Edinburgh bus operators
There are two major bus companies in Edinburgh, Lothian Buses and First Bus. You are more likely to use the former during your visit, as it has the more extensive network of routes throughout the city centre.
Both companies charge the same fares, but your tickets are not transferable between the two. If you wish to purchase a day ticket, or multiple day tickets, it’s recommended to use Lothian Buses, since they have more routes.
You can pay for tickets in cash when boarding the bus, by depositing the money in the box next to the driver, but be aware that exact change is required, as the drivers have no access to cash and are unable to give back change. Paying by card is also possible.
You can also use mobile tickets, on the Transport for Edinburgh phone app, or a top-up ‘citysmart’ card, which you can purchase in the Lothian Buses Travelshops. For longer visits to Edinburgh, you might like to get a ‘Ridacard’, which you pay for in advance, and it is valid for 1 week, 4 weeks, or 1 year.
You can catch buses at regular intervals throughout the day, though they are less frequent in the evenings and on Sundays. You can also use the Night Buses, which require a higher fare, and run once an hour between midnight and 4.30am. Most bus stops have an electronic screen, where you can see how many minutes until the next bus arrives.
All buses are wheelchair accessible, and have a designated space for them on board.
Bus Tariffs in Edinburgh
Single ticket
Adult: £2.40
Child (5-15 years): £1.20
Day ticket (also valid on the tram, except to the airport)
Adult: £6
Child (5-15 years): £3
Family Day ticket (also valid on the tram, except to the airport)
Up to 2 adults and 3 children: £13
Single Night ticket
Adult: £3.50
City late (valid between 6 pm and 4.30 am, also valid on the tram except to the airport)
Adult: £5.50
Airport Buses
You can travel from the airport easily, by using the Airlink 100 Express Bus, the most direct route to the city centre, terminating at Waverley Bridge. Your journey will take about 25 minutes, as it is an express route, only stopping at limited locations, including Princes Street and Haymarket.
You can purchase tickets at the airport from a counter next to the bus stop, or on board from the driver at any other stop. You also have the option of purchasing an open return ticket for this service, valid for use on different days.
This bus runs 24 hours a day, but is less frequent through the night (0.00-4.30am)
Airlink Bus 100 tariffs:
Airlink Bus 100 tariffs:
Adult: £6 single/ £8.50 open return
Child (5-15 years): £3 single/ £4.25 open return
Family (up to 2 adults and 3 children): £22 open return
Other airport bus services
You can also use two other airport bus services, Service 17 and Service 18, which connect the airport to other parts of Edinburgh. Service 17 runs through North Edinburgh and terminates in Leith, while Service 18 serves South Edinburgh. Both routes use the standard city bus fare, but they only run during the day.
For other ways of getting to and from the airport, please see Getting to and from Edinburgh Airport.
