Taxis are an easy way to get around Edinburgh. There are plenty of them all over the city at any time of day, with clear, regulated fares.
Edinburgh’s black cabs
The taxis you’ll see most are the classic black cabs, very similar to those in London and other British cities. Licensed taxis can be hailed in the street, found at taxi ranks or booked in advance, and all of them charge the maximum fares set by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Many black cabs have a rear cabin separate from the driver and fold-down seats, and they are wheelchair accessible. Capacity depends on the vehicle: many take up to five passengers, so tell the company how many of you there are and how much luggage you have when you book.
There are also larger vehicles. If you are a big group, ask for a suitable vehicle and confirm the number of seats before your trip.
You can pay by card with the main companies, and drivers should not add the old 5% surcharge for paying with a personal card. If you hail a taxi in the street, check payment methods with the driver.
Taxi to Edinburgh Airport
A taxi from the city centre to the airport takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact location. The fare depends on the route, the time of day and airport access charges: ask for an estimate when you book and check which extras are included. Metered taxis apply the council’s official fares.
For other ways to get there, see our guide to getting to and from Edinburgh Airport.
Taxi fares in Edinburgh
| Tariff | When | Initial charge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monday to Friday, 6am–6pm | £3.60 |
| 2 | Weekday nights and weekends | £4.80 |
| 3 | Weekday daytime during the festive periods | £4.60 |
| 4 | Nights and weekends during the festive periods; Christmas Day and New Year’s Day | £5.75 |
Fares in force since 25 July 2026. The initial charge covers the first 430 metres or 100 seconds of waiting time, or a combination of both. On tariffs 1 and 2, £0.30 is added for every 141 metres up to 1,699 metres and every 164 metres after that, or every 30 seconds of waiting. On tariffs 3 and 4, £0.40 and £0.52 respectively are added for every 154 metres up to 1,816 metres and every 178 metres after that, or every 32 seconds of waiting. The festive periods run from 6pm on 24 December to 6am on 27 December, and from 6pm on 31 December to the end of 2 January.
Extra charges
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Each passenger beyond the third | £0.40 per person |
| Pre-booked call-out | £0.80 |
| Cancellation of an unused pre-booked taxi | £2.20 |
| Airport pick-up or drop-off | Up to £6 |
For journeys outside the city, agree the price before setting off.
Taxi companies in Edinburgh
There are many taxi companies in Edinburgh, and most of them let you book by phone, online or with an app.
Phone numbers of some Edinburgh taxi companies
| Company | Phone |
|---|---|
| Central Taxis | 0131 229 2468 |
| City Cabs | 0131 228 1211 |
| Capital Cars | 0131 777 7777 |
Other options
Uber and other private hire companies also operate in Edinburgh, with pre-booked vehicles.
For shorter trips in the centre, walking is often just as quick: see our tips for walking around Edinburgh, or get around by bus and tram.
