The 5 best taxi services in Edinburgh are expert traffic navigators!
Missed your train? Running late for a meeting? Need a no-nonsense airport ride? Been there, done that.
Thankfully, taxi service in Edinburgh has me covered with plenty of solid options. Pre-booked or on-demand cabs make life simpler here, so here’s a quick look at the best ones you can rely on, whether you’re a local nipping across town or someone hopping through attractions.
How much is a taxi service in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, expect a base fare of about £3.60 for daytime trips. After that, it’s around £0.30 per 148 to 172 m plus waiting time (with 32-second increments).
1. Capital Transfer Cars
Address: 2, 16 Western Harbour Terrace, Leith
Contact: +441312100418
Hours: Make a booking
Capital Transfer Cars came through for me when I needed a ride from Leith to the airport at dawn. The driver showed up on time with no drama and no chasing.
I found the booking painless; I tried their app and website, and both worked without hiccups. If you’re the old-school type like my Ma, yes, they take phone bookings, as well.
I like that their fleet ranges from standard saloons to MPVs, with wheelchair-accessible options available. I got estimates upfront, so fares are pretty transparent from the get-go.
The car I got was clean and roomy, and the driver seemed to know all the shortcuts around Edinburgh’s traffic. Payment was fuss-free, too: I had the option to pay by card or cash.
However, it’s not the cheapest compared to hailing a cab on the street, and last-minute peak-hour bookings can be tricky to secure.
Customer Reviews
We won’t hesitate to use Capital Transfers again
Amazing service from start to finish. Nick couldn’t have been more helpful with a corporate booking involving a series of transfers for site visits in and around Edinburgh, as well as between several venues. We were given details of all the cars and nominated drivers in advance, which provided a huge amount of reassurance that our bookings were confirmed (I had heard and read of other Edinburgh taxi companies taking advance bookings, but on the day, customers having to wait because no driver was available, well, what’s the point in booking in advance then?). The drivers were professional and reliable (a special shout-out to Amir for helping check that other drivers were on their way). The next time we’re in Edinburgh, we won’t hesitate to use Capital Transfers again.
- Gurinder Whall, Google Review
Pickup and transfer were great
We had a great experience with Capital Transfer Cars. We were 4 adults and 1 toddler travelling with luggage and golf clubs (and we needed a car seat). The car seat was great, and the van had plenty of space for all of us and our things. Pickup and transfer were great (our driver, Harris, was wonderful). We used them to go from Edinburgh to St. Andrews and back a few days later. Would use again, and highly recommend!
- Jessica Vogl, Google Review
2. Edinburgh Airport Transfers Ltd
Address: 38 Thistle Street
Contact: +447511252200
Hours: Make a booking
Edinburgh Airport Transfers has been my go-to whenever I’ve got a red-eye flight or last-minute business trip. They show up on time, so I’m never that frantic traveller sprinting through security.
I’ve booked them every which way: on the app while grabbing coffee, on the website at midnight, and even by phone when WiFi betrayed me. Each time, the confirmation was quick, so I could have time to relax.
Once, I had to travel with a wheelchair-bound colleague, and we were happy to get a vehicle with wheelchair access. Their fleet ranges from comfy saloons to sleek executive rides, and even roomy MVPs for entire families and boatloads of luggage.
There’s no awkward guessing games regarding fares, as they’re set up before I even step in. The rides always feel safe, thanks to the polite and professional drivers familiar with the backroads.
If there’s an issue, it costs more than your standard cab. Also, you might be out of luck if you choose to book at the last minute and during peak hours (7 to 9 AM, 4 to 7 PM).
Customer Reviews
We had an excellent experience with this company
We had an excellent experience with this company. Charlie – our driver – was communicative and responsive and met us in the Edinburgh Airport pick-up zone exactly where we were told to be. It’s not easy to be professional and friendly at 2 am, but he very much was, and we really appreciated being whisked back to Haddington in double quick time after a very long day of travel. I will definitely be booking this company again and would recommend it!
- Janet Watson, Google Review
Communication was clear with step-by-step directions
I was a bit nervous arriving in Edinburgh late in the evening, with plans to continue to Stirling that night. My brother-in-law recommended Edinburgh Airport transfers. I’m so glad he did. Communication was clear with step-by-step picture directions on how to navigate through the airport to our pick-up lane. Roland was friendly, knowledgeable and efficiently got us to our destination. I would highly recommend.
- Monica Ford, Google Review
3. Celtic Transfers
Address: 60/8 N Fort Street
Contact: +447481164809
Hours: Make a booking
Celtic Transfers has become a lifesaver for stress-free trips to the airport and for longer rides across Edinburgh. They’re reliable with timing, which saves me from cutting it too close for my flights.
I’ve booked via the website the night before and even phoned in when I needed a sure thing. Each time, the confirmation came quickly and reliably.
They offer premium vehicles for tours, which is a nice touch for when I have family and friends visiting. That’s apart from my usual saloon option for solo trips and MPVs when colleagues had to tag along for the ride.
The fares are upfront and become predictable for frequent passengers like me, so I can log expenses minus the guesswork. The cars are consistently clean, and the friendly and helpful drivers know shortcuts that save me from frustrating city traffic.
The downside is that if your route is outside their usual service zone (such as remote outskirts or rural towns), they may refuse or charge a steep premium.
Customer Reviews
Really enjoyed the memorable experience
From booking to pickup and everything in between, Pedro was awesome. Great attitude. Knowledgeable of the area. Clean and quality vehicle. Punctual. Really enjoyed the memorable experience, even in the small moments like getting to and from the airport or parading around the city. Thank you for taking such good care of us.
- Oscar Londono, Google Review
I highly recommend this transfer company
Excellent service from start to finish! The driver was punctual, friendly, and professional. The vehicle was clean and comfortable, and the ride was smooth and safe. Communication was clear throughout the booking process, and everything went exactly as planned. I highly recommend this transfer company and will definitely use them again in the future!
- Eduardo Driemier, Google Review
4. CabAir
Address: 2F3, 137 Morrison Street
Contact: +447538604490
Hours: Make a booking
CabAir has saved me from awkward airport moments more than once. My clients walk out to a smart driver with a sign, and suddenly, I look more organised than I actually am!
I’ve booked online at my desk, on the app while juggling emails, and even by phone when plans threaten to go sideways. Every single time, the confirmation landed fast enough to keep me calm.
Their cars cover everything from neat saloons to shiny executive rides and even roomy MPVs for team arrivals. There are wheelchair-accessible options as well, which is thoughtful and considerate.
As far as fares go, there have been no nasty surprises so far. I find their drivers professional without being stiff (they’re helpful with multiple luggage handling), and their cars are consistently spotless.
The 24/7 availability rocks, too! However, it’s good to note that they’ll cost more than a regular black cab, and if you’re snagging one last-minute during peak flight times, you might run out of luck.
Customer Reviews
I was very pleased with their prompt communication
I used CabAir on my recent trip to Edinburgh (airport/return). I was very pleased with their prompt communication and their timeliness. Spot on. There may be cheaper options, but if you want to be sure your cab is there when you need it, use these guys. Shout out to Katy, who ended up driving us both ways. Great job.
- Kevin Elsken, Google Review
Our driver was on time, professional, friendly, and helpful
Amazing cab service. The website is easy to navigate and has convenient booking options. The price that you read on your booking page is exactly what you’re going to pay, no unwelcome last-minute fees. Our driver was on time, professional, friendly, helpful and polite. We had such a smooth ride that we almost fell asleep on the way to the airport. The car was spotless and equipped with phone chargers if needed.
- Simona, Google Review
5. Kays Cabs
Address: Serves Edinburgh and nearby areas
Contact: +441316292129
Hours: Make a booking
When my friends fly in to visit and demand a full Edinburgh tour from yours truly, I turn to Kays Cabs for help. The drivers know the city well enough to turn a simple transfer into a mini sightseeing ride.
When plans change mid-day, I find I can easily book them on the app. There’s also the option of booking through the website for set itineraries, and by phone when I need to plan in advance.
Their fleet offers saloons for newlywed friends, MPVs when I got the entire gang in tow, and larger vehicles that can handle multiple luggage and strollers with ease. I love the inclusive vehicles that provide wheelchair access, too.
I can split the costs easily among my friends, thanks to the upfront quoted pricing (there’s also a metered app option!). I have never experienced annoying delays, thanks to their professional and friendly drivers.
If I have an issue, it would be with the pricing being higher for shorter hops within the city. Also, during festivals and weekends, snagging a last-minute booking can feel like winning the national lottery.
Customer Reviews
A real pleasure to be driven by him
Our driver Scott was an absolute gentleman: so courteous and personable a real pleasure to be driven by him. Knowledgeable about the convoy requirements for the Edinburgh Tattoo, which we greatly appreciated and helped us relax and enjoy the evening. Thank you so much!
- Shareena Cretney, Google Review
The cab was on time, the driver was very helpful and polite
I recently used Kay’s Cabs for an early morning flight from the Travel Lodge at Ratho Station to Edinburgh Airport and must say I can thoroughly recommend them. A message was sent to my phone about the driver’s arrival. The cab was on time, the driver was very helpful and polite, a very reliable service. Thanks, Kay’s Cabs!
- Angela, Google Review