Quick Answer
The best way for most travellers is the Edinburgh Trams, offering a direct, reliable 35-minute journey to the ‘Murrayfield Stadium’ stop for approximately £7.50 (single). The cheapest option is the Airlink 100 bus to the city centre followed by a local bus or walk, with a total cost from £5.50. For speed and convenience, especially with luggage or groups, a taxi or pre-booked transfer takes 15-25 minutes and costs £25-£35.
1. Edinburgh Trams: The Direct & Scenic Route
The Edinburgh Tram line is the most straightforward and recommended public transport option for reaching Murrayfield Stadium from the airport. It runs on a dedicated track, avoiding city road traffic, and stops literally at the stadium's doorstep.
Key Advantages: Direct service, no traffic delays, frequent departures (every 7-10 minutes), spacious luggage areas, and clear audio/visual announcements.
Step-by-Step Tram Guide
- Find the Tram Stop: Exit the main terminal arrivals hall and follow clear signs for “Trams”. The stop is just outside the terminal building.
- Buy Your Ticket: Purchase from the ticket machines at the stop (card/cash), via the Edinburgh Trams mobile app, or contactless payment upon boarding. Options include Single, Return, or a Day Ticket.
- Board the Tram: Ensure you’re on a tram bound for “York Place”. All trams from the airport pass Murrayfield.
- The Journey: Enjoy the 14 stops (approx. 33-37 minutes). Key stops before Murrayfield include Edinburgh Park (for business parks) and Haymarket (for rail connections).
- Alight: Get off at “Murrayfield Stadium” (Stop 14). The iconic stadium is a 2-3 minute walk across the road.
Fares & Practical Info
| Ticket Type | Price (Airport to Murrayfield) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Single | £7.50 | One-way journey only |
| Adult Return | £10.50 | Return trip on the same day |
| City Day Ticket (Tram Only) | £10.00 | Unlimited tram travel all day |
| City Day Ticket (Tram & Bus) | £13.50 | Full-day exploration on all public transport |
Source: Edinburgh Trams Official Fares
2. Bus Options: Budget-Friendly & Express Services
Buses offer the most economical way to travel, with two primary strategies: the direct express bus to the city centre, or local services that get you closer.
Airlink 100 Express Bus (to City Centre)
This is Lothian Buses' dedicated airport express service, running every 10 minutes.
- Route: EDI Airport → Edinburgh City Centre (final stop: Waverley Bridge, near the train station).
- Journey Time: 25-35 minutes to the city centre.
- Fare: Single £5.50, Return £9.50 (valid 28 days).
- To Murrayfield: From Waverley Bridge, you can:
- Walk (25 mins): A straightforward, mostly flat walk.
- Take a local bus (10 mins): Catch Lothian services 12, 26, 31 from Princes Street towards Corstorphine. Alight at “Murrayfield Road” or “Roseburn Street”.
- Luggage: Dedicated under-bus storage.
Local Bus Services (Closer Direct Access)
Service N200 (Night Bus) and certain daytime services (like the 400) pass near the airport and Murrayfield, but are less frequent and slower. The Airlink + local bus combo is generally faster and more reliable.
Top Tip: Use the Lothian Buses journey planner for real-time routes and times. The m-tickets app is the easiest way to pay.
3. Taxi & Private Transfers: Door-to-Door Convenience
For groups, those with heavy luggage, or travellers prioritising time and comfort, a taxi or pre-booked car is the premium choice.
Airport Taxi Rank (Hackney Cabs)
Availability: 24/7 outside the terminal. Journey Time: 15-25 minutes (highly traffic-dependent, especially on event days). Approx. Fare: £25-£35. Always use the official rank; avoid unsolicited offers inside the terminal.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
Booking in advance with a reputable company like Edinburgh Shuttle or through global platforms (KiwiTaxi, HolidayTaxis) guarantees a fixed price, a meet-and-greet service, and is ideal for larger groups requiring minibuses.
Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber)
Uber operates at EDI. The pickup point is in the same ground transport area as taxis. Prices can surge dramatically before and after major events at Murrayfield.
When is a Taxi the Best Choice?
- Arriving late at night after public transport frequency has reduced.
- Travelling in a group of 3-4 people (cost can be comparable to tram tickets).
- Carrying significant sports equipment or bulky luggage.
- If you have mobility issues.
- When time is absolutely critical (e.g., tight connection to an event).
4. Ticket & Cost Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all options based on your priority: cost, speed, or convenience.
| Transport Method | Approx. Journey Time (Door-to-Door) | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Key Advantages | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tram | 40-45 mins | £7.50 | Most reliable, direct, scenic, avoids traffic | Can be busy on event days |
| Airlink 100 Bus + Walk/Local Bus | 45-60 mins | £5.50 - £7.00 | Cheapest option, frequent, good luggage space | Two-step journey, subject to road traffic |
| Taxi (Rank/Uber) | 15-25 mins | £25 - £40+ | Fastest door-to-door, no hassle with luggage/bags | Expensive, price surges during events |
| Pre-Booked Private Transfer | 15-25 mins | £30 - £60+ | Fixed price, meet & greet, ideal for groups | Must book in advance, higher base cost |
Verdict: For a perfect balance of cost, reliability, and ease, the Tram is our top recommendation. For sheer budget travel, choose the Airlink 100 bus combo.
5. Traveller Experience & Insider Tips
Beyond schedules and fares, these practical tips will ensure a smooth journey.
- Event Day Mayhem: On international rugby days or concerts, allow at least double your usual travel time. Trams and buses will be extremely crowded. Walking the final stretch from Haymarket or West End is often quicker than waiting for packed transport.
- The Luggage Question: Trams and Airlink buses have excellent luggage racks. If you’re going straight to the stadium with suitcases, consider using left luggage facilities at the airport or Waverley Station first.
- Payment is Key: Contactless card/phone payment is king. You can tap your card on trams and buses (capped at daily ticket price). It’s faster than buying paper tickets. Ensure you use the same card for tap-on and tap-off on trams.
- Walking is Underrated: If you only have hand luggage, consider taking the tram or bus to Haymarket and enjoying the 15-20 minute walk to Murrayfield through the residential streets. It’s a pleasant way to orient yourself.
- Check Real-Time Info: Before you travel, check @EdinTravelNews on X for live updates on any transport disruptions, especially on match days.
FAQs: Edinburgh Airport to Murrayfield Stadium
What is the cheapest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Murrayfield Stadium?
The cheapest option is the Airlink 100 express bus to Edinburgh city centre (£5.50 single), followed by a short local bus ride (approx. £1.80) or a 20-25 minute walk to Murrayfield.
What is the fastest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Murrayfield Stadium?
A taxi or private transfer is the fastest door-to-door option, taking 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. For public transport, the tram is the quickest, taking about 35 minutes to the dedicated Murrayfield stop.
Is there a direct tram from Edinburgh Airport to Murrayfield Stadium?
Yes. The Edinburgh Trams line runs directly from the airport terminal to 'Murrayfield Stadium' tram stop. No changes are required.
How long does the tram take from Edinburgh Airport to Murrayfield?
The tram journey takes approximately 33-37 minutes. Allow a total travel time of 40-45 minutes including the short walk from the tram stop to the stadium entrances.
Can I use a City Day Ticket for transport from the airport?
Absolutely. The Edinburgh City Day Ticket (for trams and/or buses) is great value if you plan further travel. It covers your airport journey and unlimited travel within the city zones for the rest of the day.
Is it easy to get a taxi at Edinburgh Airport for Murrayfield?
Yes, taxis are available 24/7 at the rank. For major events, pre-booking is advised to guarantee a vehicle and lock in a fixed price, avoiding potential surge fares.
What should I do if I arrive late at night?
Check the latest timetables for the tram and Airlink 100, which run late. After about 11:30 PM, services reduce. A taxi or pre-booked transfer is the most reliable and safe option for late-night arrivals.
Is the journey from the airport to Murrayfield wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Edinburgh Trams, Airlink buses, and licensed taxis are wheelchair accessible. The tram stops and stadium have step-free access. Notifying providers in advance is recommended for smooth assistance.