Edinburgh Airport
Airport guide 2026

Edinburgh Airport EDI

United Kingdom

Edinburgh Airport is the busiest in Scotland.

Gateway to the Scottish capital, with its famous castle and summer festival among the world's largest.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.edinburghairport.com

How to get to Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh town centre is several kilometres from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 35 minutes by tram, the most direct option to the historic centre.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city centre of Edinburgh in about 25-35 minutes, weather permitting.

By Train

Edinburgh Trams connect the airport to the city centre (Princes Street, York Place) in about 35 minutes; single ticket 7.90 GBP (Airport Fare, frozen for 2026), open return 9.50 GBP.

By Bus

Airlink 100 and other bus services connect the airport to the city centre with regular frequency.
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Tips The tram fare to the airport will remain frozen throughout 2026: purchase your ticket at the stop machines, online, or via the Bus and Tram app before boarding.

Average travel time to EDI

Train35 minutes (tram, €7.90)
Shuttle busService available (Airlink 100 and others)
Taxi / Private hire25-35 minutes (£25-35)

Parking near Edinburgh Airport

Next to the terminal is a multi-storey car park.

Parking rates are aligned with the standards of the principal Scottish hub.

How to get to Edinburgh from EDI

By Train

The tram, with a terminus at the airport, reaches the city centre in approximately 35 minutes; single ticket 7.90 GBP, open return 9.50 GBP (Airport Fare rate frozen for 2026).

By Bus

The Airlink 100 and other bus services connect the airport to the city centre with regular frequency.

By Taxi

A licensed taxi costs around 30-40 GBP to the city centre (Daytime Tariff 1 weekday from 3.60 GBP, Evening/Weekend Tariff 2 from 4.80 GBP, both plus distance), plus a fixed airport surcharge of 6 GBP for trips starting from the airport.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Edinburgh Airport

The main car rental companies have their own desks in the arrivals area.

Driver's license, passport and credit card are sufficient for EU citizens, who are exempt from IDP.

 

Hotels near Edinburgh Airport

Choosing where to stay for Edinburgh depends on the reason for your stop. Anyone with a dawn flight or a late-evening one saves time by staying at Edinburgh Park, a few minutes from the terminal by taxi or tram. Anyone wanting to visit the city can get off at Haymarket, the airport tram stop just steps from the castle. Anyone stopping to see the Forth Bridge can head for South Queensferry, a fishing village a quarter of an hour away by taxi. For a longer stay devoted to golf or relaxation, the Scottish Borders around Peebles are further away, about three quarters of an hour by car, but remain a sound base for anyone who doesn't need to get back to the airport straight away.
Near the airport link

Haymarket

Direct tram from the airport, under 30 minutes, with a stop at Haymarket; a railway station with other national connections.

Best for: for anyone who wants to visit the city and the castle while staying on the airport's direct tram line

Pros
  • The only area in the guide with the tram direct to the door
  • 15 minutes' walk from Princes Street and the castle
Cons
  • Pricier than the areas outside the city
  • Small rooms according to some reviews
See more hotels in this area
Airport area

Edinburgh Park

About 10 minutes by taxi from the terminal (3 km) or 13 minutes by tram, on the same line that reaches the centre in half an hour.

Best for: for anyone with a dawn flight or a late-evening one who wants to reach the gate in just minutes

Pros
  • Closest area to the terminal among those with hotels
  • Connected by both taxi and the airport tram
Cons
  • An office area, little to do in the evening
  • Few independent restaurants nearby
See more hotels in this area
Nearby town

South Queensferry

About 15 minutes by taxi from the airport; trains from South Queensferry station reach Edinburgh and Fife.

Best for: useful for anyone stopping to see the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to stroll along the bay

Pros
  • A lively village with pubs and restaurants along the waterfront
  • Direct view of the three Forth bridges
Cons
  • No direct bus to the airport, a taxi is needed
  • Few rooms available, worth booking well ahead
See more hotels in this area
Nearby town

Peebles and the Scottish Borders

About 45 minutes by car from the airport along the A703; there are no direct public transport links.

Best for: for anyone extending the trip with a few days of golf or spa in the Borders before or after the flight

Pros
  • Golf course and spa inside the property
  • Immersed in the Borders countryside, far from traffic
Cons
  • Too far for anyone with little time between flights
  • A car is needed, no direct bus from the airport
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport is Scotland's primary hub, with numerous connections to Europe and North America.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers Scottish whisky, British tea, and luxury products.

Lounges & relaxation

Business travelers will find several dedicated lounges here.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The free Wi-Fi network is active in every terminal zone.

Families & Children

Families can let their children play in dedicated spaces while waiting for boarding.

Terminal guide

The sole terminal, Scotland's busiest, handles intense international traffic.

For international flights it is advisable to arrive with at least 2.5–3 hours notice, especially during summer Fringe Festival.

Map of Edinburgh Airport

Map of Edinburgh Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does the tram from Edinburgh Airport to the centre cost?

A single ticket costs £7.90 (open return £9.50), the Airport Fare frozen for 2026.

Q. How long does the tram journey to Edinburgh city centre take?

About 35 minutes to Princes Street or York Place.

Q. Is Edinburgh Airport Scotland's main airport?

Yes, the busiest in the country, with numerous connections to Europe and North America.

Q. Is it worth booking hotels in advance when visiting during the Fringe Festival?

Yes, hotel prices rise noticeably during the summer festival, one of the largest in the world.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Edinburgh

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