Part of our Edinburgh Airport to Leith, the Lothians, Fife and Perthshire guide
Quick answer
The quickest way from Edinburgh Airport to Leith is a pre-booked car, about 30 to 35 minutes door to door. RTransfer charges a fixed £48 per car for addresses within 3 miles of Waverley Station, which covers most of Leith including Leith Walk and The Shore, with flight tracking and 60 minutes' free waiting. The tram runs all the way from the airport to Leith and Newhaven but takes about 54 minutes end to end.
Leith from the airport: the options
| Option | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tram (airport to Leith/Newhaven) | About 54 min end to end | One person, light bag, hotel by a tram stop |
| Airlink 100 + bus or tram | About 35 min to Princes Street, then a change | Late arrivals on a budget (Airlink runs 24 hours) |
| RTransfer private car | 30–35 min, door to door | £48 per car for up to 4, most Leith addresses |
The tram: direct, but slow with luggage
Edinburgh's tram runs from the airport through the city centre and down Leith Walk to The Shore, Port of Leith, Ocean Terminal and Newhaven. It is one seat all the way, but the full run takes about 54 minutes, and many Leith flats are a walk from the nearest stop. In the centre, St Andrew Square to Foot of the Walk alone is about 12 minutes.
A private transfer: one price for the car
With RTransfer your driver tracks your flight, waits in arrivals with your name and takes you to the door of your hotel, flat or ship. Most of Leith, including Leith Walk and The Shore, is within 3 miles of Waverley Station, so it is the same £48 as the city centre. For addresses further out we give one fixed quote when you book.
- Saloon or electric car for up to 4 with 3 large cases.
- Minibus or V-Class for groups of up to 8, from £85.
- Free child seats on request.
Cruise passengers at Ocean Terminal and Newhaven
Leith is also Edinburgh's main cruise port. If you are joining or leaving a ship, read transfers to Leith, Newhaven and South Queensferry cruise ports.
Staying in Leith?
For the best streets, restaurants and hotels, see where to stay in Leith. Comparing every airport option? Read Edinburgh Airport to the city centre.
Times are typical by car and longer at rush hour. RTransfer prices are per vehicle, not per person. Routes outside the city centre get one fixed quote before you book; the minimum fare is £48 in a saloon. Returns booked together save 10%.
Frequently asked questions
Does the tram go from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
Yes. The tram runs from the airport through the city centre to Leith and Newhaven, taking about 54 minutes end to end.
How long is a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
About 30 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic.
How much is a transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Leith?
With RTransfer it is £48 per car for addresses within 3 miles of Waverley Station, which covers most of Leith. Further addresses get a fixed quote.
Sources
Facts, fares and timetables checked 29 October 2026. They change, so check with the operator before you travel.