Quick Answer
For most travellers, the best overall way from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to the Port of Leith is by taking the Edinburgh Tram to York Place (33 minutes, £6.50 single) followed by a short bus ride on Lothian services 16, 22, 35, or 36 (10-15 mins, £1.80). This balances speed, cost, and reliability. The cheapest option is the Airlink 100 bus + local bus (from ~£6.30 total). The fastest door-to-door method is a taxi or private transfer (20-35 mins, £25-£35).
Option 1: Edinburgh Tram + Local Bus (Most Balanced)
The modern Edinburgh Tram provides a smooth, reliable link from the airport into the city centre. From there, you'll connect to a frequent local bus service to reach Leith's waterfront and surrounding areas. This is our top recommendation for first-time visitors and those with moderate luggage.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Find the Tram Stop: Exit the main terminal arrivals hall, the tram stop is directly outside on the ground level. Purchase tickets from the vending machines or use contactless payment onboard.
- Take the Tram to York Place: Board any tram (all go to the city centre). The journey to York Place (the final city centre stop) takes 33 minutes and passes 14 stops, including Edinburgh Gateway (for train connections) and West End.
- Connect to a Leith Bus: At York Place tram stop, walk to the nearby bus stops on Leith Walk or Elder Street. Catch one of the following frequent Lothian Buses heading north towards Leith:
- Bus 16 (to Silverknowes) â Serves The Shore and central Leith.
- Bus 22 (to Ocean Terminal) â Goes directly to the Port of Leith's major shopping and attraction centre.
- Bus 35 / 36 â Serve various parts of Leith and residential areas.
Costs & Tickets
| Leg | Service | Single Fare | Payment Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport to City | Edinburgh Tram | £6.50 (Adult Single) | Contactless, App, Vending Machine | Return ticket (£9.50) available if coming back to airport. |
| City to Leith | Lothian Bus | £1.80 (Adult Single) | Contactless, Exact Cash, App | Day ticket (£5.00) valid on all buses/trams. |
Pro Tip: Download the Lothian Buses m-tickets app or the Transport for Edinburgh app to buy and store integrated tickets before you land.
Option 2: Bus Services (Most Economical)
For budget-conscious travellers, a combination of express and local buses offers the lowest cash fare. It involves one transfer and is slightly slower than the tram but very cost-effective.
A) Airlink 100 Express + Local Bus
The Airlink 100 is a dedicated airport express bus running every 10 minutes to Edinburgh city centre (Waverley Bridge).
- Journey: Take Airlink 100 to its final stop, Waverley Bridge (journey time: ~30 mins). From there, walk to Princes Street or the North Bridge to catch Leith-bound buses (7, 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 35, 36). Total travel time: 50-70 minutes.
- Fare: Airlink Single: £4.50. Add a local bus fare (£1.80). Total: ~£6.30.
- Best for: Solo travellers on a tight budget, those staying near Waverley Station.
B) Skylink Services (Direct to North Edinburgh/Leith Areas)
The Skylink 200 and 400 services connect the airport directly to parts of North Edinburgh and Leith, requiring fewer changes but taking a longer route.
| Service | Route | Key Stops Near Leith | Frequency | Single Fare | Total Trip Time to Central Leith |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylink 200 | Airport -> Ocean Terminal via Granton | Trinity, Ocean Terminal | Every 30 mins | £2.00 (Local fare) | ~55-70 minutes |
| Skylink 400 | Airport -> Fort Kinnaird via Leith Walk | Leith Walk, Foot of the Walk | Every 30 mins | £2.00 (Local fare) | ~45-60 minutes |
Note: Skylink buses are standard city buses, not dedicated coaches, so they make many stops and can be busy. Check the Lothian Buses website for real-time service updates.
Option 3: Taxi & Private Transfer (Fastest & Most Convenient)
For direct, door-to-door service, especially with heavy luggage, late at night, or in a group, a taxi or pre-booked car is ideal.
Official Edinburgh Airport Taxis
The official taxi rank is located directly outside the main terminal exit. The ride to the Port of Leith takes 20 to 35 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic on the A8 and through the city.
- Estimated Fare: £25 - £35 (metered). Confirm with the driver if they accept card payment.
- Vehicle Types: Standard taxis (saloon/estate) and larger people-carriers (MPVs) are available.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
Booking in advance online offers fixed pricing, meet-and-greet service, and often more comfortable vehicles.
- Recommended Companies: Companies like Edinburgh City Transfer or Central Cars Edinburgh specialize in airport runs.
- Average Fixed Fare: £30-£45 for a standard car. Often cheaper for groups of 3-4 vs. multiple taxi fares.
- Best for: Families, groups, business travellers, or anyone arriving after public transport has stopped.
Warning: Avoid unlicensed "touts" inside the terminal offering lifts. Always use the official rank or a pre-booked service.
Option 4: Car Rental & Ride-Sharing
Renting a car is only recommended if you plan extensive travel outside Edinburgh. For simply reaching Leith, it's often more expensive and stressful due to parking costs and congestion charges.
Car Rental at EDI
All major rental companies (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, etc.) have desks in the main terminal. The pick-up area is a short walk from arrivals.
- Drive to Leith: Follow signs for the A8 towards Edinburgh City Centre, then follow signs for Leith. Journey time: 20-40 mins.
- Parking in Leith: Street parking is limited and often requires a permit. Consider hotel parking or public car parks like at Ocean Terminal (charges apply).
Ride-Sharing (Uber & Bolt)
Uber and Bolt operate in Edinburgh. The pick-up point is in the same area as the private hire cars, a short walk from the terminal.
- Fare: Similar to taxi fares, between £22-£32, subject to surge pricing during peak times.
- Availability: Usually good, but can have long wait times during peak arrival periods or bad weather.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: At a Glance
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Travel Time | Approx. Adult Single Fare | Transfers Required | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tram + Local Bus | 45 - 55 mins | £8.30 | 1 (Tram to Bus) | First-time visitors, balanced budget/convenience | â â â â â (Best Overall) |
| Airlink 100 + Local Bus | 50 - 70 mins | £6.30 | 1 (Bus to Bus) | Solo travellers, tight budgets | â â â â â (Best Budget) |
| Skylink Bus (Direct Route) | 45 - 70 mins | £2.00 | 0 (but many stops) | Those near its specific route, ultra-low cost | â â â ââ |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 20 - 35 mins | £25 - £35 | 0 (Door-to-Door) | Groups, families, heavy luggage, late arrivals | â â â â â (Best Convenience) |
| Car Rental | 20 - 40 mins | £30+ (rental + fuel + parking) | 0 | Continuing a longer Scottish road trip | â â âââ (For Leith only) |
Data sourced from official Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses fare guides and local taxi estimates. Fares subject to change.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for a Smooth Journey
Luggage Strategy
- Light Packing Wins: Both trams and buses have luggage racks, but space is limited during peak hours. The less you have, the easier your transfer will be.
- Consider Luggage Forwarding: If travelling with oversized items (e.g., golf clubs, skis), services like Send My Bag can ship them directly to your accommodation, allowing you to travel to Leith hassle-free.
Navigating the Transfer
- Use Citymapper or Google Maps: These apps provide real-time public transport directions, walking instructions between stops, and live departure times. Set your destination to your specific address in Leith.
- The "Foot of the Walk" is a Key Hub: This major bus interchange at the top of Leith Walk is where many services converge. Knowing this landmark helps when asking for directions.
Timing & Seasonal Advice
- Festival Season (August): Edinburgh is extremely busy. Public transport will be crowded, and taxi wait times long. Allow at least 50% extra time for your journey. Booking a private transfer well in advance is wise.
- Weekday Rush Hours (07:30-09:30, 16:30-18:30): Traffic into/out of the city centre is heavy, affecting buses, trams, and taxis equally.
- Sunday Service: Public transport runs less frequently. Always check Sunday timetables on the operator's website.
Accessibility
All trams and most modern Lothian Buses are wheelchair accessible with low-floor boarding. Taxis can accommodate wheelchairs but you should pre-book an accessible vehicle. Lothian Buses accessibility information provides detailed guidance.
FAQs: Edinburgh Airport to Port of Leith
Is there a direct train from Edinburgh Airport to Port of Leith?
No, there is no direct train service. Edinburgh Airport is served by the tram, not a mainline train station. To reach Port of Leith, you must first take the tram from the airport to a city centre station like Edinburgh Gateway or York Place, then connect to a local bus (e.g., Lothian Buses 16, 22, 35, 36) heading towards Leith.
What is the cheapest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Port of Leith?
The cheapest option is the public bus. The Airlink 100 express bus to the city centre (£4.50 single) combined with a local Lothian Bus ticket (£1.80 single) offers a total fare of around £6.30. For even better value, consider a day ticket if you'll make multiple journeys.
What is the fastest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Port of Leith?
A taxi or pre-booked private transfer is the fastest door-to-door option, taking 20-35 minutes depending on traffic, for a fixed fare of approximately £25-£35. For public transport, the tram to York Place (33 mins) followed by a short bus or taxi ride to your final address in Leith is often quicker than the bus-bus combination.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to Port of Leith late at night or very early in the morning?
Late-night options are limited. The tram runs until around 00:30. The N22 night bus serves the airport but has a less direct route to Leith. After these services stop, your only reliable options are a taxi (available 24/7) or a pre-booked private car. Always check the latest timetables for "N" (night) bus services.
Is it easy to travel from Edinburgh Airport to Port of Leith with lots of luggage or young children?
While trams and buses have dedicated luggage space, navigating transfers with heavy bags and children can be stressful. For families or those with multiple suitcases, a taxi or private transfer is highly recommended for its convenience, direct service, and door-to-door ease, despite the higher cost.
Should I buy a travel pass for getting from Edinburgh Airport to Port of Leith and around the city?
Yes, if you plan to use public transport extensively during your stay. Consider the Lothian Buses "Ridacard" (daily, weekly) or the combined tram and bus "Citysmart" ticket. These offer unlimited travel and can provide significant savings over buying single tickets for the airport journey and subsequent city travel.
Where exactly do I catch the tram or bus at Edinburgh Airport?
Both are clearly signposted from the arrivals hall. The tram stop is located directly outside the terminal entrance on the ground level. The bus stops (for Airlink 100, Skylink 200/400, and local services) are a short walk across the plaza at the Edinburgh Airport Bus Station. Look for clear overhead signage.
Can I use contactless payment (card/phone) on all transport from Edinburgh Airport?
Yes. You can tap your contactless debit/credit card or phone on the readers when boarding Lothian Buses (including Airlink) and Edinburgh Trams. It's the simplest payment method, capping at the daily fare price. You can also buy tickets via the "Transport for Edinburgh" or "m-tickets" apps before you travel.