How to get there

How to Get to Edinburgh from the US and Canada: Flight and Travel Guide

Updated Thu, Nov 13, 2025

Edinburgh connects to North America via direct flights from NYC, Boston, Toronto, plus connections through major European hubs with easy airport access.

How to Get to Edinburgh from the US and Canada: Flight and Travel Guide

Overview

Ease of getting there

Edinburgh's international airport connects directly to major North American cities through several airlines. Direct flights operate from New York, Boston, and Toronto during peak season, with year-round connections through London, Amsterdam, and Dublin hubs. The journey typically takes 7-12 hours depending on routing. Edinburgh Airport sits just 8 miles from the city center with excellent transport links. Tram service runs every 8-12 minutes to Princes Street, taking 35 minutes. Express buses operate every 10 minutes during peak hours. Taxi rides cost around £25-30 and take 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. US and Canadian citizens need valid passports but no visa for stays under 180 days.

Customs and immigration

UK immigration uses eGates for US and Canadian passport holders, significantly reducing wait times to 15-30 minutes typically. Standard customs procedures apply with green and red channels. Duty-free allowances include 200 cigarettes, 1 liter spirits, and gifts up to £390. No currency restrictions exist. Immigration officers may ask about accommodation and return travel plans. Processing is generally efficient outside peak summer arrival times.

Flights from the US / Canada

Direct seasonal flights operate from New York JFK and Newark via Virgin Atlantic and Delta, Boston via Virgin Atlantic, and Toronto via Air Canada. Year-round connections available through London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Dublin, Paris CDG, and Frankfurt. Major carriers include British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France. Flight frequency increases significantly during summer festival season from May through September.

From airport to city center

Edinburgh Tram runs directly from the airport to city center every 8-12 minutes, reaching Princes Street in 35 minutes for £6.50. Airlink 100 express bus operates every 10 minutes during peak hours, taking 30 minutes to Waverley Bridge for £4.50. Night service available every 30 minutes. Taxis cost £25-30 and take 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. Car rental agencies operate from the terminal with the city center 8 miles via A8 motorway.