A Traveller’s Guide to Edinburgh AirportEdinburgh Airport, or EDI, serves as a welcoming gateway to Scotland’s capital, offering a modern and efficient experience for travellers.
The passenger experience at EDI, handling over 14 million passengers annually across 150 destinations, is shaped by its single, two-level terminal, serving airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, BA, and Delta Air Lines. The terminal’s airy design, with recent expansions doubling its lounge space, features clear signage and Scottish touches like tartan-themed decor and a replica Spitfire plane near check-in. Its compact size ensures easy navigation, though summer and holiday peaks can make it feel busy.
Accessing the airport from Edinburgh’s city centre, 8 miles away, is straightforward. Airlink 100 buses run 24/7, connecting to St Andrew Square in 30 minutes for £5.50 one-way or £8 return, with departures every 10 minutes during the day. The Edinburgh Tram links the airport to New Town in 35 minutes for £6.50, running every 7 minutes from 6:26 am. to 10:48 pm.
Taxis and rideshares like Uber, available outside the arrivals hall, cost £20-£25 for a 20-minute ride. Car rental agencies, including Avis and Sixt, are in a dedicated centre 5 minutes from the terminal via covered walkway. Parking options include a multi-storey car park at £7 per hour and Long Stay lots at £35 per week, bookable online.
The airport’s layout features a single terminal with departures on the first floor, housing 40 check-in desks and 18 gates, and arrivals on the ground floor with baggage claim and customs. The departure lounge splits into domestic and international zones, with gates 1-11 for European flights and gates 12-23 for long-haul routes. Recent upgrades, including a new security hall opened in 2024, streamline screening, but bus transfers to remote stands can add time. Ongoing construction for solar panels may cause minor disruptions.
Delays can occur during peak summer months or winter weather, with security queues lengthening at the single checkpoint during morning rushes. Baggage claim for international flights may take 30-45 minutes, and gate changes are common, so checking flight displays or apps like FlightAware is advised. Arriving two hours early for European flights and three for international is recommended, with FastTRACK security available for £7 to speed up screening.
Dining options include The Sir Walter Scott for Scottish dishes like haggis and BrewDog for craft beers, both in the departure lounge, alongside chains like Pret A Manger and Costa Coffee. Most eateries close by 10 pm but vending machines provide 24-hour snacks. Retail features World Duty Free for perfumes and whisky, WHSmith for books, and Scottish shops like The Whisky Experience selling local souvenirs. Click & Collect services offer up to 20% discounts on duty-free items.
Facilities cater to diverse needs, with free Wi-Fi via “Edinburgh Airport Free Wi-Fi” for unlimited use, charging stations throughout, and a prayer room near gate 23. Accessibility services include wheelchair assistance, a Changing Places facility, and Sunflower Lanyard support, bookable 48 hours in advance. The Aspire Lounge and BA Lounge offer relaxation for a fee, with showers and snacks. A children’s play area, currency exchange, and ATMs are available, but no on-site hotels exist, with Holiday Inn Express 5 minutes away by taxi.
On-time performance is generally reliable, supported by a single runway and efficient operations, though fog and strong winds can cause delays. Connections within the single terminal are swift, taking 15-30 minutes for Schengen-to-Schengen transfers. Non-Schengen transfers, requiring passport control, may take 45-60 minutes, with a minimum two-hour layover advised for self-transfers.
Aer Lingus to Dublin
Aer Lingus check-in is in Zone B (central section of check-in hall, ground floor; desks dynamic for Aer Lingus; self-service kiosks available). Evening bag drop for eligible flights. Departures are most commonly from gates 1-50 (dynamic; often 20-40 range for Ireland flights); screens show ~40 minutes before departure.
Ryanair to Dublin
Ryanair check-in is in Zone A (far left of check-in hall, ground floor; dynamic desks for Ryanair; self-service kiosks available). Bag drop opens 2 hours prior. Departures are most commonly from gates 1-50 (dynamic; often 20-40 for Ireland flights); announced ~30-40 minutes before departure.
