Part of our How to book your Edinburgh Airport transfer guide
Quick answer
If you land at Edinburgh Airport without a booking, the quickest option is the official taxi rank at the East Terminus, a short walk across the plaza, which runs 24 hours with metered fares plus an airport charge. App rides such as UberX are also available. The Airlink 100 bus runs 24 hours; the last tram leaves the airport at about 22:52.
Your options when you have not booked
| Option | Where | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi rank | East Terminus, across the plaza | 24 hours |
| App ride (e.g. UberX) | Follow the pickup instructions in the app | Depends on drivers available |
| Airlink 100 bus | Outside the terminal | 24 hours |
| Tram | Outside the terminal | Last tram about 22:52 |
The taxi rank
Leave the terminal through the plaza with the big "Edinburgh" sign and follow the signs to the East Terminus. Fares into Edinburgh are metered at council rates, plus an airport charge. Queues can build up when several flights land together, especially on Friday evenings and during the festivals.
Can I book a private hire car on the spot?
A private hire company can take a booking at short notice if it has a car and driver free, but it is not guaranteed at busy times, and private hire drivers cannot pick up anyone who has not booked. We need at least 24 hours' notice for our transfers, so for a ride right now the rank is the reliable choice. See the difference between taxis and private hire.
Late at night
After the last tram, the Airlink 100 bus and the taxi rank are your options. Read our guide to late-night arrivals at Edinburgh Airport.
Next time: book ahead
Pre-booking gives you a fixed price, a driver who tracks your flight and meets you in arrivals, and a car sized for your group, with no queue. It takes a couple of minutes: use our booking checklist and the complete booking guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a taxi at Edinburgh Airport without booking?
Yes. Licensed taxis wait at the East Terminus rank, a short walk across the plaza from the terminal, 24 hours a day.
Is Uber available at Edinburgh Airport?
Yes. Uber says UberX and UberXL are available for airport rides; follow the pickup instructions in the app.
What time is the last tram from Edinburgh Airport?
The timetable shows the last tram from the airport at about 22:52. The Airlink 100 bus runs 24 hours.
Sources
Facts, fares and timetables checked 26 October 2026. They change, so check with the operator before you travel.