# Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

> Edinburgh, GB · 6 mi (9 km) west of Edinburgh city centre

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/edi
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/edi.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: EDI
- **ICAO**: EGPH
- **Timezone**: Europe/London
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 14.7M/yr
- **Official site**: https://www.edinburghairport.com

## Overview

## Welcome

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is something of a paradox: a single-terminal hub that blends city-quality offerings with airport quirks, just a mere 6 miles west of Edinburgh's historic heart. Known for unexpectedly long security lines and a surprisingly rich selection of local food and drink, it's an airport where savvy navigation can lead to delightful discoveries. More than just a gateway to Scotland, EDI's proximity to efficient tram and bus services means that the charm of Edinburgh's Old Town is less than an hour away, particularly if you're adept at dodging the costly taxis.

## At a glance

Handling over 14.7 million passengers annually, EDI is the primary aviation hub for the eastern Scottish Lowlands. While you won't find multiple terminals here, you will encounter a singular yet sprawling terminal that punches above its weight in terms of amenities. The airport boasts 28 dining options, from familiar faces like Burger King and Starbucks to local treasures like The Gathering, as well as 14 lounges catering to every type of traveler. Shopping is similarly varied, with 27 stores offering everything from Scottish crafts at Edinburgh Gift Emporium to high street staples like WHSmith and Boots.

## Terminals & layout

Edinburgh Airport operates a single terminal configuration, but don't let this fool you into thinking it's a simple setup. This main terminal hosts some truly eclectic spaces that blend international convenience with local character. You might find yourself strolling past the classic Pret a Manger before discovering a quieter nook to work near Gates 2 and 20, known for their calm atmosphere compared to the bustling main seating areas.

## Getting to and from the city

The airport is efficiently linked to the city via Edinburgh Trams, with a journey to St Andrew Square taking around 30 minutes and costing £7.50 single or £9.50 return. Lothian Buses run the Airlink 100 service, typically taking 35–45 minutes depending on traffic, for approximately £5–6. Alternately, taxi rides to central Edinburgh take about 25–35 minutes and can range from £25–35, while rideshares like Uber and Bolt might be a more economical choice, often priced between £18–30 during off-peak periods. For those setting out beyond the city, ScotRail offers connections to Fife and Glasgow via the Edinburgh Gateway and Haymarket stations, respectively.

## Traveller essentials

Security at EDI has a reputation for unpredictability, fluctuating between quick 5-minute trips and frustrating 40-minute slogs. Regular travelers strongly recommend arriving with an extra 20–30 minute buffer during peak periods. Once through security, hopping onto the tram or one of the frequent Lothian bus services is a cost-effective alternative to pricier taxi options, especially convenient if you're headed to the city center or nearby attractions.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Dining options are diverse, with BrewDog offering a taste of Scottish craft beer, while YO! brings sushi to the tarmac. For something quintessentially Scottish, try the lesser-known bars and pop-up stalls selling local crafts, a frequently cherished find by local travelers. The duty free section, while maze-like, carries limited-edition Scotch whiskies that might tempt connoisseurs.

## Lounges

The main terminal hosts several lounges like the £45 Escape Lounge and a more affordable £30 option at Aspire. Each offers an oasis away from the crowded departure lounge chaos, which is often described as bustling and noisy. Frequent flyers often opt for these spaces to enjoy some quiet before their flight.

## Insider tips

- **Time:** Security can range from 5 minutes to a 40-minute ordeal, so add a 20–30 minute buffer during rush periods and festival season.

- **Quiet:** Use the work pods near Gates 2 and 20 for a quieter space to work or rest before your flight.

- **Local:** The tram to Princes Street or St Andrew Square is usually cheaper and more reliable than a taxi, especially during rush hour.

- **Insider:** For quieter drinks, seek out bars away from the main departure lounge. These offer a more traditional pub vibe.

- **Money:** Take the Airlink or Skylink buses to save significantly over taxi fares. Contactless payment is a breeze.

- **Avoid:** Major coffee chains' queues can be daunting; smaller kiosks offer faster service and quality beverages.

- **Insider:** Parking at EDI can be costly; pre-book long-stay options for better rates and shuttle convenience.

## Terminals (1)

- **Edinburgh Airport Terminal**
  The terminal offers a range of amenities for travelers.

## Dining (28)

- **All Bar One** — Local · Bar · $$
- **AMT Coffee**
- **Bar Burrito**
- **BrewDog** — Local · Brewery · $$
- **Burger King** — Fast Food · American · $
- **Caffè Nero** — Coffee · Café · $
- **Costa Coffee** — Coffee Shop · Café · $
- **EAT**
- **Fever-Tree** — Local · Bar · $$
- **Freshly Squeezed**
- **Giraffe** — Family · International · $$
- **Greggs**
- **Harris & Hoole**
- **ICONS** — Sports Bar · Bar · $$
- **Jamaica Blue**
- **M&S Simply Food**
- **Pret a Manger** — Fast Casual · Café · $
- **Rainey Cup**
- **Seoul Bird** — Korean · Fast Casual · $$
- **Starbucks** — Coffee · Café · $
- **The Bar**
- **The Garden**
- **The Gathering**
- **The Gathering Deli Café & Takeaway**
- **The Hudson St Grill**
- **The James Martin Kitchen**
- **Wetherspoon - The Sir Walter Scott** — Pub · British · $$
- **YO!**

## Lounges (14)

- **Aspire** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, Day pass
- **Aspire Lounge** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, Walk-in · £30
- **British Airways Lounge** — Main Terminal · British Airways passengers
- **Emirates Lounge** — Main Terminal · Airside, Emirates premium and elite
- **Escape Lounge** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, Day pass · £45
- **First Class Lounge** — Main Terminal · Airside, pay-per-use
- **Flybe Lounge** — Main Terminal · Airside, airline lounge
- **Lufthansa Lounge** — Main Terminal · Airside, Star Alliance eligible
- **No1 Lounge** — Main Terminal · Airside, pay-per-use and Priority Pass
- **Royal Bank of Scotland Lounge** — Main Terminal · Airside, bank cardholders
- **Ryanair Lounge** — Main Terminal · Airside, eligible passengers
- **Swissport Lounge** — Main Terminal · Airside, airline-invited guests
- **Turkish Airlines Lounge** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, Dragon Pass
- **Turkish Airlines Lounge by Plaza Premium Group** — Main Terminal · Dragon Pass, Priority Pass · £40.50

## Shops (27)

- **Accessorize** — Fashion
- **Boots** — Beauty
- **Brora** — Fashion
- **Cloud Spa**
- **Edinburgh Gift Emporium** — Souvenirs
- **Eurochange**
- **FatFace** — Fashion
- **Heritage of Scotland** — Souvenirs
- **InMotion** — Electronics
- **JD Sports** — Fashion
- **Landside News**
- **Lego**
- **M&S Simply Food**
- **Pandora**
- **Rituals** — Beauty
- **Rolling Luggage**
- **Scottish Fine Gifts**
- **Sunglass Hut** — Fashion
- **Superdrug**
- **Tartan Weaving Mill** — Souvenirs
- **The Whisky Shop**
- **Thomas Cook**
- **Tie Rack**
- **Travelex** — Travel Essentials
- **WHSmith** — Books
- **WHSmith Bookshop** — Books
- **World Duty Free** — Duty Free

## Parking (10)

- **FastPark** — Valet-style
- **Long Stay** — Long stay
- **Meet and Greet** — Valet
- **Mid Stay** — Mid stay
- **NCP Scotpark** — Off-airport
- **Plane Parking** — Economy long stay
- **PremiAir Parking** — Off-airport
- **Secure Airparks** — Off-airport
- **Short Stay Multi-Storey** — Short stay · eye‑watering/day
- **Terminal Surface** — Short stay

## Ground transport (16)

- **Airlink 100** — Bus · Advertised ~30 min Airport–city centre; user reports 35–45 min at peak · Around £5–6 single for Airport–city adult, per Lothian Buses fare info and recent user reports · Roughly every 10 min daytime; reduced frequency very late night/early morning
- **Bolt** — Rideshare · Around 25–35 min including average pick‑up wait · User reports suggest roughly £18–28 Airport–city centre off‑peak, varying with demand and promos · On‑demand; driver density lower than Uber according to user reports
- **Central Taxis** — Taxi · Roughly 25–35 min to central Edinburgh in normal traffic · Typically £25–35 Airport–city centre according to multiple user reports · On‑demand via rank, phone, or app; subject to peaks at busy times
- **City Cabs** — Taxi · About 25–35 min to central Edinburgh in normal traffic · Commonly reported £25–35 Airport–city centre depending on time/traffic · On‑demand; queues can form after banked arrivals
- **Edinburgh Trams Airport Stop** — Tram · Approx. 30 min Airport–St Andrew Square as per published timetable · £7.50 single, £9.50 return (Airport–city centre adult) as per Edinburgh Trams fare table · Every 7‑10 min most of the day; roughly every 15 min early morning/late evening, not 24/7
- **Megabus** — Coach · Edinburgh–London via Megabus typically 9–11 hours depending on route; shorter to northern cities · Advance promo fares as low as £5–10 between Edinburgh and major English cities according to user reports; higher nearer departure · Multiple services per day from Edinburgh city; no reliable dedicated high‑frequency airport stop
- **National Express Coach** — Coach · Overnight EDI–London coach commonly 9–11 hours total · User‑reported promo fares EDI–London as low as £15–25 one‑way; typically higher last‑minute · Often 1–2 direct journeys per day on key routes from Edinburgh region; not high‑frequency from the airport itself
- **Private Hire Taxis Pick-Up Zone** — Taxi · Walk from arrivals to private‑hire zone typically 5–10 min depending on mobility and familiarity · Airport imposes a private‑hire pick‑up fee (exact amount varies; added to or built into fares per user reports) · Not a service itself; depends on availability of pre‑booked vehicles/Uber/Bolt
- **ScotRail via Edinburgh Gateway** — Train · Tram Airport–Gateway about 7–8 min; onward trains to Fife typically 15–30 min depending on destination · Tram Airport–Gateway around £6–7 single; rail fares from Gateway vary by route (e.g., Gateway–Inverkeithing reported ~£4–6) · Tram every 7–10 min; ScotRail Fife services typically every 15–30 min daytime, sparser late evening
- **ScotRail via Haymarket** — Train · Tram Airport–Haymarket about 20–25 min; fast trains Haymarket–Glasgow around 45–50 min · Tram Airport–Haymarket around £7–8; Haymarket–Glasgow Queen Street off‑peak single reported ~£14–17 depending on train · Tram every 7–10 min; Glasgow trains roughly every 15–30 min daytime
- **Skylink 200** — Bus · Roughly 45–60 min Airport–Leith/Ocean Terminal depending on traffic · Standard Lothian city fare band (around £2–3 single) per user reports and Lothian fare bands · Every 20–30 min off‑peak; a bit more frequent at commuter times
- **Skylink 300** — Bus · Around 35–50 min Airport–Sighthill/Heriot‑Watt area depending on time of day · Standard Lothian city fare (around £2–3 single) · Roughly every 20 min daytime; less frequent evenings/Sundays
- **Skylink 400** — Bus · Can exceed 60 min Airport–Gilmerton according to user reports · Standard Lothian fare (around £2–3 single) · Around every 20–30 min daytime; thinner late evening
- **Stagecoach Jet 747** — Bus · Roughly 45–60 min Airport–Ferrytoll in normal traffic · Reported around £8–10 Airport–Fife depending on stop and ticket type · Approximately every 30 min daytime; reduced evenings/Sundays
- **Stagecoach Jet 909** — Bus · About 50–70 min Airport–Falkirk/Stirling depending on section used · Roughly £8–12 depending on origin (Falkirk/Stirling) per Stagecoach fare info cited in forums · Roughly hourly daytime; limited early morning/late evening
- **Uber** — Rideshare · Roughly 25–35 min including pick‑up wait in normal conditions · User‑reported ranges about £18–30 Airport–city centre off‑peak; higher with surge · On‑demand but variable driver availability; no fixed frequency

## Insider tips

- _Time_: Security can range from 5 minutes to a 40-minute ordeal, so add a 20–30 minute buffer during rush periods and festival season.
- _Quiet_: Use the work pods near Gates 2 and 20 for a quieter space to work or rest before your flight.
- _Local_: The tram to Princes Street or St Andrew Square is usually cheaper and more reliable than a taxi, especially during rush hour.
- _Insider_: For quieter drinks, seek out bars away from the main departure lounge. These offer a more traditional pub vibe.
- _Money_: Take the Airlink or Skylink buses to save significantly over taxi fares. Contactless payment is a breeze.
- _Avoid_: Major coffee chains' queues can be daunting; smaller kiosks offer faster service and quality beverages.
- _Insider_: Parking at EDI can be costly; pre-book long-stay options for better rates and shuttle convenience.