History

Edinburgh Airport is the busiest airport in Scotland. It opened in 1916 as a military base during the First World War and started passenger flights in 1947. Since then, it has grown into a modern international airport, welcoming millions of travellers each year from all over the world.

When you land, you will find a bright and friendly airport with shops, cafés, and restaurants offering both Scottish and international food. The airport is easy to move around, with clear signs in English and other languages. You can take a tram, bus, or taxi to reach the city centre in about 30 minutes.

Outside the airport, you might feel the fresh Scottish air and see the green hills in the distance. Edinburgh Airport gives you a warm Scottish welcome and is the perfect first step to discovering the historic and beautiful city of Edinburgh.

Landside Shops & Cafes

• Male and female toilets

• Black Sheep Coffee

• Costa Coffee

• Cafe Nero

• Pret A Manger

• WH Smith

• M&S Simply Food

• Travel Exchange

Being met at the airport

Once you have come through security and collected your bags, you will be able to enter the airport through Arrival Gate A or Arrival Gate B. You will be met by one of our Yellow Shirt team who will be easily identifiable because they are wearing a bright yellow CES sweatshirt and carrying a lamiated sign with the letters CES on it.

Please do not walk away from the gate until you have located your yellow shirt as they will have checked the arrival gate in advance and will be expecting you there.

After they have met the group they will escort you to the pre-paid taxi rank where a fleet of taxis will take your students directly to their host families.

Please note that at busy times it can take a while for taxis to arrive so students are encouraged to dress appropriately and to bring a waterproof in their luggage.