Edinburgh airport to city centre: trains, buses, taxis and costs

Edinburgh airport (EDI) sits about 13 km west of the centre, with no rail station at the terminal. The tram and the express bus both run to the centre in about half an hour; a taxi is faster door to door but costs several times more. Prices below are 2026 estimates — check current fares before you travel.

The tram is the simplest option: it leaves from the stop outside the terminal, runs through the western suburbs and Murrayfield, and finishes at York Place in the city centre, a few minutes' walk from Waverley station and Princes Street. It is step-free, so it works with heavy bags, and it runs from early morning until around midnight — check the last departure on your date.

The Airlink 100 express bus runs a similar route to Waverley Bridge, stopping near the station and the Royal Mile. It is frequent through the day and slightly cheaper than the tram. Ordinary Lothian city buses also serve the airport area and cost less, but they take longer and are less useful with luggage.

Tickets are bought from the driver on the bus or from a machine at the tram stop; contactless cards and phones are accepted. Keep the ticket if you buy a return, and note that a day ticket covering city buses and the tram is often better value if you plan several trips.

Black cabs and private-hire cars wait outside arrivals. A metered run to the centre is roughly £25–35 in normal traffic, more at night or on busy weekends; agree the fare or check the meter before you set off. For two or more travellers with bags, a taxi can be close in total cost to two tram returns.

Ride-hailing apps operate in Edinburgh, and prices vary with demand — check the app before you book a cab. If you are heading straight to the Highlands or Fife, pick up a rental car at the airport rather than in the city, where parking is expensive and central streets are restricted. Fuel is around £1.40–1.50 a litre.

Budget about £7–8 each way by tram or express bus, or £25–35 for a taxi. A return tram ticket at roughly £10–12 is the best value if you are coming back to the airport within a few days. Local buses are the cheapest at £2–3 but add time.

If you are staying outside the centre — Leith, for example — add a city bus or tram hop, or take the taxi all the way. Airport drop-off charges apply to private cars, so a friend picking you up pays to enter the terminal area.

Arrive with a contactless card or phone ready; the tram machines and bus drivers take them, and you avoid hunting for cash. If you land after midnight, check the tram and bus timetables first — the last services are early, and a taxi may be the only option.

Buy a day or multi-day ticket if you plan to use buses and trams around the city, and keep your luggage with you on the tram rather than in a rack. For the return leg, allow extra time on weekday mornings: the A8 into town is slow, and airport security queues build from mid-morning.