Edinburgh Taxi
There are over 1,200 licensed taxis and 2,500 private hire cars operating in Scotland’s capital, so finding a taxi in Edinburgh is easy. You can get around using public transport but if the weather is bad, you’re travelling late at night, or you just want a hassle-free transfer – taking a taxi is your best option.
There are two main types of taxi services in Edinburgh: licensed taxis and private hire vehicles. Official taxis have black and yellow ‘TAXI’ signs on the roof and a yellow and white number plate. You can choose between black Hackney cabs that can fit up to 5 people and standard sedan vehicles for 3 or 4 passengers.
Contrastingly, private hire cars don’t have the iconic roof sign. Instead, you can spot them by looking for the white ‘Pre-booked Hires Only’ sticker on both sides of the vehicle. Companies usually offer different-sized vehicles including minivans but you must book ahead.
You can hail a taxi in the street, head to the nearest taxi rank, or call a local company to arrange your pickup. Just keep in mind that private hire cars are not allowed to pick up passengers at taxi ranks or in the street.
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How much is a taxi in Edinburgh?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDINBURGH AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE | 36 € | 46 € | 30 MIN |
| EDINBURGH CASTLE TO EDINBURGH ZOO | 15 € | 19 € | 15 MIN |
| ROYAL MILE TO OCEAN TERMINAL SHOPPING CENTRE | 21 € | 27 € | 20 MIN |
| EDINBURGH TO ST ANDREWS | 120 € | 154 € | 1 H 40 MIN |
| WAVERLY STATION TO GLASGOW | 83 € | 119 € | 1 H 20 MIN |
Edinburgh taxi prices
All taxis in Edinburgh, Black Cabs included, calculate fares using a taximeter. This means your final fare is based on the time of day, distance travelled, etc. Rates are regulated by the City of Edinburgh Council and are reviewed every 18 months. Alternatively, private hire cars are less regulated and usually offer fixed fares. Just make sure you agree upon the final price before ordering your ride.
The most recent review for metered rates was in February 2023:
Tariff 1 (Monday-Friday 06:00-18:00)
- Base fare (first 501 metres) – £3.60 (€4.30)
- Each additional 163m until 1805m and then per 190m – £0.30 (€0.36)
Tariff 2 (Monday-Friday 06:00-18:00 and 06:00 on Saturday until 06:00 on Monday)
- Base fare (first 501 metres) – £4.80 (€5.70)
- Each additional 163m and then per 190m – £0.30 (€0.36)
Tariff 3 (Monday-Friday 06:00-18:00 during public holidays including Christmas period)
- Base fare (first 501 metres) – £4.60 (€5.50)
- Each additional 163m and then per 190m – £0.30 (€0.36)
- Each additional 179m until 1933m and then every 207m – £0.40 (€0.48)
Tariff 4 (On Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve)
- Base fare (first 501 metres) – £5.75 (€6.84)
- Each additional 163m and then per 190m – £0.30 (€0.36)
- Each additional 179m and then every 207m – £0.52 (€0.62)
Surcharges
- Extra passengers after the third – £0.40 (€0.48)
- Call-out charge – £0.80 (€0.73)
- Airport pick up – £5 (€5.95)
- Cancellation fee – £2.20 (€2.62)
To give you an idea of how much you might pay, a ride from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre costs around £30 (€36) during the day and £39 (€46) at night, while a taxi from Edinburgh to Glasgow can cost anywhere between £70 (€83) and £100 (€119), depending on the time of day and traffic levels.
*For rides to destinations outside of Edinburgh, you should negotiate a fixed fare.
Tipping your Edinburgh taxi driver is entirely up to you but because of the high fares, local people rarely tip on short journeys. Although they do occasionally round up to the nearest 50p for a longer Edinburgh taxi ride.
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How to get a taxi in Edinburgh
It is easy to get a taxi in Edinburgh as they can be hailed in the street, ordered on the phone, or picked up at one of the many taxi ranks. There are also many private taxi companies that can be booked directly on their online websites or even through their mobile applications.
When hailing a taxi in the street, simply look for an illuminated ‘TAXI’ sign as this means the vehicle is empty. Once you spot one, wave your hand to the driver so that they can stop and let you in. Note that private hire vehicles cannot be hailed in the street or found at taxi ranks. Instead, you must call a company and arrange a pickup or book online.
There are also plenty of taxi ranks in Edinburgh, also known as taxi stances, where you can catch a black cab or licensed taxi. These are quite practical when there are fewer available taxis driving the streets. Some of the most central ones are located near Waverley Station, Market Street, and Old Town.
How to get a taxi from Edinburgh Airport
The Edinburgh Airport taxi rank is on the ground floor, outside the East Terminus building. You just have to exit the Arrivals Hall, cross the plaza and follow the taxi signs. Capital Cars is the official ground transportation provider for the airport, providing Black Hackney Cabs and standard sedan vehicles. To get a taxi, you must wait in line and request a taxi from the attendant at the rank.
How to get a taxi from Waverley Station
If you’re catching a train to Waverly Station or just happen to be nearby and need a quick lift, there are two taxi ranks nearby. One is located on Waverley Bridge, next to the train station and the other is on Market Street towards the south end of the station.
However, there is now a more comprehensive service available from the station. In 2023, the station launched its new taxi zone in the New Street car park next to the station. It is the biggest taxi zone in the city and will be used by black cabs and private hire cars. To use this Edinburgh taxi service, simply request a taxi from staff members inside the station and wait for your taxi to arrive outside.
How to get a taxi from Leith Port
If you’re sailing into Leith Port or visiting the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, there are a few taxi ranks dotted around the area. The busiest and most reliable rank is on Ocean Drive close to the Ocean Terminal.
How to get a taxi from the Radisson Hotel
Whether you’re staying at the Radisson Hotel or somewhere else in Edinburgh Old Town, the taxi rank outside the front entrance of the Radisson Hotel is especially useful. While your hotel can always call one for you, hopping in a taxi from this central rank is faster and eliminates the call-out surcharge.
Best Edinburgh taxi apps
During peak season, rush hours, and weekends – finding a taxi in the street or at a rank can be difficult. At these times, it may be more reliable to use an Edinburgh taxi app or ride-hailing service.
With features like fare estimations and GPS tracking, you can order a ride to your exact location and even get an idea of how much it will cost. That being said, the most popular taxi apps in Edinburgh include City Cabs (Black cabs), Capital Cars (private hire cars), Uber, and Free Now.
If you already know when and where you’d like to be picked up, you can book your Edinburgh taxi in advance. Welcome Pickups provides on-time pickups with trained English-speaking drivers at unbeatable fixed rates. This kind of service is great if you’re travelling to or from the airport, port, or train station and want to be sure a driver is waiting for you.
Useful Edinburgh taxi numbers
In case you are unable to download an app or just don’t have any signal, you can still call and arrange a pickup. Plenty of licensed taxis and Edinburgh black cab services are available on call. And there are also several companies providing private hire vehicles. Private hire cars operate exclusively with advance bookings, so they can only be booked online or by phone.
All you have to do is drop them a call, tell them your name, destination, and pick-up details, and then wait for your driver to arrive. Don’t forget that there is a £0.80 (€0.73) call-out charge.
Top-rated Edinburgh taxi numbers:
- Central Taxis: +44 131 229 2468
- City Cabs: +44 131 228 1211
- Capital Cars: +44 131 777 7777
Book your Edinburgh taxi service in advance
Although there are plenty of taxis in Edinburgh, queues at ranks around the city can get pretty long, especially outside transport hubs such as the airport and train station. Plus, if you’re trying to get a taxi late on Fridays and Saturdays after the pubs close, expect difficulties.
Booking your Edinburgh taxi in advance is the best way to ensure a quick and reliable pickup wherever you are. And with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups, you can also take advantage of 24/7 customer support and competitive fixed prices.
Edinburgh taxi tips
- Taxi and private hire car drivers are required to be licensed by Edinburgh Council and must carry proof of this.
- Official taxis are easily identified by the black and yellow ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof, the yellow and white number plate on the front and back of the vehicle, and the vehicle identification number in the windows.
- Black Hackney taxis can take up to 5 people whereas standard taxis can take up 3 or 4 people, depending on the vehicle.
- You cannot hail a private hire car from the street or at a taxi rank.
- For rides ending outside of the city of Edinburgh, you must negotiate and agree upon a price with the driver in advance.
- Some private hire companies offer fixed prices instead of metered fares. You should agree on the final price when ordering your ride.
- If you are travelling with a large group, you should book your minivan or minibus in advance.
- Most taxis in Edinburgh now accept card payments and even digital wallet payments. To find out if they do, you can look for a sign on the taxi's window or you can simply ask your driver.
- Tipping in Edinburgh is not a requirement and locals tend not to tip. However, you can always round up the final price if you like the service.
Are taxis in Edinburgh safe?
Taxis and private hire cars are regulated by the City of Edinburgh Council, making rides fairly reliable and safe. If you’re looking for the safest option, private hire cars are less regulated whereas black taxi drivers are more strictly regulated. Black cab drivers have to pass a knowledge test and extensive background check, making them the safest choice throughout the UK.
If you do experience drivers trying to overcharge you or scam you in any way, regardless of whether they are hackney taxis or private hire cars, you can contact the Taxi Licensing Officer at +44 131 529 4208. Formal complaints must be made in writing and sent to: [email protected]. Or, you can contact the respective taxi company.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Edinburgh
Most Edinburgh black cabs are wheelchair accessible and the drivers are trained to provide the best possible taxi service for those with reduced mobility.
Many drivers complete a course in Wheelchair Access and Disability Awareness, this ensures they are qualified to assist with wheelchair access and ensure that wheelchairs are properly and safely secured before setting off, assisting passengers to disembark too.
More specifically, all of the vehicles operated by Central Taxis are wheelchair-accessible and City Cabs offers equipped vehicles upon request.