Airlink 100 is a frequent 24/7 express between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre with contactless fares, luggage space, and a ~30-minute ride.
Flying into Edinburgh and want a no-fuss ride straight to the city centre? This guide walks you through the Airlink 100 express bus: when it runs, where it stops, what it costs, and the little tips that make the trip easy. You’ll find quick tables, clear steps, and practical notes based on current operator info so you can step off the plane and roll into town without guesswork.
What The Airlink 100 Does Best
The Airlink 100 is the dedicated airport–city express run by Lothian. Buses run day and night with short gaps between departures, roomy bays for bags, Wi-Fi, and USB power. The route links Edinburgh Airport with Waverley Bridge in the city centre, a short walk from Princes Street and the main rail hub. Average travel time sits around half an hour, with traffic the only real swing factor.
Airlink 100 Bus From Edinburgh Airport — Times, Fares, Stops
This section gives you the quick facts you’re likely searching for: first and last buses in each direction, headline prices, and where to board at both ends. The first table sits up front for scan-readers; deeper notes follow right after.
At-A-Glance Service Facts
| Item | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Hours | 24 hours, 7 days | Night frequency is lower than daytime |
| Day Frequency | About every 10 minutes | Typical airport → city and city → airport |
| Night Frequency | About every 15–20 minutes | Overnight window between late and early hours |
| Average Journey Time | ~30 minutes | Plan a buffer in peak traffic |
| City Terminus | Waverley Bridge | Near Princes Street and the rail station |
| Airport Stop | Stop A on the plaza | Steps from Arrivals |
| Adult Single | £6.00 | Pay contactless or buy a ticket |
| Adult Open Return | £8.50 | Return is flexible; no fixed date/time |
| Child (5–15) | £3.00 single / £4.25 open return | Up to three under-5s travel free with an adult |
| Family Return | £22.00 | Up to 2 adults + 3 children |
| Payment | Contactless, mobile wallet, or cash | Exact cash fare only on board |
| On-Board | Wi-Fi, USB, luggage racks | Low-floor entry for easy boarding |
Where To Board And How The Stops Work
From the airport: follow signs to the outside plaza and look for Stop A. It’s the dedicated stand for the airport express. Queues move fast as buses come often.
Toward the airport: head to Waverley Bridge. This is the city terminus, a short walk from the rail station. The stand is well signed, and screens show next departures. If you’re staying near Princes Street or St Andrew Square, the bridge is within easy reach.
First And Last Buses, The Real-World View
Buses start very early in the city and continue through the night. Through the day, ten-minute gaps keep lines short. Past midnight you’ll see longer intervals, usually around a quarter hour or so. If your flight lands in the small hours, you won’t be stranded; just expect a short wait between departures.
How Tickets And Payments Work
You can pay in three simple ways:
- Tap contactless on the reader as you board. Cards and phone wallets are fine. This is the fastest option and avoids ticket machines.
- Buy an open return if you’re coming back on the same route. It’s a bargain over two singles and keeps your timing flexible.
- Use cash if you prefer. Drivers accept exact fare. No change is given on board.
For most trips, the open return beats two single fares. Families gain even more with the family return that covers two adults and up to three children. If you’re staying near the zoo or west suburbs and only riding part of the airport corridor, there’s a lower single between Maybury and the airport on this service; locals use it for quick hops to flights.
Which Ticket To Pick For Your Plans
Match your plans to the right ticket and you’ll save a few pounds while keeping boarding fast. The table below keeps choices simple.
Ticket Types And When They Pay Off
| Ticket | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Single | £6.00 | One-way ride to or from the airport |
| Adult Open Return | £8.50 | Return on the same route any day or time |
| Child Single / Return | £3.00 / £4.25 | Kids aged 5–15 on one-way or round trips |
| Family Open Return | £22.00 | Groups with up to 2 adults + 3 children |
| Short Hop (Maybury–Airport) | £3.50 adult / £1.75 child | Local rides on the airport stretch only |
Step-By-Step: From Plane Door To City Centre
1) Follow Signs To The Bus Plaza
After baggage claim, head outside toward the public transport zone. Look for Stop A. You’ll see the blue airport express branding and digital screens with the next departure.
2) Line Up And Have Payment Ready
Contactless is the quickest. If you’re buying a paper open return, you can purchase from the driver or online in advance. Keep cards and phones ready so boarding stays quick for the whole line.
3) Load Luggage Safely
Place suitcases in the dedicated racks, heaviest low and braced so they don’t roll. Keep valuables on you. Place small bags under your seat or hold them.
4) Pick A Seat And Settle In
Wi-Fi and USB sockets are available. Watch screens for next stops. The driver will call out major points near the centre.
5) Alight At Waverley Bridge
From here you can walk to the rail station, hop on trams nearby, or switch to city buses for your final leg. Taxis line up close by if you’re carrying bulky gear or arriving late.
Route Landmarks And Handy Connections
The express runs along the main airport corridor and into the core of the city. If you’re staying near Princes Street, the bridge stop is perfect. For hotels around the New Town, Henover Street and St Andrew Square areas sit within a short stroll. Sightseers heading to the Old Town can walk uphill or grab a local bus for a short hop along North Bridge.
Day Vs Night: What Changes After Midnight
Once the city quiets down, buses keep running but with wider gaps between them. Airport staff, early crews, and late arrivals use these trips all the time. Give yourself a few extra minutes and you’ll be fine. If you prefer an extra layer of backup for a red-eye, check a live board before leaving the terminal and watch for the first bus that fits your timing.
Accessibility, Buggies, And Bags
Low-floor entry and kneeling suspension make boarding simple for wheeled users. There’s space for prams and mobility devices, with driver assistance when needed. Large luggage belongs in the racks; compact bags can ride by your feet or overhead where fitted. Please keep aisles clear and brakes locked on buggies. If you’re traveling solo with kids and suitcases, board early to grab a rack spot near your seat so you can keep eyes on everything.
When The Tram Or A Taxi Might Suit You Better
The tram is a neat option if your hotel sits on its line or you want a level-boarding ride with wide doors. Travel time is similar, and the stop spacing helps if you need Haymarket or the west end. A taxi wins when you’re four or more with heavy cases or heading somewhere steep in the Old Town. Price-wise the express bus remains the best value for most solo travellers and couples.
Tips To Save Time And Money
- Buy the open return if you’re leaving Edinburgh on the same route. Two singles cost more than the flexible return.
- Tap to pay at the door. No lines at machines, no printed slip to keep track of.
- Check the first and last services for your flight time. Overnight gaps are still short, but a glance at the board keeps stress low.
- Travel off-peak when you can. Journey time is smoothest outside the evening rush.
- Pack heavier bags low in the rack so they don’t shift during braking.
FAQ-Style Clarifications Without The Fluff
Is The Return Dated?
No. The open return lets you ride back on any day and at any time.
Do I Need To Prebook?
Not at all. Buses are frequent, and tap-and-go keeps queues moving. Prebuy only if you like having a ticket ready on your phone.
Where Is The City Centre Stop?
Waverley Bridge, steps from the rail station and Princes Street. You’ll see the stand and live screens as you approach.
Live Checks Before You Travel
For the latest intervals, stop changes, or one-off diversions, look at the operator’s updates on the day. Airport pages also publish handy “where to board” maps and the current first/last departures for each direction. Keep an eye on roadworks during summer festivals and match days, as the city centre can see some temporary tweaks.
Useful Links For Times And Fares
Current fares, service span, and frequency sit on the operator’s airport page. The airport’s own transport section lists where to board at the terminal and the city terminus location. These two pages are kept current and are your best live references while planning:
Bottom Line For Travellers
Pick the express bus when you want low cost, frequent departures, and an easy walk to the heart of the city. Tap to pay, stash your bags in the racks, and ride straight to Waverley Bridge in about half an hour. For most visitors, it’s the simplest start and finish to an Edinburgh trip.