Scotland is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and unique cities, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the globe. If you are planning to visit Scotland, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the airports available in the country, so that you can ensure your journey runs smoothly and safely.
This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of the airports in Scotland, what services they provide, and how to get there. Read on for more information!
Airports In Scotland: Complete Guide
Scotland has some of the most well-connected airports in the world. With bustling hubs like Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland is home to a range of viable transportation options for both domestic and international travelers. There’s a total of eight major airports offering flights all over the globe, Scotland is an attractive destination for anyone looking to explore the country and beyond.
International Airports In Scotland
Scotland is home to some of the most stunning airports in Europe. From its capital city of Edinburgh to its thriving cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen, Scotland has something for everyone when it comes to air travel. For anyone looking for a unique way to experience Scotland’s landscape, air travel is an excellent option.
✔️Edinburgh Airport
Airport Code: EDI
Location: Edinburgh EH12 9DN, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: Lots of options, between train, bus, taxi, etc. I recommend the Airlink 100 Bus. See below for more info.
Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s busiest airport, located in the city of Edinburgh. It serves around 13 million passengers a year and handles over 100 airlines providing direct access to over 130 destinations worldwide. The airport has two terminals with plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as an array of amenities including currency exchange services, car rental, Wi-Fi access, and more.
The airport is well connected with the rest of Scotland via rail and bus services, as well as its taxi rank. Edinburgh Airport also offers a wide range of family services, lounges, and a prayer room. With its convenient location and excellent transport links, Edinburgh Airport is an ideal starting point for travelers heading anywhere
This is the airport that I fly in and out of when I’m visiting Scotland. It’s a bit on the smaller side so it’s not as chaotic as some capital city airports. I take the Airlink 100 Bus to and from the airport. I ride it till the final stop at St. Andrew’s Square which is practically the city center. It’s $5.50 one way and they have contactless payment when you get one. Easy!
✔️Glasgow Airport
Airport Code: GLA
Location: Glasgow, Paisley PA3 2ST, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: Similar options to Edinburgh with bus, taxi or train.
One of the most renowned Scottish airports is Glasgow Airport. Located just 8 miles west of Glasgow city center, it’s Scotland’s largest and busiest airport. It operates several domestic routes as well as routes to a variety of international destinations across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Glasgow Airport has two terminals. The main terminal was built in 1966 and serves as the hub for most flights. It provides a range of facilities including duty-free shopping, bars, restaurants, ATMs, and Wi-Fi access. A second terminal – Glasgow International Airport – opened in 1999 and is used exclusively by budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair.
✔️Aberdeen International Airport
Airport Code: ABZ
Location: Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 7DU, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: Taxi or Buses are your best bet here. There is a train station about two miles away that you could take a taxi to/from.
Aberdeen International Airport serves Scotland from its hub in Aberdeen. The airport has over 3 million passengers passing through its doors every year, making it the busiest airport in the northeast of Scotland and one of the top ten busiest airports in the country. With direct flights to numerous destinations across Europe, North America, and beyond, Aberdeen International is a hub for both local and international travelers.
There is also a wide range of car hire services onsite, making it easy to get around the region. The airport boasts several amenities, including a restaurant, cafe, and duty-free shop. It is easily accessible by road and public transport, with regular bus and rail connections throughout the day. With its
✔️Glasgow Prestwick International Airport
Airport Code: PIK
Location: 107 Glasgow Prestwick Intnl Airport, Prestwick KA9 2PL, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: Prestwick has its own train station which will get you to or from Glasgow in 45 min.
Glasgow Prestwick International Airport is located in South Ayrshire, Scotland. It is a popular airport for both international and domestic flights, with over two million passengers passing through annually. The airport serves as the main base for budget airline Ryanair and also provides regular flights to numerous European destinations including Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Dublin, Paris, and Barcelona.
It is connected to the M77 motorway and is located only 20 miles from Glasgow city center, making it easily accessible for travelers. Other facilities at the airport include car hire, tax-free shopping, restaurants, and bars.
✔️Inverness International Airport
Airport Code: INV
Location: Dalcross, Inverness IV2 7JB, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: The airport is an actual stop on the Inverness to Aberdeen route on Scotrail. I love Scotrail and would highly recommend it. The airport is also only about 10 miles away from Inverness so taking the bus or a cab would work too.
Inverness International Airport is the 7th busiest airport in Scotland. Located just two miles east of Inverness, it serves over one million passengers a year. With it being a smaller airport, you won’t have as many amenities but you also won’t have to deal with all the craziness that you find at huge airport.
Inverness Airport is an ideal gateway to the Scottish Highlands, with direct flights available to a number of major cities including London, Belfast, Amsterdam, and Manchester.
Regional Airports In Scotland
Outside of Scotland’s two major cities, the country is also home to regional airports located throughout the Highlands and Islands. Other regional airports in Scotland that we’ll dive into with this list include Dundee, Aberdeen, Kirkwall, and Stornoway. These airports provide important connections to the smaller towns and islands throughout Scotland that are not accessible by land or rail transport.
✔️Barra Airport
Airport Code: BRR
Location: Eoligarry, Isle of Barra HS9 5YD, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: Public buses or taxis are your only options here given how remote the airport is.
Barra Airport is located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, making it the only airport in the world that has its runways on a beach. This stunning location gives visitors breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean and stunning sunsets over Traigh Mhor Beach.
The airport offers flights to Glasgow, Oban, Benbecula and Stornoway with Flybe and Loganair. Barra Airport has one asphalt runway, which is 1250 meters in length and accessible by car.
When there aren’t flights running, the public is free to use the “runway” as a beach. Check out this video here: https://youtu.be/o3xn-jzAVNw
✔️Campbeltown Airport
Airport Code: CAL
Location: Machrihanish, Campbeltown PA28 6NU, United Kingdom
Scotland is home to a number of airports, but Campbeltown Airport stands out as a unique and interesting destination. Located in the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll, it offers flights to Glasgow International Airport.
✔️Benbecula Airport
Airport Code: GLA
Location: Balivanich, Benbecula HS7 5LW, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: The public bus is your best bet here.
Arriving at Benbecula Airport, you’ll be left astonished by the picturesque sights of the Outer Hebrides and the Atlantic Ocean — this is only one of its many aspects. They have a huge focus on military activity as well as emergency services like air ambulance, coastguard, search and rescue team, fire service and police department; they are essential to keeping these islands afloat.
✔️Dundee Airport
Airport Code: DND
Location: Riverside Dr, Dundee DD2 1UH, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: From their website: “A five-minute drive or a 20-minute waterfront walk from the city center”
Dundee Airport is a small regional airport located in the city of Dundee, Scotland. The airport mainly serves domestic flights from within the United Kingdom and Europe but also provides a limited number of charter flights to other European destinations.
✔️Islay Airport
Airport Code: ILY
Location: Glenegedale PA42 7AS, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: Regular bus service runs daily.
Islay Airport is located in the southern part of Islay Island off the west coast of Scotland. It serves as one of two airports on the island and offers scheduled flights to Glasgow International Airport, with some additional routes to Oban and Colonsay. The airport is a modern facility, with an up-to-date terminal building and other facilities such as a car park and café for travelers.
The Isle of Islay dubbed the Queen of the Hebrides for its stunning silver sand beaches and lofty sea cliffs, has been captivating visitors with its magnificent vistas and dynamic malt whisky industry for centuries. Now, Islay is even further setting itself apart from other locations through its production of gin as well! Moreover, no visit to this magical island would be complete without experiencing their renowned warm hospitality firsthand.
✔️Kirkwall Airport
Airport Code: KOI
Location: Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1TH, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: You can call Stagecoach Bus on 01856 878 014 for the airport schedule or the airport information desk on 01856 886 210 if you want more information.
Kirkwall Airport, in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands of Scotland, is a small airport serving local flights to and from mainland Scotland. The airport has two runways and can accommodate aircraft up to the Boeing 757 size. The airport also provides private terminals for corporate customers.
Kirkwall Airport has daily flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports in mainland Scotland. It is also the main gateway for visitors coming to the Orkney Islands and serves as a hub for inter-island flights.
✔️Oban Airport
Airport Code: OBN
Location: North Connel, Oban PA37 1SW, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: Scotrail operates return services between Glasgow Queen Street and Oban. Disembark the train at Connel Ferry for Oban Airport.
Oban Airport is one of the airports located in Scotland. Located near Oban, a picturesque town on Scotland’s west coast, Oban airport serves flights from Loganair and Eastern Airways. The airport has been in operation since 1941, when it was used as a Royal Air Force base during World War II. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Oban Airport offers flights to and from the Scottish cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness. There are also regular international flights from Oban to Belfast in Northern Ireland. Additionally, Loganair operates seasonal services to destinations such as Manchester, Dublin, and Jersey.
✔️Sumburgh Airport
Airport Code: LSI
Location: Virkie, Shetland ZE3 9JP, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: An hourly bus to Lerwick (Service 6) operates directly across from the main terminal.
Located on the southern tip of the Shetland Islands, Sumburgh Airport serves as an important hub for air travel to and from the islands. The airport handles around 100,000 passengers a year, making it an important part of the local economy. It’s also a major hub for the oil and gas industry in the region.
The airport has two runways, one north-south oriented and one east-west. It can accommodate larger aircraft such as Boeing 737s, with both arrivals and departures from the airport operating on regular flight schedules. The terminal building at Sumburgh Airport offers a range of services, including car hire and shops.
✔️Stornoway Airport
Airport Code: SYY
Location: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS2 0BN, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: A limited bus service is operated by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Stornoway Airport is located in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis and Harris in Scotland. The airport handles over 70,000 passengers per year and operates flights to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Bristol, and London-Luton airports. The airport has been in operation since 1933 and underwent a major redevelopment in the early 2000s.
✔️Tiree Airport
Airport Code: TRE
Location: Crossapol, Isle of Tiree PA77 6UW, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: Contact John Kennedy Transport for busses or taxis.
Tiree Airport is a small airport located on the Isle of Tiree in Scotland. It can be accessed by air via Glasgow International Airport, located about 70 miles away.
Tiree Airport offers a variety of services including scheduled flights, charter flights, and cargo handling. Scheduled flights include Flybe operated by Loganair, which operates flights to Glasgow and Stornoway. There are also charter services available through local companies, such as Harris Aviation and Air Hebrides. These offer flights both domestically and internationally.
✔️Wick John O’Groats Airport
Airport Code: WIC
Location: Wick KW1 4QP, United Kingdom
Transportation into the city center: There aren’t any public transportation options to the airport. You can contact taxi companies here.
Not far from Inverness is the renowned Wick John O’ Groats Airport. Situated in one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas – Caithness – this small yet busy airport serves over 110,000 passengers every year. Not only does Wick offer regular flights to London City and Glasgow, but also a range of other destinations including Berlin and Jersey. Although the airport has limited facilities, it is still extremely popular with travelers who wish to explore the stunning Scottish countryside.
Airlines In Scotland
Airlines offering direct flights from North America:
- Air Canada
- Air Transat
- Delta
- United
- Virgin Atlantic
- WestJet
With American Airlines, Aer Lingus, British Airways, KLM, Air France and Icelandair – to name a few – offering direct services to several major European hubs, traveling all the way up to Scotland is as effortless as ever.
Airlines offering direct flights from Europe:
- AirBaltic (seasonal)
- Air France
- Brussels Airlines
- easyJet
- edelweiss (seasonal)
- Eurowings
- Icelandair
- Jet2.com
- KLM
- Lufthansa
- Loganair
- Norwegian
- Ryanair
- SAS Scandinavian
- Transavia
- Vueling
- Turkish Airlines
- Finnair
- British Airways (seasonal)
- Iberia Express (seasonal)
- Wizz Air
- PLAY
- Wideroe
International Airports in Scotland: Map (Click for Interactive Map)
FAQ: Airports In Scotland
Are you traveling to Scotland soon and looking for information on its airports? Then you’ve come to the right place! This FAQ section will provide all the essential details you need to know about Scotland’s airports. Read on for more information about the airports in Scotland.
What is the major airport in Scotland?
One of the main Scottish airports is Glasgow Airport, located just outside the city of Glasgow. It is one of the busiest airports in the UK and it serves destinations around Europe and beyond. With a large selection of shops, restaurants, and services, it offers travelers an easy entry point into Scotland and its many attractions.
Other options include Edinburgh Airport, Aberdeen Airport, Dundee Airport and Inverness Airport. Each of these has its own unique attractions and offer travelers different experiences when visiting Scotland. Whether you are looking for a bustling city airport or a more rural escape, there is an airport in Scotland that can meet your needs.
What are the Scotland Highlands airports?
With the mission to provide air access for Scotland’s far-flung and most remote communities, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) are responsible for 11 regional airports: Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall Stornoway Sumburgh Tiree and Wick John O’Groats.
As a limited company owned solely by the Scottish Ministers, HIAL works in collaboration with its stakeholders to sustain and expand airports across Scotland that provide important economic connections.
What is the best airport in Scotland to fly to?
When it comes to choosing the best airport in Scotland to fly to, it really depends on your destination and personal preference. All of Scotland’s airports offer different amenities and have their own advantages. Glasgow Airport is a great choice if you are looking for convenience. It is located in the heart of Glasgow and has direct flights to most major cities in the UK.
Edinburgh Airport is the busiest airport in Scotland and offers both domestic and international flights from its two terminals. Edinburgh Airport is my personal preference because of its location to Waverley Train Station and Edinburgh in general.
Is it better to fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh?
Glasgow Airport (GLA) is one of the busiest of Scotland’s airports. It has strong connections to both domestic and international destinations, and the airport is located within easy reach of Glasgow’s city center. This makes it a great option for both business travelers and leisure tourists looking to explore Scotland’s largest city.
On the other hand, Edinburgh Airport (EDI) offers a slightly more convenient experience than Glasgow Airport due to its location closer to the center of Edinburgh. It has a good selection of domestic and international flights, with strong links to destinations in the UK and beyond. It is also well connected to Scotland’s rail network, making it easy for passengers to travel onwards from the airport.
Ultimately, each airport has its own benefits and drawbacks depending on your needs. Both offer great locations, good connectivity, and plenty of flight options. So if you’re unsure which airport to fly into, it’s worth exploring both Glasgow and Edinburgh before making your final decision!
What US airports fly direct to Scotland?
Currently, five airports in the US offer direct flights to Scotland. These include JFK International Airport (New York), Dulles International Airport (Washington DC), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta), O’Hare International Airport (Chicago) and San Francisco International Airport.
All these airports have direct flights to Glasgow and Edinburgh. All these airports also have good connections to other UK destinations such as London, Manchester, Belfast, and Dublin.
If you are looking for a more direct route to Scotland from the US, then there are many transatlantic flights available that make the journey quicker. Some of these include Delta Airlines (New York to Glasgow), British Airways (Washington DC to Edinburgh), and Air Canada (Chicago to Glasgow). So, whether you’re looking for a direct flight or a more convenient connection, there are plenty of airports in the US that offer great options for flying to Scotland.
How many airports are there in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has one airport: Edinburgh Airport is the main airport in Scotland’s capital city, handling both domestic and international flights. It is located just eight miles from the city center and has two terminals – one for domestic flights and one for international departures.
Edinburgh Airport is connected to major cities in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Europe, making it a great option for travelers looking to explore both Edinburgh and beyond!
What is the Scotland international airport code?
The IATA airport code for all airports in Scotland is SCO. This code can be used to identify any airport located in Scotland including Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Glasgow Airport (GLA), and Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK). It is important to note that some international airlines may use their own codes when referring to Scottish airports, so it is always best to double-check the code when booking your flight. For example, Delta Airlines use the code EDI for Edinburgh Airport and GLA for Glasgow Airport.
Ultimately, SCO is the universal airport code for Scotland and can be used to identify any of its airports. Overall, Scotland boasts a great selection of airports that offer easy access to its stunning cities, countryside, and islands.
Closing: Airports In Scotland
In conclusion, Scotland offers a wide range of airports to suit the needs of travelers. Whether you’re looking for an international airport or a small regional one, Scotland has something that can meet your needs. From large hubs such as Glasgow and Edinburgh to smaller ones like Inverness and Aberdeen, there are plenty of choices when it comes to traveling around Scotland.
No matter what your destination is, there’s sure to be an airport in Scotland that will suit you perfectly. With the convenience and accessibility of air travel, it’s no surprise that Scottish airports continue to be popular with travelers from all over the world. So if you’re looking for a great way to get around Scotland quickly, it’s worth considering the many airports that can make your journey a breeze. Happy travels!
