Arriving at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and wondering what the best way into Scotland’s capital is? Located approximately 8.5 miles west of Princes Street, Edinburgh Airport has several distinct transport options depending on your budget, party size, amount of luggage, and final destination in the city.
1. Pre-Booked Private Airport Transfers & Taxis
For visitors staying in the Old Town, Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Southside, or Leith, a pre-booked private transfer offers the most straightforward door-to-door journey. Unlike standard airport taxi ranks where queues can stretch during peak arrival waves, a pre-arranged transfer means your driver is already scheduled, monitoring your flight number, and ready to assist with luggage.
- Typical journey time: 25 to 40 minutes (dependent on A8 / Corstorphine traffic).
- Drop-off point: Directly at your hotel lobby, apartment doorstep, or business reception.
- Luggage convenience: Highest. No stairs, platform walking, or cobblestone dragging.
- Best for: Families, groups, visitors with heavy suitcases, business travellers, and anyone staying away from tram stops.
2. Edinburgh Trams
Edinburgh Trams operate directly from the airport terminal forecourt, running every 7 to 10 minutes through western suburbs (Ingliston, Gogarburn, Edinburgh Gateway, Haymarket) before continuing down Princes Street, St Andrew Square, Leith Walk, and terminating at Newhaven.
- Journey time to Princes Street: ~35 minutes.
- Ticketing: Special airport single/return fare required before boarding.
- Pros: Not affected by road traffic congestion during rush hours.
- Cons: Limited luggage rack capacity on busy services; drops only at designated street stations requiring uphill walking with luggage in the Old Town.
3. Airlink 100 Express Bus
Lothian Buses operates the Airlink 100 express service 24 hours a day between Edinburgh Airport and South St David Street (just off St Andrew Square / Waverley Station). The buses feature free Wi-Fi and dedicated luggage racks.
- Journey time: ~30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
- Pros: Frequent departures and budget-friendly for solo travellers.
- Cons: Fixed route with drop-offs along the A8 corridor; requires onward walking or local taxi to reach Old Town accommodation.
Recommendation for First-Time Visitors
If you are travelling with two or more passengers, carrying multiple suitcases, or staying in Edinburgh’s hilly Old Town, the cost of a pre-booked private transfer is comparable to individual public transport tickets while delivering unmatched door-to-door comfort.