About Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

Edinburgh Airport (IATA: EDI, ICAO: EGPH) is Scotland's busiest airport and the sixth busiest in the United Kingdom. Located in the Ingliston area approximately nine kilometres west of Edinburgh city centre, it handled a record 15.8 million passengers in 2024, representing a ten per cent increase on the previous year, making it the first Scottish airport to surpass 15 million passengers in a calendar year. The airport is owned and operated by Edinburgh Airport Limited, a subsidiary of Global Infrastructure Partners, and is served by 35 airlines flying to over 152 international destinations.

As Scotland's primary international gateway, Edinburgh Airport handles an exceptionally varied passenger mix. It is a focus city for both easyJet and Ryanair, which together account for a large proportion of short-haul European services. British Airways provides connections to London Heathrow and other key hubs, and a growing number of transatlantic carriers operate direct services to North American cities, reflecting Edinburgh's status as a leading global tourism destination. The airport also serves as the main operational base for Loganair, Scotland's regional airline, which connects Edinburgh to the Highlands, Islands and UK regional centres.

The airport's single terminal is compact and navigable by the standards of an airport handling this volume of passengers. It has seen ongoing expansion and investment in recent years, with new lounge openings, retail upgrades and the introduction of a Sainsbury's store forming part of a broader programme to improve the passenger experience. Edinburgh's tram connection to the city centre, in operation since 2014, is among the most effective public transport links of any UK airport outside London.

Information:

The combined airport information and VisitScotland tourist information desk is located next to International Arrivals (tel: +44 131 4733 690).

Website:

http://www.edinburghairport.com

Driving directions:

The airport is directly accessible from the M8 motorway and lies close to the junction with the M9. From Glasgow and the west, the M8 leads directly to the airport approach road. From the east and south, the A8 runs past the airport perimeter. From the north and across the Forth, the M90 and Queensferry Crossing provide direct motorway access. Journeys from Edinburgh city centre by road typically take 20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic, but can extend significantly during the morning rush hour on the A8. A paid drop-off zone and short-term car parks are available for passenger set-down and collection.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus and Coach

Airlink 100, operated by Lothian Buses, is an express bus service running 24 hours a day, seven days a week between the airport and Edinburgh city centre via Waverley Bridge, near Edinburgh Waverley railway station. The journey takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes and services run every ten minutes. Tickets are available from the driver, via the Lothian Buses app, or at machines in the terminal. The Airlink 100 is particularly useful for passengers connecting onward to the rail network at Waverley or to the wider city bus network. Skylink services 200 and 400 connect the airport to other parts of the city including Leith and Livingston.

Scottish Citylink operates intercity coach services from the airport to Glasgow, Stirling, Oban and other Scottish destinations, providing direct connections without the need to transfer in the city centre. Ember provides services to Inverness, Dundee, Fort William and Fife. National Express and other operators provide connections to destinations across the UK. A dedicated coach park handles these intercity services, clearly signposted from the terminal.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing

Official taxis are available from the East Terminus rank, a short walk from the arrivals area. A metered taxi to Edinburgh city centre takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes and costs in the region of £25 to £35. Pre-booked taxis and private hire vehicles can be arranged through numerous local operators. Uber and Bolt also operate in Edinburgh and can be booked via their apps, with collection from the designated ride-hailing pick-up point. For passengers travelling with substantial luggage or in groups, a taxi often represents a more straightforward option than public transport.

Public transport rail:

Tram

The Edinburgh Trams line provides the most direct and reliable public transport connection between the airport and the city. Trams run directly from the terminal stop, located inside the terminal building adjacent to check-in, to York Place in the city centre with intermediate stops including Gogarburn, Edinburgh Gateway, Ingliston Park and Ride, Murrayfield, Balgreen, Haymarket and the West End. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Services run every seven to ten minutes from around 06:25 until 22:48, seven days a week. Single tickets can be purchased from machines on the platform or via the app, and a return ticket offers better value for same-day travel. The tram provides a seamless connection to Edinburgh Gateway railway station, where passengers can transfer to ScotRail services towards Fife and the north.

Terminal facilities

Money:

Currency exchange is available at the Travelex desk in the terminal. The airport also offers a click-and-collect travel money service through its website, allowing passengers to pre-order currency at more favourable rates than the walk-up airport exchange rate. ATMs are available both landside and airside. More than fifty currencies are available for pre-order.

Food:

Airside dining options are extensive for an airport of this size. All Bar One operates two locations in the departure lounge, serving full meals from breakfast through to evening, with a broad drinks menu and multiple screens showing live sport. Barburrito provides Mexican street food. Pret a Manger operates both airside and landside. A BrewDog bar serves craft beers and Scottish-influenced food near the eastern gates. Coffee options include Costa, Caffè Nero and independent outlets. Breakfast is available from early morning, with most outlets opening before 05:00 to serve early-departing passengers. Landside, a Bridge & Castle bar and restaurant and Black Sheep Coffee serve passengers and meeters and greeters before security.

Shopping:

The airside departure concourse has a well-developed retail offering. World Duty Free is the principal duty-free operator, covering spirits, fragrance, cosmetics, confectionery and tobacco. Other airside retailers include WHSmith, a Sunglasses Hut and several travel-focused fashion and accessories outlets. A Boots pharmacy and travel essentials shop is located airside. Landside, a Sainsbury's store was introduced as part of recent terminal improvements, alongside Caffè Nero, Pret and other outlets for those meeting or seeing off passengers.

Luggage:

Luggage storage is provided by Luggage-Point, which also offers bag wrapping, dry cleaning and a lost property handling service. The left luggage facility can be used by both departing and arriving passengers. The service can be found in the main terminal area.

Other:

Lounges

Edinburgh Airport has four passenger lounges in its airside departure area, making it one of the better-served regional airports in the UK for pre-flight lounge options.

The Aspire Lounge near Gate 16 is open to all passengers regardless of airline or ticket class, accessed through day-pass purchase, Priority Pass, DragonPass or select credit card programmes. The lounge offers complimentary food and drink, Wi-Fi, flight screens and a mix of seating arrangements including family booths and quiet work areas. It has panoramic views over the runway and the Edinburgh hills. Open from approximately 04:00 daily.

The Escape Lounge, located near Gate 4, opened in June 2025 in the space formerly occupied by the Aspire Gate 4 lounge. Operated by Escape Lounges (Manchester Airport Group), it offers a locally inspired food and drink menu prepared by in-house chefs, comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. It is open to all passengers via day-pass or lounge membership programmes including Priority Pass and DragonPass. Open 04:00 to 22:00 (with slightly shorter Saturday hours).

The Turkish Airlines Lounge by Plaza Premium, located on Level 2 near Gate 16, opened in 2022 and was rebranded as a Turkish Airlines lounge in December 2025. It is Turkish Airlines' first branded lounge in Europe. The 673-square-metre facility accommodates up to 149 guests and features a dining area with halal-certified food, a signature bar, prayer rooms, baby care room and large windows with runway views. It is accessible to Turkish Airlines business class passengers, Miles&Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members, Star Alliance Gold members, Priority Pass and DragonPass holders, and American Express Platinum cardholders, subject to availability. Open 04:00 to 22:00 daily.

The British Airways Lounge, located near Gate 4, is available to British Airways first and business class passengers and eligible Executive Club members. Opening times and eligibility details should be confirmed with British Airways directly.

Other facilities

at Edinburgh Airport include baby care areas and a prayer room.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

British Airways has an executive lounge equipped with telephone, fax and internet facilities. The Hilton Edinburgh Airport Hotel (tel: +44 131 519 4400; www3.hilton.com) has conference facilities for up to 300 delegates, while the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport (tel: +44 131 333 4331; www.edinburghairporthotel.co.uk) can accommodate functions for up to 12 people.

Communication Facilities:

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, both landside and airside. Connection is via the airport's Wi-Fi portal and is available without time limitation. Wi-Fi quality in the departure lounge area is generally adequate for video calls and streaming.

Disabled facilities:

Edinburgh Airport provides comprehensive accessibility services. Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance or support through the terminal should notify their airline at least 48 hours before travel. Assistance is available from the terminal entrance through to the aircraft, including support through security and passport control. Accessible toilets, hearing loops, visual impairment support and family services are provided throughout the building. The Edinburgh Trams service is fully accessible with low floors and dedicated wheelchair spaces.

Car parking:

Edinburgh Airport offers several parking zones to suit different journey lengths. The Multi-Storey car park is the closest to the terminal and is connected to the departure level by covered walkway, making it highly convenient for passengers who prefer to minimise outdoor walking with luggage. Short-stay parking adjacent to the terminal is priced for brief visits of a few hours. Long-stay parking provides lower daily rates and requires a short shuttle transfer. A FastTrack parking product combines a close parking space with automatic inclusion of priority security access for the booking party.

Pre-booking online at least a few days in advance typically reduces the cost significantly compared to turning up on the day. During peak periods, including August when the city is at its busiest due to the International Festival and Fringe, capacity in all car parks can be limited and advance booking is especially important.

Car rental:

Car hire desks from all major brands including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Budget and Sixt are located in the arrivals area. Vehicles are available across the full range of categories from compact city cars to MPVs and 4x4s. Pre-booking online is recommended to secure the best rates and availability. The airport's M8/M9 motorway access makes it a natural starting point for road trips into the Highlands, to the west coast or along the east coast to St Andrews and beyond.