Quick Answer
Best for most travellers: Take the Edinburgh Trams or the Airlink 100 express bus. Both take 30-35 minutes to the city centre and cost around £6.50-£7.50 for a single adult ticket. The tram offers a smoother ride with dedicated luggage space, while the bus stops closer to the Royal Mile at Waverley Bridge. For a door-to-door service, a taxi costs £30-£35 and takes 25-40 minutes.
1. Edinburgh Trams: The Efficient & Scenic Route
The Edinburgh Trams service provides a modern, reliable, and stress-free link from the airport terminal directly into the heart of the New Town. It’s often considered the best balance of speed, cost, and comfort.
Why Choose the Tram?
- Direct Terminal Access: The tram stop is located just outside the airport arrivals hall.
- Excellent for Luggage: Dedicated, spacious areas for suitcases and a level-access design.
- Frequency: Runs every 7 minutes during the day.
- Scenic Route: Travels through the western suburbs and along the financial district with great views of the cityscape.
Step-by-Step Guide & Key Stops
- Find the Stop: Exit the main terminal, cross the pick-up/drop-off area, and follow clear signs to the tram platform.
- Buy a Ticket: Use the ticket vending machines on the platform (card/contactless/cash). You can also use contactless bank cards or mobile payments to tap on/off.
- Board the Tram: All trams are wheelchair and luggage accessible.
- Key Stop for the Royal Mile: Alight at the terminus, St Andrew Square (York Place). From here, it's a pleasant 5-10 minute walk south to the East End (Canongate) of the Royal Mile.
| Journey Time (Airport to St Andrew Sq) | Single Adult Fare | Return Fare | First/Last Service from Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~32 minutes | £7.50 (Contactless: £6.50*) | £9.00 | 06:15 / 00:30 (Sun-Thu), 06:15 / 02:30 (Fri-Sat) |
*Using contactless tap-on/tap-off caps your daily fare and is often cheaper for single journeys. Check the official website for latest fares.
2. Airport Buses: The Economical & Frequent Choice
Buses offer the cheapest public transport option with frequent services. The main players are the express Airlink 100 and the local Lothian Buses network.
Airlink 100 Express Service (Lothian Buses)
This is the dedicated airport express bus, designed for travellers.
- Route: Non-stop from the airport to Edinburgh city centre (Waverley Bridge).
- Drop-off Point: Waverley Bridge, directly outside Edinburgh Waverley train station. This is arguably the closest public transport stop to the midpoint of the Royal Mile (2-5 minute walk).
- Frequency: Every 10 minutes.
- Luggage: Ample under-bus storage for luggage.
- Buying Tickets: Purchase from the driver (cash/card), via the m-ticket app, or at the airport information desk.
Other Bus Services (Skylink)
Services like Skylink 200 and 400 are cheaper but make more stops, serving wider areas of the city. They are useful if your accommodation is not near the city centre.
| Service | Journey Time (to Centre) | Single Fare (Adult) | Key Destination | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airlink 100 | ~30 minutes | £6.00 (Return: £9.00) | Waverley Bridge (Royal Mile) | Speed & direct city centre access |
| Skylink 200 | ~45-60 mins | £4.50 (Day Ticket valid) | Ocean Terminal, Leith | Travelling to Leith/North Edinburgh |
| Skylink 400 | ~50-70 mins | £4.50 (Day Ticket valid) | Fort Kinnaird, Royal Infirmary | Travelling to South East Edinburgh |
3. Taxis & Private Transfers: Door-to-Door Convenience
For direct, hassle-free travel, especially with heavy luggage, young children, or late-night arrivals, taxis are the solution—but at a premium price.
Official Edinburgh Airport Taxis
The official taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals hall. They use fixed fares to the city centre (Surcharges apply late at night).
- Estimated Fare to Royal Mile: £30 - £35.
- Journey Time: 25-40 minutes (highly traffic-dependent).
- Vehicle Types: Standard saloons, estate cars (for more luggage), and accessible vehicles are available.
Private Hire & Ride-Sharing (Uber)
Apps like Uber operate at Edinburgh Airport. The pick-up point is in the designated “Hire Car” area in the multi-storey car park opposite the terminal (follow signs). Fares are often similar to or slightly lower than rank taxis but can surge during peak times.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
You can book a vehicle in advance through companies like Edinburgh Shuttle or Central Cars. This guarantees a meet-and-greet service and a fixed price.
When to Choose a Taxi/Transfer:
- Arriving after public transport has stopped (post-midnight).
- Travelling in a group of 3-4 (can be cost-effective per person).
- You have mobility issues or excessive luggage.
- Your accommodation is not near a tram or bus stop.
4. Ticket & Cost Comparison: At a Glance
This table summarizes all key options to help you decide the best transport from Edinburgh Airport to the Royal Mile.
| Mode | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (Adult Single) | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Tram | 32 min | £6.50 (Contactless) - £7.50 | Reliable, smooth, great luggage space, scenic | Walk from St Andrew Sq to Royal Mile | Most travellers, first-time visitors, those with luggage |
| Airlink 100 Bus | 30 min | £6.00 | Fast, frequent, stops closest to Royal Mile (Waverley Bridge) | Can be busy, less luggage space than tram | Budget-conscious travellers wanting a central drop-off |
| Local Bus (e.g., Skylink) | 45-70 min | £4.50 (Cheapest) | Very cheap, uses city-wide day ticket | Slow, many stops, not direct to centre | Ultra-budget travel, going to suburbs |
| Taxi / Ride-Share | 25-40 min | £30 - £40 | Door-to-door, available 24/7, no hassle | Expensive, traffic delays, surge pricing | Late arrivals, groups, lots of luggage, special needs |
| Pre-booked Transfer | 25-40 min | £35 - £50+ | Guaranteed service, meet & greet, fixed price | Most expensive option, requires planning | Families, corporate travel, specific requirements |
5. Traveler Tips & Local Insights
Luggage Strategy
- Pack Light for Public Transport: The easier your bags are to manoeuvre, the smoother your tram/bus journey will be.
- Consider an Airport Porter: If you have heavy items, porter services are available to help you to the taxi rank or tram stop for a fee.
Navigating the Final Stretch to Your Hotel
The Royal Mile is a long street (actually just over a mile) with many closes (alleys) and steep gradients. Check your hotel's exact location (postcode) to see if it's closer to the tram stop (East End) or the bus stop (Centre/West End). A 5-minute walk difference can be significant with bags.
Money-Saving Tips
- Family Travel: Children under 5 travel free on trams and buses. Family tickets are available on Lothian Buses.
- Return Ticket: If you know you'll use the same service to return to the airport, buy a return ticket upfront for a discount.
- City Exploration: If you plan to use buses all day, a Lothian Buses Day Ticket (£5.50) is incredible value and can cover your airport journey if you take a Skylink service.
Peak Season & Festival Warning
During the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August), the city is extremely busy. Public transport will be crowded, and taxi waits can be very long. Allow extra time for any journey and consider walking the final leg from your stop if traffic is gridlocked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to the Royal Mile?
The cheapest way is by taking the public bus, specifically the Airlink 100 express service or Lothian Buses services like the Skylink 200 or 400. Fares start from £4.50 for a single ticket. It's significantly cheaper than taxis or private transfers.
What is the fastest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to the Royal Mile?
The fastest way is typically by taxi or private hire vehicle (e.g., Uber), taking 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. For public transport, the Edinburgh Trams or Airlink 100 bus are the fastest options, taking about 30-35 minutes to the city centre, followed by a short walk.
Is there a direct train from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?
No, there is no direct train station at Edinburgh Airport (EDI). The most direct rail-like service is the Edinburgh Trams, which connects the airport terminal to York Place in the New Town, a short walk from the East End of the Royal Mile. For mainline train services (Waverley or Haymarket stations), you must first travel into the city centre via tram or bus.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to the Royal Mile late at night or very early morning?
Late-night options are limited. The N22 night bus runs, but infrequently. Taxis and pre-booked private transfers are the most reliable options for arrivals after public transport has stopped (around 00:30 for trams, 01:00 for Airlink). Always check the latest schedules for your specific arrival date.
Is the tram or bus better from Edinburgh Airport with a lot of luggage?
The tram is generally better for luggage. It has dedicated, level-access spaces for suitcases, is less crowded on average, and provides a smoother ride. The Airlink 100 bus also has luggage racks, but space can be limited during peak times. For very large or bulky items, a taxi might be more convenient despite the higher cost.
Where exactly on the Royal Mile do the tram and bus drop you off?
Neither service stops directly on the Royal Mile. The Edinburgh Trams terminate at St Andrew Square/York Place, which is a 5-10 minute walk to the East End (Canongate) of the Royal Mile. The Airlink 100 bus terminates at Waverley Bridge, directly outside Edinburgh Waverley train station, which is at the midpoint of the Royal Mile (North Bridge/South Bridge), a 2-5 minute walk away.
Can I walk from Edinburgh Airport to the Royal Mile?
No, walking is not feasible or recommended. The distance is approximately 10-12 miles (16-19 km), which would take over 3 hours on foot, mostly along busy roads with limited pedestrian pathways. It is not a safe or practical option for travellers with luggage.
Is it worth buying a return or day ticket for transport from the airport?
Yes, if you plan to use public transport again within the same day or for your return to the airport. Both the tram and Airlink 100 offer return tickets that are cheaper than two singles. For example, a tram return is £9.00, compared to £10.00 for two singles. Consider the Lothian Buses day ticket if you'll be exploring the city extensively.