Edinburgh Airport Parking

How to get cheap Edinburgh Airport parking

With over four decades of experience, here at APH, we have learned a thing or two about the airport parking business and we are more than happy to share our money-saving tips to help you secure the best possible Edinburgh Airport parking deal.

Book early to save on Edinburgh Airport parking

Edinburgh Airport parking charges fluctuate with seasons and availability. Just like many airfares. An easy way to save on costs, therefore, is to book as far in advance as possible, when there is still plenty of availability. Research of own booking data shows that by booking Edinburgh Airport parking with APH six months prior to travel, you could save over 32 per cent, compared with making a reservation just one week ahead.

You can see how average daily parking prices increase over a period of six months on the chart below.

Prices are correct at time of writing and subject to change

Pick Park and Ride parking

Park & Ride car parks are generally the most economical type of airport parking and at Edinburgh, you are spoilt for choice, with NCP Scotpark, Secure Airparks and our own APH Car Park all situated just a few minutes from the terminal entrance. Offering secure parking facilities with barrier controls, CCTV and 24-hour patrols, our Park & Ride options at Edinburgh all provide free shuttle transfers.

Finding cheap Edinburgh Airport Parking

Here’s the parking we currently offer at Edinburgh Airport.

There are different types of car parking at Edinburgh Airport. Here’s a little explanation of what the different types offer, to help you select the one that’s right for you.

Off-airport parking: How it works

Off-airport parking is generally the most economical type of car parking at Edinburgh Airport.

Operating like a Park & Ride, off-airport car parks include a free bus transfer to the terminal entrance. Once you have dropped off your car, you simply take your luggage and hop on the next shuttle bus for the few minutes’ ride to the terminal. Off-airport car parks are easy-to-find and avoid having to drive into the airport.

All the off-airport car parks we offer at Edinburgh carry the Park Mark Safer Parking Award, so you can be assured your vehicle will be safely stored while you are away on your travels.

When you return from your trip away, you simply follow the signs in the Arrival Hall to the transfer bus for the ride back to the car park, where you collect your car.

Here's a quick overview of how off-airport parking works.

Best for: travellers looking for an economical parking solution, which does not compromise on security and safety for you and your car.

Meet and Greet parking: How it works

Looking for the fastest way to get from car to check-in desk? Meet & Greet parking is the parking service for you. Offering the ultimate in convenience, you drive straight to the terminal or nearby designated meeting point, hand your keys and car over to your Meet & Greet operator, take your luggage and walk to the check-in desks.

Your car will be driven by a fully insured driver to a secure parking facility for the duration of your trip. Upon your arrival back into Edinburgh, it will be brought back to the terminal for you to collect.

Best for: families with young children, travellers with bulky luggage, or those simply looking for the quickest type of parking.

Use the map to find directions to our Edinburgh Airport car parking facilities. We look forward to welcoming you.

History of Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport started out as an aerodrome called Turnhouse, which operated as a military base during the second half of the first world war. With just a grass strip for a runway, Turnhouse Aerodrome then became home to the 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, in 1925. During the second world war, the aerodrome was taken over by RAF Fighter Command and a runway was built to handle the Supermarine Spitfire.

The first commercial flight took off for London in 1947 and the airport was handed over to the Ministry of Aviation. In 1952, the runway was extended and in 1956, a new passenger terminal was opened. The first international flights began in 1962 with direct service to Dublin, but up until the late 1970s, most other international flights were charter rather than scheduled. 

By 1971, Edinburgh Airport was handling 681,000 passengers. It was bought by the British Airports Authority (BAA) and plans were put in place for a complete redevelopment. A new terminal building was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, which also saw the completion of a new 2,556m runway – designed to handle all modern aircraft including Concorde. By the time BAA was privatised in 1987, Edinburgh was handling over 1.8 million passengers per year.

In 2012, under pressure from the UK’s Competition Commission, the airport was sold to Global Infrastructure Partners, for £807 million. A further extension was added to the passenger terminal and in 2014, the airport was connected to the Edinburgh city centre by a new tram link.

In 2019, passenger numbers had risen to 14.7 million and today, Edinburgh Airport is the UK’s 6th busiest airport and home to over 50 airlines.

Terminals

Edinburgh is a single-terminal airport with two floors. Check-in and arrivals are on the ground floor and the departures lounge is on the first floor. Gates 17 to 29 are at the South East Pier, which is accessible from the main terminal via a covered walkway.

Facilities at the terminal include shops, restaurants, bars and lounges, free WiFi, fast-track security and special assistance services. 

There is a selection of airport parking options to choose from, including APH Park & Ride and Secure Airparks.

Edinburgh Airport offers flights to over 150 destinations worldwide, with airlines including:

• Aegean Airlines
• Aer Lingus
• Air Canada
• Air France
• American Airlines
• Atlantic Airways
• BH Air
• British Airways
• Brussels Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• easyJet
• Edelweiss
• Etihad
• Eurowings
• Finnair
• Iberia Express
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Jet2
• Norwegian
• Qatar Airways
• Ryanair
• SAS Scandinavian Airlines
• Transavia
• TUI
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• Vueling
• WOW Air

Check-in

The check-in area is on the ground floor of the terminal and is divided into zones, as follows: 

Zone A (at the far left of the check-in hall): Ryanair

Zone B (in the centre of the check-in hall): Aer Lingus, Air France, British Airways, KLM, Loganair

Zone C (in the centre of the check-in hall): EasyJet

Zone D (at the right-hand side of the check-in hall): Jet2

If you have already checked-in online and are travelling with just hand baggage, you can head straight for security to go through to the departures lounge. If you have luggage checked in, take your bags to your airline’s Bag Drop desks before heading to security. 

You can check hand luggage restrictions at home before you pack.

There are also self-service check-in kiosks for some airlines. 

Check your travel documentation for advice on the latest check-in times and boarding times and make sure you allow sufficient time to clear security.

Main travel connections

By road

Edinburgh Airport lies eight miles west of Edinburgh city centre. The airport terminal is accessed via the A8 Glasgow Road, and the M8 and M9 are nearby.

If you are driving your own car to the airport there is a choice of secure airport parking to keep your car safe while you are away. 

Edinburgh Airport postcode: EH12 9DN

- Glasgow to Edinburgh Airport is approximately 39 miles (via the M8).

- Perth to Edinburgh Airport is approximately 41 miles (via the M90).

- Dundee to Edinburgh Airport is approximately 60 miles (via the A90 and M90).

- Aberdeen to Edinburgh Airport is approximately 125 miles (via the A90 and M90).

You can also travel to Edinburgh Airport by coach with Megabus from Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Kinross and Perth. Book online in advance for the best fares.

National Express offers multiple services from all over the UK to Edinburgh city centre, from where you can take the tram, local bus or taxi to the airport.

There are regular bus services between Edinburgh city centre and the airport including the Airlink 100, which runs every 15 minutes from 04:00 to 00:30, and every half hour between 01:00 and 04:00. The Airlink 100 departs from near to the bus and train stations and the high street. The bus stops at the airport are right in front of the terminal building, outside the domestic arrivals hall.

You can find more information on bus services at the information desk in the international arrivals hall. Or visit Traveline Scotland.

By rail

Both Edinburgh Waverley and Edinburgh Haymarket train stations are on regular bus routes that can take you to the airport. Edinburgh Airport itself does not have its own train station.

Visit Traveline Scotland for more information.

By tram

Edinburgh Trams run from St Andrew Square (close to Waverley train station) to Edinburgh Airport via Princes Street, Haymarket, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Park Central, Edinburgh Gateway and other local stops. The journey time is around 35 minutes.

At the airport, the tram stop is adjacent to the arrivals and departures terminal, with a covered walkway to the airport building. Tickets can be purchased within the tram plaza, where you will also find onward travel information and a lounge. All Edinburgh Tram ticketing services assistants are ambassadors for the VisitScotland iKnow programme. 

Drop-off zones

Free drop-off and pick-up

The free drop-off and pick-up area at Edinburgh Airport is at the Long Stay car park, where the first 30 minutes of parking is free. The Long Stay car park is about a ten-minute walk from the terminal.

When you arrive at the Long Stay car park, take a ticket at the entry barrier. Providing you do not stay more than 30 minutes, there will be no charge to pay when you exit.

If you stay between 30 minutes and one hour, the tariff is £12.00. Payment can be by card or cash.

There are no height restrictions at the Long Stay car park and the permitted vehicles are cars, motorbikes and minibuses.

Pay drop-off

The pay drop-off zone is on the ground floor of the Multi Storey car park outside the terminal building. Costs are as follows:

Drop-off zone charges:

• 0 – 10 minutes £4.00
• 10 – 15 minutes £8.00
• 15 – 30 minutes £15.00
• 30 minutes – 1 hour £30.00
• after 1 hour £15.00 per hour

Payment is by cash, card or mobile. There is a change machine in the drop-off zone.

Maximum stay is two hours and cars may not be left unattended.

Blue Badge holders can drop-off and pick-up for free within one hour.

There is a 50% discount for electric vehicles and for residents.

Maximum vehicle height: 2.2m/7.2 ft.

Vehicles permitted: cars, motorbikes, minibuses. Taxis and private hire vehicles are not permitted.

Pay pick-up

Pick-up zone charges:

• 0 – 10 minutes £4.00
• 10 – 15 minutes £5.00
• 15 – 30 minutes £9.00
• 30 minutes – 1 hour £12.00
• 1 – 3 hours £18.00
• after 3 hours as per terminal parking tariff

Payment is by cash, card or mobile. There is a change machine in the drop-off zone.

Maximum stay is two hours.

Blue Badge holders can drop-off and pick-up for free within one hour.

Maximum vehicle height: 2.2m/7.2 ft.

Vehicles permitted: cars, motorbikes, minibuses. 

Multi Storey car park charges

The Multi-Storey car park at Edinburgh Airport is a one-minute walk from the airport terminal. It provides covered, secure parking and Blue Badge spaces, as well as access to the FastTrack bridge.

Cars are the only vehicles permitted to park in the Multi-Storey and the height restriction is 2.1m.

Multi Storey car park charges: 

• minimum charge 3 hours £20.00
• 3 – 7 hours £22.00
• 7 – 10 hours £32.00
• 10 – 24 hours £70.00
• up to 2 days £130.00
• up to 3 days £150.00
• up to 4 days £180.00
• additional days thereafter £45.00

Fast-track lanes

Beat the queues with Edinburgh’s FastTrack Security and FastTRACK Passport Control. 

FastTrack Security

Speed up your journey through to the departures lounge with Edinburgh Airport’s FastTrack Security. Ideal for those short of time, or families with young children, FastTrack Security can be booked online in advance for £6.00 per person. Children under two years go free.

You can also book a FastTrack Security pass by using a QR code when you arrive at the airport.

When you make a FastTrack Security booking, you need to choose the time that you expect to arrive at the entrance to the security area, but this is flexible one hour either side.

You will need to show your booking confirmation to get access to the FastTrack lane.

Passengers who are booked in the Multi-Story car park have FastTrack passes included with their car park booking and, if travelling without checked-in luggage, can use the FastTrack bridge on the second level of the car park.

The FastTrack Security Lane is to the left of the e-gates, where you scan your boarding pass before heading into the security area.

Opening times: 04:00 – 20:00

FastTrack Passport Control

International passengers arriving at Edinburgh Airport can purchase FastTrack Passport Control and avoid any queues for passport checks. Ideal for those travelling without checked-in luggage to collect from baggage reclaim, FastTrack Passport Control helps to speed you through the airport to your onward journey. Book here.

Special assistance and disabled facilities

Special Assistance

Special assistance is available at Edinburgh Airport for those with reduced mobility.

Special assistance bookings should be made with your airline or travel agent in advance – ideally more than 14 days prior to travel, and at least 48 hours prior. If you cannot book special assistance in advance, you can still request it at the airport and all reasonable efforts will be made to assist you.

Each airline may have different rules and regulations around booking special assistance.

If you are travelling with an assistance dog or mobility aid, such as a wheelchair or scooter, you must advise your airline at least 48 hours prior to travel.

If you have booked assistance, when you arrive at the airport just go to the Special Assistance Reception, which is just outside the Domestic Arrivals door, opposite the Airlink 100 bus stand. It is signposted Special Assistance.

Disabled parking

Blue Badge parking bays are available in any of the official airport car parks, with free parking up to one hour. You need to have your car park ticket validated at the customer service kiosk before exiting the car park.

There are telephone help points located near the Blue Badge parking bays and help is provided free of charge to passengers who need special assistance.

You must display your Blue Badge clearly on the dashboard while you are away. However, if you prefer to take your Blue Badge with you, you just need to show it to the car park operator either at the customer services office or by using the help button.

For wide disabled parking bays, just follow the signs in any of the airport’s car parks.

Drop-off and pick-up zones are on the ground floor of the Multi Storey car park and Blue Badge holders can drop-off and pick-up for free within a one-hour stay. If you are the Blue Badge holder and are being collected at the airport, ask your driver to go to the customer services office to arrange access to a Blue Badge bay and receive 30 minutes of free parking. 

The Long Stay car park also has Blue Badge spaces.

There are also disabled parking bays at the off-airport APH Park & Ride and Secure Airparks, where assistance can be provided to help with luggage. Two of the airport transfer buses have lowered suspension and ramps. 

Fast Track Security

You can avoid any queues at security by booking FastTrack Security for £6.00 per person. Opening times: 04:00 – 20:00

Security

Once in the security area, there are low-level benches on both sides for you to repack any belongings. Liquid medication over 100ml requires supporting documentation such as a prescription or doctor’s letter.
You can remain in your wheelchair through the security process, but it will require you to go through the archway metal detector with a full body search. Private search areas are available on request.

Accessible toilets

There is a changing place facility within the restroom corridor near Gate 16. This includes a height-adjustable changing bench, height-adjustable sink and a hoist (you need to bring your own sling), as well as extra space. You can access the facility by using the 24/7 help point.

Regular accessible toilets are also available at Edinburgh Airport throughout the terminal building.

Mobility equipment

You can remain in your own mobility equipment up until boarding the aircraft. All equipment must be tagged with a luggage label, which is printed out for you at check-in, and you must have your equipment checked at the Special Assistance Reception just outside the Domestic Arrivals door.

Edinburgh Airport provides the following mobility equipment:

• Staxi chair and wheelchairs
• Columbia aisle chairs for use on board the aircraft
• Aviramp Lite boarding ramp
• wheelchair accessible minibus
• AmbuLift vehicles

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome at Edinburgh Airport. 

You must notify your airline at the time of booking if you wish to travel with your assistance dog. 

If you are flying into Edinburgh Airport with your assistance dog, then it is recommended to contact the animal receiving centre at least 48 hours prior to your flight. The centre staff will be able to guide you through the health requirements for your dog’s entry to the UK and process your dog on arrival. 

The animal receiving centre can be emailed at arc@extrordinair.co.uk, or call +44 (0)131 317 7277. Failure to contact the animal receiving centre to notify them of your arrival may result in delays to your onward journey.

You’ll find a dog spending area for assistance dogs next to the Multi-Storey car park, where there is also a dog waste bin.

Hidden disabilities

Sunflower lanyards and pins are available at the Special Assistance Reception, just outside the Domestic Arrivals door. The sunflower lanyard or pin identifies the wearer to staff as someone who may need additional support or understanding. 
There is also a special assistance waiting area away from the main departures hall, near Gate 16.

To help you prepare for the airport, you can download a social story for your airport journey. This is especially helpful for passengers with autism.

Family facilities

Security

If you are travelling with children under the age of 12, you can use the dedicated Family Lane to access the security area. 

Be prepared for security by noting the following that must be placed in the tray:

• liquids under 100ml (which have been placed in a sealed clear plastic bag)
• oversized liquids including sterilised water, baby milk and baby food
• large electricals including laptops and games consoles
• any bags and items from prams or buggies

Children can be left in their prams or pushchairs if they are sleepy, but everyone else should be carried or walked through the metal detector.
All items are screened as they pass through security. Just reassure your children that their teddies and special toys will be quickly looked after and returned to them.

Baby changing

There are baby changing facilities, or dedicated cubicles for children, in many of the washroom facilities located throughout the departures lounge. There is also a lockable nursing room near Gate 21 for those who prefer privacy while breastfeeding.

Pushchairs

If you are travelling with a pushchair, you can take it right up to the gate, just before you board your flight, where the staff will take it from you to put in the hold.

Play areas

You can keep the kids entertained at Edinburgh Airport’s play areas, located at Gate 2 and Gate 21.

Business facilities

Fast Track Security

Save time by booking FastTrack Security, which is £6.00 per person and open from 04:00 to 20:00.

Aspire Executive Lounge

The Aspire Lounge provides a tranquil environment while you wait for your flight. 

Lounge benefits include comfortable seating, complimentary beverages and light snacks, free WiFi and a selection of complimentary newspapers and magazines. There are also private booths and device charging points.

• Opening times: 04:30 – 20:30
• Price from £26.99 per adult
• Price from £15.49 per child

No 1 Lounge

Enjoy a relaxing space away from the main departures lounge. No 1 Lounge facilities include comfortable seating, complimentary hot and cold food, free WiFi, a fully tended bar and flatscreen TVs.

• Opening times: 04:30 – 21:00
• Price from £26.00 per adult

Chapel

Edinburgh Airport provides a prayer room for passengers of all faiths and denominations. 
You’ll find it on the ground floor of the terminal in the International Arrivals 1 area, just next to the Ryanair check-in.

Food and drink

There are plenty of refreshment options at Edinburgh Airport, from coffee and croissant to burgers and burritos, craft beers and fine wines. 

Before security 
Bridge and Castle Bar & Kitchen - Breakfast, burgers and pub favourites - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

Caffe Nero
Italian-style food and coffee - Opening times: 04:00 – 21:00

Costa Coffee, in arrivals -Italian coffee, sandwiches and pastries -Opening times: 04:00 – 19:00

Starbucks, in arrivals - Frappucinos, lattes, pastries and paninis - Opening times: 24 hours

After security

- All Bar One, Gate 6 - Relaxed space, globally inspired menu - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

- Bar Burrito, Gate 6 - Healthy Mexican street food - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

- BrewDog, Gate 15 - Craft beer - Opening times: 10:00 – 19:00

- Burger King, Gate 11 - 100% beef flame-grilled burgers -Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

- Caffe Nero, Gate 7 - Italian-style food and coffee -Opening times: 04:00 – 21:00

- Caffe Nero, Gate 12 - Italian-style food and coffee - Opening times: 04:00 – 23:30

- Costa Coffee, Gate 10 - Italian coffee, sandwiches and pastries - Opening times: 03:00 – 22:00

- Fever-Tree Bar, Gates 7 and 9 - Sophisticated drinks and small plates - Opening times: 04:00 – 23:00

- Hudson Street Grill, Gate 11 - New York meets Edinburgh - Opening times: 05:00 – 20:00

- Krispy Kreme, Gate 11 - Fresh doughnuts every day - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

- Pret a Manger, Gate 12 - Organic coffee, busy kitchen and baker’s oven - Opening times: 05:00 – 21:00

- Wetherspoon – The Sir Walter Scott, Gate 10 - Tasty pub food - Opening times: 03:30 – 22:00

Smoking areas

There are smoking zones outside of the terminal entrance. No smoking is permitted at all within the terminal building, including e-cigarettes.

Water fountains

There is a water fountain in the departures lounge at Edinburgh Airport, just at the exit of World Duty-Free. Most food outlets at the airport will provide free tap water upon request too.

Duty-free shopping

The duty-free store at Edinburgh Airport is World Duty-Free, which offers a reserve and collect service.

Note that duty-free shopping is available only for departing and arriving passengers.

World Duty-Free - Opening times: 03:30 – last flight

Jo Malone London 
World Duty-Free also operate a separate Jo Malone London store at Edinburgh Airport, where you can reserve and collect.

Opening times: 05:30 – 17:00 Thursday to Monday
Opening times: 06:00 – 15:00 Tuesday and Wednesday

MAC 

There is also a MAC beauty store, with a reserve and collect service. 

Opening times: 05:30 – 17:00 Thursday to Monday
Opening times: 06:00 – 15:00 Tuesday and Wednesday

Other shops
Other shops at Edinburgh Airport include:

Before security

• Luggage Point
• M&S Simply Food
• WHSmith

After security

• Accessorize
• ånd
• Boots
• Boss
• Brora
• Castore
• FatFace
• Heritage of Scotland
• InMotion
• JD Sports
• Kurt Geiger
• Luggage Point
• Next
• Scottish Fine Gifts
• Sunglass Hut
• Tartan Weaving Mill
• The Body Shop
• The Enchanted Galaxy
• WHSmith

Charging points

There are mobile device charging outlets before and after security at Edinburgh Airport, as well as in the airport lounges.

EV charging points

Tesla Supercharger
Almond Rd, Ingliston, Edinburgh EH28 8AU

Electric Vehicle Charging Station
100 Ingliston Rd, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8AU

Chargeplace Scotland Charging Station
2 Eastfield Rd, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8LS

Airparks with EV Charge
Bring your own UK Type 2 cable and your vehicle will be charged for you after you have dropped it off.

Internet access

WiFi

Edinburgh Airport offers unlimited free WiFi for up to two hours per day per device.
Select the “Edinburgh Airport” network and go to the login page to create a new account or to log in.

Luggage trolleys

Luggage trolleys are free to use at Edinburgh Airport and can be found within the terminal and at the car parks.

Luggage lockers

You can store your bags with Luggage-Point at Edinburgh Airport, which also offers a bag wrapping service, shipping, dry-cleaning and lost property service. 

Luggage-Point

Domestic and International 2 Arrivals exit - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00  - Tel: 0330 223 0893

Currency exchange

Currency exchange at Edinburgh Airport is operated by Travelex. You can pre-order your currency and collect it from the Travelex store at the airport. Euros and US dollars can be ordered up to four hours prior to collection. 

You can also get instant euros or pounds sterling from the Travelex ATMs, which are located throughout the airport. Or purchase a Travelex Money Card, which is available for use in ten different currencies and locks in the exchange rate.

The Travelex Buy Back Plus scheme means you can exchange any leftover currency with them after your trip, for the same rate as you bought it. Buy Back Plus is available for £4.99.

Pharmacies

There is an in-store pharmacy at Boots in the departures lounge after security. You can Click and Collect up to three days prior to departure.

Boots - Departures lounge, after security - Opening hours: 03:00 – 22:00

Help Desk

There is an airport information and tourist information desk in International Arrivals.

For special assistance, the Special Assistance Reception is located just outside the Domestic Arrivals door, opposite the Airlink 100 bus stand. There are also help points in the airport car parks and throughout the terminal.