Getting to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is easily reachable by air, rail and road. Once in the city, there are vast options of public transport.

By Air
Edinburgh International Airport
Tel: +44 (0) 844 448 8833

Edinburgh is served by an international airport, with connections across the world. For further information, please visit the Edinburgh airport website.

Glasgow Airports
Glasgow International Airport – Tel: + 44 (0) 844 481 5555
Glasgow Prestwick Airport – Tel: + 44 (0) 871 223 0700

There are two airports that serve Glasgow, Glasgow International and Glasgow PrestwickGlasgow International Airport is approximately one hour and thirty minutes drive from Edinburgh. A taxi can be expensive (approximately £70) and we would recommend taking a taxi from the airport to Glasgow Queen Street Railway Station, where there is a regular train service to Edinburgh Waverley Station. The journey time is approximately 45 minutes and trains depart every 15 minutes, depending on the time of day. Approximately £22.50 Peak Day Return and £12.60 Off Peak Return.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport is situated a further 32 miles outside Glasgow. It has its own railway station which will take you to Glasgow Central railway station.

Taxi
Edinburgh Airport is a 20–40 minute taxi journey from the City Centre, depending on traffic.

There is a taxi rank outside the airport, or taxis can be booked by calling either of the below numbers; these companies have two of the largest fleets in Edinburgh.

Central Radio Cabs: +44 (0)131 229 2468
City Cabs: +44 (0)131 228 1211

The cost will be approximately £25.

Bus
Alternatively, there is a regular bus service from the airport to the city centre (Waverley Station) which takes around 30 minutes. The cost for a single journey is £4.50 and a return journey is £7.50.

Tram
The City’s trams also offer a frequent and reliable service linking the airport and the city centre. Interchange with rail services is available at Edinburgh Park and Haymarket stations. Other stops include Murrayfield Stadium and Princes Street.

Full details can be found on the Edinburgh Trams website.

Frequency: approximately every 8-12 minutes
Journey time: 35 minutes on average
Fare: Adult single £5.50, adult return £8.50

Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines at the tram stops.

By Rail
National Rail Enquiry Service (24 hours) – Tel: +44 (0)8457 484 950

ScotRail is the main operator in Scotland. Full details on routes and timetables can be found on their website or by downloading the ScotRail app.

The mainline rail network serves the centre of Edinburgh via two railway stations.

Edinburgh Waverley is the principal station and is situated at the east end of Princes Street.

Haymarket Station is at the west end of the city and is the closest to the EICC, around a 5-10 minute walk.

By Bus
National Express – Tel: +44 (0) 8717 818 181
All national coach services to Edinburgh arrive close to St Andrew’s Square, situated at the east end of Princes Street.

By Local Bus and Tram
Public transport throughout Edinburgh is of a high quality and inexpensive to use and there are frequent bus and tram services. Tickets for single journeys and day tickets (interchangeable across buses and trams) can be purchased on the bus, while tram tickets can be purchased at the Tram Stops.

Exact fare is required but contactless is the best way to pay for travel on the buses. Adult passengers can benefit from discounted daily and weekly capping when using TapTapCap, from as little as £4.40 per day and £20 per week. On Lothian city buses, just board and tap. On all other services, board and state your destination, then tap when prompted.

Bus/tram schedules are subject to change and enquiries should be made to Lothian Region Transport prior to your journey.