Taxis in Edinburgh: A Complete Visitor Guide
Edinburgh's taxi trade is dominated by the city's Hackney fleet - mostly London-style cabs in a distinctive paint scheme - alongside several large private hire firms. The City of Edinburgh Council sets the Hackney tariff. The compact medieval centre and the New Town are walkable, but cabs come into their own during the festivals, when traffic is heavy and finding parking is impossible.
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Fare structure
Edinburgh Hackney carriage tariffs are set by the City of Edinburgh Council. Four tariffs (1 to 4) apply across different times of day, days of the week, and public holidays. The flag-drop covers the start of the journey, and the meter ticks by short distance and waiting time. Airport runs from Edinburgh Airport are commonly fixed-rate by the major operators.
Quick fare estimator for Edinburgh. Enter your trip distance and approximate travel time. The result is a rough range based on typical meter rates - confirm with the driver or operator before you travel.
Airport transfers
Most visitors meet the Edinburgh taxi trade at the airport. Here is what to expect on the typical airport-to-city run:
| Airport | Distance | Time | Approx fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | 8 mi | 25 min | £25-30 by Hackney to city centre |
| Glasgow Airport (GLA) | 50 mi | 60 min | £100-130 to Edinburgh centre |
Tips for the airport run
- Edinburgh Airport tram is a cheap and quick option into the city - around £7.50 and 30 minutes.
- Festival season (August) sees heavy demand and long waits; book ahead.
- Tariff 1 daytime weekdays is the cheapest; tariff 4 covers Christmas and New Year and is the most expensive.
- Tipping is optional - round up or add 10 percent.
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Booking and hailing
Below are the main licensed operators and apps used in Edinburgh. Booking through one of these is the safest option, and ensures the driver is properly insured and licensed:
- Central Taxis
- City Cabs
- ComCab Edinburgh
- Capital Cars
- Uber
Tipping in Edinburgh
Tipping norms vary between countries. In Edinburgh, a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the metered fare is customary though tipping in the UK is generally lighter than in the US. Tips on card readers usually offer quick-select buttons.
Common scams to watch for
Most licensed drivers in Edinburgh are honest, but the same handful of scams appear in every major city. Knowing them keeps you out of trouble:
- Refusal to take you on short journeys - illegal for Hackneys at a rank.
- Adding luggage fees that are not part of the published tariff.
- Unbooked private hire from the festival fringe venues - book ahead.
Getting to the main attractions
The most common taxi routes in Edinburgh go to and from the main visitor sights: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Princes Street, Arthur's Seat, Holyroodhouse, Murrayfield. Distances within the central district are short and most fares run under £20 if there is no traffic - but bear in mind that journeys taking a long time in heavy traffic will rack up extra cost on the time-based portion of the meter.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?
Around £25 to £30 by Hackney. The Airlink bus (£5.50) and the tram (£7.50) are cheaper alternatives.
Can I hail a taxi on the Royal Mile?
Yes, Hackney cabs can be hailed if their roof light is on, and there are ranks along the Mile.
Do Edinburgh taxis take cards?
Most accept cards or contactless. Some smaller operators may still ask for cash - confirm at the start.
Are taxis hard to find during the Edinburgh Festival?
Yes - August is the busiest month. Pre-book private hire wherever possible.
How much should I tip an Edinburgh cab driver?
10 percent or rounding up the fare is standard.
Are unlicensed minicabs a problem in Edinburgh?
Avoid any private hire car that has not been pre-booked through a licensed operator. The council enforces strictly.
Local taxi companies
The Edinburgh taxi trade is made up of dozens of licensed firms in addition to the major names listed above. If you operate a licensed taxi or private hire company in Edinburgh and would like to be listed in this section, you can submit your business for inclusion.
A note on accuracy: Taxi rates change. The figures above are intended as rough guides only. Always confirm the meter rate or flat fare with your driver before setting off, and refer to the City of Edinburgh Council - Licensing for the official tariff.