Edinburgh Airport FastTrack — Key Facts
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) offers online FastTrack booking starting from From £11.25 per person. Average FastTrack wait is Under 5 minutes (typical when available), saving ~10 minutes compared to standard screening. Available at 1 terminal.
What Is FastTrack Security?
FastTrack Security is a dedicated, pre-bookable security lane available at participating airports worldwide. It allows all passengers — regardless of airline or ticket class — to bypass the standard security queue and pass through a separate, less crowded checkpoint.
By booking FastTrack in advance, you secure a spot in a priority lane that typically has significantly shorter wait times than the regular queue. This means less time standing in line and more time enjoying the terminal, shopping, or simply relaxing before your flight.
FastTrack Security is available to everyone — families, solo travellers, business passengers, and leisure flyers alike. There are no membership requirements or loyalty programme tiers needed to access the service.
What FastTrack Is Not
- Not airport lounge access — FastTrack only covers the security screening process
- Not priority boarding — your boarding process remains as per your airline's policy
- Not immigration fast-track — passport control and border checks are separate from security screening
Airport Overview
About Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the principal international airport serving Scotland’s capital. Located roughly 8 miles west of the city centre at Ingliston, the airport handles a mix of domestic, European and long-haul scheduled services. In 2019 the airport handled around 14.7 million passengers and it remains a key hub for leisure and business travel to and from Edinburgh.
The airport operates from a single passenger terminal (Terminal 1) with two main departure concourses/pier areas and a central check-in hall. All departing passengers pass through the same main security search area; gates are reached from the airside pier levels. Ground transport options include the Edinburgh Trams (direct tram service to Princes Street and the city centre), multiple frequent bus services, taxis and ride-hailing. Short- and long-stay parking and on-site car hire are available. Terminal facilities include shops, cafés, baggage services and an airport hotel nearby.
Security Information
Security at EDI follows UK standard screening rules. Passengers must present their boarding pass and acceptable ID at the security entrance. Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml / 100 g or less, all containers fitted within a single transparent resealable 1 litre bag; these should be taken out of hand baggage and placed in trays. Laptops and large electronics should be removed from bags and placed in a tray unless airline/airport signage indicates otherwise. Expect random additional screening, hand searches and electronic trace checks. Families with small children may be asked to place baby milk/food separately for inspection.
Border Force passport control is located in the arrivals zone for inbound international flights; FastTrack services sold by FastTrack at EDI apply to departures security lanes unless otherwise stated. Security opening hours follow the airline schedule; the security hall can be busiest during early-morning peaks and late-afternoon/evening waves of departures.
Terminal Guide
Terminal 1 – Departures Security
Main Security HallTerminal 1 – Arrivals Passport Control
Accessibility
Step-free access from street level through check-in to security and airside. Lifts, accessible toilets and designated seating are available. Passengers needing assistance should book meet-and-assist with their airline in advance; airport staff can provide direction to priority lanes.
Good to know
This is the single departures security search area serving Terminal 1. FastTrack operates as a separate priority lane here but may be merged into general lanes during extremely busy periods or operationally required reconfiguration. Bins and trays are provided; follow instructions from security officers. Families and passengers with medical/assistance items should notify staff on arrival for guidance.
How It Works
Book FastTrack
Purchase a FastTrack security pass for Edinburgh Airport for the date and flight of your departure. You will receive a booking confirmation and voucher by email.
Arrive at the airport
Use normal check-in and bag-drop procedures with your airline. Keep your boarding pass and photo ID ready for security.
Present your voucher
At the main departures security hall present your FastTrack voucher (mobile or printed) and boarding pass to the FastTrack staff or signage at the priority lane entrance.
Proceed through the priority lane
Pass through the dedicated FastTrack lane for screening. Follow instructions from security officers and collect belongings at the end of the screening area as normal.
What's Included
Included
- Access to a dedicated FastTrack priority security lane at Edinburgh departures security
- Priority processing through the main security search point
- Mobile or printable voucher accepted at point of entry
- Assistance from airport staff directing passengers to the FastTrack lane
Not Included
- Priority boarding or boarding gate access
- Priority at arrivals passport control (immigration)
- Check-in, bag drop or lounge access
- Baggage handling or fast-tracking of hold luggage
Required Documents
- Valid FastTrack voucher (mobile or printed)
- Valid photo ID (passport or UK/EU driving licence as accepted by airline)
- Boarding pass for the departing flight
Restrictions
- Not valid for passengers who miss airline check-in or bag-drop cut-off times
- Not valid for non-departing visitors or transit passengers without access to the public departure security area
- May be suspended or altered during exceptional operational circumstances (e.g. security alerts, essential maintenance)
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 – Departures Security | 04:00 | 00:30 | Security opening times vary to match the first and last departures operated each day and may change by airline schedule. Check with your airline if travelling very early or late. |
| Terminal 1 – Arrivals Passport Control | Varies | Varies | UK Border Force staff operate passport control in line with arriving international flight schedules; staffing may be reduced overnight or adjusted for irregular operations. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack purchases grant single-entry access to the priority departures security lane at Edinburgh Airport for the flight listed at booking. The voucher is valid only on the date and flight shown unless otherwise specified. FastTrack does not replace airline check-in, bag drop deadlines or boarding procedures. FastTrack is for departing passengers only unless explicitly stated.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 1 hours before travel
- Recommended: 2 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Refundable
Free cancellation subject to airport policy. Check booking confirmation for terms.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Edinburgh Airport?
Why use FastTrack at Edinburgh Airport: EDI experiences pronounced peaks (early mornings and festival season spikes). FastTrack gives access to a dedicated priority security lane, which significantly reduces queueing time — especially useful for business travellers, short-transfer connections and those travelling during the Edinburgh Festival, Christmas and New Year periods.
Local tip: take the tram from the airport to Princes Street for the simplest, traffic‑free 30–35 minute transfer to the city centre. If travelling early, check your airline check-in deadlines; FastTrack saves time at security but does not replace airline check-in or bag-drop cut-offs.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits most from FastTrack at EDI
Business travellers
Save critical time during morning or late-afternoon peaks and maintain reliable transit times to meetings in the city center.
Families
Reduce queueing stress with children and strollers; faster security makes connections to family-friendly flights easier.
Leisure and festival visitors
During Edinburgh Festival, Tattoo and holiday periods FastTrack helps avoid long security lines so you can reach your gate with confidence.
Travel Tips
Allow enough time
FastTrack shortens security time but does not replace check-in or bag-drop deadlines. Aim to arrive at least 90–120 minutes before short-haul departures.
Use the tram for reliable city transfers
Edinburgh Trams run from the airport to Princes Street and take approximately 30–35 minutes, avoiding city traffic during peak hours.
Prepare your hand luggage
Put liquids in a clear 1-litre bag and have electronics accessible to speed screening through any lane, including FastTrack.
Keep your voucher handy
Save the FastTrack mobile voucher to your phone home screen or print a copy; present it along with boarding pass and ID at the FastTrack entrance.
Pricing
From £11.25 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Priority security lane | Yes | No |
| Shorter wait times for security | Yes | No |
| Priority boarding | No | No |
| Priority at passport control (arrivals) | No | No |
The Verdict
FastTrack wins on 2 of 4 features at Edinburgh Airport. With dedicated service and priority handling from From £11.25 per person, it offers a measurably better experience.
Common Mistakes at Edinburgh Airport
- Arriving late assuming FastTrack provides faster check-in or boarding — FastTrack only expedites security.
- Failing to have valid photo ID ready (passport or UK driving licence) at security and boarding.
- Not removing liquids and large electronics from hand luggage when required.
- Expecting FastTrack to cover passport control / arrivals immigration — it generally only applies to departures security.
- Assuming FastTrack lanes are always open; they can be closed or merged during very quiet or very busy periods.
What If...?
- Festival surges: during Edinburgh Festival, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Hogmanay, security staffing and lane configurations change rapidly — FastTrack remains useful but queues can still form at peak times.
- Large groups: groups of more than 6 may be asked to join the standard queue depending on space and operational discretion.
- Passengers requiring enhanced screening (medical equipment, certain mobility aids) may still undergo secondary checks that take additional time.
- Temporary lane closures or restructuring during overnight maintenance can mean FastTrack access is re-routed or suspended; signage and staff will advise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a question? Browse all FastTrack FAQs
More airports in Europe
Page Information
Published:
Last updated:
Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Edinburgh Airport official website
Skip the Queue at Edinburgh Airport
Book FastTrack from £11.25 per person and breeze through EDI in minutes.
Book FastTrack