Edinburgh airport transfers to the city center
Edinburgh Airport lies west of the city, with a tram stop and bus stops outside the terminal. Choose your arrival stop around your accommodation: Haymarket suits the west side, while Princes Street and St Andrew Square put you near New Town. Old Town addresses often involve an uphill walk after public transport, so check the final stretch before choosing.
The airports
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- about 13 km west, usually 30 to 60 minutes depending on transport and traffic
Every way from the airport to Edinburgh
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TramEdinburgh Trams | EDI | about 35 minutes to Princes Street | Hotels near the tram route and journeys toward Leith |
| BusAirlink 100 | EDI | about 30 to 45 minutes to the central terminus | Central arrivals and a direct airport bus |
| TaxiLicensed airport taxi | EDI | about 25 to 45 minutes, longer in heavy traffic | Door to door travel with luggage or a group |
How each one works
Tram: Edinburgh Trams
Follow signs from the terminal to the tram stop. Buy an airport ticket from the stop's ticket machine before boarding and keep it for inspection. Haymarket, West End, Princes Street and St Andrew Square are useful central stops.
Bus: Airlink 100
Follow terminal signs to the Airlink stop and check the destination display before boarding. Pay contactless on board or use a valid ticket. Haymarket is useful for the west side; check the current central terminus for your onward walk toward Waverley.
Taxi: Licensed airport taxi
Follow the airport's signs to the official taxi collection area, checking current arrangements on arrival. Give the full accommodation address, particularly for Old Town properties reached through closes. Confirm payment methods and any quoted fare before the journey starts.
Arriving late or leaving early
Check the first and last tram departures for your travel day. Airlink is generally the main overnight public transport option, but verify its current timetable before relying on it. For very early flights, allow for the walk to your stop and a missed service.
Before you land
- Buy the correct airport tram ticket before boarding; a city journey ticket does not cover the airport section.
- Check your accommodation entrance on a map, since a nearby Old Town street may sit above or below your arrival stop.
- Allow extra time for road traffic if taking the bus or a taxi during busy periods.
Edinburgh airport transfers to the city center
Does Edinburgh Airport have a train station?
There is no railway station at the terminal. Take the tram or Airlink to Haymarket for rail connections, checking onward train times and allowing time to change.
Which airport stop is best for the Old Town?
It depends on your address. Princes Street or St Andrew Square may suit northern approaches, but many Old Town hotels require a climb. Check the full walking route with luggage.
Can I pay contactless for airport transport?
Airlink accepts contactless payment on board. For the tram, buy the appropriate airport ticket at the stop before boarding rather than assuming the bus payment method applies.
What is the best option after the last tram?
Check the current Airlink timetable for an overnight departure. A licensed taxi is useful if the bus stop is far from your accommodation or you want a direct journey.