Edinburgh Airport to city centre: tram vs bus (times, frequency, and what to choose)

Landing at Edinburgh Airport, you’ve got two main public transport options into the city centre: the tram and the Airlink bus. Both are reliable, affordable, and visitor-friendly — but they suit slightly different travel styles and arrival times.

This guide breaks down journey times, frequency, first and last departures, and — most importantly — which one you should choose depending on when you land and where you’re heading.

The two options at a glance

• Tram: predictable, spacious, fixed route through the city
• Airlink bus: faster at quiet times, more frequent, runs 24/7

Both services depart directly from the terminal, so there’s no need to leave the airport complex.

The tram: steady, spacious, and straightforward

The tram runs between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre, continuing on to the New Town and Leith.

Journey time

• Around 30–35 minutes to Princes Street / St Andrew Square

This time is consistent, as trams run on a dedicated line for much of the route and aren’t affected by road traffic.

Frequency

• Every 7–10 minutes during the day
• Every 10–15 minutes early morning and late evening

First and last trams

• First tram from the airport: around 06:15
• Last tram from the airport: around 23:45

If your flight lands late at night or very early in the morning, the tram may not be running.

What the tram is best for

• Travellers arriving during the day or early evening
• Anyone with large luggage (flat floors and plenty of space)
• Visitors staying in New Town, West End, or along the tram line
• People who prefer a smooth, predictable ride

Downsides

• No overnight service
• Fixed route — if your accommodation isn’t near a tram stop, you’ll need a short walk or connection

The Airlink bus: flexible, frequent, and always running

The Airlink service is operated by Lothian Buses and is described as a 24/7 express airport bus.

Journey time

• Around 25–35 minutes to the city centre, depending on traffic

Late at night or early morning, the bus can be quicker than the tram. During rush hour, journey times can be slightly longer.

Frequency

• Every 10 minutes during the day
• Every 15–30 minutes late at night

You’ll rarely wait long, even at unsociable hours.

Service hours

• Runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year

This is the biggest advantage over the tram.

What the Airlink bus is best for

• Late-night or early-morning arrivals
• Budget-conscious travellers
• Visitors staying near Princes Street, Waverley, or Old Town
• Anyone who wants maximum flexibility

Downsides

• Can be affected by traffic during peak hours
• Luggage space is good, but more limited than on the tram when busy

Tram vs bus: which should you choose?

Choose the tram if:

• You arrive between early morning and late evening
• You have heavy or bulky luggage
• You’re staying near a tram stop
• You want a calm, predictable ride with no traffic delays

Choose the Airlink bus if:

• Your flight arrives late at night or before dawn
• You want the fastest option during quiet hours
• Your accommodation is closer to Old Town
• You prefer a service that runs all night

What about tickets and payment?

Both services accept:

• Contactless card payments
• Mobile wallets
• Paper tickets bought on arrival

Tickets are simple, clearly priced, and easy for international visitors to use without needing exact change.

A realistic arrival tip

If you’re landing after a long flight, tired and carrying bags, don’t overthink it:

• Daytime arrival → tram is usually the easiest
• Night-time arrival → Airlink bus is the obvious choice

Both drop you into very walkable parts of the city, and from there it’s easy to continue on foot, by taxi, or by local bus.

Final verdict

There’s no bad choice when travelling from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre — just the right one for your timing and destination.

The tram is calm, spacious, and predictable, ideal for daytime arrivals and travellers with luggage.

The Airlink bus is flexible, frequent, and always running, making it unbeatable for late-night or early-morning flights.

Check your arrival time, think about where you’re staying, and choose accordingly — either way, you’ll be in the heart of Edinburgh quickly and with minimal hassle.