New electric bus service improves Edinburgh airport’s sustainable surface access

A newly launched electric intercity bus service between Aberdeen and Edinburgh Airport is expected to enhance sustainable surface access for Scottish air passengers and encourage a shift away from private car use.

image: Ember

The service, operated by electric coach company Ember, runs hourly and around the clock, connecting Aberdeen city centre with Edinburgh Airport’s passenger terminal via Dundee, Brechin, Forfar and Kinross.

The direct drop‑off at the airport eliminates the need for transfers to trains or trams that many other services require.

A single ticket from Aberdeen – a distance of about 110 miles – costs £17.65 and the trip takes around three and a half hours. Ember argues this is significantly cheaper than driving and parking and offers a direct alternative to private driving for longer inter‑city airport access.

Edinburgh Airport’s public transport accounts for around 37% of passenger surface access trips, which is a high share for a UK airport outside of London.

The airport’s surface access strategy aims to grow this share further as part of a broader modal shift that reduces reliance on cars which typically dominate airport surface access.