Black Cab, express, or city bus?

how many is "we"?

There will be two of us

Take the train to the center and a cab from there. Of course, a cab is always the most convenient and direct so take the cab.

Frank, I think you mean the Tram. :) No easy train between the airport and city centre.

depends on what part of the new town you are going to and if you will be able to leave your bags, let me know where you are staying and I can better advise you.

I suspected that about the train. We will be on Princes Street in New Town. I figure for the money we would save, 15 mins is not that big of a deal, IF it's easy to get the tram or express.

If you are on princes street then depending where the tram might stop almost outside but there is only one tram stop on Princes street and it is in the middle just beside the Mound.

Let me back up and ask - is the tram or the express better and more convenient with luggage? Catching time? etc?

There last May and used the tram as is was very quick, convenient, inexpensive, and close to our hotel. If we knew the name of the hotel we could probably "walk" you right to it, or advise against depending on the distance from the tram stops.

Motel One Edinburgh Princes Street

The closest tram stop will be St Andrew Sq. Go to googlemaps.com. Type in Motel One Princess Street Edinburgh. That will show you the location of the Sq. and the location of your hotel. It appears to be several blocks from the hotel and may be more walking that you want to do. You can play around with street view and see if you want to walk that distance.

Thank you, TC! That definitely helps.

yes agree with TC , a couple of 100 yards walk, the Motel on is right on the corner of what we call the east end of Princes street and is directly opposite the Balmoral hotel.