Driving from London to Edinburgh

[MRHS]

I am hoping you folks in the UK can answer a couple of questions.
I hope to visit a friend who lives just outside of Edinburgh. I would love to fly to London and explore there and then drive on to Scotland. I would appreciate any input as to the distance and time involved in such an endeavor.
Thanks!!

 

[Cindy B]

I bet if you posted this question on the UK board, you would get a lot of responses...

 

[mrsv98]

Well, I have never driven to Edinburgh from London, but I have taken the train and I highly recommend it! On a British rail ticket, you have to go to your farthest point in one shot but then you can meander back and stop as much as you like. I took the train directly to Edinburgh and LOVED it by the way (make sure you take a ghost hunting walk at night!) and then took a week to go back to London. I stopped in York and a couple of other places and had a great time. Unless you are comfortable driving on the opposite side of the road, the train may be your best bet. Also, there is nothing like taking an early train and then having breakfast in the dining car while you watch the English countryside roll by...ahh, now you have made me "home" sick! Have a great time!

 

[nativetxn]

Hi MHRS. Welcome to the DIS, I'm really glad you decided to join us.

If you go to our UK community Board and ask this question you will receive some excellent advice. You will find that board right <b>HERE</b>

Or I can move this over there for you, whichever you wish.

 

[Lemur]

WOW !

It's a long long way fro London to Scotland .. it'll take you a day ( about 8 or 9 hours solid driving .. and that's WITHOUT traffic ).

To be honest, you'd probably be better off staying in London and then when you want to go to Edinburgh .. FLY !

You can get pretty cheap flights from all the airports around London .. and it won't take you long at all.

Breakfast in the capital of England .. lunch in the capital of Scotland.

If you really want to see the countryside I'd split the trip over 2 or 3 days.

If you do this you can do a mini-tour and take in places like Cambridge ( see the stunning University ) .. Nottingham ( see the forest where Robin Hood ' lived ' ) .. York ( a big Viking city surrounded by amazing countryside ) .. Liverpool ( home of the Beatles ) .. aswell as some gorgeous scenery along the way ( if you venture off the motorway ).

Just a suggestion.

 

[Madjock]

Hi,

I come from Glasgow but live in London. I have done the trip back home many times and have to say that it is very, very long and very tedious! It will take you at best 8 to 9 hours sticking to the motorway and with a couple of very quick toilet/refreshment breaks. This does not take into account bad weather (for which we are renowned ) or the horrible traffic jams. Also, the motorways get even more clogged up at weekends and during holiday times.

The train journey, whilst it can be very scenic and pretty, will still take you about 6 hours (when running properly). Our train fares are not particularly cheap and our rail system is totally crap at present!

However, you can get cheap to very cheap flights from London to Scotland and you are looking at a total time including getting to/from airports of around 3 hours. This is a big difference if the aim is just to get from one place to another. And this is the only way I travel back home nowadays.

If you did want to see some of the countryside and did have plenty of time my suggestion would be to fly one way and take the train or drive the more scenic routes rather than the motorway the other.

If you need any info on companies that do cheap flights don't hesitate to PM me or any other info I can help with.

Annmarie

 

[amid chaos]

I reccomend the train too...it was great fun.

 

[oldkicker]

I took the train trip many years ago and completely enjoyed it!

 

[Pixie Power!]

Fly! Fly! Fly!

There are lots of low price airlines flying that route these days, so i would fly.


Emma

 

[caitycaity]

i have both flown and taken the train from london to edinburgh. both were fine, though obviously the plane was faster. i did really enjoy the train though, as watching the scenery was fun.

edinburgh is a great city. hope you have fun.

 

[Micca]

We too took the train. When we got there, we rented a car and drove around Scotland. That was an incredible experience. Have fun, and stay left

 

[MRHS]

Thank You all for all the great suggestions. I really appreciate the insight. I am now kind of leaning toward flying to Scotland after exploring the London area for a few days. I have English and Scottish roots so to say the least I am excited. Thanks again!!