Welcome to Edinburgh Airport
Whether you’re arriving for a city break, a rugby international at Murrayfield, a cruise from the Firth of Forth, or a tour of Scotland’s spectacular scenery, Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is where most visitors begin their journey. Located around 8 miles (13 kilometres) west of the city centre in the Ingliston area, it’s Scotland’s busiest airport and one of the UK’s fastest-growing international gateways.
In 2024, Edinburgh Airport welcomed 15.8 million passengers, becoming the first airport in Scotland to handle more than 15 million travellers in a single year. Today, more than 35 airlines connect Edinburgh with over 150 destinations across Europe, North America and the Middle East, making it an excellent arrival point whether you’re travelling from elsewhere in the UK or overseas.
Despite its size, the airport is refreshingly easy to navigate. Everything is contained within a single terminal, so after collecting your luggage you’ll find the tram stop, airport buses, taxi ranks and car hire centre all within a short walk of the arrivals hall. That simplicity makes Edinburgh one of the easiest UK airports for first-time visitors.
This guide covers every practical way to leave the airport, whether you are heading straight into Edinburgh, onward to Murrayfield Stadium, or continuing to one of the region’s cruise ports.
Reaching Edinburgh City Centre
There are five main ways to travel between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre, and choosing the right one depends largely on your budget, the amount of luggage you’re carrying and where you’re staying.
For most visitors, the Edinburgh Trams and the Airlink 100 express bus offer the best balance of speed, convenience and price. Both take around 30 minutes to reach central Edinburgh and operate throughout most of the day, making them ideal for couples, solo travellers and anyone staying close to Princes Street, the Royal Mile or Haymarket.
If you’re travelling with several suitcases, arriving late at night or travelling as a family, a taxi or pre-booked private transfer may be the more comfortable option, taking you directly to your hotel without needing to navigate public transport after a flight.
Visitors planning to explore destinations such as St Andrews, the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond, Glencoe or the North Coast 500 often choose to collect a hire car directly from the airport instead. Edinburgh sits close to both the M8 and M9, allowing you to leave the city quickly without first negotiating busy urban streets.
If you’re using satellite navigation or arranging an airport pickup, Edinburgh Airport’s postcode is EH12 9DN.
Taking the Edinburgh Tram
For many visitors, the Edinburgh Trams provide the easiest and most reliable way to travel from the airport. The tram stop is located immediately outside the terminal building beside the main airport plaza, making it impossible to miss after leaving arrivals.
The route connects the airport with Ingliston Park and Ride, Edinburgh Park, Murrayfield Stadium, Haymarket, Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Leith and finally Newhaven, giving direct access to many of Edinburgh’s most popular neighbourhoods without needing to change.
The journey to St Andrew Square takes around 30 minutes, while continuing to Newhaven, the northern terminus, takes approximately 54 minutes. Trams normally operate every 7 minutes between 06:30 and 19:00, reducing to every 10 minutes during the early morning and evening.
Airport fares are slightly higher than standard city tram tickets. An adult single ticket costs £7.90, or £7.50 when purchased online, while an open return costs £9.50 (£9.25 online). Children aged 5 to 15 travel for £4.00 single or £5.00 return, and visitors spending several days in Edinburgh can save money with combined multi-day travel passes that include the airport journey alongside unlimited tram travel within the city.
Another advantage of the tram is the easy interchange with Scotland’s rail network. Stops at Haymarket and Edinburgh Park allow straightforward connections onto ScotRail services without needing to travel all the way into the city centre first.
Catching the Airlink 100 Bus
The Airlink 100, operated by Lothian Buses, is the airport’s dedicated express bus service and remains one of the most popular ways to travel into Edinburgh. Buses depart from immediately outside the terminal building and run directly to Waverley Bridge, beside Edinburgh Waverley railway station, making it particularly convenient if you’re continuing your journey by train.
Journey times are typically 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, with buses departing every 10 minutes between 04:12 and 01:00. During the early hours, services continue every 20 minutes, giving Edinburgh one of the UK’s best overnight airport bus services.
Adult fares are competitively priced at £6.00 for a single or £8.50 for an open return, while children aged 5 to 15 pay £3.00 single or £4.25 return. Families can also purchase a family return ticket, covering two adults and up to three children, making the Airlink particularly good value for those travelling together.
Tickets can be purchased using contactless payment, through the Lothian Buses app, or with exact cash on board. If you’re staying outside the city centre, it’s also worth remembering that local bus routes 17 and 18 serve destinations including Newhaven and Ocean Terminal, providing a cheaper, although slower, alternative for passengers who aren’t in a hurry.
Taking a Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service
If convenience is more important than cost, a taxi is the quickest door-to-door option from Edinburgh Airport. The official airport taxi provider is Capital Cars, with a dedicated rank located just outside the terminal building. After leaving arrivals, simply follow the signs through the airport plaza and you’ll reach the rank within a couple of minutes.
A journey into Edinburgh city centre usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic, with fares typically falling between £25 and £45. Prices vary according to the time of day, traffic conditions and your exact destination, so it’s always sensible to ask for an estimate before setting off if you’re travelling on a budget.
Ride-hailing services are another popular choice. Uber and Bolt both operate at Edinburgh Airport, with your pickup point shown in the app once your booking has been confirmed. Many travellers prefer this option because the fare is agreed before the journey begins, helping to avoid any surprises.
If you’re travelling with several people, plenty of luggage or young children, splitting the cost of a taxi can make it surprisingly competitive with public transport. Likewise, if you’re arriving on a late-night flight or heading directly to accommodation outside the city centre, travelling by road is often the simplest solution.
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Hiring a Car at Edinburgh Airport
If your plans include exploring beyond Edinburgh, collecting a hire car at the airport can save both time and money. Rather than travelling into the city first, you can be on the motorway within minutes, making Edinburgh Airport an excellent starting point for discovering the rest of Scotland.
The airport’s Car Rental Centre is located just a short walk from the terminal via a covered walkway beside the multi-storey car park. Eight major rental companies operate here, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt, giving visitors plenty of choice whether they’re looking for a compact city car or a larger family vehicle.
Hiring a car is particularly worthwhile if you’re planning to visit places where public transport is less convenient. Popular destinations such as Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Cairngorms National Park, St Andrews, the North Coast 500 and many of Scotland’s smaller villages are all much easier to explore with your own transport.
Demand can be extremely high during the summer months, especially throughout the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, when hotels, flights and hire cars all become significantly busier. Booking well in advance will usually secure both better prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
If you’re comparing rental companies, it’s worth checking several providers before booking, as prices and insurance packages can vary considerably depending on the season and length of hire.
Compare Car Hire Prices
If you’re planning to explore beyond the airport, hiring a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. Comparing prices before you book can often save money while helping you find the right vehicle for your journey.
Compare prices from two trusted car hire comparison websites to search thousands of vehicles from leading rental companies, compare rental conditions, and find the best deal for your trip.
Booking a Private Airport Transfer
A pre-booked private transfer offers the most relaxed start or end to your journey, particularly if you’re travelling with family, carrying lots of luggage or arriving after a long international flight. Unlike taxis booked on arrival, private transfers are arranged in advance, with a fixed price agreed before you travel, so there are no concerns about traffic affecting the fare.
Most transfer companies monitor incoming flights, allowing drivers to adjust their arrival time if your flight is delayed. Some will meet you inside the arrivals hall with a name board, while others collect passengers from a designated pickup area outside the terminal, so it’s worth confirming the meeting arrangements before you travel.
Private transfers are also popular with visitors heading directly to destinations outside Edinburgh, including St Andrews, Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, or one of the four Edinburgh cruise ports, where direct public transport may involve several changes. For larger groups, the overall cost is often comparable with booking two taxis, while offering considerably more space for luggage.
When comparing providers, check whether the quoted price includes waiting time, flight monitoring and any additional luggage, particularly if you’re travelling with sports equipment, pushchairs or several large suitcases. Spending a few minutes checking these details before booking can help avoid unexpected charges on the day.
Book Your Airport Transfer in Advance
Arriving in a new destination can be stressful, especially after a long flight. Welcome Pickups lets you pre-book a private airport transfer, so your driver is ready and waiting when you land.
It is ideal for first-time visitors, late-night arrivals, and travellers who want a smooth, reliable start to their trip. Instead of searching for taxis or navigating public transport, you can head straight to your accommodation.
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Travelling to Edinburgh Waverley Station
If you’re continuing your journey by train after landing, Edinburgh Waverley is the city’s principal railway station and the gateway to destinations across Scotland and the rest of the UK. Whether you’re travelling onwards to Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Newcastle or London, most long-distance services depart from here.
There are two straightforward ways to reach Waverley from the airport. The first is by Edinburgh Tram, which takes around 30 minutes to St Andrew Square. From there, it’s a relatively short walk downhill to the station entrance. While this involves a few minutes on foot, it’s an easy route for most travellers and benefits from the tram’s reliable journey times throughout the day.
If you’re carrying heavy luggage, the Airlink 100 may be the better choice. The bus terminates at Waverley Bridge, immediately beside the station, allowing you to step off the bus and walk straight into the railway station without the additional walk required from the tram.
Waverley is Scotland’s busiest railway station and offers frequent services operated by ScotRail, LNER, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Lumo, TransPennine Express and Caledonian Sleeper. Direct trains link Edinburgh with cities throughout Britain, while ScotRail services provide excellent connections to destinations across Scotland.
If you’re planning to continue your journey immediately, it’s worth knowing that combined tram and rail tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines in the airport’s check-in hall, allowing you to buy your entire journey in one transaction rather than purchasing separate tickets after arriving in the city.
Getting to Murrayfield Stadium
Flying into Edinburgh for a Six Nations match, an autumn international or one of the stadium’s major concerts? You’re in luck because Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium is one of the easiest major sports venues in Britain to reach directly from an airport.
The Edinburgh Trams provide a direct service between the airport and Murrayfield Stadium without the need to change. The stadium stop sits immediately beside the Roseburn Street entrance, meaning you’ll only be a couple of minutes’ walk from the turnstiles after stepping off the tram. As Murrayfield is reached before the city centre, the journey is quicker than travelling all the way to Princes Street or Waverley.
On major match days and concert evenings, Edinburgh Trams operates additional services to help cope with the large crowds travelling to and from the stadium. Ticket inspectors are also usually present, so it’s worth purchasing or validating your ticket before boarding to help keep queues moving smoothly.
If you’re planning your visit, our dedicated How to Get to Murrayfield Stadium guide covers everything you need to know, including the best bus routes, parking advice, accessible facilities and the quickest ways to leave after the final whistle.
Travelling to Edinburgh’s Cruise Ports
One thing that catches many first-time visitors by surprise is that Edinburgh doesn’t have a single cruise terminal. Instead, ships use four different cruise ports around the Firth of Forth: Leith, Newhaven, South Queensferry and Rosyth. Fortunately, Edinburgh Airport is the closest airport to all four, making it the natural arrival point for many cruise passengers.
If your ship is using Leith or Newhaven, public transport couldn’t be much easier. The Edinburgh Trams run directly from the airport through the city before continuing to Newhaven, the northern terminus of the line. The journey takes around 54 minutes, with Leith reached slightly earlier along the route.
Passengers sailing from South Queensferry will usually find a taxi or pre-booked transfer the simplest option, with the journey taking around 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Rosyth Cruise Terminal, located across the Firth of Forth in Fife, is around 12 miles from the airport and can normally be reached in 15 to 20 minutes by road.
Before booking any onward transport, always check your cruise documentation carefully. The port used depends entirely on your cruise line and ship, so assuming all cruises depart from the same location can easily lead to an expensive mistake. Our dedicated Edinburgh Cruise Ports Guide explains each of the four ports in detail, including the best transport options for every terminal.
Staying Near Edinburgh Airport
If you’re catching an early morning flight or arriving late in the evening, spending the night close to the airport can remove a great deal of stress from your journey. Several well-known hotels are located within a few minutes of the terminal, making them ideal for overnight stays before an early departure or after a late arrival.
Popular options include the Hilton Edinburgh Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport, Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh Airport and the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport at nearby Newbridge. Most offer regular shuttle services to and from the terminal, while several also provide airport parking packages, making them particularly convenient if you’re leaving your car while travelling.
That said, many visitors prefer to stay in Edinburgh city centre instead. Thanks to the frequent tram and Airlink bus services, reaching the airport takes only around 30 minutes, allowing you to spend the evening enjoying Edinburgh’s restaurants, historic streets and famous attractions rather than staying in a business-focused airport district.
If you have time before your flight, our Things to Do in Edinburgh guide is packed with ideas for making the most of your visit, while our Day Trips from Edinburgh guide is well worth exploring if you’re using the city as a base for a longer Scottish adventure.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Landing at Edinburgh Airport? Here are a few things worth knowing before you head into the city:
- Tram or bus, take your pick: both take about 30 minutes to the centre, so choose based on where you’re staying.
- Book Fringe season transport early: hire cars and hotels near the airport fill up fast in August.
- No direct tram to Waverley: get off at St Andrew Square and walk the last few minutes, or take the Airlink bus instead.
- Check your cruise port first: Edinburgh has four, and they’re not close to each other.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Edinburgh Airport from the city centre?
Around eight miles, roughly a 20-minute drive, or about 30 minutes by tram or Airlink 100 bus.
What is the cheapest way into Edinburgh from the airport?
The Airlink 100 bus, at £6.00 for an adult single, is generally the cheapest dedicated option, with the tram close behind at £7.90.
Does the tram go to Waverley Station?
Not directly. Get off at St Andrew Square and walk a few minutes, or take the Airlink 100 bus, which terminates at Waverley Bridge.
How do I get to Murrayfield Stadium from the airport?
The tram is the simplest option, stopping directly outside the stadium at the Murrayfield Stadium stop, before it reaches the city centre.
Is there a night bus from the airport?
The Airlink 100 runs 24 hours a day, every 20 minutes overnight, so there is no need for a separate night service.
Further Reading
Once you’re settled in, our Things to Do in Edinburgh guide covers the city’s top attractions, while Day Trips from Edinburgh is worth a look if you have extra time to explore further afield.
Heading to a match or event? See our How to Get to Murrayfield Stadium guide, and if you’re arriving or departing by sea, our Edinburgh Cruise Ports Guide covers all four of the city’s cruise locations.
Combining your trip with Glasgow? Our Glasgow to Edinburgh guide compares train, bus and car for the journey between Scotland’s two largest cities.
Last Updated
July 2026
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