Car rental or Train London to Scotland

London to Edinburgh on 16 Mar train tickets from £26 - any good?

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

The drive non-stop from London to Scotland is NOT fun. Avoid. And petrol is expensive.
What do you mean by price variance? Cheap Advance fares are valid for a specific train: if you can commit, just pick the cheapest fare at a time that suits you.

British train fares are some of the highest in Europe, that's just how it is. Driving will be no better. Have you checked in with the Man in Seat 61 for his sage advice? Have you checked into discount schemes and cards like Two Together?

Why do you see “price variance” as a problem? Walk up tickets ( bought at the station the day of travel) can be very high, but if you buy Advance tickets online well ahead, you can save a lot of £££. The Advance tickets start low, and go up as they are purchased. So on a given day a few weeks from now, you will see lots of different Advance fares for the trains on the same day. Buy the one that looks good to you—-like that £26 fare Ramblin’ on found. Use the link provided to the national rail.uk website. The fares are only going to go up as the date approaches.

Just remember that Advance fares are for a specific train on a specific day, and non-refundable.

I would advise against renting a car and driving.

There is a new low cost operator on the route, Lumo. Prices start at £19.90 from London to Edinburgh. I would definitely join the others in recommending the train as the drive is a long one.

I do not see that £26 fare mentioned, but I do see one for £48, departing at 14:36 ( but I don’t remember which date). That comes to £146 for 3 adults. You can bring that down to £113 if 2 of you get a Two Together Railcard, which costs £30 and gives the two travelers 30% off even from Advance fares. The savings on the trip to Edinburgh would pay for the card, and then you could still use it for the ride back to London, as well as any other train travel—-Edinburgh to Glasgow, maybe day trips out of London?

One limitation of the Railcard, however, is it can only be used at Off-Peak times ( M-F after 9:30, and anytime weekends and bank holidays).

The drive would be a drag, take the train. If you were going to be in a remote, rural area of Scotland (i.e. big islands or the far west), a car might be necessary. When my wife had business, I even went from Edinburgh to Glasgow for the day by public transportation, and I got to a nearby small castle (forget the name) where she and colleagues picked me up after work.

You need to make sure that your explorations need a car. A car can be a hindrance in urban areas, including parking expenses. For that matter, there is plenty of traffic on UK roads in these fully-developed areas. Note that most countries other than the US have very narrow parking stalls and garage ramps. Have you drive on the left before? It's not fun.

We drive 1,000 miles from Seattle to Cali, on occasion. Is the drive to Scotland dangerous, or just long? We got flummoxed seeing all the private train carriers, and thought car rental would be equal to 3 train fares. Thank you for rail card tip; will try that. Will we have trouble finding a car to rent in Scotland? Which companies do you recommend? We found car rentals scarce and expensive post pandemic in CA. Have they the same problem in the UK?
We have been to London before - rented a car for our stay in the Cotswolds. DH did not love left lane driving, but had an automatic. Currently rental sites don’t list many automatics; mostly manual. We thought car in Scotland would allow us to explore more than just the city of Edinbourgh and Glasgow. DH will do adventurous hikes; we will join him for less rigorous “walks”.

Car rental in Scotland is useful.
But the drive from London to Scotland is very busy, lots of trucks, narrow lanes if you are going up the east coast towards Edinburgh... And 8h+ of driving vs 5h by train.
Plus, on top of the car rental, petrol will cost over $80, maybe $100 if you are not used to driving a manual.

In Scotland many more minor roads that you will want to explore are single track roads - open to grazing animals and whenever you meet oncoming traffic there are laws about who has to stop in the passing place (or reverse back to it) and the same counts when you let the local farmer or truck overtake you so you can enjoy the scenery.

Also the direct route to Edinburgh (you won't want a car in either Edinburgh or Glasgow) is not motorway all the way. You will have the joy of the A1 /s. You can't just get on the freeway, turn on the cruise control or self drive and sit back. Driving in the UK takes all the senses all the time. I speak as a local. One other thing, depending on your choice of route to Scotland by car you will wind up on either the M6 or the M1. Both are currently being converted to what the government blythely calls "Smart Motorways". What that means is that the hard shoulder/breakdown lane is being removed and traffic is allowed all lane driving so when you or some other poor sod breaks down there is nowhere to stop. Construction for this goes on for interminable miles (I live near both the M1 and M6 so know of what I speak) of narrow lanes, camera controlled average speed limits of either 50 or 40mph, and frequent accidents in the construction areas meaning huge tailbacks.

Just be prepared.

It really doesn't make any sense to spend 3 nights in Edinburgh and 3 in Glasgow when you plan to rent a car and hope to see some of the countryside. Six days is awfully short for a trip to Scotland when you are starting from and returning to London. Although I liked Glasgow just as much as Edinburgh (and it is much, much less touristy), I'd spend some time in Edinburgh (without a car) and then spend a few nights in a rural area where it will be easier to hit the road and find a place to park. I can't recommend a specific place because I traveled around Scotland by train and bus.

With as little time as you have, I really think you could do as well without a car as with one. You don't have time to go all that far from Edinburgh anyway if you want to see that city. You certainly don't want to drive out of town and back as you make repeated daytrips. You can take easy daytrips to Stirling (by train) and Roslin (by bus), and/or you can explore the tours (one day or longer) offered by the often-recommended Rabbies. There are other tour companies that get good reviews.

I have taken the train many times between London and Scotland. It's a pleasant, comfortable ride. I don't understand why you are having so much trouble.

As Nigel said, you don't want a car in London, Edinburgh or Glasgow. If you rent a car in London and then drop it in Scotland, you will pay drop off charges. Or do you plan to hold it while you are in the two Scottish cities. And driving in London could also mean fines.

Additionally, when you decide where you want to go in Scotland, look at public transportation as it may be good.

Staybridge Suites, Residence Inns, Frasier Suites and Citadines all offer kitchens in their rooms. The Resident Hotels (Kensington, Soho, Covent Garden and Victoria) all have kitchenettes.

You should take the train. Why would you want to make that drive? You will face and be tired from your travel. I love driving in Scotland, so I am not anti car or anything, but I can't see a good reason to to drive to Scotland. Well, if you are going to be on Top Gear then maybe it needs a rethink! I looked on Scotrail--Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley and I found fares at 62 pounds. That must be around $90. so if there are two of you that is $180. There is no way you can drive that for less. Gas is $7.50 plus per google. Think about it.

As others have said the drive takes you through some of the busiest parts of the UK road network in the south east of England and the Midlands. Even if you are used to driving on the left this can be tiring.

I would second again the use of the train, try the train. The new company I mentioned earlier, Lumo, is not on the network rail sites to my experience and one way tickets from London to Edinburgh can be had for £20.

Hi Bass Fam -

Let the train take the strain! At least London to Edinburgh (and back). Let’s put it like this. I live just outside Leeds which is approximately halfway between Leeds and Edinburgh and I wouldn’t dream of driving to or from London from home when the rail links make it so much more convenient, quicker and very possibly cheaper, not to mention less stressful.

The direct services you need are run either by LNER or Lumo, both from Kings Cross. LNER are frequent and I think fractionally quicker. Lumo are new, no frills rail travel, cheap, but choice of time of train is not as good, I.e., there are fewer departures. There’s more detail on Lumo provided in another, separate, thread by the incomparable Nigel, whose word on all matters rail you can take to the bank!

Ian

Thank you all! Thank you Nigel, especially. We plan to take the train. (We have rented cars from London and Paris to venture out, but we see now Scotland is neither Brittany nor the Cotswolds.) DH intends to hike Ben Nevis, so is adamant about car for a couple of days. All of your valuable advice has me thinking we should stay in just Edinburgh, with day trips. Unless someone has a town in the Highlands we should stay, instead of visit during the day?
We haven’t had the time to plan this trip, and a consult by phone wasn’t available. I am so thankful to all of you for this. You have been tremendously helpful.

Hi Bass Fam -

If you are hiking Ben Nevis you’ll need an overnight preferably in Fort William, or maybe just outside, i.e., Ballachulish or Onich for instance, and you’ll need a car to get there as while it’s unfair to say there is no public transport, it is a bit sparse.

The ‘Tourist Route’ up Ben Nevis will take you around five to six hours there and back even if you are a strong walker. Longer if you are not. The Carn Mor Dearg route is rougher, tougher, longer and has an arête to cross and a scramble (easy as they go) to the summit. It is a quieter, more interesting route than the Tourist Route. Incidentally don’t be fooled by the title - there are several Scottish hills that have so called ‘Tourist Routes’ up them which turn out to be nothing of the sort!

Be prepared for the worst even if you set out in benign conditions. I’ve mentioned it before but it’s worth repeating - we climbed it on a sunny, hot September day in Glen Nevis and when I got to the top I was wearing every last stitch of spare clothing I had with me including waterproofs and had to borrow Julie’s spare mittens. By the time we got to the bottom we were back to our t-shirts and shorts again, as we’d set out.

Fun (or not so fun) Ben Nevis facts. The top is not in cloud an average of twelve days a year (travel hopefully). Nobody is certain how the anglicised Gaelic ‘Nevis’ translates. One theory has it that it means ‘venomous’. From personal experience that could well be right (travel carefully).

I’m sure you’ll have a great time but read up, carry the right gear, be prepared and you’ll have a great time!

Ian

Thank you Ian! Really appreciate the info. He is packing for all contingencies (micro spikes etc.). I need to shop for better waterproof jacket, as my current one has recently failed in Seattle rain. Daughter and I will stick to confirmed “tourist” trails. He’s the experienced hiker; we enjoy the outdoors at a more leisurely pace.

Thank ya'll for advice to "let the train take the strain." My wife and I are traveling from Weston Super Mare to the Isle of Lewis. Taking the train will be in order. However, we'll rent a car for the five days on Lewis.

I'm 73. Will I be able to rent a car in the UK, or have I aged out?

March may or may not be a great time for tackling Ben Nevis, but if you luck into good weather it could be glorious. In bad weather it could be downright dangerous.

Here’s an idea: HF Holidays, a member-owned cooperative that promotes walking/hiking/scrambling/climbing from their country houses located all over the UK, has one such house at Fort William, on the shore of Loch Leven. Their guided walking programs (many of which include Ben Nevis) do not begin until April, but during March the house, named Alltschllach, is available for lodging on weekends (2-night stays), and guests have access to the in-house Discovery Point resource center, with maps, trail guides, etc. There might well be others there planning on the ascent, if he would like company.

Here is the brochure on the March weekends:

https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/2-night-scottish-highlands-self-guided-walking-holiday?format=pdf&vid=1389

Look under “Full-on” walks and you will see Ben Nevis near the end—-a 10-mile hike.

You could reach this by train to Fort William, but you could also rent a car for 3 days and drive up through the Highlands. They give specific driving directions in the brochure.

We are not members, but have enjoyed several guided walking holidays with this group, in the Lake District and on the Dorset Coast. The accommodations and meals at the lodges are both excellent.

I agree with the others - Ben Nevis anytime can be treacherous without the right gear, I'm glad your husband has his. March and Ben Nevis? Every year I see where the Mountain Rescue have had to call out the volunteers again. Will he have a hiking partner with him (sounds like the two of you are not going with him?)? He probably won't get into trouble but you should take precautions in case he does.

Getting a car in Scotland should be easy.

It's about 3 to 3.5 hrs drive each way from Edinburgh to ft William and that's with no stops. However, it's a very scenic journey so you'll want to stop, making the journey a good bit longer. I'd say the best way imo is along the m8 via Glasgow and then a82 which give you loch Lomond too ( you could also go via Stirling, although then you probably miss loch Lomond).

As such, it's not practicable or sensible to stay in Edinburgh for your full trip if you want to visit the Ben Nevis area. More generally Edinburgh is in the southern corner of Scotland and is a long journey from pretty much anywhere in the Highlands.

Cause of that, I'd definitely recommend staying in the cities for 3-4 days then finding somewhere in the W Highlands for a 2-3 days. There plenty hotel options near Ben Nevis around ft William, onich, ballachulish and Glencoe. You could also go with Oban which is very popular. Lots of lovely hikes both low level and high.

If you have 4 days you could definitely do both Glasgow and Edinburgh for 2 days each. You can also visit one as a day trip by train from the other if time is tight - there are very frequent train services between the two cities with a journey time of 50mins, from early in the morning till late at night and they are walk up services - you do not need to book. It's obviously a kind of whistlestop way of doing it and you're probably miss lot but it may be the best way if time is tight. I guess it depends on your research and what you want to see in each city as to what you go with and how you do it - bear in mind that Glasgow is less touristy and hotels are often cheaper so it may be less costly to base there.

Wrt travel from London I'd definitely add to the voices saying don't drive! I'm surprised nobody's mentioned flying as there are a wide array of flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow from 5 different London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, city, Stansted and Luton). They're often pretty cheap, although you need to take in the extra charges getting to the airport and for prebooking checked luggage. I generally fly BA from London City airport, but there quite pricey. easyJet are generally much cheaper.

If you flew you could fly early morning from London to Glasgow and pick up a car from GLA airport (it's right on the freeway to the W Highlands) and drive to Ben Nevis area for a couple of days then hand your car back and do the cities. Or do the cities first then Ben Nevis then hand your car back at gla airport late in the day and fly back to London from there.

Have you checked out the sleeper trains from London to Scotland? They're quite expensive but by travelling overnight they give you more time in destination and save on hotel nights. See www.sleeper.scot

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned flying as there are a wide array of
flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow from 5 different London airports
(Heathrow, Gatwick, city, Stansted and Luton).

I'm not. The train is cheaper, more comfortable and takes roughly the same time, so I see no reason to fly.

and for a similar travel time the train is streaks ahead of flying - environmentally. Remember COP-26?

The East Coast line London to Edinburgh also has great views along the route.

The apparently blanket statement that "the train is cheaper" is simply incorrect, as regular travellers like my family members can attest. It may be cheaper at certain times and for certain journeys, but nowhere near always. Given the op has apparently had difficulty finding these cheap fares it was only helpful to appraise them of all the options.

Whether it's more comfortable is again a matter of opinion.

Wrt to the environmental impact, I'm quite aware of that, but the op - and most people asking questions on this forum - will almost certainly be taking a markedly more damaging long haul flight to get to Europe in the first place, so tbh it's a bit late to start worrying about carbon emissions. If one is truly concerned about the environmental impact of the op's trip, the only consistent advice to give would be to tell them not to travel at all.

I'll just echo what someone else mentioned re: using a Railcard.

The Two Together Railcard does cost 30GBP, so you'll want to check to make sure any savings it could offer equal or exceed that amount. You'll also want to keep in mind there are some restrictions on when you're eligible for savings with it (train must be after 9:30AM, for instance, and on certain days; there's others, so you'll want to review those when looking to buy it). But you can easily buy in online and get it all digitally - there's no need to be in the UK to get it, and you can just download National Rail's app and sign up for it through that.

Check out some train options, see what prices are available. You can search on something like the Trainline's site, or even LNER's own site. Make a note of prices without a railcard, then run the search again and choose the railcard option (you can do this during the search phase, without having to input any action railcard info beyond clicking the box that says you have one). If the price with the railcard is that much less to make it worthwhile, then you can buy the railcard before actually booking trainfare.

We did this last year, and saved about about 200 GBP on a return trip from London to Edinburgh (on Advance Single 1st Class tickets with LNER).

Lumo - the low cost train operator - also runs between London and Edinburgh and regardless of what site you search on you should see any available operators and their times/prices listed.

Avanti also run trains from Euston to Edinburgh
Need to search London All Stations for best fare

The apparently blanket statement that "the train is cheaper" is simply
incorrect, as regular travellers like my family members can attest. It
may be cheaper at certain times and for certain journeys, but nowhere
near always.

If you buy them in advance, Lumo sells tickets for £20-25. You won't be able to beat that price by flying.

Whether it's more comfortable is again a matter of opinion.

True, but in my opinion it is hard to find anything in transportation less comfortable than an airline seat. On the train, the seats will be wider and with more legroom.

Wrt to the environmental impact, I'm quite aware of that, but the op -
and most people asking questions on this forum - will almost certainly
be taking a markedly more damaging long haul flight to get to Europe
in the first place, so tbh it's a bit late to start worrying about
carbon emissions.

Having flown across the atlantic is hardly an argument for ignoring other environmental impact. If the choice is between polluting much and very much, it seems like much is the better option.

We are touring Scotland in May but flying into London. We fly in on the Saturday morning and train out on the Caledonian Sleeper Sunday night to Inverness for a nice sleeper train experience. Yes it's pricey, but an experience for sure.

We booked a car rental in Inverness months ago and it appears the price has about doubled. We actually drive back to Edinburgh the first day in Scotland and after a few weeks drop the car at Glasgow Airport.

“ Wrt to the environmental impact, I'm quite aware of that, but the op - and most people asking questions on this forum - will almost certainly be taking a markedly more damaging long haul flight to get to Europe in the first place, so tbh it's a bit late to start worrying about carbon emissions. If one is truly concerned about the environmental impact of the op's trip, the only consistent advice to give would be to tell them not to travel at all.”

This is not logical. If one is going to visit Europe, there really is no choice about flying to get there. (Ships are no better than planes when it comes to carbon emission, and take longer than most people want for the journey). But using the train once one arrives is a way to mitigate the harmful effects of that long plane flight.