Edinburgh Airport
Scotland's busiest airport, offering efficient transport links to the city and a streamlined travel experience with recent security upgrades.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the rush
Edinburgh Airport
Best Time
Beat the rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scotland's busiest airport, offering efficient transport links to the city and a streamlined travel experience with recent security upgrades.
"Arriving at Edinburgh Airport was a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish."
✈️ Pre-book FastTRACK Security
Save time and avoid long queues by booking FastTRACK security online before your flight.
☕ Cafe Seating Hack
Limited seating? Grab a coffee at a cafe like Black Sheep Coffee for a guaranteed seat and a view.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Airlink 100 Express Bus
Ground floor
Quick and affordable transfer to the city center, running frequently.
Edinburgh Tram
Ground floor
A scenic and convenient 30-35 minute journey to the heart of Edinburgh.
FastTRACK Security
Security area
Minimize queuing time with this pre-booked service for a smoother security experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Edinburgh Airport: Key Tips
Comfort and Convenience at EDI
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✈️ Pre-book FastTRACK Security
Save time and avoid long queues by booking FastTRACK security online before your flight.
☕ Cafe Seating Hack
Limited seating? Grab a coffee at a cafe like Black Sheep Coffee for a guaranteed seat and a view.
☔ Prepare for Scottish Weather
The walk from transport to the terminal isn't fully sheltered. Bring an umbrella or waterproofs!
📱 Free Wi-Fi Available
Stay connected throughout the terminal with complimentary Wi-Fi.
Tips
from all over the internet
✈️ Pre-book FastTRACK Security
Save time and avoid long queues by booking FastTRACK security online before your flight.
☕ Cafe Seating Hack
Limited seating? Grab a coffee at a cafe like Black Sheep Coffee for a guaranteed seat and a view.
☔ Prepare for Scottish Weather
The walk from transport to the terminal isn't fully sheltered. Bring an umbrella or waterproofs!
📱 Free Wi-Fi Available
Stay connected throughout the terminal with complimentary Wi-Fi.
🧳 Liquids Rule Update
Edinburgh Airport is the first in Scotland to lift the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage (up to 2 liters).
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Edinburgh Airport is generally seen as a functional and well-connected gateway to Scotland, praised for its efficient staff and recent improvements like the lifted liquid restrictions. However, it can get crowded, with a notable lack of seating before security, and some find the shopping options limited. Despite these drawbacks, its excellent public transport links and helpful staff make for a smooth travel experience.
"Edinburgh Airport (EDI) Located about 6 miles west of the city center in Ingliston, the airport offers a single terminal with two piers and around 29 departure gates. Here's what you can expect:
- Airlines and Destinations: Over 35 airlines operate from Edinburgh Airport, flying to more than 152 international destinations.
- Terminal Facilities:
- Shopping and Dining: You'll find a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, including World Duty Free, All Bar One, Pret, and BrewDog.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal.
- Family-Friendly Facilities: Baby-changing rooms, family lanes, and a prayer room.
- Transportation:
- Tram: A 30-35 minute journey to the city center, with frequent services every 10 minutes.
- Bus: The Airlink 100 Express Bus takes around 25-30 minutes to reach the city center.
- Taxi: A 20-30 minute journey, depending on traffic, with licensed taxi meter fares typically ranging from £25-40.
- Car Hire and Parking: Various options, including FastPark, Terminal, Mid/Long-stay, and Blue badge parking, with electric vehicle charging points.
- Airport Layout:
- Check-in: Located on the ground floor, with self-service bag drop facilities.
- Security: FastTRACK service available to minimize queuing time.
- Gates: Split between the main pier (Gates 1-12) and south-east pier (Gates 13-23).
Edinburgh Airport is well-connected to the city center and surrounding areas, making it a convenient gateway to Scotland ¹."
Janny Lin
"Arriving at Edinburgh Airport was a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish. The airport felt modern, spacious, and well-organized, making check-in and security quick and hassle-free. The friendly staff added to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring everything ran efficiently.
I especially appreciated the range of shops, cafés, and dining options, which made waiting for my flight comfortable and convenient. Clear signage and easy connections to transport links made getting to the city effortless. Edinburgh Airport turned what could have been a stressful travel day into a pleasant and seamless experience."
Mohsin Raza
"For an international airport, it is somewhat small with only a single concourse. Customs is an absolute breeze here, moving people through at a good pace.
Excellent signage throughout, easy to navigate, and not very large. Excellent access to public transportation (bus, tram) and a well organized taxi rank.
Some options for eating and coffee as well as a few convenience stores for smaller things (snacks, drinks, forgotten tech cables)."
Angelo Serra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You have several convenient options! The Airlink 100 Express Bus is a popular choice, taking about 25-30 minutes to reach the city center. The Edinburgh Tram offers a slightly longer but scenic journey of 30-35 minutes. Taxis and Uber are also available, typically taking 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, with fares ranging from £25-£40.
Both are excellent! The Airlink 100 bus is often quicker and more direct for city center access. The tram provides a more relaxed, scenic route and connects to various parts of the city. Consider your final destination and preference for speed versus scenery.
Licensed taxi meter fares typically range from £25 to £40 for the 20-30 minute journey to the city center, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, Uber is available at Edinburgh Airport, offering an alternative to traditional taxis for your transfer to the city.
Yes, Edinburgh Airport offers various parking options including FastPark, Terminal, Mid/Long-stay, and Blue Badge parking, with electric vehicle charging points available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not mandatory, booking FastTRACK security in advance is highly recommended to minimize queuing time, especially during busy periods.
Edinburgh Airport operates 24/7 for arrivals and departures, though individual shop and restaurant hours may vary. It's always best to check specific opening times for amenities if you have a very early or late flight.
Great news! Edinburgh Airport has lifted the 100ml rule for liquids in hand luggage. You can now carry liquids of up to two liters, and they don't need to be removed from your bags during security.
There is no direct charge for passengers simply entering or transiting through Edinburgh Airport. Charges apply for services like parking and FastTRACK security.
Yes, Edinburgh Airport is equipped to assist passengers with mobility needs. While your mother may prefer not to use a wheelchair, you can arrange for assistance to help navigate the airport more comfortably. It's advisable to contact the airport or your airline in advance to discuss specific needs.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a decent selection including World Duty Free, All Bar One, Pret, and BrewDog, along with other cafes and convenience stores for snacks and essentials.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected during your time at the airport.
Absolutely! The airport offers baby-changing rooms, family lanes for security, and a prayer room, making it more comfortable for families traveling with young children.
Seating can be quite limited, especially before security, leading to passengers sitting on the floor during busy times. Consider patronizing a cafe for guaranteed seating.
The airport is generally well-signed and not overly large, making it relatively easy to navigate. It has a single terminal with two piers.
📸 📸 Photography
Plane spotting is popular at Edinburgh Airport, with many enthusiasts capturing landings and takeoffs. Look for good vantage points around the perimeter or specific viewing areas if available. 
The airport offers opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, with planes against the Scottish sky. The views from the window seats can also be spectacular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Getting to and from the city is also straightforward with the Airlink 100 bus or the tram, both offering accessible and relatively quick journeys for families. Remember to check the latest updates on liquid allowances for hand luggage, as Edinburgh Airport has recently lifted the 100ml rule, making it easier to carry essentials for children.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget-Conscious
While there are dining options, they can be pricey. Packing snacks or utilizing convenience stores for essentials can help save money. If you find yourself with a long wait and need a seat, the tip of grabbing a coffee at a cafe is a cost-effective way to secure a comfortable spot and avoid sitting on the floor.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
+3 You can capture impressive shots of landings and takeoffs, often with scenic Scottish backdrops. +2Content creators frequently share videos of diverse aircraft, from Boeing 737s to Airbus A350s, highlighting the airport's active aviation scene. It's a great place to observe air traffic and enjoy the buzz of a busy international airport.
+3Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to the City: Bus vs. Tram
The Edinburgh Tram offers a slightly longer journey, around 30-35 minutes, but provides a more scenic route and connects to various stops across the city, including Princes Street and St Andrew Square. The tram stop is conveniently located just outside the terminal building. Both options are reliable and affordable ways to start your Edinburgh adventure.
For those prioritizing speed and directness to the city center, the Airlink 100 bus is a strong contender. If you prefer a more relaxed journey with potential for city exploration along the tram line, the tram is an excellent choice. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available but will be more expensive.
Navigating Security and Comfort
For an even quicker passage, consider pre-booking FastTRACK security, which allows you to bypass the standard queues. However, travelers should be aware that seating can be a challenge, particularly in the pre-security areas. During peak times, you might find passengers occupying floor space. A practical tip from frequent travelers is to patronize a cafe if you need a guaranteed seat, turning a potential discomfort into a brief respite with a coffee.
Additionally, be prepared for the classic Scottish weather. The walk from the bus or tram stops to the terminal is not fully sheltered, so having an umbrella or waterproof jacket handy is a wise precaution.
Aviation Enthusiast's View
+3Content creators often share videos of impressive landings and takeoffs, showcasing everything from commercial airliners like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A350 to smaller aircraft. The airport's location and the often dramatic Scottish skies can provide a beautiful backdrop for these shots.
+2Whether you're an experienced avgeek or just enjoy watching planes, EDI provides a good setting. Keep an eye on social media for specific flight movements or popular aircraft types that might be visiting, and always be mindful of airport regulations and safety when pursuing your photography interests.
+3
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