World City Guide

Getting There By Air

Edinburgh International Airport (EDI)
Tel: (0131) 333 1000. Fax: (0131) 335 3181.
Website: www.baa.com or www.flyedi.com

Scotland’s fastest growing airport is located 12km (eight miles) west of Edinburgh. Over 100 million Pounds was invested in developing the airport, which was completed in April 2001. A new multi storey car park is being built which is due to be completed by November 2004. Edinburgh International Airport serves over five million passengers to over 56 destinations worldwide. There are more than 30 flights to London’s five airports every day, with regular flights to other major cities in the UK and overseas. Direct transatlantic links are available from Glasgow International Airport, approximately one hour from Edinburgh.

Major airlines: Scotland has not had its own national airline since the demise of British Caledonian in 1987. British Midland (tel: (0870) 607 0555; website: www.flybmi.com ) flies to a large number of destinations from Edinburgh. Other airlines include Air France, Air Scotland, British Airways, British European, duo, easyJet, KLM UK, Lufthansa, Ryanair and Scot Airways.

Approximate flight times to Edinburgh: From London is 1 hour 15 minutes; from New York is 8 hours 30 minutes; from Los Angeles is 12 hours; from Toronto is 8 hours 45 minutes and from Sydney is 22 hours 15 minutes.

Airport facilities: Facilities include bureaux de change, information desk, Edinburgh Tourist Board office, hotel reservations, left-luggage; lost property, shops (including a newsagent and gift shops), duty-free shops, first aid, bars, restaurants and car hire from Avis, Budget, Europcar, National and Hertz.

Business facilities: British Airways, British Midland and Servisair (tel: 0131 344 3111; website: www.servisair.com ) all provide executive lounges with telephone, fax and computer facilities.

Departure tax: 20 is always included in the price of the flight.

Transport to the city: Lothian Buses (tel: (0131) 555 6363; website: www.lothianbuses.co.uk ) run from the terminal forecourt to the city centre terminus at Waverley Bridge (situated above Waverley railway station) via Haymarket station (journey time – 25 minutes). These buses operate every eight to 10 minutes, 0650-2140 Monday to Saturday (then every 15 mins 2140-1225), 1010-2128 Sunday (then every 20 mins until 1225). There are also hourly services from 1245 to 0345 during the night. A single fare costs 3.30. The Airsaver ticket (4.20) covers a single fare, plus same-day unlimited travel on Lothian Buses, once in the city centre. Taxis are available from the taxi rank in front of the terminal or by calling Airport Taxis (tel: (0131) 344 3344). A trip to the city centre (journey time – 20 minutes) costs approximately 20. Access to the city by car is along the A8 Edinburgh-Glasgow road.