Edinburgh Airport to City Centre: Tram & Bus [2026]
Getting from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to the city centre is easy. For most visitors, the choice comes down to the Edinburgh Tram or the Airlink 100 express bus. Both connect the airport directly with central Edinburgh, but they are useful for slightly different journeys.
The tram is particularly convenient for Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Picardy Place, Leith and Newhaven. Airlink 100 serves several useful western and central stops before terminating at Waverley Bridge, making it especially convenient for Waverley Station, the Old Town and the Royal Mile.
If you are travelling with several suitcases, young children or staying on a steep or cobbled Old Town street, a taxi can be worth considering. Edinburgh is compact, but the final walk to your accommodation can be more difficult than the airport transfer itself.
For transport after you arrive, see our Edinburgh Transport Tickets Guide and How to Use Public Transport in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Airport to city centre: quick answer
- Best overall: tram or Airlink 100, depending on your destination.
- Tram airport single: £7.90, or £7.50 when pre-purchased online.
- Airlink 100 adult single: £6.00.
- Best for Haymarket: tram or Airlink; tram avoids road traffic.
- Best for Princes Street: tram or Airlink 100.
- Best for Waverley Station / Old Town: Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge.
- Best for Leith / Newhaven: direct tram.
- Best 24-hour airport service: Airlink 100.
- Best with heavy luggage: taxi or private transfer.
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Edinburgh Airport to city centre options compared
| Option | Adult fare | Typical time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Tram | £7.90 single £7.50 pre-purchased online |
About 30–35 min to central stops | Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Leith, Newhaven |
| Airlink 100 | £6.00 single | About 30 min to city centre | Haymarket, Princes Street, Waverley Bridge, Waverley Station, Old Town |
| Bus 17 | Standard city fare | About 50 min to Ocean Terminal | Clermiston, Blackhall, Drylaw, Muirhouse, Newhaven, Ocean Terminal |
| Bus 18 | Standard city fare | About 1 hr 15 min to Fort Kinnaird | Edinburgh Park, Oxgangs, Royal Infirmary, Fort Kinnaird |
| Taxi | Variable | About 20–40+ min | Door-to-door travel, luggage, families, awkward hotel locations |
| Private transfer | Variable / pre-booked | About 20–40+ min | Groups, business travel, meet-and-greet, onward destinations |
Important: travel times by bus, taxi and private car can vary with traffic, roadworks and major events. Tram journey times are generally more predictable.
Edinburgh Tram vs Airlink 100: which is better?
For most tourists, this is the only comparison that really matters. Both are excellent airport connections, and your hotel location should usually decide between them.
| Criteria | Edinburgh Tram | Airlink 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Adult single | £7.90 £7.50 pre-purchased online |
£6.00 |
| Typical central journey | ~30–35 min | ~30 min |
| Traffic | More predictable | Can be affected by road traffic |
| 24-hour service | No | Yes |
| Haymarket | Excellent | Also served |
| Princes Street | Excellent | Excellent |
| Waverley Station | Walk from central tram stop | Waverley Bridge |
| Old Town / Royal Mile | Central stop + walk | Waverley Bridge + walk |
| Leith / Newhaven | Direct | Not the main airport option |
Simple rule: choose the tram when your accommodation is close to the tram line or you want a traffic-independent journey. Choose Airlink 100 for Waverley Station, the Old Town, a cheaper direct airport express, or travel during the night.
Option 1: Edinburgh Tram from the airport
The Edinburgh Tram provides a direct connection from Edinburgh Airport through western and central Edinburgh and continues through Leith to Newhaven.
It is particularly useful for accommodation near Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Picardy Place, Leith Walk, Ocean Terminal and Newhaven.
| Edinburgh Airport Tram | 2026 information |
|---|---|
| Adult Airport Single | £7.90 |
| Online pre-purchase | £7.50 |
| Adult Airport Open Return | £9.50 |
| Airport zone | Special airport fare required |
| Main central stops | Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Picardy Place |
| Final terminus | Newhaven |
How to take the tram from Edinburgh Airport
- After arrivals, follow signs for Trams.
- Walk to the tram stop outside the terminal.
- Buy the correct airport-zone ticket before boarding, or use another valid airport fare payment method.
- Take the tram toward Newhaven.
- Get off at the stop closest to your accommodation.
Do not buy a normal city-zone ticket for an airport journey. Edinburgh Airport is in the special Airport Fare Zone.
Best tram stops for tourists
Haymarket: ideal for Haymarket Station, nearby hotels and the western city centre.
West End: useful for the western New Town, Charlotte Square and hotels between Haymarket and Princes Street.
Princes Street: one of the most useful stops for central hotels, shopping and access toward the Old Town.
St Andrew Square: useful for the New Town, George Street, Edinburgh Bus Station and the eastern side of the city centre.
Picardy Place: useful for the east side of the centre and the upper end of Leith Walk.
Leith / Newhaven: the tram continues beyond central Edinburgh, making it particularly convenient for accommodation in these areas.
Option 2: Airlink 100 from Edinburgh Airport
Airlink 100 is the dedicated airport express bus between Edinburgh Airport and central Edinburgh. It terminates at Waverley Bridge, close to Waverley Station, Princes Street and the Old Town.
Unlike the tram, Airlink operates 24 hours a day, making it the most useful public transport option for many late-night and very early-morning arrivals.
| Airlink 100 | 2026 information |
|---|---|
| Adult single | £6.00 |
| Adult open return | £8.50 |
| Typical journey | About 30 minutes |
| Daytime frequency | At least every 10 minutes |
| Night service | Yes – 24-hour operation |
| Airport departure | Stop A beside the plaza |
| City terminus | Waverley Bridge |
How to take Airlink 100
- Follow signs for buses after leaving arrivals.
- Go to Stop A beside the airport plaza.
- Board Airlink 100 toward the city centre.
- Pay using an accepted ticket or payment method.
- Store larger luggage in the luggage area.
- Get off at the stop most convenient for your accommodation, or continue to Waverley Bridge.
Best for Old Town: Waverley Bridge is close to Waverley Station, North Bridge and the lower end of the Old Town. Remember that reaching parts of the Royal Mile can still involve an uphill walk.
Option 3: buses 17 and 18 from Edinburgh Airport
Services 17 and 18 provide useful airport connections for passengers whose destination lies outside the main tram or Airlink corridor.
They are generally not the best choice for a first-time visitor travelling directly to central Edinburgh. Their advantage is that they serve specific districts and use normal city-network fares rather than the dedicated Airlink fare.
Service 17: Airport to Ocean Terminal
Service 17 is useful for destinations including Clermiston, Blackhall, Drylaw, Muirhouse, Newhaven and Ocean Terminal. The complete airport-to-Ocean Terminal journey takes approximately 50 minutes.
Service 18: Airport to Fort Kinnaird
Service 18 serves areas including Edinburgh Park, Oxgangs, the Royal Infirmary and Fort Kinnaird. The full journey is much longer than Airlink or the tram, at approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Use buses 17 or 18 only if their route matches your actual destination. For Princes Street, Waverley or the main tourist centre, tram or Airlink 100 is usually much more straightforward.
Option 4: taxi from Edinburgh Airport
A taxi is the simplest door-to-door option from Edinburgh Airport. Journey time to central Edinburgh can be around 20–40 minutes, but traffic and major events can make it longer.
Taxi becomes particularly attractive if you have several suitcases, are travelling with young children or are staying in a part of the Old Town where the final walk from public transport would involve steep streets, cobbles or stairs.
The official airport taxi area is signposted from the terminal.
Consider a taxi for: Grassmarket, steep Old Town streets, accommodation far from a tram or Airlink stop, families with substantial luggage, and travellers who prioritise door-to-door convenience.
Option 5: private transfer
A pre-booked private transfer offers a similar door-to-door journey to a taxi but can include a pre-arranged driver and meet-and-greet service.
It is mainly useful for larger groups, business travellers, passengers who want the transfer organised before arrival, or journeys beyond central Edinburgh.
For most individual travellers staying in central Edinburgh, the tram, Airlink 100 or taxi will be simpler choices.
Best Edinburgh Airport transfer by destination
| Destination | Recommended public transport | Useful stop |
|---|---|---|
| Haymarket | Tram / Airlink 100 | Haymarket |
| West End | Tram / Airlink 100 | West End area |
| Princes Street | Tram / Airlink 100 | Princes Street |
| Waverley Station | Airlink 100 | Waverley Bridge |
| Old Town / Royal Mile | Airlink 100 + walk | Waverley Bridge |
| Grassmarket | Airlink + walk/taxi or direct taxi | Waverley Bridge |
| New Town | Tram | West End, Princes Street or St Andrew Square |
| Leith | Tram | Choose the closest Leith tram stop |
| Newhaven | Tram | Newhaven |
| Murrayfield | Tram | Murrayfield Stadium |
Edinburgh Airport to Waverley Station
Airlink 100 is particularly convenient for Edinburgh Waverley Station because its city-centre terminus is at Waverley Bridge.
The tram also gets you close to Waverley, but it does not stop directly at the railway station. With luggage or a train connection, Airlink is generally the more straightforward public transport choice.
Edinburgh Airport to Old Town and Royal Mile
For the Old Town and Royal Mile, Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge is usually a convenient public transport route. From there, continue on foot toward the Royal Mile.
However, Edinburgh’s Old Town is steep and cobbled. If your accommodation is high on the Royal Mile, around Victoria Street or in another awkward location, a taxi can save a difficult final walk with luggage.
Edinburgh Airport to Leith and Newhaven
The tram is particularly convenient for Leith and Newhaven because it continues directly from Edinburgh Airport through the city centre and along the extended tram route.
This avoids the need to change transport in central Edinburgh and can be much simpler if your accommodation is near a tram stop.
Travelling from Edinburgh Airport with luggage
Both the tram and Airlink 100 are suitable for normal airport luggage. The bigger issue is often what happens after you leave the tram or bus.
New Town, Princes Street, Haymarket and St Andrew Square are generally straightforward with wheeled luggage. The Old Town can be very different, with hills, cobbles, stairs and narrow streets.
| Situation | Usually easiest |
|---|---|
| One suitcase + hotel near tram stop | Tram |
| One suitcase + hotel near Waverley / Old Town | Airlink 100 |
| Several large suitcases | Taxi / private transfer |
| Steep Old Town hotel location | Taxi |
| Late-night arrival | Airlink 100 or taxi |
| Leith / Newhaven hotel near tram | Tram |
Which Edinburgh Airport transfer should you choose?
For most visitors: choose between the tram and Airlink 100 based on your accommodation.
For Haymarket, Princes Street or St Andrew Square: both can work, with the tram offering the advantage of a more traffic-independent journey.
For Waverley Station, Old Town or Royal Mile: Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge is particularly convenient.
For Leith or Newhaven: take the tram if your accommodation is near the line.
For late-night arrivals: Airlink 100 is the main 24-hour public transport option.
For heavy luggage, families or awkward hotel locations: consider a taxi.
For specific local destinations: check whether bus 17 or 18 serves your area directly.
Common Edinburgh Airport transfer mistakes
- Buying the wrong tram fare: airport journeys require a fare valid for the Airport Zone.
- Choosing solely by price: your hotel location can matter more than a small fare difference.
- Assuming Airlink only serves Waverley: it also serves useful stops before reaching its city-centre terminus.
- Underestimating the Old Town: short distances can involve steep hills, cobbles and stairs.
- Taking bus 17 or 18 simply because it is cheaper: these routes make sense mainly when they directly serve your destination.
- Ignoring night service: Airlink 100 operates 24 hours, while the tram does not.
- Not allowing for traffic: buses, taxis and private cars can take longer during busy periods.
Related Edinburgh transport guides
Edinburgh Transport Tickets & Lothian Buses Guide
Compare Lothian fares, tram tickets, TapTapCap, day tickets, Ridacard and airport transport fares.
How to Use Public Transport in Edinburgh
Learn how to use Edinburgh buses and trams and how to reach the Old Town, New Town, Leith and major attractions.
FAQ – Edinburgh Airport to City Centre
What is the best way from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?
For most visitors, the tram or Airlink 100 is the easiest option. Choose according to your hotel location: the tram is excellent along its route through Haymarket, Princes Street and toward Leith, while Airlink is particularly convenient for Waverley Bridge and the Old Town.
How much is the tram from Edinburgh Airport in 2026?
The standard Adult Airport Single is £7.90. An official pre-purchased airport single is available for £7.50.
How much is Airlink 100 from Edinburgh Airport?
An adult Airlink 100 airport single costs £6.00. An adult open return costs £8.50.
How long does the Edinburgh Airport tram take?
Allow roughly 30–35 minutes for many central Edinburgh stops, depending on your exact destination.
How long does Airlink 100 take?
The average airport-to-city-centre journey is approximately 30 minutes, although traffic can affect journey times.
Does Airlink 100 run 24 hours?
Yes. Airlink 100 operates throughout the day and night, with less frequent departures during overnight hours.
Is the tram or Airlink better for Waverley Station?
Airlink 100 is generally more convenient because it terminates at Waverley Bridge, immediately beside the main station area.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to the Royal Mile?
Airlink 100 to Waverley Bridge followed by a walk toward the Royal Mile is a straightforward public transport option. Consider a taxi if you have heavy luggage or your accommodation is in a steep part of the Old Town.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to Haymarket?
The tram provides a direct, traffic-independent journey to Haymarket. Airlink 100 also serves the Haymarket area.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
Take the tram toward Newhaven and get off at the stop closest to your destination in Leith.
What is the cheapest way from Edinburgh Airport?
Services 17 and 18 use standard city-network fares and can be cheaper when their route matches your destination. For most visitors heading to the central tourist areas, Airlink 100 or the tram is much faster and more convenient.
What is the best Edinburgh Airport transfer late at night?
Airlink 100 is the main 24-hour public transport option. Taxi or private transfer can be more convenient for travellers with heavy luggage or accommodation far from the Airlink route.
Final recommendation
For most visitors arriving at Edinburgh Airport, there is no need to overcomplicate the decision: choose between the tram and Airlink 100 according to your final destination.
The tram is particularly convenient for Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, St Andrew Square and accommodation along the line toward Leith and Newhaven. It also provides more predictable journey times because it is less affected by road traffic.
Airlink 100 costs less for a single journey, operates 24 hours and is especially convenient for Waverley Station, the Old Town and the Royal Mile via Waverley Bridge.
Use a taxi when luggage, children or a difficult Old Town hotel location make door-to-door transport more valuable. Consider services 17 or 18 only when their specific routes match your destination.
Once you have reached the city, continue with our Edinburgh Transport Tickets Guide for fares and ticketing, or our How to Use Public Transport in Edinburgh for getting around during your stay.