Heathrow to Edinburgh

Sorry, I am not familure with the BritRail consecutive pass, but to get from Heathrow to Edinburgh, you will need to get into London and to the Kings Cross train station. That is where you will get the train to Edinburgh. There are a few different options to get from Heathrow to London. They are all outlined in the RS book.

Thank you very much, Charles! - Holly

Personally I would find it more convenient to fly to Edinburgh from Heathrow rather than trek into London, and you could save a day on the pass (which I would guess you are not going to use again that day). However, I dare say you have already set your plans. With the pass note it is not valid on the underground but is valid on the Heathrow Express. You can pre-order with your pass an oyster card for use on the Underground (and other TfL services), but this comes with a minimum of £20 credit.

You'll need to allow up to one hour to clear immigration/passport control. Since you have a pass, take the Heathrow Express to Paddington and the Tube (either the Circle Line or the Hammersmith & City Line) from there to King's Cross/St Pancras. The total ride will take 41 minutes. A single ticket on the Tube from Paddington to King's Cross/St Pancras costs £4.50. If your plane arrives on time and you get through immigration/passport control relatively quickly, you might be able to get to King's Cross in time to catch the train that departs at 14:00 and arrives in Edinburgh at 18:23. But don't count on it. The next train departs at 15:00 and arrives at 19:23.

Holly, it's a 4-1/2 hour train trip from London's King Cross station to Edinbugh, (Two stations there, so get off at the right one, almost certainly Waverly.) The Tube is fine to get from Paddignton across London to Kings Cross. But, if you have more than a single carryon, spend the money for a taxi. About 20 pounds, but worth it to avoid hassle. Allow 45-60 minutes for the trip. Allow an hour to get through Passport Control at Heathrow, Another hour to get into the city, regardless of method, and another hour to get to your train at Kings Cross. Will likely take less time, but you never know. If you have a phone, it wouldn't hurt to call and check with your Edinburgh hotel/B&B once you're on the train, especially if you are running late. BTW, Edinburgh's Waverly station is a relatively easy walk and a close cab ride to many usual hotels. After a r-e-a-l-l-ly long day, take a cab.

I am very grateful for all the help I have received here. Many thanks! - Holly