How To Get From Edinburgh Airport To The City Centre In 2024


This article contains affiliate links. Click the arrow to find out more information.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post. However, please note I only recommend products that I have verified and/or personally used.


Looking For Answers On How To Get From Edinburgh Airport To City Centre? Use this article as your comprehensive guide.


Edinburgh Airport is located near one of Scotland's main motorways, the M9, which allows it to be only a mere 20-minute drive to get from the airport to the city centre or vice-versa.

There are a number of options to get from one to the other and that's why I've put together this article, which combines all the options in an easy-to-understand guide.

From the quickest, to the cheapest, and even, the wild card option, here’s everything you need to know about how to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre.

This post is all about How To Get From Edinburgh Airport To City Centre.



How To Get From Edinburgh Airport To City Centre

In a rush? Book two of the best options online:

  • Private Taxi Transfer From Edinburgh Airport To The City Centre | book here
  • Bus Transfer From Edinburgh Airport To The City Centre | book here
How To Get From Edinburgh Airport To City Centre

By Taxi | The Comfiest Option

Taking a taxi is one of the most convenient ways to get from the airport into the city centre of Edinburgh. The taxi journey only takes 20-25 minutes, but a metered fare will set you back about £25.

This is a bit more expensive than the other transport options available, but if you want to be comfortable on your journey into the city centre and dropped off directly at your hotel, then it might just be worth it!

The Edinburgh airport taxi rank is located outside the East Terminus. You'll need to walk across the plaza, past the 'Edinburgh' sign and then, follow the directions for taxis.

Powered by GetYourGuide

The taxi rank is operated by Capital Cars, who provide both black cabs and private hires. Alternatively, you can book a taxi in advance here for 2 people at £32.45 each.

That being said the airport is open to all operators (including Uber), so you are free to organise your own transfer with another company.

If you know someone in Edinburgh, you could get them to pick you up from the ground floor of the free long stay car park, which is around a 10-minute walk from the terminal.

Taxi From Edinburgh Airport To City Centre

By Bus | The Cheapest Option

To get to the city centre of Edinburgh by bus, you can jump on either the Airlink 100, Skylink 200 and 400, or the Airport Express services. All of these bus stops can be found outside the terminal.

The journey takes 30 minutes by bus and costs only £5.50 for an adult one-way ticket, making it the ideal budget-friendly option.

Powered by GetYourGuide

If you are going to be returning back to the airport, then you could opt to get an open return ticket, which is only £8. It's worth noting that you can pay by card or cash on the bus.

The Airlink 100 departs every 10/20 minutes all through the day and night. It will also take you to St Andrew Square in the city centre, so it's super convenient! You can book your tickets in advance for the Airlink 100 here.

Edinburgh Airport To City Centre Bus

By Tram | The Most Interesting Option

The relatively new addition to Edinburgh is the tramway, which was officially opened in 2014. This offers a unique and interesting way to get from Edinburgh airport to the city centre.

The trams depart every 7-10 minutes, with the first tram leaving the airport at 6.26am, and the last tram leaving at 10.48pm. The tram goes along Princes Street, Edinburgh's main shopping street, an ideal place to get off in the city centre.

The airport tram stop is right outside the east terminus, next to the plaza and Edinburgh sign.

Powered by GetYourGuide

The tram journey from the airport to the city centre only takes 30-minutes and costs £7 one-way, if booked in advance through this link, or £7.50 if not booked in advance. You will be able to pay by card or cash on the tram.

Airport return tickets cost £9 and are completely open-ended, so you can use it in a couple of days, weeks, months or even, in a year's time!

Edinburgh Airport To City Centre Tram

Hire A Car | The Wild Card Option

Are you planning on travelling around Scotland? Then, you could hire a car.

There are a huge amount of car rental companies to choose from at Edinburgh Airport, and they are all located only a short walk from the terminal building. The covered walkway next to the multi-storey will take you right there!

Powered by GetYourGuide

This post is all about How To Get From Edinburgh Airport To City Centre.

Please consider subscribing to my blog to be kept up-to-date with new posts or share it with others!

Kirsty x


More Blog Posts You'll Love...

25 Incredible Free Things To Do In Edinburgh
Looking for a budget friendly trip to Scotland’s Capital City? Here is 25 Incredible Free Things To Do In Edinburgh For The All The Family.
21 Free Things To Do In Glasgow For A Budget-Friendly Trip
There are loads of free things you can in Glasgow, from wondering down Ashton Lane to exploring the city’s mural trail, and much, much more!