Edinburgh Airport to City Centre: Best Ways to Get There
Arriving at Edinburgh Airport and wondering about the best way to get to Edinburgh city centre? Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is located just west of the city, and getting into central Edinburgh is relatively straightforward. Depending on your budget, luggage, group size and where you are staying, you can choose between a private airport transfer, tram, Airlink bus, taxi or rental car.
In this guide, we compare the best ways to travel from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre, including journey times, convenience and which option may suit your trip best.
How far is Edinburgh Airport from Edinburgh city centre?
Edinburgh Airport is approximately 8 miles (13 km) from central Edinburgh.
By car, the airport describes the journey to the city centre as around 20 minutes, although actual travel time will depend on traffic and your exact destination.
If you’re staying around Princes Street, the Old Town, New Town, Haymarket or another central Edinburgh neighborhood, there are several convenient options.
1. Private transfer from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre
For travelers who want the easiest door-to-door option, a pre-booked Edinburgh Airport transfer removes much of the hassle after landing.
Rather than navigating public transportation with luggage, you can arrange your journey before arriving and travel directly from the airport to your hotel, apartment or other destination.
This can be particularly convenient for:
- Families and groups
- Travelers carrying several suitcases
- Golfers traveling with clubs
- Business travelers
- Students arriving in Edinburgh for the first time
- Visitors arriving after a long international flight
- Anyone who prefers a pre-arranged, door-to-door journey
At Edinburgh Transfers, airport transfers are pre-booked, with options including standard pickup, meet-and-greet and assistance with luggage. The company also monitors flight schedules for airport-to-hotel transfers so pickup times can be adjusted when necessary.
How long does a private transfer take?
Under normal traffic conditions, the journey from Edinburgh Airport into the city can take around 20–30 minutes, although busy periods can increase journey times. Edinburgh Airport itself estimates approximately 20 minutes by road to the city centre.
The main advantage is that the journey is direct to your accommodation, so you don’t need to change transportation or walk from a tram or bus stop with your luggage.
Best for: convenience, luggage, families, groups, business travelers and door-to-door transportation.
2. Edinburgh Airport to city centre by tram
The Edinburgh Tram is one of the most popular public transportation options.
The tram stop is located directly outside the main airport terminal, beside the plaza and the large Edinburgh sign. Trams connect the airport with stops including Haymarket, West End, Princes Street and St Andrew Square before continuing toward Leith and Newhaven.
The journey from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre takes approximately 30 minutes. During much of the day, trams depart every 7 minutes, with less frequent services early in the morning and later in the evening.
As of 2026, an adult airport single purchased at the stop costs £7.90; Edinburgh Trams currently offers an online advance price of £7.50.
Best for: solo travelers and visitors staying close to a tram stop.
3. Edinburgh Airport to city centre by Airlink 100 bus
Another inexpensive option is the Airlink 100.
It connects Edinburgh Airport with Waverley Bridge, close to Princes Street, Edinburgh Waverley railway station and the main city-center attractions.
The average journey takes around 30 minutes. During the day, buses depart at least every 10 minutes, and the service also operates overnight at a reduced frequency.
The Airlink can therefore be a useful option if your accommodation is close to its route and you’re traveling relatively light.
Best for: budget-conscious travelers staying around central Edinburgh.
4. Taxi from Edinburgh Airport
You can also take a taxi after landing.
Edinburgh Airport’s official taxi rank is located at the East Terminus, a short walk from arrivals. The airport says passengers can book in advance or make a booking once they arrive at the rank.
A taxi offers the same fundamental benefit as a private transfer, you can travel directly to your destination — although a pre-booked private transfer gives you the advantage of arranging your transportation before you arrive.
Best for: travelers who haven’t pre-booked transportation and want a direct journey.
5. Renting a car at Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport also has a dedicated car rental center within walking distance of the terminal.
However, if you’re spending your entire stay in central Edinburgh, renting a car purely to reach your hotel is usually unnecessary. Edinburgh’s central areas are highly walkable and are served by buses and trams.
A rental car makes considerably more sense if Edinburgh is only the beginning of your trip and you’re planning to explore destinations elsewhere in Scotland.
Best for: road trips and travelers continuing beyond Edinburgh.
What is the easiest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to your hotel?
That depends on what matters most to you.
For a solo traveler with little luggage staying beside Princes Street, the tram or Airlink bus can be economical and straightforward.
If you’re traveling with family, several suitcases, golf equipment, children or a larger group, or simply don’t want to navigate public transportation after a flight, a private Edinburgh Airport transfer provides a more direct door-to-door option.
And if you’re arriving from the United States or another long-haul destination, having your transportation arranged before you land means one less thing to organize when you arrive in Scotland.
Getting from Edinburgh Airport to the Old Town
Many first-time visitors stay around the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket and the Old Town.
Public transportation can take you into central Edinburgh, but depending on your accommodation, you may still need to walk or arrange onward transportation.
This is worth considering in Edinburgh because historic streets, hills, cobblestones and luggage aren’t always the easiest combination.
A private transfer can instead take you directly from Edinburgh Airport to your hotel or accommodation.
Traveling as a group?
The economics also change when several people are traveling together.
Instead of purchasing individual public transportation tickets and then potentially arranging another journey to your accommodation, a group can travel together in one appropriately sized vehicle.
Edinburgh Transfers offers different vehicle categories for individual travelers, families and larger groups, making it possible to arrange transportation according to passenger and luggage requirements.
Book your Edinburgh Airport transfer
Start your visit to Scotland without worrying about transportation after you land.
Edinburgh Transfers provides pre-booked airport transportation from Edinburgh Airport to hotels, apartments and destinations across Edinburgh and beyond, with professional drivers, luggage assistance and direct support when required.
Whether you’re traveling alone, visiting Edinburgh with your family, arriving for business or beginning a longer trip around Scotland, you can arrange your journey before you fly.
