Are you ready to embark on an adventure from London to Scotland? Whether you’re heading to Edinburgh’s historic streets or the breathtaking Highlands, figuring out how to get to Scotland from London can set the tone for your trip. With a few different travel options at your fingertips, you’ll want to choose the one that best suits your schedule and budget.
When it comes to traveling from London to Glasgow or Edinburgh, you can opt for a variety of methods. If you prefer a scenic route, the train offers an enchanting journey with picturesque views of the countryside if traveling by day. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly choice, an overnight coach or bus might be the way to go, with several routes available to whisk you north.
When I lived in Scotland, I was a broke Basic Economy B. So, when I traveled to spend 2 days in London, I was looking for the cheapest possible travel method. Enter the $12 overnight coach bus.
I also have never successfully slept on public transportation in my life and stumbled through my trip pretty sleepily. As a result, I would recommend a flight or high-speed train to anyone considering travel from England to Scotland and who has a couple of extra dollars to spare.
Need more than a one-sentence recommendation? We’ll break down the pros and cons of each travel method, from the speed of the train to the cost-effectiveness of the bus so you can kick back and enjoy the ride as much as the Scottish sights that await you.
Tl;dr breakdown:
- Overnight bus: £18 and takes up to 10 hours
- High speed train: £40-85 and takes 4.5 hours
- Sleeper train: £50-£275.00 takes around 8 hours and is a boujee experience
- Flight: £40-150 takes 1 hour + airport time.
- Rental car: cost and time varies.
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Distance London to Scotland
The distance from London to Scotland varies depending on your destination in Scotland. For instance, Edinburgh is about 400 miles (640 kilometers) north of London, while Glasgow is roughly 350 miles (560 kilometers) away. This distance can be covered in several ways: by train in around 4.5 hours, by car in about 7-8 hours, or by bus in approximately 8-10 hours. Flights between London and major Scottish cities take just over an hour, though you’ll need to factor in airport time.
Scotland to London Train
Ready for a train ride from London to Scotland? The journey is smooth and scenic, offering a comfortable alternative to buses or cars. The main service is provided by LNER, running from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other Scottish cities.
This high-speed train takes around 4.5 hours to reach Edinburgh and a bit longer to Glasgow. Tickets cost between £40 and £85, depending on peak travel times. Book through Rail Europe to easily compare prices.
I love train travel in the UK. The trains are modern, with ample space compared to buses, and the seats are larger and more comfortable. Most trains also offer free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
One of these days I’m going to write a full and somber lament on the sad state of train travel in the United States. It’s that good in the UK and that bad here.
If you’re looking for a different and way more expensive experience, consider the Caledonian Sleeper. This overnight train is perfect if you want to travel with a touch of luxury while you sleep. Departing from London Euston, it heads north to Edinburgh or Glasgow, taking about 8 hours. Onboard, you can choose between standard seats or cozy cabins with beds. Meals, including dinner and breakfast, are served so you wake up refreshed and ready to explore Scotland.
If you’re traveling solo, booking a sleeper cabin may not be the most economical choice. For two people, a room with two bunk beds costs £275.00. For one person, the price is the same. Tickets for seats that are comfortable and spacious but don’t include beds are £50.
Both options offer stunning views of the British countryside, especially during the long summer days (check out my guide to the worst times to visit London if you’re thinking about capitalizing on those long days). Booking in advance is crucial for securing the best fares and preferred travel times. The sleeper cabins with double beds tend to fill up the furthest in advance, so plan accordingly if you’re not keen on bunk beds.
As a fun aside, “Caledonia” is the name the ancient Romans used for Scotland.
Scotland to London Bus
Taking the bus from London to Scotland is the budget-friendly way to travel with a bit of extra time on your hands and low expectations. National Express and Megabus are the two main providers for this route, offering a range of options to get you from London to Edinburgh or Glasgow. They also will service other Scottish cities but the trip will be longer.
The journey usually takes around 8-10 hours, depending on your destination station and traffic conditions. For that reason, it’s a popular overnight route.
As I mentioned, I was broke when I lived in Scotland, so I booked this option without hesitation. I am not someone who can sleep sitting up, but I decided the price was right (especially when I took in the fact that I would have to pay for another night of accommodations). I was a little tired here and there, but in general, I was fine.
Things took a turn for the worse when I got food poisoning on my return journey. That was the longest 10 hours of my life. And my poor seat mate probably has a hit out on me all these years later. Rightfully so.
Buses from London to Scotland have some useful features for the long ride but definitely are not luxurious. You’ll find free Wi-Fi and power outlets to keep your devices charged. Seats are fairly spacious and recline a bit for comfort, but no more than an airplane. Some buses also offer extra legroom and snacks or leg rests, which personally made a huge difference for me because my legs are so short.
All of the buses I took were totally full, so if you have a dream of being able to sprawl out across two seats, I would strongly recommend actually buying two seats.
For those who like to plan ahead, check out the various schedules and fare options. National Express and Megabus offer multiple departures throughout the day, giving you flexibility in choosing your travel time. You probably don’t need to plan more than a couple of days ahead to book your spot, but waiting until an hour or two before departure to purchase tickets might not work for you.
Just like with the train, traveling by bus also offers a chance to see more of the UK’s landscapes as you travel through towns and countryside if you happen to be traveling during daylight hours. Granted, when I took the bus from Manchester to Glasgow one year, all I saw was rain. Lots and lots of rain.
I will say, if you’re prone to motion sickness, I would think twice about taking a coach bus. My stomach is OK with motion, but each of the times I’ve taken a bus from England to Scotland, I’ve gotten a little queasy.
Scotland to London Flight
Flying from London to Scotland is the quickest way to make the trip and in some cases might actually be the cheapest. With airlines like British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair, you have plenty of choices for direct flights. The journey takes just over an hour from London to major Scottish cities of Glasgow or Edinburgh. If you’re in the Highlands, Aberdeen also has an airport with daily flights to London.
It’s the fastest route by far, and if you value sleep more than you value money, this is the way to go. Also if you have a little patience and watch flight prices over the span of a couple of weeks, you should be able to get a flight that is actually cheaper than the cost of a train.
You’ll have a lot of flights to choose from, with multiple departures each day, so you can pick a time that fits your schedule. London’s airports—Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton—offer plenty of options, and you’ll land at one of Scotland’s main airports, which are well connected to their cities.
One-way flights from London to Glasgow on EasyJet go as low as £25 if you’re traveling without large baggage. British Airway one-way flights will range from £40-150 depending on when you’re flying.
Obviously, while the flight itself is quick, make sure to account for check-in, security, and airport transfer times, especially if you’re flying an airline like Ryanair where the airports are often further away from the city center than other carriers. Booking in advance can help you snag the best deals and avoid last-minute price hikes. Just read the fine print on budget airlines as the baggage fees can make this expensive quickly.
I traveled with only a backpack and in hindsight, could have gotten a good flight deal and spared myself the torture that was the overnight bus. Traveling with a full carry on? Don’t miss my London packing list.
Tours to Scotland from London
Want to make your Scotland adventure ultra hassle-free? Consider taking an organized tour from London. Tour companies offer a range of options, from day trips to week-long excursions. These tours typically include transportation, accommodation, and guided visits to iconic spots like Edinburgh Castle or Loch Ness. It’s a convenient way to explore Scotland without the stress of planning every detail.
This tour is a 1 day tour from London to Edinburgh. Looking for more time? This tour is 3 days and includes both Edinburgh and a trip to Loch Ness in the Highlands. If you’re not a confident international traveler, this is a solid option. Plus, you’ll get insider knowledge from local guides and travel with fellow adventurers.
If you have at least one international trip under your belt, you could easily DIY either of these tours and save decent money. Follow my free 1 day in Edinburgh itinerary or top things to do in Glasgow if you do go this route.
Renting a Car to Drive from London to Scotland
Renting a car and driving from London to Scotland can also be a great way to explore at your own pace if road trips are usually your thing. The drive typically takes around 7-8 hours, covering approximately 400 miles to Edinburgh or 350 miles to Glasgow. You’ll travel through charming towns and scenic countryside, making it an adventurous journey that could easily fill 2-3 days.
Before hitting the road, make sure you’re prepared for varying weather conditions and have a GPS or reliable maps handy. The drive can be quite pleasant with regular rest stops and opportunities to enjoy the views. This isn’t necessarily an enticing option for a lot of people, especially with driving on the left side of the road, or anywhere in London for that matter, if you’re experienced and confident, it could totally work.
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and take your time. Just be sure to book your rental car in advance and check for any additional fees as it really depends on the rental car rate you get on whether or not this is actually more affordable than any of the other options listed above.
Do You Need a Passport for Scotland?
Good news—if you’re traveling from London to Scotland, you don’t need a passport. Scotland is part of the UK, so if you’re a British citizen or from another UK country, just bring a valid ID.
If you’re traveling from outside the UK, make sure your passport is up to date and check visa requirements before you go. You need a passport if you’re visiting from the US. But when traveling by bus or train from England to Scotland, no one checked my USA passport either time, owing to the fact that they’re in the same country.
So as you prepare for your journey from London to Scotland, you have several travel options to consider. Each offers its own set of advantages to suit different needs and budgets.
The train provides a comfortable and scenic experience, while the overnight bus is a budget-friendly choice if you’re okay with a longer ride. For a touch of luxury and convenience, the sleeper train might be your pick, and flying remains the quickest route if you’re short on time and can snag a good deal.
Organized tours offer a hassle-free way to explore Scotland’s highlights, while renting a car gives you the freedom to discover at your own pace. Each option has its merits, so choose based on your budget and travel preferences. Enjoy the journey to Scotland’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cities as detailed in my Top 10 Places to Go in Scotland. Safe travels!
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