Are you planning a trip from London to Edinburgh? Great choice! London is full of life, and Edinburgh is full of history and beauty. Many people love to travel between these two cities. In this guide, you will learn how to go from London to Edinburgh, how far it is, and what you can see and do in Edinburgh. Let’s get started!
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How Far is Edinburgh from London?
You might be asking, “How far is Edinburgh from London?” That’s a good question!
Here are the answers:
- By Car: Around 400 miles or 640 kilometers
- By Train: About 393 miles or 632 kilometers
- By Plane: Around 330 miles or 531 kilometers
So if you’re wondering how far is Edinburgh from London, or how far is London from Edinburgh, it depends on how you travel.
How to Get from London to Edinburgh
There are three main ways to go from London to Edinburgh: by train, by plane, or by bus/car. Let’s look at each one.
1. Travel by Train
Taking the train from London to Edinburgh is a popular choice.
- Time: About 4 to 5 hours
- Train Station in London: King’s Cross Station
- Train Station in Edinburgh: Waverley Station
- Train Company: LNER and others
Trains are comfy and let you see the countryside. You can bring snacks, use the bathroom, and even plug in your phone.
2. Travel by Plane
Flying is the fastest way to get to Edinburgh from London.
- Flight Time: Around 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Airports in London: Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton
- Edinburgh Airport: Just outside the city
- Airlines: EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways
Flights are quick, but don’t forget—getting to the airport and going through security can take time too.
3. Travel by Car or Bus
You can also drive or take a bus from London to Edinburgh.
By Car:
- Time: Around 7 to 8 hours
- Route: Take the M1 and A1 highways
- Great if you want to stop along the way
By Bus:
- Time: Around 9 hours
- Bus Companies: National Express, Megabus
- Good for: Budget travel
Fun Things to See and Do in Edinburgh
Now that you know how to get to Edinburgh, let’s talk about what you can do there. Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. It has castles, hills, old buildings, and lots of fun things to see.
Top Places to Visit
Edinburgh Castle
- Sits on top of a big rock called Castle Rock
- You can see the whole city from up there!
The Royal Mile
- A long street filled with shops, museums, and fun street shows
Arthur’s Seat
- A big hill you can climb for amazing views
National Museum of Scotland
- Learn about dinosaurs, space, and Scottish history
Hidden Gems and Fun Tours
- Whisky Tasting: Try different Scottish whiskies (adults only!)
- Ghost Tours: Explore spooky old streets and underground tunnels
- Hidden Closes: Small, narrow alleys that are hundreds of years old
Day Trips from Edinburgh
Edinburgh is also a great starting point for day trips.
- Loch Ness and the Highlands: See big mountains and maybe even Nessie!
- St Andrews: A pretty town with a famous golf course
- Rosslyn Chapel: A beautiful church seen in movies like The Da Vinci Code
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
You can visit Edinburgh all year, but here are some tips:
- Summer (June to August): Warm and sunny, with big festivals like the Fringe Festival
- Winter (November to December): See snow and Christmas markets
- Spring and Fall: Fewer people and lower prices
Smart Travel Tips
- Book early for cheaper train or flight tickets
- Wear layers – the weather can change fast!
- Use railcards or discount apps to save money
- Bring snacks and water, especially for long trips
Conclusion: Ready for Your London to Edinburgh Trip?
Now you know everything! From how far Edinburgh is from London, to how to travel there, and what to do when you arrive, you are ready to plan the perfect trip. Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh.
Whether you take the train, fly, or go by road, the journey is full of great views and new adventures. Edinburgh is waiting with castles, history, and fun around every corner.
So pack your bags and enjoy your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is London from Edinburgh by car?
It’s about 400 miles and takes 7 to 8 hours to drive.
Is the train better than flying?
Yes, for many people! Trains are fast, comfy, and take you right to the city center.
What is the cheapest way to travel from London to Edinburgh?
Buses or early train bookings are usually the cheapest.
