Make the Most of Your Layover at Edinburgh Airport: A Traveler's Guide to Exploring Scotland's Capital

Edinburgh Airport Guide: How to Spend a Layover Here

Planning a trip through Scotland? If you have a layover at Edinburgh Airport, you're in luck! We've put together a guide with some great options for how to spend your time during a layover at Edinburgh Airport. Let's dive in!


 In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about Edinburgh Airport, from its amenities and services to transportation options and tips to make the most of your time here. So sit back, relax, and let us be your trusted companion as you navigate through Edinburgh Airport and embark on your travel adventures.

Make the Most of Your Layover at Edinburgh Airport: A Traveler's Guide to Exploring Scotland's Capital
How many terminals are at Edinburgh Airport airport, and which airlines fly from which terminal?

Edinburgh Airport has only one main terminal, which serves around 40 airlines that fly to over 100 destinations worldwide. Some major airlines operating from Edinburgh Airport include Ryanair, easyJet, Loganair, British Airways, and Aer Lingus. Other airlines that fly from Edinburgh Airport include charter airlines such as First Choice and FlyGlobespan, and low-cost airlines like Jet2com, Thomsonfly, Iberworld, Onur Air, Clickair, Centralwings, and Germanwings. Established national carriers such as Air France and KLM also serve Edinburgh Airport.


Dining and Shopping at Edinburgh Airport 

Can you really make a saving, or are the prices so inflated that the increased markups outweigh the tax saving?

World Duty-Free at Edinburgh Airport sells premium brands and often has travel exclusives you won't find outside the airport. You can save up to 50% off selected alcohol products compared to the average UK high street price and up to 40% off some fragrance lines. 

Other shopping at Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport has a good selection of shops before and after the security area. These shops sell everything from designer clothes and electronics to sunglasses and suitcases. Some of the most familiar names in the airport include Boots, Boos, FatFace, JD Sports, Sunglasses Hut, The Body Shop, and WH Smith.

Dining Options at Edinburgh Airport:

Edinburgh Airport also has a great selection of places to eat and drink. After security, you'll find All Bar One, Barburrito, BrewDog, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Cofee, Fever-Tree, Hudson St Grill, Krispy Kreme, Pret a Manger, and Wetherspoon. Queuing and wait times for each establishment will vary depending on the day and time you are in the airport, with peak periods being the busiest. We recommend Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Cofee, Krispy Kreme, and Pret a Manger for quick takeaway options.

Entertainment and other services at Edinburgh 

Regarding other facilities in Edinburgh Airport, there are three lounges, a currency exchange, and a prayer room. There is also a Luggage-Point, which offers services such as bag wrapping, left luggage, shipping and dry cleaning.


Everything you need to know about Edinburgh Airport:

Airport Lounges – what lounges exist, and are they worth it?

Edinburgh Airport has three lounges: Plaza Premium Lounge, the Aspire Lounge, and the British Airways Lounge. All lounges provide complimentary food and drinks and unlimited Wi-Fi.

FastTrack – what products exist, price, is it. Worth it?

FastTRACK Passport Control is available to all passengers to book. If you book online in advance, FastTRACK costs just £6 per person. Once you have booked fastTRACK, you get access to the exclusive FastTRACK lane, helping you avoid potentially lengthy queues at passport control.

When should I book to get the best prices at Edinburgh Airport?

Book as far in advance as possible – ideally, at least one month before you travel. However, even booking 24 hours beforehand will get you a better price than not pre-booking.

How early should I arrive to park my car at Edinburgh Airport?

It would be best if you arrived to park your car at Edinburgh Aiport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and at least 3 hours before an international flight.

What happens if my flight is cancelled at Edinburgh Airport?

Experiencing flight cancellations at Edinburgh Airport can be stressful. If this happens to you, try to stay calm and do the following:

  • Get proof of your cancelled flight.
  • Keep safe your travel documents - boarding passes, luggage tags, etc. 
  • Ask the airline what they intend to do about the cancellation.
  • Ask the airline to provide or pay for your meals and refreshments and, if needed, hotel and transport costs.
  • Do not sign anything that could waive your right to compensation.
  • Keep all receipts just in case you need to prove that the disruption cost you extra money - e.g. for claiming back via your travel insurance.