Is there Uber in Edinburgh? A Complete Guide for 2024

Wondering if there’s Uber in Edinburgh? I’ve visited the city over 20 times and know everything there is to know about getting around.

Edinburgh’s one of my favourite cities in the world, full of beautiful buildings, incredible restaurants, and plenty of history.

And luckily, it’s really easy to get around the city, as Uber is available across the whole of Edinburgh.

This guide covers everything there is to know about using Uber in Edinburgh, as well as some other transport options I’d recommend using.

➡️ The cheapest way is get from Edinburgh airport to the city centre is to take the Airlink bus. It departs every 10 minutes and gets you to the city centre in 30 minutes.

Is there Uber in Edinburgh?

Yes, there is Uber in Edinburgh, and it’s one of the most convenient ways to travel around the city.

Where is Uber available in Edinburgh?

Uber serves the whole of Edinburgh, so you won’t have any issues getting a ride, no matter where you’re staying.

How much does Uber cost in Edinburgh?

The cost of your journey will depend on where you’re going, but you can expect to pay about £30 from Edinburgh airport to the city centre.

If you’re travelling within Edinburgh city centre, you can expect to pay as little as £5 for a journey.

Types of Uber you can take in Edinburgh

UberX – The most common type of Uber and usually the cheapest

UberXL – For groups of up to 6 people

Exec – Higher end cars with top-rated drivers

Assist – Assistance from trained drivers

Arriving in Edinburgh – how to get to your hotel

When you arrive in Edinburgh, you’ll most likely be coming by train or plane.

I’ve visited Edinburgh countless times over the years, so I’ve got lots of experience with both journeys.

If you’re arriving by train

The majority of times I’ve visited Edinburgh, I’ve arrived by train from elsewhere in the UK.

The main station in the city is called Edinburgh Waverley, and it’s located right in the heart of Edinburgh, just off Princes Street.

You’ll be able to walk from the station to most places in the city centre, but if you have a lot of luggage or you’re staying further out, you can order an Uber or jump in a taxi from outside the station.

If you’re arriving by PLANE

Edinburgh airport is located a 30 minute drive from the centre of Edinburgh, and there’s a few ways to get into the city.

1. By taxi – Taxi’s will be waiting at the front of the airport when you arrive. Expect to pay between £25-£40
2. Uber – Order an Uber on the app when you arrive at the airport, you’ll pay about £30
3. Airlink bus – This is the cheapest way to get to the centre of Edinburgh and the way I’d recommend. A ticket costs £5.50 one way, the buses depart every 10 minutes and the journey to the city centre takes 30 minutes
4. Tram – Trams depart every 7 minutes from the airport, and the tram stop is right outside the terminal. The journey to the city centre takes 30 minutes and a ticket costs £6 for a single and £9 return

Is Uber safe in Edinburgh?

Yes, it’s safe to use Uber in Edinburgh. I’m a bit of an over thinker, so I’m always extra cautious, especially if I’m travelling alone.

Here are a few things I’d recommend doing to help you feel safer:

1. Check the number plate matches the one on the app. I once ordered an Uber in Barcelona and the car showed up with different number plates. He said he’d “just got new plates” but I felt really uncomfortable and ordered a new Uber.
2. Send your location to a friend. I always send my live location to a friend whenever I’m in an Uber. That way, I know someone else can track where I’m going.
3. Follow the journey on your Google Maps. If I’m travelling alone, I always follow the route to make sure we’re going the right way. You can report anything that feels suspicious to Uber within the app.
4. Check the Uber drivers rating. You’ll only see this after the Uber has been confirmed, but I never like to travel with a driver who has a low rating. The app doesn’t tell you the reason which is frustrating, but I don’t like to take the risk. You might get charged a small amount if you cancel, but it’s better to be safe.
   
   Don’t feel bad about refusing to get in the car if you feel uncomfortable. Even if you do have to pay a cancellation fee, your safety is more important.

What’s the best way to get around Edinburgh?

If you’re staying in the centre of Edinburgh, and if you’re able to, walking is the best way to get around.

Most of the main sights are within walking distance, and you’ll see so much more of the city you might miss if you’re in an Uber.

Admiring the architecture that makes up Edinburgh is one of my favourite things to do when I’m visiting, so I walk as much as possible.

If the weather isn’t great (which is fairly common in Scotland), you may prefer to take an Uber, or use the public transport system.

Unlike most capital cities, Edinburgh doesn’t have a metro system, but there is a really reliable bus and tram network.

Do you need a car in Edinburgh?

No, in fact I’d recommend not hiring a car in Edinburgh. Driving through the city is very stressful, and not necessary at all. The public transport system is really reliable, so you won’t need a car unless you’re planning on exploring more of Scotland beyond Edinburgh.

If you are wanting to travel more of Scotland, I’d pick a car up on your last day in Edinburgh, just as you’re ready to leave. This way you don’t have to worry about finding (and paying for) a parking space.

If you do want to hire a car, I’d recommend using Discover Cars to find the most affordable option. They compare lots of different providers to find you the best price.

I use them every time I hire a car and I’ve never had any bad experiences where they won’t give you your money back at the end like you sometimes hear about with dodgy car hire companies. The process is always really simple and stress-free.

Uber in Edinburgh – The Wrap Up

As you’ve gathered from this article, there is Uber in Edinburgh, and it’s really easy to use.

Although the majority of Edinburgh is walkable, you might want to use Uber if the weather isn’t good, if you’re heading out at night, or travelling from the airport,

Enjoy your trip!