Quick answer
The West End and Haymarket are the most practical base for business trips, conferences and events: the EICC, the Usher Hall and Haymarket station are all here, Murrayfield Stadium is close by, and the airport tram stops at Haymarket and the West End. It is also one of the shortest drives from the airport.
The West End is a smart district of Georgian crescents and offices around the Caledonian Hotel and Lothian Road, with Haymarket, Edinburgh's second-busiest railway station, just to the west.
Why stay in the West End
- Conferences: the EICC is here. See our guide to EICC transfers.
- Concerts and theatre: the Usher Hall, the Royal Lyceum and the Traverse Theatre.
- Rugby and concerts at Murrayfield, a short ride away.
- Transport: Haymarket station, and the Haymarket and West End tram stops.
Things to know before you book
- Event weekends at Murrayfield fill hotels quickly and slow the roads. Book early.
- Business travellers: ask about our business accounts with invoices on request.
Getting to the West End from Edinburgh Airport
By car, the West End is about 20 minutes from the airport, longer at rush hour. A pre-booked transfer is the easiest way in with luggage: your driver tracks your flight, waits in arrivals with a name board and takes you to the door of your hotel or flat, at a price fixed when you book. For meetings, we can wait between stops or book you a private driver for the day.
The tram runs from the airport to the city centre in about 30 minutes, every 7 minutes in the daytime; the last tram leaves the airport at 22:52. For a late landing, a family or lots of bags, see our guide to late-night arrivals or airport to city centre options.
Who the West End suits
Business travellers, conference delegates, concert-goers and rugby fans. For a quieter residential feel nearby, try Bruntsfield.
Frequently asked questions
Is the West End a good place to stay for the EICC?
Yes. The EICC is in the West End, a few minutes on foot from most West End hotels.
Does the airport tram stop at Haymarket?
Yes. Trams from the airport stop at Haymarket and the West End on the way into the city centre.
How long is the drive from Edinburgh Airport to the West End?
About 20 minutes outside rush hour.
Sources
Facts, fares and timetables checked 28 October 2026. They change, so check with the operator before you travel.