4 ways to travel from London to Scotland on any budget

Fabled battlefields, crumbling castles, secluded glens and lochs, and gloriously green mountains—these are just a few of the reasons why Scotland is one of the top dream destinations of many travellers. Visitors from all over the world can’t get enough of the country’s historic towns, vibrant cities, and dramatic landscapes.

Scotland’s charming villages, rolling hills, and heather-covered moors are a far cry from the bustling streets of London. Although these two places might seem a world apart, they both offer unique and interesting activities and attractions for any type of traveller. 

If you’re planning to extend your trip or if you just want a quick getaway from the British capital, here are four different transport methods to get to the land of haggis, scotch, and the infamous Loch Ness monster:

By Coach

Travelling by coach—a long-distance bus—is undoubtedly your least expensive option, but it’s also the longest. Expect to spend between £10 to £30 per person. Book your London to Edinburgh coach tickets online to compare your options and get better deals. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to be flexible with your schedule and book well in advance of your trip. 

National Express and Megabus are the two major coach operators in the region. Their coaches run from numerous departure points across London each day, with most departing from the Victoria Coach Station. Journey times range between 7 to 15 hours. For instance, it’ll take you 8.5 hours to get to Glasgow, 9 hours to Edinburgh, and 15 hours to Inverness.

By Plane

The quickest and most convenient way to get from London to Scotland is by plane. However, you also have to consider the time you’ll spend at the airport before your flight. Direct flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow usually take between 60 to 90 minutes, while flights to Inverness and Aberdeen take around 90 minutes. 

Most direct flights to Edinburgh are with budget airlines, so your fare won’t break the bank. The further you book ahead of your trip, the cheaper the ticket will be. You may even score a £15 one-way ticket from a budget carrier if you have no luggage. Expect to pay between £70 to £200 if you’re not booking earlier or if you have to check in your bags. You can also charter a private jet —fares start at £4,200.

Five of the six main airports in London offer direct flights to Edinburgh. Flybe, Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways are the main airlines that fly the route. Edinburgh’s sole main airport is 8 miles away from the city centre. From there, you can Uber, take a cab or a city bus, or ride the tram to the city centre. You can also book a private transfer.

By Train

Another option to consider is travelling by train. A train ride from London Kings Cross or London Euston to Edinburgh takes between 4 to 6 hours. From Edinburgh Waverley, you can easily go further north through Scotland’s reliable rail network. There are also trains going from London to other cities in Scotland. Trains to Glasgow also take between 4 to 6 hours, while trains to Inverness clock in between 10 to 13 hours. Tickets start at £15.

If you’d rather spend your travel time in a sedate lounge car, getting a good night of rest, consider taking a sleeper train. The Caledonian Sleeper train is one of the two main sleeper trains in the UK. It runs from London Euston to Edinburg, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fort William. Each room or compartment costs between £140 to £275. If you’re travelling on a budget, you can opt for the reclining seats instead of the compartments.

By Car

Nothing beats travelling by car or campervan if you wish to take the scenic route. You can get to Scotland in as little as 7 hours if the traffic is light. More importantly, you control your schedule—you can stop where and when you want and even visit points of interest along the way. 

Just remember that driving in Edinburgh is inadvisable as traffic can get pretty heavy, and parking can be pretty expensive. If you’re planning to explore Edinburgh, it’s best to do so on foot or by public transit. 

Final Thoughts

Travelling from London to Scotland has never been easier. If you’re looking to save money, book coach or train tickets. You can also split the costs of a car ride with your companions. If you have a large budget, travel by plane to get there quickly or enjoy the laidback and romantic experience of taking a sleeper train.