Edinburgh Airport Guide (2024)

Edinburgh Airport

Address

Edinburgh Airport Code, Location, and Flight Information

Airport Code:EDI
Location:Edinburgh Airport can be found west of the Edinburgh city center in the suburb of Ingliston.
Airport Website
Flight Tracker:Arrivalsand Departures
Airport Maps
Airport Phone Number:+44 131 322 5283

Know Before You Go

Edinburgh Airport is an international airport with one terminal and flights to more than 150 destinations worldwide. It is Scotland's busiest airport and the U.K.'s sixth-busiest, with 40 airlines operating in and out of the airport. It can be particularly busy during the summer, over holiday periods, and during popular events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Airlines that fly in and out of Edinburgh Airport include American Airlines, British Airways, United Airlines, Delta, and Lufthansa. Direct flights are available between several U.S. cities and Edinburgh Airport, mostly from the East Coast. Edinburgh Airport is especially popular for flights between Scotland and Europe, and flights are also available to the Middle East.

Security is notoriously tight in all U.K. airports, including in Scotland's airports. Be ready to fit all your carry on liquids into a single plastic bag, which is provided before the security lines. Check your luggage if you have a lot of toiletries to avoid hassle. Passengers will also need to remove shoes, belts, and jackets, and take any electronics out of your bag.

Edinburgh Airport Parking

There are numerous parking options at Edinburgh Airport, including short-term and long-term parking. The airport website allows travelers to input their travel information for a quote on the various parking lots, or to book and pay for parking in advance. The most expedient and comprehensive service is FastPark, where travelers can drop off their car and keys at the terminal and use self-service kiosks to check in. Self-parking is also available at the terminal, at the Mid-Stay parking lot (10 minutes by foot from the terminal) and the Long Stay lot, which accesses the terminal by free shuttle bus every seven minutes. The shuttles run 24 hours per day, making the Long Stay lot a popular option, especially for those on a budget. Plane Parking, a recently-opened lot, is the cheapest option, but also requires a longer wait and drive on the shuttle bus.

Additional parking is available in the Multi-Story parking lot, a more expensive option that includes fastTRACK security line access for up to five passengers and direct access to the security line via a link bridge.

Booking online in advance is highly recommended as some of the parking options can become full around holidays or over the weekends. The advanced parking rates are lower than day-of rates. FastPark is only available for travelers who pre-book. Parking spots for people with disabilities are available to those with blue badges in terminal, Long Stay and Plane Parking lots.

Driving Directions

Edinburgh Airport is about 20 to 25 minutes from the city center by car, though this can vary depending on the time of day or traffic. The airport is located off the M9, one of Scotland's main highways. For the best directions to or from the airport, enter postcode EH12 9DN into Google Maps or your car's GPS. There are dedicated drop-off and pick-up zones, which are well marked. Some of the zones charge a fee to wait in, so look for the free drop-off and pick-up area at the Long Stay parking garage.

Passengers may also be coming from or going to Glasgow, which is about 45 minutes west on the M8 highway. Other nearby destinations include Perth, Dundee and St. Andrews. Use Google Maps for the best directions to or from each location, and consider driving outside rush hour to avoid traffic.

Public Transportation and Taxis

While local travelers may prefer to drive to and from Edinburgh Airport, there are great public transportation options for residents and visitors alike, including buses and Edinburgh Trams.

Airlink 100: The Airlink 100 express bus departs every 12 minutes and connects Edinburgh Airport with St Andrew Square, which is located close to Princes Street, in about 30 minutes. It runs 24 hours, with late night buses available every 30 minutes. Edinburgh's Lothian Buses also operate three Skylink buses to and from the airport, which have more stops and don't all arrive in the city center. Tickets can be purchased from the driver with exact change or a credit card, or on the m-tickets app.

Edinburgh Trams: Edinburgh Trams run between Edinburgh Airport and York Place, stopped at various points throughout the city, including Princes Street. It's about 30 minutes from end to end, with trams departing every 15 minutes from early morning until just before midnight. Purchase tickets from ticket machines at each stop.
Taxis and Ubers: Travelers can hail a black cab or book an Uber to and from the airport, especially if they have large amounts of luggage. Look for the Pick-Up Zone of the parking garage to meet a pre-booked taxi or Uber, or hail a taxi from the taxi line. It's about 25 minutes by car to the city center from Edinburgh Airport.

Where to Eat and Drink

Edinburgh Airport has a variety of food and drink options available to passengers, both before and after security. There are quick take-away restaurants in the terminals, as well as several sit-down restaurants for those who have more time or want a more substantial meal.

Brewdog: Located in past security, Brewdog is a popular U.K. chain and brewery with 16 types of craft beer on tap. The restaurant serves all-day breakfast, as well as lunch options like hot sandwiches and salads.
Pret a Manger: One of the most popular takeaway spots in the U.K., Pret a Manger has a great selection of to-go food like sandwiches, salads and pastries. They typically have vegetarian selections, as well as several non-dairy milk options for coffee and tea.
The Sir Walter Scott: Stop by The Sir Walter Scott, a Weatherspoon pub, after security for a drink or some pub fare (including a kid's menu). The beer list includes a range of craft beers from Scottish brewers.

All Bar One: All Bar One offers globally-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes in a bar setting. It's popular for co*cktails and an expansive wine list, and it's a great pick for those on a longer layover.
Flutes and Tails: For something fancier, visit Flutes and Tails, a champagne bar that also serves food.

Where to Shop

There is a decent variety of shopping options in Edinburgh Airport, with many of the shops available on the airport's Shop & Collect service. With Shop & Collect you can buy before your flight and then pick up your purchases on your return to Edinburgh. Duty Free is also available after security.

Heritage of Scotland: Shop an array of kilt accessories at Heritage of Scotland, including tartan trousers, sigan dubhs and kilt shows.
Scottish Fine Gifts: Souvenirs of your time in Scotland are available here, from homeware to sweet treats to tee-shirts.
WHSmith Bookshop: With locations before and after security, WHSmith is a chain that sells books, magazines, and snacks, as well as Scottish and British souvenirs. WHSmith Bookshop is a separate bookstore, found after security, with lots of titles to pick from.

Jo Malone London: The London fragrance shop has an outpost in the main terminal post-security.
Brora: Founded in 1933, Brora is a Scottish luxury knitwear brand with numerous cashmere pieces for shoppers of all ages.

How to Spend Your Layover

Because Edinburgh's city center is only about 30 minutes from the airport, it's easy and quick to spend your layover exploring some of the popular attractions downtown. Hop on Edinburgh Trams outside the airport to Princes Street, which is close to Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish National Gallery and Princes Street Garden. The area is very walkable and filled with restaurants, coffee shops and stores. If you need to store a bag, look for left luggage storage at EdinburghWaverley train station, near Platform 2.

For overnight layovers, there are a few nearby airport hotels, including DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh Airport and Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport. For something fancier, hop in a taxi to Norton House Hotel & Spa, a historic four-star hotel that's only a five-minute drive from the airport.

Airport Lounges

There are three exclusive lounges at Edinburgh Airport. These include the British Airways lounge, Aspire Lounge and No1 Lounges. British Airways' lounge is for qualified passengers only, but travelers can pay to access Aspire and No1, both of which can be booked ahead of time online. FastTRACK passport control and FastTRACK security are also available for qualified passengers, including those booked into No1 Lounge. All three lounges offer free Wi-Fi, food and drinks.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available to all passengers in Edinburgh Airport. Users can get two free hoursof Internet access per day and per device, including on mobile phones, laptops and tablets. Select the "Edinburgh Airport" network on your device and proceed to the login page to create a new account or to log in.

Charge your phone or laptop at one of the many outlets found both before security and throughout the departure lounge. Be sure to bring along an adapter if your device uses an American plug. Outlets are also available in the paid airport lounges, as is free Wi-Fi.

Edinburgh Airport Tips and Facts

Currency exchange can be found at one of the International Currency Exchange (ICE) stores in the departure lounge after security or at International Arrivals 2.
On the ground floor of the terminal in the International Arrivals 1 area, travelers can find a multi-faith prayer room, which is open at all times.
If you are traveling with children under the age of 12, look for the dedicated Family Lane at security. Play zones are located at Gate 2 and Gate 21 for kids who need to run off a little energy before the flight.
A water bottle refill station is available at the fountain at the exit of World Duty Free.