Edinburgh Airport Guide - Features, Services & Facilities

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is Scotland’s busiest and the UK’s 6th busiest airport, handling over 15.8 million passengers annually. Located 8 miles from the city centre, this single-terminal facility provides 150+ direct destinations via 35+ airlines and features state-of-the-art Next Generation security scanners allowing 2-litre liquid limits in hand luggage.

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Introduction: Where Scotland Meets the World

Edinburgh Airport acts as the primary international gateway for Scotland, connecting the capital to major global hubs in North America, the Middle East, and across Europe. In 2024, the airport recorded its busiest year ever with 15.8 million passengers, and 2026 is forecast to exceed 16 million.

The airport is owned by a partnership between VINCI Airports (50.01%), the world’s leading private airport operator, and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) (49.99%). This strategic alliance has driven significant investment in terminal infrastructure, including the recent £24 million security hall upgrade. Unlike the multi-terminal sprawl of London Heathrow, Edinburgh operates from one efficient, two-story terminal building, making navigation simple for travelers. Whether you are flying out on a summer holiday with Jet2.com or a transatlantic business trip with United Airlines, EDI offers a streamlined experience with 97% of passengers clearing security in under 20 minutes.

5 Historical Facts About EDI

• Origins: The airfield was originally built in 1916 as RAF Turnhouse, a key military defence base during WWI and WWII.
• Commercial Flight: The first commercial service launched in 1947, connecting Edinburgh to London.
• The Queen's Building: The distinct terminal architecture was originally opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
• Ownership: BAA sold the airport to GIP in 2012, sparking a decade of rapid route expansion.
• Runway: Its main runway (06/24) is 2,560 metres long, capable of handling heavy wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.

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Recommended Check-In Times

Edinburgh Airport operates a strict but efficient schedule. Arriving too early can cause congestion, while arriving late risks missing your flight.

• Long-Haul (USA, Middle East): Arrive 3 hours before scheduled departure.
• Short-Haul (UK, Europe): Arrive 2 hours before scheduled departure.
• Desk Closing Times: Check-in desks typically close strictly 40 minutes before flight time (60 minutes for long-haul).

Most major airlines at EDI, including easyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways, strongly advise using their mobile apps to check in 24 hours in advance. This allows you to skip the main hall and head straight to security if you have hand luggage only.

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How to Get to the EDI Airport?

Located just off the A8 Glasgow Road, Edinburgh Airport is one of the best-connected transport hubs in Scotland.

By Car

The airport is situated in Ingliston, west of the city.

• From Edinburgh City Centre: Follow the A8 West past Murrayfield Stadium and the Gyle Centre.
• From Glasgow (M8): Exit at Junction 2 onto the M9, then join the A8.
• From the North (M90): Cross the Queensferry Crossing and exit onto the A8 towards the airport.
• Sat Nav Postcode: EH12 9DN.

By Tram

The Edinburgh Trams system offers a fast, step-free link from the city centre to the terminal front door.

• Frequency: Trams run every 7 minutes between 07:00 and 19:00 (every 10-15 minutes outside peak times).
• Journey Time: Approx. 30-35 minutes from Princes Street.
• Stops: Connects St Andrew Square, Haymarket Station, Murrayfield, and Edinburgh Park directly to the Airport.
• Cost (2026): £7.50 for an Adult Airport Single; £9.50 for an Open Return. Tickets must be purchased from platform machines or the mobile app before boarding.

By Bus (Airlink)

Lothian Buses operates the dedicated Airlink 100 express service.

• Route: Connects St Andrew Square (City Centre) to the Airport via Haymarket and Edinburgh Zoo.
• Frequency: Runs 24/7, every 10 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.
• Luggage: Features dedicated luggage racks and CCTV.
• Cost: ~£6.00 for an Adult Single. Contactless payment is accepted on board (TapTapCap).

Other available bus routes include the Skylink 200 (North Edinburgh), Skylink 400 (South Edinburgh), and the Bright Bus service which offers competitive fares.

By Train

There is no railway station inside the airport terminal. You must connect via tram or bus.

• Edinburgh Gateway: The closest station for passengers coming from Fife and the North. Change here for a direct Tram link to the airport (included in many through-tickets).
• Edinburgh Park: Good for connections from Glasgow/Bathgate lines. Change here for the Tram.
• Haymarket / Waverley: Major hubs for long-distance trains (LNER, Avanti). Catch the Airlink 100 or Tram from right outside these stations.

By Car Hire

The Car Rental Centre is a dedicated building linked to the terminal by a covered walkway.

• Operators: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt.
• Location: Follow signs for "Car Rental" – it is a 5-10 minute walk from Arrivals.

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What is the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Procedure?

Edinburgh Airport manages high traffic volumes with specific zones. Choosing the wrong zone can be costly.

1. Paid Drop-Off & Pick-Up Zone

Located on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park, directly opposite the terminal.

• Cost: £6.00 for the first 10 minutes.
• Overstay: Costs rise to £1 per minute after the initial 10 minutes.
• Payment: Card only (contactless) at the exit barrier. No cash is accepted.
• Best For: Fast "Kiss and Fly" drops or picking up passengers who are already waiting at the kerb.

2. Free Drop-Off Zone

For drivers who want to avoid the £6 charge.

• Location: Inside the Long Stay Car Park.
• Cost: Free for up to 30 minutes.
• Transfer: There is no shuttle bus from this specific zone. You must walk to the terminal, which takes approximately 8-10 minutes via a dedicated path.
• Note: No return within 1 hour to prevent commercial misuse.

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Which Destinations Does EDI Airport Cover?

Edinburgh Airport offers 150+ direct destinations, connecting Scotland to 4 continents. It has a unique mix of robust short-haul leisure networks and prestigious long-haul scheduled services.

Destination Highlights

The airport connects directly to major North American hubs including New York (JFK/Newark), Boston, Chicago, and Toronto. It also offers daily connections to the Middle East via Doha and Dubai, alongside an extensive European network covering holiday spots like Alicante and business hubs like London and Frankfurt.

Complete List of Direct Destination Categories (2026)

Region	Primary Destinations Served
UK & Ireland	London (LHR/LGW/LCY/STN), Belfast, Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Southampton, Exeter, Shetland (Sumburgh), Orkney (Kirkwall), Stornoway.
USA & Canada	New York (JFK/EWR), Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Orlando, Atlanta, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax (Seasonal).
Middle East	Doha, Dubai.
Western Europe	Amsterdam, Paris (CDG/Orly), Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Brussels, Zurich, Geneva, Vienna, Lisbon.
Spain & Portugal	Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga, Seville, Valencia, Faro, Porto, Madeira.
Mediterranean	Palma, Ibiza, Menorca, Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Zante, Kos.
Turkey & Cyprus	Istanbul, Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum, Izmir, Paphos, Larnaca.
Nordics	Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Reykjavik, Bergen, Stavanger.
Eastern Europe	Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Budapest, Prague, Sofia, Bucharest, Riga, Kaunas, Tirana.
Africa	Marrakech, Agadir (New 2026), Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada.

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Which Airlines Fly from Edinburgh Airport?

Over 35 airlines operate from EDI. The airport is a major base for easyJet and Ryanair, but also hosts more flag carriers than any other Scottish airport.

Airline Overview

easyJet is the largest airline by passenger volume, serving roughly 40% of the airport's traffic. Ryanair follows closely with a dense network of low-cost European routes. Jet2.com is the primary choice for package holidaymakers. For long-haul, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer year-round transatlantic connectivity.

Complete List of Airlines

1. Based Low-Cost: easyJet, Ryanair.
2. Leisure/Charter: Jet2.com, TUI Airways, SunExpress.
3. UK/Regional: British Airways, Loganair, Aer Lingus Regional (Emerald).
4. US/Canada: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic (Seasonal), Air Canada, WestJet.
5. Middle East: Qatar Airways, Emirates.
6. European Flag Carriers: Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Finnair, SAS, Swiss, Eurowings, Iberia Express, Norwegian.
7. Others: Wizz Air, Aegean Airlines, Vueling, Transavia.

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What Parking Options Are Available at EDI Airport?

Edinburgh Airport provides 6 official on-site parking products, all of which are Park Mark® certified.

Park And Walk

Located within the airport boundary, requiring no bus transfer.

• Multi-Storey Car Park: The premium option. Connected to the terminal via a covered bridge. Includes "FastTrack" security passes for all passengers in the car.
• Terminal Surface: An open-air car park located adjacent to the Multi-Storey. A 2-3 minute walk to check-in.
• Mid Stay: A slightly cheaper option. A 8-10 minute walk to the terminal.

Park And Ride

Budget-friendly options located on the perimeter.

• Long Stay: The most popular holiday parking. Requires a 5-minute bus transfer (buses run every 10 mins).
• Plane Parking: The budget choice. Located further out, often cheaper for 2-week stays. Requires a bus transfer.

Meet And Greet

• FastPark: A digital valet service. You park in a ferry lane near the terminal, scan your barcode, drop your keys in a secure locker, and walk to the terminal. Staff park your car for you.
• Valet Parking: Traditional meet and greet service for ultimate convenience.

SaveOnPark Exclusive: We at SaveOnPark provide the best Edinburgh Airport parking deals. Official turn-up prices at EDI can be extremely high—often exceeding £50 per day in the Multi-Storey. By using our comparison tool to book in advance, you can save up to 60% on Long Stay and Plane Parking products. We also offer trusted off-site alternatives like Secure Airparks, which can be even cheaper than official options. Secure your space today for peace of mind.

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What Facilities Does EDI Airport Provide?

Edinburgh Airport offers a capital city experience with high-end retail and extensive dining.

Shopping

• World Duty Free: A massive walkthrough store after security offering tax-free whisky (including exclusive single malts), gin, cosmetics, and sunglasses.
• Scottish Essentials: The Tartan Weaving Mill and Edinburgh Gift Emporium for souvenirs.
• Fashion: BOSS, JD Sports, FatFace, Accessorize, Sunglass Hut.
• Travel: InMotion (electronics), Boots (pharmacy), WHSmith.

Bar & Restaurants

• The Sir Walter Scott (Wetherspoon): The airport's busiest pub, offering affordable meals and pints. Located near Gate 10.
• BrewDog: Serves craft beers and burgers in a modern setting.
• All Bar One: A stylish bar for cocktails and brunch.
• Fever-Tree: A premium gin and tonic bar located in the departure lounge.
• Quick Bites: Pret A Manger, Burger King, PizzaExpress, Barburrito, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Caffe Nero.

Lounges

• Plaza Premium (Turkish Airlines Lounge): Located near Gate 13. Features an Edinburgh Gin bar and runway views. Accessible to all passengers for a fee.
• Aspire Lounge: Located near Gate 16. Offers work booths and family areas.
• Escape Lounge: Located near Gate 4.
• British Airways Lounge: Exclusive for BA Club Europe/status passengers, located near Gate 4.

Hotels

• Hampton by Hilton: The only hotel located on-site within walking distance (5 mins) of the terminal.
• DoubleTree by Hilton: Located on the airport perimeter (shuttle required).
• Moxy Edinburgh Airport: A trendy hotel located near the Long Stay car park.
• Holiday Inn Express: Located nearby on the A8.

Special Assistance

• Assistance Services: Provided by a dedicated team. Assistance points are located in the Long Stay car park, Multi-Storey, and Tram stop.
• Hidden Disabilities: EDI was one of the first airports to pioneer the Sunflower Lanyard scheme.

Airport Security (2L Rule)

• Next Generation Scanners: Edinburgh Airport has fully installed C3 scanners. As of 2026, passengers can keep liquids up to 2 Litres and large electronics (laptops) inside their hand luggage.
• Note: Always check the rules for your return airport, as they may still be on the old 100ml system.

FastTrack Security

• Service: A dedicated lane to bypass the main security queue.
• Cost: Pre-book online from £7.00 per person. (Free with Multi-Storey parking bookings).

Passport Control

• eGates: There are 10+ eGates available for passengers aged 10+ with biometric passports from the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.

EV Charging

• Location: There are 40+ EV charging points located in the Terminal Surface and FastPark car parks.
• Speed: A mix of slow (7kW) and fast chargers. Note that you must pay for parking while charging.

Twilight Bag Drop

• Service: Drop your hold luggage the evening before your flight (typically 16:00 - 21:00) to skip check-in on the morning of travel.
• Airlines: Available for easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2.com, and British Airways passengers with flights departing before 08:00 or 09:00 the next day.
• Parking: You get 1 hour free parking in the Multi-Storey car park to perform the Twilight Bag Drop.

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