A long layover in Edinburgh is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Edinburgh Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 100 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave EDI:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United Kingdom. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Edinburgh takes about 100 minutes by Airlink 100 Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is GBP. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From EDI, the Airlink 100 Bus gets you to Edinburgh in around 100 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 120 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Airlink 100 Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Edinburgh might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$13 USD
- A meal: ~$26 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$49 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Where to Leave Your Bags
You can store your luggage at Luggage storage is available at the Excess Baggage Company desk, located in the UK Arrivals hall.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around Edinburgh as well.
How to Spend Your Time in Edinburgh
Two recommendations for your time in Edinburgh:
Start with Royal Mile. Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Edinburgh Castle (Exterior Views). You can see the main features in a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside EDI — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Aspire Lounge (Gate 4)
- World Duty Free
Where to Eat
For food in Edinburgh, local travelers recommend Oink (Grassmarket). If you have time for a second stop, Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Mound) is another popular pick.
Back at EDI, The Sir Walter Scott is the go-to. Wagamama rounds out your in-terminal options.
Need a Nap? Options at EDI
Long overnight layover? Your options at EDI include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United Kingdom also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at EDI for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Edinburgh or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Edinburgh with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Edinburgh may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.