We are flying into Edinburgh from the US on April 29 and taking the train to Stirling. Is it better to buy train tickets now or OK to wait till we get to Edinburgh airport. Not knowing how long it will take to get through customs, potential for delayed flights, getting tickets at the airport seems the best course since trains run to Stirling every hour, but any thoughts would be appreciated.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7051 posts
It is a short trip so you can probably wait and buy tickets when you arrive.
You can also consider the direct bus from Edinburgh airport to Stirling.
Posted by
3124 posts
I agree with your reasoning about not buying in advance. To me it would be worth paying the "walk- up" fare instead of risking the loss of the price of advance tickets in case the flight is delayed.
The convenience of a direct bus from the airport to Stirling sounds even better to me. That way I wouldn't have to wrangle luggage from the airport to the train station. [[Edited to eliminate mention of Waverley.]]
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7051 posts
Going all the way to Waverley would be a bit of backtracking, trains to Stirling also stop at Edinburgh Park which is closer to the airport.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8913 posts
Just an FYI, you can take the tram right outside the airport to the train station if you desire.
Posted by
PA
2875 posts
Currently in Scotland, with several train trips. There is no savings for advance purchase, and there is a fare option for any off-peak train, it will show you which ones it does not apply to and you are not locked in, this is likely the simplest option. You collect your tickets with your payment card at any station, which likely is quicker than having to purchase at that time.
The bigger issue is for you to make your actual plan as to how and where you get on the train, as there is no train service from the airport. Tram or bus is over 30 minutes back to Waverly, getting something that stops at Edinburgh Park (and I saw the connection for the airport bus or tram as we just passed through there an hour ago) makes the most sense.
Edinburgh is a small airport, I have been told they have the e-gates for biometric passports which means almost no time. Involved, and customs is a walk through with no inspection, you a have nothing to declare, right? If you have landed somewhere else in the UK first, then that is where you do passport.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8913 posts
@Larry
The OP will not be going 30 minutes by tram into Waverly, but 10 minutes to the closest train station, Edinburgh Park.
Posted by
Stratford upon Avon
470 posts
I am seeing Advance Single tickets on 29 April from £4.10
Suggest you consult www.seat61.com for information on rail travel in UK including how to book tickets
Posted by
PA
2875 posts
Not sure what the above remark means, but there is no savings I have seen for advance vs at the station on Scot Rail. Any time of day Edinburgh Park to Stirling is 9.4 GBP, (and not 4.1) and apparently can be used anytime as I see no train restrictions. (And yes, Carol, I had already reiterated that he should not go first into Waverly.)
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thanks for all the tips, it confirmed my thoughts, but always really helpful to hear from folks who have made the journey!
Posted by
Stratford upon Avon
470 posts
The tram fare from the Airport to Gateway is £6.50 which for 2 miles must be the most expensive in the world
You can save .50p if booked online!
You can travel to Haymarket for the same price and get a cheap ticket from there