Travel from London to Scotland (2024)

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET FROM LONDON TO SCOTLAND?

Your travel time will depend on how you get here (and where you're going). Catch a train in less than 5 hours, or sit back on a coach for around 8 hours. Flying will take up to 4 hours if you factor in your time at the airport checking in.

But there's so much more to explore beyond the central belt, so allow a couple of hours once you're in Scotland to head north, east or west and uncover some alternative historic towns or charming villages.

WHAT IS THE QUICKEST WAY FROM LONDON TO SCOTLAND?

The quickest way is to take the train from London to either Edinburgh or Glasgow in around 4 hours. A direct flight from London to Scotland is likely to take the same amount of time due to check in and hold luggage.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND?

No. If you are travelling within the UK you will not need a passport.

If you are flying from London to Scotland, then you will need to carry photographic identification; this may not need to be a passport, but you should check with your airline.

WHICH IS THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GET TO SCOTLAND FROM LONDON?

The cheapest way to get to Scotland from London is to book your travel in advance.

The earlier you book, the cheaper it will be to travel from London to Scotland. Generally, booking a flight with a budget airline or booking a seat on a coach will be your cheapest options.

WHAT'S THE MOST SUSTAINABLE WAY TO TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND?

The most sustainable way to travel is by train. Trains emit around 70% less emissions than other forms of travel, including electric vehicles.

Travel from London to Scotland (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to travel from London to Scotland? ›

Catching a train from London to Scotland allows you to sit back and soak up the scenery in comfort. Why not start your holiday the moment you get on the train with a Scottish book or movie? Or you might want to take the Caledonian Sleeper train which departs every night from London Euston (not Sat).

Is it better to fly or train from London to Edinburgh? ›

If you're hoping to travel from London to Edinburgh, train is the way to go! Compared to other modes of transport, train is a far more sustainable way to travel from London to Edinburgh. In fact, a single journey from London to Edinburgh by train emits three times less CO₂ than by car, and six times less than by plane.

How many days are enough for London and Scotland? ›

There is so much to see and do here, which is why I made this perfect itinerary for 7 days in London and Edinburgh. This itinerary takes you to two of the largest cities in the U.K., London and Edinburgh, and is itinerary is pretty jam-packed, making it best for solo travelers, couples and active groups!

Can you do a day trip to Scotland from London? ›

Our 1-day Edinburgh Tour from London offers great value for money, and is a very convenient way to explore the Scottish Capital.

Is the train from London to Scotland scenic? ›

The main line from London to York, Durham, Newcastle and Edinburgh, home of the Flying Scotsman, has some spectacular scenic highlights.

What is the best month to visit Scotland? ›

To have the most sunlight and best weather, many people head to the Scottish Highlands in the summer, between May and September. Starting in October, the weather can be unpredictable — freezing temperatures, gale-force winds, and snowfall are all possible.

How many days do you need in Edinburgh? ›

For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least two or three days in Edinburgh, which will give you enough time to explore the city centre and see the main sites.

How much is the high speed train from London to Edinburgh? ›

The average train ticket from London to Edinburgh runs US$93 when booked 30 days before travel and US$112 when booked 7 days in advance. Prices for a single ticket between the two cities start from US$46.00.

Is there a nonstop train from London to Edinburgh? ›

Yes, there are direct LNER trains from London King's Cross to Edinburgh with a journey that usually takes just over four and a half hours. During the week, trains run every half hour at peak times.

How many days in Scotland is enough? ›

We recommend you allow 9 - 10 days in Scotland for a satisfying tour of the country's diverse scenery and history. A 10 day itinerary, such as the Best of Scotland tour plan, would let you spend: 2 days in Edinburgh walking the historical streets and enjoying the cosmopolitan buzz.

How much does it cost to go to London from Scotland by train? ›

The cheapest tickets we've found for trains from Edinburgh to London are US$36.00. If you book 30 days in advance, tickets will cost around US$60, while the price is around US$80 if you book 7 days in advance.

What is the best time of year to go to London and Scotland? ›

The best time to visit England, Ireland, and Scotland for sightseeing is any time from late spring to early fall, enabling you to make the most of mostly clear skies and warmer weather, especially between May and June and September and October.

What is the cheapest way to get to Scotland from London? ›

Travel Information between London and Edinburgh
Distance330 miles
Ticket price range£18 - £42
Cheapest modeCoach • £18 • 8 h 1 min
Fastest modeFlight • £41 • 1 h 15 min
Popular travel companiesMegabus, easyJet or East Coast
1 more row

Is it cheaper to fly to Edinburgh or get the train? ›

If you live or are visiting nearby cities such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle or Manchester, the easiest and most comfortable way of getting to Edinburgh is by train. From further away destinations, flying is normally the cheapest and fastest option.

Where to stop between London and Scotland? ›

Route 1: for the Great Outdoors
  • Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. ...
  • Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. ...
  • Peak District National Park. ...
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park. ...
  • Lake District National Park. ...
  • Borders Historic Route. ...
  • Cambridge. ...
  • Stamford.
Apr 24, 2024

Is there a high speed train from London to Scotland? ›

The London to Edinburgh high-speed train service is featured in many of our popular Scotland tours from London. Travelling from the heart of London to Scotland, by train is convenient, relaxing and fast.

How many days do you need for Scotland? ›

We recommend you allow 9 - 10 days in Scotland for a satisfying tour of the country's diverse scenery and history. A 10 day itinerary, such as the Best of Scotland tour plan, would let you spend: 2 days in Edinburgh walking the historical streets and enjoying the cosmopolitan buzz.

Is it cheaper to go to Edinburgh by train or plane? ›

If you live or are visiting nearby cities such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle or Manchester, the easiest and most comfortable way of getting to Edinburgh is by train. From further away destinations, flying is normally the cheapest and fastest option.

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