If you’re facing a layover at Edinburgh Airport, you may be wondering what there is to do beyond waiting for your next flight. The good news is that while this isn’t a huge airport, there are enough options to stay comfortable, fed, and occupied for a few hours. These things to do at Edinburgh Airport are best suited to short layovers, tired travellers, and anyone keeping expectations realistic.
1. Grab a bite to eat
Food options at Edinburgh Airport lean toward familiar chains, but there are a few chances to sample local flavours if you look for them. Sit-down restaurants like All Bar One and Flutes & Tails Champagne Bar are suitable if you want to slow down and have a proper meal. For quicker bites, The Gathering and Wetherspoon serve pub-style food, including Scottish staples such as haggis and breakfast plates, depending on the time of day.
For casual eating, BarBurrito offers filling wraps and bowls, while YO! Sushi provides fast conveyor-belt sushi. If you’re after snacks or takeaway, M&S Simply Food is one of the most practical stops, with sandwiches, salads, shortbread, crisps, and Scottish confectionery that also travel well as souvenirs. Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Caffè Nero, and Costa Coffee are reliable for caffeine and sweet treats, especially if you’re running low on energy before a flight.
2. Hang out in the lounge
If you’re craving a quieter space with food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and more comfortable seating, an airport lounge can make a noticeable difference during a layover. Edinburgh Airport has two lounges that accept all travellers, regardless of airline or ticket class, with advance booking or lounge-membership access available. See our Edinburgh Airport Guide for locations.
3. Go shopping
Shopping is one of the easier ways to pass time at Edinburgh Airport, particularly if you want to browse without committing to an activity. Alongside standard Duty-Free shops, you’ll find several stores focused on Scottish products and gifts. Tartan Weaving Mill and Scottish Fine Gifts sell tartan scarves, wool accessories, shortbread, and whisky-themed souvenirs that are popular with visitors. Brora offers higher-end Scottish knitwear, which can be appealing if you’re looking for something more substantial than a novelty item.
There are also international fashion and beauty brands such as Hugo Boss, Jo Malone, and MaxMara for travellers who prefer familiar names. For something a bit lighter, the BOTB car competition kiosks let you buy a low-cost entry into a prize draw, which some passengers enjoy as a quick distraction rather than serious shopping.
4. Treat yourself
If you’re feeling stiff or run-down from travel, the AeroSpa offers short beauty and wellness treatments such as massages, facials, manicures, and hair services. It’s not a full spa retreat, but it can be a pleasant way to pass time and feel a bit more human before your next flight.
5. Browse some art
Near Gate 13, the airport’s small art gallery features rotating exhibitions by Scottish artists. Displays are easy to browse in a few minutes and provide a quiet visual break from the terminal bustle. Some works are also available for purchase.
6. Observe the airport traffic
If you enjoy watching aircraft movements, seating near the cafés and restaurants around Gate 12 offers views of the apron and runway activity. It’s a simple way to pass time without committing to shopping or eating.
7. Check out Edinburgh
If your layover is long enough — generally five hours or more — a quick trip into Edinburgh can be worthwhile. The airport is located about nine miles west of the city centre, with frequent public transport connections. Airlink 100 buses and Edinburgh Trams both run regularly and usually take around 30 minutes to reach the city, depending on traffic.
With limited time, it’s best to keep plans simple. Walking through Princes Street Gardens gives you views up toward Edinburgh Castle without committing to a full castle visit, which can be time-consuming. The nearby Scottish National Gallery is free and easy to dip into if the weather turns poor. Strolling parts of the Royal Mile lets you soak up the atmosphere, browse small shops, and grab a coffee or whisky before heading back.
Avoid tightly scheduled attractions, as queues and walking distances can quickly eat into a short layover. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Edinburgh.
8. Get Connected
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, making it easy to check messages, stream content, or plan onward travel while you wait.
9. Sleep
Sleeping at Edinburgh Airport is possible, but comfort is basic and expectations should stay low. Overnight, security staff may ask sleepers to move or show travel documents, and the airside area closes for several hours, meaning late-night arrivals will be directed landside. The arrivals area near baggage claim has some armrest-free benches that are among the better options, though they tend to fill quickly. Some travellers report quieter conditions near the car rental area, where seating and washrooms are nearby, but lighting remains bright throughout the terminal.
If sleeping in the terminal doesn’t appeal, several airport hotels are located within a short walk or drive of the terminal, with details listed in our Edinburgh Airport Guide. See our Edinburgh Airport Guide for locations and amenities.
Updated 13 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Edinburgh Airport. Visit our Edinburgh Airport Guide for more information about services and facilities, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.