Edinburgh Tram 273 with UNIQLO livery at West End of Princes Street, Edinburgh – © Steve Kydd
The Edinburgh Trams system is a significant addition to the city’s 21st-century transport network. Modern and electrically powered, the trams provide a key east–west connection between the city centre, the airport, and the north Edinburgh waterfront. Although their reintroduction was controversial, trams are now a regular feature on Edinburgh’s streets.
Route and operation
The current tram line operates between Edinburgh Airport and Newhaven, serving major corridors. Key stops include Ingliston Park & Ride, Edinburgh Park, Haymarket, Princes Street, and Leith Walk before reaching the waterfront.
The current tram line operates between Edinburgh Airport and Newhaven. Stops include Ingliston Park & Ride, Edinburgh Park, Haymarket, Princes Street, and Leith Walk before reaching the waterfront.
The tram service runs frequently and is fully accessible, providing a reliable alternative to road travel on Edinburgh’s busiest routes.
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Edinburgh Airport to Waverley by tram
Trams do not stop inside Edinburgh Waverley Station, but the connection from the airport is straightforward and convenient for travellers with luggage. From the airport, take the tram to St Andrew Square, which is the closest stop to Waverley.
From St Andrew Square to Waverley Station is a five-minute walk. Once at Waverley, national rail services connect easily to destinations across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
A brief history of the modern tram
Plans to reintroduce trams in Edinburgh began at the start of the century.
Construction started in 2008 but faced delays, cost overruns, and political challenges. The initial network was scaled back, and the first line opened in 2014 between the airport and York Place.
Despite the difficult gestation, passenger figures steadily grew, and despite early challenges, passenger numbers increased, and public opinion improved as the benefits became evident. The extension to Newhaven via Leith Walk opened in 2023, completing the originally planned city-centre-to-waterfront link.
Edinburgh Trams operates the system on behalf of the city.
In fact, the city once had one of Britain’s most extensive tramway systems. Operated by Edinburgh Corporation Tramways, the first network began with horse-drawn trams in the late 19th century before transitioning to electric operation.
By the early 20th century, trams served much of Edinburgh, from Leith and Portobello to Corstorphine. However, post-war priorities shifted toward buses and private cars, leading to the closure of the tram system in 1956 after nearly 80 years of service.
The future of trams in Edinburgh
With the Newhaven extension complete, Discussions are underway regarding future expansion. Potential new lines may serve south Edinburgh or Granton. Any expansion will depend on funding, political agreement, and alignment with the City of Edinburgh Council’s climate and transport objectives.
The trams are now firmly part of Edinburgh’s transport system. Their low emissions and high capacity make them a good option for a growing city with limited road space.
After a challenging return, modern trams now follow historic routes, shaping how Edinburgh moves today and in the future.
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