Edinburgh Airport

XploreScotland
11 Mar 2025

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland's busiest airport, welcoming over 15 million passengers annually. Located in Ingliston, around 7 miles west of the city centre, it is a gateway for domestic, European, and long-haul travel, with flights to more than 150 destinations worldwide. Being Scotland's busiest and the UK's 6th busiest airport.

Excellent tram, bus, and road links make the airport easily accessible and offers modern facilities to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Airport Overview

Address:

Edinburgh Airport

Ingliston

Edinburgh

EH12 9DN

Scotland

Edinburgh Airport officially opened as a commercial airport in 1977. Before becoming a commercial airport, it began life as Turnhouse Aerodrome in 1915, used by the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. It remained an RAF base until the 1940s and saw military use in World War II. In 1977, a new terminal building was opened, marking its formal transition into the modern commercial airport we know today.

Live Flight Information

Live flight tracking is available, including live arrivals and departures.

Terminal Facilities

Edinburgh Airport has a single terminal with a range of services and amenities to make your journey smoother:

  • Shops and Duty Free – From high-street fashion brands to Scottish souvenirs, World Duty Free offers tax-free shopping.
  • Food and Drink – A wide choice of cafés, restaurants, and bars, including quick grab-and-go options and sit-down dining. All Bar One, Burger King, Icon Sports Bar, Starbucks, and the Sir Walter Scott Wetherspoons.
  • Lounges – Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 13) and Aspire Lounge (Gate 16)
  • Wi-Fi and Charging Points – Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, plus charging stations for phones and laptops.
  • Currency Exchange and ATMs – Bureau de change desks and cash machines for last-minute travel money needs.
  • Car Hire Desks – On-site car rental from leading companies such as Enterprise Car Hire and Hertz.
  • Assistance Services – Help points, accessible facilities, and dedicated support for passengers with reduced mobility.

Getting to and from Edinburgh Airport

Tram

Edinburgh Trams run from the airport to the city centre every 7–10 minutes, taking around 35 minutes to Princes Street. Tickets can be bought at tram stops or online, and day tickets are also available. with the Tram route stopping at locations such as Murrayfield Stadium, Haymarket, and Princess Street before terminating at St Andrew Square, a short walk from Edinburgh Castle.

Bus

The Airlink 100 express bus operates between the airport and Edinburgh city centre, stopping at Haymarket and Waverley Bridge, beside Waverley Station. The journey takes around 30 minutes, with tickets available on board, online, or via the Lothian Buses app. This service runs 24 hours a day.

Taxi

Taxis are available from the rank at the east end of the terminal.

By Car

The airport is just off the A8, with quick access to the city bypass (A720) and the M8 motorway, making it easy to reach Glasgow in around an hour. Well-signposted routes lead directly into the terminal area.

Drop-off and Pick-up

The drop-off zone is on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park.

  • Charge: £6 for up to 10 minutes, then £1 per minute thereafter
  • Payment: Card or contactless payments only – the airport is cashless for parking.
  • Accessibility: Blue Badge holders get one hour free (validation required on site)

Parking Options

Edinburgh Airport offers a range of parking options:

  • FastPark: A short walk to the main terminal building.
  • Multi-storey/Terminal: Covered parking next to the terminal building.
  • Mid Stay: It is around a 10-minute walk to the terminal.
  • Long Stay: More budget-friendly options further away
  • Secure Airparks: Transfer service to the terminal, which takes around 5-minutes.

Travel Tip: Advance booking will ensure you get the best deal.

Twilight Bag Drop

Several airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2.com, and British Airways, offer a Twilight Bag Drop service for early morning flights. You can check in your luggage the evening before departure, avoiding queues on the day. Twilight users also get one hour of free parking in a designated area.

Security & Check-In Info

  • Domestic flights: We recommend you arrive at least 2 hours before departure
  • International flights: Allow an extra hour for dropping your luggage off, and arrive at least 3 hours before departure.

Fast Track security options are available. New cutting-edge 3D security scanners have made the airport experience faster. Up to two litres of liquids and electronics are now allowed to remain in your hand luggage.

Large electricals, such as tablets and laptops, can remain in bags, and liquids in containers up to two litres can now be kept inside your hand luggage.

Lounges

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 13): Stylish seating, buffet dining, a bar, showers, and a calm atmosphere.
  • Aspire Lounge (Gate 16): Comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, workspaces, and runway views.

Both lounges are open to all passengers for a fee, regardless of airline or ticket type.

Special Assistance and Lost Property

Passengers requiring assistance should arrange this through their airline in advance. For delayed or missing checked baggage, contact your airline's baggage desk.

Nearby Hotels

Travel Tips

  • Keep liquids and laptops in your bag at security.
  • Pre-book parking and tram/bus tickets for better prices
  • Allow extra time during busy seasons like summer holidays and festival periods
  • Use Twilight Bag Drop for early departures

How to Find Edinburgh Airport

Address: Edinburgh Airport, Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH12 9DN, Scotland

By Car: From Edinburgh city centre, follow the A8 west towards Glasgow. From Glasgow, take the M8 east until it merges with the A8 near the airport.

By Public Transport: Trams and the Airlink 100 bus run directly from the city centre to the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions – Edinburgh Airport

1. What is the new liquid limit at Edinburgh Airport?

Thanks to new security scanners, passengers can carry liquids, gels, and pastes up to 2 litres in their hand luggage. These items no longer need to be removed from your bag at security. (Please check the rules for your returning airport)

2. Do I need to remove my laptop from Edinburgh Airport security?

No, with the upgraded scanning technology, you can leave laptops, tablets, and other electronics inside your bag when going through security.

3. How can I get to Edinburgh Airport by tram?

The Edinburgh Trams service runs directly between the airport and the city centre every 7 minutes during peak times. The journey to Princes Street takes around 35 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online or from the ticket machines at the tram stop.

4. What airlines fly from Edinburgh Airport?

Edinburgh Airport operates flights with major airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and Emirates. Popular destinations include London, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Paris, along with long-haul routes to New York, Toronto, and Doha. Seasonal and holiday routes expand the airport's network further, making it a key leisure and business travel hub.

5. Twilight Bag Drop Service?

Twilight bag drop allows luggage to be checked in the evening before travelling.

6. What is the airport code for Edinburgh Airport?

Edinburgh Airport’s IATA code is EDI.

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