Edinburgh Airport Drop-off Charges
Edinburgh Airport has increased its drop-off and pick-up charges from £6 to £8.50 for up to 10 minutes, with the new pricing taking effect from 18 May 2026. Airport bosses say the increase was necessary after the airport received a 142% rise in business rates, adding around £8 million to annual operating costs. The change makes Edinburgh one of the most expensive UK airports outside London for terminal drop-off.
The charged pick-up and drop-off zone is located on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park directly opposite the terminal building, offering the quickest access for passengers.
If you’re comparing airport charges across the UK, see our guides to Gatwick Airport drop-off charges, Heathrow drop-off fees and Manchester Airport drop-off charges.
Edinburgh Airport drop-off charges 2026
- Up to 10 minutes: £8.50
- Each additional minute: £1.00
- Maximum stay: 2 hours
The airport has confirmed that the previous 50% electric vehicle discount will also be removed from May 2026.
Drivers can pay by contactless card at the exit barrier or by using the payment machines inside the multi-storey car park.
Free drop-off and pick-up at Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport still operates a free drop-off and pick-up area in the long-stay car park. Drivers can park for up to 30 minutes free of charge, making it the best option for avoiding the expensive forecourt fees.
The free area is around a 10-minute walk from the terminal building using a dedicated pedestrian walkway. Edinburgh Airport has also confirmed additional spaces will be added to the free drop-off area, and a free shuttle bus service is expected to return.
If you’re travelling for more than a few hours, booking airport parking is often cheaper than relying on repeated drop-offs and collections. Compare the latest Edinburgh Airport parking deals, including:
- Drop & Go parking
- Secure Airparks Edinburgh
- Meet and greet parking
- Hotels with parking near Edinburgh Airport
Blue Badge exemptions
Blue Badge holders can continue to use the drop-off zone free of charge for up to one hour. Drivers must take their parking ticket to the customer services office on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park to validate their exit before leaving.
Local Resident discount
Edinburgh Airport continues to offer a local resident discount scheme for eligible households living close to the airport. Residents within selected postcode areas can apply for discounted access to the drop-off and pick-up zone.
Eligible postcode areas currently include:
- EH4 6
- EH4 8
- EH12 0
- EH12 9
- EH28 1
- EH29 1
- EH52 5
Residents must register with Edinburgh Airport and provide proof of address to receive the discount. Full details and applications are available via the airport’s official resident support page.
Apply for the Edinburgh Airport local resident discount.
How to reach the drop-off zone
Follow signs for Edinburgh Airport from the A8 Glasgow Road. Once inside the airport complex, continue past the Moxy and DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, then follow signs for the multi-storey car park and Pickup & Dropoff zone.
The airport is around 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre and easily accessible from the M8, M9 and A8.
Public transport alternatives
Edinburgh Airport says the price increase is partly intended to encourage greater use of public transport. The airport is served by Edinburgh Trams and the Airlink 100 bus service, both offering direct routes to the city centre.
The tram stop is directly outside the terminal and services run regularly between the airport and St Andrew Square via Haymarket and Edinburgh Gateway.
The Airlink 100 bus operates 24 hours a day and stops immediately outside the terminal building.
Picking up passengers at Edinburgh Airport
The same £8.50 charge applies for picking up passengers from the terminal pick-up area in the multi-storey car park.
To avoid the fee, drivers can instead use the free long-stay car park for up to 30 minutes and arrange to meet passengers there.
Drop Off Zone FAQs
Edinburgh Airport charges £8.50 for up to 10 minutes in the terminal drop-off zone. Each additional minute costs £1.
Yes. Edinburgh Airport offers a free drop-off and pick-up area in the long-stay car park for stays of up to 30 minutes.
The airport says the increase was introduced to help cover an £8 million rise in business rates after a 142% increase in its rates bill.
No. Edinburgh Airport has confirmed that the previous 50% EV discount has been removed from May 2026.
Residents living within selected postcode areas near Edinburgh Airport, including EH4, EH12, EH28, EH29 and EH52 districts, may qualify for discounted drop-off and pick-up charges.
Drivers must apply through Edinburgh Airport’s resident support scheme and provide proof of address to confirm eligibility.