Edinburgh Airport Transfer Guide
Everything you need to know about transfers from Edinburgh Airport. Meeting points, prices, transport options, and insider tips.
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Edinburgh Airport (EDI) Transfer Guide | Arrivals, Taxis & Transport | RideNavigator
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Complete Edinburgh Airport transfer guide. Terminal maps, meet & greet points, taxi ranks, public transport, parking rates & insider tips for Edinburgh airport arrivals.
Introduction
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Whether you're a first-time visitor to Scotland's capital or a seasoned traveller, this guide provides all the essential information for a smooth and stress-free transfer. From navigating the terminal to finding the best transport options, we've got you covered.
Airport Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edinburgh Airport |
| IATA Code | EDI |
| City | Edinburgh |
| Country | Scotland, UK |
| Terminals | 1 |
| Passenger Traffic | Over 14 million per year |
| Distance to City Centre | Approximately 8 miles (13 km) |
Terminal Layout & Airlines
Edinburgh Airport has a single, well-organized terminal building, making it easy for passengers to navigate. The terminal is split into two floors. The ground floor is home to domestic and international arrivals, baggage reclaim, and check-in desks. The first floor is for departures, with security, shops, restaurants, and boarding gates.
A wide range of airlines operate from Edinburgh Airport, connecting Scotland to destinations across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Major carriers include:
Arrivals & Meet Your Driver
Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, you will proceed through passport control and baggage reclaim, both located on the ground floor. The arrivals hall has two main exits: one for domestic arrivals and one for international arrivals.
For pre-booked taxis and private hire vehicles, the designated pick-up area is the East Terminus, which is located just across the plaza from the main terminal building. Drivers will typically wait in the arrivals hall with a name board. A popular meeting point is near the Costa Coffee or Black Sheep Coffee, both of which are situated near the international arrivals exit. Always confirm the exact meeting point with your driver in advance.
Taxi & Rideshare
Official airport taxis (black cabs) are available from the taxi rank located outside the arrivals hall. A journey to the city centre typically costs between £25 and £40 and takes around 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Rideshare services such as Uber are also available at Edinburgh Airport. The pick-up point for rideshare services is in the car park on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park. Fares to the city centre are comparable to taxis, and you can get a fare estimate through the app before booking.
Public Transport
Edinburgh Airport is well-connected to the city centre and beyond by a variety of public transport options.
| Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| Airlink 100 Bus | This express bus service runs 24/7 between the airport and Waverley Bridge in the city centre. The journey takes approximately 25-30 minutes. A single ticket costs £5.50, and an open return is £8.00. |
| Edinburgh Trams | The tram provides a direct link from the airport to the city centre, with services running every 7-10 minutes. The journey to Princes Street takes around 35 minutes. A single ticket to the city centre costs £7.50, and a return is £9.50. |
| Lothian Buses | Several local bus services connect the airport to various parts of the city and surrounding areas, including the 200, 300, and 400 Skylink services. Fares and journey times vary depending on the route. |
Car Rental
The car rental centre at Edinburgh Airport is conveniently located in a dedicated facility connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. You can find a wide range of major car hire companies here, including:
It is advisable to book your car rental in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and get the best rates.
Airport Facilities
Edinburgh Airport offers a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for all passengers.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| WiFi | Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal. Simply connect to the "Airport Free WiFi" network. |
| Lounges | There are several lounges available, including the Aspire Lounge, British Airways Lounge, and Plaza Premium Lounge. Access can be pre-booked online. |
| Currency Exchange | Travelex and ICE (International Currency Exchange) have several outlets throughout the airport for currency exchange. You can also pre-order currency online for collection. |
| Luggage Storage | Luggage Point, located at the taxi rank, offers luggage storage services. |
| SIM Cards | SIM cards can be purchased from WHSmith and other convenience stores within the airport. |
Parking Information
Edinburgh Airport offers a range of parking options to suit all budgets and needs, from short-stay to long-stay.
| Parking Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Long Stay | Ideal for longer trips, the Long Stay car park is a short shuttle bus ride from the terminal. Prices start from around £30 per day, with discounts for pre-booking. |
| Mid Stay | Located closer to the terminal than the Long Stay car park, the Mid Stay car park is a 5-10 minute walk. |
| Terminal Parking | The most convenient option, Terminal Parking is located directly opposite the terminal building. This is ideal for short stays and dropping off or picking up passengers. |
| FastPark | A premium service offering the closest and fastest access to the terminal. |
It is highly recommended to pre-book your parking online in advance to get the best rates.
Top Destinations & Drive Times
From Edinburgh Airport, you can easily access some of Scotland's most popular destinations. Here are a few examples with estimated drive times:
| Destination | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh City Centre | 25-30 minutes |
| Glasgow | 1 hour |
| Stirling | 45 minutes |
| St Andrews | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Loch Lomond | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Glencoe | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Drive times are approximate and can vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
Layover Tips
If you have a layover at Edinburgh Airport, there are several ways to pass the time. You can relax in one of the airport lounges, browse the shops, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. If you have a longer layover, you could take a tram or bus into the city centre to explore some of Edinburgh's famous attractions.
Dining & Shopping
Edinburgh Airport has a wide selection of dining and shopping options to suit all tastes and budgets. You'll find everything from fast food to fine dining, as well as a variety of shops selling everything from souvenirs to designer goods.
Accessibility
Edinburgh Airport is committed to providing a high level of service to passengers with reduced mobility. The airport has a range of facilities and services to assist passengers with special needs, including accessible toilets, ramps, and a dedicated special assistance team. It is recommended to pre-book any special assistance you may require with your airline at least 48 hours in advance.
FAQs
1. How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?
You can take the Airlink 100 bus, the tram, a taxi, or a rideshare service like Uber. The bus and tram are the most affordable options, while a taxi or Uber will be the most direct.
2. How much is a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?
A taxi to the city centre will cost between £25 and £40, depending on traffic.
3. Is there a train station at Edinburgh Airport?
No, there is no train station at the airport. The nearest train station is Edinburgh Gateway, which can be reached by tram.
4. Can I buy a SIM card at Edinburgh Airport?
Yes, you can buy a SIM card from WHSmith and other convenience stores in the airport.
5. Is there free WiFi at Edinburgh Airport?
Yes, there is free WiFi throughout the terminal.
6. What lounges are there at Edinburgh Airport?
There are several lounges, including the Aspire Lounge, British Airways Lounge, and Plaza Premium Lounge.
7. Where can I store my luggage at Edinburgh Airport?
Luggage Point, located at the taxi rank, offers luggage storage services.
8. What are the parking options at Edinburgh Airport?
There are several parking options, including Long Stay, Mid Stay, Terminal Parking, and FastPark. It is recommended to pre-book online for the best rates.
9. How early should I arrive at Edinburgh Airport for my flight?
It is generally recommended to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
10. What is the best way to get to the airport for an early morning flight?
The Airlink 100 bus runs 24/7, making it a good option for early morning flights. Taxis and pre-booked private hire vehicles are also available.
Last updated: March 2026
Popular Transfers from Edinburgh Airport
→ Leith
→ Edinburgh Bus Terminal
→ Edinburgh Industrial Zone
→ Edinburgh Exhibition Center
→ Edinburgh Stadium
→ Stockbridge
→ Grassmarket
→ Edinburgh Central Station
→ Edinburgh Suburbs
→ Edinburgh Airport Hotel
→ Edinburgh City Center
→ Edinburgh Ferry Terminal
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