Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to Scotland, where your journey begins with an atmosphere of hospitality and comfort. As the country's busiest airport, it remarkably combines the dynamics of a modern international hub with the cosiness inherent to this region. From here, the path opens to majestic castles and picturesque highlands, while the airport's famous control tower has long become one of the recognizable symbols of the city, welcoming millions of guests annually.

Airport Features and Benefits:

• Excellent Transport Accessibility: The airport is connected to the city centre by a high-speed tram line (Edinburgh Trams) and 24-hour Airlink 100 express buses. The journey to the main thoroughfare, Princes Street, takes about 30 minutes, making the trip quick and tireless.
• National Flavour: Inside the terminal, guests are greeted by a wide selection of shops featuring truly Scottish goods. Here you can purchase exclusive local specialties, high-quality cashmere products, and traditional souvenirs to take a piece of Scotland home with you.
• Thoughtful Navigation and Service: Despite high passenger traffic, the compact terminal is distinguished by an intuitive layout. For a comfortable wait for your flight, cosy lounge zones and various cafes are provided where you can taste local cuisine before departure.

• Official Website: On the official portal www.edinburghairport.com, you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call +44 (0)131 322 5222. Please note that call charges may vary depending on your operator.
• Address: Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh, EH12 9DN, Scotland, United Kingdom.
• Email: Edinburgh Airport does not provide a single email address for general queries. It is recommended to use the dedicated contact forms in the "Contact Us" section on the official website to reach the relevant department.
• Social Media: Follow updates and ask questions on the airport's official pages on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage is lost by the airline, you should immediately contact your carrier's representative. If you left personal belongings within the terminal building, contact the Lost Property service, details of which can be found on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To request special assistance (for example, for passengers with reduced mobility), it is necessary to contact your airline in advance, at least 48 hours before departure.

Edinburgh Airport (EDI), the main international airport of the Scottish capital, is conveniently located just 12 kilometres west of the centre of Edinburgh. Thanks to a well-developed transport network, travellers can easily choose the optimal way to reach the terminal based on budget, time, and personal preferences when planning a trip to the United Kingdom.

Public Transport is the most popular and economical option. Passengers have access to two convenient methods:

• Airlink 100 Express Bus: A dedicated shuttle that operates around the clock between the airport and the city centre (Waverley Bridge). During the day, the frequency is every 10–15 minutes, and the travel time is about 30 minutes. This offers an excellent balance of speed and cost.
• Tram: A modern and comfortable way to reach the airport, bypassing city traffic. Trams run from the York Place stop via the central Princes Street directly to the terminal. The journey takes on average 35–40 minutes and is particularly convenient for those staying near the tram line.

Taxis and Private Transfers offer the maximum level of comfort, which is especially relevant for travellers with children or a large amount of luggage. Official black cabs are always waiting for passengers at the terminal exit. The trip to the city centre takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can also use mobile apps to order a car or book a transfer in advance to fix the price.

Car Rental and Parking is an excellent choice for those who prefer independence and plan to explore the surroundings of Edinburgh. Offices of all leading global and local rental companies are located at the airport. For those arriving in their own or rented car, various parking options are provided: from short-term parking located right by the terminal to more affordable long-term parking, from which free shuttles run regularly to the airport building. It is recommended to book a parking space online in advance to get the most favourable rate.

The choice of how to get to the airport depends on your priorities: the Airlink 100 bus is the golden mean, the tram guarantees a traffic-free journey, and a taxi ensures the fastest "door-to-door" service. When planning a trip around Scotland, keep in mind that there are other airports nearby, such as the major Glasgow Airport or the regional Dundee Airport, which might prove more convenient for your route.

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) has a simple and convenient structure, making navigation quite easy for travellers. A key feature of the airport is that it consists of a single, unified passenger terminal that serves all flights — both domestic and international.

The terminal layout is logically divided by levels:

• Ground Floor: This is the arrival and check-in area. Located here are the check-in desks of most airlines, baggage drop-off points, as well as the arrival hall with baggage reclaim belts. From here, there are exits to bus stops, trams, taxis, and car parks.
• First Floor: This is the departure area. Ascending by escalator or lift from the ground floor, passengers enter the security screening zone. Immediately after passing control, you will find yourself in a spacious departure lounge with numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, and boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, passengers do not require internal trains or buses to move between different parts of the airport. All gates are within walking distance of the main departure area. Navigation is intuitive thanks to clear signage in English. Departure zones are divided into gates for flights within the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as for international destinations.

Regarding the time needed to complete procedures, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance. For domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5-3 hours. During peak periods, such as summer months or during the Edinburgh Festival, queues for check-in and security may be longer, so it is worth allowing extra time.

The history of Edinburgh Airport is a journey from a modest military airfield to Scotland's busiest transport hub. Its story began in 1916, when Turnhouse Aerodrome was founded. Initially, it served as a key base for the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, defending the skies over Scotland.

After the Second World War, the airfield began to gradually transition to civilian use. The first commercial passenger flights were launched in 1947, marking a new era for Turnhouse. However, the real breakthrough occurred in the 1970s. In 1971, airport management was transferred to the British Airports Authority (BAA), and a decision was made for radical modernisation. By 1977, a new runway and a modern terminal located to the south of the original airfield were built. This step allowed for the accommodation of larger aircraft and a significant increase in passenger traffic.

In the following decades, Edinburgh Airport continued to develop actively. In 1987, it was privatised along with other BAA airports. An important milestone was the construction of a new control tower in 2005. This 57-metre structure with a unique design became not only an important functional object but also an architectural symbol of the airport. By this time, the airport had firmly established its status as the busiest in Scotland, overtaking Glasgow.

Since 2012, the airport has been managed by Global Infrastructure Partners, giving new impetus to expansion and modernisation. Work has been carried out to increase the terminal area, create new boarding gates, and improve infrastructure for passengers. Interesting fact: the old terminal from the Second World War era still exists and is used for cargo transport and general aviation, serving as a reminder of the rich past of this important transport centre.

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Here, everyone will find something for themselves, whether a gourmet, a shopper, or a business traveller.

For those wishing to have a snack or go shopping, the terminal features numerous restaurants, cafes, and dining venues to suit any taste — from fast food outlets to restaurants serving Scottish cuisine. Shops offer a wide assortment of goods: from souvenirs and local delicacies to products from famous global brands in the Duty Free zone. This is a great opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or treat yourself.

Passengers who value comfort and privacy can use the services of business lounges. They provide all conditions for quiet rest or work: comfortable seating, complimentary beverages and snacks, fresh press, and high-speed internet. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous gadget charging stations will allow you to always stay connected.

Financial matters can be easily resolved right at the airport. Located here are ATMs and currency exchange points where you can withdraw cash or exchange money. In case of necessity, passengers can seek medical assistance at a dedicated point.

For travellers with children, mother and child rooms and play areas are provided where young passengers can have a fun time before the flight. The airport is also fully equipped to serve passengers with disabilities: special assistance is provided for moving through the terminal and boarding, and there are adapted restrooms and lifts.

If you have an early departure or late arrival, you can stay at one of the hotels located in close proximity to the terminal. For business people who need to hold a meeting or work in a quiet environment, the airport offers conference room rentals and fully equipped business centres.

At Edinburgh Airport (EDI), travellers will find numerous options for a snack or a full meal, catering to different tastes and budgets. Most establishments are located in the departure area after passing security control (airside), but there are also a few cafes in the public area (landside).

Before Security (Landside)

In this zone, the selection is not as vast but quite sufficient for those seeing someone off or arriving at the airport early. Here you can find popular coffee shops such as Costa Coffee and Starbucks, where it is convenient to have coffee with fresh pastries. This is an excellent option to pass the time while waiting for flight check-in or immediately upon arrival.

After Security (Airside)

The main variety of gastronomic establishments awaits passengers in the departure zone. Options can generally be divided into two categories:

• Quick Bites: If you are short on time, pay attention to chains like Pret A Manger, offering fresh sandwiches, salads, and soups, or visit Marks & Spencer Simply Food, where you can buy quality ready-made meals and snacks. There is always a good selection here for vegetarians and vegans. Establishments like Krispy Kreme will delight those with a sweet tooth.
• Full Lunch or Dinner: For a leisurely meal, the various dining venues and restaurants are ideal. For example, at BrewDog or The Sir Walter Scott (Wetherspoons), you can not only enjoy refreshing beverages but also try classic dishes of the United Kingdom, such as fish and chips. Some establishments offer a modern interpretation of Scottish cuisine — a great chance to taste haggis in a more familiar format. For a more refined dinner, you can visit All Bar One, serving international cuisine and a variety of mixed drinks.

Special Diets and Prices

Most cafes and restaurants at Edinburgh Airport offer options for passengers with special dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes are usually clearly marked on the menu. Regarding prices, they are generally higher than in the city. Expect to pay around £8-£15 for a quick snack with a drink and from £20-£30 for a main course with a drink in a restaurant. Most establishments operate from the first to the last flight, opening around 4:00 and closing after 21:00.

To ensure your journey through Edinburgh Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. Planning is the key to a calm start or end to your trip to the United Kingdom.

Arrival Time and Check-in. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time for all procedures without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in and print or save your boarding pass to your phone in advance. If you are travelling with hand luggage only, this will allow you to head straight to security.

Passing Security Control. Be prepared in advance: pack all liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag, and place laptops and other large electronics in a separate tray. This is a standard procedure, but preliminary preparation significantly speeds up the process. During peak hours, queues can be longer, so do not leave passing control to the last moment.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Always check your airline's hand luggage allowance, as rules may differ. Standard prohibitions apply to sharp objects and flammable substances. As for seat selection on the plane: choose a window seat for views, or an aisle seat if you value freedom of movement. Seats in the front of the cabin will allow you to disembark faster upon arrival.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. If you have a connecting flight in Edinburgh, follow the "Flight Connections" signs. The airport is quite compact, and transferring usually does not cause difficulties. Upon arrival from outside the UK, you will have to pass customs control. If you have nothing to declare, feel free to use the "Green Channel". Familiarise yourself with import regulations in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

How to Save Money. To save on parking or transfers, book them online several weeks before your trip. Take an empty reusable water bottle with you — after passing security, you can fill it at special fountains for free. Free Wi-Fi is also available at the airport.

In Case of Flight Delay. First of all, contact your airline representative for the most current information. Depending on the length of the delay and its cause, you may be entitled to drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and documents. Use the free time to relax in one of the cafes or for shopping in the Duty Free stores.