London to Edinburgh-best airport

Hi All,

While in London we want to do an overnight to Edinburgh. It looks like a quick inexpensive flight. Which airport is closest to the Victoria Station area and easiest to use for a direct flight?

Thanks much for your help.

Debra







Topic moved by mod to 'other airlines' ....... Nick

[Decker]

Guessing you're American Debra? Welcome to the site.

This site will help you plan.

As a guide

London City Airport (LCY) 45 mins
Heathrow (LHR) 55 mins

The others - longer. Inexpensive depends VERY much on when booked and times of flights. I tried recently and was showing > £200 for the flight.

But book in advance (at least 3 months) and you'll get a LHR-EDI for £60 return inc tax, with either BA or BMI..

From Victoria Station, Gatwick is by far the most convenient, reached via the Gatwick Express http://www.gatwickexpress.co.uk/

On weekdays, BA have 6 flights a day to EDI

Luke

I'd concur with Luke, if you can walk to Victoria the train is easy, takes 30 mins direct to the airport at Gatwick (NB look for the Gatwick Express, not a stopping service).

[Decker]

Good point - TFL wouldn't show LGW as it doesn't count it as London! Or I was doing it wrong.

Originally posted by McCoy
But book in advance (at least 3 months) and you'll get a LHR-EDI for £60 return inc tax, with either BA or BMI..

I know it's a bit of a heresy but 3 months ahead you could do London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverly on the train for £25 return. No 2 hours before at the airport, no security lines , city centre to city centre, easy tube ride from Victoria...

Paul

Or a bargain berth on the sleeper service on the train. Its certainly an experience to treasure and waverley is right in the middle of town - theres a tourist information office in Princes Street that can help with accomodation too

One way London Euston Edinburgh Waverley Mon. 13 Nov. 2006 - 23:45 £19.00

Now that is a bargain!

Find them here:-

http://www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/cont ... /index.php

I'd go for LCY - it might take longer to get there, but you'll benefit from shorter queues, shorter walks etc. when you're there. Failing that, then I'd go for LGW.

Welcome to the site:D

VS.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

Decker, yes I am American. San Francisco Bay Area, the small town of Martinez. Flights right now are showing $126.00 RT. Is BMI like our Southwest Air?

We are considering the train suggestions. The DH does enjoy a train trip. Cheaper and travel time from city center to city center is similar.

We have the FF points for the SFO-LHR VA flight in UC and will be on the phone the moment our travel date opens. Our first UC flight! I just hope they have the amenity kit back up to scratch by the time we travel.

Thanks again,

Debra

To add to the comments, from Victoria, Gatwick is certainly quickest, though Heathrow and City are not far behind (Victoria to Paddington, then Paddington to LHR). I am not sure I could agree with the train! For one, the UK trains are lousy, and for an overnight? [:0] If it were me, and I did this trip quite a lot (shortest time in Edinburgh, 3 hours!), then I would say London City.

[Decker]

Hiya Debra - guessed so (obviously) from the posting time!

BMI like to think of themselves as a more major player than Southwest in that they have several international routes. They do however have Low Cost arms and some low cost flights. That's a fairly good rate although rail travel definitely lets you see a lot more. See if there are any good First Class offers going as that will make it a lot more comfortable.

SFO-LHR normally has good reward availability so good luck!

Both BA and easyjet fly direct from LGW with I think BA six flights and easyjet four daily which booked in advance on either you should be able to get quite a good deal and (fingers crossed) I have to say we've never experienced as much ATC delay at LGW ever compared with LHR.

GNER (the train company that operates London Kings Cross to Edinburgh) usually have some pretty good advance purchase deals for first class. The trains themselves I think are better than most other UK rail operators and have pretty good reliability. The restaurant car is surprisingly reasonable and the wine list pretty acceptable. The journey can take around four and a half hours and considering that this is central London to central Edinburgh and you don't need to arrive early to check in/clear security etc that is pretty comparable to flying.

An alternative would be to fly one way and take the train the other. The advance purchase rail tickets are sold as singles as are easyjet and (I am pretty certain) the BMI fares

Originally posted by oxmatt
GNER (the train company that operates London Kings Cross to Edinburgh) usually have some pretty good advance purchase deals for first class. The trains themselves I think are better than most other UK rail operators and have pretty good reliability. The restaurant car is surprisingly reasonable and the wine list pretty acceptable. The journey can take around four and a half hours and considering that this is central London to central Edinburgh and you don't need to arrive early to check in/clear security etc that is pretty comparable to flying.

Seconded. As I rattle into Kings Cross of a morn on my commuter wagon I oft look enviously at those settling in for breakfast on the GNER services. Many (if not all) now have wi fi (albeit you have to pay for it). Competition from airlines on the routes to Scotland has - it seems - forced them to raise their game and if I were wanting to work on a journey north it would be a contender.

If interested here's the GNER website

Paul

wifi is free in first class (or I guess if you are sitting near enough to first class carriages to get their signal!)

If it were me, I'd go by plane - but then I'm not particularly partial to trains[:p]

VS.

Checked GNER for Kings Cross to Edinburgh. 1st class one way is about 90 pounds. But by the time you figure in transport to the airport, not much of a price differance. I will keep a look out for sales to see if a better deal can be made.

Ade, "San Fran" is an insult to us locals. San Francisco is always referred to as "The City" or SF or San Francisco. But, if you want to sound like a tourist, take your chances. "San Fran" will get you mugged faster than wearing a camera around your neck.

Thanks for all the help.

Debra