We decided to extend our 2 week European trip another week and go to Scotland and Ireland from London. We were planning on flying until we read some posts that suggest the trains. We are open to that idea. Not really sure how to read the schedules, but if the scenery, etc. is worth it, it sounds like an easier way to get there vs. flying out of Heathrow. Our plan after London was Edinburgh 3 days and Dublin/? three days, then fly back to the US from Dublin. We can always extend a day or two. This is new territory for us, so we really don't know where to stay and what wee "should" see. The only thing for sure is one of us wants to see St. Andrews golf course, and we were thinking of a tour from Edinburgh for that.
Posted by
Delaware
1440 posts
Hi, marketing,
Flying would take about the same time as the train, if not more, unless you're staying overnight at Heathrow before your flight. You have to factor in the time getting from central London to Heathrow; having to get there at least 90 minutes ahead of time to get through security; waiting to pick up your luggage at EDI; then taking the tram or bus in to central Edinburgh. The flight itself is about 75 to 90 minutes.
The train from King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverly takes about 4 1/2 hours; you'll be right in central Edinburgh when you arrive; and you don't have to wait for your luggage.
Advantage: train.
You don't see that much really great scenery from the train until you're clear of the Midlands, or for that matter, north of Newcastle. The advantage of the train, however, is that you can move around and buy food and drink. You can do that on the plane, of course, but there's more of a selection on the train, and you're not crammed in your seat with no room to enjoy your food. There's also the chance that if it's a bumpy flight, you may end up wearing your food. :)
Advantage: train.
Hope you have a grand time in Scotland!
Mike (auchterless)
Posted by
Washington, the State
107 posts
We took the train from King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverly in November and thoroughly enjoyed it. We loved seeing the countryside roll by and the towns along the way. The view of the sea was pretty cool as we approached Edinburgh at sunset. As was mentioned, being right in the heart of Edinburgh when you arrive is very convenient. From Heathrow we took the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, then changed to the Tube to get to King's Cross. That was more costly, but was quicker and we could pre-pay online. On our return, we flew from Edinburgh to Heathrow. That ended up being about the same travel time 'door-to-door' and I have to say the train seemed much easier and more relaxed. As for where to stay in Edinburgh, I recommend the Grassmarket for it's convenience to the historic center. It's right below Edinburgh Castle, a 'must see', at the top of the Royal Mile (another 'must'). Have fun!
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1692 posts
Train no question. After time involved of getting to the airport, the security etc, there is no time saving.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
In that added week, do you want to see Edinburgh and Dublin, or do you want to see other parts of Scotland and/or Ireland?
If it's Edinburgh and Dublin, definitely train from London to Edinburgh, then flight from Edinburgh to Dublin.
If you want to see other places, pick one country. In that scenario, a flight may make more sense - say, from London to Inverness
For both trains and planes, you will want to book ahead for best prices. For planes, the earlier the better; for the train, the cheapest tickets (called Advance with a capital A) become available about 11 weeks before travel.
Posted by
Cincinnati, OH, USA
768 posts
We were in Scotland April 29 through May 15. We arrived in the UK at Southampton and flew a turbo-prop Flybe from Southampton to Edinburgh. Much quicker than the train and less costly too. The tram made getting to Edinburgh easy. We did a train journey from Edinburgh to Iverness (stopping overnight in Aviemore) and on to Kyle of Lochalsh. We visited the Isle of Skye for four days using a private driver/taxi. We resumed the train in Mallaig (Jacobite Stem train) to Ft. William (private driver/taxi from Ft. William to Oban), and resumed the train in Oban to Glasgow. We also used the train for a day trip from Glasgow to Stirling to Falkirk and back to Glasgow. We were delighted with the train journeys. On several legs of the train journeys you could purchase drinks and light snacks. It was enjoyable to sip a Macallan Scotch (or whatever your beverage of choice is) while enjoying an ever-changing landscape. We did no "tours" as such and don't think we would have benefited from a tour.
Unless you've been to Scotland previously, I'd suggest you spend all six days in Scotland, Maybe Edinburgh for 2 days and nights, 2 days and nights in Glasgow, and the other 2 days on day-trips from either Edinbdurgh or Glasgow; perhaps one to Stirling and Falkirk (the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies were great) and another to The Trossachs.
We flew back to the US from Glasgow via Amsterdam.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
360 posts
Unless you're a city person and really want to just spend your time in Edinburgh and Dublin, I agree with the other comments that three days in Scotland is not enough time to really experience it. Edinburgh is a great city, but we just felt like we experienced the country more (local culture, scenery) outside of the city -- and I've heard the same from friends that have gone to Ireland. If you decide to just do Scotland, Edinburgh, Glencoe and Skye were our highlights (the latter more for scenery).