Hogmanay & New Year Taxi Service in Edinburgh
When the bells ring at midnight, Edinburgh becomes one of the busiest cities on earth — and transport options vanish fast. Kay’s Cabs runs a dedicated Hogmanay and New Year taxi service to keep the city moving before, during, and after the celebrations.
From the Street Party to private dinners, airport arrivals, and hotel checkouts, we provide a dependable, pre-booked service throughout the festive period. All journeys are confirmed in advance, and your fare is automatically calculated using the licensed meter.
50% Festive Tariff Explained
Between 18:00 on the 31st of December and 00:00 on the 3rd of January, a 50% festive tariff applies automatically on the meter. This ensures our drivers are fairly compensated for working during peak Hogmanay demand while keeping fares fully regulated and predictable.
There’s no surge pricing or hidden extras — everything runs transparently through the meter or pre-agreed fixed fares for long-distance trips. After midnight on the 2nd of January, prices return to standard rates.
Coverage During Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Our Hogmanay coverage includes:
• Transfers to and from the Street Party access zones
• Hotel pickups for dinners and private events
• Airport transfers for New Year arrivals and departures
• Out-of-town trips to Fife, Livingston, and East Lothian
We monitor road closures and diversions around Princes Street, Queen Street, and George Street in real time. Drivers use designated pickup zones near festival areas to guarantee safe, accessible collection after the fireworks.
New Year’s Day & 2nd January Travel
While most services stop on New Year’s Day, we remain on the road. Pre-booked transfers are available all through 1st and 2nd January for hotel checkouts, train stations, and airport travel.
Many passengers use this service for early morning flights, brunch trips, or journeys home after the celebrations. Every booking is confirmed in advance, and our control team coordinates cars across the city to ensure prompt pickups.
Group & Long-Distance Travel
Travelling with friends or family? We operate larger vehicles that comfortably carry up to eight passengers, perfect for group nights out or shared transfers. For bigger parties, multiple vehicles can be arranged to arrive together.
We also handle long-distance hires to destinations like Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, Dundee, and coastal towns for those heading home after the festivities. Fixed prices are confirmed before travel, ensuring total clarity.
How to Book
Pre-booking is essential for Hogmanay and New Year’s Day travel due to high demand and road closures.
• Call: 0131 629 2129
• Book online via the yellow ‘Book Now’ button
• Add passenger count, pickup location, and return details if required
We’ll send confirmation with driver details and estimated pickup time. Return journeys can be arranged at the same time to secure priority slots during peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Do you operate on Hogmanay and New Year’s Day?**
Yes — we provide a full pre-booked service across both days and nights.
**When does the festive tariff apply?**
A 50% increase is automatically applied from 18:00 on 31 December until 00:00 on 3 January.
**Can I get picked up near Princes Street?**
Yes. We’ll assign a safe pickup zone close to the Street Party area depending on road closures.
**Do you offer airport runs during Hogmanay?**
Absolutely. We track flights and coordinate drop-offs and collections for all terminal times.
**Do you take group bookings?**
Yes — 8-seaters and multiple-vehicle coordination available for larger parties.
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