Bus 17 to LeithorPre-booked private transfer?

The short answer

These do not go to the same place, so price is not the comparison. The Pre-booked private transfer reaches Waverley station and Princes Street — St Andrew Square for the tram, Waverley Bridge for the Airlink; the Bus 17 to Leith does not. It runs through the north-western suburbs to Newhaven and Ocean Terminal and never comes near Princes Street or Waverley. Useful only if you are staying in Leith or along its route.

The Pre-booked private transfer is quicker: 40 min against 50 min. The Bus 17 to Leith varies between 35 and 59 minutes.

Bus 17 to Leith: 04:55–00:00. Pre-booked private transfer: Runs all night.

Priced against each other

Whole-party totals · adult fares

What each costs for the whole party, in GBP. The cheaper of the two is marked on every row.
Travelers	Bus 17 to Leith	Pre-booked private transfer	Difference
1	£2.40	£52	£49.60
2	£4.80	£52	£47.20
3	£7.20	£52	£44.80
4	£9.60	£52	£42.40
5	£12	£71	£59
6	£14.40	£79	£64.60
7	£16.80	£79	£62.20
8	£19.20	£79	£59.80

Side by side

Where each one leaves you

17 · Lothian BusesBus 17 to Leith

From: Stop B on the plaza outside the terminal
To: Ocean Terminal in Leith, via Clermiston, Blackhall, Drylaw, Muirhouse and Newhaven
Runs: 04:55–00:00
Journey: 35–59 min

It is £5.50 cheaper than the tram to Ocean Terminal and takes about the same time by day, 35 minutes late in the evening. It does not go to the city center.

From 13 September 2026 it no longer calls at Ingliston Park & Ride; that changes nothing for the airport stop.

A city bus with no luggage rack, every 30 minutes or so. Exact fare if you pay cash.

Bus 17 to Leith: price for every party size

Check city fares with Lothian Buses

transfer · Welcome PickupsPre-booked private transfer

From: Driver meets you in arrivals with a name board
To: Any address
Luggage: Stated when booking; choose the vehicle by luggage as well as seats.
Runs: All night
Journey: 25–40 min

This price is indicative: the operator sets it, and it moves with vehicle size, luggage and the exact address. Confirm the total at the time you book.

Pre-booked private transfer: price for every party size

Book transfer through Welcome Pickups

Partner link

This compares two of 12 options. See all of them ranked for your party size

Bus 17 to LeithorPre-booked private transfer?

Priced against each other

Side by side

The other comparisons at Edinburgh Airport