Part of our Choosing an Edinburgh Airport transfer guide
Quick answer
For one person with light luggage, the Airlink 100 bus (£6) is the cheapest way from Edinburgh Airport. From two people upwards, a fixed-price private transfer quickly becomes the best value: RTransfer charges £48 per car to the city centre (£12 each for four people), from £60 for a 6-seat people carrier (£10 each) and from £85 for an 8-seat minibus. Booking sites that charge per person usually cost more for groups.
Cost per person to Edinburgh city centre
| People | Bus, total | Tram, total | RTransfer car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £6 | £7.90 | £48 |
| 2 | £12 | £15.80 | £48 (£24 each) |
| 4 | £24 | £31.60 | £48 (£12 each) |
| 6 | £36 | £47.40 | from £60 (£10 each) |
| 8 | £48 | £63.20 | from £85 (£10.63 each) |
Airlink 100 £6 and tram £7.90 per adult single, checked October 2026. RTransfer prices are per vehicle, one way, to the city centre (within 3 miles of Waverley Station). Book a return together and save 10%.
Why "per car" beats "per person"
Bus, tram and many booking sites charge each traveller. A private hire car charges once for the vehicle. One Viator listing for an Edinburgh Airport private transfer starts at about $42 per person; for a family of four that is far more than a £48 fixed price for the whole car.
What the price includes
Value is not only the fare. With RTransfer the price includes flight tracking, a driver waiting in arrivals with your name, 60 minutes' free waiting, help with luggage, door-to-door drop-off and free child seats on request. Rank taxis and apps charge from when you get in, and you queue or search for the car yourself.
When public transport is the better value
If you travel alone, with one small bag, to a hotel next to a tram stop or Waverley Bridge, the bus or tram wins. Compare all options in taxi vs public transport and see Edinburgh Airport taxi prices.
Ways to pay less
- Book your return together: 10% off both journeys.
- Join our newsletter: 10% off your first booking. Sign up.
- Choose the right car: a saloon takes four people and three large cases; you only need a bigger vehicle for more. See the fleet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?
For one person, the Airlink 100 bus at £6 single. For two or more people, a fixed-price private transfer at £48 per car is often similar or cheaper per person and goes door to door.
Which private airport transfer in Edinburgh offers the best value?
A local company that charges per car rather than per person. RTransfer charges £48 per car to the city centre for up to four people, with flight tracking, meet and greet and 60 minutes of free waiting included.
Is it cheaper to book a return airport transfer in Edinburgh?
Yes. RTransfer gives 10% off when you book both journeys together, so a city centre return is £86.40 instead of £96.
Sources
Facts, fares and timetables checked 29 October 2026. They change, so check with the operator before you travel.