Arriving & Departing

By Plane

Edinburgh is only about an hour's flying time from London, which is about 535km (332 miles) south. Edinburgh International Airport (tel. 0131/333-1000) is about 10km (6 miles) west of the city's center and has become a growing hub for flights both within the British Isles as well as to and from continental Europe. In May 2008, Delta Air Lines (tel. 800/241-4141; www.delta.com) started direct flights from New York's JFK to Edinburgh International. But long-haul flights to Scotland have had a tendency to come and go. Remember that Glasgow International Airport is only about 90km (55 miles) away and should not be discounted as it greets more direct flights from North America. From Edinburgh airport, the Airlink bus (www.flybybus.com) makes the trip to the city center about every 10 minutes during peak times, terminating at Waverley Bridge near the central railway station. The fare is £3 ($6) one-way or £5 ($10) round-trip. The trip from the airport into the heart of the city takes about 25 minutes (sometimes longer during rush hours). Overnight service is provided by Night Bus N22. A taxi into the city will cost at least £12 ($24), and the ride will take about the same time as the bus. Before heading into town, you might want to stop at the airport's VisitScotland tourist and airport information center (tel. 0131/473-3800 or 0870/040-0007); it's open Monday to Sunday April to October 6:30am to 10:30pm (Nov-Mar 7am-9pm).

By Train

The trains that link London to Edinburgh (via Newcastle) on the so-called East Coast Main Line are reasonably fast, efficient, and generally relaxing with restaurant and bar service as well as air-conditioning. Trains depart from London's Kings Cross Station (call National Railway Enquiries at tel. 0845/748-4950 for rail information; www.nationalrail.co.uk) every hour or so and arrive in Edinburgh at Waverley Station in the heart of the city. The trip generally takes 4 1/2 hours. "Off-peak" fares bought in advance can range widely, from around £20 to £100 ($40-$200), although there are moves to make them less variable. "Off-peak" first-class purchased in advance also ranges widely from about £30 to £120 ($60-$240), and the cheapest fares seem to be rarely available. A fully flexible "buy anytime, travel anytime" standard open single fare is upwards of £125 ($250). The Caledonian Sleeper service for overnight travel can cost about £100 ($200), but online bargains booked well in advance can mean the trip may cost as little as £20 ($40). Taxi and bus connections are easily made at Waverley Station, and trains on to Glasgow depart every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening until about 11:30pm.

By Bus

National Express (tel. 0870/580-8080; www.nationalexpress.com) runs buses daily (typically 9:30am, noon, and 11pm for direct service) from London's Victoria Coach Station to Edinburgh Bus Station near St. Andrew Square. Standard round-trip fare is about £45 ($90). Without stopovers, the trip should take less than 10 hours.

By Car

No express motorway links Edinburgh to England. The M1 from London takes you most of the way north; at Newcastle-upon-Tyne (193km/120 miles south of Edinburgh) traffic joins the A696, which then becomes the A68 into Edinburgh. Alternatively, one can travel the well-used motorways in the west of the U.K. from London. Take the M1 to the M6 (near Coventry), which links to the M74 at Carlisle. Then travel to the M8 southeast of Glasgow, which takes you to Edinburgh's ring road or beltway. Allow 8 hours or more for the drive north from London.