Quick, checked answers to the questions people ask most about getting to and from Edinburgh Airport, what it costs, and what to expect once you're inside the terminal. Prices and facts checked August 2026. For the fuller picture, follow the links to the detailed pages.
Getting to and from the airport
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre? By tram or the Airlink 100 bus, both around 25 to 30 minutes. The tram single is £7.90 (£7.50 online) and the bus single is £6.00. A metered taxi is £25 to £40. See the public transport page.
What is the cheapest way into Edinburgh from the airport? The Airlink 100 bus at £6.00 single. If you have more time, city services 17 and 18 carry the roughly £2 capped Lothian fare instead.
How much is a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre? A metered taxi from the official rank is typically £25 to £40 in the daytime, more at night and weekends. Uber and Bolt run about £20 to £35. More on the taxis page.
Where is the taxi rank at Edinburgh Airport? At the East Terminus. Follow the signs for "Taxi" from the arrivals plaza. Capital Cars holds the official contract for the rank.
Is Uber allowed at Edinburgh Airport? Yes. Uber and Bolt both pick up at the Rideshare zone on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park, opposite the terminal, not at the arrivals door.
How long does the tram take to the city centre? About 30 minutes to York Place, roughly 25 minutes to St Andrew Square and about 22 minutes to Haymarket.
How often do the trams run? Every 7 minutes at peak and about every 10 minutes off-peak, from around 06:00 to midnight.
Is there a train station at Edinburgh Airport? No. Take the tram one stop to Edinburgh Gateway for ScotRail trains, or ride it to Haymarket for the mainline station there.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow? The Scottish Citylink AIR 900 coach from Stop D reaches Buchanan bus station in about 1 hour, with a day return from around £10. A taxi would cost £90 or more. See the routes page.
Parking and drop-off
How much is drop-off at Edinburgh Airport? It is £8.50 for the first 10 minutes at the forecourt zone, then £1 per additional minute, up to a 2-hour maximum. See the drop-off page.
Is there free drop-off at Edinburgh Airport? Yes, indirectly. The Long Stay car park is free for the first 30 minutes, so you can drop off there and walk or ride one stop in.
How much is parking at Edinburgh Airport? Pre-booked Mid Stay or FastPark spaces start from around £4 to £6 per day when booked well ahead. On a drive-up basis, Long Stay is cheapest at about £40 per extra day, and Terminal short-stay is £26 for 1 hour. See the parking page.
Does the Long Stay car park have a shuttle? No. It is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal with no shuttle, so allow time or ride the tram or Airlink one stop in.
Can I get a discount on the drop-off charge? Local residents in nearby postcodes can claim a 50 percent discount, cutting the first-10-minute charge to £4.25. The former electric-vehicle discount was removed in May 2026.
What is the cheapest way to park at Edinburgh Airport? Pre-booking a Mid Stay or FastPark space well in advance, from around £4 to £6 per day, beats any drive-up rate. Drive-up parking with no booking is far more expensive.
At the airport
How early should I arrive for my flight? The airport advises 2 hours before short-haul and domestic flights and 3 hours before long-haul, and recommends against arriving more than 3 hours early. See the facilities page for more on security and timing.
How long are security queues at Edinburgh Airport? Usually under 10 minutes, with the airport reporting 97% of passengers through in that time. The busiest periods are 05:00 to 08:00 and 16:00 to 19:00, when it can reach 10 to 20 minutes, and the August Fringe period adds more.
Does Edinburgh Airport still have the 100ml liquids rule? No. New CT scanners mean liquids up to 2 litres, and laptops, can usually stay in your bag through security. Still worth checking the rule at your return airport.
How much is Fast Track security at Edinburgh Airport? From about £9 per person, with children under 2 free. It typically runs 04:00 to 19:00 and is best pre-booked online.
Can you sleep overnight in Edinburgh Airport? There is landside seating, but it is not comfortable, and the terminal is not fully 24-hour airside. On-site hotels such as the Moxy and Hampton by Hilton are steps from the terminal.
Are there lounges at Edinburgh Airport? Yes, the Aspire Lounge near Gate 16, with complimentary food, drink and WiFi. Entry typically costs from about £30 to £44 per person depending on how you book. See the facilities page.
Are there showers at Edinburgh Airport? No public showers in the terminal. The on-airport DoubleTree by Hilton offers a Livingwell club day membership that includes shower access.
Is there left luggage at Edinburgh Airport? Yes. Luggage-Point in landside Arrivals charges roughly £8.50 to £12.50 depending on item size for 24 hours, or about £9.50 for up to 3 hours, and opens roughly 04:00 to 22:00.
Is there a prayer room at Edinburgh Airport? Yes, a multi-faith prayer room on the ground floor near Ryanair check-in and International Arrivals 1, open to passengers of all faiths.
Can I smoke or vape at Edinburgh Airport? Only in the designated outdoor area outside the main terminal. There are no smoking or vaping facilities after security, so finish before you go through.
Is there a Changing Places toilet at Edinburgh Airport? Yes, near Gate 16, with a height-adjustable changing bench and a hoist. You will need to bring your own sling.
Practical questions
What about assistance for reduced-mobility passengers? Special Assistance is provided free of charge. Pre-book with your airline at least 48 hours ahead, ideally more than 14 days if you can, and present yourself at an assistance point in the terminal no later than 2 hours before departure.
Does Edinburgh Airport have facilities for children? Yes. There is a family security lane for children under 12, baby-changing facilities, child-specific washroom cubicles, and a family washroom at Gate 21. Taxis and private-hire cars can provide child seats if you pre-book and confirm this with the operator; see the taxis page.
Are assistance dogs allowed at Edinburgh Airport? Yes, recognised assistance dogs are welcome throughout the terminal. Confirm the exact location of the relief area with staff on the day.
Does Edinburgh Airport have the sunflower lanyard scheme? Yes, the airport takes part in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, and lanyards are available on request. Confirm the collection point when you arrive.
Is there free WiFi at Edinburgh Airport? Yes, free and unlimited throughout the terminal, on top of what you get with lounge access.
Is there somewhere quiet to work at Edinburgh Airport? Yes, the SWURF Pods at Gates 2 and 20 are bookable, quiet spaces for work or calls.
Do luggage trolleys cost money at Edinburgh Airport? Yes, £2, free of charge if you are using the special assistance service.
Where is lost property at Edinburgh Airport? It is handled through the airport's lost-property partner, with an online reporting form and a fee to recover items. Confirm the current handler and fee on the airport's website.
More: Overview, Taxis, Public transport, Parking, Drop-off, Routes, Facilities, Blog.
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Last verified August 2026 by the Edinburgh Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official Edinburgh Airport website before you travel.