Citylink AIRorPre-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 Citylink AIR does not. Glasgow is a separate city; this does not reach central Edinburgh.

The Pre-booked private transfer is quicker: 40 min against 1 h.

Citylink AIR: Runs all night. 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	Citylink AIR	Pre-booked private transfer	Difference
1	from £15	£52	up to £37
2	from £30	£52	up to £22
3	from £45	£52	up to £7
4	from £60	£52	up to £8
5	from £75	£71	up to £4
6	from £90	£79	up to £11
7	from £105	£79	up to £26
8	from £120	£79	up to £41

Side by side

Where each one leaves you

AIR · CitylinkCitylink AIR

From: Stop D, outside the terminal
To: Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow
Luggage: One large suitcase or rucksack (up to 20 kg) and one small item free; extra items £5.00 each.
Runs: All night
Journey: 60 min

It runs up to every 20 minutes by day; the airport's own page has that spacing to 19:55 and hourly from midnight, while the operator's FAQ puts the change at 21:15 — the two disagree on exactly when it slows.

It never fully stops, but overnight departures are hourly rather than every 20 minutes.

Citylink AIR: price for every party size

Check times and fares with Citylink

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

Citylink AIRorPre-booked private transfer?

Priced against each other

Side by side

The other comparisons at Edinburgh Airport