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Airport to Edinburgh City Center Transport

Travellers can get from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh city centre by public bus, airport shuttle bus, tram, taxi, rental car, or pre-booked private transfer. The fastest and most convenient options usually take around 20 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact destination.

Bus

Municipal bus services depart from the airport and connect Edinburgh Airport with different parts of the city. For the central area, journey times are typically around 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the route and traffic.

• Airlink 100: direct service to Waverley Bridge, close to Princes Street and Edinburgh Waverley railway station.
• Service 17/N17: useful for areas such as Clermiston, Blackhall, Drylaw, Muirhouse, Newhaven, and Ocean Terminal.
• Service 18/N18: connects the airport with areas including Edinburgh Park, Fairmilehead, Royal Infirmary, Oxgangs, and Fort Kinnaird.

Airport Shuttle

Edinburgh Airport does not use Havas or Havabus-branded shuttles, but regular airport shuttle-style buses operate between the terminal and the city centre. The main option is the frequent Airlink 100 service, with an average journey time of about 30 minutes.

• Edinburgh Airport terminal bus stops.
• Haymarket area.
• Princes Street area.
• Waverley Bridge, near Edinburgh Waverley station.

Tram

Edinburgh Trams run directly from the airport to the city centre and onwards to Newhaven. The tram stop is outside the terminal, and the average journey time from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is about 30 minutes.

• Edinburgh Airport.
• Edinburgh Gateway.
• Murrayfield Stadium.
• Haymarket.
• Princes Street.
• St Andrew Square.

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 at Edinburgh Airport, with the official taxi rank located near the terminal. A taxi to Edinburgh city centre usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the final address.

• Good for late-night arrivals or heavy luggage.
• Direct door-to-door transport to hotels, apartments, and business addresses.
• Journey times may be longer during peak traffic periods.

Car Rental

Car rental companies operate at Edinburgh Airport, with rental offices located a short walk from the terminal. After leaving the terminal, passengers can follow signs to the car rental centre and collect the vehicle near the airport exit area.

• Useful for trips beyond Edinburgh, including the Highlands, St Andrews, Glasgow, or coastal routes.
• Major providers are available at or near the airport car rental centre.
• Driving to the city centre usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and parking.

Transfer

A private airport transfer is a comfortable option for travelling from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre, especially for families, groups, business travellers, or arrivals with several bags. Booking in advance is recommended to secure a fixed pickup time and meet-and-greet service.

• Driver meets passengers at the airport arrivals area.
• Direct transport to a hotel, apartment, cruise connection, or business venue.
• Average journey time to central Edinburgh is around 20 to 30 minutes.