What is the best way to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre? There are several options, but the most popular are the bus, the tram and taxis.
1. Bus
Airlink 100
The Airlink 100 Express is the fastest bus from the airport to the centre of Edinburgh, terminating at Waverley Bridge.
The journey takes about 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic, as it is an express route with only a few stops, including Haymarket and Princes Street.
You can buy your ticket online, on the Lothian Buses app, at the counter next to the bus stop at the airport, or pay by contactless. Unlike on other Lothian buses, the Airlink driver can give change. There is also an open return ticket, valid for travel on different days.
The Airlink 100 runs 24 hours a day, although it is less frequent through the night (midnight to 4.30am).
Airlink 100 fares
Single and return tickets
| Ticket | Adult | Child (5–15) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | £6 | £3 |
| Open return | £8.50 | £4.25 |
Family ticket (up to 2 adults and 3 children)
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Open return | £22 |
Up to 3 children under 5 travel free with a fare-paying adult.
Other airport bus services
As well as the Airlink 100, other buses connect the airport with different parts of Edinburgh. Service 17 runs through North Edinburgh to Leith, and Service 18 serves South Edinburgh. They charge the standard city fare and only run during the day.
They all take longer than the Airlink 100, so they are only worth it if they take you closer to where you are staying.
For more information, see our guide to getting around Edinburgh by bus.
2. Tram
The Edinburgh tram connects the airport with the city centre in about half an hour, with stops along Princes Street, before continuing to Leith, Ocean Terminal and Newhaven. It is a fast and reliable option, especially if you are staying in the West End or the city centre.
Tram timetable
The tram doesn’t run all night. Trams run frequently throughout the day, every 7 minutes between 7am and 7pm, and every 10 minutes earlier in the morning and later in the evening.
The first tram leaves the airport at around 6.30am, and the last tram leaves the airport just before 11pm. Check the official timetable before you travel.
Buying tram tickets
Every tram stop in Edinburgh has ticket machines on the platform, where you can buy single, return or day tickets. You can also buy tickets in advance on the Transport for Edinburgh apps, or tap a contactless card or device on the platform before boarding and tap off at your destination.
It is important to have a valid ticket before you board: if you travel without one, you may be charged a £10 on-board fare. And if you tap on but forget to tap off, you may be charged the airport fare.
Airport tram fares
Single, return and day tickets
| Ticket | Adult | Child (5–15) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | £7.90 | £4 |
| Open return | £9.50 | £5 |
| Day ticket including the airport | £14 | £7 |
Family ticket (up to 2 adults and 3 children)
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Open return | £28 |
The day ticket is also valid on Lothian city buses.
For more information, see our guide to getting around Edinburgh by tram.
3. Taxi
A taxi is a convenient option if you have heavy luggage, arrive late or prefer a direct journey to your accommodation. The trip to the centre usually takes about 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact destination.
Fares vary depending on the time of day, the route and any airport charges, but as a rough guide, expect around £30–£40 to the city centre, more at peak times, in heavy traffic or if your accommodation is further out.
For more information, see our guide to taxis in Edinburgh.
Uber and other private hire companies also operate in Edinburgh, offering airport transfers that you can book in advance.