Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport general information

If you're flying from Edinburgh Airport, we've collected the essential 'must-know' information you'll need to ensure your trip gets off to the perfect stress-free start.

Edinburgh Airport parking

If you're driving yourself and need somewhere to leave the car, it's worth comparing options in advance - prices for Edinburgh Airport parking can rise significantly closer to your travel date, so booking early is generally the cheapest route.

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All about Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland's busiest airport and the sixth busiest in the UK, welcoming over 14 million passengers a year. It sits around 6 miles west of Edinburgh city centre, just off the A8, and operates from a single terminal - which makes finding your way around considerably simpler than at larger, multi-terminal airports.

From EDI, airlines fly to more than 150 destinations across the UK, Europe, North America and the Middle East, making it a key hub for both leisure travellers heading off on holiday and business travellers connecting onward.

Getting There

By road: The airport is well connected to Scotland's motorway network, with routes in from:

• The M8 (from Glasgow)
• The M9 (from Stirling)
• The M90, via the Queensferry Crossing (from Fife and the north)
• The A8 Glasgow Road (from Edinburgh city centre)

If you're driving yourself and need somewhere to leave the car, it's worth comparing options in advance - prices for Edinburgh Airport parking can rise significantly closer to your travel date, so booking early is generally the cheapest route.

By tram: Edinburgh Trams run directly between the airport and the city centre, taking around 30 minutes. It's a straightforward, traffic-free way to reach the terminal if you're staying in Edinburgh itself.

By bus: The Airlink 100 express bus service connects the airport to the city centre, alongside a range of regional routes serving towns and cities further afield across Scotland.

By taxi or private transfer: Taxi ranks and private transfer pick-up points are located at the terminal for door-to-door journeys.

Airport Map

Because Edinburgh Airport has just one terminal, orientation is fairly simple - but a quick look at the map before you travel can still save time, particularly during busy periods. Landside and airside maps show the layout of:

• Check-in desks and bag drop
• Security screening areas
• Departure gates
• Shops, cafés and restaurants
• Toilets and baby changing facilities
• Airport lounges
• Baggage reclaim (for arrivals)

Checking terminal maps before travelling can help reduce stress and improve airport navigation. Find a detailed Landside map here and an Airside map here. 

Check-in information

Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before departure.

General check-in guidance includes:

Domestic flights

Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.

European and international flights

Arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure.

Long-haul and special security flights

Some airlines may require earlier check-in times depending on destination and security procedures.

Passengers should always confirm check-in times directly with their airline before travelling.

Mobile check-in information

Online and mobile check-in: Most airlines flying from Edinburgh offer online or mobile check-in, typically opening 24-48 hours before departure. This usually means a faster route through the airport, a digital boarding pass, and in some cases the ability to select your seat in advance. Airlines including easyJet and Ryanair generally require passengers to check in online before arriving at the airport, so it's worth checking your airline's policy ahead of time.

Destinations

Edinburgh Airport's route network covers a broad mix of short city breaks, family holidays and long-haul connections. Regularly served destinations include:

• UK: London Heathrow, London Gatwick
• Europe: Amsterdam, Dublin, Paris, Madrid, Malaga, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca
• Long-haul: New York, Dubai, and other seasonal long-haul routes
• Winter sun and holiday favourites: Tenerife and other Canary Islands routes

Route availability can vary by season, so it's worth checking directly with your airline for the latest schedule.

Disabled Passenger Details

Passengers with reduced mobility, hidden disabilities or other additional needs can access a range of support at Edinburgh Airport, including mobility assistance, accessible security lanes, help navigating the terminal, and boarding assistance. The airport also runs a hidden disabilities scheme covering conditions such as autism, designed to make the experience more comfortable for passengers who may need extra time or support.

If you think you'll need assistance, it's best to contact your airline or travel provider at least 48 hours before departure to arrange this in advance. Full details of assistance available for disabled passengers can be found here.

Find details of how Edinburgh Airport helps passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism here.

Fast-Track security lane

Edinburgh Airport offers FastTRACK security services for passengers wanting quicker access through airport security.

Benefits may include:

• Reduced waiting times
• Dedicated security lanes
• Faster access to departure lounges and gates

Fast-track security can usually be booked online in advance, although prices and availability may vary.

Pushchairs and Child Seats

Passengers travelling with children can usually bring pushchairs, strollers and child car seats to Edinburgh Airport as part of their airline baggage allowance, although policies may vary by airline.

• Family Assisted Lanes at security give extra space for pushchairs and luggage, along with more time to sort liquids, baby food and other items before screening.
• Pushchairs and child car seats can generally be brought right up to the boarding gate or checked in free of charge, though policies vary between airlines - it's worth confirming this when you book.
• Soft play areas in the departure lounge give younger children somewhere to burn off energy before the flight.
• Baby changing facilities are available both before and after security, as well as in the arrivals area.

Family Assisted Lanes

Edinburgh Airport offers Family Assisted Lanes at security to help make the airport experience easier for passengers travelling with young children.

These dedicated lanes are designed to provide:

• Extra space for pushchairs and family luggage
• Additional assistance during security screening
• A less stressful experience for families
• More time to prepare liquids, baby food and travel items

Family lanes can be especially useful during busy holiday periods and are available to passengers travelling with infants and young children.

Shopping

Edinburgh Airport's terminal has a broad range of food and retail options both before and after security, from grab-and-go coffee and fast food through to sit-down restaurants and bars. Duty-free, fashion, Scottish gifts and travel essentials are all available if you need to pick something up before you fly.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal (typically free for the first two hours), and USB and plug socket charging points are dotted around seating areas and cafés, so keeping your phone charged for a digital boarding pass shouldn't be a problem.

Where to Eat

Edinburgh Airport has a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, bars and grab-and-go food outlets suitable for families, couples, business travellers and groups.

Passengers can choose from:

• Coffee shops
• Fast food outlets
• Sit-down restaurants
• Airport bars
• International cuisine
• Healthy food options

Dining options are available both before and after security. Click here for the full list of restaurants and outlets at Edinburgh Airport

Area for Kids

Edinburgh Airport offers dedicated children’s play areas designed to help families travel more comfortably.

Soft play areas are located within the departure lounge and provide entertainment for younger children before boarding.

Family-friendly restaurants and seating areas are also available throughout the terminal, helping make the airport experience easier for parents travelling with children.

Wi-Fi access

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Edinburgh Airport, allowing passengers to stay connected before their flight.

Wi-Fi access can be used for:

• Browsing the internet
• Streaming entertainment
• Accessing digital boarding passes
• Checking flight updates
• Communicating with friends, family and colleagues

Connection instructions are available throughout the terminal.

WiFi is free for 2 hours at Edinburgh Airport and you will find information on how to connect here.  

Mobile Devices

Charging points for mobile phones, tablets and laptops are available throughout Edinburgh Airport.

Passengers can access:

• USB charging points
• Plug sockets
• Charging stations in cafés and seating areas

Secure charging lockers may also be available in selected terminal locations.

Keeping devices charged before boarding is particularly useful for accessing digital boarding passes and travel documents.

Baby Changing

Baby changing rooms are available throughout Edinburgh Airport both before and after security.

Facilities can typically be found:

• Near check-in areas
• In departure lounges
• Near boarding gates
• In arrivals and baggage reclaim areas

These facilities help families travel more comfortably with infants and young children.

Luggage Trolleys

A few smaller details that can make a real difference to your day:

• Luggage trolleys are available near terminal entrances, car parks, check-in and baggage reclaim - handy if you're travelling with a lot of luggage or family gear.
• Left luggage storage is available for passengers who want to explore Edinburgh before or after a flight, or who have an early hotel check-out.
• Pharmacy services in the terminal cover everything from prescriptions to travel essentials and first aid supplies.
• A quiet prayer and reflection room is open to passengers of all faiths.
• Runway viewing spots can be found in a handful of restaurants and cafés overlooking the airfield - a nice way to pass time if you're travelling with aviation-mad kids (or just enjoy watching planes take off).

Note that public shower facilities aren't widely available at Edinburgh - if this matters to you, it's worth checking directly with your airline or lounge provider.

Luggage Lockers

Edinburgh Airport offers left luggage and baggage storage services for passengers needing temporary luggage storage.

Storage facilities can be useful for:

• Long layovers
• Early hotel check-outs
• Exploring Edinburgh before flights
• Travelling with excess baggage

Short-term and long-term storage options may be available depending on operational requirements.

Left luggage prices here 

Pharmacies

Pharmacy services are available within the airport terminal, offering passengers access to:

• Prescription medication
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Toiletries
• Travel health products
• Baby essentials
• First aid supplies

Pharmacies are particularly useful for passengers needing last-minute travel essentials before departure.

Showers

Public shower facilities are not widely available at Edinburgh Airport.

Passengers travelling in premium cabins or using airport lounges should check directly with their airline or lounge provider to confirm available amenities.

Chapel

Edinburgh Airport provides a quiet prayer and reflection room for passengers of all faiths and denominations.

The facility offers a calm and private space for:

• Prayer
• Reflection
• Meditation
• Quiet time before travel

The prayer room is open to all passengers and visitors.

Viewing Areas

Passengers looking for runway views can enjoy seating areas within selected restaurants and cafés overlooking aircraft movements.

These viewing spots are popular with:

• Families
• Aviation enthusiasts
• Children waiting for flights

They also provide a relaxing environment before boarding.