Edinburgh Airport charges £8.50 to drop off directly outside the terminal from 18 May 2026, up from £6. That makes it one of the most expensive drop-off zones in the UK. Here is the full breakdown, why the price jumped, and the free alternative that is still in place.

Edinburgh drop-off charge for 2026

  • £8.50 for up to 10 minutes in the terminal drop-off zone, from 18 May 2026.
  • £1 per minute for every minute beyond the first 10.
  • The previous rate was £6, so this is a 42% increase.

Two things make Edinburgh sting more than the headline number. First, the included time is only 10 minutes, not the 15 you get at Glasgow, so the meter starts sooner. Second, the 50% discount for electric vehicles has been removed from May 2026, EV drivers now pay the same £8.50 as everyone else.

Why the price rose

The airport has linked the increase to a 142% rise in its business rates bill, which it says has added roughly £8 million to annual operating costs. Whatever the cause, the practical effect for travellers is the same: a terminal drop-off at Edinburgh is now a noticeable cost, not loose change.

How to drop off free at Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh keeps a genuinely free option: the long-stay car park, around a 10-minute walk from the terminal, with a 30-minute free limit. The airport has said it is adding more spaces there. For a straightforward drop-off where the passenger can manage a short walk, this avoids the £8.50 entirely.

The trade-off is the walk and, at peak times, finding a space. If you are dropping a passenger with heavy luggage, reduced mobility or a tight check-in, the paid zone may still be worth it, but for most drop-offs with a few minutes to spare, the long-stay route is the sensible default.

Payment and what to do on the day

Drop-off zones at Edinburgh are camera-enforced. Confirm the live tariff and the payment method on the airport's own website before you travel, because pricing has changed more than once during 2026. Official source: edinburghairport.com.

Frequently asked questions

How much is drop-off at Edinburgh Airport in 2026?

£8.50 for up to 10 minutes in the terminal drop-off zone from 18 May 2026, then £1 per minute after that. The previous rate was £6.

Is there a free way to drop someone off at Edinburgh Airport?

Yes. The long-stay car park, about a 10-minute walk from the terminal, allows 30 minutes free. It is the only no-cost drop-off option at Edinburgh.

Do electric vehicles still get a discount at Edinburgh Airport drop-off?

No. The 50% discount for electric vehicles was removed from May 2026. EV drivers now pay the standard £8.50.

Why did Edinburgh Airport increase its drop-off charge?

The airport has attributed the rise to a 142% increase in its business rates bill, which it says added around £8 million to annual operating costs.

Drop-off charges at other UK airports

For the full UK picture, see our UK airport drop-off charges guide 2026.

Last fact-checked May 2026. Drop-off charges change frequently and often at short notice, always verify on the airport's own website before you travel.