Edinburgh Airport is the busiest in Scotland and one of the UK's main airports, handling millions of passengers every year.
Located around 12 kilometers west of the city center, getting from the airport to the heart of Edinburgh is easy thanks to the different transportation options available.
In this guide on how to get from the airport to Edinburgh, we take a look at the different ways to make this trip efficiently and comfortably, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs, including where to buy tickets and how much each one costs.
Let's begin!
Bus: Airlink and Skylink
There are currently three bus routes operating as airport shuttles from the airport to different areas of Edinburgh: Airlink 100, Skylink 200, and Skylink 400.
Airlink 100
Airlink 100 is a shuttle service that runs 24/7 between the airport and Edinburgh city center.
Buses depart every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes at night. The trip to Waverley Bridge, in the city center, takes about 30 minutes.
You'll find the Airlink 100 right outside the terminal. If you leave through the first set of doors, once outside you'll walk along a covered passageway and at the end you'll see “Stop A”, where it will be waiting. If you leave through the last door of the terminal, you'll cross a small square with the giant Edinburgh letters, and you'll spot the Airlink a little farther ahead on the right.
Where can you buy an Airlink 100 ticket?
Your Airlink 100 ticket is bought before boarding at the stop outside the arrivals terminal, either in pounds or with a contactless card.
You can also buy round-trip tickets right here. You choose your arrival date and get an open return option, save a few pounds, and have your return trip taken care of.
Airlink 100 prices in 2026
The Airlink 100 prices in 2026 are as follows:
| Adults | Children (ages 5 to 15) | Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way ticket | £6 | £3 | - |
| Open return ticket | £8.50 | £4.25 | £22 |
- Children under 5 travel free.
Skylink 200 and Skylink 400
Skylink has routes 200 and 400, which go to Ocean Terminal in the north of Edinburgh and Fort Kinnaird in the south, respectively (for the same price as Airlink).
Skylink buses run from about 5 a.m. to 12 midnight, (each route has different schedules) with service every 30 minutes.
You can check their routes and timetables on the Lothian website.
You'll find them in the same area as the Airlink 100, but Skylink 200 stops at “Stop B” and Skylink 400 at “Stop C”.
Tram to get to the city center and/or across Edinburgh
Edinburgh's tram is a fast and convenient option. The tram line connects the airport directly to the city center and continues on to Newhaven.
You can check the stops on the Edinburgh Trams website.
Trams run every 7 to 15 minutes, and the ride takes around 35 minutes to Princes St.
It's an ideal option if you want to avoid traffic and enjoy a quiet, scenic ride. Plus, the trams are equipped with free Wi-Fi and space for luggage, strollers, and bikes.
The only drawback is that it doesn't run 24/7. It operates from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where can you buy tram tickets?
At the airport, there are ticket machines at the tram stop, which is a little farther ahead than the Airlink 100 stop, next to the rental car parking lot. You can also buy tickets online through the official Edinburgh Trams website.
In the city, you'll find ticket machines at every tram stop.
Once you have your ticket, remember to validate it within 30 minutes of purchase.
How much does the tram ticket from the airport to Edinburgh cost? Updated prices
The tram ticket is a little more expensive than the Airlink ticket.
The tram prices in 2026 are as follows:
| Adults | Children (ages 5 to 15) | Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way ticket | £7.90 | £4 | - |
| Open return ticket | £9.50 | £5 | £28 |
- Children under 5 travel free.
Taxi to get from the airport to Edinburgh city center
Taking a taxi is a very convenient option, and it's well worth it, especially if you're traveling with a lot of luggage or as a group.
Taxis are available at the taxi stand just outside the airport terminal. You can get there easily by following the same directions as for the Airlink 100. Just cross the street and you'll find them in the covered parking area.
The ride to the city center usually takes between 20 and 25 minutes, depending on traffic, and the fare can range from £25 to £40.
Uber, Bolt, and Gett: a slightly more affordable option
Another slightly cheaper option is getting from the airport to your accommodation by Uber, Bolt, or Gett for around £20 or so. It depends on the driver, where they're located when you request the ride, and traffic conditions. Just download the app and book it for your arrival time.
These vehicles wait in the covered parking area in front of the arrivals terminal, where taxis also line up.
Private transfer in Edinburgh, a luxury within reach
The best option of all, without a doubt, is a private transfer!
This service takes you directly from the airport to the place you specified when booking. No hauling your luggage around, looking for the taxi stand, or waiting for the bus or tram.
A driver will be waiting for you outside the arrivals terminal holding a sign with your name on it. You'll head straight to the car together, and they'll drop you off at your destination in under half an hour. A real treat!
Here you can check prices and book your private transfer in Edinburgh.
Car rental in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city with an excellent bus and tram network, so unless you're planning a road trip around Scotland with a rental car, we don't recommend this option.
Whether you're just passing through Edinburgh or it's the starting point of your route around Scotland, there are several car rental companies available both at the airport and in the city center.
Check the Rentalcars or Auto Europe websites and compare prices. These are the sites where we usually book, and we've always had good experiences.
Getting from Edinburgh Airport to the city center is straightforward thanks to the different transportation options available.
Choose the one that best suits your needs and book your tickets or services now. You'll be one step closer to planning that dream trip.
Have a great trip and enjoy Edinburgh!
