Part of our Edinburgh Airport taxi fares 2026 guide
Quick answer
Since 18 May 2026 the pick-up and drop-off zone at Edinburgh Airport costs £8.50 for up to 10 minutes and £1 for each extra minute, up to 2 hours. There is a free zone in the long-stay car park for up to 30 minutes, about a 10-minute walk from the terminal. If your flight is late, a pre-booked transfer is often simpler: RTransfer tracks the flight, waits 60 minutes free and charges a fixed £48 per car to the city centre.
The options for collecting someone
| Option | Cost | Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Pick-up and drop-off zone (multi-storey ground floor) | £8.50 up to 10 min, then £1 per minute | A delayed flight or slow baggage gets expensive |
| Free zone, long-stay car park | Free for 30 min | About a 10-minute walk with luggage |
| Blue Badge holders | Free access for up to 1 hour | Use the exit intercom and your badge code |
| RTransfer pre-booked car | £48 per car to the city centre | Book at least 24 hours ahead |
Airport charges as reported for 18 May 2026 onwards; all car parks are cashless. Check edinburghairport.com before you go.
When a friend picking you up works
If the flight is on time, you only have hand luggage and the driver can use the free zone, a lift from a friend is hard to beat. The trouble starts with delays: every minute in the charged zone after the first ten costs £1, and the free zone is time-limited too.
When a transfer is better
- Late or early flights: nobody has to get up at 4am or circle the airport.
- Delays: we track the flight and give 60 minutes' free waiting from the actual landing time.
- Elderly parents or guests: the driver meets them inside arrivals with a name board and helps with bags. You can book for someone else and get WhatsApp updates.
- Groups: people carrier from £60, minibus from £85.
With RTransfer you pay the fixed price you were quoted. See extra charges explained and the meeting point at Edinburgh Airport.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the pick-up zone at Edinburgh Airport?
Since 18 May 2026, £8.50 for up to 10 minutes and £1 for each extra minute, up to a maximum of 2 hours.
Is there free pick-up at Edinburgh Airport?
Yes. The free pick-up and drop-off area in the long-stay car park can be used for up to 30 minutes, about a 10-minute walk from the terminal. There is no shuttle bus.
Is a transfer cheaper than being collected at Edinburgh Airport?
Not always for one person, but a transfer has no time charge: RTransfer tracks your flight, waits 60 minutes free and charges a fixed £48 per car to the city centre.
Sources
Facts, fares and timetables checked 29 October 2026. They change, so check with the operator before you travel.