Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Leith is by taking the direct Skylink 200 bus, offering a good balance of convenience, cost (£4.50 single), and a journey time of 50-70 minutes. For the fastest door-to-door service, a taxi or rideshare takes 20-35 minutes but costs £25-£45. The cheapest option is a standard public bus (like the Airlink 100 to city centre plus a connection), with total fares from £4.50.
Airport Buses: The Most Direct & Frequent Public Transport
Lothian Buses operate dedicated airport services that offer the most straightforward public transport links to the city and Leith. They depart from the bus stops directly outside the terminal.
| Service | Route & Destination | Frequency / Journey Time to Leith | Single Fare (Adult) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airlink 100 | Airport â City Centre (Waverley Bridge). You must change to a Leith-bound bus (e.g., No. 11, 16, 35). | Every 10 mins. Total trip: 55-75 mins. | £4.50 (Airport fare). Bus transfer: £1.80. | Extremely fast to city centre (30 mins). Good for connecting to wider bus network. |
| Skylink 200 | Airport â Direct to Central Leith (The Shore, Ocean Terminal). | Every 30 mins. Total trip: 50-70 mins. | £4.50 (Airport fare). | Direct service. No changes required. Serves West Edinburgh & Leith. |
| Standard Public Buses (e.g., N22, 35 at night) | Various routes, often via suburbs. May require careful planning. | Less frequent. Trip: 70-90 mins. | £1.80 (Standard single). | Cheapest option. Uses standard city fare, not airport premium. |
Buying Tickets & Practical Details
You can purchase tickets on board from the driver (contactless card/Apple Pay/Google Pay preferred, cash accepted). For the best value, consider:
- Citysmart Day Ticket (£4.50): Unlimited travel on Lothian Buses and trams for one day. Must be purchased before boarding the Airlink. Buy via the "Transport for Edinburgh" app or at the airport information desk.
- m-tickets: Use the Lothian Buses app to buy and activate singles, days, or longer passes.
Luggage: All airport buses have dedicated luggage racks. Source: Lothian Buses Airport Services.
The Edinburgh Tram: A Scenic & Reliable Route (With a Transfer)
The tram offers a smooth, reliable journey from the airport terminal right into the heart of Edinburgh's New Town. However, it does not go directly to Leith, requiring a final transfer.
Step-by-Step Guide: Tram to Leith
- Board the Tram at Edinburgh Airport: The stop is adjacent to the terminal. Trams run every 7-10 minutes.
- Travel to the City Centre: The journey to the final stop, York Place, takes about 35 minutes.
- Transfer to Leith: At York Place, you are at the top of Leith Walk.
- By Bus: Walk 2 minutes to bus stops on Leith Walk. A huge variety of buses (e.g., 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 22, 25, 49) go down Leith Walk to the shore. Frequency is every few minutes. Fare: £1.80.
- By Foot: It's a 25-35 minute walk down Leith Walk to central Leith.
- By Taxi: A short taxi ride from York Place to Leith costs £6-£10.
Pros: Punctual, spacious for luggage, great views, easy access to Princes Street. Cons: Requires a transfer, slightly more expensive than the bus for a single journey.
Tram Ticket Information
Buy tickets at the platform machines or via the "Transport for Edinburgh" app. A single from the airport to the city centre (Zone 3) is £6.50. A Citysmart Day Ticket (£4.50) purchased in the app covers trams AND buses, making the tram+bus combination to Leith excellent value. Source: Edinburgh Trams Official Site.
Car Rental & Driving from the Airport
Renting a car is only recommended if you plan extensive travel outside Edinburgh. For staying in Leith/Edinburgh, a car is often a liability due to parking costs and restrictions.
The Process at Edinburgh Airport
All major rental companies (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) have desks in the main terminal. The rental lots are a short walk or shuttle ride away.
Driving to Leith: Route & Considerations
- Route: The drive is straightforward via the A8 and then the A900 into Leith. It takes 20-30 minutes in light traffic.
- Traffic: Rush hour (7:30-9:30 am, 4:30-6:30 pm) can double travel time. Edinburgh's city centre has many bus/taxi priority lanes.
- Parking in Leith: This is the major challenge.
- On-Street: Most areas are Resident Permit Parking Zones (Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm). Visitor pay-and-display bays are limited and expensive.
- Off-Street: Multi-story car parks at Ocean Terminal or Leith Walk offer safer, paid parking (£15-£25 per day).
- Always check signs carefully to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Verdict: For a city break focused on Leith and Edinburgh, rely on public transport and taxis. Rent a car only for the day you plan to visit the Highlands. Source: EDI Airport Car Hire Info.
Walking & Cycling: For the Active Traveler
While not practical for most with luggage, these eco-friendly options exist for the determined.
Cycling
A traffic-free route exists for most of the way via the National Cycle Network Route 1 (NCN 1).
- From the airport, follow signs for the Almondell path towards Crammond.
- Pick up the signed NCN 1, which follows the River Almond and then the Water of Leith Walkway.
- This scenic path leads directly into the heart of Leith. The route is approximately 10 miles (16 km) and takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
Considerations: The path is shared with pedestrians, can be muddy, and is poorly lit at night. Not suitable with suitcase luggage. Bike hire is available in the city from companies like The Bike Station.
Walking
Not recommended. The walk is over 10 miles on a mix of busy roads and paths, taking 3+ hours. It is not a pleasant or efficient introduction to the city.
Cost & Time Comparison: Edinburgh Airport to Leith
| Transport Method | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (Single Adult) | Best For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylink 200 Bus (Direct) | 50 - 70 mins | £4.50 | Best overall value & convenience | Direct link, no changes |
| Tram + Bus Transfer | 50 - 65 mins | £8.30 (single) or £4.50 (with Day Ticket) | Scenic, reliable, easy luggage | Requires change at York Place |
| Airlink 100 + Bus Transfer | 55 - 75 mins | £6.30 (single) or £4.50 (with Day Ticket) | Fastest bus to city centre | Requires change at Waverley Bridge |
| Taxi / Rideshare | 20 - 35 mins | £25 - £45 | Speed, convenience, groups, late night | Costly, traffic-dependent |
| Standard Public Bus | 70 - 90 mins | £1.80 | Cheapest possible option | Longer, less frequent, may require multiple changes |
Winner for Value & Simplicity: Skylink 200. Winner for Speed: Taxi/Rideshare. Winner for Budget: Standard public bus with careful planning.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for Your Journey to Leith
- Download Essential Apps: Before you land, download the "Transport for Edinburgh" app for tram/bus tickets and real-time info, and your preferred rideshare app (Uber/Bolt).
- Contactless is King: Almost all buses and trams accept contactless debit/credit cards and mobile wallets. It's the easiest way to pay the correct fare.
- Leith is Walkable (Once There): The main areas of interest â The Shore, Bernard Street, Commercial Quay â are compact and best explored on foot. The bus will get you to the fringe, then walk.
- Beware of Festival Periods: During the Edinburgh Festival (August), all transport is busier, and journey times can increase significantly. Book taxis in advance if needed.
- Airport Information Desk: If unsure, visit the helpful information desk in the arrivals hall. They provide free maps and transport advice.
- Accommodation Location: If staying in Leith, check if your hotel/B&B is close to a Skylink 200 stop (e.g., on Constitution Street, The Shore) for the easiest arrival.
FAQs: Edinburgh Airport to Leith Transport
What is the cheapest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
The cheapest way is by standard public bus (not the dedicated airport buses). For example, taking a local service like the N22 (at night) or the 35, which charges the standard city fare of £1.80 per single journey. This usually requires more time and planning.
What is the fastest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
A taxi or rideshare (Uber, Bolt) is typically the fastest door-to-door option, taking 20-35 minutes depending on traffic. The Edinburgh Tram followed by a short bus/taxi transfer from the city centre is the fastest public transport option, taking about 50-65 minutes total.
Is there a direct train from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
No, there is no direct train service. Edinburgh Airport does not have a mainline train station. You must use the tram or bus to reach Edinburgh city centre (Waverley or Haymarket stations), and then connect to local buses or walk to Leith.
How do I use the tram from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
Take the Edinburgh Tram from the airport terminal to 'York Place' (the city centre terminus). From there, it's a 5-minute walk to Leith Walk, where you can catch numerous buses (e.g., numbers 7, 11, 14, 16, 22, 25, 49) down into Leith. A tram ticket is not valid on buses; you'll need a separate bus ticket or an all-day 'Citysmart' ticket.
Are there any direct bus services from the airport to Leith?
Yes, the Skylink 200 bus (operated by Lothian Buses) provides a direct link. It runs from the airport, through the western suburbs, and directly into central Leith (The Shore, Ocean Terminal). This is often the most convenient single-mode public transport option.
How much is a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
A licensed black taxi or pre-booked private hire car typically costs between £30 and £45 for the journey to Leith. Rideshares like Uber can be slightly cheaper, around £25-£35, but prices surge during peak hours, bad weather, and late at night. Always confirm the fare in advance.
Can I walk or cycle from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
It is not recommended to walk (over 10 miles/16 km). Cycling is feasible for experienced cyclists, using the dedicated cycle path (NCN 1) via the River Almond and the Water of Leith walkway. However, this route is long (approx. 1 hour+) and not suitable with heavy luggage. Bike hire is available in the city.
What should I do if I arrive at Edinburgh Airport late at night?
After midnight, public transport options are limited. The Airlink 100 bus runs 24/7, but with reduced frequency. Your most reliable options are a licensed taxi from the rank outside arrivals or booking a rideshare. Pre-booking a private transfer is advisable for guaranteed service and fixed price.