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Edinburgh airport taxis

Edinburgh airport is located at Turnhouse, some 6 miles west of the city centre. It is Scotland’s busiest airport and, with projected annual passenger figures of 26 million by 2030, there are plans for expansion. It operates transatlantic flights as well as European and domestic and is a hub for budget carriers, including Easyjet and Ryanair, and many charter airlines too. As of summer 2010 it will offer its first scheduled flight to Florida.

Taxis to and from Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh City Council licenses two categories of vehicles: the traditional black cab (or Hackney carriage as it is often known) and the Private Hire Car or minicab as it is often referred to. In both instances, vehicles will have undergone strict testing so you can be confident that they are roadworthy and the drivers too will have undergone background checks. Taxi drivers will also have had to take a training course and you may find that they have a far better knowledge of the routes in and around the city, something which could be useful at the moment with Edinburgh undergoing epic roadworks for its new tram system. Minicabs should be easily recognisable by the external plates which they are required to display on the front and back of the vehicle and on the inside.

There are two separate ranks at the airport, depending on whether you want to hire a black cab or a minicab. Both are situated at the east end of the terminal building, close to the domestic arrivals. There is also a rank for pre-booked taxis on the ground floor of the multi storey car park, directly opposite the terminal building.

If you would like your taxi driver to meet you inside the terminal building with a name board then many will do so, either as you come through Arrivals or at the Airport Information desk in International Arrivals. If you are on a domestic flight, the Onward Travel Information desk is a popular meeting point too. If you have travelled Business class or perhaps with hand luggage only, it is worth alerting your driver to the fact that you will be out quickly, as most firms allow time for you to collect your luggage from the Arrivals hall.

A taxi transfer into the city centre will take around 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and will cost about £20, although pricing varies considerably from company to company. Many pre-booked trips will cost less than the metered fare and there are often special discounts available so it is well worth shopping around if you have time.

There are over 2,000 licensed vehicles in Edinburgh so you will have a large choice, regardless of your party’s needs. As well as the traditional size of vehicle it is also possible to book a minibus seating up to 16, complete with trailer for luggage. Many of the black cabs are wheelchair accessible, although a minority of taxi drivers are exempt from having to offer assistance to disabled passengers because of their own medical condition. Please check in advance.

If you would like to arrive in style, various companies offer a VIP service, using luxury vehicles such as Mercedes S and E class or Rolls Royces, all driven by uniformed drivers. Many are able to offer in-vehicle DVD players, CD players and internet access but all requirements should be discussed before booking.

Account facilities are available with many taxi companies, making your travel even less stressful and, in many instances, the application can be made online quickly and easily.

Edinburgh's places of interest

Edinburgh

The beautiful and vibrant city of Edinburgh has something for everyone and is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for a city break. If you are interested in history, a visit to Edinburgh’s castle or Palace of Holyroodhouse is a must or even a stroll from one to the other down the Royal Mile. If you are a political animal you will be interested in taking a tour of the Scottish Parliament building. Art lovers are spoiled for choice and there are invariably some excellent exhibitions in the city. Children and adults alike will love the high tech special effects of Dynamic Earth and the more traditional Museum of Childhood. Every August sees the city host the iconic Edinburgh Festival and, although the city heaves with visitors, it is an excellent time to visit.

Perth

Known as the Fair City, Perth is an interesting place for a day out or as a starting point for trips further afield such as to Oban, Glencoe and Mull. It is 40 miles from the airport, a journey which takes around 55 minutes. Perth has much to recommend itself such as Branklyn Gardens which are particularly beautiful when the rhododendrons are in bloom, the Museum and Art Gallery and, for anyone interested in the Scottish colourists, the Fergusson Gallery. However, it would be a great shame not to visit Scone Palace too whilst in the area. This is only two miles north of Perth and has been the crowning place of many Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie. It was also the original home to the Stone of Destiny, now in Edinburgh Castle.

Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Midlothian

Popular with tourists, thanks to Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code, the chapel has strong links with the medieval Knights of the Templar and makes a fascinating place to visit. Close by is Rosslyn Glen which makes for an attractive walk, especially in spring when the bluebells are out. The 12 mile trip should take about 20 minutes.

Fife

If you fancy a day on the coast Fife is an excellent choice. If you want a walk along the Fife Coastal Path or a game of football on a sandy beach try Lundin Links and Lower Largo. If you would rather potter about some of the tiny harbours of the traditional fishing villages try St Monans, Pittenweem and Anstruther. If you plan on having fish and chips at Anstruther’s award winning fish and chip shop get there early as large queues form before the shop even opens. St Andrews also makes an interesting spot to explore with its iconic golf club and ancient university. It takes around an hour and a quarter to do the 48 mile drive.

Maid of the Forth

If you are interested in wildlife or would like to get up close to the magnificent feats of engineering which are the Forth Bridges, then a trip on the Maid of the Forth might appeal. The chances are that you will spot seals, puffins and other sea birds and might even be lucky with a dolphin or porpoise. See the website for details. It should take only quarter of an hour to drive the 7 miles to the boarding point.