Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s busiest airport, with lots of destinations across Europe and around the world. With a great choice of parking options and plenty of facilities, it’s worth knowing what to expect before you arrive.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need for your visit to the airport, from getting to the terminal and through security to finding hotels, restaurants and shops.
Here’s everything you need to know about Edinburgh Airport.
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Section 1) Arriving & Checking In
Directions to Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport is around eight miles west of the city centre, and can easily be reached by the A8 Glasgow Road, close to both the M8 and M9.
- From Edinburgh city centre or the City of Edinburgh Bypass (A720), join the A8 westbound towards Glasgow and follow signs for Edinburgh Airport.
- From the north or west, join the A8 at Newbridge Roundabout and follow the signs for Edinburgh Airport.
- The airport is accessed via the A8 airport junction, located between Gogar Roundabout and Newbridge Roundabout.
Sat Nav Information:
Edinburgh Airport Postcode – EH12 9DN
Google Maps
If you’ve booked Edinburgh Airport parking, follow the post code and signs to your chosen car park.
How early to get to Edinburgh Airport?
Most passengers should plan to arrive around three hours before their flight is set to depart. Consider factors like check-in times, luggage arrangements and peak travel periods when you plan your trip, as these could impact your journey through the airport. If you’ve already checked in online and only have hand luggage, you may move through the terminal more quickly than passengers who need to visit a check-in desk.
Check our table for a quick and easy reference:
| Flight Type | Recommended Check-in Time |
|---|---|
| Long-haul | At least 3 hours before departure |
| European | At least 2 hours before departure |
| UK & Ireland | At least 2 hours before departure |
| Charter | At least 3 hours before departure |
How early to check your bags?
If you’re travelling with hold luggage, your arrival time should be based around when your airline’s bag drop or check-in desk opens. The schedule will depend on your airline, with some opening bag drop up to four hours before departure and others opening around two hours beforehand.
As a rule of thumb, passengers checking bags should allow extra time compared to those only with hand-luggage. Always check your airline’s guidance before you travel.
How early to arrive at EDI for UK flights?
For domestic UK flights, arriving around two hours before departure is generally considered enough. This provides enough time to check bags if required, clear security, and make your way to the gate without rushing.
How early to arrive at EDI for international flights?
For an international flight, most airlines recommend arriving at least three hours before departure. Journeys overseas tend to involve extra document checks and busier check-in counters, along with earlier boarding times. This extra hour can give you a useful buffer if security queues are longer than expected or if you need to check luggage.
What time does Edinburgh Airport open?
Edinburgh Airport is open 24/7, but individual airlines and check in points operate under their own schedules. Before you fly, it’s best to check your confirmation emails or contact your airline for check in times. Most of the shops and restaurants open at 4AM.
Is Edinburgh Airport busy?
Edinburgh Airport is the busiest airport in Scotland, and one of the busiest in the UK. In 2025, it welcomed over 16 million passengers. Busy periods are most common in the early mornings, late afternoons, summer holidays and major events like the Edinburgh Fringe. If your travel takes place at any of these times, it’s best to arrive slightly earlier.
How far is it between terminals at Edinburgh Airport?
Unlike many major UK airports, Edinburgh Airport has just one passenger terminal. This means there’s no need to transfer between terminals and the airport is simple to navigate. Once through security, all the departure gates, shops, restaurants, and lounges are accessible from the same building.
Drop off and Pick up at Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport has dedicated drop off and pick up zones close to the terminal. Drivers should follow the airport’s signage carefully, as charges and waiting restrictions may apply depending on the area used. It’s easiest to agree on a collection point in advance, and check current airport parking guidance before travelling.
If you’ve booked parking at Edinburgh Airport, follow the directions to your chosen car park, and board the shuttle bus if one is available.
Section 2) Edinburgh Airport Security, Rules and Regulations
Airport Security
Security at Edinburgh Airport is usually easy to navigate. The airport has introduced new scanners that allow passengers to keep up to two litres of liquids per container in their bags. This has helped to make the screening process quicker and more convenient.
To keep things moving, passengers should still prepare by emptying their pockets and removing belts and jackets when instructed. Even with the new scanners in place, it’s best to plan in enough time to pass through security, especially at peak times.
If you want to speed up your journey even more, you can book FastTrack Security. This gives you access to a dedicated security lane, to avoid the longer queues at busy times.
Hand luggage
Edinburgh Airport follows the hand luggage rules set by the UK Government. Most regular items can be packed in your cabin bag, but some items are restricted or banned. These include sharp objects, certain tools, sporting equipment and flammable substances.
It’s always worth checking the latest guidance on hand luggage restrictions before you travel to avoid delays, or face items being removed from your bags.
Liquid on planes
Rules on liquids in hand luggage can vary depending on the security technology in use. While Edinburgh Airport uses upgraded scanners, it’s still a good idea to check the latest rules before your journey. This can help you avoid any issues at security and make the screening process quicker.
Can you take food through airport security?
Yes, you can bring food through Edinburgh Airport security, making it a great way to cut travel costs at the airport. Solid foods, including sandwiches, pastries, crisps, sweets, and other packaged snacks, are allowed in your hand luggage.
Items classed as liquids or semi-liquids like yoghurt, sauces, dips, and spreads, are subject to airport liquid restrictions. Special allowances are available for baby essentials, including up to two litres of breast milk, formula milk, and sterilised water when travelling with an infant.
EES European Entry/Exit System
Edinburgh Airport is outside of the European Union, so there are no EES checks at the border. However, if you’re flying to Europe from Edinburgh, you should anticipate that you will have to pass EES at your arrival airport, and factor this into your journey plans.
Section 3) Edinburgh Airport Facilities & Services
What restaurants are in Edinburgh Airport?
EDI has a good selection of places to eat, both before and after security. Edinburgh Airport’s restaurants include Giraffe, Pret A Manger and Burger King. There are options for many travel preferences, with bars, casual dining spots and sit-down restaurants.
What shops are in Edinburgh Airport?
Edinburgh Airport’s shops include big names such as JD Sports, WHSmith, along with a range of fashion brands. If you need to grab some last-minute essentials for your journey, Boots and Inmotion are particularly helpful.
Children’s Play Area at Edinburgh Airport
There isn’t a dedicated children’s area at Edinburgh Airport, but there are plenty of family friendly accommodations to help with smoother journeys. For example, families travelling with children under twelve can use a dedicated lane at security. A family washroom can be found near Gate 21, with baby-changing facilities around the terminal.
What lounges are in Edinburgh Airport?
Edinburgh Airport has four main lounges.
- Escape Lounge (near Gate 4): Available to all passengers through booking, regardless of airline or ticket class. Complimentary food and drinks, WiFi, charging points, and comfortable seats.
- Aspire Lounge (near Gate 16): Also open to all passengers. Features work booths, charging facilities, WiFi, refreshments, and family seating areas.
- Turkish Airlines Lounge by Plaza Premium Group (near Gate 16): Available to eligible airline passengers, and can also be booked by travellers on most airlines. Includes complimentary food and drinks, premium seating, and relaxation areas.
- British Airways Lounge (near Gate 4): Primarily for eligible British Airways passengers and status holders. Access requirements are set by British Airways.
Where is the Currency Exchange at Edinburgh Airport?
If you need travel money before you fly, Edinburgh Airport has currency exchange services within the terminal, with more than 50 currencies available. Travelex can be found at Check In, Arrivals, and Departures, so there’s an exchange available at every stage of the airport journey. Travellers can also pre-order their currency online and collect it at the airport before departure, which often secures a better exchange rate than buying on the day.
Does Edinburgh Airport have free WiFi?
Yes, Edinburgh Airport provides free WiFi throughout the terminal. Passengers to browse the internet, catch up on emails, stream content, or stay connected while waiting for their flight. Many of the airport lounges have their own complimentary WiFi, so it’s easy to work or relax before boarding.
Are there showers at Edinburgh Airport?
Edinburgh Airport doesn’t currently offer public shower facilities within the terminal, and the airport lounges don’t have showers either. If you’d like to freshen up before or after your flight, the nearby hotels may be the best solution, or the public wash rooms.
Is there a smoking area in Edinburgh Airport?
Edinburgh’s terminal is entirely smoke free, and this policy also extends to vaping. If you need to smoke or vape before your flight, you’ll need to use the designated outdoor areas before you go through security, as neither is permitted in the building.
EDI Wheelchair Services
Edinburgh Airport provides free special assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility, hidden disabilities, or additional support needs. Assistance can include wheelchair provision, help through check-in and security, support to and from the aircraft and guidance through arrivals and baggage reclaim.
Passengers are encouraged to arrange assistance through their airline before travelling to make sure the right support is available. The airport also has accessible toilets, help points, lifts, and dedicated assistance areas throughout the terminal.
Can you sleep in Edinburgh Airport?
Yes, it’s possible to sleep in the airport, particularly if you have an early morning flight. However, the airport isn’t specifically designed for sleeping, and seating can be limited during busy periods. Many prefer a hotel to recharge before their flight. Edinburgh Airport also offers lounges and various passenger facilities, but no dedicated sleeping pods at present.
Which hotels are best for Edinburgh Airport?
Edinburgh Airport has several hotels to choose from nearby. They’re ideal if you’re travelling from further afield, or you’re arriving in Edinburgh for a layover or onward journey.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport: Best for terminal proximity
- Moxy Edinburgh Airport: Best for stylish modern stays
- Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport: Best for families and stress-free travel
- Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh Airport: Best for value-conscious travellers
- Norton House Hotel & Spa: Best for luxury stays and spa facilities
