This guide compares all available airport transfers at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
Public and private transfers from the airport to the city
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the busiest international airport in Scotland and is located about 12 km west of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Edinburgh by Express Bus, Tram, Taxi, Welcome Pickups (Private Transfer) or Uber.
Transfer comparison from EDI airport to downtown
Overview of all transfer options from Edinburgh Airport to the City Center
| Transport | Travel time | Cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Express Bus | 40 Min. | £ 4.50 | Details |
 |
Tram | 45 Min. | £ 6.50 | Details |
 |
Taxi | 30 Min. | £ 30‑40 | Details |
 |
Welcome Pickups |
30 Min. | £ 40 | Details |
 |
Uber | 30 Min. | £ 25‑30 | Details |
Notices:
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable option.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
Timetable and tickets here ↗
Travel time:
40 minutesCost:
£ 4.50 ppDescription:
Express Bus Airlink 100 from Edinburgh Airport (Bus station at Central Terminal) to central Edinburgh, to “Haymarket Station”, “Princes Street” or “South St David Street”
Timetable and tickets here ↗
Travel time:
45 minutesCost:
£ 6.50 ppDescription:
Tram from Edinburgh Airport (stop at main terminal) to “West End”, “Princes Street Station” & “St Andrew Square Station”, directly in the city center
Official local taxis
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
£ 30-40Description:
Taxi from Edinburgh Airport (Taxi rank in front of the Central Terminal) to central Edinburgh or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Book a Welcome Pickup ↗
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
£ 40Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Edinburgh Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Edinburgh or to your accommodation in the city
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
£ 25‑30Description:
Uber from Edinburgh Airport (pick-up location according to Uber app) to central Edinburgh or to your accommodationRoute from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to central Edinburgh
Edinburgh Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Edinburgh:
Things to know about Edinburgh:
1. Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn
2. Edinburgh Castle is built on an extinct volcano
3. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest Arts Festival in the world