 bus?
Lothian's Airlink page does not give stroller rules, so check with the operator. Luggage space is shared with other passengers' bags and can be limited at busy times.
How much is a family transfer from Edinburgh Airport?
A transfer is priced per vehicle rather than per person and quoted at the point of booking, so you see the figure for your party size and dates before you pay. Ask whether a car seat is included in the quote.
Is Edinburgh's Old Town accessible with a stroller?
Partly. The Royal Mile is manageable, but many side streets are steep and cobbled. Door-to-door transport to your hotel avoids the worst of it.