🚉 Edinburgh Transportation Guide (Updated September 2025)
As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh boasts not only a rich history and culture but is also renowned for its convenient transport network. Whether you arrive at the airport from overseas, take a train from other cities in the UK, or are simply exploring the city, understanding the details of transport will make your journey smoother.
This guide provides information on airport entry and exit procedures, major train stations, city buses and trams, and intercity travel options . It also includes the latest ticket prices for 2025, ticket purchasing methods, and local tips to help you easily plan your Edinburgh trip.
✈️ Edinburgh International Airport (EDI)
- Location : Approximately 12 kilometers from the city center, single terminal, high efficiency in immigration and customs procedures.
- Routes : Direct flights to European cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Dublin; additional long-haul routes to New York, Boston, Dubai, and Qatar added in the summer.
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Transportation :
- 🚋Tram : 35-minute direct ride to York Place in the city center, passing Haymarket and Princes Street. One-way fare £7.5, round-trip £9.5. The carriages are clean and have luggage racks and WiFi.
- 🚌 Airlink Bus Route 100 : Operates 24 hours a day, every 10 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. 30 minutes to Waverley Bridge, one-way £5.5, round-trip £8.
- 🚕Taxi/Uber : The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs £25–35. It is suitable for groups of people traveling together or families with a lot of luggage.
- Tip : The airport waiting area has a whisky duty-free shop and Scotch shortbread gift boxes, making it a great place to buy souvenirs at the last minute.
Edinburgh International Airport (single terminal, direct access to the city center)
🚂 Edinburgh's main train station
- Waverley Station (City Center) is Scotland's largest train station, located between Princes Street and the Old Town. It offers direct flights to London (4.5 hours), York (2.5 hours), and Glasgow (50 minutes). The station features luggage storage, a café, and a shopping area.
- Haymarket Station (West Side) is close to the convention center and Murrayfield Stadium, with convenient access to the airport tram, and less foot traffic than Waverley.
- Edinburgh Gateway (Northwest) is a tram and rail interchange station, suitable for travelers heading towards Fife and Inverness.
- Edinburgh Park (business district) is adjacent to office parks and chain hotels, and is often chosen by business travelers. Tram provides direct access to the airport.
The four train stations are located along the tram line.
🚌 City Transportation
- Walking : Edinburgh is well-suited for walking, with the Old Town to the New Town only a 15-minute walk apart. Many streets are cobblestone, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Lothian Bus : Single ride £2, Day Ticket £5.5. Direct bank card/mobile payment accepted, no change needed. Night buses (N-series) cover major areas.
- Light rail : Connects the airport and the city center in 35 minutes. Ideal for travelers with luggage or staying in the Haymarket area.
The light rail has long operating hours, is cost-effective, and allows you to enjoy the beautiful city views along the way.
🚄 Intercity transportation
- Trains : Waverley Station offers direct train services to London, York, and Glasgow. Book your London-Edinburgh LNER high-speed train tickets in advance, and you can snag tickets for as low as £30.
- Long-distance buses : Downtown bus terminal (St Andrew Square), Megabus/Citylink fares are cheap, especially for students.
- Car rental : For visiting highland or rural attractions, it is recommended to rent a car and drive yourself. There are several car rental companies near Waverley in downtown Washington, D.C.
💡 Practical tips for city transportation
- 📱Navigation : Google Maps & Citymapper can display bus and tram schedules in real time.
- 💳Payment : Buses and trams support Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank card payments. Each swipe automatically calculates the daily pass limit.
- 🎫Transportation card : Ridacard (weekly pass £22, monthly pass £60), suitable for tourists staying ≥5 days; for rail travel, consider ScotRail Pass or BritRail Pass.
- ⏰ Avoid peak hours : 8:00–9:30 and 17:00–18:30 are peak commuting times, and buses and trams are often packed. It is recommended to avoid these times.
- 🌙Nighttime Safety : N-series night buses can reach major streets directly, and the carriages are brightly lit, making them relatively safe.
- 📦Luggage storage : Waverley train station offers luggage storage services (from £7/piece/day), which is suitable for continuing your sightseeing after checking out.
📌 Note: The above information is based on official data from September 2025. Ticket prices and schedules may be adjusted due to seasonality or policy changes. Please confirm again before your trip.
