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How to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is something every traveller should plan before arriving. Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital, for a few days or longer, you won’t want to waste time at the airport. With your transport sorted, you can reach the heart of the city quickly and kick off your adventure right away!
If you’re after a budget-friendly trip to Edinburgh, it’s easier than you think — from getting into the city centre to creating an itinerary packed with the best free things to do in Edinburgh. If you’re flying into Glasgow instead, I’ve got a full guide on how to get from Glasgow Airport to the city centre.
From the quickest, cheapest, or most comfortable options, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre smoothly, safely, and stress-free.
Edinburgh Airport to City Centre Distance and Travel Time
Edinburgh Airport sits just off one of Scotland’s main motorways — the M9 — making it incredibly easy to travel between the airport and the city centre. At only 9 miles (14km) apart, the journey only takes around 20 minutes, so you’ll be in the heart of Edinburgh before you know it.
Best Ways to Get from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre
In a rush? Book one of the two options below:
- Private Taxi Transfer From Edinburgh Airport To The City Centre | book here
- Bus Transfer From Edinburgh Airport To The City Centre | book here
Taking the Tram from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre
One of the easiest — and most fun — ways to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is by hopping on the tram. The airport tram stop is incredibly convenient, right outside the east terminus, next to the plaza and the iconic Edinburgh sign.
Trams run every 7–10 minutes, with the first leaving at 6:26am and the last at 10:48pm. The route takes you along Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main shopping street — the perfect place to hop off and start exploring the city.
The tram journey from the airport to the city centre takes just 30 minutes and costs £7.50 one-way if booked in advance, payable by card or cash on board. Return tickets are £9.25 and completely open-ended, so you can use them days, weeks, or even months later — perfect for future adventures in Edinburgh!
Taxi and Private Transfers from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre
If you’re looking for comfort and convenience, taking a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is hard to beat. The journey takes just 20–25 minutes, and while a metered fare is going to set you back around £25-30, being dropped off right at your hotel makes it totally worth it – especially after a long flight!
The taxi rank is easy to find outside the East Terminus: just walk across the plaza, past the famous Edinburgh sign, and follow the signs for taxis. Operated by Capital Cars, you’ll find both black cabs and private hires ready to take you into the city.
You can also book a taxi in advance for £33.45 per person (for at least 2 people), or organise your own transfer with Uber or other operators.
If you’ve got friends or family in Edinburgh, they can even pick you up from the free drop-off and pick-up point, just a 10-minute walk from the terminal — a handy option if you want a personal welcome to the city!
Bus Options from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre, taking a bus is a great option. You can choose from the Airlink 100, Skylink 200 or 400, or the Airport Express — all conveniently located just outside the terminal.
The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs only £6 for a one-way adult ticket, making it perfect for travellers who want to save a bit while still getting straight into the city. For your return, an open-return ticket is just £8.50, and you can pay by card or cash on board.
The Airlink 100 runs every 10–20 minutes, day and night, and stops at St Andrew Square, right in the heart of the city centre — super convenient! You can even book your bus tickets in advance for extra peace of mind. Side note: if you’re looking for somewhere to eat, go to Dishoom on St Andrew Square – thank me later!
Hire a Car From Edinburgh Airport
Are you planning on travelling around Scotland? Then, you could hire a car. There are a huge number 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!
🚗 If you want to compare car rental companies, then use DiscoverCars or AutoEurope. Both are very reliable websites that will help you find the best car rental deals by comparing the prices and ratings of hundreds of companies.
Tips for Getting from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre Easily
- Check Uber – When you get out of the airport, check at the taxi stand how much it will cost and then compare with your Uber app to find the best deal.
- Use Contactless Payment – In Edinburgh, both cash and cards are accepted. Although contactless cards or mobile payments are preferred, they make boarding faster and hassle-free.
- Consider Travel Time – Avoid peak traffic hours if possible, especially if taking a taxi or bus, as Edinburgh streets can get busy.
- Plan Ahead – Check your hotel’s location, as it can determine which transport option works best for you. For example, while the tram drops you at Princes Street in the city centre, the bus might actually be more convenient depending on where you’re staying.
- Book Transfers in Advance – If you want peace of mind or are travelling late at night, pre-booked taxis or private transfers are worth considering.
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Kirsty x
