My group and I are flying into Heathrow but arriving a little late, about 1800 local time. We wanted to start our extended trip to GB by going to Scotland, but it's a little too late to take the train from Heathrow to Scotland/Edinburgh that night. I am thinking we should crash somewhere somewhat directly in-between if possible, to avoid having to pay for a London hotel night for a night we won't really be spending in London. Any recommendations on where we can train/bus from Heathrow that has decent hotel rates, some good food/bar options, and will allow us to get on our way to Scotland the next morning? Thanks!
Posted by
san diego, california, us
149 posts
Checking the National Rail website I see a night train to Edinburgh that leaves Heathrow T5 at 10:27 PM, arriving in Edinburgh at 7:16 AM the next morning. There's a train from T4 at 12:01 AM, arriving in Edinburgh at 11:00 AM the next day. Are these times unavailable for your dates of travel? National Express has a coach that leaves Heathrow Marriott at 10:37 PM, arriving in Edinburgh at 7:40 AM the next morning. There's a National Express coach that leaves Victoria coach station at 11:00 PM, arriving in Edinburgh at 7:40 AM (Same coach? Seems like it should take more than 23 mintures to get to London) However, I would probably just make my way to Paddington or King's Cross, stay in a budget hotel for the night, and take the train to Edinburgh the next morning. If you have to stay somewhere for the night, why not London? (Not sure I understand your reluctance to stay in London--high cost of hotels?).
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33847 posts
There's a night train to Edinburgh that leaves Heathrow at 10:34 PM Margaret has a point; but do be advised that the first bit is the Underground. If you look at the details it is Piccadilly Line as far as Green Park, change to the Victoria Line to Euston. At Euston it is the Caladonian Sleeper. If you want that at anything like a decent price it needs to be reserved and purchased well in advance. If you arrive (trans-Atlantic?) at 1800, you'll be entering the public part of the airport by around 2000, 8pm. I'd just stay around the airport and fly the next morning, or take the train. Why arrive in the centre of London at 9pm to fall asleep?
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5458 posts
There are flights from Heathrow to Edinburgh leaving at 20:00 and 22:00. Get your bags checked through to your final destination, so you don't need to pick them up. 90 mins is the minimum connection time. Get it all on one ticket so if your first flight is late you are covered for a later flight.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
The 20:00 and 22:00 flights listed by Marco are on British Airways. If it's too late to book home-Edinburgh on one ticket, book the 22:00 flight separately. You won't have to worry about the possibility of a late arrival at LHR causing you to miss the 20:00 flight. Go here for information on the Caledonian Sleeper.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5458 posts
British Airways are the only operator left now on LHR->EDI with its takeover of bmi. Although leaving it until the 22:00 flight would most likely be fine on separate ticketing arrangements, in the case of excessive delay inbound you would not be protected.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Have you looked at flying directly to Edinburgh from the US? You might need to fly first to somewhere like Boston or NY, but that might get your trip off to a better start. You can book "open jaw" or "multi-city" if you plan to end your trip in London.