Edinburgh Airport parking

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Edinburgh Airport’s proximity to a number of motorways means that it can offer a broad range of on-site parking facilities.

Edinburgh Airport long-stay parking

Onsite long-stay and mid-stay parking is available at Edinburgh Airport and is ideal for people or families travelling on a budget. The car parks are only a five-minute courtesy shuttle bus ride away from the terminal and, for added peace of mind, the parking deals offer the same 24-hour attendants, frequent patrols and comprehensive CCTV as EDI’s other parking facilities.

Edinburgh Airport terminal parking

Edinburgh Airport also has parking facilities much closer to the terminal, with an outdoor car park only a two-minute walk from check-in and a multi-storey (EDI’s only indoor parking) that gives travellers access to a fast-track bridge taking them straight into the security hall.

Terminal parking is often more suitable for those on short trips or travelling on business because of its proximity to check-in. However, this can make terminal parking a more expensive option and it is worth noting the 7.2ft (2.2m) height restriction throughout the multi-storey facility before booking.

Edinburgh Airport valet parking

Valet parking is also available at EDI, which allows you to simply drop off your car and keys at the valet point next to the terminal before checking in and have it ready and waiting for you when you get back.

As well as all being housed on-site, parking at Edinburgh Airport comes with a range of helpful options. All parking facilities apart from valet parking allow you to keep your car keys and you can arrive and park up to two hours before your booked time at no extra cost. If your plans change, you can amend or cancel your car park booking for free up to 24 hours before you travel and there is also a range of pay-as-you-go parking offers, although booking in advance can save you money and is recommended to guarantee a space for your car.

Compare parking at EDI here at Looking4Parking.com to find the right deal for your trip.

Guide to Edinburgh Airport

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• +44 (0)844 448 8833
• EH12 9DN
• One terminal
• Car, bus and tram
• Two hours' free per day per device
• www.edinburghairport.com

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the busiest airport in Scotland and the sixth-busiest airport in the UK, handling over 12.4 million passengers per year. With one terminal and two runways serving 33 airlines, Edinburgh Airport sees 333 flights leave for over 130 destinations around the world every day. As well as offering frequent internal flights to all of London’s airports, Edinburgh Airport is also a hub for flights to many popular European destinations.

Location of Edinburgh Airport

Located six miles (9 kilometres) west of the city centre, Edinburgh Airport is easily accessible by road and rail. Positioned on the A8 Glasgow-Edinburgh Road, it is within easy reach of the M8, M9 and M90 motorways.

Frequent bus and coach services run directly between the terminal and the city centre and, although there is no direct train to Edinburgh Airport, the city’s tram system is a convenient and economical alternative, providing quick and reliable links between the airport and the city as well as the surrounding areas and Scotland’s railway network.

History of Edinburgh Airport

First built in 1916, Edinburgh Airport was originally known as “Turnhouse Aerodrome” and was Britain’s most northerly air defence base in World War I when it was operated and maintained by The Royal Flying Corps. With the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918, the site became “RAF Turnhouse” and would go on to be instrumental in World War II, housing a number of key squadrons involved in the Battle of Britain. Since then, the site has grown to become an important airport, celebrating its centenary with a £25 million investment in a new terminal extension and a further £125 million being invested in the airport’s retail and check-in facilities.

Airport facilities

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Edinburgh Airport hotel and parking

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Many travellers using EDI take advantage of the airport’s range of on-site car parks that offer exclusive deals on hotel rooms and parking as a package.

With a variety of hotels catering to people travelling on a budget, accommodation can be found within a short walk of an airport shuttle bus stop, from which courtesy buses can be taken to the airport car parks or to the terminal every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day.

There are also a number of luxury hotels near EDI that, as well as providing access to pools, quality restaurants and spa and gym facilities, offer complimentary terminal, valet and Meet and Greet parking options upon reserving rooms, so every trip can begin with consummate ease.

Top things to do in Edinburgh Airport

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Eat, drink and be merry

From a taste of Tokyo to the finest Scottish produce, Edinburgh Airport boasts an impressive range of quality international cafés, bars and restaurants to keep you fed and watered for the journey ahead. You can try out the airport’s All Bar One restaurant, with its rotating selection of international craft ales, spirits and wines and a curated, seasonal menu featuring the franchise’s signature sharing plates. Various venues in EDI also regularly host tasting events and demonstrations, so be sure to find out what they’ve got planned when you visit.

Stay on trend

Edinburgh Airport plays host to an impressive range of international fashion retailers, from familiar high-street outlets to signature collections from globally acclaimed designers. Couple this with the renowned perfumers, professional skincare and cosmetics brands and experts in designer watches and you have everything you need to look your best on your trip.

Explore Scotland’s creative side

Edinburgh Airport is proud to host The Airport Gallery, located just after security and owned and curated by artist-in-residence, Jan Riley. Each exhibition is put together to showcase some of Scotland’s finest artistic talents, bringing together pieces from artists throughout the country as well as many local to Edinburgh. Riley makes sure every exhibition includes something to interest and inspire everyone, mixing original paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture in a manner that puts the spotlight on some of Scotland’s brightest new artists. If something in the gallery catches your eye, don’t hesitate to say so, as all the work on display is for sale.

Get a five-minute massage

A suite of coin-operated, ergonomic massage chairs is located airside at Edinburgh Airport – a few minutes on one of them can be a great way to ease yourself into your journey. Whether you’re in the middle of a long commute, feeling the effects of jetlag or fancy getting into the holiday mood before departure, take five minutes out and treat yourself.

Visit a beauty lounge

If jetlag is starting to get the better of you and you have a bit more time to kill, a visit to the airport’s AeroSpa beauty lounge will get you recharged and ready for the journey ahead. Whether you’re after a quick beach-ready pedicure, need something to calm your pre-flight nerves, or simply want to alleviate the stress of a hectic commute, AeroSpa’s clinicians can provide deep-tissue, body and head massages inspired by cultures from around the world.

Let the kids blow off some steam

Travelling can be stressful for everyone – and especially for children. The idea of having to sit still on a long-haul flight will no doubt induce as much fear in some kids as it will in their parents. Fortunately, Edinburgh Airport has three children’s play areas: one located by the main departure lounge and the others beside gates 2 and 15. They’re the perfect opportunity to let your children burn off any nervous energy and a fantastic way to start a fun-filled holiday.

Take in the view

Edinburgh Airport is situated at the heart of Scotland’s beautiful Lowlands so, as well as being able to watch the arrivals and departures on the airport's two busy runways, observers are treated to a breathtaking backdrop of the region’s famous rolling green hills and epic skylines. One of the best views is from The Gathering Café and Deli so, with a generous two hours of free WiFi per device available anywhere in the terminal, you can put your feet up, get yourself a drink and get snap-happy.

Top things to do near Edinburgh Airport

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Storm a castle

The city of Edinburgh is less than six miles away from its airport and nothing symbolises the history of the region more than Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Stood atop Castlehill, the 12th-century fortress can be seen from all over the city and on a clear day its ramparts provide staggering views of the surrounding Scottish Lowlands on the horizon. If you happen to pay a visit at around 1pm on any day but Sunday, you can set your watch to the firing of the famous One O'Clock Gun, used to mark the time since 1861. The castle is full of historical exhibitions and live re-enactors who bring it to life.

Visit The National Museum of Scotland

Only half an hour’s drive from Edinburgh Airport, The National Museum of Scotland houses unique collections relating to Scottish antiquities, world culture and history, as well as exhibitions celebrating some of Scotland’s pioneering contributions to science, technology and the arts. If you've got a couple of hours to kill while you wait for your flight, you could see the ‘Window to the World’ - a 20-metre high display filled with over 800 objects spanning the breadth of the museum’s huge collections. Consistently heralded as Scotland’s most popular visitor attraction, the museum offers free entry.

Go to Edinburgh Zoo

As a world-famous institute for conservation and biodiversity, as well as a must-see hotspot for visitors, Edinburgh Zoo is an animal lover’s paradise. Established at the turn of the 20th century, the zoo was the first in the world to house and breed penguins and is still the only zoo in Britain that houses koalas and giant pandas.

Edinburgh Zoo is particularly famous for its Penguin Parade, which has occurred daily since 1950, much to the delight of the visitors and the parading penguins alike. Pre-booking is advised as the zoo is incredibly popular, but advanced tickets are reasonably priced and there are a variety of good value family ticket deals and combinations available.

Laugh out loud

If you happen to be visiting EDI between July and September, you’ll find it hard to miss the Edinburgh Festival and the expansive and eclectic collection of events that celebrate the city’s rich heritage each year. The most popular of these events are: The Edinburgh Fringe, a terrific opportunity to catch sets from upcoming and established comedians and musicians; The Edinburgh International Festival, the longest-running of the events that consists of high-profile theatre productions and classical music performances, and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which sees Edinburgh Castle filled with traditional pipers and military bands assembled from all over the world. If your trip coincides with any element of the Edinburgh Festival, a trip into the city to experience it will be one you'll remember for a long time to come, but advanced booking of tickets is a must.

Opt for some retail therapy

Princes Street is at the heart of Edinburgh’s fast-growing shopping district, complete with a host of souvenir shops, quality restaurants offering traditional Scottish and international cuisines and established chain stores to cater for all of your retail needs. Just to the north is George Street, the go-to area for the trendiest alternative and independent outlets, while Multrees Walk, to the east of Princes Street, boasts a flagship Harvey Nichols store and outlets for some of the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle designers. Edinburgh also has a number of retail parks outside the city centre, most notably the ever-popular Gyle Shopping Centre, which is only three miles from Edinburgh Airport.

Explore Edinburgh’s sister city

If you have the time to explore slightly further afield, Glasgow is only an hour away from Edinburgh Airport. As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow has the culture, history and nightlife to match that of the country’s capital and, unlike Edinburgh, Glasgow’s exuberant music, comedy and arts festivals occur throughout the year, so you’re always bound to be in time to catch a show. With Scotland’s rail network easily accessible from Edinburgh Airport via the tram, Glasgow is a lot closer than you might think.

Which terminal?

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Although Edinburgh Airport only has one terminal, it is still one of the busiest airports in Britain with 33 different airlines including easyjet, Lufthansa, Ryanair and Delta all operating on its two runways. Below is a list of the main airlines operating at Edinburgh Airport for your reference and convenience.

How to get to Edinburgh Airport

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Car

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is located on the A8 Glasgow-Edinburgh Road between the Gogar and Newbridge Roundabouts. The post code for sat nav directions is EH12 9DN.

If you’re driving from Edinburgh, join the A8 from the city bypass and head for Glasgow until you see signs for the airport. If you’re coming from the north or west, join the A8 at the Newbridge roundabout and head toward Edinburgh until you see the airport signage.

Bus

The numerous bus services that run from central Edinburgh and surrounding areas also take advantage of the airport’s proximity to these motorways. The Airlink 100 Express bus runs between Waverley Bridge in the city centre and the airport every 10 minutes, taking only half an hour. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, at the bus stop or directly from the driver. Once at Waverley Bridge, you’re only a short distance from Princes Street, as well as Edinburgh’s main train and bus stations. Timetables and more information for EDI’s bus services can be found here.

Tram or train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train line or train route to Edinburgh Airport. However, the Edinburgh Tram system has a dedicated station at EDI and, with trams arriving every seven minutes between 6am and 11pm, it provides quick and easy access from the city centre and beyond. With a trip between the city centre and the airport taking only half an hour, the Edinburgh Tram is a convenient and economical alternative for those traveling light.

Edinburgh Gateway train station is situated on the airport’s perimeter and, as one of the stops on the tramline, it offers subsequent train connections to stations throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK. Integrated tram and train tickets are available to make your journey from any railway station in the UK as seamless as possible.

Bike

It is also possible to cycle to Edinburgh Airport, as it is only one kilometre north of the local cycle path network. If you are cycling towards Edinburgh, follow the road under the A8 and join the cycle path on the south side. If you’re heading north or west, you should join the cycle path on the north side of the A8. Once you’re at the airport, there’s a bicycle parking rack and shelter just in front of the International Arrivals entrance, across the forecourt from the terminal building.

Useful tips

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Arrive at least 2.5 hours before your flight

Although Edinburgh Airport has just one terminal, it sees 333 flights leave every day. That’s 14 departures every hour. Check-in, security and passport control can get busy at peak times and traffic on the roads surrounding the airport can quickly build up. Keep an eye on the departures from the airport before you set off to give yourself plenty of time. If you end up with a spare hour, EDI has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to keep you occupied until your flight.

Check your vehicle height before booking parking

Every car park at Edinburgh Airport welcomes cars, motorbikes, minibuses and caravans, although be wary of the 7.2ft (2.2m) height restriction in the drop-off and pick-up zones as well as the multi-storey car park. If your vehicle does exceed the height restriction, you can safely use the over-height car park entry, located just to the right of the taxi lane by the terminal, which will take you directly to the terminal’s open-air car park.

Free pick-up and drop-off zone

The airport’s drop-off and pick-up areas are convenient, but begin charging you immediately and are controlled by 7.2ft (2.2m) height restrictions. There is, however, a combined drop-off and pick-up area near the long-stay car park that is completely free for the first 10 minutes. It’s only a five-minute complimentary shuttle bus ride from there to the terminal.

Book into a lounge if you need some peace

If you’ve arrived at the airport after a stressful journey and find yourself craving some much-needed peace and quiet, you can book yourself into to an airport lounge. The airport’s single terminal can quickly get busy and the bustle of tens of thousands of visitors a day is unlikely to prove particularly relaxing. Many of Edinburgh Airport’s lounges feature complimentary food and drinks, free and unlimited WiFi, daily newspapers and private booths complete with Smart TVs, while some include fast-track through security in the entry cost, so you can spend less time queuing and more time resting.

Edinburgh Airport FAQs

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How do I get to Edinburgh Airport?

Edinburgh Airport has only one terminal and is easily accessed by car, bus, coach, tram and even bike. Take a look at the How to get to Edinburgh Airport section in this guide or consult the airport’s own to and from the airport pages for more details.

Why should I book car parking?

Booking parking in advance often saves you money and always guarantees you a parking space. You can customise, book and amend your car parking, as well as combine it with a stay in an Edinburgh Airport hotel. Take a look at your available options with www.looking4parking.com before you travel.

What disability and special access facilities are available at the airport?

Every transport provider in partnership with Edinburgh Airport has arrangements for passengers with special requirements and the airport itself provides priority parking spaces and has an on-hand support network throughout the terminal from check-in to departure. More information on Edinburgh Airport’s special assistance policy, including a floor plan of the airport, can be found here.

What do I do if I have lost something at the airport?

If you have lost something at Edinburgh Airport, there’s no need to panic. All lost property is tagged, dated and held for up to three months. You can search the airport’s real-time lost property database or call the Luggage-Point team directly on +44 (0)330 223 0893. Once claimed, you will need to provide proof of identity and pay a retrieval fee subject to the size and value of your item and the length of time it has been held.

It is important to know that Edinburgh Airport is only responsible for items lost in the airport terminal or in the cabin of your aircraft. If you have not received your luggage or your airline has lost it, please contact your airline as soon as possible.

Is there anywhere for me to charge my electronic devices?

Yes, there is. Edinburgh Airport has plenty of plug sockets both before security and throughout the departure lounge for passengers to charge up before jetting off.

What shops are available at the airport?

Edinburgh Airport has a wide variety of retail outlets both before and after security control. Have a look at our recommendations in this guide and find a complete list with opening times and contact numbers here.

Can I buy things before I fly and leave them until I return to the UK?

If you are flying to a destination within the EU, your purchases can be collected upon your arrival back at Edinburgh Airport. It is worth noting that some shops or offers at the airport might not be part of the scheme, so it is worth checking the Shop & Collect website for full details.