Think the tram is the best way from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre? Not always.
For most people the tram is the easiest, direct platform, about 30 minutes to Princes Street, and no road delays.
But if you land late, need Waverley Station, have heavy bags, or travel as a group, another choice can beat it.
This guide compares tram, Airlink 100, Lothian buses, taxis, ride-shares and car hire.
Read on and you’ll know which to book, when to save, and what to avoid.
Quick Verdict: Which Airport Transfer Should You Choose?
For most people flying into Edinburgh Airport, the tram is the easiest way to reach the city centre. Edinburgh Airport sits 8 miles (13 km) west of central Edinburgh, and the tram connects the terminal directly to Haymarket, Princes Street and St Andrew Square without touching road traffic. If your hotel’s anywhere near those stops, this is the transfer to book in your head and forget about.
A taxi from Edinburgh airport can beat the tram on a quiet afternoon, since there’s no walk to a platform and no waiting for the next departure. But “fastest” and “most reliable” aren’t the same thing here. Road traffic into Edinburgh can be unpredictable, especially around rush hour or during festival season, so the tram stays the steadier bet even when a taxi might technically win on paper. Heading to Waverley Station or the Old Town? Landing late at night? Skip the tram and take Airlink 100 instead. It terminates right at Waverley Bridge and runs 24 hours a day, which the tram doesn’t.
Groups, families with a mountain of suitcases, or anyone who just wants to be dropped at the front door should book a taxi. The journey time to city centre by taxi runs roughly in line with the tram and bus, but you skip the walking and transfers entirely. And if you’re trying to spend as little as possible, Lothian buses 17 and 18 can undercut every other option. Just only if your actual destination happens to sit along one of those two routes.
Transfer Options Compared At A Glance
| Transport Option | Fare | Typical Duration | Operating Hours | Frequency Or Availability | Airport Pickup Point | Booking And Payment | Luggage | Accessibility | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Tram | £7.90 single (adult) | ~30 minutes | 06:30 to 22:52 from airport | Every 7-10 minutes | Platform outside terminal | Platform ticket machine, card or coins | Space on board, no dedicated racks | Level boarding, wheelchair and mobility scooter space | Predictable journey to Haymarket, Princes Street, St Andrew Square |
| Airlink 100 | £6.00 single, £8.50 open return | 25-35 minutes | 24 hours a day | Frequent daytime, reduced overnight | Stop A, Ground Transport Interchange | App, driver, or contactless on board | Dedicated luggage racks | Accessible low-floor buses | Waverley Station, Old Town, overnight arrivals |
| Lothian Buses 17/18 | £2.40 single | 17 ≈ 50 min, 18 ≈ 1 hr 15 min | Standard daytime city bus hours | Regular city bus frequency | Ground Transport Interchange | Contactless or exact cash on board | No dedicated luggage space | Standard city bus, not step-free optimised | Budget travel to suburbs along the route |
| Licensed Taxi | Metered, Tariff 1 from £3.60 | 20-40 minutes | 24 hours a day | Rank-based, always available | Official taxi rank outside arrivals | Metered fare, card or cash | Driver assists, boot space | Wheelchair accessible vehicles available | Groups, heavy luggage, door-to-door drop-off |
| Ride-share | Typically £18-£30 | 20-40 minutes | 24 hours, subject to driver availability | Variable, demand-based | Designated pickup zone or short-stay car park | App-only booking and payment | Depends on vehicle booked | Depends on vehicle booked | Door-to-door when app pricing is reasonable |
| Car Rental | Varies by vehicle and date | 20-30 minutes driving | Desk hours vary by company | Subject to availability at collection | On-site or nearby shuttle pickup | Online booking, paperwork at desk | Depends on vehicle size | Depends on booked vehicle | Onward travel outside Edinburgh, not city-centre stays |
Airport → Tram → Haymarket → West End → Princes Street → St Andrew Square → Newhaven
Airport → Airlink 100 → Waverley Bridge
Airport → Bus 17/18 → route-specific neighbourhood destinations
Airport → Taxi/Ride-share/Rental Car → selected address
Final Words
Take the tram from the terminal to Haymarket, Princes Street and St Andrew Square — the predictable, easy option for travellers.
If roads are clear a taxi can be faster, but the tram usually avoids delays. For Waverley Station, the Old Town or late-night arrivals, use Airlink 100; it ends at Waverley Bridge and runs 24 hours.
Pick a taxi for groups, heavy bags or door-to-door convenience. Buses 17 and 18 are cheapest only if they stop where you need. For edinburgh airport transportation to city center, choose the option that saves time and stress — you’ll be in town quickly.
FAQ
Q: What bus do you get from Edinburgh Airport to city Centre?
A: The bus you take from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is the Airlink 100, which boards at Stop A and runs 24 hours to Waverley Bridge, close to Waverley Station and the Old Town.
Q: Do Edinburgh trams run 24 hours?
A: Edinburgh trams do not run 24 hours; services start at 06:30 from the airport and the last airport departure is 22:52, with the final city-to-airport tram leaving St Andrew Square at 00:16.
Q: Is there a free shuttle at Edinburgh Airport?
A: There isn’t a free public shuttle at Edinburgh Airport; transfers are by tram, Airlink, local buses or taxis. Some hotels or tour operators offer private shuttles—check your hotel or booking for details.
Q: Is Edinburgh Airport close to city centre?
A: Edinburgh Airport is about 8 miles (13 km) from the city centre; the tram takes roughly 30 minutes, Airlink 25–35 minutes, and a taxi 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.