Edinburgh Airport handles flights until around midnight, with occasional delayed arrivals pushing later. If you are landing after 22:00, here is what to expect and plan for.
What stops running and when
| Service | Last departure | After that | |---------|---------------|------------| | Edinburgh Tram | ~23:00 | No service | | Airlink 100 bus | ~00:30 | N22 night bus | | N22 night bus | Runs all night | Every 30–60 min | | Black cabs | 24/7 | Available but fewer |
The tram stops earliest, so if you are landing after 22:30, the tram is not a realistic option. The Airlink 100 runs later, with the last departure around 00:30. After that, the N22 night bus takes over with a similar route but less frequent service — roughly every 30–60 minutes.
Taxi availability after midnight
Black cabs operate around the clock, but the number at the airport drops after midnight. On a typical night, you might wait 10–20 minutes in the queue. During the Edinburgh Festival (August) or on Friday/Saturday nights, waits can be longer.
Late-night taxi fares are higher due to Tariff 2 or Tariff 3 rates. A trip to the city center that costs GBP 25–28 during the day may run GBP 30–38 after midnight.
Pre-booked transfers at night
A pre-booked transfer eliminates the two main late-night problems: uncertain taxi availability and uncertain pricing. Your driver monitors your flight and is waiting when you exit arrivals, regardless of delays. The price is fixed — typically GBP 38–55 for a sedan at night — and there are no surcharges.
This is especially valuable during Festival season, when late-night taxi demand far exceeds supply.
Practical tips for late arrivals
- Currency exchange desks may be closed after 22:00 — ATMs are available, or pay contactless
- Food options in arrivals are very limited after 23:00
- The airport is safe and well-lit throughout the night
- If taking the N22 night bus, check the real-time schedule on the Lothian Buses app — times can vary
- Hotels in the Old Town can be hard to find at night in a taxi if the driver does not know the exact location — have the address and access instructions ready
The bottom line
If you land before 00:00, the Airlink bus is still running and is the cheapest option. After that, taxis work but involve waiting and higher fares. For arrivals after 23:00, a pre-booked transfer is the most reliable and stress-free choice — the premium over a late-night taxi is small.