Terminal & Facilities
One Terminal, Two Piers – The terminal layout is compact, with check‑in, security, arrivals, and departures all within one building; gates are split between the main pier (Gates 1–12) and south‑east pier (13–23) .
Shops & Dining – Plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants, including World Duty Free, All Bar One, Pret, BrewDog, and various local Scottish stalls. You’ll also find free Wi‑Fi and family‑friendly facilities .
Passenger Services – Family lanes at security, baby‑change rooms, prayer room, changing‑place toilets, lounges, and vehicle drop‑off/pick‑up zones .
Getting To & From the City Centre
Multiple options transport you from the airport to central Edinburgh (Haymarket, Princes Street, St Andrew Square) in 25–40 minutes, tailored to your budget, schedule, and luggage.
1. Tram – Reliable & Scenic
Travel time: ~30–35 minutes
Frequency: every 7–10 minutes
Cost: £7–7.90 single, £9.50–9.00 return
Stops: Airport → Gogarburn → Edinburgh Gateway → Haymarket → Princes Street → St Andrew Square → Newhaven
Insider tip: Buy ticket beforehand (machines at tram stop); staff available for help – luggage racks included .
2. Airlink 100 Express Bus – Fastest Value 24/7
Travel time: ~25–30 minutes
Cost: £4.50–5.50 single, ~£8 return
Frequency: every 10 minutes, 24 hours
Stops: Key city stops—Haymarket, West End, Princes Street, Waverley Bridge
Extras: Free Wi‑Fi onboard; purchase via Lothian Buses app or driver .
3. Taxi / Private Transfer – Most Convenient
Travel time: 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic
Cost: Licensed taxi meter fares typically £25–40; private transfers range £30–40 for up to 5 passengers .
Where: Taxi rank outside arrivals—black cabs & private hire available
Why choose: Ideal for luggage, groups, early/late flights, doorstep drop‑offs, cobbled streets of Old Town .
4. Car Hire & Parking
Road access: Via A8/M8/M9/M90
Parking options: FastPark, Terminal (1‑hr), Mid/Long‑stay, Blue badge, EV charging. Drop‑off and pick‑up zones available with charges.
5. Train + Tram – Flexible
No direct rail station at airport.
Nearest: Edinburgh Gateway (tram interchange) → by tram to terminal or city centre .
Tickets: Buy tram or bus tickets before boarding. Fines apply for onboard purchases .
Peak hours: Tram may be slightly slower due to city stops; bus is express .
Group travel: taxis and private transfers are most cost-effective per person or for bulky luggage.
Familial needs: the airport is very family-friendly with baby facilities and family lanes .
Why Edinburgh Airport?
It’s Scotland’s busiest and 6th in the UK, offering routes to 150+ international destinations and served by 37+ airlines .
Compact terminal layout makes navigation easy—even with families or reduced mobility.
Ongoing terminal improvements include more shops, lounges, and tech upgrades .
Final Advice
For quick and cheap rides, the Airlink 100 is hard to beat. Fancy a smoother journey with easy city stops? Go for the tram. Prefer going straight to your hotel without lugging bags? Book a taxi or private transfer. Driving? Reserve parking in advance and navigate via the A8/M8.
