Arriving Edinburgh Airport and requiring a taxi to your destination? Taxis are enjoyable and comfy, but let us warn you, you will be forking out an arm and a leg if you don't keep an eye on what you are spending. Blatant scams can catch out visitors and even local people who have no idea. Below are a few useful tips to deter inflated taxi fares and enjoy your travel at an affordable cost.
1. Pre-Book Your Taxi
Among the best ways to prevent spending huge sums of money on taxi fares is to pre-book your taxi ride before reaching there. Well-known taxi service companies will give you the money upfront, and in that way, you will not be surprised by any fee when you are already present at the destination location you wish.
Advantages of Booking in Advance:
Fixed Fee – You already have the price paid before you depart
No Wait Time – The driver waits for you upon your arrival
Better Deals – Airport taxis are more expensive than reserved taxis
You can pre-book with airport transfer companies, private taxi firms, or even ride-hailing firms with pre-booked pick-ups.
2. Ride-Hailing Apps rather than Airport Taxis
Standard taxi ranks in airports will be more expensive, especially during rush hours. Or use ride-hailing apps such as:
- Uber
- Bolt
- Free Now
These apps show you the fare first, so, they will never require you to do anything more than what it shows to you. Fares are also similarly priced on some apps before making a booking.
3. Check Fare before Getting a Taxi
If you are taking the taxi route from Edinburgh airport to the airport's official taxi stand, always ask the fare estimate before getting in.
Things to Look Out For;
- Ensure the meter is on – If the driver does not, get another taxi
- Ask what it will cost – City centre to Edinburgh Airport should be £25-£30
Don't make them take the long way round – A few of the drivers take the long way round so that they can make more money
If it is too expensive, don't be reluctant to bargain or call another taxi.
4. Take Public Transport for Short Trips
If you are going to the city center, use public transport and do not waste taxi money.
Other Forms of Traveling:
Edinburgh Trams – One-way £7.50 every 7 minutes to city center
Airlink 100 Bus – £5.50 one-way only 24-hour bus
An Uber or local taxi can be used later for the rest of the journey, which would be cheaper.
5. Travel in Groups to Split the Fare
If you are traveling with friends or family, dividing the taxi trip can be a good value for money. Sharing the fare rather than paying per head is cheaper than purchasing individual public transport fare.
For example, a £30 taxi journey divided between 4 individuals costs only £7.50 each—almost as cheap as taking a tram!
6. Keep an Eye out for Additional Fees
Some taxi companies have hidden charges that will add to your bill. Watch out for:
- Late-night or early-morning charges
- Luggage surcharges
- More expensive fares for bigger cars
Always inspect the price chart on the taxi company's website or ask the driver if there are any additional fees before embarking on your journey.
7. Select a Good Taxi Firm
Do not use unlicensed cabs or lone drivers cheaply—do not pay over the odds or compromise safety. Use a reputable, licensed company instead, e.g.:
- Capital Cars Edinburgh
- City Cabs Edinburgh
- Central Taxis
Fixed-price companies provide safe and affordable travel.
8. Attempt to Avoid Rush Hours if Possible
Rush hour can be more expensive in taxis, e.g.:
- Morning rush
- Evening rush
- Festival time
If you are open with your time, travel during the off-seasons to provide you with a reduced price.
While Taxi From Edinburgh Airport may be convenient, exercise sound sense from prohibitively high rates. Ride-sharing facilities, online reservations in advance, and reliable taxi firms can ensure a budgeted but good ride for you.
