One of the biggest questions before an early flight is simple: what time should I leave Dundee for Edinburgh Airport?
The answer depends on your flight time, airline, whether you have hold luggage and how much time you want to allow for security. Fly Coach takes around 80 to 100 minutes from Dundee to Edinburgh Airport, with services running throughout the day and night.
How early should I arrive at Edinburgh Airport?
Your airline's check in and bag drop deadline should always take priority. Edinburgh Airport says check in desk opening times vary by airline, with some opening four hours before departure and others two hours before.
As a practical guide, work backwards from your flight:
Flight departure
Suggested airport arrival
Suggested Dundee departure
06:00
04:00
Around 02:20
08:00
06:00
Around 04:20
10:00
08:00
Around 06:20
12:00
10:00
Around 08:20
14:00
12:00
Around 10:20
16:00
14:00
Around 12:20
18:00
16:00
Around 14:20
20:00
18:00
Around 16:20
These departure times allow roughly 100 minutes for the coach journey. Always check your airline's specific check in, bag drop and boarding requirements before travelling.
What should I include when working out my departure time?
A sensible airport journey calculation includes:
- Fly Coach journey time: around 80 to 100 minutes
- Check in and bag drop: based on your airline's requirements
- Security: allow time for queues, particularly during busy periods
- Contingency: leave some additional time rather than planning to arrive at the last possible minute
Edinburgh Airport recommends arriving in time for your airline's check in desk opening.
What if I have an early morning flight?
This is where checking the timetable matters most. Fly operates 24 hours a day, including early morning and late night services, but you should choose a departure that gets you to the terminal with enough time for check in, bags and security.
If your flight departs before the first suitable Fly service, do not try to cut it fine. Consider travelling the night before or using an alternative transfer.
Can I use a Scottish bus pass to travel to the airport?
Yes. Eligible passengers with a valid National Entitlement Card can travel free on Fly. This includes eligible people aged 60 or over and under 22s, although a £1 booking fee applies to individual concessionary bookings.
How can I make the journey easier?
Book your Fly Coach in advance, check your airline's requirements and work backwards from your flight time.
That way, you know exactly when you need to leave Dundee rather than guessing on the morning of your flight.
Got a flight to catch? Check the Fly timetable and book your Dundee to Edinburgh Airport coach in advance for a simple, direct journey to the terminal.