Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City Centre: Private Transfer Fares, Journey Time and Meeting Point
A private car from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh city centre is a drive of about 30 minutes in normal traffic. This page covers the route, what each vehicle costs, where your driver meets you and how to time the journey back.
Distance and journey time
The distance is about 11 miles (17 km). In normal traffic the drive takes about 30 minutes; allow longer at rush hour, on Friday afternoons and on bank holiday weekends. The car follows the A8 Glasgow Road east past Corstorphine into the West End, reaching Princes Street, the Old Town or the New Town in about 30 minutes.
About Edinburgh city centre
Typical addresses are hotels on and around Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the Old Town, the New Town and Haymarket. During the Festival in August, roads around the Old Town are busy and some are closed; the driver uses the nearest open street.
Fares by vehicle
- Economy Sedan (up to 4 passengers, 3 suitcases): from about £37
- First Class Sedan (4 passengers, 3 suitcases): about £52
- Standard Van (6 passengers, 4 suitcases): about £63
- First Class Van (6 passengers, 5 suitcases): about £100
- Minibus (up to 16 passengers, 10 suitcases): from about £111
Each fare covers the whole vehicle, however many seats you fill. Enter your date and address on the booking form to see your exact price before paying; traffic on the day does not change it.
Meeting your driver at Edinburgh Airport
We follow your flight's real landing time, so an early or late arrival is no problem. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name, helps with the luggage and walks you to the car. Waiting is free for 60 minutes from landing, and parking is included. Edinburgh has a single terminal, and every arriving passenger comes out into the same arrivals hall.
Going back to the airport
Going back, a pickup about 2.5 hours before a short-haul departure is a safe choice from Edinburgh city centre (add an hour for long-haul): it leaves roughly 2 hours at Edinburgh Airport once you arrive. The driver collects you from your door and drops you at departures. Booking "Return" covers both legs and takes a discount off the return.
More information
See our Edinburgh Airport transfers guide. Related routes: Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport to St Andrews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh city centre?
About 11 miles (17 km).
How long does the journey take?
Around 30 minutes when the roads are clear. Rush hour and holiday weekends add time.
How much is a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh city centre?
From about £37 in an Economy Sedan for up to 4 passengers, or about £63 in a Standard Van for up to 6. The price is per vehicle.
Where will the driver meet me?
In the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. Waiting is free for 60 minutes after landing.
Are child seats available?
Yes, free of charge on request.
