Getting around Edinburgh is easier than you might think. This city has trams, buses, and lots of walking paths, making it super easy to check out everything from the Old Town to the New Town. I’ll walk you through your transport options, explain how to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city, and share practical tips to save time and money during your visit.
Edinburgh Airport to City Centre
Edinburgh Airport sits about 8 miles west of the city centre. You have several options for getting into town, each with different price points and journey times.
1. The Tram
The Edinburgh Tram runs directly from the airport to the city centre and beyond. It’s my top recommendation for most visitors. The journey to Princes Street takes around 35 minutes. Trams run every 7 minutes during peak times and every 10-12 minutes off-peak. Services start before 6am and run past midnight. You’ll find the tram stop right outside the terminal. Buy your ticket before boarding using the machines on the platform. Single fares cost more than day tickets, so consider your plans.
Keep your ticket for the entire journey. Inspectors do check, and you’ll face a hefty fine without a valid ticket.
2. Airlink 100 Bus
The Airlink 100 express bus is another reliable option. It follows a similar route to the tram and takes about 30 minutes to reach the city centre, though traffic can slow things down.Buses run every 10 minutes during the day. You can buy tickets from the driver, but it’s cheaper to book online in advance through the Lothian Buses website or app.
3. Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis wait outside arrivals. The journey to the city centre takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay significantly more than public transport, but it’s convenient if you have lots of luggage or arrive very late. Or book an Uber in advance.
Getting to Edinburgh by Train
Edinburgh Airport handles flights from across the UK & Europe, but If you’re arriving by train, Waverley Station puts you right in the centre. From London, the journey takes about 4.5 hours. From Glasgow it is about one hour. Advance tickets offer much better value than peak-time same-day fares.
Trains for Day Trips
Trains connect Edinburgh to destinations across Scotland. You can reach Glasgow in under an hour, Stirling in 45 minutes, and the Highlands via direct routes north. Book train tickets in advance through Trainline or ScotRail for the best prices. Last-minute tickets can be expensive, especially on busy routes.
Getting Around in the City Centre
Once you’re in Edinburgh, you’ll find the centre surprisingly walkable. The Old Town and New Town are compact, and many attractions sit within a 20-minute walk of each other.
1. Walking 🚶♀️➡️
I walk almost everywhere in Edinburgh’s centre. The city’s compact layout means you’ll often reach places faster on foot than waiting for a bus. The Royal Mile, Grassmarket, and Princes Street are all easily explored on foot. Even Dean village and Stockbridge are easy to reach.
Wear comfortable shoes. The Old Town’s cobbled streets and hills can be tough on your feet. Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill involve steep climbs but reward you with stunning views.
2. Buses
Lothian operates the main city bus network. Routes cover the entire city and surrounding areas.
You can’t pay with cash on Edinburgh buses. You need exact change, a contactless card, or a mobile ticket. Download the Lothian Buses app before you travel. It shows live times, route planning, and lets you buy tickets in advance.
Day tickets offer unlimited travel for 24 hours and usually work out cheaper than buying multiple singles. Check the app for current prices and consider whether a day ticket suits your plans.
3. Tram Line
The tram runs from the airport through the city centre to Newhaven in Leith. It’s useful for reaching the New Town, Haymarket, and Leith without changing transport. Key stops include Princes Street, St Andrew Square, and York Place. The extension to Newhaven opened in 2023, making the waterfront much easier to reach. Buy tickets before boarding using the platform machines or the tram app. You can tap contactless cards at the validators.
4. Taxis
Edinburgh’s black cabs are licensed and metered. You’ll find taxi ranks at Waverley Station, St Andrew Square, and other central points. You can also hail them on the street when the orange light is lit.
Money-Saving Tips
Transport costs add up quickly if you’re not careful. Here’s how to keep expenses down:
- Walk when you can. Most central attractions are close together.
- Buy day tickets early in your day if you plan multiple bus or tram trips.
- Use contactless payment to get automatic daily capping without thinking about tickets.
- Download the Lothian Buses app before you arrive. Mobile tickets are often cheaper than buying from machines.
- Book airport transport in advance. Online Airlink tickets cost less than buying from the driver.
- Avoid taxis during surge pricing at peak times or major events.
Driving and Edinburgh
I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car for exploring Edinburgh itself. Parking is expensive and limited in the centre. The city’s narrow Old Town streets can be confusing, and you’ll spend more time looking for parking than enjoying sights.
For day trips to the Highlands or countryside, hiring a car 🚗 makes sense. But pick it up on your way out rather than paying to park it in Edinburgh.
