Bus 18 to the Royal InfirmaryorPre-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 18 to the Royal Infirmary does not. It skirts the whole south side of the city and never enters the center. For the hospital, the southern suburbs or the Fort Kinnaird retail park only.

The Pre-booked private transfer is quicker: 40 min against 1 h 11. The Bus 18 to the Royal Infirmary varies between 53 and 84 minutes.

Bus 18 to the Royal Infirmary: 05:37–23:10. 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 18 to the Royal Infirmary	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

18 · Lothian BusesBus 18 to the Royal Infirmary

From: Stop C on the plaza outside the terminal
To: The Royal Infirmary at Little France and on to Fort Kinnaird, via Edinburgh Park, Oxgangs and Fairmilehead
Runs: 05:37–23:10
Journey: 53–84 min

Over an hour to the Royal Infirmary on a suburban route; the airport quotes an hour and a quarter to Fort Kinnaird. It exists here because it is £2.40 and it is the direct bus to the hospital.

A city bus with no luggage rack. Exact fare if you pay cash.

Bus 18 to the Royal Infirmary: 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 18 to the Royal InfirmaryorPre-booked private transfer?

Priced against each other

Side by side

The other comparisons at Edinburgh Airport