It’s only a little more than 400 miles from London to Scotland, less than three times the length of an Iron Man triathlon and a distance people walk with an alarming frequency. Assuming your travel plans don’t include time for a hike or a bike, a flight, bus or a train become the three most viable options.
Our readers often have trouble choosing between these three options so, to help with that decision, here’s our Cheapflights-approved-expert-reviewed breakdown of the pros and cons of all three methods.
By Rail
The Facts
Getting from London to Scotland is relatively easy and you can reach Edinburgh and Glasgow by express trains in approximately 4.5 hours. If booked three months in advance the prices start at £39 one way or if you are more spontaneous and don’t like planning so far ahead, the tickets start at approximately £90 one way. Alternatively, Caledonian Sleeper offers an overnight 12hours (8 hours for the express) train journey. Fares run from £39.50 for a standard sleeper seat, £109.40 for a shared two berth compartment, and £170.80 for a 1st class exclusive-use sleeper compartment.
The Pros
Travelling by train is undeniably romantic way to travel- especially moving past the mountains and lochs of Scotland, while the sleeper train is often regarded as one of the most luxurious train rides in Britain. The lounge car has the only real leather sofas on any British train, and the sleeping compartments are appointed to a high standards. Add to that saving on a night’s worth of lodging expenses.
The Cons
Both regular and sleeper train journeys can be time consuming. And we must not forget the prices, even when planned ahead, the train tickets are expensive, especially if you want to travel on a weekend. Booking last minute or a few weeks in advance? You will pay more for your train fare than for any other form of transport available or even accommodation for the night. Taking the sleeper train means missing out on seeing the landscape roll by as you ride with the darkness outside and being asleep for the most of the journey.
Top Tips
- Book and plan as far ahead as you can, prices rise within days of release
- Parties of four can book four standard tickets and request two adjacent berths with a connecting doors
- Spoil yourself by requesting breakfast in bed
- Avoid booking weekend tickets, instead book weekday off peak tickets
By Air
The Facts
You’ll fly economy from London to Edinburgh International, Glasgow, Inverness or Aberdeen on any of a dozen airlines both economy and scheduled, paying as little as £18 one-way. The trip takes about one and a half hours, and most carriers have a reasonable on-time record.
The Pros
Faster than rail, bus or car, and often the cheapest way to get from London to Scotland and it’s also undeniably the most convenient and quickest yet cheap way. Whether you have places to go to and things to do and see, or just want to save your hard-earned money for other activities, air travel is comfortable, cash-friendly and quick. Plus, you can fly to Scotland and back comfortably within a day.
The Cons
Economy seats often come with cramped spaces and the general annoyances associated with economy flying such as queuing. When travelling with low-cost airlines, bear in mind, most airlines have strict luggage allowances and the economy ticket includes cabin bag only, which can weigh up to 10kg (more than enough for a weekend & 5 days long visits).
Top Tips
- Flying during the day-time is considerably less expensive than morning and evening flights
- Booking in advance is good, however you can get really cheap seats just a few days or weeks before the departure
- Get a window seat, so you can witness the stunning areal landscapes of Scotland
By Bus
The Facts
Coaches run a consistent and convenient schedule between London and Scotland during all periods, usually departing from London Victoria. A London to Edinburgh one-way ticket can cost under £10 if booked well in advance and takes between 9 and 12 hours. Low-cost coach service, Megabus, also runs sleeper service and provides a bunk bed, a toothbrush, an eye-mask and a onesie.
The Pros
Undeniably the bus is cheap and with laxer baggage restrictions, it means you can take large suitcases with you. It also has fewer hassles while getting ready to board.
The Cons
In many ways, a bus trip from London to Scotland and back is the worst option, you have the time consumption combined with the discomfort and crammed spaces as well as delays due to the heavy traffics & motorway jams. The journey is often long, daunting and uncomfortable.
Top Tips
- Book your ticket during non-peak traffic times. Coaches have to deal with the same rush hour traffic as all the other vehicles present on the road.
- Some, but not all, routes include free WiFi, confirm in advance
Conclusion
It all depends on whether you’re cash poor, time poor or in need of creature comforts. The train is easy and convenient, however pricey and slow and prone to rail disruptions. The bus is super-cheap but can be cramped, unpredictably slow and uncomfortable. While plane is up to eight times faster (and not too costly) however it does come with the usual hassle of airport security and baggage restrictions.
We might be biased, but in the case of taking a plane, train or bus to the magical world of Scotland, we genuinely think making a beeline to the nearest low-cost carrier is the best choice – if only to afford you more time to immerse yourself in the rich history, scenery and culture that’s so abundant in the UK’s most northerly nation.
