Edinburgh Airport taxi fares 2026: the complete price guide

Two ways to pay: metered or fixed

There are two kinds of fare from Edinburgh Airport, and understanding the difference is the key to comparing prices.

• Metered fares are charged by taxis from the official rank at the East Terminus. The meter rates inside Edinburgh are set by the City of Edinburgh Council, and an airport charge is added. You only know the final price at the end of the journey.
• Fixed fares are agreed in advance with a private hire company like RTransfer. The price does not change with traffic, delays or the route the driver takes.

How the taxi meter works in Edinburgh

The council tariff in force from 25 July 2026 starts at £3.60 on weekdays between 6am and 6pm and £4.80 on weekday evenings, overnight and at weekends, with higher tariffs over Christmas and New Year. The meter then adds a charge for every short distance travelled and for time spent waiting in traffic. On top of that, an airport charge applies to trips that start or end in the airport's pick-up and drop-off zone; the airport sets that amount, not the council.

Local guides put a typical metered fare from the airport to the city centre at £20 to £40, taking 25 to 40 minutes. The meter only applies inside the City of Edinburgh: for anywhere else, such as Glasgow, Fife or St Andrews, the fare must be agreed before you set off.

Our fixed prices

Prices are per vehicle, not per person, so a family or group pays the same as one traveller in the same car. Larger vehicles for bigger groups are quoted when you book.

What a fixed fare includes

• Meet and greet in the arrivals hall, with a name board on request.
• Flight tracking, so delays cost you nothing.
• 60 minutes' free waiting after landing (15 minutes for hotel and home pickups).
• Free child seats, and water, phone chargers and Wi-Fi on request.

Tipping is optional and never added to your price.

When extra charges may apply

A fixed price stays fixed unless something about the journey changes. Extra charges may apply for waiting beyond the free time (at £1 per minute, if you agree), extra pick-up or drop-off addresses, parking where it applies, changes after the booking is confirmed, cleaning if the vehicle is left excessively dirty, and damage caused by passengers. Any change in price is agreed with you first.

How to pay

Pay by card online when you book, by card in the car, or in cash to your driver. Companies and regular customers can ask for an invoice. Booking for someone else? Pay in advance and they have nothing to pay on the day.

Is a taxi cheaper than public transport?

For one person travelling light, no: the Airlink 100 bus costs £6 and the tram £7.90 to the city centre. But public transport is priced per person and a car per vehicle. Four adults pay £24 on the bus or £31.60 on the tram, and still have to get from the stop to their door. With a pre-booked car at £48, the gap is small and you go door to door.

Five ways to pay less

1. Book a return at the same time and save 10%.
2. Share the car with friends on the same flight: the price is per vehicle.
3. Join our newsletter for a 10% welcome code on your first booking (one discount per booking).
4. Give accurate details so there are no extra stops or changes later.
5. Book the right vehicle first time, so you do not need two cars.