On Christmas Day there are no trains, no trams and only a special reduced bus service in Edinburgh, yet Edinburgh Airport stays open with flights operating. On New Year's Day there are again no trains. If you fly in or out on 25 December or 1 January, a pre-booked private transfer is the only reliable door-to-door option.
Part of our Christmas & New Year in Edinburgh
What public transport runs on each festive day?
| Date | ScotRail trains | Lothian Buses | Trams |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Dec | Running, check late trains | Running | Running |
| 25 Dec | No trains | Special reduced timetable; no NightBus, no overnight Airlink 100 | No trams |
| 26 Dec | Reduced service on limited routes | Special reduced timetable | Normal service |
| 31 Dec | Services wind down from about 7pm | Evening services end early | Full service; free after midnight until 2am |
| 1 Jan | No trains | Special timetable | Normal service |
| 2 Jan | Reduced service | Check timetable | Normal service |
Based on last year's timetable; check the 2026 timetable (usually published late November/December).
How do I get to or from Edinburgh Airport on Christmas Day?
Edinburgh Airport is open on Christmas Day and flights operate (around 8,000 passengers were expected in 2025), though shops and restaurants keep reduced hours. Getting there is the hard part: there are no trams, the Airlink 100 bus has no overnight service and taxis are scarce and expensive.
Your realistic options are:
- Pre-booked private transfer: a confirmed pickup time, meet-and-greet in arrivals and room for luggage.
- Taxi on the day: possible, but expect long waits and higher fares.
- Airlink bus: check the Christmas Day timetable carefully, as hours are limited.
Confirmed pickup on 25 December and 1 January, whole vehicle from £135.
View airport transfers →How much is a festive airport transfer?
| Date | Edinburgh Airport ↔ city centre (whole vehicle) |
|---|---|
| Normal days | from £90 |
| 24, 26 and 31 Dec (+25%) | from £113 |
| 25 Dec and 1 Jan (+50%) | from £135 |
Prices are for the whole Toyota Alphard (up to 4 guests with luggage), not per person. Transfers to Highland towns are quoted with the same surcharge.
What about late nights and Hogmanay?
On 31 December trains and buses finish early while the Street Party runs past midnight. Trams are free after midnight until 2am but only cover the tram line. If you are staying outside the centre, book a late pickup from a point outside the closure zone; see our Hogmanay transport guide.
How do I book?
Send your flight number, date and hotel on WhatsApp +44 7598 576685 · WeChat ID megaspace218. Festive dates fill first, so book as soon as your flights are fixed. Our driver speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Confirmed pickup on 25 December and 1 January, whole vehicle from £135.
View airport transfers →Frequently asked
Is there a tram to Edinburgh Airport on Christmas Day?
No. Based on last year's notice, Edinburgh Trams do not run on Christmas Day; normal service resumes on Boxing Day.
Are there flights from Edinburgh on Christmas Day?
Yes. Edinburgh Airport stays open and flights operate on 25 December, with shops and restaurants on reduced hours.
Do trains run on New Year's Day in Scotland?
No. Based on last year's timetable, ScotRail runs no trains on 1 January and a reduced service on 2 January.