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Some basic questions about visiting London and Edinburgh

We are planning our fist trip to Great Britain. I have driven on the wrong side of the road once when I was in my 20's and 40yrs later, I don't want to do it again. We plan to fly into London, spend 4 or 5 days and then go to Edinburgh 4 or 5 days. How hard will it be to navigate the trains? How long of a ride is it? We are assuming we can easily get around London on the tube, taxi, or bus. How is the public transportation in Edinburgh? Yes, I know it is probably better than here in the US. Almost anything is.

Thanks in advance.

Posted by
3299 posts

We have traveled all around the UK by train, no cars for us. It is easy and pleasant. The train from Lindon to Edinburgh takes about 4.5 hours and is quite scenic at times. Buy your tickets 12 weeks ahead to get the Advance fare which very good.

Posted by
3124 posts

In London if you're going to be going around to many different sights you'll almost certainly save with an Oyster card. Most people recommend choosing a hotel somewhere near any of the Circle Line stops because that gives you the most flexibility getting around on the Underground.

Edinburgh has buses which are clean, modern, and run frequently. You can buy a day pass or individual tickets. The regular city bus also runs to places outside the city such as Roslin (home of Rosslyn Chapel -- yes, the spellings are mismatched).

Posted by
5678 posts

Another alternative in Edinburgh for your day trips is to sign up for a tour. Rabbies Tours are one possibility. I have not used them personally, but have seen them mentioned many, many times on this forum as a good choice. You can also easily travel by train to Glasgow, St. Andrew's and Stirling for a day trip. There is the new Border's Railway which has other options. The TI in Edinburgh is quite helpful.

Pam