Trams At The Airport: What's The Cost?

When it comes to airport transfers, there are a variety of options to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. While private transfers like taxis and minibuses offer convenience and flexibility, they can be more expensive. On the other hand, public transport options like buses, trains, trams, and metros are usually more budget-friendly but may come with inconveniences like luggage restrictions and longer travel times. The cost of airport transfers can vary depending on factors such as location, time of day, and type of transport. For example, a private taxi transfer in the UK can range from £15 to £80 for a one-way trip, while a public bus or tram option may cost around £3 to £15 per person. Ultimately, the choice of airport transfer depends on personal preferences and priorities.

Edinburgh tram fares

Edinburgh Trams has a variety of ticket options for adults, children, and families. The cost of your tram journey will depend on factors such as the type of ticket (single, return, day/multi-day), the number of zones travelled, and whether you are travelling to/from the airport.

Adult Tickets:

For journeys within the city zone, adult single tickets cost £2.00, adult day returns cost £3.80, and adult day tickets cost £5.00. The adult LATEticket, valid for unlimited evening travel, costs £4.50.

For travel to/from the airport, the adult airport single ticket costs £7.50, while the adult airport open return ticket costs £9.50. The adult network DAYticket, valid for unlimited travel in all zones, costs £12.00.

Multi-day tickets are also available for adults, offering unlimited travel for three, four, or five consecutive days. These tickets are valid for one trip to and from the airport and cost £18.00, £20.00, and £22.00, respectively.

Child Tickets:

Child tickets are available for children aged 5-15. Within the city zone, child single tickets cost £1.00, child day returns cost £1.90, and child day tickets cost £2.50. The child airport single ticket is priced at £3.80, while the child airport open return ticket is £5.00. The child network DAYticket, valid for all zones, costs £6.00.

Multi-day tickets are also offered for children, providing unlimited travel for three, four, or five days. These tickets include one trip to and from the airport and are priced at £9.00, £10.00, and £11.00, respectively.

Family Tickets:

Edinburgh Trams offers family tickets for up to two adults and three children. The family day tripper ticket, valid for Edinburgh Tram services within the city zone, costs £8.00. The family DAYticket, valid for Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses within the city zone, is priced at £10.50.

For multi-day travel within the city zone, family tickets are available for three, four, or five consecutive days, costing £22.00, £28.00, and £34.00, respectively.

Additionally, the family airport open return ticket, valid for all zones, costs £25.00. Family multi-day airport tickets, which include one trip to and from the airport, are offered for three, four, or five days, priced at £45.00, £50.00, and £55.00, respectively.

It is important to note that tickets must be purchased before boarding the tram. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines at tram stops, the mobile app, or the Edinburgh Trams website.

Fare Changes:

It is worth noting that Edinburgh Trams implemented a fare increase in February 2020, citing improvements in service and ongoing operational costs as reasons for the change.

Alternative Options:

When considering airport transfers, it is essential to explore various options, such as private taxis, public shuttle buses, or public transport, each offering different pricing structures and conveniences.

Tram tickets for children

When it comes to tram tickets for children, several factors come into play, including age ranges, proof of identification, and the availability of family tickets. Here is a detailed overview:

Age Ranges for Child Tickets:

Different transport services define the age range for child tickets differently. For instance, in Edinburgh, child tickets are available for customers aged 5 to 15. On the other hand, Transport for Greater Manchester's Metrolink service considers the age range of 5 to 15 for child tickets, and those aged 11 to 15 need proof of age identification.

Proof of Age Identification:

Some transport services, like Transport for Greater Manchester, require proof of age identification for children aged 11 to 15 to purchase child tickets. An igo card is a convenient option for this purpose, as it serves as proof of age and also entitles the holder to cheaper tickets on buses.

Family Tickets:

Family tickets offer a cost-effective option for groups comprising one to three children accompanied by one or two adults. For example, Edinburgh Trams offer a Family DAYticket for unlimited travel within the city zone for up to two adults and three children. Transport for Greater Manchester also provides family tram travelcards, which allow unlimited off-peak travel within chosen Metrolink zones for a day or during the weekend.

Purchasing Options:

Child tram tickets can typically be purchased through various methods, including ticket machines at tram stops, mobile apps, or websites. It is important to note that tickets must be bought before boarding the tram and are usually only valid on the day of purchase.

In summary, when travelling by tram, several options are available for children's tickets, taking into account age ranges, proof of identification, and family travel. It is essential to check the specific requirements and conditions of the transport service in your area to make informed choices and ensure a smooth journey.

Tram tickets for families

When it comes to airport transfers, there are several options to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. While private transfers like taxis or minibuses offer convenience and flexibility, they can be more expensive. Public transport options like buses, trains, trams, or metro systems are usually more budget-friendly but may involve more inconveniences such as restricted luggage space.

In the context of tram tickets for families, let's look at the Edinburgh Trams as an example. Edinburgh Trams offer a variety of ticket options, including family tickets. The Family Day Tripper ticket, priced at £8, is valid for up to two adults and three children for a day in the city zone. However, it is not valid for trips to and from the airport. For airport travel, the Family Airport Open Return ticket, priced at £25, allows unlimited return journeys in all zones for up to two adults and three children. This ticket is valid for one trip to and from the airport.

Additionally, Transport for Greater Manchester offers family tram travelcards for off-peak and weekend travel. The off-peak travelcard allows unlimited travel in selected zones from 9:30 am on weekdays and anytime on weekends and public holidays. The cost depends on the zones travelled and starts from £3.60 for one zone. The weekend travelcard, priced at £9.50, offers unlimited travel throughout all Metrolink zones from 6 pm Friday to the last tram on Sunday.

For families travelling to Sandia Peak Tramway, children aged 2 to 12 can purchase round-trip tram tickets, while children under 2 ride for free.

Buying tickets for the tram

When buying tickets for the Edinburgh tram, it is important to remember that you must always buy your tickets before you board. Tickets can be purchased from ticket vending machines at any tram stop, including the airport, or online. Tickets bought from machines must be used within 30 minutes of purchase, and are only valid on the day of purchase. Tickets bought online can be saved on your mobile device or printed out and presented to on-boarding staff.

Ticket prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the age of the passenger. Adult single tickets for the city zone cost £2.00, while adult day return tickets for the city zone cost £3.80. Adult single tickets for the airport and city zone cost £7.50, and adult open return tickets for the airport and city zone cost £9.50. These tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate online, saving 50p.

Child tickets are available for customers aged 5-15. A child single ticket for the city zone costs £1.00, while a child day return ticket for the city zone costs £1.90. A child single ticket for the airport and city zone costs £3.80, and a child open return ticket for the airport and city zone costs £5.00. These tickets can also be purchased at a discounted rate online, saving 30p.

In addition to single and return tickets, there are also multi-day tickets available for purchase. These tickets offer unlimited travel within the city zone for 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days. The price of these tickets varies depending on the number of days and the age of the passenger.

It is worth noting that there are also family tickets available, which cover up to two adults and three children. These tickets offer a more cost-effective option for families travelling together.

Tram schedules

Edinburgh Trams are a fast and frequent service that connects Edinburgh Airport with the city centre and onwards to Newhaven. Trams depart every 7 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm and every 10 minutes early in the morning and late in the evening. The first tram of the day leaves the airport at 6:26 am, and the last tram departs at 10:48 pm. The airport tram stop is conveniently located right outside the main terminal, next to the plaza and the Edinburgh sign.

The tram journey between the airport and Newhaven takes approximately 54 minutes, while the journey between the airport and the city centre takes around 30 minutes. Along the route, there are several tram stops, including Ingliston Park & Ride, Edinburgh Park Central, Edinburgh Park Station, and West End-Princes Street.

It's important to note that Edinburgh Trams have different ticket options and fares. Adult tickets for a single journey within the city zone cost £2, while an adult day return ticket costs £3.80. For travellers planning to use the tram multiple times a day, the Adult DAYticket is available for £5 and offers unlimited travel within the city zone. Additionally, there are multi-day tickets available for adults, valid for 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days, which include one trip to and from the airport. These multi-day tickets are excellent options for travellers who plan to explore the city and its surroundings.

For families, there are also day and multi-day ticket options available, which cover up to two adults and three children. It's worth mentioning that children between 5 and 15 years old can purchase child tickets, and infants under a certain age can travel for free.

Frequently asked questions