Accommodation Prior to Flight from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) on June 9

What are hotel prices in Linlithgow, a bit west of Edinburgh? We had a car, but it looks like a train from Linlithgow to Haymarket Station in Edinburgh, then getting yourself over to the Haymarket Tram stop for a tram to the airport, would get you there in less than an hour that morning. You could even take a taxi from Linlithgow for approx. $35.00, but the train/tram would be less than $20.00.

In May of this year, I stayed at the Premiere Inn in Dunfermline, which is about 20 to 25 minutes from Edinburgh airport by car. Price was very reasonable. I think I paid around £50 for a standard double and it’s a very easy drive to the airport. The hotel was clean and comfortable and was in an area with quite a few restaurants.

Oops, I just realized that you will be using public transportation. There is a bus that will get you there in about 50 to 55 minutes. It’s a bit longer, but still definitely doable.

If you want even closer, there is Queensferry, which is across the Forth and even closer to EDI. You might be able to find a hotel there.

You aren’t kidding about the outrageous prices in Edinburgh that night.

You might check Glasgow. There is frequent bus service to the Edinburgh Airport.
https://www.edinburghairport.com/transport-links/buses-and-coaches/glasgow-bus-links

Even the PI at Dunfermline is £200 that night.

I agree with Laura- look at Glasgow. There are three PI's in the City Centre each for around £150 that night- St Enoch, George Square and Buchanan Galleries- all within easy walking distance of Buchanan Bus Station- in reverse order to how I listed them.

Scottish Citylink bus #AIR runs fast and direct via the M8 from Glasgow every 30 minutes from 0445 and takes 60 minutes. So take the 0715 or 0745 bus.

The price is £10. Book the bus ahead to be sure of a space- a few days ahead will do, not 6 months. Going INV-GLA on the train should also avoid any overcrowding due to the concert.

Stirling South PI is cheaper- but the direct Stirling to Airport bus passes by without stopping.

My other idea is the PI Dundee Central for £96 then catch the non stop bus #FLY from the Malmaison Hotel at 0600, arrive 0720 or 0730 arrive 0850- £16 if booked a week ahead or £22- https://www.xploredundee.com/Fly

Thank you, everyone, for your creative suggestions! I will research the hotel prices and airport transfer options for Linlithgow, Dunfermline, Queensferry, Dundee, and Glasgow.

Laura and isn31c, your suggestion of Glasgow reminded me that the tour company said, "Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous, you can fly back to Glasgow from Barra, departing on the small Twin Otter plane that takes off from Traigh Mhòr beach at the north end of the island." I had not considered that before, but now it sounds intriguing! I have seen several reports on the dramatic beach landing at Barra, but I cannot find a review of a beach departure. Has anyone ever experienced that? I have visited Glasgow a couple times and liked it, so a return trip might be a nice way to wind up my vacation.

I was also wondering, regarding Taylor Swift's fans who may be traveling from far flung places to see her in Edinburgh, how far has anyone traveled for a cultural event? Last time I was in Glasgow was 2018, and I planned my vacation dates around Roddy Frame playing a show at the Kelvingrove Bandstand. It was a wonderful concert on a warm, clear summer night, and well worth the journey from New York.

Yes, I've done the unique Barra beach take off. It's worth every penny, or cent, of the fare, not only for the take off, but the in flight scenery on a nice day as you fly low.
As the plane arrives stand outside the terminal building (a very grand word for a small building) and watch her land.
It is a bucket list aviation experience.

Just to follow up: I contacted the tour company owner, who said that we would be staying in Benbecula the final night of our tour. That would mean a complicated journey down to Barra for the beach flight the next day. I have decided to fly out of Benbecula instead. Luckily our tour includes witnessing a Barra beach flight landing, so I will not feel like I am missing anything.

I live in Falkirk, which is very easy to get to the Edinburgh airport from. We have some smaller hotels and b&bs, but also a couple of Premier Inns. A taxi was only 40 the last time I took one to the airport, or you can easily take the train from Falkirk Grahamston or Falkirk High to Edinburgh Park, then get the tram to the airport- all in about an hour. In fact, ScotRail has combo train/tram tickets now so you can just purchase the one ticket! Hotels in Falkirk are definitely cheaper than Edinburgh.

Thank you, AmericanGirl'nScotland, for suggesting Falkirk! I am becoming excited for my vacation.

Unfortunately, it looks like the PIs in Falkirk are already booked up for that night. There may be other hotels, but I have a feeling that anything in the vicinity is going to be either booked up or very expensive.

NYC Librarian, my vote would be for Glasgow as well. It's about an hour to EDI using the direct AIR bus.

One question - is your EDI flight non-stop to the states? Or are you taking a short hop to a layover first? The reason I ask is that if you stop in Europe anyplace with a layover, you don't need to be at the airport 3 hours ahead of time - only two, since it's not considered an international flight. In fact, if you get there early, you probably won't be able to check in as the staff won't start arriving till closer to the 2 hour mark.

No problem! Happy to help 😊

Hi Mardee, I have a nonstop flight from Edinburgh to NY. I had replied to another thread (which you helped me with--thank you!) that I have decided to stay in Glasgow the night before my return flight. I will follow isn31c's advice to take an early morning bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh's airport. As that early bus will depart prior to Grasshoppers Hotel's Sunday breakfast service, I will be sure to fill my pockets with their cupcakes the night before, so that I have a snack in transit. If you can figure out a way that I can take their ice cream with me, as well, let me know!