Key Highlights
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Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the main international entry point for people coming to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.
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This is the busiest airport in Scotland. It has one passenger terminal that works well and helps millions of people.
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You will get many direct flights from here. These flights go to different places in the UK, Europe, North America, and more.
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In the United Kingdom, there are a few airports close to Edinburgh. These include Glasgow, Dundee, and Prestwick. These give you other ways to travel.
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This guide will tell you about the airport, including what is inside, how you can get there, and other airports in the area you may use.
Introduction
Thinking about visiting Scotland’s historic capital in 2026? Getting to Edinburgh is easy with the good transport system. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the main airport here, and it welcomes people from many places in the world. In this guide, you will find all you need to know about the airports that serve Edinburgh. This helps you plan your trip and avoid trouble. The guide covers the main airport and other nearby choices. Let’s look at your ways to travel to this beautiful area of the United Kingdom.
Comprehensive List of Airports in Edinburgh for 2026
Edinburgh has one main airport, but there are others close by. These airports give you more ways to travel. You may want an airport with lots of international flights, a place for domestic flights, or one that is not too expensive. So there are a few airports in the area that can help, no matter what you need. Edinburgh Airport is busy, and there are also smaller local airports. Knowing about your choices can help you pick the best way to get to Edinburgh.
This guide shows you the main airports near Edinburgh and in the surrounding places. We talk about the international hub, some other airports that get a lot of passenger traffic, and smaller airfields. Here is the way to learn about airports that can take you to Scotland’s capital city.
1. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) – Main International Hub
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is Scotland’s busiest airport and your main gateway to the city. Located just a few miles west of the city centre, it serves millions of passengers each year. The airport has a single, modern terminal building, making it easy to navigate. Originally known as Turnhouse Aerodrome, it has grown significantly over the decades. Today, under the ownership of Global Infrastructure Partners, it connects Edinburgh with the world.
A wide range of airlines operates from EDI, offering direct flights to destinations across the globe. Major carriers like British Airways, United Airlines, and Qatar Airways provide extensive networks. This makes it simple to fly directly from many locations in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Here are some of the key airlines you will find at Edinburgh Airport:
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Airline |
Key Destinations |
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British Airways |
London, International Connections |
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United Airlines |
North America (e.g., Chicago) |
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Qatar Airways |
Doha, Middle East Connections |
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Ryanair |
Various European Cities |
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easyJet |
UK and European Destinations |
2. Dundee Airport – Regional Gateway
Dundee Airport (DND) is around 59 miles away from Edinburgh. This is a small airport in Scotland that helps the Tayside area. It is not as big as Edinburgh or Glasgow airports, but it is easy to use. Many people in the UK find it a good choice, especially if you want to visit the east coast of Scotland. The airport is small, so you can get through faster and feel more relaxed.
Dundee Airport helps connect the area to important places. This is useful for both work trips and holidays. Loganair is the main airline there. You get regular domestic flights through them. If you are coming from other places in the UK, Dundee lets you skip the bigger airports and their crowds.
If you want to see more of Scotland after Edinburgh, flying to Dundee is a good way to go. You can get to cities like Perth and St Andrews very soon after you land. The lovely views of Angus and Fife are near too. From Dundee, it is simple to head down to Edinburgh by car or on public transport.
3. Glasgow Airport – Major Nearby Alternative
Glasgow Airport (GLA) is about 55 miles west of Edinburgh. This airport is one of the largest in Scotland and is a good choice for people who want another option for travel. It is also one of the busiest in the UK, so there is a lot of passenger traffic. If you want to fly to Europe, North America, or the Middle East, you will find many flights from this airport. If you get a good flight deal to Glasgow, this airport is a great pick for your trip to Edinburgh.
The terminal at Glasgow Airport is big and has a lot for people to use while they wait. Airlines like Emirates, easyJet, and Jet2.com fly from here, and they connect Scotland to many places across the world. You will see many choices for your trip.
You can get from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh city centre without any problem. There are regular bus services, like Citylink Air, that go straight from the airport to Edinburgh city centre. The ride takes about one hour. You can also hire a car or use a mix of bus and train links. This makes GLA a good and easy choice if you want to get to Edinburgh or travel in Scotland.
4. Prestwick Airport – Budget-Friendly Option
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) gives people another way to travel. It is about 79 miles from Edinburgh and sits on the Ayrshire coast. This airport is well-known for being a main stop for budget airlines, so it can be a good pick if you want a cheap way to get into Scotland. The airport is known for flights around the Glasgow area, but with good travel links, you can use it for trips to Edinburgh too.
The airport is a strong base for Ryanair. This airline flies to many well-loved spots in Europe. If you leave from a place served by Ryanair, you could get some of the least expensive flights into Prestwick. This can help you save money for your visit.
Glasgow Prestwick is farther from Edinburgh than glasgow airport, but it does have its own train station. You can take a direct train straight to Glasgow Central. From there, it is simple to jump on a train to Edinburgh. The joined-up travel makes Prestwick a handy choice for those who want to keep costs down while going places in the UK.
5. Local Airfields and Private Airports around Edinburgh
The area near Edinburgh has more than just big commercial airports. There are some smaller airfields and private airports too. These airports are mostly used for general aviation, flight lessons, and private charter flights. They do not have regular passenger flights. For people who fly planes, or those travelling in a private jet, these smaller airports give a quicker and more private way to get into the area.
Perth Airport (PSL) is one good example. It is about 47 miles from Edinburgh. Perth Airport is known for flight training and private charter flights. The main airport in Edinburgh began as Turnhouse Aerodrome many years ago. This shows the strong link between Edinburgh and local aviation. These smaller airports are a big part of the UK’s aviation network.
You cannot book a commercial flight at these smaller airports. But they do mean a lot for flying clubs, maintenance work, and private travel. They are another way to get in and out of Edinburgh and it is perfect for travellers who want something different. These smaller airports help connect people to Edinburgh and the beautiful parts of Scotland.
Facilities and Amenities at Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport makes sure your time there is good and easy. The airport has many things to help you inside its one main passenger terminal. No matter if you are waiting for your plane or you have just come to Edinburgh, you will find all that you need. The terminal building is set up so you can move from check-in and go through security to your gate without trouble.
The airport has something for every traveller. You can relax in the Aspire Lounge or shop in the big retail areas. There are many places to eat too. If you need to work, there are good business spots, and there are also great family services if you are with children. Below, we will talk more about these useful things you can get at the terminal in Edinburgh.
Passenger Lounges, Shopping, and Dining
For a bit of luxury before you fly, Edinburgh Airport has a few lounges for passengers. The Aspire Lounge gives you a quiet place to rest. You get free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. It is a good spot to escape the busy terminal. You can unwind or get some work done in peace.
The retail areas in the passenger terminal have a mix of high-street brands, designer shops, and Scottish souvenirs. You can look for gifts at the last minute, buy things you need for travel, or treat yourself to something from Edinburgh. World Duty Free is there, offering savings on many products like fragrances, cosmetics, and spirits.
You have lots of options for food in the terminal. There are many restaurants, cafés, and bars for all tastes and budgets.
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Grab a quick coffee and a pastry before your early flight.
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Have a sit-down meal at restaurants serving local or international food.
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Chill out with a drink at one of the stylish bars in the departure lounge.
Family Services, Accessibility, and Business Facilities
Edinburgh Airport has everything you need if you travel with your family. The terminal is set up to help make your time there easier. At busy times, you can use family security lanes. There are play areas where kids can enjoy themselves before they fly. Baby changing rooms are easy to find all over the airport.
Access for everyone is important at Edinburgh Airport. The airport helps passengers with less mobility and hidden disabilities. There are special assistance services, toilets that are easy to use, and induction loops. You can book help with your airline before you go. This way, you get the right support from the time you arrive until you leave.
If you travel for work, you will find what you need at the airport. Free Wi-Fi covers the terminal, so you can connect anytime. There are quiet places to work. Airport lounges offer business zones with charging spots and desks. You can keep working while you wait for your flight.
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Family-friendly security lanes and play areas.
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Special assistance services for accessibility needs.
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Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces for business travellers.
Conclusion
To sum up, looking at the airports in Edinburgh shows there are many choices for people who want to fly in 2026. Edinburgh Airport is the busiest and the main airport where most international flights land. Prestwick Airport is also there and is known for being easy on your budget. Each airport has its own good points and things that make it stand out to help people who fly in and out.
If you know what is on offer at these airports, it will help you have a better trip. You might need to catch another flight, go shopping, eat some good food, or need help for your family while you wait. The airports in Edinburgh can help with all of these things. Take some time to look at your ways to get to and from each airport and pick the best airline before you travel. That can make your trip go much more smoothly.
For more details, you can always check our FAQ section. Have a good trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines operate from Edinburgh Airport and what destinations are available?
Edinburgh Airport has flights from big airlines like British Airways, Qatar Airways, and American Airlines. There are direct flights to alot of places in the UK, Europe, North America and the Middle East. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet also have many routes. You get many ways to travel from Edinburgh Airport.
What are the best transport options to and from Edinburgh Airport?
The best way to get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is by tram or Lothian Buses’ Airlink 100. Both the tram and the bus run often and get you to the heart of Edinburgh fast. You can also take a taxi or use a rental car if you like. If you need a train, take the tram to Edinburgh Gateway station for more options.
Are there any tips for travellers using airports in Edinburgh?
When you go through Edinburgh Airport in June or other busy times, book your parking and lounge spots ahead of time. Get there early so you do not rush at security. Think about how Edinburgh Airport works for sustainability, like taking public transport. To make your trip easy, check baggage rules before you come and pack liquids the right way.