# Edinburgh Airport Transfer Guide (EDI) Complete guide to getting from Edinburgh Airport to the city center. Airlink bus, tram, taxi and private transfer prices and times compared. **Airport:** EDI **City:** Edinburgh **Country:** United Kingdom **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/edi **Last updated:** 2026-03-27 --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is about **13 km west** of the city center. You have four solid options: the **Airlink 100 bus** (every 10 minutes, **GBP 4.50** single, 25–30 minutes to Waverley Bridge), the **tram** (every 7–10 minutes, **GBP 7.50** single, 35 minutes to York Place), a **taxi** (**GBP 25–35**, 25–40 minutes), or a **pre-booked private transfer** (**GBP 35–50**, same time as taxi). For most travelers, the Airlink bus is the best value. For families with luggage or late-night arrivals, a taxi or transfer is worth the premium. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing Edinburgh Airport has a single terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. Immigration is quick for UK and EU passport holders — usually under 10 minutes. Non-EU visitors may wait 15–30 minutes, occasionally longer during peak times. Baggage reclaim is straightforward. Once you exit, you are in the main arrivals hall with WHSmith, a Costa Coffee, and currency exchange desks. The hall leads directly to the ground transport options outside. The **tram stop** is a short walk from the terminal exit — follow the signs. The **Airlink bus stop** is directly outside the arrivals door. **Taxis** queue in the rank immediately outside. Everything is within **2–3 minutes** of the exit. --- ### Transport options explained honestly | Option | Time to Center | Cost | Best For | |--------|---------------|------|----------| | Airlink 100 bus | 25–30 min | **GBP 4.50** (~EUR 5.30) | Budget, solo, couples | | Tram | 35 min to York Place | **GBP 7.50** (~EUR 8.80) | Hotels near tram route | | Taxi | 25–40 min | **GBP 25–35** (~EUR 29–41) | Groups, luggage, convenience | | Private transfer | 25–40 min | **GBP 35–50** (~EUR 41–59) | Families, business, late night | | N22 night bus | 40–50 min | **GBP 4.50** (~EUR 5.30) | After midnight budget option | **Airlink 100:** This is Edinburgh's dedicated airport express bus. It runs every **10 minutes** during the day, stopping at Haymarket and terminating at Waverley Bridge in the city center. Luggage space is available but limited during busy periods. You can pay contactless on board or buy tickets from the driver. **Tram:** Edinburgh's tram runs from the airport to York Place in the New Town, with stops including Haymarket and Princes Street (St Andrew Square). It is comfortable and reliable but slightly slower than the bus for most city center destinations. **Taxi:** Black cabs and private hire vehicles queue at the rank. Fares are metered for black cabs. The ride to central Edinburgh depends heavily on traffic — the A8 corridor can be congested during rush hours. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations **Airlink bus:** **GBP 4.50** single, **GBP 8.00** return (valid 28 days). Children 5–15 pay **GBP 2.00**. Under 5 free. **Tram:** **GBP 7.50** single to city center. A day ticket covering tram and bus is **GBP 11.00**. Contactless payment accepted. **Taxi:** Metered black cab fare to the city center is typically **GBP 25–30**. To the Old Town or south of the city, **GBP 30–35**. To Leith, **GBP 28–35**. Evening and weekend surcharges apply — fares increase by roughly **20%** after 18:00 and on Sundays. **Private transfer:** A sedan runs **GBP 35–45**, a minivan **GBP 50–65**. Prices are fixed at booking. | Destination | Airlink bus | Taxi | Transfer | |-------------|-----------|------|----------| | Waverley / Old Town | GBP 4.50 | GBP 25–30 | GBP 35–45 | | Haymarket | GBP 4.50 | GBP 20–25 | GBP 30–40 | | Leith | — (need connection) | GBP 28–35 | GBP 40–50 | | Princes Street | GBP 4.50 | GBP 25–30 | GBP 35–45 | --- ### Late night arrivals The Airlink 100 runs until about **00:30**. The tram's last service is around **23:00**. After that, the **N22 night bus** operates roughly hourly through the night, following a similar route to the Airlink but with more stops. Taxis are available 24/7, but the queue can be long after midnight when multiple flights arrive simultaneously. Waits of **20–30 minutes** are not uncommon. A pre-booked transfer guarantees a driver waiting for you, which is particularly valuable for late arrivals during the Edinburgh Festival season (August) when demand for taxis spikes dramatically. --- ### Families and luggage The Airlink bus has a dedicated luggage area, but during busy periods it fills up quickly. If you have more than one large suitcase per person, you may find it uncomfortable. The tram has floor space for luggage but no dedicated rack. For families with pushchairs or car seats, a taxi or private transfer is significantly easier. Edinburgh's cobbled Old Town streets make walking with heavy luggage from a bus stop to your hotel surprisingly difficult. **Child car seats** are not standard in Edinburgh taxis. Private transfer services can provide them with advance notice. --- ### Where you meet the driver **Bus and tram:** Follow the signs from the arrivals exit. The bus stop is directly outside; the tram stop is about 150 meters to the right. **Taxi:** The rank is directly outside arrivals, managed by a marshal during busy periods. **Pre-booked transfer:** Drivers typically wait in the arrivals hall holding a name sign, or at a designated meeting point near the exit. You will receive instructions after booking. **Uber / Bolt:** Available in Edinburgh. Pickup is from the car park area, not the taxi rank. Prices are usually comparable to black cabs but can surge during busy times. --- ### Decision helper **Take the Airlink bus if:** You are traveling light, arriving during the day, and your hotel is near the city center (Princes Street, Royal Mile, Grassmarket). It is cheap, frequent, and reliable. **Take the tram if:** Your accommodation is along the tram route (Haymarket, West End, St Andrew Square, York Place) and you prefer a smoother ride. **Take a taxi if:** You have significant luggage, are in a group of 3–4, or want door-to-door service. The per-person cost for a group is often close to the bus fare. **Book a transfer if:** You are a family with children and car seats, arrive late at night, or are visiting during Festival season when taxi availability is unpredictable. 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary Edinburgh Airport offers genuinely good transport links to the city. The Airlink bus and tram are frequent, affordable, and reliable for most travelers. For families, groups with luggage, or late-night arrivals, a taxi or pre-booked transfer removes the stress of navigating public transport after a flight. The city center is close enough that no option is unreasonably expensive. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How far is Edinburgh Airport from the city center?** About **13 km west** of central Edinburgh. The journey takes **25–40 minutes** depending on traffic and transport mode. **Q: What is the cheapest way to get from EDI to Edinburgh city?** The **Airlink 100 bus** at **GBP 4.50** single (about **EUR 5.30**). It runs every 10 minutes and reaches Waverley Bridge in 25–30 minutes. **Q: How much is a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to the city?** A metered black cab costs **GBP 25–35** (about **EUR 29–41**) depending on your destination and time of day. Evening and weekend surcharges add roughly 20%. **Q: Does Edinburgh Airport have a tram?** Yes. The **Edinburgh Tram** runs from the airport to **York Place** in the New Town, with key stops at Haymarket and St Andrew Square. A single ticket costs **GBP 7.50**. **Q: Can I use contactless payment on the Airlink bus?** Yes. You can tap your **contactless card or phone** when boarding. Cash is also accepted. **Q: Is Uber available at Edinburgh Airport?** Yes. Uber and Bolt operate in Edinburgh. Pickup is from the **car park area**, not the taxi rank. Prices are usually similar to black cabs but may surge during peak times. **Q: What is the last bus from Edinburgh Airport to the city?** The last Airlink 100 departs around **00:30**. After that, the **N22 night bus** runs roughly hourly through the night. **Q: How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?** Take the **tram to York Place**, then a short bus or taxi to Leith. Alternatively, a direct taxi costs **GBP 28–35**. There is no direct bus from the airport to Leith. **Q: Are there child car seats in Edinburgh Airport taxis?** Standard black cabs do **not** carry child car seats. Book a private transfer in advance and request the appropriate seat for your child's age. **Q: Is the Airlink bus accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?** Yes. Airlink buses are **low-floor and wheelchair accessible**, with space for strollers. However, during peak times, space can be limited. --- ## Additional Guides ### Arriving at Edinburgh Airport Late at Night **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/edi/late-night 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. --- ### Edinburgh Airport: Taxi vs Private Transfer — A Practical Comparison **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/edi/taxi-vs-transfer Edinburgh has reliable black cabs and a growing private transfer market. Both get you to the city in the same time, but the experience and pricing model differ. ## Side-by-side comparison | Factor | Black Cab | Private Transfer | |--------|-----------|------------------| | Cost to city center | **GBP 25–35** (metered) | **GBP 35–50** (fixed) | | Booking required | No | Yes | | Wait time | 0–15 min in queue | Driver waits for you | | Meet-and-greet | No | Yes, name sign | | Flight tracking | No | Yes | | Child car seat | Not available | Available on request | | Payment | Card and cash | Pre-paid or card | | Surge pricing | No (regulated meter) | No (fixed at booking) | ## Edinburgh's black cabs are good Let us be honest — Edinburgh taxis are well-regulated, clean, and driven by licensed drivers who know the city. The metered fare system means you will not be overcharged. The taxi rank at the airport is well-organized with a marshal during busy periods. For most travelers arriving during normal hours, a black cab is a perfectly good choice. The main downsides are **evening/weekend surcharges** (roughly 20% more than daytime) and potential **queues during peak times**. During the Edinburgh Festival in August, taxi queues at the airport can stretch to **30–45 minutes**. ## When a transfer is the better choice The scenarios where a transfer clearly wins: - **Festival season (August):** Taxi demand is extreme. A pre-booked driver eliminates the queue entirely - **Late-night arrivals:** After midnight, fewer taxis circulate and waits grow longer - **Families with car seats:** Black cabs cannot provide child restraints; transfers can - **Large groups:** A minivan transfer for 5–6 people is often cheaper than two taxis - **Old Town hotels:** A driver who knows the exact access point for your hotel on Edinburgh's medieval streets saves genuine confusion ## Price perspective The premium for a transfer over a taxi is typically **GBP 10–15** for a sedan. For a family needing a minivan, the comparison shifts — a minivan transfer at **GBP 55** versus two black cabs at **GBP 60** total makes the transfer cheaper and more convenient. ## The verdict Edinburgh black cabs are reliable and fair. For solo travelers and couples arriving during the day, they are the pragmatic choice. For families, Festival visitors, late-night arrivals, or anyone who values having a confirmed driver at a known price, the transfer premium is modest and well justified. --- ### Edinburgh Airport with Kids — A Family Arrival Guide **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/edi/family-and-kids 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 just **GBP 2.00**. 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 it costs **GBP 7.50** per adult and still requires managing 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 | Cost for family of 4 | Car seat | Luggage ease | |--------|---------------------|----------|-------------| | Airlink bus | **GBP 13.00** total | N/A | Moderate | | Tram | **GBP 22.50** total | N/A | Moderate | | Black cab | **GBP 25–35** | Not available | Good | | Private sedan | **GBP 35–45** | On request | Good | | Private minivan | **GBP 50–65** | On request | Excellent | ## 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. The price for a minivan (**GBP 50–65**) is comparable to what four tram tickets would cost, but with infinitely more comfort. For families with older children, a black cab is perfectly fine — the ride is short and the service is reliable. --- ### How Much Does It Cost to Get from Edinburgh Airport to the City? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/edi/cost-to-city Edinburgh Airport is about **13 km** west of the city center. Transport costs vary widely depending on your choice — from under **GBP 5** on the bus to **GBP 50+** for a private minivan. ## Price comparison table | Option | Single fare | Return | Time | Per person (2 travelers) | |--------|-----------|--------|------|--------------------------| | Airlink 100 bus | **GBP 4.50** (~EUR 5.30) | GBP 8.00 | 25–30 min | GBP 4.50 each | | Edinburgh Tram | **GBP 7.50** (~EUR 8.80) | — | 35 min | GBP 7.50 each | | Taxi (black cab) | **GBP 25–35** (~EUR 29–41) | — | 25–40 min | GBP 12.50–17.50 each | | Private sedan | **GBP 35–45** (~EUR 41–53) | — | 25–40 min | GBP 17.50–22.50 each | | Private minivan | **GBP 50–65** (~EUR 59–76) | — | 25–40 min | GBP 12.50–16.25 (for 4) | | Uber / Bolt | **GBP 20–35** (~EUR 23–41) | — | 25–40 min | Varies with surge | ## Bus and tram details The **Airlink 100** is the cheapest option at **GBP 4.50** single. A return ticket costs **GBP 8.00** and is valid for 28 days — useful if you are returning to the airport by bus. Children aged 5–15 pay **GBP 2.00**; under 5s travel free. The **tram** costs **GBP 7.50** for a single to city center zones. If you plan to use buses and trams throughout the day, a **day ticket at GBP 11.00** covers both networks and may be better value. Both accept **contactless payment** — no need to buy tickets in advance. ## Taxi fare breakdown Edinburgh black cab fares are metered with regulated tariffs: - **Tariff 1 (daytime Mon–Fri):** Starting fare **GBP 3.00**, then roughly **GBP 1.75 per km** - **Tariff 2 (evenings, weekends):** Starting fare **GBP 3.00**, then roughly **GBP 2.10 per km** - **Tariff 3 (holidays, after midnight):** Higher rates apply Typical airport-to-city fares: | Destination | Daytime | Evening/weekend | |-------------|---------|----------------| | Princes Street | **GBP 25–28** | **GBP 28–32** | | Old Town / Royal Mile | **GBP 27–32** | **GBP 30–35** | | Haymarket | **GBP 20–24** | **GBP 23–27** | | Leith | **GBP 28–33** | **GBP 32–38** | ## The group math For a solo traveler, the bus is unbeatable at **GBP 4.50**. But for a group of four sharing a taxi at **GBP 30**, the per-person cost is just **GBP 7.50** — the same as a tram ticket, with door-to-door service. A minivan transfer for 5–6 people at **GBP 55** works out to roughly **GBP 9–11** per person, which is excellent value for the convenience. --- ## Related Pages - [Main arrival guide](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/edi) - [Late night arrivals](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/edi/late-night) - [Taxi vs transfer](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/edi/taxi-vs-transfer) - [Family & kids](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/edi/family-and-kids) - [Cost to city](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/edi/cost-to-city) --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Edinburgh (EDI). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.