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Edinburgh (EDI) Airport, serving as your gateway to the enchanting city of Edinburgh, effortlessly connects you to the bustling heart of the city centre. Edinburgh City Centre, a captivating hub of historical grandeur and contemporary vibrancy, offers a harmonious fusion of old-world charm and modern excitement. Travelling from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is a seamless and convenient journey that effortlessly transitions you from arrival to exploration. As you disembark at Edinburgh Airport, you enter the gateway to the city’s charm.
When traveling from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre, several iconic locations await just 25–35 minutes away by tram, taxi, or express bus. Princes Street, one of Edinburgh’s most famous thoroughfares, is located around 8 miles (13 km) from the airport and serves as the city’s main shopping avenue, offering stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Just parallel to it, Rose Street is a lively pedestrian lane known for its vibrant pubs, cafes, and boutiques—ideal for a local experience and only a short walk from Princes Street. Meanwhile, the historic University of Edinburgh, approximately 9 miles (14.5 km) from the airport, is one of the world’s oldest universities and sits at the heart of the city’s Southside district, close to cultural attractions and student life. All three locations are central, easily accessible, and represent the intellectual, commercial, and social core of Edinburgh.
About the Airport
Official Name: Edinburgh Airport
IATA Code: EDI
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland.
Airport Facilities: The airport features one terminal, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and currency exchange offices.
Hongbin on How to get from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City Centre? You can use the tram, taxi, public bus or Edinburgh Airport transfer with a driver, from the airport to the city centre.
The fastest way to reach Edinburgh city centre is the private airport transfer, and the cheapest option is the express bus, which costs 5 €. While Edinburgh Airport lacks its own train station, it boasts robust transportation connections facilitated by convenient bus and tram services that link it to various train stations in Edinburgh. These stations, in turn, offer connections to destinations throughout Scotland, including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and London, making Edinburgh City the central hub for seamless travel.
Edinburgh City Centre Local Taxis
Taxi from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre
Edinburgh Airport taxis depart in front of the terminal building and reach the city centre in 25 minutes. Go to the taxi rank outside the terminal—taxis are often available. Licensed black cabs and private hire vehicles (minicabs) are available at the official taxi rank on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park, just outside the terminal arrivals area. tandard black cabs carry 4–5 passengers. Edinburgh Airport taxi payment options are cash, card, contactless, and Apple Pay accepted.
Taxi Fare from Edinburgh Airport to City Centre
The meter calculates Edinburgh taxi fares from the airport to city centre, which cost between €60 and €80 to get into the city.
Uber operates in the city, though availability may vary by area and time, with surge pricing often applied during peak hours. Bolt is not currently active in Edinburgh. Most locals and visitors still prefer the city’s well-established Black Cabs (like Central Taxis and City Cabs). Since fares are generally similar between Uber and traditional taxis, and due to occasional driver shortages on apps, ride-sharing is not as dominant here as in other major cities.
Tram from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre
Trams run every 7 minutes during the day (07:00–19:00) and every 10 minutes early morning or late evening, 7 days a week. The first tram departs the airport around 06:18, and the last leaves at approximately 22:48, with a total journey time of about 35 minutes to St Andrew Square/Princes Street. Purchase options include terminal vending machines, the official app, or online before you travel.
Great coverage: stops at Edinburgh Gateway, Park, Haymarket, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, and beyond.
Tram Fare from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh
Adult Airport Single fare (covering both airport & city zones) is £7.90, child fare is £4.00. An Airport Open Return ticket costs £9.50, allowing return travel any time that day. For unlimited travel within Edinburgh, a Network Day Ticket costs £12.50, valid on both trams and buses, including airport journeys.
Express Bus from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre
The cheapest way from Edinburgh Airport to the city center is by taking the airport bus. Airlink 100 Express Bus provides service every day of the week and every hour. Takes you to Edinburgh city centre Waverly Station. The journey takes 30 minutes, and a one-way bus ticket costs €5. One way for children is 2.30 €. Also, from the airport to the north of the city with Skylink 200, Skylink 300 serves the north.
Buses serve between 06:00 - 00:00. The Airlink 100 Express Bus runs every 10 minutes 24/7.
Express Bus Fare from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh
Airlink 100 (Lothian Buses)
Adult single: £5.50 Adult return (open): £8.00 Child single (5–15): £2.75 Child return: £4.00
Runs 24/7: every 10 minutes during the day, 20–30 minutes overnight. Journey time is approximately 25–30 minutes.
Edinburgh Airport Chauffeur Service to the City Centre
Private Transfers from Edinburgh Airport to the City Centre
With AirportTransfer.com, you can travel from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre in 30 minutes with a private chauffeured transfer vehicle. The road transportation distance between these two destinations is approximately 15 km. Private airport transfers are readily accessible at Edinburgh Airport, providing reliable, swift, comfortable, and cost-effective transportation options. Booking a transfer to Edinburgh hotels through fixed rates is a quick process on airporttransfer.com.
You can book in advance through the website or the mobile app, available on both Google Play Store for airport transfers and Airport Transfer App Store.
This service extends privileged and advantageous transportation, featuring a 100% refund guarantee and free cancellation up to 48 hours before the transfer. Professional licensed drivers warmly greet you at Edinburgh Airport, offering helpful assistance with your luggage. Stringent measures ensure your safety and peace of mind throughout the journey, eliminating the need for additional tipping. AirportTransfer.com presents a hassle-free and convenient solution to reach your accommodations in Edinburgh.
Group Transfers Bus Hire in Edinburgh with The Best Pickup Service
Bus and Minibus Hire in Edinburgh
AirportTransfer.com provides reliable and customized Edinburgh bus transfers from the EDI airport to the city centre, catering to all group sizes and travel purposes. Whether you're arriving for a corporate event, academic program, leisure trip, or cruise departure, our services include Edinburgh bus hire with a driver, ensuring a smooth, timely, and comfortable journey to your destination.
Our diverse fleet ranges from luxury minibuses ideal for small groups to full-size coaches suitable for large parties or conference delegations.
In addition to transfers to the city centre—home to key landmarks like Princes Street, St Andrew Square, and Waverley Station—we also offer direct transport to nearby popular areas such as:
Leith (famous for its port and seafood dining scene) Murrayfield Stadium (ideal for sports and concert groups) Stockbridge (known for its weekend market and boutique charm) Dean Village (a picturesque riverside retreat just minutes from the city) Newington and Marchmont (close to the University of Edinburgh)
No matter the purpose—be it a wedding party shuttle, a private sightseeing tour, or a business group transfer—our Edinburgh coach transfers for group travel offer flexibility, comfort, and fixed pricing. To enjoy a private, stress-free trip to central Edinburgh or surrounding districts, book your Edinburgh bus hire with a driver today through AirportTransfer.com.
Edinburgh Hotel Transfers
AirportTransfer.com offers seamless and professional Edinburgh hotel transfer services to and from the city’s most prestigious hotels. With flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, we ensure peace of mind and reliable door-to-door transportation.
Some of the top luxury hotels near Edinburgh city centre we serve include:
The Balmoral Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, InterContinental Edinburgh The George, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Market Street Hotel, Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, The Scotsman Hotel, Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, The Glasshouse Autograph Collection, The Witchery by the Castle, Malmaison Edinburgh City, Hotel du Vin Edinburgh.
Our transfer services are available for individuals, couples, families, and large groups, featuring a wide range of premium vehicles:
Standard Sedans for solo travelers and business guests, Executive Cars for luxury and corporate arrivals, MPVs and Minivans for families or small groups with luggage, Minibuses and Coaches for large parties and group tours, Luxury SUVs and Chauffeur Services for VIP comfort and elegance.
All hotel transfers in Edinburgh include meet-and-greet service at the airport, real-time tracking, and experienced local drivers.
The best Edinburgh International Airport transfer reviews are at AirportTransfer.com!