Part of our How to book your Edinburgh Airport transfer guide
Quick answer
In Scotland, a licensed taxi (often a black cab) can be hailed or taken from a rank, and in Edinburgh it charges a council-set meter fare. A private hire car must be pre-booked through a licensed operator, cannot pick up from the street, and usually charges a price agreed in advance. At Edinburgh Airport, taxis wait at the East Terminus rank; pre-booked private hire drivers meet you in arrivals.
At a glance
| Licensed taxi | Private hire car | |
|---|---|---|
| How you get one | Hail it, or take one from a rank | Must be pre-booked through a licensed operator |
| Price in Edinburgh | Meter set by the council, plus any airport charge | Usually a fixed price agreed when you book |
| At Edinburgh Airport | East Terminus rank | Arrivals hall (meet and greet) or a pick-up zone |
| Vehicles | Mostly black cabs | Saloons, estates, people carriers, minibuses, executive cars |
| Signs | Taxi roof sign | "Pre-booked hires only" door signs and licence plates |
The key rule: private hire must be booked
Under Scottish licensing, a private hire car can only carry passengers on a journey booked in advance through a licensed operator. It cannot be flagged down in the street or pick up anyone who walks up to it. In Edinburgh, private hire cars display "Pre-booked hires only" signs on their front doors. Edinburgh's taxi trade ran a safety campaign in 2026 with a simple message: if it's not booked, don't get in.
How the price works
Taxis in Edinburgh run on a meter, with rates set by the City of Edinburgh Council; from the airport, an airport charge is added. Private hire operators usually agree a fixed price when you book, so traffic and delays do not change it. RTransfer, for example, charges a fixed £48 from the airport to the city centre per car. Read the Edinburgh Airport taxi fares guide for the full comparison.
Which should you choose?
- Arrived without a booking? Walk to the taxi rank at the East Terminus. See what to do if you haven't booked.
- Want a known price, a driver waiting for you and a car sized for your group? Pre-book a private hire transfer.
- Need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle? Read our guide to accessible transport from Edinburgh Airport.
Is a private hire car as safe as a taxi?
Yes, when it is licensed. Both taxi and private hire drivers in Edinburgh are licensed by the council, and private hire cars carry licence plates. Our drivers are local, licensed, screened and background-checked, with private hire insurance. Here is how to check your driver is licensed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a taxi and private hire in Edinburgh?
A taxi can be hailed or taken from a rank and charges a council-set meter fare. A private hire car must be pre-booked through a licensed operator and usually charges a fixed price agreed in advance.
Can I get in a private hire car without booking?
No. Private hire cars can only take journeys booked in advance through a licensed operator. If you have not booked, use the taxi rank.
Is a private hire car cheaper than a taxi from Edinburgh Airport?
It depends on the time and traffic. A metered taxi to the city centre usually costs £20 to £40 plus an airport charge; a pre-booked transfer has a fixed price, such as £48 with RTransfer, including meet and greet and waiting time.
Sources
Facts, fares and timetables checked 26 October 2026. They change, so check with the operator before you travel.