Is There Uber in Edinburgh? How to Get Around the City 2026
Planning a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, and wondering if Uber will be a reliable transportation option? Let me help!
During my many trips to Scotland, I’ve used just about every type of transportation to get around- from taking Ubers to driving a rental car through the Highlands, taking public buses, trains, and taxis in Edinburgh…I’ve done it all! This post will answer: Is there Uber in Edinburgh? (Hint: YES!) and will tell you everything you need to know in order to get around easily!
Edinburgh is a city full of history, culture, and amazing landscapes like the Scottish Highlands.
However, if you really want to explore the city and its varying neighborhoods, you will need to know how to get around to each destination.
Thankfully, Uber is available in Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole, and it can be a convenient and affordable option for getting around the city.
Getting Around Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Whether you’re heading to Edinburgh Castle or exploring the Royal Mile in Old Town, Edinburgh, you can use Uber to get you most of the way there (aside from pedestrian streets, of course). But, as with any city, there are some things you need to keep in mind when using Uber in Edinburgh.
Is There Uber in Edinburgh?
When we traveled to Edinburgh and the United Kingdom for the first time, we found ourselves frustrated and worried about how we would get around.
Typically, public transportation is pretty great in European countries-especially capital cities, but would we have to look at bus lines and train times? Would we have to wait for something to arrive before we could head to our next stop in the city?
Although much of Edinburgh is walkable…sometimes you just want a quick ride! Thankfully, we found out that we could use Uber to get around in a pinch.
Does Uber Work in Edinburgh?
Uber has been available in Edinburgh, Scotland, for quite some time, and it works well!
I have never waited for more than 10 minutes for an Edinburgh Uber ride in the city. In fact, in order to make rides available faster, Uber Edinburgh has partnered with a local taxi company, Capital Cars. This has made local taxi rides an option on the Uber app!
This means that when you use the Uber app in Edinburgh, you can book a regular Uber or book a local cab!
⭐ On the flip side, be cautious about using Uber in some other cities or towns in Scotland. I tried to book an Uber in the center city of Inverness during our time there a few months ago, and there were none available. In contrast, there were plenty of regular cabs ready to use nearby!
Are There Taxis in Edinburgh?
Taxis are one of the most convenient ways to travel in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Many companies in Edinburgh are available for hire, and you’ll find impressive Black Cab services throughout the city.
Edinburgh Black Cab Taxis
The United Kingdom as a whole, including Edinburgh, Scotland, has a highly efficient and very well-regulated black cab company that has been serving the area for ages.
The cabbies are rigorously trained drivers (literally there is an Edinburgh Taxi Academy) who know the Edinburgh streets like the back of their hand! What makes these cabs a top choice for getting around the city to your destination is that their meter pricing is regulated by the city council.
Though they’re not the cheapest transportation option in Edinburgh, there is much less chance of you being taken advantage of if you’re traveling via black cab.
The most reputable Scottish black cab company in Edinburgh is City Cabs. They have a very user-friendly app that is actually quite similar to Uber and can be used to easily call a ride, and their drivers are well-respected.
How Do You Pay For a Taxi in Edinburgh?
Almost all certified taxis in Edinburgh accept credit and debit cards. Some even accept contactless payments now!
As well, you can pay in advance on the app when booking.
How Much Are Taxis in Edinburgh?
Fares for black cab taxis in Edinburgh are carefully monitored and set by the government.
You’ll find, generally, that there is an initial hire fee of £3-4, plus £.25 charge for each additional 163 meters.
However, there are four different tariffs depending on the time of day or the time of year you are traveling. You can view the tariffs schedule on the City Council of Edinburgh website.
Can I Use a Taxi to Get to Edinburgh Airport?
Taxis are available for transport to Edinburgh Airport. A trip from center city Edinburgh to the airport will run about £25.
Do I Need a Car in Edinburgh?
The Scottish city of Edinburgh is incredibly walkable, so, no, you don’t need a car.
In fact, driving in Edinburgh is honestly just not worth the hassle. There’s little parking, restricted roads, and an incredible amount of traffic. And it’s traffic loaded with buses, taxis, and other things that make driving about so ridiculously difficult.
I drove in Edinburgh for like five minutes on my way from the city to Inverness, and that was MORE than enough time for me. No thanks.
The only reason you’d need a car is if you’re traveling outside of Edinburgh to visit other places in Scotland, like Loch Ness.
⭐ If you decide to rent a car in Scotland, use Discover Cars to find the lowest daily prices on European Car Rentals.
Uber in Edinburgh: FAQs
Is Uber Cheaper Than a Taxi in Edinburgh?
Depending on the type of cab you hire and whether or not there are price surges at the time, an Uber can be cheaper than a taxi in Edinburgh.
Can I Use Uber in Scotland?
Yes! Uber is a great option for transportation on Scottish soil. However, it is only available in larger cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Do My Children Need Car Seats in Edinburgh Taxis?
According to the United Kingdom government website, if a taxi or minicab does not have a car seat readily available, children may ride without a car seat in the taxi in the backseat only.
However, children ages 3 and up need to have a seatbelt on at all times. This makes it a bit easier to travel in Edinburgh with kids!
How to Get Around Edinburgh
Getting around Edinburgh is extremely easy when compared to many other cities, and there are multiple options for how to get around!
No matter where you’re staying in Edinburgh , you’ll find that public transportation is easily accessible from just about anywhere.
Is There Public Transportation in Edinburgh?
Public transportation in Edinburgh is highly efficient. In fact, most locals and visitors travel via public transportation. Even when you’re considering public transportation for things like day trips outside of Edinburgh, it works!
Buses are by far the most well-connected option for public transportation in Edinburgh. Lothian Buses is the top bus company in the city. As well, the Airlink100 runs between the city center and Edinburgh airport.
Trams are also technically available, but they are much less useful, as there are only specific stops throughout the city center.
Wrap Up: Is There Uber in Edinburgh?
Hopefully, by now, all of your questions about Uber in Edinburgh are answered.
When it comes down to it, Uber is available in Edinburgh, and it is a perfectly good choice of transportation! It is a cost-effective and efficient option.
However, if you prefer not to use Uber, there are many other options for transportation during your time in Edinburgh as well!
Whatever you choose, enjoy your time in the stunning Scottish capital!
✅ Planning a Trip To Edinburgh? Check Out These Other Helpful Posts For Scotland:
✔️ Grab my 2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary so you can plan out the BEST days in the city!
✔️ Need a Hotel? Here are ALL of the best places to Stay in Edinburgh.
✔️ AND All of the best Spa Hotels in Edinburgh!
✔️ Read About Exciting things to do in Edinburgh with Kids!
✔️Is Scotland Even WORTH Visiting? Here’s what you need to know.
✔️ Wondering How To Get Around Edinburgh? (Hint: You can use Uber!)
✔️ If You’re Traveling to Inverness, Make sure to Try the BEST Afternoon Tea Spots
✔️And… here’s how you’ll want to get from Inverness to Loch Ness (a can’t miss!)
