Edinburgh Airport to City Center
Getting from Edinburgh Airport to the city center is simple, fast and well connected. Edinburgh Airport, also known as EDI, is located west of the city, and visitors can reach central Edinburgh by tram, Airlink 100 express bus, taxi, rideshare or private transfer.
For most visitors, the best way from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh city center is either the Edinburgh Tram or the Airlink 100 bus. The tram is usually the most comfortable and predictable option if your hotel is near Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Picardy Place, Leith Walk or Newhaven. The Airlink 100 is excellent if you want a 24-hour direct express bus to Waverley Bridge, close to Princes Street, Edinburgh Waverley Station and the Old Town.
Unlike some airports where public transport is confusing, Edinburgh Airport is very visitor-friendly. The tram stop is directly outside the terminal, and the Airlink 100 bus stop is also easy to find outside the arrivals area. Both options are designed for airport passengers and are much cheaper than a taxi.
The best choice depends on your final destination. If you are staying near Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Haymarket, West End, Leith Walk or Newhaven, the tram is usually excellent. If you are staying near Waverley Station, Royal Mile, Old Town, North Bridge, South Bridge or Grassmarket, the Airlink 100 bus to Waverley Bridge can be more convenient.
Taxi, rideshare and private transfer are better if you arrive late, travel with heavy luggage, stay in a hilly Old Town street, travel with children, or need direct hotel drop-off. Edinburgh is compact, but the Old Town has cobbles, slopes, stairs and narrow closes that can make the final walk harder than expected with suitcases.
This complete guide compares all major ways to travel from Edinburgh Airport to the city center, including tram, Airlink 100 bus, local airport buses, taxi, rideshare and private transfer. It also explains the best routes to Waverley Station, Princes Street, Royal Mile, Old Town, New Town, Haymarket, Grassmarket, Leith, Newhaven, Murrayfield and major hotel areas.
Quick answer: best way from Edinburgh Airport to the city center
- Best overall for most visitors: tram or Airlink 100 bus, depending on hotel location
- Best for Princes Street / St Andrew Square: tram
- Best for Waverley Station / Old Town: Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge
- Best for Haymarket: tram
- Best 24-hour public transport option: Airlink 100 bus
- Best with heavy luggage: taxi or private transfer
- Best for late-night arrival: Airlink 100, taxi or pre-booked transfer
- Main mistake to avoid: buying a city-zone tram ticket when travelling from the airport, which requires an airport-zone ticket
Edinburgh Airport to city center: best options compared
| Option | Best for | Typical travel time | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Tram | Princes Street, St Andrew Square, West End, Haymarket, Murrayfield, Leith, Newhaven | Around 30–35 minutes to the city center | Reliable, comfortable, traffic-free airport route |
| Airlink 100 bus | Waverley Bridge, Old Town, Royal Mile, Princes Street, night arrivals | Around 30 minutes depending on traffic | 24-hour express service to Waverley Bridge |
| Local airport buses 17 / 18 | Local Edinburgh districts, budget routes, non-central stops | Usually slower and route-dependent | Useful for specific local destinations |
| Taxi | Heavy luggage, families, late arrivals, hotels far from tram/bus stops | Around 20–40+ minutes depending on traffic | Direct door-to-door hotel drop-off |
| Private transfer | Premium travelers, business trips, families, groups, early/late flights | Around 20–40+ minutes depending on traffic | Fixed price, meet-and-greet and direct service |
Where is Edinburgh Airport?
Edinburgh Airport is located west of Edinburgh city center, near Ingliston. It is Scotland’s busiest airport and the main international gateway for Edinburgh, the Lothians and many travelers heading further into Scotland.
The airport has one main terminal area, and the public transport connections are easy to find after arrivals. The tram stop is outside the terminal near the plaza, while airport buses depart from stops outside the terminal area.
Edinburgh city center is compact, but it is not flat. The Old Town, Royal Mile, Castle area and Grassmarket are hilly and often cobbled, while New Town, Princes Street and St Andrew Square are easier for rolling luggage. This matters when choosing between tram, bus and taxi.
Best overall option: tram or Airlink 100?
There is no single best option for every traveler. The Edinburgh Tram and Airlink 100 bus are both excellent, but they serve slightly different needs.
The tram is best if your accommodation is on or near the tram line. It is reliable because it avoids road traffic, and it is very convenient for Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Picardy Place, Leith Walk and Newhaven.
The Airlink 100 is best if you want a 24-hour express bus, if your hotel is closer to Waverley Bridge, Waverley Station, North Bridge, the Royal Mile or parts of the Old Town. It is also useful for late-night arrivals because the service operates through the night.
Choose the tram if:
- your hotel is near Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Picardy Place, Leith Walk or Newhaven,
- you want to avoid road traffic,
- you prefer a smooth rail-style journey,
- you arrive during tram operating hours,
- you are travelling with one manageable suitcase,
- you want several central tram stops rather than one city bus terminus.
Choose Airlink 100 if:
- you are staying near Waverley Station, Waverley Bridge, North Bridge, Old Town or Royal Mile,
- you arrive late at night or very early morning,
- you want a direct 24-hour airport express bus,
- you prefer arriving close to the main railway station,
- you are comfortable with possible road traffic,
- you want a straightforward airport-to-city bus.
Option 1: Edinburgh Tram from the airport
The Edinburgh Tram is one of the easiest ways to travel from Edinburgh Airport to the city center. The tram stop is directly outside the terminal, and the line runs through key city areas including Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Picardy Place, Leith and Newhaven.
The tram is especially useful if you are staying near the New Town, Princes Street, George Street, St Andrew Square, Haymarket or Leith. It is also a good option if you prefer predictable travel times, because it is not affected by normal road traffic in the same way as buses or taxis.
However, tram fares from the airport are higher than city-zone tram fares. Edinburgh Airport is in the Airport Fare Zone, so you must buy an airport-zone ticket when travelling to or from the airport. Do not buy a city-zone ticket for an airport journey.
How to take the tram from Edinburgh Airport
- After arrivals, follow signs for Tram.
- Walk to the tram stop outside the terminal near the plaza.
- Buy the correct airport-zone tram ticket before boarding.
- Do not board without a ticket or valid smartcard.
- Take the tram toward Newhaven.
- Get off at Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square or another stop closest to your hotel.
- Continue on foot, by bus, taxi or another tram if needed.
Always buy or validate your tram ticket before boarding. Ticket inspections can happen, and airport-zone mistakes are common among visitors.
Best tram stops for tourists
Haymarket
Haymarket is useful for hotels west of the city center, Haymarket railway station, the West End, business stays and some rugby or Murrayfield-related trips. If your hotel is near Haymarket, the tram is usually the best option from the airport.
West End – Princes Street
West End is useful for hotels near Shandwick Place, the western New Town, Charlotte Square and the east end of the Haymarket area. It is also useful if your accommodation is between Haymarket and Princes Street.
Princes Street
Princes Street is one of the most central tram stops for tourists. It is useful for New Town hotels, shopping, Princes Street Gardens and walking access toward the Old Town.
St Andrew Square
St Andrew Square is useful for Waverley Station connections, George Street, New Town hotels and access toward Edinburgh Bus Station. It is also the closest tram option for some travelers headed toward the eastern city center.
Picardy Place
Picardy Place is useful for the east side of the city center, Leith Walk, theatre areas, and some hotels away from the tram stops around Princes Street and St Andrew Square.
Newhaven
Newhaven is the tram line’s northern terminus and useful for waterfront stays, Leith / Newhaven hotels, Ocean Terminal and Royal Yacht Britannia access.
Option 2: Airlink 100 bus from Edinburgh Airport
The Airlink 100 is Edinburgh’s dedicated express bus between the airport and the city center. It runs between Edinburgh Airport and Waverley Bridge, close to Princes Street, Edinburgh Waverley railway station and the Old Town.
Airlink 100 is a very strong option for visitors staying near Waverley Station, Royal Mile, North Bridge, South Bridge, Market Street or parts of the Old Town. It is also the best public transport option late at night because it operates 24 hours a day.
The bus has luggage space and is designed for airport passengers. The trip usually takes around 30 minutes, although road traffic can affect travel time.
How to take Airlink 100 from Edinburgh Airport
- After arrivals, follow signs for buses.
- Go to Stop A outside the terminal plaza.
- Board the Airlink 100 toward Waverley Bridge.
- Pay using contactless, app ticket, online ticket or other accepted payment method.
- Store luggage safely in the luggage area.
- Get off at Waverley Bridge for Princes Street, Waverley Station and Old Town access.
- Walk, take a taxi or connect to local buses depending on your hotel.
Airlink 100 vs tram
| Criteria | Tram | Airlink 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Haymarket, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Leith, Newhaven | Waverley Bridge, Waverley Station, Old Town, Royal Mile |
| Traffic impact | Mostly traffic-free | Can be affected by road traffic |
| Night service | Not 24 hours | 24-hour service |
| Arrival style | Multiple city tram stops | Direct express to Waverley Bridge |
The simple rule: choose the tram if your hotel is near a tram stop. Choose Airlink 100 if your hotel is near Waverley Bridge, Waverley Station or the Old Town, or if you arrive late at night.
Option 3: local airport buses 17 and 18
In addition to Airlink 100, Edinburgh has local bus services connecting the airport with other parts of the city. Services 17 and 18 can be useful for specific routes, local stops and non-central destinations.
These buses are usually not the best option for first-time visitors going directly to the city center. They are slower and less direct than Airlink 100 or the tram. However, they can be useful if your hotel or destination is on their route.
Use local airport buses if:
- your accommodation is closer to a local bus route than to the tram or Airlink 100,
- you are going to a district not served directly by Airlink or tram,
- you are comfortable using local bus timetables,
- you are travelling light,
- you want to save money and do not mind a longer journey.
Option 4: taxi from Edinburgh Airport
A taxi is the easiest door-to-door option from Edinburgh Airport to your hotel. It is usually more expensive than tram or bus, but it can be worth it if you have luggage, arrive late, travel with children or stay somewhere difficult to reach by public transport.
The official airport taxi rank is located at the East Terminus, a short walk from arrivals. Follow airport signs for taxis after leaving the terminal.
Taxi is especially useful for hotels in the Old Town, Grassmarket, Stockbridge, Dean Village, Leith, Southside or other areas where the final walk from tram or bus stop would be awkward with suitcases.
Taxi is best if:
- you have several large suitcases,
- you travel with children,
- you arrive late at night,
- your hotel is far from tram or Airlink stops,
- your hotel is in a steep or cobbled Old Town street,
- you want direct door-to-door travel.
Option 5: private transfer from Edinburgh Airport
A private transfer is the most comfortable airport arrival option. A driver meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your hotel, apartment, conference venue or onward destination.
This option is usually more expensive than tram, bus or taxi, but it can be worth it for families, groups, premium travelers, business trips or arrivals after a long international journey.
Private transfer is also useful if you are travelling beyond Edinburgh, such as to St Andrews, Glasgow, the Highlands, the Borders or a rural accommodation where public transport is not practical.
Edinburgh Airport to Waverley Station
Edinburgh Waverley Station is the main railway station in the city center. The Airlink 100 bus to Waverley Bridge is usually the most convenient airport transfer if your destination is Waverley Station.
The tram does not stop directly inside Waverley Station, but St Andrew Square and Princes Street are within walking distance. If you have light luggage and your hotel or train is near the east side of Princes Street, the tram can still work.
With heavy luggage, Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge or taxi is usually easier than walking from a tram stop through central streets.
Edinburgh Airport to Princes Street
Princes Street is one of Edinburgh’s main central streets and a major hotel and shopping area. The tram is usually excellent for Princes Street because it has a stop directly on or near the route.
Airlink 100 also works well because Waverley Bridge is close to Princes Street. Choose tram if your hotel is west or central on Princes Street. Choose Airlink if your hotel is nearer Waverley, North Bridge or the Old Town side.
Edinburgh Airport to Old Town and Royal Mile
The Old Town and Royal Mile are some of Edinburgh’s most popular areas, but they are not the easiest with luggage. Streets can be steep, cobbled and crowded.
Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge is often the best public transport option. From there, you can walk uphill to the Royal Mile or take a short taxi if your luggage is heavy.
If your hotel is deep in the Old Town, taxi from the airport may be the easiest choice. Many Old Town streets are atmospheric but not luggage-friendly.
Edinburgh Airport to New Town
The New Town is generally easier than the Old Town for luggage. It includes George Street, Queen Street, St Andrew Square, Charlotte Square and many Georgian streets with hotels and apartments.
The tram is excellent for many New Town locations, especially West End, Princes Street and St Andrew Square. Airlink 100 can also work depending on hotel location.
Edinburgh Airport to Haymarket
Haymarket is one of the easiest areas to reach by tram from Edinburgh Airport. If your hotel is near Haymarket Station, the tram is usually the best option.
Airlink 100 is less ideal for Haymarket because it is focused on Waverley Bridge and city center access. Taxi is also possible, especially with luggage or late arrivals.
Edinburgh Airport to Grassmarket
Grassmarket is a popular Old Town area below Edinburgh Castle. It is scenic, central and lively, but not directly served by tram or Airlink.
For public transport, take Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge and then walk or take a local bus/taxi. With luggage, taxi from the airport may be significantly easier because Grassmarket streets can involve slopes, cobbles and stairs depending on exact hotel location.
Edinburgh Airport to Leith and Newhaven
Leith and Newhaven are well served by the tram extension. If your hotel is near Leith Walk, The Shore, Ocean Terminal or Newhaven, the tram is usually the best public transport option from the airport.
The journey is longer than to Princes Street, but it is direct and avoids needing to transfer in the city center. This makes the tram very useful for visitors staying in the north-east side of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Airport to Murrayfield
Murrayfield is directly on the tram route between the airport and city center. The tram is the best public transport option for Murrayfield Stadium, rugby matches and nearby hotels.
For major events, allow extra time because trams and surrounding streets can be busy.
Best option by traveler type
First-time visitor
Use the tram if your hotel is near a tram stop. Use Airlink 100 if your hotel is near Waverley Station or Old Town. If unsure and travelling with luggage, check the exact hotel location before choosing.
Budget traveler
Use Airlink 100 or tram rather than taxi. Local buses 17 and 18 can be cheaper for specific destinations, but they are less direct and slower for most city-center visitors.
Family traveler
Compare family tickets on tram or Airlink with taxi/private transfer. If you have multiple bags or young children, taxi may be easier despite the higher cost.
Business traveler
Use taxi or private transfer for direct hotel or meeting access. Use tram if staying near Haymarket, West End or city-center tram stops.
Late-night traveler
Use Airlink 100, taxi or pre-booked transfer. The tram does not operate 24 hours, while Airlink 100 provides a 24-hour public transport option.
Traveler with heavy luggage
Taxi or private transfer is easiest. Tram and Airlink both work with luggage, but the final walk in Edinburgh can be difficult depending on hills, cobbles and hotel location.
Best option by destination
| Destination | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Waverley Station | Airlink 100 | Terminates at Waverley Bridge, close to the main railway station |
| Princes Street | Tram or Airlink 100 | Both serve central locations near Princes Street |
| Old Town / Royal Mile | Airlink 100 + walk/taxi, or direct taxi | Waverley Bridge is close, but the final walk can be uphill |
| Haymarket | Tram | Direct tram stop and easy airport connection |
| Leith / Newhaven | Tram | Direct tram service from the airport through the city to Newhaven |
| Grassmarket | Taxi or Airlink + final taxi/walk | Central but hilly and not directly served by airport tram/bus |
Using airport transport with luggage
Tram and Airlink 100 are both manageable with normal luggage. They are designed for airport passengers and are much cheaper than taxi. However, Edinburgh’s challenge is often not the airport transfer itself but the final walk to the hotel.
If your hotel is in New Town, Princes Street, Haymarket or near St Andrew Square, public transport is usually easy. If your hotel is on the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Victoria Street or a steep Old Town lane, the final walk may be tiring with suitcases.
Use tram or bus with luggage if:
- you have one manageable suitcase,
- your hotel is close to a tram stop or Waverley Bridge,
- you arrive during normal public transport hours,
- you are comfortable with short city walks,
- you want to save money compared with taxi.
Use taxi or private transfer if:
- you have several large suitcases,
- you travel with children,
- your hotel is in a steep or cobbled Old Town street,
- you arrive late at night,
- you want direct door-to-door comfort,
- your hotel is far from tram or Airlink stops.
Common tourist mistakes
- Buying the wrong tram ticket: airport tram journeys require an airport-zone ticket, not just a city-zone ticket.
- Boarding the tram before buying a ticket: tram tickets should be bought or validated before boarding.
- Choosing tram for Waverley without checking the walk: Airlink 100 may be easier for Waverley Station and Old Town hotels.
- Ignoring late-night service differences: Airlink 100 is 24-hour, while the tram is not.
- Underestimating the Old Town with luggage: cobbles, hills and stairs can make a short walk difficult.
- Taking taxi without checking official ranks: use official airport taxi pick-up areas or reputable pre-booked services.
- Assuming all central hotels are near the same stop: Haymarket, Princes Street, Waverley and Old Town require different choices.
- Not allowing traffic buffer for buses and taxis: road journeys can vary depending on time of day and events.
Final recommendation
For most visitors, the best way from Edinburgh Airport to the city center is either the tram or the Airlink 100 bus. Choose the tram for Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Leith and Newhaven. Choose Airlink 100 for Waverley Bridge, Waverley Station, Old Town and late-night arrivals.
If you have heavy luggage, travel with children, arrive late or stay in a steep Old Town street, taxi or private transfer may be worth the extra cost. Edinburgh is compact but hilly, and the last 500 meters can be harder than the airport transfer itself.
If you plan to use local transport during your stay, read our Edinburgh Transport Tickets and Lothian Buses Guide, which will explain tram airport fares, city-zone tickets, Airlink tickets, Lothian buses, TapTapCap, Ridacard and day tickets. For daily route planning after arrival, our How to Use Public Transport in Edinburgh guide will explain trams, buses, walking routes, Leith, New Town, Old Town, Waverley, Royal Mile and festival transport.
FAQ – Edinburgh Airport to City Center
What is the best way from Edinburgh Airport to the city center?
For most visitors, the best option is either the Edinburgh Tram or the Airlink 100 bus. The tram is best if your hotel is near Haymarket, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Leith or Newhaven. Airlink 100 is best if you are going to Waverley Bridge, Waverley Station, Old Town, Royal Mile or arriving late at night.
Is there a tram from Edinburgh Airport to the city center?
Yes. Edinburgh Trams run directly from the airport to the city center and onwards to Leith and Newhaven. The airport tram stop is located outside the main terminal, making it one of the easiest public transport options after arrivals.
How long does the tram take from Edinburgh Airport to the city center?
The tram usually takes around 30 to 35 minutes to reach central stops such as Haymarket, West End, Princes Street and St Andrew Square. The full journey to Newhaven takes longer because the tram continues beyond the city center.
What ticket do I need for the Edinburgh Airport tram?
You need an airport-zone tram ticket when travelling to or from Edinburgh Airport. A city-zone tram ticket is not valid for the airport stop. Always buy or validate the correct ticket before boarding the tram.
Can I buy a tram ticket on board?
No. You should buy or validate your tram ticket before boarding. Ticket machines are available at tram stops, including the airport stop. You can also use supported ticketing options such as the tram app or smartcard where appropriate.
Is Airlink 100 good from Edinburgh Airport?
Yes. Airlink 100 is an excellent airport express bus. It connects Edinburgh Airport with Waverley Bridge in the city center and operates 24 hours a day. It is especially useful for Waverley Station, Old Town and late-night arrivals.
Where does Airlink 100 stop in Edinburgh city center?
Airlink 100 terminates at Waverley Bridge, close to Princes Street, Edinburgh Waverley Station and the Old Town. This makes it very convenient if your hotel is near Waverley, North Bridge, Royal Mile or the eastern side of the city center.
How long does Airlink 100 take?
Airlink 100 usually takes around 30 minutes between Edinburgh Airport and the city center, although traffic can affect the journey time. During peak times or major events, allow extra time.
Is tram or Airlink better for Waverley Station?
Airlink 100 is usually better for Waverley Station because it stops at Waverley Bridge. The tram stops at Princes Street or St Andrew Square, which are walkable but not directly at Waverley Station. With luggage, Airlink is often more convenient.
Is tram or Airlink better for Princes Street?
Both work well for Princes Street. The tram is very convenient for central and western Princes Street, while Airlink 100 is useful for the eastern side near Waverley Bridge. Choose based on your exact hotel location.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to the Royal Mile?
Take Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge, then walk uphill toward the Royal Mile or take a short taxi if you have luggage. If your hotel is deep in the Old Town, a taxi from the airport may be easier.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to Haymarket?
Take the tram. Haymarket is directly on the tram route from the airport and is one of the easiest areas to reach by public transport.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
Take the tram toward Newhaven and get off at the stop closest to your hotel or destination in Leith. This is usually the best public transport option because the tram route now continues beyond the city center toward Leith and Newhaven.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to Grassmarket?
Grassmarket is not directly served by the airport tram or Airlink. Take Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge and then walk or take a short taxi, or use a taxi directly from the airport if you have luggage. The area can involve slopes and cobbles.
Is taxi worth it from Edinburgh Airport?
Taxi is worth it if you have heavy luggage, arrive late, travel with children or stay in an awkward Old Town location. For most visitors with light luggage and central hotels near tram or Airlink stops, public transport is much cheaper.
Where are taxis at Edinburgh Airport?
The official airport taxi rank is at the East Terminus, a short walk from arrivals. Follow signs for taxis after leaving the terminal. You can also pre-book private hire or transfer services.
How long does a taxi take from Edinburgh Airport to the city center?
A taxi can take around 20 minutes in light traffic, but the journey may take longer during peak periods, roadworks, bad weather or festival season. Always allow extra time if you have a fixed appointment or train connection.
What is the cheapest way from Edinburgh Airport to the city center?
For most central visitors, Airlink 100 and tram are the main affordable airport options. Local buses such as services 17 and 18 may be cheaper for specific routes, but they are slower and less direct for first-time visitors going to the city center.
What is the best option late at night?
Airlink 100 is the best public transport option late at night because it operates 24 hours. Taxi or private transfer is better if you have luggage, arrive very late or stay far from Waverley Bridge.
What is the biggest Edinburgh airport transfer mistake?
The biggest mistake is choosing a transfer without checking the hotel’s exact location. Edinburgh is compact but hilly, and Waverley, Princes Street, Haymarket, Old Town and Leith are best served by different airport options. Another common mistake is buying a city-zone tram ticket when an airport-zone ticket is required.