The ones that didn't cost a billion quid and don't need the council to narrow the A8 corridor as much as possible to manufacture congestion and try and make the tram look faster
If everyone stops using the 100 and lothian cancel it then just watch bright bus ramp up their prices way higher than the 100. We are lucky to have the Lothian buses system in place instead of privatised garbage like firstbus
Nice travel comparison video Roger! My favourite is the Airlink100, though we did travel on the tram last time. I'm going to give that new Bright Bus a go in March when I have to go from Edinburgh to the EDI Airport.
The things you do for RUclips eh? I'd be knackered by the time I checked in for my flight, but a very interesting comparison and I knew nothing about Bright Bus! I wonder how they manage the 'quickest' claim? Is it fewer stops or something? Cheers Roger!
I love myself a rail link to the airport, especially living somewhere that doesn’t have one (Dublin), although I was quite taken aback by its price, especially as it should be theoretically the most popular option as a publicly operated route. The Airlink 100 on the other hand seems to me the best value for money. Although at first I was thinking it would really depend on the circumstances; for example comfort from the nicer seats on the bus versus a smoother journey on rails, and whether I wanted to endure that long on the road, but I was surprised to learn it’s quicker than the tram! Who woulda thunk it! I feel like that’s a bit of a flaw on the local regulatory body’s behalf though, when a privately operated bus is more comfortable and cheaper than the tram. Now for the Bright Bus, I might actually be part of a demographic that would take this the most often, despite my praising of the Airlink. See I often go planespotting, and usually I’ll take the public bus which costs me 65c for the whole journey one way. However when it comes to going to the airport for actual travel, I won’t be wanting to endure that and I’ll book a ticket with Aircoach. So if I lived in Edinburgh, my choice would probably be Bright Bus most of the time, then Airlink either when I want to treat myself or am actually flying out. Poor tram though… maybe when its fares are reduced to 65p 🤷♂️
Another great video, Rog. I haven't tried the new Bright bus yet. I'd always go for the tram during rush hour as Corstorphine/St John's Rd is usually a nightmare at those times. I very near missed a flight to Cardiff once as we were stuck on the 100 for almost a hour.
The tram’s fine when it’s off road. On a very rainy day recently I got a tram from Haymarket to St Andrew Square and the traffic was so bad it took us over half an hour. 😮
Lothian's Airlnk 100 will not lose passengers to Brightbus airport express who carry luggage and change buses at the St Andrew Square and Bus Station area. Going up/down a steep hill lugging a load of luggage to/from the Brightbus Airport express is far too akward and adds extra time to their journey. Even not carrying a load of luggage up/down that steep hill adds time to their journey. Brightbus only using old and probably clapped out enviro 300's with far less capacity than the airlink 100 using a high capacity tri-axle enviro 400 double deckers looking like a luxury coach internally and they get brand new high capacity double deckers every 3 or 4 years. The Citylink 909 also runs from Edinbugh Airport to Edinburgh Bus Station.
Airlink is expensive, considering the coaches tend to be full (city bound) so they're not short of profit. But what really annoys me is the fact that you pay £7.50 for the tram but, if you travel anywhere else on the line other than the airport, it's significantly cheaper. Even walking to the next step over saves you a lot. So it's basically a tax on people using the airport by public transport.
They want to discourage people from driving to the Airport so they charge a ridiculous drop off fee, but also make the public transport more expensive too. Travellers just being exploited by corporate profiteering! 🤔
Isn't it amazing that a super duper multi million pound tramway, running at least partially on its own track, can't beat either bus!! AND is almost twice the price of Bright Bus! I guess it might be less affected by heavy traffic, though presumably if there are problems in the city centre it will be held up just the same as the buses.
Amazing as you say! 😂 I’ve seen a few instances of a tram getting stuck because a van has parked badly. Buses can go round such obstructions but the tram had to wait until they could move the van or find its driver! 😵💫
The tram isn't really a dedicated airport only service though, it has a longer route. more stops and is much more of a commuter service that the 100 bus. Like you say though it's biggest plus is likely being more consistent timewise than the road route. I don't think Bright Bus being cheap will be a good thing long term if they eats into Lothians profits, if they're not making good money on the 100 I can't see them wanting to continue with the airport leg of the 200 and 400 services which always look little used at the airport end.
@@jswmonkey197Yes, I'm sure the Tram was intended as more than an Airport link, but I remember seeing an early 'Cab-ride' video from the Tram and being amazed at how few houses were visible from it! It seemed to pass through green space most of the way!
You're right about the shocking state of the roads in Edinburgh, quite embarrassing all these visitors seeing it when the virtually leave the airport 💩
Thanks for another detailed vlog Roger. Enterprising of you to review Bright Bus soon after launch. Like you I would prefer Airlink 100 but I suspect Bright Bus will prove popular with overseas visitors arriving with LCCs (low cost carriers).
A tip for the tram is to walk to the next stop - Ingliston Park & Ride - which is just over a kilometre away from the airport stop and that'll cut the price from £7.50 to £2.00! If you're able or even willing to walk, of course.
If you don't want to walk, you can tram to the park & ride and pick up a 200 or 400 from there which costs £3 for a single to the airport. Not much of a saving on the bus price, but certainly cheaper than the tram single.
thank you Roger for this video, if you don't mind I will include it in an article on my blog for Italians to let them know about this new possibility with the Bright Bus and tell my opinion (I used Airlink 100 and a taxi). Thanks again!
I was on Shandwick Place yesterday afternoon and did see a few people boarding the bright bus towards the airport. I don't really approve of 'bus war' route duplication. It was wrong in 2001/02 (with First) and it is wrong now. I'd say outside of peak times the 100 is probably the best option,especially with a bus pass. Usually I get the 400 to/from the airport as I am coming from south Edinburgh, not the city centre. I would recommend to first time tourists to just get a single/return ticket for the 100 and then get a bus pass at Shandwick Place to top up for next time.
It would be interesting to see what the approval process was for the Bright Bus given the existing Airlink and Tram. Perhaps they got the go ahead because they also run the city bus tours? 🤔
the land around the airport is privately owned . Gordon Dewar could have put his foot down if he wanted to stop this duplication. It's only been put on as a spoiler and for no other reason.@@alang5764
Hello - thanks for watching. The Ridacard is very good value but I guess it all depends on what you are going to be doing. Edinburgh is a very walkable city with most sights in the city centre quite close together. Rather than buying a weekly card you might plan your time so you only need to buy a day ticket for when you venture further out than the city centre? Enjoy your visit! 😀
Thanks for watching. The people selling Bright Bus tickets had machines that could take contactless or could be swiped. I'm not sure about the ones on the buses themselves.
The Waverley Station bus stops were phased out in 2020 during Covid as Waverley Bridge was pedestrianised. However, the new stops on South St David Street (in the video) are going to be affected by the redevelopment of Jenners, so the Airport Buses will return to Waverley Bridge soon - but only temporarily! 😀
Was planning on doing the new bus service to the airport end of month i new about it but i still think the edinburgh trams are still better u got to think luggage great vlog tho buddy
Cheers, Michael. Good point about luggage. When I fly I try to go hand bags only to save on queuing so I tend to forget some people will have big suitcases to carry on! 😀
@RogEdwardsTV yea come down to luggage, am guessing, however looking at the bus it's a different company so the first big competition to loathian buses saveing you 1 pound for return tickets
@@edinburghandbeyond There's a far better chance of Lothian diverting their Airlink 100 via Waverley Steps than McGills diverting their Brightbus Express to the Bus Station or St Andrew Square as McGills are wedded to Waterloo Place as their terminus and extending from Waterloo Place to the Bus Station or St Andrew Square would add a lot more journey time end to end to Brightbus Airport Express than the Airlink 100 diverting via Waverley Steps.
Hi Roger.... Great video once again..... does Edinburgh Airport have a good outside viewing area..... reason I ask is that Newcastle got rid of there's when the twin towers were brought down. Richard Turnbull Newcastle upon Tyne
Hi Richard. No, the Edinburgh Airport viewing deck went about the same time, maybe even earlier. There is a road from Kirkliston that goes to the Airport Boundary fence and there’s a little hill you can climb and get really good views of the runway! 😀🛫
This added business of having to activate your prepaid app ticket via a QR code on site seems a completely unnecessary step, complicating the process, designed to catch people out? Why not simply activate your tram ticket in their app as per, say, Scotrail.
@@RogEdwardsTV It’s not intuitive and goes against common norms - as said we have precedence here with Scotrail and their own Lothian Buses. With that you cease to be customer friendly, instead “something else”..
Bright Bus might be cheaper financially, but you also have to deal with knowing that you supported McGills for a few quid off (might be a few seconds faster but it's pretty much within the margin of error, Airlink probably just got unlucky with traffic). Still more worth it for the A100, fancier bus, better service and run by the local bus company. Good video though!
5:55 The bus usually stops just behind where the Bright Bus was but it was taken up so it pulled up slightly further along. Your bus being empty might be part of the reason it was so fast! Driver didn't seem to be expecting you he overshot the stop markings.
Living in Inverness I wished we had a council owned bus company providing our bus services. We stuck with Stagecoach who don’t exactly welcome any competition so we have no choice but to use them. We so desperately, desperately needing competition especially on the Scottish Citylink routes down South to Edinburgh and Glasgow, which Stagecoach still have their fingers in. If I was going from Inverness to Edinburgh Airport I will always change at Haymarket and use the tram as it’s just so convenient. The Brightbus looked suspiciously like the interior of a First Bus.
Thanks Walter! I did a quick bit of research and the owners of Bright Bus bought First Bus East Scotland back in 2022 - so I guess there ARE old First buses jazzed up with the new fun colour scheme! 😀
You also have to take into account the time of year - January and February are traditionally quiet months for the streets and traffic. I imagine April or May would be a lot different.
If Lothian decide to divert the Airlink 100 to stop at Waverley Steps, Brightbus will lose passengers interchanging with the train at Waverley who are using them to/from the airport. Luggage is far too awkward to carry luggage up/down that steep hill between St Andrew Square and Waverley Steps no matter what time of year it is and adds a lot of extra unnecessary interchange time to the journey. And that whether it's the Airlink 100 or the Brightbus Express. Already being on the Airport 100 even uf a rerlute to go via and stop at Waverley Steps add a small amount of time to the journey would be still be far easier and a lot quicker than carrying all that luggage up/down hill between St Andrew Square/Bus Station to change buses for the Brightbus Express to/from the airport and you may still have to wait at least almost 15 minutes for the next Brightbus Express to the airport if you just missed one (and the next one could be late as well) if going to the airport. Brightbus Express are wedded to Waterloo Place aa their terminus.
@@RogEdwardsTV It's ok if you interchange between the train at Waverley and the Brightbus express carrying or not carrying a load of luggage, or if the weather's nice (it can still be very chilly in April even if it's generally much warmer by then) you're not carrying luggage up/down hill and you can manage it while interchanging between buses at St Andrew Square or the bus station and the Brightbus express at Waverley Steps.
Not really, most of the traffic you would be stuck behind during those months are in town, and the bus goes along a bus/taxi route all the way to Haymarket so no extra traffic. After that it isn't that different at any time of year.
The Bright Bus now has Wifi and USB charger, they just needed time to install them as when they got the bus they was not installed. i noticed you didnt say how many people was on the airport lothian bus so to point out the bright bus was empty was unfair as maybe that bus was empty LOL.. the Lothian bus is a 3 axel bus so it wont feel the bumps like a double axel bus does again pointing that out is something thats not fair. go like for like then it would be fair. dual axel double decker and duel axel single decker. im just pointing out bits that i found unfair. what time was it for both trips? would you do the test over 3 days at the same time for all 3 of them giving them a fair chance? you know if its a test all 3 should be the same set off time giving them the best chances.
@RogEdwardsTV also I missed this 1st time, you do know only 1 of the 3 is a double decker right? So pointing that out is unfair, it's to the airport or town not a tour bus, makes me think you work for Lothian as you never poited out there flaws. At the end of the day, I'm just being honest and expected you to be fair to all 3.
Hi Rog, thanks for this comparison on the ways to get to Edinburgh Airport. Glad you remembered to get your flight to London after your bus/tram journeys! A bit of a difference in cost, but travel wise good to see there was little difference! I thought the tram(my preference) would've taken much longer! Traffic lights will obviously play a part in the journey, for all 3 options! I wonder once the Bright Bus takes off, whether their fares will still be cheaper than Airlink's! Good vlog! 👍 😊
well done enjoyed I don't understand how Glasgow airport bus is do expensive £10 single I believe I checked distance its 4 miles or so too Edinburgh airport pricing seems bit unfair anyway I and here Aberdeen £3,70 single all be it a couple miles less enjoy your videos thanks very helpful
We live mere minitues away from the tram stop but prefer going further into the city to take either the 100 or BB. Last trip to London took the BB and it was a decent journey. Cheaper but prefer the 100 for it's comfort. Tram at £7.50 for a single isn't worth the extra over either of the busses. Good video.
Thanks so much for watching. The 100 is definitely the most comfortable! It’s not nice on the tram if it’s packed and standing room only (like a London Tube Train). ☺️
Hi Roger, we arrived very late at Edi airport. Are both bus options side by side at the airport bus buy? Will both accept contactless card payment and cash options? Are the both the same number of stops to Haymarket?
The Airlink100 departure stop is closer to the airport exit but only by a few meters. Both take cash and Airlink100 takes cards but I’m not sure about Bright Bus. The latter also has a few less stops to Haymarket but it makes little difference to travel times. 😀
Lothian buses aren't really known for skimping when it comes to their vehicles particularly for the likes of the Airlink routes. Good quality, powerful Volvo buses and usually very clean.
Very enlightening, i am over to EDI next week and its been many years since i was there. I feel iike the 100 is better for the same reasons you highlighted, comfier seats and the WiFi socket will be useful always when on the move. As for being a minute slower journey time i dont find this off-putting as i think im right in saying the 100 service is every 10 mins and BrightBus is every 15? So it depends largely which one is on the stand and ready to leave when you rock up as to which one will get you there sooner. I'll let you know which one i end up on but thank you again Rog. :)
@@RogEdwardsTVso. I'm now on the... Drum roll! .... Airbus 100 service! 😂 Purely because it was on the stand when I exited the terminal and was greeted with the sight of the big orange one driving past on it's way out. So that made any decision unnecessary and the very helpful ground staff told me the driver was on the stand 2 mins so would be off in around 8. Time was tight-ish so I was glad about that. The time at this point was around 1.15pm and my pre-booked train is leaving Waverley at 1412. So no panic bells on this trip for once in my case, only that the much- anticipated phone charging link was not working, but that was only until the driver switched the ignition on! 😁 Thank you again Rog, your vids are very entertaining and I will continue to support. Safe journeys always. 🙂
@@RogEdwardsTV Was a little too tight for comfort in the end but as you'll know its all downhill walking into Waverley (became jogging in my case!) so i was glad about that and glad i wasnt doing the journey in reverse. Had to make do with the train's buffet trolley rather than get to stop elsewhere in advance as planned but there we go, I have been in tighter time slots before! :)
Nice video, personally I think the tram is a complete waste of time (and money) for Edinburgh. I certainly prefer the bus, never taken the Bright Bus though.
As a council resident of Edinburgh I get annoyed with folk using this Bright bus. It is only taking away vital revenue from our council owned services. Cash which is used to subsidise our other local services. This was deliberately -in my opinion -put on as a spoiler because the parent company lost millions in revenue when Lothian Buses ran them out of West Lothian. Bright bus only operate on Lothian Buses most profitable routes. I'd never step on a Brightbus airport OR tour bus.
Which service gets your vote? Airlink 100, Tram or Bright Bus? Let me know in the comments below.
The ones that didn't cost a billion quid and don't need the council to narrow the A8 corridor as much as possible to manufacture congestion and try and make the tram look faster
@user-on9jo6px2x 😂
If everyone stops using the 100 and lothian cancel it then just watch bright bus ramp up their prices way higher than the 100.
We are lucky to have the Lothian buses system in place instead of privatised garbage like firstbus
I think the Airlink 100 is worth the extra £1.50 for the double decker, seats, WiFi and USBs! 😀
Which won't happen. The buses use opposing sides of the Airport - most passengers will be on the AIrlink side.
First Bus??? I thought it was McGills. Didn't realise it was first. Oh well learn something new every day.
@@Smartsparky the First Bus comment was just a general post on bus services. It is McGills.
@@iiBus Aw it is McGills??? Thought it was. I actually think they're livery is quite nice if kept clean. Airlink looks Posher.
Nice travel comparison video Roger! My favourite is the Airlink100, though we did travel on the tram last time. I'm going to give that new Bright Bus a go in March when I have to go from Edinburgh to the EDI Airport.
Cheers! The Airlink 100 wins for me. The Tram is smoother but it can be packed and standing room only! 😀
So Edinburgh Council paid millions for a tram service that can't beat the original bus service 😅😂😅
Yup! 🥲
The things you do for RUclips eh? I'd be knackered by the time I checked in for my flight, but a very interesting comparison and I knew nothing about Bright Bus! I wonder how they manage the 'quickest' claim? Is it fewer stops or something? Cheers Roger!
Thanks Steve! There are fewer stops on the Bright Bus, but in truth I think it all depends on whether they get lucky with the traffic lights! 😀
I love myself a rail link to the airport, especially living somewhere that doesn’t have one (Dublin), although I was quite taken aback by its price, especially as it should be theoretically the most popular option as a publicly operated route. The Airlink 100 on the other hand seems to me the best value for money. Although at first I was thinking it would really depend on the circumstances; for example comfort from the nicer seats on the bus versus a smoother journey on rails, and whether I wanted to endure that long on the road, but I was surprised to learn it’s quicker than the tram! Who woulda thunk it! I feel like that’s a bit of a flaw on the local regulatory body’s behalf though, when a privately operated bus is more comfortable and cheaper than the tram. Now for the Bright Bus, I might actually be part of a demographic that would take this the most often, despite my praising of the Airlink. See I often go planespotting, and usually I’ll take the public bus which costs me 65c for the whole journey one way. However when it comes to going to the airport for actual travel, I won’t be wanting to endure that and I’ll book a ticket with Aircoach. So if I lived in Edinburgh, my choice would probably be Bright Bus most of the time, then Airlink either when I want to treat myself or am actually flying out. Poor tram though… maybe when its fares are reduced to 65p 🤷♂️
Thanks so much for watching and for your thoughts. Much appreciated. 😀
Another great video, Rog.
I haven't tried the new Bright bus yet.
I'd always go for the tram during rush hour as Corstorphine/St John's Rd is usually a nightmare at those times.
I very near missed a flight to Cardiff once as we were stuck on the 100 for almost a hour.
The tram’s fine when it’s off road. On a very rainy day recently I got a tram from Haymarket to St Andrew Square and the traffic was so bad it took us over half an hour. 😮
Airlink100 runs every 10 mins, while BrightBus runs every 15 mins, which gives Airlink100 an advantage of 2.5 min on average waiting time.
Cheers! 😀
Lothian's Airlnk 100 will not lose passengers to Brightbus airport express who carry luggage and change buses at the St Andrew Square and Bus Station area. Going up/down a steep hill lugging a load of luggage to/from the Brightbus Airport express is far too akward and adds extra time to their journey. Even not carrying a load of luggage up/down that steep hill adds time to their journey.
Brightbus only using old and probably clapped out enviro 300's with far less capacity than the airlink 100 using a high capacity tri-axle enviro 400 double deckers looking like a luxury coach internally and they get brand new high capacity double deckers every 3 or 4 years.
The Citylink 909 also runs from Edinbugh Airport to Edinburgh Bus Station.
Airlink is expensive, considering the coaches tend to be full (city bound) so they're not short of profit.
But what really annoys me is the fact that you pay £7.50 for the tram but, if you travel anywhere else on the line other than the airport, it's significantly cheaper. Even walking to the next step over saves you a lot. So it's basically a tax on people using the airport by public transport.
They want to discourage people from driving to the Airport so they charge a ridiculous drop off fee, but also make the public transport more expensive too. Travellers just being exploited by corporate profiteering! 🤔
Leaving Edinburgh, the slower, the better for me. Arriving in Edinburgh the fastest rout possible, and I am a Happy Man. Love that city.
Ha ha! 👍🙌🏻
Isn't it amazing that a super duper multi million pound tramway, running at least partially on its own track, can't beat either bus!! AND is almost twice the price of Bright Bus! I guess it might be less affected by heavy traffic, though presumably if there are problems in the city centre it will be held up just the same as the buses.
Amazing as you say! 😂 I’ve seen a few instances of a tram getting stuck because a van has parked badly. Buses can go round such obstructions but the tram had to wait until they could move the van or find its driver! 😵💫
The tram isn't really a dedicated airport only service though, it has a longer route. more stops and is much more of a commuter service that the 100 bus. Like you say though it's biggest plus is likely being more consistent timewise than the road route. I don't think Bright Bus being cheap will be a good thing long term if they eats into Lothians profits, if they're not making good money on the 100 I can't see them wanting to continue with the airport leg of the 200 and 400 services which always look little used at the airport end.
@@jswmonkey197Yes, I'm sure the Tram was intended as more than an Airport link, but I remember seeing an early 'Cab-ride' video from the Tram and being amazed at how few houses were visible from it! It seemed to pass through green space most of the way!
I'm thinking of visiting Edinburgh in the spring, so this is a handy guide. Thanks, Uncle Rog! And 2,024 pokes on that belly!
- Red
Cheers, Red! 😀
You're right about the shocking state of the roads in Edinburgh, quite embarrassing all these visitors seeing it when the virtually leave the airport 💩
So many roads need completely resurfacing. Such a shame.
Thanks for another detailed vlog Roger. Enterprising of you to review Bright Bus soon after launch. Like you I would prefer Airlink 100 but I suspect Bright Bus will prove popular with overseas visitors arriving with LCCs (low cost carriers).
Thanks Alex! Given the shade of orange used by Bright Bus I think you’re right! 😂
A tip for the tram is to walk to the next stop - Ingliston Park & Ride - which is just over a kilometre away from the airport stop and that'll cut the price from £7.50 to £2.00!
If you're able or even willing to walk, of course.
Yep - good tip! Depends on how much luggage you have. The day I recorded the video would have been lovely for a walk. No so much when it’s raining! 😂
If you don't want to walk, you can tram to the park & ride and pick up a 200 or 400 from there which costs £3 for a single to the airport. Not much of a saving on the bus price, but certainly cheaper than the tram single.
thank you Roger for this video, if you don't mind I will include it in an article on my blog for Italians to let them know about this new possibility with the Bright Bus and tell my opinion (I used Airlink 100 and a taxi). Thanks again!
Thanks Laura, that would be great. Please send me a link to your blog when it’s up and I’ll share it too! 😀🚌
I was on Shandwick Place yesterday afternoon and did see a few people boarding the bright bus towards the airport. I don't really approve of 'bus war' route duplication. It was wrong in 2001/02 (with First) and it is wrong now. I'd say outside of peak times the 100 is probably the best option,especially with a bus pass. Usually I get the 400 to/from the airport as I am coming from south Edinburgh, not the city centre. I would recommend to first time tourists to just get a single/return ticket for the 100 and then get a bus pass at Shandwick Place to top up for next time.
It would be interesting to see what the approval process was for the Bright Bus given the existing Airlink and Tram. Perhaps they got the go ahead because they also run the city bus tours? 🤔
@@RogEdwardsTV Bus services are deregulated, private operators do not have to seek approval for any service they wish to run.
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the land around the airport is privately owned . Gordon Dewar could have put his foot down if he wanted to stop this duplication. It's only been put on as a spoiler and for no other reason.@@alang5764
I would be surprised if the Bright Buz lasts.
I give it 2 years maximum.
I don't see them ousting Lothian for sure.
The Tram took me an hour from the airport last year. Was at rush hour in the evening though, so not convinced the buses would be that much quicker...
Yep - the buses will struggle from the airport to Gogar roundabout during rush hour because there’s no bus lane. Thanks for watching. 😀
brilliant video 💓 love the transport system in Edinburgh, I could sit on a tram or bus for hours lol great prices too 💰
Thanks so much! 😀
If you live in Edinburgh and have a bus pass you get on the Tram and 100 for free, The brightbus is more for tourists
Thanks for that! A few more years for me! ☺️
Hello, great information! Thanks for sharing. Question, what do you think of using the weekly Ridacard when visiting Edinburgh?
Hello - thanks for watching. The Ridacard is very good value but I guess it all depends on what you are going to be doing. Edinburgh is a very walkable city with most sights in the city centre quite close together. Rather than buying a weekly card you might plan your time so you only need to buy a day ticket for when you venture further out than the city centre? Enjoy your visit! 😀
Very good video, question in order to pay with credit card it has to be a contactless or a regular card works?? thank you.
Thanks for watching. The people selling Bright Bus tickets had machines that could take contactless or could be swiped. I'm not sure about the ones on the buses themselves.
@@RogEdwardsTV Thank you!!!
Has the Airlink 100 starting point changed. I thought it was opposite Waverley station?
The Waverley Station bus stops were phased out in 2020 during Covid as Waverley Bridge was pedestrianised. However, the new stops on South St David Street (in the video) are going to be affected by the redevelopment of Jenners, so the Airport Buses will return to Waverley Bridge soon - but only temporarily! 😀
Was planning on doing the new bus service to the airport end of month i new about it but i still think the edinburgh trams are still better u got to think luggage great vlog tho buddy
Cheers, Michael. Good point about luggage. When I fly I try to go hand bags only to save on queuing so I tend to forget some people will have big suitcases to carry on! 😀
@RogEdwardsTV yea come down to luggage, am guessing, however looking at the bus it's a different company so the first big competition to loathian buses saveing you 1 pound for return tickets
Airlink is superior for luggage space in my opinion.
@@edinburghandbeyond
There's a far better chance of Lothian diverting their Airlink 100 via Waverley Steps than McGills diverting their Brightbus Express to the Bus Station or St Andrew Square as McGills are wedded to Waterloo Place as their terminus and extending from Waterloo Place to the Bus Station or St Andrew Square would add a lot more journey time end to end to Brightbus Airport Express than the Airlink 100 diverting via Waverley Steps.
Going from Edinburgh city to the airport so much better going on the tram the buses are just stuck in traffic all the way up I should know
Today it took me 25 minutes to go from Haymarket to St Andrew Sq on the Tram the traffic was so bad. 😮
The Edinburgh trams make for a reasonably good compromise between the Airlink bus service and a taxi.
The Trams can get packed. Like London Underground face into armpit packed.
A taxi from Waverley to the airport cost me £31 last month.
The taxis are not cheap! 😟
The BrightBus is ex-first those are first seats
Thanks. 😀
Recommend the tram every time...
Cheers
Hey Rog!! Wife and I are coming to Scotland in Sept...We want to stay in a castle for a night or 2. Any suggestions from Edinburgh ???
Hello! Couple of ones near us.
Fa’side Castle: www.faside-estate.com/holiday_lets/tower.html
Carberry Tower: www.carberrytower.com
😀
Moxy Hotel?
Is it owned by a character from Auf Wiedersehen Pet?😜😂
Why-aye, maybe!
During covid in 2020 this hotel I believe was used to quarantine folk coming into the country.
Didn’t know that!
Well done. The tram is slowest and most expensive. All that money spent for the least good service.
But you get to “glide”! 😂😂😂
Bus route is a far more direct route no surprise tram took longer
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why was there no video on saturday rog edwards tv?
Harvey - see my post on the community tab. 😀
For me, 100 bus wins
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Hi Roger.... Great video once again..... does Edinburgh Airport have a good outside viewing area..... reason I ask is that Newcastle got rid of there's when the twin towers were brought down.
Richard Turnbull Newcastle upon Tyne
Hi Richard. No, the Edinburgh Airport viewing deck went about the same time, maybe even earlier. There is a road from Kirkliston that goes to the Airport Boundary fence and there’s a little hill you can climb and get really good views of the runway! 😀🛫
scottish citylink 909 and 978 go to edinburgh airport
🙌🏻
This added business of having to activate your prepaid app ticket via a QR code on site seems a completely unnecessary step, complicating the process, designed to catch people out?
Why not simply activate your tram ticket in their app as per, say, Scotrail.
I agree. Within the same app you simply have to activate your Lothian Bus tickets. Why not make it the same as that! 😬
@@RogEdwardsTV It’s not intuitive and goes against common norms - as said we have precedence here with Scotrail and their own Lothian Buses. With that you cease to be customer friendly, instead “something else”..
is your youtube video at gullane today rog edwards tv?
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The bright bus is owned by Mcgills
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london to edinburgh plane vs train
Thanks for watching! 😀
lothian buses airlink 100 goes to edinburgh airport
That was the one I was on! 😀
edinburgh trams go to newhaven
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Bright Bus might be cheaper financially, but you also have to deal with knowing that you supported McGills for a few quid off (might be a few seconds faster but it's pretty much within the margin of error, Airlink probably just got unlucky with traffic). Still more worth it for the A100, fancier bus, better service and run by the local bus company. Good video though!
Cheers, thanks for watching. I tend to use the A100 most of the time (when I’m not filming). 😀
That's good maybe it can take some of the pressure off the trams as it's so hard to get a seat on the trams .
Agree! Thanks so much for watching. 😀
5:55 The bus usually stops just behind where the Bright Bus was but it was taken up so it pulled up slightly further along.
Your bus being empty might be part of the reason it was so fast!
Driver didn't seem to be expecting you he overshot the stop markings.
It might have been bang on 30 mins if it had stopped where it was meant to! 🤔🚌
Thank you for helping me choose the right means of transportation to and from the airport.🙏❤
My pleasure! 😀
Living in Inverness I wished we had a council owned bus company providing our bus services. We stuck with Stagecoach who don’t exactly welcome any competition so we have no choice but to use them. We so desperately, desperately needing competition especially on the Scottish Citylink routes down South to Edinburgh and Glasgow, which Stagecoach still have their fingers in. If I was going from Inverness to Edinburgh Airport I will always change at Haymarket and use the tram as it’s just so convenient. The Brightbus looked suspiciously like the interior of a First Bus.
Thanks Walter! I did a quick bit of research and the owners of Bright Bus bought First Bus East Scotland back in 2022 - so I guess there ARE old First buses jazzed up with the new fun colour scheme! 😀
Bright Bus is owned by McGills (basically gangsters) which as said above bought First's East Scotland branch
How much does a one way ticket cost 1 person+1baggage? thanks
Ticket prices are shown in the video. £5:50 for Airlink100 £7:50 for the tram. £4:00 for Bright Bus. 😀
You also have to take into account the time of year - January and February are traditionally quiet months for the streets and traffic.
I imagine April or May would be a lot different.
True.
If Lothian decide to divert the Airlink 100 to stop at Waverley Steps, Brightbus will lose passengers interchanging with the train at Waverley who are using them to/from the airport.
Luggage is far too awkward to carry luggage up/down that steep hill between St Andrew Square and Waverley Steps no matter what time of year it is and adds a lot of extra unnecessary interchange time to the journey. And that whether it's the Airlink 100 or the Brightbus Express.
Already being on the Airport 100 even uf a rerlute to go via and stop at Waverley Steps add a small amount of time to the journey would be still be far easier and a lot quicker than carrying all that luggage up/down hill between St Andrew Square/Bus Station to change buses for the Brightbus Express to/from the airport and you may still have to wait at least almost 15 minutes for the next Brightbus Express to the airport if you just missed one (and the next one could be late as well) if going to the airport. Brightbus Express are wedded to Waterloo Place aa their terminus.
@@RogEdwardsTV
It's ok if you interchange between the train at Waverley and the Brightbus express carrying or not carrying a load of luggage, or if the weather's nice (it can still be very chilly in April even if it's generally much warmer by then) you're not carrying luggage up/down hill and you can manage it while interchanging between buses at St Andrew Square or the bus station and the Brightbus express at Waverley Steps.
Not really, most of the traffic you would be stuck behind during those months are in town, and the bus goes along a bus/taxi route all the way to Haymarket so no extra traffic. After that it isn't that different at any time of year.
The Bright Bus now has Wifi and USB charger, they just needed time to install them as when they got the bus they was not installed.
i noticed you didnt say how many people was on the airport lothian bus so to point out the bright bus was empty was unfair as maybe that bus was empty LOL.. the Lothian bus is a 3 axel bus so it wont feel the bumps like a double axel bus does again pointing that out is something thats not fair. go like for like then it would be fair. dual axel double decker and duel axel single decker.
im just pointing out bits that i found unfair.
what time was it for both trips?
would you do the test over 3 days at the same time for all 3 of them giving them a fair chance? you know if its a test all 3 should be the same set off time giving them the best chances.
Thanks for that! 😀
@RogEdwardsTV also I missed this 1st time, you do know only 1 of the 3 is a double decker right? So pointing that out is unfair, it's to the airport or town not a tour bus, makes me think you work for Lothian as you never poited out there flaws. At the end of the day, I'm just being honest and expected you to be fair to all 3.
Hi Rog, thanks for this comparison on the ways to get to Edinburgh Airport. Glad you remembered to get your flight to London after your bus/tram journeys! A bit of a difference in cost, but travel wise good to see there was little difference! I thought the tram(my preference) would've taken much longer! Traffic lights will obviously play a part in the journey, for all 3 options! I wonder once the Bright Bus takes off, whether their fares will still be cheaper than Airlink's! Good vlog! 👍 😊
Thanks Alan. I think I was lucky with the tram. It normally takes closer to 45 minutes at peak times. And is usually standing room only too! 😀🚊
To be fair the only reason bright bus won is because it didn't stop to pick people up 🤣.
😂 Bright Bus has fewer stops for sure!
well done enjoyed I don't understand how Glasgow airport bus is do expensive £10 single I believe I checked distance its 4 miles or so too Edinburgh airport pricing seems bit unfair anyway I and here Aberdeen £3,70 single all be it a couple miles less enjoy your videos thanks very helpful
Thanks so much for watching and for your comments! 😀
Love your videos. Watching from Kawartha Lakes Ontario Canada 🇨🇦. Miss Scotland 🏴.
Thanks so much for watching. Much appreciated. We haven’t been to Canada for 20 years. Must go back someday! 😀
We live mere minitues away from the tram stop but prefer going further into the city to take either the 100 or BB. Last trip to London took the BB and it was a decent journey. Cheaper but prefer the 100 for it's comfort. Tram at £7.50 for a single isn't worth the extra over either of the busses. Good video.
Thanks so much for watching. The 100 is definitely the most comfortable! It’s not nice on the tram if it’s packed and standing room only (like a London Tube Train). ☺️
Hi Roger, we arrived very late at Edi airport. Are both bus options side by side at the airport bus buy? Will both accept contactless card payment and cash options? Are the both the same number of stops to Haymarket?
The Airlink100 departure stop is closer to the airport exit but only by a few meters. Both take cash and Airlink100 takes cards but I’m not sure about Bright Bus. The latter also has a few less stops to Haymarket but it makes little difference to travel times. 😀
Lothian buses aren't really known for skimping when it comes to their vehicles particularly for the likes of the Airlink routes.
Good quality, powerful Volvo buses and usually very clean.
It's true. You never see an "old" Lothian Bus. 😀
Great video!
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it! 😀
edinburgh trams go to edinburgh airport
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Very enlightening, i am over to EDI next week and its been many years since i was there. I feel iike the 100 is better for the same reasons you highlighted, comfier seats and the WiFi socket will be useful always when on the move. As for being a minute slower journey time i dont find this off-putting as i think im right in saying the 100 service is every 10 mins and BrightBus is every 15? So it depends largely which one is on the stand and ready to leave when you rock up as to which one will get you there sooner. I'll let you know which one i end up on but thank you again Rog. :)
Thanks very much, Phil. Enjoy your trip. 🚌
@@RogEdwardsTVso. I'm now on the... Drum roll! .... Airbus 100 service! 😂 Purely because it was on the stand when I exited the terminal and was greeted with the sight of the big orange one driving past on it's way out. So that made any decision unnecessary and the very helpful ground staff told me the driver was on the stand 2 mins so would be off in around 8. Time was tight-ish so I was glad about that. The time at this point was around 1.15pm and my pre-booked train is leaving Waverley at 1412. So no panic bells on this trip for once in my case, only that the much- anticipated phone charging link was not working, but that was only until the driver switched the ignition on! 😁 Thank you again Rog, your vids are very entertaining and I will continue to support. Safe journeys always. 🙂
Fantastic Phil! So glad it worked out! And thanks again for your support. 😀
@@RogEdwardsTV Was a little too tight for comfort in the end but as you'll know its all downhill walking into Waverley (became jogging in my case!) so i was glad about that and glad i wasnt doing the journey in reverse. Had to make do with the train's buffet trolley rather than get to stop elsewhere in advance as planned but there we go, I have been in tighter time slots before! :)
On a modern double decker or high-rise single decker the best seat is usually upstairs at the front.
Always my first choice!
At the front seat upstairs on a double decker you just look down the glass thing on the window ledge and you see the drivers steering wheel.
Cool! 😀
Nice video, personally I think the tram is a complete waste of time (and money) for Edinburgh. I certainly prefer the bus, never taken the Bright Bus though.
Thanks. Bright Bus only started on 01/01/2024 so it’s brand new (and pretty much unknown yet! 😀
As a council resident of Edinburgh I get annoyed with folk using this Bright bus.
It is only taking away vital revenue from our council owned services.
Cash which is used to subsidise our other local services.
This was deliberately -in my opinion -put on as a spoiler because the parent company lost millions in revenue when Lothian Buses ran them out of West Lothian.
Bright bus only operate on Lothian Buses most profitable routes.
I'd never step on a Brightbus airport OR tour bus.
Thanks for watching - I think BB will eventually disappear. 🤔