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Cheapest Way from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City Centre

Compare the cheapest and fastest ways to travel from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City Centre — tram, Airlink 100 bus, taxi or driving. Find the best option for your journey.

check_circle8 miles · Updated November 2026
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Our recommendation
Airlink 100 Bus

The Airlink 100 bus is the best option from Edinburgh Airport for most travellers — cheaper than the tram, nearly as fast, runs 24 hours and drops you right in the city centre at Waverley Bridge. The tram is a good alternative if you need stops along Princes Street.

All transport options

Edinburgh Tram
~35 min · from £9
View train options →
Airlink 100 Bus
~30 min · from £5
View coach options →
Uber / Taxi
~25 min · ~£28–38
Check Uber →
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Quick comparison

OptionTimePriceBest for
🚆 Edinburgh Tram~35 minfrom £9Speed + reliability
🚌 Airlink 100 Bus~30 minfrom £5Budget travellers
🚗 Drive~25 min~£4 fuelFamilies / luggage
🚕 Taxi / Uber~25 min~£28–38Door to door
🟢 Cheapest option
Airlink 100 Bus (from £5)
⚡ Fastest option
Drive or Airlink (~25–30 min)

Insider tips

💡The Airlink 100 bus runs 24 hours a day — ideal for early morning or late night flights
💡Buy your Airlink ticket at the machine inside the terminal before boarding to save time
💡The Edinburgh Tram costs £9 but stops along Princes Street — better if your hotel is on that route
💡Taxis are available from the rank outside arrivals — agree a price or use the meter
💡The tram and bus both run to the city centre in around 30 minutes — choose based on your final destination
💡Avoid driving into Edinburgh city centre if you can — parking is expensive and city centre zones apply
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Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?question_mark

The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh city centre is the Airlink 100 bus, which costs from £5 and takes around 30 minutes to Waverley Bridge. The Edinburgh Tram is also good value at £9 but takes slightly longer at 35 minutes.

How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?question_mark

The best options from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre are the Airlink 100 bus (£5, 30 minutes to Waverley Bridge) or the Edinburgh Tram (£9, 35 minutes to York Place via Princes Street). Both run frequently and are reliable. Taxis cost £28-38 and are good for groups.

Is there a bus from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?question_mark

Yes — the Airlink 100 bus runs directly from Edinburgh Airport to Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh city centre. The journey takes around 30 minutes and tickets cost from £5. The Airlink 100 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it ideal for all flight times.

How long does the tram from Edinburgh Airport to city centre take?question_mark

The Edinburgh Tram takes approximately 35 minutes from Edinburgh Airport to York Place in the city centre. It runs every 7 minutes during the day and stops at key locations along Princes Street, making it convenient if your hotel is in the west end or along the tram route.

How much is a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?question_mark

A taxi from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh city centre typically costs £28-38 depending on traffic and time of day. Taxis are available from the rank outside the arrivals hall. The Airlink 100 bus at £5 and Edinburgh Tram at £9 are much cheaper alternatives for solo travellers.

What is the Airlink 100 bus from Edinburgh Airport?question_mark

The Airlink 100 is a dedicated express bus service from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh city centre. It costs from £5, takes around 30 minutes and drops passengers at Waverley Bridge next to Waverley train station. It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is considered the best value way to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre.

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