Fair prices in بریتانیا — what things really cost

The tram runs from the airport to the city centre (York Place / St Andrew Square) in about 30 to 35 minutes for a single flat fare. Buy from the machine or tap contactless; note the airport fare is higher than a normal city tram ride and is not included in the day cap.

The Airlink 100 runs around the clock between the airport and Waverley Bridge in the centre and is the cheapest direct option. Pay by contactless or app; a return is only slightly more than a single and is valid for a month.

Lothian buses charge one flat single fare for any distance in the city, paid by exact change or contactless (no change given for cash). Tapping a contactless card also counts toward a daily price cap, so you never pay more than the day ticket.

If you take more than two or three journeys in a day, a combined bus-and-tram day ticket (or the automatic contactless daily cap) is better value than singles. It covers unlimited city-zone travel but not the airport tram or Airlink.

A good-value main in a pub or neighbourhood bistro is far cheaper than the tourist restaurants on the Royal Mile. Walk a few streets into the New Town, Stockbridge or Leith for better food at fairer prices.

A pint in a traditional pub is a fair, fixed price; expect to pay more in a smart bar or during the August festival. Ordering and paying at the bar is normal, and tipping on drinks is not expected.

A single measure (a dram) of blended whisky is cheap; rare single malts cost much more, and the price should be on the menu or the bottle. Ask the bartender for a recommendation in your budget rather than pointing at the top shelf.

Always pay with an Oyster card or contactless card or phone, never a paper ticket, as capped fares are far cheaper and a daily cap limits your total spend.

The Elizabeth line into central London is much cheaper than the fast Heathrow Express and only a little slower. Both beat a taxi on price by a wide margin.

Licensed black cabs are metered and reliable but pricey. For longer trips a booked ride-hailing app or the Tube is usually far cheaper.

A service charge of around twelve to fifteen percent is often added to the bill; check before adding a further tip. Lunch set menus and markets offer better value than dinner.

Prices vary widely by area, with the centre and tourist spots the dearest. Pubs a few streets back or away from the river are noticeably cheaper.

Independent cafes and chains charge similar prices. Takeaway is the same price as sitting in, unlike some countries, so there is no premium for a table.

The scheduled river bus doubles as a scenic ride past the main sights and is cheaper with an Oyster or contactless card than buying a single tourist ticket.