Edinburgh is a wonderful city for families, but the journey from the airport to your accommodation requires a few practical decisions — especially around luggage and car seats.
Public transport with children
The Airlink 100 bus is family-friendly in theory — children under 5 travel free, and those aged 5–15 pay GBP 3.00 single (adults GBP 6.00). The bus has space for luggage and strollers. In practice, during busy periods the luggage area fills up, and maneuvering a stroller plus suitcases on a crowded bus is stressful.
The tram is slightly better — smoother ride, wider aisles, and more floor space. But an adult Airport Single is GBP 7.90 and a child Airport Single GBP 4.00, and you still manage everything yourself.
If you have older children who can handle their own bags, public transport works well. With a baby or toddler plus luggage, it is hard work.
The car seat problem
Edinburgh black cabs do not carry child car seats. UK law exempts taxis from the child restraint requirement, but that does not make it safe. If your child needs a car seat, your options are:
- Bring your own travel car seat
- Book a private transfer with a car seat requested in advance
- Use a black cab without a seat (legal but not recommended for young children)
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, under 5s free | N/A | Moderate |
| Tram | Per person: GBP 7.90 adult, GBP 4.00 child 5–15 (Airport Single) | N/A | Moderate |
| Black cab | Per vehicle: metered on the council tariff + airport gate charge (max GBP 6.00) | Not available | Good |
| Private transfer | Per vehicle: fixed when you book | On request | Good to excellent |
Fixed-price private transfer
EDI Edinburgh City Center
From€152for 2 passengers
Bus and tram fares are the operators' published prices as of July 2026 and are revised regularly. The key structural difference: bus and tram charge per person, a cab or transfer charges per vehicle — so the bigger your family, the better the vehicle looks.
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 is worth it
- Festival season (August) makes taxi availability unpredictable — pre-book if visiting then
- The airport has baby changing facilities in all restroom areas
- There is a small play area in the departures lounge (useful if returning)
- Luggage trolleys are free and available at baggage reclaim
The practical recommendation
For families with children under 5, a private transfer with a pre-installed car seat is the most sensible choice — it is the only option here that can supply a restraint at all. For families with older children, a black cab is perfectly fine — the ride is short and the service is reliable. And if everyone can carry their own bag, the Airlink at GBP 6.00 an adult and GBP 3.00 a child is hard to argue with.